Tag Archives: akumal

3 Cool Properties to Book on Airbnb While Visiting the Riviera Maya

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If you want to make your visit an unique and unforgettable experience have a look at these amazing Airbnb properties in the Riviera Maya.

Having an unforgettable holiday starts by choosing the right place to stay. Somewhere you can chill, enjoy and impress your friends with lots of photographs. Airbnb is a popular choice for people wanting to have a more personalized stay, different from the all inclusive hotels.

If you have ever considered this option, we have handpicked some cool properties to stay.

So, have a look at the ideal Airbnb properties for:

The Nature Lover

This property is nestled in the Mayan jungle, minutes away from Akumal. As a result, it will provide with a private haven with easy access to all the attractions in the area. What makes it so special is not only its strong natural elegance, but also the access to your own cenote just steps away.

Nature is to be found everywhere: the jungle, the exotic flowers growing wildly all over will be an unforgettable experience. Also,  the Yucatan Peninsula is home to thousands of colorful birds endemic to the area. You can easily observe these birds from the many open areas in this house.

Airbnb properties in the Riviera Maya

The Tree-Hugger

If you are all into preserving nature, this is the place for you! This property is nestled in Akumal, surrounded by the jungle. In addition, all the buildings are made of superadobe to ensure a cool and quiet building that would withstand hurricanes, earthquakes and other natural disasters.

This property is minutes away from Akumal beach and has easy access to everything the Riviera Maya has to offer.

Airbnb properties in the Riviera Maya

The Beach bum

Everyone likes the beach! If you want to get a room where you can hear the waves and be one with the coast, this might be the ideal location for your beach holiday. This property in Tulum offers a yurt with all modern amenities, and only steps away from the caribbean.

Airbnb properties in the Riviera Maya

So, Which one would you pick? We love them all, and are planning to visit some of them very soon! We would love to hear about you, do you like rustic properties, luxurious, unique? Let us know in the comments section.

Spending a Day at the Beach

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The Riviera Maya has some of the most gorgeous beaches and beautiful turquoise Caribbean water in the world. Spending a day at the beach is like no other place you’d rather be. Hundreds of thousands of visitors, snowbirds and fulltime residents enjoy this wonderful experience on a daily basis.

Places like Tulum, Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen and even the smaller communities like Akumal are privileged to have such breathtaking beaches. Several online publications ranked Tulum on their ‘Top 10’ list as having one of the best beaches in the world. Playa del Carmen is considered one of the most sought out vacation destinations in all of Mexico. Its reputation for having quite a few ideal beach spots is no secret. Ask anyone who frequents this charming town.

Spending a day at the beach

Enjoying a day at the beach is super simple. All you have to do is figure out which way you want to spend it! Tulum, Playa and Akumal to mention just a few have plenty of beach bars and grills. Pull up a lounge chair – hammock, order your favorite beverage and put your toes in the sand. When you need to cool down, take a refreshing dip in the warm tempered Caribbean water at your leisure.

Spending time on the beach is exactly what the doctor ordered!

However, if you want to just relax and enjoy the day, there are plenty of locations to do just that. Set up an umbrella and beach chair, take a cooler packed with snacks and plenty of your favorite beverages and a good book. Don’t forget to take time and people watch in between chapters. Spending time in paradise doing whatever comes to mind is exactly what the doctor ordered.

Being on the beach can offer plenty of opportunities to meet new people and participate in many of the everyday activities. There are absolutely no communication barriers when spending a day on the beach. The young and not so young play Frisbee, kick a soccer ball around, and hacky sack to mention just a few activities. Afterwards, everyone sits down together and enjoy each other’s company.

Spending a day at the beach

Moreover, on many of the Riviera Maya’s beach destinations you can watch windsurfers perform their acrobatic jumps, twist and turns. They glide along the water waiting for the perfect updraft to catch their kite’s broad sail and off they go! You can create your own adventure buy renting a Jet Ski or small sailboat for an hour or two. Beach vendors also offer parasailing, snorkeling and fishing trips upon request.

So what are you waiting for? Don’t let life pass you by without enjoying Mexico’s fabulous Caribbean coastline. Spending a day at the beach offers no limit on what to do, see or experience. Palm trees, sugar fine white sand and tropical sea breezes can be a great way of life.

