We have asked people from all around the world to share with us their Style tips of the place they call home. If you would like to contribute to Style In.... just click here to contact us.
What Place are you writing about?
Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, MEXICO
A Little About You
My name is Eva van Heck, of Dutch nationality but living 7 years in Playa del Carmen.... Playa del Carmen is located on the Caribbean Sea and one of the fastest growing cities in the world, it changed enormously since I arrived here 7 years ago, but still has its typical mexican ambience and relaxed atmosphere. Beachlife is the best way to describe the ambience!!
I am the co-owner of a small dive business 'Pink Panther Divers' (www.pinkpantherdivers.com) and work also as a freelance tourguide, among others in a tour 'snorkeling with whalesharks'. Used to work in the hotel business but seeing the beautifull Caribbean Sea just for about an hour a day during my lunch break, I decided 3 years ago for a complete change and started working as a dive and tourguide and still enjoying it fully! In my free time I like to play beach volleyball, swimming, walking on the beach, watching people on the famous 5a avenida in Playa del Carmen and touring around Mexico to discover new places and traditions....
Your Favorite Place to Shop?
The most important outfit in Playa is a bathing suit and 'Zingara' has a huge collection and several shops in Playa del Carmen. They also have pareos, hats and flipflops to complete your beach outfit....
Sunglasses can't be missed either and you can find all known brands at 'Sunglass Island', they also have several shops along the 5th avenue...
Then my favourite footwear here are flipflops, I have a nice collection of all colours and types (for work, to go to the beach, to go for a walk on the 5th avenue). My latest favourites are the ones designed by Giselle Bundchen from Ipanema. A nice store to find all kind of Havaianas and Ipanema flipflops is called 'It's all about feet'....
For more dressed up clothes it is difficult to find
a nice place in Playa, 'Bershka' and 'Pull and Bear' are the best choice, any other shop has all the typical touristy shirts with Playa del Carmen written on them.... In Cancun (about 60km from Playa) you can find nicer shops with good brands, the one I prefer is 'Zara', because they have the European sizes and trousers have the right length! (is hard to find here because most Mexicans are not that tall)..
Any Local designers you have found?
No local designers...... although there are some typical shops where they sell clothes of a fabric called 'manta' and they have nice designs for the type of beachlife in Playa.
Your Favorite Place to have a Tea/Coffee?
No doubt 'Sasta' on 5th avenue between 10th and 12th street. They have freshly ground coffee (also Mexican coffee) a good selection of teas and lovely cakes (try the chocolate or carrot cake!!!) They have a small terrace and it is THE best place for people watching!!
A very good second is 'Ah Cacao' with 2 coffee bars. They sell the original Mexican chocolate (cacao beans are originally from Mexico) and even have a spicy hot chocolate! Also try the brownie.......
Best place to have a great meal?
My latest favourite is 'Le Bistro' at La Tortuga Hotel (10th avenue), a nice meal (steak, shrimp and flambee strawberries!), good price and excellent service!!
There is also a local place for fish and seafood on the beach called 'La Taraya', fish is caught in the morning and always fresh, prices are super and the nicest part you can sit on the beach!!! If you don't mind plastic tables and chairs try a ceviche (raw fish marinated in lemon with onions, tomatoes and parsley) at lunch time.
Top 3 MUST SEE or DO?
Swimming with whale sharks!! Just from half May to half September, but a once in a life time experience!! For more information Dove6 at www.whalesharkexperience.com
Go diving on the second largest reef of the world or at the cenotes. The best spots can be found on the island of Cozumel (just 40 minutes away by ferry) or discover the cenotes in the Riviera Maya, amazing caves with huge stalagtites and stalagmites.. (write to pinkpantherdivers@hotmail.com for more information or contact Raul Rangel at bestiamarina@hotmail.com for diving in Cozumel)
Chichen Itza!! One of the new seven world wonders, it is a 2.5 hour trip from Playa and very touristy but well worth it!!
Any other Stylish Tips?
There are a few trendy places to visit, try the bar on top of the 'Basic hotel'. The hotel is built with all sorts of details of a boat!!
A drink at 'Fusion' to watch the fire show and meet lots of people from all aournd the world is a must, and after that go dancing at 'Coco Maya' under the stars and with the sea as a background.
Getting married on the beach is also a stylish thing to do, Natalia at Weddings on the Beach (info@weddingsonthebeach.com) can help you organise your wedding, reception etc from A to Z..
Many Spa's can be found in the area as well, I like the one in Pakal (Playacar area), they have a nice swimming pool, sauna, whirlpools, steambaths, the area is peaceful and they offer massages, manicures, pedicures etc.. They also have a big Temazcal, where you can undergo a traditional Mayan ceremony in a kind of steambath and purify yourself and come out reborn!
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