Discover A Stash of Surprising Treasures On Playa del Carmen’s Most Beautiful Street
03-01-2024
Arguably the most scenic and romantic street in Playa del Carmen, Calle 38 flaunts a host of noteworthy gems. Not only is it lined with lush jungle foliage, but also, it leads to one of the most striking white sand beaches in the city— Playa Shangri-La. While 5th Avenue, the city’s main tourist hub, is our most popular street, Calle 38 is a sequestered treasure worth exploring! Here is a list of 9 highlights that we recommend visiting when you’re in town.
La Piola
(Open daily from 12pm to 11:45pm)
Starting from 5th Avenue and heading east towards the sea, you’ll find the Italian hotspot, La Piola. Famous for their basil martinis and brick oven pizzas, this upbeat eatery has the ideal space for groups and families. Besides their savory pizzas, you can choose from homemade gnocchi and grilled steak to salads and mouth-watering panna cotta.
Furthermore, whether you’re in the mood for an afternoon happy hour with a friend or a romantic evening out with a dewy-eyed date, their wine with cheese platters are divine.
La Cueva del Chango
(Open daily from 8am to 10:30pm
except Sundays, closed at 2pm)
‘The Monkey’s Cave’ has been a longstanding fixture in Playa del Carmen and remains one of the top brunch spots in the city. Sink your teeth into delicious Mexican plates including sopes, chilaquiles, and excellent enchiladas. Their house juice selections are blends of local ingredients such as chaya and passion fruit.
Their poblano cream soup is perfect for a rainy day. In addition, there is a long list of inventive vegan options. For example, the pumpkin seed and tomato dip with yuca chips is a must as is the nopal cactus dish served over rice with a flavorful chile pasilla sauce.
Although it is a popular place with both locals and visitors,there is abundant seating on their 2 open-air patios. Also, in the heart of La Cueva is a covered dining room featuring gorgeous stained glass details and a serene koi pond with turtles.
Amate 38
(Open daily from 8:00am to 10:30pm,
closed at 2pm on Sundays)
Photo courtesy of Amate 38
Since its inception in 2018, Amate 38 has proven itself as a unique treasure in the vast scope of Playa del Carmen restaurants. The menu showcases an interesting variety of cuisine from the Yucatan including tender pork loins bathed in a tomato and chawaik chile sauce. The chaya, and plantain tacos, a wonderful vegan option, are served with a sikil pa’k sauce. Don’t be intimidated by the rare ingredients, your tastebuds will revel the culinary adventure.
Not only is the food worthy of praise, but also the tranquil jungle setting is quite remarkable. Open for breakfast. Lunch, and dinner, Amate 38 does offer a full bar with some of the best cocktails and tropical ambiance in Playa del Carmen.
Trujillos Cantina de Selva
(Open daily from 6pm to 11:45pm)
This upscale cantina is nestled within an exotic, rainforest setting with an impressive bar towering at its center. No matter if it’s a Tuesday or a Saturday night, you’ll always feel welcomed by the lively, social ambiance at this jungle hideaway.
On the menu are typical Playa del Carmen pub-style fare including tostadas and seared tuna with an elegant twist. As well, you can savor creative dishes such as squash tacos and octopus grilled in a wood fire brick oven. Their signature mezcal cocktails are prepared by passionate mixologists and the stylish Caribbean vibe is enhanced by an in-house DJ.
4 Elementos Bistro
(Open daily from 2pm to 11:30pm,
except for Sundays- 9am to 11:30pm)
For a wonderfully unique dining experience, 4 Elementos Bistro has it all! From spectacular fire presentations to exquisite cocktails that look like intriguing science experiments, all of your senses are sure to be delighted.
The lovely wait staff patiently explains each detail of the 4 elements, which are incorporated into every aspect of the entertaining encounter. Drinks are served in extraordinary glassware and Mayan ceremonial events truly elevate the out-of-this-world experience. The tuna tartar is an explosion of tropical flavors, while the tacos and ceviches make the perfect light meal on a sultry, Playa del Carmen evening.
Bric Vacation Rentals Offices
After starting out in a cramped upper suite in the former Bric Hotel back in 2005, we were thrilled to relocate to our new offices on Calle 38 in 2016. Beyond being our operations headquarters, we have been delighted to host happy hours for Bric clients as well as birthday and holiday parties for the staff. Most importantly, it has been a comfortable space to hold meetings with our clients and welcome guests in person.
If you are ever in Playa del Carmen, the team is always in the office Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. If you require assistance on the weekends, guests will be provided with their designated ambassador’s cell numbers. Alternatively, you can reach a BRIC representative via WhatsApp at +52 (984) 134-3131.
The Bric Spa
(Open everyday, hours vary)
Situated adjacent to the Bric Vacation Rentals offices, is the highly rated Bric Spa. Since opening in late 2016, the humble spa has remained #1 on TripAdvisor for Spas & Wellness in Playa del Carmen.
Presenting a menu of rich spa services, the indulgent and therapeutic treatments never fail to melt your stress away and revive your spirit. What’s more, all of the ingredients used in their rejuvenating and healing elixirs are organic, with the majority being locally sourced.
The list of purifying and relaxing services range from facials to massages to holistic treatments. Moreover, the divine day spa offers packages and monthly specials for visitors and locals alike. Undoubtedly, every thoughtful detail, from the infused water and vegan chocolates to the delicate aromas, creates a 5-star experience.
For appointments, call +52 (984) 113-7861, email spa@thebrichotel.com, or visit www.bricspa.com. The Bric Spa team is passionate about wellness and has mastered the art of pampering. It is no wonder it is awarded a Travelers Choice year after year.
Luma Taverna del Mar
(Open daily from 4pm to 11pm)
Almost next door to Bric Vacation Rentals, sits one of our favorite Italian-Mediterranean fusion eateries, Luma Taverna del Mar. Chef Stefano has expertly curated succulent dishes in Playa del Carmen for nearly two decades. In addition to magnificent seafood, gourmet selections include fresh pastas, beef fillets, slow cooked lamb, and risotto. Of course, you will also discover an array of delectable desserts to choose from such as tiramisu and cannoli.
Not only is the cuisine impeccable, but also the ambience and service are stellar. No matter what the occasion, when you dine at Luma Taverna del Mar, the experience is exceptional.
Playa Shangri-La
After you’ve meandered down the picturesque street to Luma, there is only one final treasure that awaits— the beach! Playa Shangri-La is the pot of gold at the end of the majestic rainbow that is Calle 38. It is here that the Caribbean kisses the white sand shoreline and beach goers soak up the sun.
Conveniently, there is an OXXO store on the corner before the beach, where you can buy snacks and drinks, including alcoholic beverages. Umbrellas are typically available for rent, but most people are happy on the sand with a beach chair or towels.
Whether or not you are an early riser, the sunrises here are worth getting up for. In fact, when you stay at Casa Soleada or Pueblito Escondido 316, you are mere steps from this breathtaking beach.
So if ever you come to Playa del Carmen, you have 2 perfect rental choices to consider, and a bounty of wonderful gems to explore on Calle 38. Also, please stop by the BRIC offices to say hello. We’d love to welcome you and offer any assistance we can in making your vacation unforgettable!