Best Places to Celebrate Thanksgiving Day in the Riviera Maya

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Thanksgiving has become an increasingly important celebration in the Riviera Maya, as the number of North American visitors keeps growing every year. It does not matter if they are a residents, snow birds or just tourists, they all celebrate Thanksgiving Day and local restaurants are getting ready to serve the best fare of turkey.

There are thousands of restaurants in the Riviera Maya, so how do you find a homey traditional dinner? Top Mexico Real Estate is always looking to provide the most relevant and accurate information, so you can find the best places to have a traditional Thanksgiving dinner in the Riviera Maya.

What do we mean by the best? The most fancy?  The most expensive? The one that pays us a fee to publish their names? No! We are listing the restaurants that have crowds waiting for their dinner, the one that has a fanbase among the local expats, the one that will transport you from the sandy beaches of the Caribbean to whatever home is.

Our top picks for Thanksgiving Day Dinner are:

Wah Wah: Thanksgiving dinner on the beach

Wah Wah is a big favorite, among locals, expats and tourists. This restaurant in Playa del Carmen offers cold drinks nice casual food and live music. If you are looking for a beachfront venue for your dinner, Wah Wah is the place to be.

This year there will be a delicious menu that includes: Turkey, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Cabbage Rolls, Glazed Carrots, Garlic & Butter Squash, Deviled Eggs, Stuffing, Pumpkin Pie, Apple Pie, Fresh Bread, and Cranberry Sauce!

Wah Wah’s  buffet dinner will have a cost of $300 pesos per person, and there is going to be a special 2×1 in Margaritas. The food is going to be served from 4 until 7 in the afternoon.

If you want to have a delicious Thanksgiving dinner here, please contact Wah Wah.

Mom’s Bar: The homey Thanksgiving dinner in the place where everybody will know your name

Mom’s Bar is another popular place to have Thanksgiving dinner, and traditionally they offer a delicious traditional menu. This year, they are having a Thanksgiving buffet dinner on November 23th 2017 at 7:00 P.M.

The buffet will be served only for 60 people, so it is important to make reservations ahead of time. The dinner will cost is $275 pesos per person. However, keep in mind that the menu doesn’t include drinks, therefore you must purchase them separately.

The buffet includes:

  • Oven Roasted Turkey
  • Smoked Ham
  • Mashed Potatoes & Turkey Gravy
  • Stuffing
  • Green Bean Casserole
  • Creamy Cole Slaw
  • Cranberry Sauce with Almonds & Raisins
  • Dinner Rolls & Butter
  • MOM´S Double Chocolate Rum & Almond Cake with Iced Cream

If you want to contact Mom’s Bar and make reservations, visit their facebook page.

Turtle Bay Cafe: A delicious Dinner ready to take home

Turtle Bay is located in Akumal Bay and it is one of the best places in the Riviera Maya. Also,the food is incredible and their pastries are to die for.

The secret of their flavor is using a Mayan technique to cook the turkeys, as they are cooked in an underground oven or pib. This allows the birds to cook at a very slow pace, while retaining all its juices and flavor.

Nonetheless, if catering doesn’t work for you, you can also pick one of the two available times to have dinner at the restaurant.

Here is a menu, if you’d like to have a look:

Thanks for reading our blog and we hope you have an amazing Thanksgiving day. Please let us know if you know about another venue to enjoy Thanksgiving Day. We would love to hear about your plans, and share this information with other readers.

Happy Thanksgiving Day, from the team at Let’s Retire in Mexico!

As a token of our appreciation, we have included a special guide filled with Insider Tips for the Riviera Maya. Click on the link below to download this incredible guide with all the best spots to eat, shop, swim and adventure in the Mexican Caribbean!

 

 

Thriving Ecotourism in The Riviera Maya

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The Riviera Maya is home to one of the fastest growing cities in Latin America: Playa del Carmen. It also hosts millions of international tourists each year, through its abundance of all-inclusive resorts, luxury hotels and strong vacation rental market. There is so much fun to be had in the bustling tourist scene of the Riviera Maya.

Is this all the Riviera Maya has to offer? Or is there another side to this place? Can you find peace and tranquility? Nature that is unobstructed by man? Beautiful places where one can experience and connect with nature? Well yes, you sure can!

