Playa Del Carmen and Tulum Mexico Real Estate | 5 Romantic Places to Spend Valentine's Day

5 Romantic Places to Spend Valentine's Day

Playa del Carmen is an exciting, high-energy coastal resort town and a popular spot for destination weddings, honeymoons, and romantic couple's getaways; but sometimes it can be just as romantic to get away from it all and spend time somewhere that's a little more low-key. Fortunately, day trips and weekend getaways to sleepy fishing villages, tropical Caribbean islands, charming colonial towns, and fascinating Mayan archeological sites are all within easy reach.

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, here are five off-the-beaten-path destinations where you can kick back, relax, and spend some quality time with that special someone.

1. El Cuyo

El Cuyo is a peaceful little beach town situated on the northern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, about two and a half hours from Playa del Carmen. It’s located in Ría Lagartos National Park, a protected area known for its abundant wildlife, including flamingos, sea turtles, and a variety of other sea birds. In El Cuyo you can go kitesurfing, kayaking, and take an eco-tour of the lagoon. With few tourists and limited Internet connectivity, it’s the perfect place to get away from it all.

2. Bacalar

In a paradise-like setting, about two hours south of Tulum, Bacalar is a sleepy seaside town and Pueblo Magico (Magic Town) that’s famous for its seven-colored lagoon. Rustic cabanas and eco-friendly bungalows stretch along the shoreline, where you'll also find small restaurants serving up a variety of fresh seafood dishes. Favorite pastimes in Bacalar include swimming in the warm water lagoon, relaxing in a hammock, and taking an eco-tour of the mangroves.

3. Holbox Island

Situated off the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula and separated from the mainland by the Yalahau Lagoon, this small island forms part of the Yum Balam Biosphere Reserve. It's home to virgin beaches and a wide variety of marine life, including whale sharks, dolphins, and sea turtles, as well as flamingos, pelicans and hundreds of other bird species. For an extra special stay, splurge on the Romantic Escapes package at the intimate and artsy Casa Sandra boutique hotel.

4. Genesis Ek Balam

Just a short walk from the Ek Balam archeological site, Genesis Ek Balam is a charming eco-lodge located in a lush tropical jungle setting, about two hours from Playa del Carmen. It features colorful indoor/outdoor guestrooms with whimsical decor, inviting common areas, organic gardens, and even a natural cenote fed by the underground river system of the Yucatan Peninsula. With an atmosphere of complete relaxation, it’s the perfect place to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with your partner. Click here to read our review of Genesis Ek Balam!

5. Caye Caulker, Belize

It takes almost a full day to travel from Playa del Carmen to Caye Caulker, a tiny Caribbean island located off the coast of Belize, but it's well worth the trip. Caye Caulker has two main sand covered streets and there are no cars on the island, just golf carts. A reccurring theme on the island is to “go slow,” and it doesn’t take long to settle into the laid-back, easy going pace of island life. For a romantic evening, enjoy dinner under the stars at one of the family-owned restaurants in town.