Stay & Play
www.thefiveshotels.com
by Jennifer Merrick
Many Caribbean all-inclusive resorts, as gorgeous as they may be, feel like they could be interchangeable. The white sand beach, palm trees, buffets and swim-up bars reveal little about the destination they’re located in.
The Fives Beach Hotel and Residences, however, embraces its surroundings, bringing the best of the Mexican Caribbean to its truly special property. Strolling on the boardwalk through the jungle, we were greeted by a monkey that swung through the branches of the mangrove forest. And it wasn’t the only wildlife we saw—coatis, lizards, birds and butterflies all made their appearance. We passed by a cenote, a freshwater sinkhole that is common to this region and thought to have been gateways to the spiritual world by the Mayans. At the end of our jaw-dropping walk, we were treated to that quintessential Caribbean resort view of an infinity pool with a white-sand beach and the turquoise water shimmering behind palm trees.
Besides the spaciousness and natural environment, what also stood out at this four-diamond property was its unpretentious luxury and welcoming atmosphere.
“It feels like we’re home,” said a guest who has been to the resort with her extended family on multiple occasions. She enthused about the large suites, fabulous food and amenities that catered equally to the oldest and youngest members of her multi-generational group.
Spacious Suites
With 662 one-, two-, and three-bedroom residence-style suites, there’s plenty of room for families, couples, and groups. Each suite includes a smart TV, either a king or two double beds, a daily stocked minibar, and a private balcony. The décor is modern yet relaxed, with touches that nod to the Riviera Maya’s natural beauty. The penthouse suites feature a private rooftop deck, a hot tub, Bali bed and garden views.
Flavors to Savor
Unlike many all-inclusives, all of the resort’s restaurants are à la carte, with a first come, first served policy. “It doesn’t matter if you’re in a regular or a penthouse suite,” a staff member told us. “Everyone gets the same dining experience.” And what an experience it is.
Choices include Mediterranean dishes at Sea Olive, classic Italian at Arezzo, French bistro fare at La Brasserie and fragrant curries and stir-fries at Koh Thai. There’s also casual beachside grills and taco stands.
Your Stay, Your Way
The amenities are designed to cater to all guests. Families appreciate the supervised childcare at the Kids’ Club, while adults can escape to the serene Vibe Beach section with its own pool and bar. With multiple pools to choose from, from swim-up bars to quiet relaxation pools, finding your perfect spot is easy. Its spa offers a menu of rejuvenating treatments, and the daily roster of activities includes yoga, bike tours, cooking classes and nightly entertainment.
Off the Resort
Located just 15 minutes from downtown Playa del Carmen, the resort makes it easy to explore beyond its lush grounds. Snorkelling excursions, visits to cenotes and day trips to Mayan ruins are popular options.
Our own off-site adventure took us to Xcaret, a Mexican theme park. I was expecting it to be an adventure park more suitable for children, but this attraction surpassed all expectations. An impressive cultural component, which included ancient Mayan ruins and folk-art exhibits, was woven throughout the beautiful natural setting of rivers, the ocean, cenotes, colorful gardens and jungle. The Xcaret México Espectacular show ended our time there, and we were blown away by the performances that celebrated the rich history of Mexico through song, dance and storytelling.
Xcaret—like the resort—offers something that goes beyond sun and sand. It reflects the beauty and the culture of the Mexican Caribbean, and that makes all the difference.