The Riviera Maya literally has so much to offer, even a thriving ecotourism scene. Below is a list of the top 6 ecotourism destinations in the Riviera Maya!

  1. Akumal (Turtle Sanctuary)

This hidden treasure is apart of a small community just 39 km from Playa del Carmen, and 105 km from Cancun. Akumal Bay is home to an array of fish, coral, and sea turtles. It’s a true paradise that allows you to be one with nature and swim amongst the sea life.

They have protective measures in place to protect the marine wildlife, especially the sea turtles. Snorkeling tours are great to learn about the habitat and different species that live there. Or, you can bring your own gear and go out on your own. Make sure to wear a life jacket though, they are mandatory to protect the sea floor from diving destruction. An experience like this is truly special, you can learn about the habitat and connect with marine life.

  1. Cancun, MUSA (Museo Subacuático Del Arte)

Another beautiful eco marine zone is, “The Underwater Museum of Art” in Cancun. This place is a true spectacle of the interaction between environmental science and man-made sculptures. The whole museum shows how beautiful and powerful a marine biosystem is, by creating a complex reef structure with thriving marine life. Experience the beauty by glass bottom boat, snorkeling or scuba diving.

  1. Bacalar (Eco Friendly Escape)

The most secluded, non-touristy, eco friendly place is probably Bacalar, also known as “The 7 Color Lagoon.” You wont find all-inclusive giants here. Accommodations consist of eco friendly hotels and resorts. Many of them utilizing alternative energy sources. It’s a beautiful place to take a boat tour of the lagoon to see the colors, wildlife and thriving ecosystem. Or you can simply rent a kayak or paddle board to explore on your own.

  1. Cozumel (Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park)

This national park is located off the coast of Cozumel and is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, which is the second largest coral reef system in the world. The park is home to several species of sea life that are under some degree of protection. It’s an amazing place for avid divers and snorkelers. With the crystal-clear waters far away from shore or any man made structures, it makes for a wonderful and clean experience.

  1. Sian Ka’an Biosphere

This place is fully committed to protecting the area and its fragile ecosystems, being a World Heritage Site and the largest protected area in the Mexican Caribbean. That being said, there are many environmentally friendly tours to bring people into this region’s spectacular wildlife and awe-inspiring Mayan ruins. Here you will be able to find snorkel tours, nature encounters, bird watching, Mayan ruins and fly fishing expeditions.

  1. Isla Holbox

Holbox Island has 21 miles of white sand beaches and is part of the Yum Balam Ecological Reserve. Its a quiet piece of paradise in the north of Quintana Roo and boasts natural beauty through its scenery and wildlife. Here you can experience an array of things, from swimming with whale sharks to bird watching, there is something for everyone.

There you have it, the top 6 ecotourism opportunities in the Riviera Maya. A destination as bustling and busy is this, still has plenty of relaxing and peaceful attractions for the eco-tourist enthusiast.

The Best Destinations in the Riviera Maya

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You have asked, we have listened… Here are our 5 favorite destination spots in the Riviera Maya to retire.

Please read below, as to why we choose these specific places in the Riviera Maya! We hope we made your retirement decisions a little easier for you!

Playa Del Carmen:

We have voted Playa del Carmen as our top best destination spot to retire in the Riviera Maya because it has everything. From miles and miles of white sandy beaches, to Brazilian steak houses and some of the best Mexican cuisines you can find. Most importantly, it is well equipped with fantastic medical care, dentistry needs, among other health care practitioners. Salons for those who like to get freshened up every now and then. Wonderful cafes scattered around the town, with free wireless internet access available to their customers. Playa del Carmen at one point was the fast growing city in Latin America. It is located in the perfect spot. Only 45 minutes away from Cancun International Airport, which is convenient for friends and family to come for a visit. It is also only 20 minutes away from some amazing eco-parks. Akumal and Tulum are only minutes down the highway. If you are looking for a perfect place to retire, Playa del Carmen is highly recommended. You want a gated community, with access to the beach and a common pool area to use on your own time? Well, Top Mexico Real Estate can find you a place that meets all your needs.

