Paradisus Playa Del Carmen La Esmeralda

Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Esmeralda is an all-around stunning property. Guests enter the resort under a white porte-cochere flanked by lush gardens filled with plants and short palm trees. The main buildings are two- to four-story angular structures with a rather staid design, but interiors are sleek, and the property is peppered by smaller buildings topped with palapa roofs and surrounded by reflection pools and plants. Wooden walkways lead from the buildings to the pools and the beach.
The main lobby looks like an indoor sculpture garden. A tranquil pool holds granite islands set with enormous white statues of female figures. There's a brown sofa that looks like an octopus and bird cage-like lanterns hang over the black reception desk. One section of the lobby is devoted to cushioned bowl chairs, sleek low sofas, and coffee table books. Purple walls and golden accents lend the space a sexy feel, while the ample seating and indoor gardens are inviting. There is a separate lobby for guests who book a Family Concierge-level room, complete with child-sized cocoon chairs, a refreshment station with candy, and a chocolate fountain.
The rest of the property is similarly stylish. Restaurants have high ceilings, towering wooden screens or backlit walls, chic lighting, and swank seating. Pools are lined with reclining loungers under white umbrellas and plush daybeds outfitted with big pillows set under thatched roofs. The vibe is lively and casual, thanks to the many families with young kids and some music around the pools. While this property is not party-focused, there are bars and lounges with live music and DJ sessions at night, and the swim-up bar is always hopping with couples and groups of friends.

The Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Esmeralda resort is located in a quiet residential area on the northern edge of Playa del Carmen. There are a few hotels nearby, as well as a number of local restaurants and shops within a few blocks of the hotel, but the downtown area -- with its international boutiques and multiple restaurants -- is about a four-minute drive away. Guests can also walk to the heart of the action in about 20 minutes via a pleasant cobblestoned avenue with wide sidewalks. For vacationers looking to stay on the property (which is easy to do), the location on the Caribbean Sea is great. A number of attractions, including Xcaret park, can be found about a 20-minute drive from the hotel, while Tulum and its beautiful ruins are about an hour south. The nearest international airport is in Cancun, located about 45 minutes north of the Paradisus.

The hotel has a total of 501 junior suites and suites divided into three main categories: Paradisus, Family Concierge, and Premium. All units are upscale and spacious, with at least a sitting area with a sofa and a coffee table that in Junior Suites is incorporated into the bedroom and separated by a privacy wall in suites. Decor is contemporary and streamlined, consisting of clean lines, a subdued neutral palette offset by pops of burgundy, and beige marble-like floors. Big contemporary artwork in bright colors decorate walls, while big windows let in lots of light. All rooms have outdoor spaces -- some have furnished balconies with garden or pool views, while others have bigger terraces that provides direct access to a shared pool with underwater loungers. All but entry-level Paradisus Junior Suites have outdoor hot tubs.
Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs with cable channels and DVD players, individually controlled air-conditioning, coffeemakers, and iHome docks. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, and minibars are restocked daily free of charge with sodas, water, and beer. From there, perks (and prices) go up. Family Concierge-level rooms come with many great extras, including butler service, pillow menus, turndown service with milk and cookies, video games, beach kits for kids, free room service, and kids’ toiletries and minibar items. Additionally, guests staying in these rooms get access to a private heated pool, a lounge loaded with premium booze, snacks and sweets, and a separate section on the beach, among other perks.
Regardless of category, suites have small kitchenettes with basic cooking facilities. Family Concierge and Premium units add Nespresso machines, and many have sofa beds. Bathrooms are spacious and upscale in all units, with double sinks, separate rainfall showers and soaking tubs, and a wide range of toiletries. Hairdryers, robes, and slippers are provided in all rooms.
Rooms closest to Gabi Club may experience noise in the evening.

The all-inclusive package at La Esmerelda really does include everything, from in-room minibars to all meals and drinks to fitness classes and Wi-Fi. Some restaurants require advanced reservations and are located next door at the adults-only sister property, but many guests are more than happy with the myriad options available at La Esmeralda. However, Illy Cafe Corner is not covered.
 
The resort also offers a couple of upgrades, including the Family Concierge level. This package offers great in-room extras such as pillow menus and kid-friendly minibar items, plus a number of luxe services, including butler service, free access to the hydrotherapy area at the spa, nightly turndown service with sweets for the children, and preferential reservations for a la carte restaurants. Additionally, Family Concierge guests get exclusive access to a heated pool and a private beach area, plus free continental breakfast, snacks, and premium drinks throughout the day in a private lounge. Family Concierge guests also get free a la carte lunch at Olio Restaurant, and free room service.
 
