To be published in an upcoming issue of Entree Travel Newsletter.

There have been conversations amongst our staff members about holiday vacations.  Some of us argue that it’s too chaotic – flights are expensive, airports are jammed, the weather unpredictable.  Others insist that, hey, what better time to escape than the most stressful time of the year?

While family routines vary, Thanksgiving seemed like the most reasonable time to schedule a getaway, always on a Thursday – perfect for an extended weekend trip. This year, we decided to head to Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, to soak up some rays and take part in the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival.

Trading your turkey for tequila may seem insane at first, especially if you’re used to a big family dinner, pumpkin beer and football.  Yet when we arrived at Mahekal, a palapa-style resort on the northern edge of Playa, and experienced a room that was intentionally without a phone, television or Internet connection, we began to see what a true getaway the weekend would be. The palapas were either split level or individual, each with its own personal porch and hammocks.  We’d recommend the Deluxe Beachfront Casita with a private plunge pool and ocean-view terrace.

In no shape or form are we jazz experts, which made the idea of a four-day festival a bit intimidating.  That said, the show is free, so there is no commitment of purchasing tickets.  Go for an hour or stay all night, your choice.  The stage is set up in the sand and you can bring your own chairs and blankets (and wine).  The crowd was relaxed yet festive, and the moon rising over the ocean didn’t hurt the mood one bit.  We were impressed by the músicos americanos: Mike Stern and Dave Wecki.

Once you’re hungry, don’t succumb to the scents of fried food – the festival is not more than a five-minute walk from downtown Playa Del Carmen and its European-style promenade and restaurants.  We sat outside for a mezcal along the strip after the show one evening and watched the nighttime crowds pass before returning to Mahekal to spend what was left of the warm night stretched out in the hammock.

The next day we rented a car and drove south to Tulum, the only Mayan ruins that rest on the coast.  It’s truly a beautiful place, one definitely worth seeing for the aesthetics alone.  Later that day we continued on to the ruins at Coba, which is about an hour inland.  Coba contains larger ruins than Tulum, but as mentioned, Tulum’s scenery is unmatched.  Both are nice adventures – just don’t expect Chichen Itza.

An afternoon on the soft-sand beaches of Mahekal was much deserved after a long morning in the hot sun.  Those seeking a more active schedule can take advantage of the abundance of snorkeling, boating and scuba options. Rooms starting at 177.75/night (396.75/night for the Deluxe Beachfront Casita). Mahekal Beach Resort. Calle 38, Entre Avenida 5ª y Zona Federal Maritima, Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico 77710. Call 877-235-4452 or visit http://www.mahekalplaya.com.

Additional Photos: