Staying at the Reef Playacar Resort
Where the Beach, Villas, and Foliage Meet on the Mayan Riviera
Aug 4, 2008
Lobby
The lobby is the only area of the Reef Playacar Resort grounds reminiscent of a hotel. A rough cut wooden floor flows through the lobby between polished stone floors leading vacationers past the check in area into the immaculately manicured inner sanctuary.
Grounds
Exiting the lobby building a bridge passes near a wall covered with broad-leafed vines and over a ledge that trickles water into a small pond. This area sets a relaxing, peaceful mood that permeates the resort as patrons stroll down the path to their villas. The foliage is as thick as the Yucatan forests. A deck with several trees rising up through the planks seems to float on the foliage over a ravine. A stone statue mimics the nearby Mayan ruins. At the end of the path the foliage falls away to reveal the pools, palm trees, and the beach.
Villas
The stucco walls and faux thatch roofed villas stand no taller that the trees surrounding them. Each structure is three stories with 10-12 units. The average unit has either a king bed or two double beds, a sitting area, large closet, bathroom, and balcony. The honeymoon suites have a larger sitting area and a spacious balcony facing the ocean.
Pools
There are two swimming pools separated by three tiers of sand filled with lounge chairs and outdoor beds with canopies and curtains. The upper pool has a swim up bar with a thatched roof. Soda, beer, mixed drinks and frozen concoctions flow. The lower pool is adjacent to the buffet dinning facility. Organized sports occur in this pool 2-3 times a day, ranging from water volleyball to water polo. Even when these events are in progress there is plenty of room for those not participating to cool off.
Beach
Two more sandy tiers down from the lower pool is the beach. The Reef has approximately 200 meters of white sand beach front. The water is crystal clear in the morning but tends to get cloudy as the beach goers frolic throughout the day. The large sand bags that sit thirty yards off shore attribute to the cloudiness, but without the sand bags the beach would be washed to sea like so many other resorts without them. The sand bags have two more benefits. First, the water at the shore is calmer so small children can safely enjoy the sea. Second, they provide an artificial reef which attracts many colorful fish to watch while snorkeling.
Activities
During the day the sea dominates. Snorkeling, scuba diving, sea kayaking, and water craft are just a few of the activities available. At night there are shows in the theater above the lobby. There is no need to leave the Reef but if there is a desire to see more of Mexico, tours packages are available to a variety of attractions, including one of the seven modern wonders of the world, the ruins at Chichen Itza.
Dinning Facilities
All food and drink are included. To fuel the fun there is a large buffet style dinning area, two restaurants, and a snack bar. The buffet is open aired under a thatched roof. It serves three meals a day consisting of a fruit and salad bar and three grill areas that serve a variety of foods with a Mexican flare. The snack bar is accessible from the pools and beach for lunch and afternoon snacks. No reason to go hungry here. When guests desire a more formal evening meal, the Mexican and Italian restaurants are available with reservations.
Summary
The Reef Playacar offers a unique atmosphere on the Mayan Riviera. The grounds are inviting and the staff is attentive. Vacationers from all corners of the globe add to the the already exciting atmosphere. The outdoors is accentuated to the point that vacationers will spend almost no time in their rooms.
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