Luke Bryan’s Country Music Festival, Crash My Playa, Returns to Riviera Maya

Kelly Fay

Country music sizzles in the Riviera Maya, especially with Luke Bryan on stage. Now in its third year, Crash My Playa brings country music to Mexico. The event, which is quickly becoming one of the most popular country concert series, allows fans to combine their love of music and travel. From the endless coastal beauty to the five-star all-inclusive host resorts, guests can sing along to their favorite songs under the Mexican sun and beach-front venue Barceló Maya makes it easy to sip your beverage of choice and bask in the tunes.

The intimate setting allows you to feel a closeness to the artists you can’t expect in the states. In addition to Bryan, Blake Shelton was recently announced as the second headliner to rock the beaches at Barceló. Luke Bryan with his “just an average guy appeal” and catchy hits has earned the title of Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year four times, while Blake Shelton has produced 17 consecutive #1 singles with an overall total of 22 #1’s. What’s more is he has been named the CMA’s Male Vocalist of the Year five times and was took Entertainer of the Year in 2012 by. So, you won’t be disappointed by the talent or the setting.

Riviera Maya is a stretch between Cancun and Tulum where gorgeous coastlines meet small towns. Although you can plan to spend the majority of your vacation in the beachside venue, sunbathing on the seashores of Barceló or enjoying the amenities of the various resort hosts, there is a plentiful selection of dining, drinking and accommodation options throughout the enchanting region.

EAT:
Oh Lala! is an international treat in Playa Del Carmen with a good reputation among both locals and travelers. The quaint atmosphere invites guests to stay a while at one of their nine tables throughout the indoor/outdoor establishment. La Cueva Del Chang in English translates to, ‘the monkey cave,’ for obvious reasons. The uniquely designed restaurant has been transformed to resemble a cave placed in a real jungle environment, so diners should share space with bright, overgrown vegetation with food that surpasses the delightful atmosphere. Hartwood Tulum can be found on a jungle road on the coast of Tulum, the sustainable wood-fired restaurant is green-conscious above all else and produces exceptional creations which are nothing short of deliciously fresh, pure and local.

DRINK:
Apasionado, located on the main drag of Playa Del Carmen, is surrounded by various bars but its sophistication stands out among the neighboring watering holes. Known for great scotch and live jazz, visitors can expect a laid back kind-of-time. Alux of Playa Del Carmen is also set in a cave. The dungeon-like atmosphere brings the carouser’s imagination to life while providing impeccable service and satisfying food and drinks. Mezzanine Tulum is a casual beach bar that is known to bring smooth beats to the sand while day drinkers sip on their well-crafted cocktails and relax on oversized bean bags.

STAY:
Revered as one of the most inclusively luxurious resorts, Rosewood Mayakoba is a treasure. Located in the secluded Emerald Jungle, guests can expect to be wowed by the comforts of a first-class spa and classic Mexican cuisine. Banyan Tree Mayakoba gives a splash of Asian culture  and allows you to enjoy a sleek and private pool in your personal villa or a secluded evening massage on the beach. With only nine rooms, Mezzanine Tulum offers a true boutique experience where the guests are accommodated according to their likes. Kiteboarding, cooking classes and scuba diving are a portion of the activities available to guests.

Crash My Playa take places Jan. 19-22, 2017 at The Barceló Maya Resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico. Tickets can be found here.