Our Favorite Beach Escape in Yucatan: Playa 55
Originally shared on the late blog Stranded on Land
Modern and global, Playa 55 Beach Escape stands out on the turquoise beach line adjacent to the Biosphere Reserve of Celestun in Yucatan, Mexico. With a real passion for authentic exploration, owners Jess and Nicholas created their dream guest house and escape at the footsteps of this rarely explored gem in the Gulf of Mexico, to share their personal discovery of the local magic with the world. Mostly known and visited by the locals of Yucatan, Celestun is not for every traveler but rather a place for those interested in immersing the self into the realness of Mexican coastal culture which invites to keep things slow, genuine, and connected to nature.
Playa 55 has a charm that is hard to pin down into words. Every detail has been carefully and lovingly designed, curated, and finished by the dream team couple who renovated the property to give it the new life it breathes. With a conscious approach to construction and design, the renewed hotel becomes a collection of tastefully custom made and “found” details. Each decorative accent has a story, every corner a unique feel, and every space radiates the relaxation one seeks in a beach escape. Continue reading to dive deeper into each of the areas of what has become one of our favorite places to relax and let it all go.
The Rooms
Comfort and Minimalist Luxury: Enter your private escape space. It is exactly what you wish for, coffee included. Cozy beds and linens, a locally made traditional Yucatecan hammock, Acapulco chairs, a small living area, and a big sliding window door to your own balcony. And beyond, the views of the ocean that will stop your breath sunrise to sunrise. The harmony of the decor, the views, and the breeze, together embrace you to feel at home.
Here, furniture and art collide with originality. Each custom or curated piece has a story, and if you are curious just ask Jess or Nicholas about it, they will be happy to share with you. During our stay, we had trouble deciding between staying in or going out just from the peace we felt in our room. Of course, we ended up doing a mix of it all, but be warned, one weekend was not enough for us to enjoy this place as much as we would’ve liked to.
The Pool
The perfect place to clear your mind, kick back and just let go. We are not going to lie, we saw the pool and right after we dropped our bags, swapped our clothes for swimwear and headed right down to it. What a way to decompress from the road!
Consider that you are staying at a boutique guesthouse with only 9 rooms. This isn’t a pool you’ll ever find too crowded. The experience of privacy at Playa 55 truly shines through this wide open, yet intimate space. The beautiful touch of color and feel from the carefully placed Acapulco chairs along the poolside add that je ne sais quoi to the experience. This is an area where you’ll want to spend entire days.
The Beach
Every day is a beach day at Playa 55 and Celestun. Lounge by the modern oceanfront cabana with a book, or hop on one of Playa’s paddle boards and explore beyond the shore – you’ll never believe what you might find. Our favorite part: the beach vendors who’ll pass by offering traditional Mexican treats. We recommend you try them all, but please remember to Leave No Trace.
The Rooftop
Nothing inspires tranquility as a sunset viewed from above. Add a Coronita, and you’ll be complete.
The space is just minimal enough to leave your mind open and ready for the canvas of the Yucatan sky, which with the clock will fire up and create the most fascinating textures, shapes, and colors for your sensorial delight. Add the good company of Jess and Nicolas, and your evening will be one to remember.
By The Fire
Nightly, or upon request, Jess and Nicolas will light up their beautifully designed fire ring. Head down to the main patio after sunset to continue to share stories, decompress from the daytime activities, or to simply enjoy the warmth of a night time fire with friends.
VENTURING OUT IN YUCATAN?
CHECK OUT OUR GET OUTSIDE GUIDE TO THE MANGROVES OF DZINITUN
CONTENT AND IMAGES COMPLIMENTS OF GABACCIA AND ROBERTO FLORES, EDITED BY STRANDED ON LAND.
