Playacar Fase 1, Playa del Carmen, Mexico | (618) 248-8274
56 fully furnished, ocean-view condominiums in the private Playacar subdivision
Direct access with 2,300 square meters of pristine beach
Private pool and pool bar for condo guests
Small spa for massages
Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel public areas
Wired internet in the condos
Maid service every other day
One free parking space per condo
Self-service condominiums without any additional services (pro for some)
No elevators on the property
This self-service, upper-middle-range compound with 56 ocean-view condominiums is located in the private subdivision known as Playacar, right on a quiet, pristine stretch of beach. The property first opened in 1995, and as the units are individually owned, upgrades vary dramatically. This is possibly one of the most relaxing places to stay in Playa del Carmen, as there is nothing immediately nearby other than neighbors -- though it's only a 10-minute walk to the heart of the action in Playa del Carmen. The private pool and pool bar, pretty gardens, and epic sunrise views all help make this a solid option for week-long stays, but it's not suited to those seeking traditional hotel services or pampering. (There is, however, maid service every other day.) Those who want a more traditional hotel experience might want to consider the Magic Blue Hotel or adult-only Palm at Playa.
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Scene
Independent condo property with sunrise views and private gardens
From the moment guests have to pass through the gated security at the start of the Playacar private subdivision, it’s obvious that the Xaman-Ha condominiums are meant to be somewhat exclusive. However, the years have taken their toll and the property shows slight weathering here and there. The condos first opened in 1995, and worn marble and granite tiles are visible in the entryway of the lobby; there is some visible concrete on the lower parts of the walls from repairs; and guests report some discolored grout in the older units. Nevertheless, this is still a popular destination for Canadians and Americans looking to escape winter for longer stretches; the average stay is around a week in duration, and some guests stay several weeks. Landscaped streets lead to the parking area, and from there guests enter into the private property, comprising two-story buildings, gardens, a pool, barbecues, and a nearly private stretch of turquoise water and beach. In the main lobby, guests can check in at the reception area, as well as rent snorkel equipment, book tours, or get help with local transportation. It's a small space with marble tile floors and some dark wicker chairs. Stairs lead down to the garden walkways, pool, pool bar, and the beach beyond.Xaman-ha is not a hotel; rather, it is a series of privately owned condominiums managed through four different agencies, all of whom work with the property manager and reception staff here. As a result, each one of the 56 condos is distinctly different in terms of layout, amenities, and furnishings.
Location
In the uber-private Playacar subdivision directly on the beach
The Xaman-Ha property is on a prime section of beach just south of the main ferry to Cozumel and the start of 5th Avenue, which runs north through the heart of the downtown strip. Guests can walk up the beach and in five to 10 minutes find themselves at Founder’s Park and the ADO bus station, and from there can explore the entire boardwalk beyond. Many guests love that this location is quiet, without being too far from the hustle and bustle.
Rooms
Fully furnished condos, all with ocean views and balconies, some with laundry rooms
Xaman-ha has 56 condos on the property. There are nine one-bedroom, 20 two-bedroom, and 25 three-bedroom condos, as well as a single four-bedroom unit. There is also a Captain’s Quarters one-bedroom condo available located directly underneath the pool bar, with ground-level, round windows looking out over the beach, just like the windows in the captain’s quarters on a ship.Because all of the units have individual owners, the layouts, themes, and furnishings all vary by unit. All have with kitchens, living rooms, TVs with cable, wired Internet, beds, sheets, and towels. The last two are the responsibility of the individual agencies who book the units. Maid service is usually every other day. Some of the units have newer granite and marble tile and countertops, while some of the older units still have ceramic tile and some mild wear and tear, such as discolored grout. Some of the units have laundry rooms with washers and dryers, but not all of them do. Ocean-view balconies are available from all of the condos.
Features
Pristine beach, pool and pool bar, tiny spa hut, and water sports
The main selling point of the Xaman-ha condos is the location: directly on the beach. While it’s not a private beach, it is set inside of the residential subdivision called Playacar. The nearest public entry point to the beach is up at the Cozumel docks, and most of the locals rarely stray into the subdivision, so the beach feels almost private. It has a volleyball net operated by the condo property.The oceanfront pool is surrounded by loungers, and there are umbrellas and loungers on the beach as well. Note that while technically the loungers aren’t allowed to be reserved, many guests put towels over them by 7 a.m. to mark their territory. The pool bar only serves snacks, and has both a swim-up side and a land side; it closes before dinnertime. A gas grill is available for guests to use in the pool-bar area as well, but only whenever the bar and pool are open.A small spa building is behind the pool, tucked away between two of the main buildings. Guests can order massages, manicures, pedicures, and other treatments during the same operating hours as the pool; massages are also available at the beach or poolside.Snorkel equipment, boogie boards, and other water sports gear is available for rent from reception. Airport pickup is also available for an additional cost.