Royal service guests, which include those who book the Presidential Suite, get additional perks, such as free use of Bali beds, 50-minute in-room massages, late checkout, free airport transfers, and discounts at the spa.
Some guests have complained about the aggressive Club Melia sales pitches, which can be several hours long. Club Melia offers a number of privileges to guests who purchase vacation memberships, including all the perks of staying in a resort (access to all restaurants, activities and services), plus the convenience of securing weeks-based stays in a huge range of hotels in different locations.

Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Esmeralda offers a wide range of dining and drinking options spread over several areas across the resort. Restaurants get consistently good reviews from past guests, and most have casual atmospheres that don’t require elegant attire.
Naos is the casual international buffet with show cooking, open from early in the morning until late at night. Fuego (which is adults-only) does Latin American-inspired grilled meats indoors and outdoors. Another adults-only option is The Grill, which serves up organic local cuisine for lunch and dinner. Vento offers Mediterranean food for the entire family, while Bana Family is the Asian restaurant and sushi bar. Mole is popular for Mexican food, while Gabi Beach Club specializes in tapas by the beach for lunch. The Market is popular for families, as it serves pizza and salads on an outdoor terrace. Snacks are available at Sunrise Grill, and Italian cuisine can be ordered for dinner at Olio, a trattoria that also offers lunch to Family Concierge guests.
Additionally, all guests get access to other eateries at adults-only sister property Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla, including Sunset Grill, Hadar, and La Palapa. Room service is available 24/7 and is free for Family Concierge guests.
For bars, Red Lounge has a sexy post-dinner vibe, while Toji employs mixologists and serves sake. Gabi Club Bar has a relaxed vibe by the beach, and Blue Agave is a tequila-lover's paradise. Illy Cafe Corner, not covered by the all-inclusive package, serves up coffee drinks and pastries.

The beach at La Esmerelda is pretty and serene, with powdery white sand, shrubs, free towel service, and lots of loungers and umbrellas. Family Concierge guests get free access to a private section on the beach, but some past guests have complained that it can be difficult to secure a spot in the main area in peak season. Seaweed is a seasonal issue in the region, and while the staff tries to keep the beach clean, algae can pile up throughout the day. Waiters offer beachside service, and the beach bar serves drinks. Guests can pay extra to rent water-sports equipment.

The most popular pool at Paradisus La Esmerelda is the meandering and sprawling main pool. It's decked out with inflatable bridges and islands for kids to play on and features a water park that’s a replica of a pirate ship complete with waterslides. Adults appreciate hot tubs, submerged sun loungers, and a swim-up bar -- though the constant loop of Disney music can be annoying to some. There are free towels, sun loungers, and umbrellas, along with drink service and free balloon animals for kids. There is also a circular, shallow splash pool for babies.
The swim-up pool attached to some of the guest rooms is actually accessible to all of the guests and includes hot tubs, but the only loungers available are submerged and on guests’ terraces.
The Family Concierge pool is only available to those who book Family Concierge-level rooms -- and it's gorgeous. It's set in a private area flanked on one side by thick green vegetation. Cutouts on both sides have enormous submerged loungers. There's a swim-up bar, and waiters offer poolside drink service. A "serve yourself" tiki hut has covered chairs and tables, and snacks such as nachos and hot dogs.

A highlight feature at La Esmeralda is YHI Spa, an 8,500-square-foot wellness center with 14 treatment rooms, a salon, and an outdoor hydrotherapy area. Contemporary decor combines with the spa's five senses theme to induce total relaxation indoors and out. Use of the sauna, steam room, outdoor pool, and hot tubs are free for guests, but there's a charge to schedule massages, facials, and beauty services. Outdoor daybeds with privacy shades are nice spots to relax.
The small gym features Technogym cardio equipment, a strength-training machine, and free weights. Free fitness classes such as yoga, Pilates, and spinning are scheduled several times per week, and there are tennis courts with night lighting. Other fitness classes, as well as tastings and workshops are offered free of charge as part of the entertainment program.
La Esmeralda wedding facilities include 25,000 square feet of indoor event space, in addition to several outdoor areas, including the pool, the beach -- which features a charming gazebo -- and the protected mangrove forest next door. There are dedicated wedding planners on-site, and the resort offers different ceremony options, including same-sex, Hindu, Jewish, and Mayan. Bridal Suites are available as part of all wedding packages.
For families with little ones, La Esmeralda is a top pick in the area. Aside from babysitting services, Kids Zone is a super tricked-out kids' club. Kids between the ages of 1 and 4 stay with supervised babysitters in an indoor room stocked with toys and activities. Slightly older kids can participate in the all-day dance parties, have their faces painted, or get pedicures. There's also a special area for teens, complete with a pool table, air hockey, and reading material. Staff put on family-friendly evening entertainment with dancing and singing.