Live Aqua Boutique Resort Playa del Carmen

One of the latest additions to Playa del Carmen's Fifth Avenue scene, the Live Aqua Boutique Resort is a hip boutique hotel with a minimalist, modern look. The focus here is on atmosphere, and Live Aqua delivers in spades. The ground level features a cute little pond with vegetation and wildlife, as well as canoes brought in from the state of Michoacán. The large wooden reception desk -- an uncut section of a giant tree -- sets the flavor for the type of decor you’ll see throughout: natural stones, woodwork, and plenty of travertine from Puebla. Just around the corner is the aptly named Mural Restaurant and breakfast nook, with a massive, hand-painted wall mural by Brazilian artist Eduardo Cobra. The spa and fitness room are tucked around the corner, but the bulk of the action takes place on the rooftop, which is home to a chic terrace and an infinity pool. 

Overall, this a hip place that caters toward couples. There’s not a lot of music or rowdiness going on; the pool was crowded during our visit and there were plenty of people on the terrace, but it was a low-key kind of group hanging out and having a good time. The surrounding music and nightlife of lively Fifth Avenue, on the other hand, can bleed through into the rooms during the height of high season, so light-sleepers should be warned. 

Set directly on La Quinta Avenida, Live Aqua is a five-minute walk to the beach, the ADO bus stop, and hordes of shops, restaurants, and bars lining this busy avenue. It’s about a five-minute drive to the highway, which will take you north to Cancun in about an hour, or south to Akumal and Tulum in 30 and 50 minutes, respectively. Cancun International Airport can be reached in about 45 minutes by car.

The hotel offers 60 rooms spread out across three different categories: Deluxe Rooms, Junior Suites, and Master Suites. Decor mirrors that of the property's common spaces, and the fresh, modern style pairs clean lines and cream tones with plenty of woodwork. Wood-like ceramic tile flooring provides the base, and continues into the bathrooms. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors open onto private balconies and fill the spaces with plenty of natural light. All rooms have small glass-top tables flanked by stylish contemporary chairs in a pale lime green hue, while Junior Suites add large sofas. Master Suites have separate living rooms as well as chic, large terraces with outdoor furniture, potted plants, and outdoor whirlpool tubs.

Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, iPod docking stations, mini-fridges, electronic safes, and free Wi-Fi. Sleek bathrooms include hewn basins of black natural stone complemented by wooden soap containers, as well as large walk-in rainfall showers. Bathrobes and Somma bath products are included. 

The main highlight here is the hotel's rooftop infinity pool and stylish terrace space. Hanging chairs, rustic bar stools, wooden loungers with cushions, and covered beds provide a chic space for lounging.

The hotel offers several dining options, and all-inclusive rates are available. Mural offers a fusion of traditional and contemporary dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as themed dinners, while Dai serves Asian fare. There's also a rooftop restaurant serving sushi and tapas, as well as a poolside bar on the terrace and an intimate Chef's Kitchen restaurant. An on-site coffee bar serves various snacks, sweets, and hot drinks.

There’s a small fitness room on-site that offers a handful of modern machines, plus the hotel also has a small but lovely spa offering various treatments and a sauna. Other amenities include meeting and event space, bike rentals, and free Wi-Fi throughout the property.