Playa del Carmen was, until recently, a small settlement popular with backpackers' searching for the ultimate slice of undiscovered paradise. Its pristine beaches, calm azure waters, simple, thatched huts and Mayan ruins stunned them with more beauty than even the most seasoned traveller could hope for. Today, luxury hotel complexes, lively bars, cosmopolitan restaurants and elegant shops have joined the shanty-style dwellings to create an upmarket resort with an air of natural beauty, a touch of Mexican culture and a friendly, bohemian atmosphere.Coco Beach at the far end of Playa del Carmen is a beautiful long stretch of powder with calm seas. Playa Tucan in Playa del Carmen has plenty of facilities including a pool, sunbeds, bar and restaurant. The further north from the resort you travel, the quieter the beaches, and you may even be lucky enough to have a whole one to yourself. Evenings in Playa del Carmen can be a vibrant affair, with music bars, discos, late night restaurants and hotel-based entertainment on offer. Mexicans love their music, and the sounds of the country will follow you as you dance your way from bar to bar.