Ideas for Rainy Days

“There’s no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing…– Billy Connelly

As we all know Playa del Carmen is known for its beautiful white beaches and sunny days. But with the recent storms and with the promise of more upcoming rain a question arises: what is there to do in Playa del Carmen when you can’t be outside? Surprisingly Playa del Carmen still has a lot to offer.

Here in Playa del Carmen there is a number of malls that may not be as big as you are used to in the United States or Canada but are great for an enjoyable way to pass a rainy day.

One of the main malls is Plaza Las Americas, located north of Playa del Carmen has many department stores, a grocery store, Sears and even a Sally’s. For entertainment Plaza Las Americas has a 12 theater cinema with many movies in English to choose from and a small casino and video arcade.

Closer to the center of Playa del Carmen on the highway towards Tulum you will find the Centro Maya mall, this mall is quite small but it does have Mexican known stores, a grocery store and a cinema next to the food court that shows movies in both English and Spanish.

If you are feeling brave and think you can make it shop to shop through the showers the Fifth Avenue has 2 malls, the newest is La Quinta. This 3 level modern mall (partially outdoor) has many well-known shops that include American Eagle, Forever 21, Victoria Secret and brand sport shops plus more.

The second shopping area on the Fifth Avenue, Paseo del Carmen is at the entrance of Playacar Phase 1, the south end of the Fifth Avenue. At this open air mall all of the department stores are next to each other if do need to make a mad dash between showers to get to the next store. This quaint shopping area carries on the cobblestone pavement and is the home to many stores for all ages such as Zara, Diesel, Ultrafemme, jewelry stores and even a Harley Davidson shop.

If you are not in the mood for shopping and the storm has settled why not head to beach with your favorite Starbucks coffee for some easy exercise to listen to the roaring waves come in. While you out for your leisurely stroll you will see many surfers on the beach. As you know this is a highly unusual sighting for Playa del Carmen and this is the only time you will see people surfing since the water is normally calm, but on these rare occasions when the heavy rain comes it also brings these huge amazing waves that surfers cannot help to take advantage of.

In the end we are very lucky here in Playa del Carmen, we have more sun than we do rain so another option is to simply take advantage of this weather. Stay home guilt free with your feet up and catch up on your favorite TV show, start or finish that book you’ve been meaning to read and listen to the rain against your window enjoying a hot cup of coffee or bowl of soup.

Enjoy your time off!

And remember, at Top Mexico Real Estate…

we make it happen!

Top 5 Places to Get Your “Pizza On” in Playa Del Carmen

When you think of Mexico the first thing that come to mind is beautiful tropical beaches, taco and beer. But there is a lot more to this exotic place then just tacos and beer. Playa del Carmen is a very cosmopolitan city, attracting people from all over the world, bringing their traditional cuisines with them. Playa del Carmen is a foodie’s paradise, a mecca of local and international restaurants. When you are sick of tacos… if that could ever happen, or you just want something different Playa del Carmen has something to suit everybody’s mood. And sometimes your mood just wants a good slice of pizza. Here are the top 5 places to get your pizza on in Playa del Carmen.

La Piola

La Piola is a franchise restaurant with locations worldwide. La Piola is located at the end of Calle 38 in Shangri-La, one of the prettiest areas in Playa del Carmen. This is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. This upscale restaurant has a beautiful terrace beside a natural cenote, creating an unforgettable ambiance. La Piola is the perfect restaurant to spend a nice, relaxing afternoon with friends and family! At La Piola you can expect gourmet Italian pizza cooked in a stone oven and a good wine list to match their delicious food. The prices at La Piola are a bit high, but the delicious food and ambiance is well worth it.

More Information:

La Piola

On the corner of Calle 38 and Avenida 1 Norte

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

(984) 803 4229

www.piola.it

 photo La Piola_zpsq6uvl8zi.jpg

Nino’s Pizza

Nino’s is a favorite spot among the locals in Playa. Nino’s has delicious, thin crust pizza at a cheap price. There are four locations throughout Playa del Carmen but Nino’s is mainly a delivery place. They have a few plastic tables and chairs for dine in guests but the restaurant offer no real ambiance, just good pizza. Their menu items range between 50 pesos for a small cheese pizza to 120 pesos for a large 4 topping pizza. Nino’s is great for parties or to take to the beach for a picnic.

More Information:

Nino’s Pizzeria

Av. 30 between 20 and 22

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo

(984) 803-0646

www.ninospizza.mx

Don Chendo   

There are plenty of pizza joints in Playa del Carmen, but there’s only one Don Chendo! Don Chendo is the only place in Playa del Carmen to get Chicago style deep dish pizza. This Italian eatery offers a traditional Italian atmosphere with red and white checked table cloths, candles and twinkle lights. Don Chendo is all about home cooking, they use only quality fresh ingredients. The prices at Don Chendo’s are reasonable, the staff is so nice and the deep dish pizza is amazing.

More Information:

Don Chendos

Avenida 30 between Calle 24 and 26

Playa del Carmen 77710, Mexico

(984) 803-5950

www.don-chendo.com

 photo Don Chendos_zpsor4flcxo.jpg

Pizzeria 34

Pizzeria 34 has a great combination of quality ingredients at affordable prices. At Pizzeria 34 there is a nice mix of locals and visitors enjoying their hearth baked thin crust pizzas that were cooked in a wood fire oven. Pizzeria 34 has a few tables with a cute atmosphere, but they also offer to go and delivered. They have great reviews on trip adviser and the owner is really friendly. I invite you to discover this little gem and enjoy the unfogetable pizza.

More Information:

Pizzeria 34

Calle 34 between avenida 25 and 30th

Playa del Carmen 77710, Mexico

(984) 109-1850

Pizzeria Mama Mia

Pizzeria Mama Mia is a little store front with a couple of red and white checked tables out front, the atmosphere is nothing to write home about, but they sell delicious pizza by the slice for only around 15 pesos. This Italian pizza joint offers large, 24 sliced square pizzas starting at 165 pesos. Mama Mia offers so many different topping and flavors, there are 35 different combinations, offering something for everyone’s taste.

More Information:

Pizzeria Mama Mia

Calle 2 Norte Between Avenida 10 and 15

Playa del Carmen 77710, Mexico

(984) 803-2316

 photo Mama Mia_zps3yepdfof.jpg

So next time you think of Mexico think of pizza. There are plenty of delicious pizza joints to get your pizza on in Playa del Carmen. Enjoy paradise and enjoy a slice of pizza heaven!