Living in Playa del Carmen, we are used to laying on sun-kissed shores and great dining. But sometimes we want to enjoy the resort life too. While taking a staycation at some of the top-notch all-inclusive resorts in the area is an option, did you also know that many of these luxurious vacation resorts offer day passes too?
For a single day, you can immerse yourself in the lap of luxury. Enjoy access to exquisite dining, endless drinks, premium amenities, and a plethora of activities – all within the confines of a 5-star all-inclusive hotel, at a fraction of the usual cost.
In Playa del Carmen, many hotels and resorts offer the option for such a day of extravagance. Typically priced between $1,000 to $2,000 pesos, these day passes grant you access to a realm of relaxation and indulgence, complete with impeccable service and all-inclusive facilities.
NOTE: Most day passes only cover the morning and afternoon (usually from 9am-5pm), many resorts offer the option to extend your stay for evening dining and entertainment by purchasing an additional evening/night pass.
Top 5 All Inclusive Resorts in Playa Del Carmen that Offer a Day Pass
Are you ready to bask in a day of sheer luxury, with every whim catered to? Look no further! Join us as we unveil the best hotels offering day passes, offering you the chance to vacay for a day, and experience that sweet resort life.
Best Budget Day Pass
Riu Palace Playacar
For a budget break – head to the Riu in Playacar
Without venturing too far from ‘home’, you can spend the day at the Riu Palace Hotel in Playacar. This beachfront resort is situated on one of Playa del Carmen’s best beaches, but also has 4 pools, so you won’t be short of places to take a refreshing dip.
If you’re here on a day pass, chances are it’s the food and drinks that have you already salivating. Arriving early enough, you can start your day with a buffet breakfast, with live cooking stations and even a mimosa or two!
Unlimited drinks and cocktails are on tap around the pool or on the beach all day, with waiter service, so you don’t even need to leave your sun lounger to get your top-up! For lunch, you can hit up the snack bars, buffet restaurant, or head to ‘Pepe’s Grill’.
Not forgetting the activities on offer too. The Riu has an extensive entertainment program, so you can join in with a whole bunch of sports and games, if sunbathing isn’t your jam.
You can go kayaking, snorkeling, or take a catamaran for a sail – or burn off those buffet calories with a game of tennis or beach volleyball.
Kids can enjoy a whole schedule of RiuLand activities too.
- Day Pass Cost: $1800 MXN
- Day Pass Hours: 9am-5pm
- How to Book: Call hotel directly to confirm availability
Best Large Resort Day Pass
Bahia Principe Luxury Akumal
Bahia Principe is a favorite for an all-inclusive staycation
Bahia Principe is a well-known brand globally and here in the Riviera Maya they have 4 hotels on a large complex, south of Playa towards Tulum. You can try out the all-inclusive facilities there on a very reasonably priced day pass,
On your day at Bahia, you can relish a wide array of breakfast and lunch options at the Yum Buffet Restaurant, or sample the snacks available throughout the day at Tikalito Snack Restaurant.
After filling your tummy with food, you can unwind and enjoy unlimited premium drinks at the resort’s eight bars. The resort also includes access to three swimming pools and lounging chairs, provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Beach access is also available, but the beach here is a little rockier than the ones in Playa.
Alongside these amenities, guests can take advantage of the complimentary towel service, outdoor showers, and changing rooms equipped with showers. Bag storage is provided, allowing day pass visitors to have space to store belongings care-free while you partake in the activities on site. Kids will love the kids club – but if you prefer a child-free ‘day-cation’ opt for the Coba resort which is adults only.
If you choose the day pass at the Akumal resort, you also can access the other 3 properties to explore the entire site, although – this will definitely take more than a day as this resort is so big! We recommend using the golf cart shuttles to get around.
They also have an evening pass option where you can dine at the evening buffet restaurant, and experience the great shows and entertainment the hotel has to offer.
- Day Pass Cost: $1560 MXN / $1,080.00 MXN (Children aged 0-3 are free, aged 4-11 are 50% of adult cost)
- Day Pass Hours: 9am-6pm / 6pm-1am
- How to Book: Book on https://worlddaypass.com/
Best Day Pass Resort for Families
Grand Riviera Princess
Families will love a day pass at Princess Hotels
This resort is a short taxi ride away from the center of Playa del Carmen. It’s a large complex that attracts visitors from across the globe.
