A Solo Woman Traveler’s Wellness Retreat at the Grand Hyatt Playa Del Carmen, An Architectural Marvel

Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen is so much more than an oceanfront hotel in Mexico. It’s an architectural marvel with awe-inspiring design. It’s an indoor-outdoor gallery with hundreds of artworks. And for me, it was a Caribbean wellness retreat with sunrise beach walks, yoga, meditation, massage, poolside drinks, bike rides, and sushi by the sea.



Cenote Spa. Photo credit: Heidi Gollub.


Sneak Away to Playa del Carmen, Mexico


Playa del Carmen is a fairly easy Caribbean getaway, located less than an hour from the Cancun airport.



The town is bustling with restaurants, shops, and clubs like the famous Coco Bongo. But the Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen property is an oasis of calm. As soon as you pull into the property, you leave the rest of the world behind. From the top of the open-air lobby, you get your first view of the sea below, and it is breathtaking.  



The walkway down to the sea. Photo credit: Heidi Gollub


Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen Overview


I’ve stayed at several resorts in this area, but Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen is one I can’t wait to return to. Built in 2015, it has an impressive layout and is a fascinating place to explore. Here’s what I loved about this 5-star hotel:




Architecture:  Designed by Mexican architecture and design firm Sordo Madaleno, the elevated property slopes down to the sea with visual elements around every corner. There are so many levels of outdoor walkways and protected mangrove garden routes. Wandering around the property, I was captivated by how the light changed throughout the day, making shadows look like artwork. It’s a beautiful space that masterfully integrates elements of the Mayan culture.



Artwork:  Mexican sculptor César López Negrete created hundreds of works of art for this property. From a giant wooden snake bench at the entrance to lifesize whale sharks on the wall by the infinity pool, his pieces add warmth and character to the resort.  



Cenote Spa:  The highlight of my stay was time spent in the conical room designed to feel like a natural cenote. I did yoga and meditation classes here and relaxed in the room’s circular pool following a massage.



Pools:  In addition to the cenote pool, the spa also has a lap pool, cold plunge, and hot tub. Outside of the spa, there are six family pools and one adults-only pool. Some rooms also have plunge pools.




Read More: Where to Find the Best Beaches in Mexico



Floating rooms on the bridge, pictured here, have the best views. Photo credit: Heidi Gollub


Rooms at Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen


Thanks to the unique design of the hotel, most of its 314 rooms have at least a partial ocean view. For the best views, book one of the “floating rooms.” These are located on a bridge connecting two sides of the property and face the ocean directly. You also have the option to book one of 36 suites with the option of swim-up or private plunge pools.



My room was on the fifth floor, overlooking the adults-only pool and the ocean beyond. I enjoyed sitting on my furnished balcony and watching the ferry make the short trek from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel. It’s a popular day trip since Cozumel is known for its great snorkeling and diving.



The room itself was bright and spacious. It had two closets, a banquette, a small table with two chairs, and a large bathroom. I was a big fan of the rain shower.



My room came with club access, which means I could take advantage of Grand Club benefits during my stay. These include private check-in and checkout, complimentary continental breakfast, snacks and soft drinks during the day, and an open bar in the evening.



Presidential Suite. Photo credit: Heidi Gollub


Dining at Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen


I ate very well (and too much) at Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen. Here are a few dining experiences I enjoyed:




Sushi N Raw . Everything I ate here was delicious. If you arrive early and your room’s not ready, park yourself at this al fresco restaurant and activate vacation mode with sushi and a drink from the bar. I recommend ordering a Paloma — it pairs perfectly with the ocean breeze and teal water views.




Sushi al fresco. Photo credit: Heidi Gollub




The Grill . A popular spot with locals thanks to its kosher offerings, this restaurant whips up dairy-free wonders. It’s a gorgeous little restaurant and I confess to eating too many short rib taco bites here.




Short rib tacos. Photo credit: Heidi Golub




La Cochina . If you’re bleary-eyed at breakfast, head straight to the café de olla cart at the buffet. Serve yourself spiced coffee with a ladle and decide if you’d like to add hot chocolate.



Coffee Shop . There’s nothing better than grabbing a latte and pastry to go and heading off on a beach walk first thing in the morning. Sunrise is the best time of day in Playa del Carmen.




The Grill. Photo credit: Heidi Gollub


All-inclusive package


Speaking of eating too much, you may want to consider Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen’s all-inclusive package. This resort is the only Grand Hyatt resort in Mexico to offer one, which includes:




Meals and drinks at all onsite restaurants and the Paseo Azul bar.



Cocktails by the pools from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.



Room service, which can also be delivered to the spa.



Complimentary access to Cenote Spa’s wet areas, including a hot tub, cold plunge, steam room, sauna, outdoor lap pool and a candlelit calming pool.



Bike rental, for exploring the town.




Read More: Family-friendly all-inclusive resorts in Mexico



Amazing room service that you can enjoy in your room or at the spa. Photo credit: Heidi Gollub


Resort Activities For All Ages


While at the resort, I enjoyed a full schedule of morning classes and beach walks, afternoon pool and spa breaks, and late-evening dining experiences. Some activities cost extra, but those are the ones I enjoyed the most.



Here are some of the activities you might enjoy at Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen.



Mezcal tasting at Paseo Azul bar. Photo credit: Heidi Gollub



Adults




Darts tournament.



Spikeball and pool volleyball.



Stretching class.



Yoga at the Cenote ($).



Outdoor spin class ($).



Pilates ($).



Ride the City, guided bike tour ($).



Tequila and mezcal tastings ($).



Sea kayak tour ($).  




Pools with a view. Photo credit: Heidi Gollub



Family




Aqua Zumba.



Bingo.



Dancing lessons.



Tie-dye ($).




Teens




Hashtag Teen Arcade, for guests age 12 and up.




Kids




Tortuguita Kids’ Club, for guests aged 4 to 11.




Silent spin class. Photo credit: Heidi Gollub


The Bottom Line


Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen is a stunning 5-star luxury beachfront property that was built in 2015, and it still feels new. It’s perfect for adults seeking a wellness escape, but it also has pools and activities for families. When you’re ready to check out the town, you’re within walking distance of clubs, restaurants, and shopping. There is a narrow stretch of beach in front of the hotel, but this is not the main attraction. The pools and the spa are the best features of this resort.   The post A Solo Woman Traveler’s Wellness Retreat at the Grand Hyatt Playa Del Carmen, An Architectural Marvel appeared first on She Buys Travel .