Occidental Royal Hideaway Playacar Resort & Spa
Playacar Playa del Carmen
Quintana Roo C.P. 77710, Mexico
Tel: 1.800.999.9182

We all know the pros of an all-inclusive vacation: all the liquor you can drink and all the food you can eat all day long. It’s a concept of travel that’s quite popular and, for the most part, can be a sweet deal! Unfortunately, most of the time when you arrive, all excited to take on the challenge of excess consumption, you realize the cons: the cheapest house liquor there is and boring buffet-style food with little to no flavor.

It was only a matter of time before someone would  upgrade your typical all-inclusive to a place offering "world-class service with impeccable style." Five Diamond award-winning Royal Hideaway Playacar located in the Riviera Maya embodies this concept with its serene adult-only ambiance and fantastic culinary skill. The restaurants offer a wide variety of choices, from the ultra-romantic Italian restaurant Palazzo to the snazzy dinner theater Club Royale and the relaxed Caribbean/Mexican inspired Spices. Executive Chef, Spaniard Raul Vaquerizo and his team have perfected a fusion of elite French culinary cooking techniques and Spanish traditional cuisine. Balance that with the top-shelf liquor and fine wines on hand and you have a delightful combination.

The highlight of the experience for an uber-foodie like myself came when I indulged in Chef Raul's gastronomic feast, The Chef’s Table (an additional $150). The meal is served in a super-classy private dining room for up to 10 people and consists of 9 tasty courses and wine pairings the Chef and his team create especially for that particular evening.

Although this fab hotel costs a pretty penny, it’s where to go if you’re looking for top-notch service. From the magnificently crafted meal of the Chef’s Table to the picturesque ocean views from the poolside deck, Royal Hideaway offers not only impeccable service, but also fantastic food that you won’t find at any common all-inclusive. Check out the special they are running through March 31st:

$300 Air credit + Night of Romance package (champagne, strawberries, & massages) for couples staying 3-4 nights.
$500 Air credit + Night of Romance package for couples staying 5-7 Nights OR 4th night free stay

www.royalhideaway.com