As resorts go, it isn’t the fanciest or most high-end, but we noticed it’s great if you have kids and you won’t be short on food and drinks but don’t have the highest of expectations.
For families, the Grand Riviera Princess is a haven of entertainment. Let your little ones dive into the daytime mini-clubs, splash around in the children’s pool, and play all day in the games rooms.
Feeling sporty? There’s beach volleyball, water polo, and a heap of non-motorized water sports like kayaking and windsurfing to keep you splashing around. For the competitive souls, join in table tennis tournaments, archery challenges, or even a game of soccer or basketball on the multipurpose sports court.
There are 7 restaurants and shed loads of bars to try out and don’t forget to explore the lush tropical gardens and stroll along El Paseo de los Dioses (The Path of the Gods), a jungle pathway adorned with sculptures depicting Mayan deities.
- Day Pass Cost: $129 USD Adults / $65 USD Children
- Day Pass Hours: 9am-6pm
- How to Book: Book on https://www.resortpass.com/
Best Day Pass for a Romantic Getaway
Iberostar Grand Paraiso
An Iberostar day pass is great for couples
If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing a day of pure luxury without traveling too far from home, look no further than the Iberostar Grand Paraiso! While you might call Playa del Carmen your home, there’s something special about indulging in the lavish offerings of a world-class adult-only resort like this.
Spend the day lounging by not one, but three incredible pools, soaking up the sun’s rays while sipping on your choice of cocktails from their extensive mixology selection. There are in-pool loungers for keeping cool, and no children to splash around making it great for couples wanting to get away from it all.
You also can eat all you can from their breakfast and lunch buffets that showcase both local flavors and international cuisine. And for those cravings in between meals, the Cerveceria Grill serves up irresistible small bites too.
As with almost all resorts along the coast, there’s a jam-packed entertainment program, but also a ‘quiet pool’ if you just want to relax and soak up the rays.
But for a REAL treat you can upgrade to their spa experience – with their spa day pass that unlocks access to Turkish and Roman baths, saltwater pools that’ll make you feel rejuvenated, and a relaxing hot tub to melt away any stress. Not forgetting the sauna and steam room, perfect for a complete recharge.
It’s the perfect staycation treat for a Playa del Carmen resident!
- Day Pass Cost: $165 USD
- Day Pass Hours: 8am-6pm
- How to Book: Book on https://www.resortpass.com/
Best Luxury Day Pass
Andaz Mayakoba Resort
Experience Andaz Mayakoba Resort on a day pass!
We’ve all heard of the ‘fancy’ resort that is Mayakoba. This is where the rich and famous stay when visiting the Riviera Maya, and its facilities are second to none!
But did you know you can also visit Mayakoba on a day pass? It’s a bit pricier, but if you want to see how the other half vacay, you can give it a try at the Andaz area of the resort. This part has a wide sandy beach, and an oceanfront pool area complete with sunbeds and cabanas.
When you feel hungry, taste the delectable offerings from Tinta del Pulpo, where you can relish fresh ceviches, aguachiles, and locally-crafted artisan beers and margaritas. Alternatively, delve into the options at VB, a vegan restaurant serving up fresh smoothies and salads. Unlimited food and drinks are included in your day pass price.
A day at Andaz Mayakoba is an absolute paradise for food enthusiasts and beach aficionados alike!
- Day Pass Cost: $185 USD Adults / $93 USD Children
- Day Pass Hours: 9am-5pm
- How to Book: Book on https://www.resortpass.com/
Keeping Kids in School
As a visitor to the Riviera Maya, a day out one of the many all inclusive resorts in Playa Del Carmen could be just what you need to recharge your batteries and escape the world. But while you’re here, we wanted to share a little about the KKIS Project and the work we do in this picturesque corner of the world.
We know that education is vital to changing lives, but for many of the scholars here, continuing their education isn’t an option.
Families can struggle to scrape together the admission fees to let their kids attend school, along with the cost of resources, uniforms, and other necessary things schoolkids need. Plus a lot of families also have the balance of allowing their kids to go to school longer for a better future, versus heading into the workforce in a more menial role for immediate financial support to help their family.
But at KKIS we help to change this cycle.
It costs less than $2 USD per day to help keep a student in high school.
For the price of an all-inclusive day pass in Playa del Carmen, you could even put a student through an entire year of education. Imagine that?!
Contact us to find out how to donate or volunteer to support the KKIS students today.