Tulum: 

Let’s talk about the beautiful-serene town of Tulum. The distance between Playa del Carmen and Tulum is only 45 minutes and 1.5 hours from Tulum to Cancun. Making it very accessible to reach a bigger city for your different needs. Tulum is famous for their turquoise waters and white sand beaches, but on top of that… their Mayan archaeological site from the 13th century. Tulum’s national park is situated to overlook the beautiful Caribbean Sea. This archaeological site is one of the most fascinating Mayan walled cities in the world. Although Tulum is not as big as Playa del Carmen, it still has all the main necessities you will need such as: Doctors, Grocery Stores, Salons, Restaurants, Beaches and more. The real estate marketing in Tulum is growing every day! This eco-friendly, hippy loving beach town will surely put a smile on your face as long as you are here!

Bacalar:

Bacalar is known for it’s seven color lagoon pictured above. It is located 40 km north of Chetumal, which is the closest big city. Chetumal is where you go if you want to take a boat across to Belize. From Playa del Carmen it takes roughly three hours. Bacalar is one of our top destinations because it is the epitome of pleasure. You feel like you’re in the jungle, mixed with this incredible lagoon. It is a hidden paradise off the beaten path. There is vacant land for sale around the area if you are looking to build.

Akumal:

Have you heard your friends or family members talk about that cool little fishing village, where you can snorkel with large sea turtles for free? Well yes, that would be Akumal! This amazing small town has a great coral reef, where you can see lots of colorful fish, big turtles and other interesting sea creatures. Akumal is only 25 minutes away from Playa del Carmen, making it very easy to commute back and forth when needed. It is a small, beachfront neighborhood in Mexico. There are a lot of North Americans that have property in this area.

Cancun:

Yes, we can’t forget about Cancun. A great city with all the amenities you would ever need. Not many big cities are surrounded by some of the top rated beaches in the world. Not to mention restaurants with world-class chefs, and some of the best shopping in the world. Of course Cancun has a wide selection of medical care and real estate. Being the big city like it is, makes it easier for you to find the best places and necessities for the best price. If you are into golfing, Cancun is a golfers dream. If you like culture and history, Cancun is filled with it. Although it is a big city, it is still enriched with Mayan civilization. Cancun is also known for it’s fishing. There are way too many things to do in Cancun to include everything, but it is definitely a place to enjoy if you like having all your necessities in walking distance from you as well as the beach.

We hope you enjoy one of our top five best destination spots in the Riviera Maya for your retirement, and you see for yourself just how amazing life here in Mexico really is!

 

Weekend Getaway: Akumal Bay

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This weekend, we’re taking a day trip to the gorgeous Akumal Bay, just half an hour south of Playa del Carmen. Never forget that the Riviera Maya is vast, full of hidden (and not so hidden) gems, and it offers a million things to explore. Playa del Carmen doesn’t quite give an idea of everything there is to see. Are you ready? Let’s go!

How to get there

Akumal is located between Tulum and Playa del Carmen, only a 30 minutes drive from both cities, and approximately 1 hour and 20 minute drive south from Cancun. The best way to reach Akumal Bay is by renting a car and driving. However, colectivos (public transport) leave from the central coelctivo station in Playa del Carmen (15th Avenue with 2nd Street) towards Tulum. All you have to do is get on it and ask to stop in Akumal. You should expect to pay between $2 and $3 USD for the ride.

You will be dropped off on the west side of the highway. There is a huge crossing bridge over the highway, which you must cross and you have reached Akumal. If you’re driving, take the Federal Highway 307 heading south and following the signs that read “Akumal”. It is very well signaled and the exit is clearly marked.

Akumal is quite small and parking is limited. There are two small parking lots, however they tend to be quite expensive. Unfortunately, there are no free parking areas in Akumal so be ready to either pay the parking fee or you can park on the Akumal Pueblo side of the town (on the other side of the highway), and cross the highway by foot.

photo akumalbay-1.jpg

Where to stay

Akumal is a very small town with a beautiful bay and a few hotels. Accommodation varies between renting one of the houses or apartments available down the road towards Yal Ku (where you can enjoy Half Moon Bay beach), and staying at one of the hotels available there. Hotels, however, are quite expensive and you can expect to pay no less than $100 USD per night, or even much more. If you are staying in Playa del Carmen or Cancun, Akumal is great for a day-trip, with no need for staying the night.

