Palma "Sica", in Playa del Carmen, is a 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom apartment that sleeps 4 people and it is located only 2 blocks from one of the most beautiful beaches on the Riviera Maya and 1 block from 5th Avenue where you can enjoy the best international cuisine and coffee shops in a relaxed atmosphere. Playa del Carmen is located only 40 minutes south of Cancun, 40 minutes ferry ride to the scuba diving paradise of Cozumel and 40 minutes north of historic Tulum. Playa, as the locals call it, is surrounded by many attractions and natural wonders where you can enjoy all water sports: scuba diving, snorkeling, jet skiing, parasailing and kayaking to name a few. http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/Playa_del_Carmen/palmasica/hotel/167/7/ en-us Copyright 1998 e-TravelMedia.com/CaribbeanMag.com Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:32:33 EST This charming little town was once a sleepy fishing village only disturbed by the gently rolling waves of the beautiful turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Today Playa (as referred to by the locals) still retains the charm of the old fishing village while offering many amenities of a first class resort destination. Playa del Carmen is the closest ferry point for visits to Cozumel Island. It is a small, but fast growing city, with its very own personality. Residents and visitors from North and South America, and Europe meet here, making it, truly, an international community. In Playa del Carmen, visitors will encounter a rich bohemian, artistic, and natural life style, all close to some of the most important cultural, ecological, and recreational sites of interest on the Mexican Caribbean's seacoast. The strong foreign influence has created a unique vagabond traveler ambiance. Numerous outrageously delicious restaurants (French, Italian, German, Argentinean, Yucatecan, and of course traditional Mexican and plenty of seafood are available) provide sustenance and several foreign-owned-small hotels raise the standards of service to exacting levels. Combine that with a relaxed Mexican-Caribbean feeling and a sprinkling of American free- spirits and you've got Playa. It is a place to enjoy marvelous beaches by day and a lively nightlife in the evening. The mix of backpackers, archeological buffs and New Age sun worshippers makes Playa very interesting. Playa is centrally located in the beautiful Mayan Rivera. Only 40 minutes south of the world renown destination of Cancun, a short 40 minute ferry ride to the scuba diving paradise of Cozumel and 45 minutes north of historic Tulum, with many attractions and natural wonders located between. At sunset, take a walk down famous Fifth Avenue where you will find a wide variety of shops to browse and buy regional handicrafts, silver, embroidered clothing, hammocks, leather goods, and pottery. In the evening Fifth Avenue is closed to traffic and becomes a pedestrian walkway. Folkloric dancers, mariachis, local artists are a common occurrence. Most of Playa's activities involve the water - the beaches are fabulous for swimming, snorkeling, or diving. There are numerous dive shops around. Try the Tank Ha (Ha means water in Mayan) dive shop at the Maya Bric Hotel. The Abyss Dive Shop at the Blue Parrot Inn - Calle 12 North on the Beach offers a variety of dives geared to meet each divers needs: from beginners to experts. Golf is available in Playacar on an 18-hole course designed by Robert Von Hagge. Beachcombers could hike north and make a whole day of it, relaxing in one or two beachside restaurants along the way. Wear a hat and much sunscreen. These are only a few of the things that you can enjoy in and around Playa del Carmen. Enjoy your time in Playa! AMENITIES: - Bedroom with King size bed and balcony - Living room with sofa bed and balcony (Additional bed available) - Dining room - Kitchen fully equipped with blender, coffee maker, microwave, toaster, all cooking utensils, purified drinking water and service for six - Washer and dryer - Central air plus two ceiling fans - Cable television - Rooftop swimming pool, Jacuzzi and solarium with ocean view - Secure parking available (compact car) - Maid service included twice a week - Caretaker lives on-site for 24 hour security ACTIVITIES: What's nearby? - Cancun – 40 miles north - Puerto Morelos - 20 miles north - beaches and reef. The car and freight to Cozumel is located here. Close by is a crocodile farm and botanical gardens. - Tres Rios - 10 mile north – water sports, snorkeling, kayaking - Cozumel – a 40 minute ferry ride from Playa. – Excellent diving a snorkeling. Rent a moped and tour the island. Ferries leave almost every hour. - Playacar – a residential community. Golf course - Xcaret – 4 miles south – Eco-archeological park features snorkeling, caves, Cenotes, underground river, horseback riding, botanical garden, aviary, aquarium, night show, restaurants and shops. - Puerto Aventuras – 11 miles south – marina, restaurants and golf course. - Paamul – 16 miles south – beaches, snorkeling - Xpu-Ha – 21 miles south – snorkeling, beaches, new park has just opened in 2000. - Xel-Ha – 35 miles south – Amazing cave system, many inlets, Cenotes, lagoon, great snorkeling. Thousands of tropical fish. - Tulum – 38 miles south – Impressive Mayan ruins located on a cliff overlooking the beautiful Caribbean. Swimming beach, shops, restaurants. DINING/RESTARUANTS: Type: Condo Beach Location: Near Beach (Walking Distance) http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/Playa_del_Carmen/palmasica/hotel/167/7/ Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:32:33 EST