Resort at a Glance: Azul Fives Hotel, a Gourmet Inclusive Hotel by Karisma

Occupying a secluded spot on the beach just outside of Playa del Carmen, Azul Fives Hotel, a Gourmet Inclusive Hotel by Karisma is just a 10-minute drive from the city’s shops, restaurants, and nightlife. The resort’s deluxe rooms each look out onto the swaying palms and native flowers of the resort’s garden, with private balconies or terraces giving each guest a relaxing place to sit. Other amenities include complimentary WiFi, as well as 24-hour room service.

• Awards and accolades: This resort is a AAA Four-Diamond Award winner
• Start the trip right with a welcoming glass of sparkling wine, included in this deal
• Gourmet Inclusive package includes all meals, nightly entertainment, access to nonmotorized watersports, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages from a selection of domestic and international brands. The resort’s onsite restaurants include Koh Thai, Italian kitchen Arezzo, and the bistro-style La Brasserie, while bars range from an upscale cantina to a swank gin joint.
• Take a dip at one of the resort’s five azure pools, some of which even have swim-up bars.
• Kid friendly: The resort operates Azulitos Playhouse for kids ages 4-12, and Extreme Breeze Teens Club for ages 13-17.
• Activities and entertainment: The resort’s daily schedule of events includes everything from archery and water volleyball to dance lessons and tequila tastings.
• Relax at the onsite Vassa Spa, where therapists administer soothing services such as holistic massages and fresh-fruit or chocolate body wraps (additional fees apply).

Playa del Carmen, Mexico: Trendy Beach Area and Diving Destination

Just across the sea from the island of Cozumel, Playa del Carmen has been called “the hippest city in all of the Yucatán Peninsula” by Lonely Planet. The laid-back beach bars and cafés have a way of converting vacationers into expats, but Playa’s most compelling draw might be its cenotes—cavernous sinkholes filled with turquoise pools. The water in the cenotes is crystal clear, particularly at the lily-pad-dotted Xlacah cenote, where you can snorkel among schools of colorful fish.

To the south, you’ll find preserved ruins of pre-Columbian cities. Tulum’s crumbling temples are situated above a dramatic ocean bluff, and Coba’s enormous pyramid rises between two lagoons. For a fun day trip, hop aboard the ferry to Cozumel, which docks at the pier east of Calle 1. There are about a dozen dive shops on Cozumel, and they offer trips offshore to the reefs that Jacques Cousteau declared some of the world’s most beautiful.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best way to travel to the hotel from the airport? Cancún International Airport (CUN) is about 31 miles from the property.

2. Is there an additional occupancy fee, or do I have to purchase another Groupon? The Groupon covers two guests. The maximum occupancy is 2 adults and 2 kids 12 or younger. Adding occupants above standard is $50 per night for each additional kid 12 or younger.

3. Will I be approached to attend a timeshare sales presentation? Groupon customers are never obligated to attend a sales presentation. If you are approached and decline a presentation, you will not lose the value of your Groupon or have to pay additional fees.

4. Which activities and amenities are included in the resort credits? Resort credit is not included with the Groupon.

5. Are dinner reservations required for restaurants? Is there a dress code? For information regarding your dining options, please click here.

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