Deseo

Sexy minimalist hotel with a show-stealing terrace situated at the heart of Playa del Carmen's party scene

This place is a cocktail of sexy ingredients: young and sociable staff, beautiful guests, bright and airy bedrooms, and a fab location overlooking the main party street in Playa del Carmen. And the cherry on top? The awesome outdoor terrace with its cool bar area and swimming pool. If you’re in search of sun, surf and socialising on the Caribbean coast, then this is sex on the beach - shaken, not stirred.

By day, it’s a great place to simply hang out - lazing on an aquamarine daybed and listening to the ambient music that’s piped throughout. When you get restless, go for a dip in the pool, watch the world go by below, or head to the sandy beach 2 blocks away. Just make sure you save your energy, because at night the terrace is party central. By 9pm it’s brimming with young, stylish tourists and cool locals, and the strong cocktails, local DJs and retro movies projected onto the wall keep it buzzing until 1 or 2am. Night owls can then move onto a club, or you can slink back to your chic white room and fall straight into your cosy bed. Perfect!

Highs

• The gorgeous, spacious terrace has a swimming pool and bar
• The staff are fantastically friendly - you'll be on first name terms by the end of your stay
• It's located on the main strip of Playa del Carmen, with ample restaurants, bars and clubs to choose from
• Throughout you'll find funky, pared-down design from the people behind Habita in Mexico City and Deseo's younger sister, Basico

Lows

• Noise at night from the bar and street seeps into your room until the small hours (earplugs are provided but we're talking loud noise)
• There are few communal areas apart from the outside terrace
• Some feel that Playa del Carmen has seen better days
• There's no restaurant at the hotel, but you won't have to wander very far to find a place to eat