However, you should consider that if you do stay at one of the hotels you get the added bonus of enjoying beach beds, towels and shade; whereas if you go for the day, none of that is available.

What to do

Akumal means “place of the turtles” in Mayan, and people go there for one thing: sighting sea turtles in their natural habitat. Approximately 40 juvenile sea turtles live in the bay, coming and going as they please, as it is their feeding zone. There are plenty of activities to enjoy in Akumal, but swimming through the bay searching for sea turtles is the main attraction.

You can either rent snorkeling equipment and lifejackets at one of the two diving shops, or take a guided tour. Keep in mind that Akumal Bay is a federally protected area and offenses are taken seriously, so we recommend you hire a guide in order to not break any of the rules (touching or chasing the turtles, standing on the corals, touching the ocean bottom, amongst many others).

After spending about an hour swimming around the bay looking at all the amazing sea creatures (there are plenty of fish, turtles, rays and corals), you can head over to Yal Ku lagoon, just a 5 minute car ride from Akumal, to swim in the gorgeous mixture of fresh and salt water that is home to thousands of colorful fish. This is also a protected area and an entrance fee of $12 USD has to be paid.

photo DSCF3148-1.jpg

For those of you who love fishing or scuba diving, there are plenty of boats taking you out on tours. All you have to do is ask at either one of the dive shops for prices and information. Usually any fish caught can be cooked at one of the restaurants in Akumal. Diving is a favorite activity here as past the reef barrier there is a whole other world underwater.

You can also visit the NGO located in Akumal, which protects the ocean and the nesting turtles. Akumal is a nesting beach and if you visit anytime between May and November you are most likely to be able to take a tour at night with the biologists to see the turtles nesting and watch hatchling releases.

Shopping and eating

It’s clear that Akumal is quite small and there is not much to do but spend the day at the beach. There are a handful of small shops around selling hand-made crafts, paintings and other curiosities. There is also a small market on the basketball court at the entrance selling necklaces, earrings, clothing items, bags, amongst others.

For eating there are three main restaurants to choose from: La Cueva del Pescador, Turtle Bay Café and Lol Ha Restaurant. They all are delicious and vary in cuisine styles, so make sure you choose wisely depending on what you are craving. On the road towards Yal Ku there is another famous restaurant called La Buena Vida with delicious food and an amazing variety of drinks, as well. This restaurant is on Half Moon Bay offering beautiful sights, and even a section with hammocks for relaxing after lunch.

photo DSCF3124-1.jpgRecommendations

Akumal is one of the biggest attractions in the Riviera Maya – not to be overlooked! Although a weekend getaway is perfect in Akumal, if you’re staying in Playa del Carmen, Tulum or Cancun, one day will suffice to visit this gorgeous bay. Here are some recommendations to take into consideration:

Bring cash: there is an ATM in Akumal, but remember that those usually charge hefty commissions. Most restaurants and shops take credit card, but it’s better to be safe and sorry (La Cueva del Pescador is cash only and definitely a great dining option). The small market is also cash only and it’s worth having some money on you to buy anything.

Bring a towel, a hat, sunglasses, your own umbrellas and biodegradable sunscreen. Akumal, as mentioned before, is an ecologically protected area, so it is of utmost importance that no damaging sunscreen is introduced into the ocean. Put on your sunscreen half an hour before you plan on swimming and make sure it’s biodegradable.

There is no beach club in Akumal so you must provide your own towels and shade. There are no beach beds, no umbrellas or anything. People lay their towels down on the sand and sunbathe there, so make sure you’re prepared.

Visit with an open attitude. Sea turtles are free, and they come and go as they wish, and – although unlikely – you may leave Akumal without having seen one. Don’t complain to the tour guides or the locals, as they have no control over them. Have fun, enjoy the beauty of the place and keep an open mind about everything.

Well, one weekend comes after the next, and there are always new adventures and places to discover in the Riviera Maya. So check back next week for a new weekend getaway destination!

Top Mexico Real Estate is an American-owned real estate company catering to American and Canadian people wanting to make the move to the Riviera Maya. If you want to invest in paradise, our Top Buyer Representatives will gladly help you in the search for the perfect location and the perfect home.

And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate…

We Make It Happen!