Some of us are simply warm weather people and although the sight of the Fall leaves changing color is quite picturesque it also is mildly depressing as the reality sets in that the 72 degree evening dinners at 8pm are gone for the next six months. It leads many of us to search for warmer pastures and to find some viable alternative to get us through the “dog days of Fall”. Now obviously when it’s Fall or Winter in one part of the world the skies are clear and weather is warm somewhere else, but most of us don’t have the time to take a trip ‘down under’ this time of year, there is a constant quest to find something a little closer to home that might fill the void, get you ready for the craziness that is the holiday season, and hold you over until Summer comes back around. We want to let you in on one of the best kept secrets that is easily accessible from many places that will check all of the needs off your list while not taking you too far away that you can’t get back into the swing of things. For the quick one week getaway we suggest Playa Del Carmen Mexico.

Located about 45 minutes outside of Cancun, Playa del Carmen is a straight shot down the 307 highway but it will seem like hours away from the “Spring break” like atmosphere of Cancun. The subtle beauty of the beach resorts will definitely let you know you are away from home. The water is blue, clear, and warm, and so are evenings so if you’re looking to recapture some those evening meals outside, this is a great place to do it.

Our first trip down The Carmen was in November and we couldn’t believe how much like Summer it was. Just over 82 degrees in the day time and still warm enough to wear only a tee shirt at night. We stayed at a place Shangri La Caribe, an all-inclusive resort where the steps from our room ended in the sand along the beach but with the bedrooms on the second floor we slept with the windows open and woke to one of the most picturesque sites each morning. Ironically, when we back looking to relive the experience we discovered that the Shangri La Caribe had been renovated and was now the Mahekal Beach Resort (translates to Magical Beach)  but it had all of the same amenities and charm but stepped its game up a bit to be in line with the 4-star resorts along the shore. If you have the opportunity you can’t go wrong with this spot. It now has two large pools, three restaurants, sits right on the beach, and has family amenities like laundry service. So if you’re more looking for a laid back, pampered, getaway that’s different than the rave that takes place 45 minutes up the highway, this will work.