Located 45 minutes south of Cancun's airport is the beach town of Playa del Carmen, the fastest growing destination in the state of Quintana Roo. Just a few years ago, this former fishing hamlet served merely as a springboard for visitors taking the ferry to Cozumel. But as more and more  ferry-bound travelers lingered to enjoy its Caribbean beaches and rustic charms, the town came into its own as a resort destination.

Luxury cruise ships which regularly dock offshore add to the ever greater number of travelers who visit each year from the United States and Canada, as well as Europe, especially Germany and Italy.

"Playa," as it is called by locals, is growing by leaps and  bounds, but still preserves a certain small-town charm and bohemian following.

The beaches are Playa's main attraction, especially the more isolated stretches north and south of town. If you decide to explore them, leave  anything of value in your hotel; sunbathers have been known to have their belongings pilfered from their beach towels.

A Playa-based ecotourism outfit, Altournative, offers  expeditions to surrounding attractions, including rappeling or diving in nearby cenotes, and visits to local Mayan communities.

Hotels in Playa tend to be small, chic yet rustic establishments with palm-thatched roofs. The larger hotels are located in Playacar, the residential/resort development south of the  ferry dock.

Playacar is home to the Playacar Golf Club, with an 18-hole  course designed by Robert von Hagge that is open to the public, and Xaman-Ha, a  lovely refuge for guacamayas, parrots, pelicans, toucans and pink flamingos; the birds are not caged and roam about the park freely.

Playa del Carmen's main strip, Avenida 5 (called Quinta Avenida  or Fifth Avenue), is flanked by numerous sidewalk restaurants interspersed with stores carrying handicrafts, myriad brands of tequila, amber and silver jewelry,  and other items made in Mexico. You can also find a variety of handmade goods  from neighboring Guatemala, as well as casual resort clothes, and even fine cigars.