We have a friend who owns property west of Progresso and have visited twice.
We spent time on the beach (which is a coarse tan sand much like So. Cal. sand, IMO). There were very few gringo's and as it was the weekend the restaurant's and beaches were filled with Mexican families having a great time.
The restaurants were very good (we love Yucatecan food!) English not necessarily spoken by servers but we never had any problems getting food.
Progresso was more like a large Pto. Morelos rather than a small Playa.
Enjoy! Be sure to catch the live music every night in Merida. It's fiesta time every day in our experience.
Be sure to search for Roni's trip reports on Merida. Great info on all aspects of Yucatecan life.
http://www.playa.info/playa-del-carm...archid=4965873