BPM Festival: Bigger Than Ever

Posted on December 31, 2015 by Thomas Lloyd

With the arrival of the New Year in Playa del Carmen comes one exciting event that attracts thousands of electronic music lovers: the BPM Festival. For the ninth occasion since its launch, this unique electronic music festival returns to the Riviera Maya with a fantastic line up and a lot of promise.

Founded in 2008, the festival has grown into an international gathering of DJs and electronic dance music fans. The festival not only offers an amazing dance music experience, but it also puts you in the perfect winter getaway destination in the picturesque Caribbean coastline.

photo bpm-festival-beach_zpssie8v8pa.jpg

The festival runs for ten days straight with a one-of-a-kind musical program full of amazing events and a total of 375 international artists present. According to their website, over 60,000 people from 60 different countries attended the festival last year, and with their ever growing worldwide presence, that number is sure to keep increasing. The festival puts Cancun and Las Vegas to shame.

photo BPM_zpsggmkxyd1.jpg

The BPM festival puts you in the scenic Riviera Maya where you can also enjoy wonderful touristic recreational activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, visiting ancient Mayan ruins and absorbing the breathtaking natural landscapes of the region. It is the perfect way to kick off the New Year – there is no stopping the party.

Artists such as Yoshitoshi, Luciano & Friends, This is the End and Vatos Locos will be playing for the crowds from January 8^th to January 17^th.Blue Parrot Beach Club, Canibal Royal, La Santanera, Jungle, Tribeca, La Salsanera, Wah Wah Beach Club and Martina Beach Club will be the official festival venues this year. Tickets can be purchased directly through the BPM Festival website, although only 10-day passes are now available for $929.99 USD.

photo bpm20120103sci-tec-bsk_zpsxmjvf8ak.jpg

Thinking of the Riviera Maya

The BPM Festival is an eco-friendly, green festival. This is something to highlight due to the amount of effort put into the conservation of the Riviera Maya’s ecosystems and nature. Attendees are asked to lend a hand in the keeping of the beaches and venues by picking up after themselves. “Green Team Stations” will be installed in all their venues to facilitate recycling. In 2015, they collected 185 tons of non-recyclable waste and 4,755 kg of recyclables.

Additionally, this year they are introducing a new BPM crest which spotlights the Black Jaguar (or panther) in an effort to raise awareness of its endangered status.

Join the thousands of artists, music fans, tourists and locals for a 10-day festival in paradise. The BPM has been successful since 2008 and plans on continuing its expansion putting the Riviera Maya in the world’s spotlight.

Top Mexico Real Estate can help you find your holiday accommodation for the BPM Festival. Contact one of our Top Buyer Representatives who will gladly guide you through the purchasing in Playa del Carmen, the Riviera Maya, or all of Mexico.

And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate…

We Make It Happen!

Grand Opening of La Memorable

Posted on October 14, 2015 by Thomas Lloyd

Friday October 9, 2015 saw the grand opening La Memorable, a new food market located next to the Grand Hyatt Hotel. Located on the corner of 1st avenue and 26th, this is the third food market to open in Playa del Carmen and this night was dedicated to giving the residents of Playa a taste of what they have to offer. With a DJ and live band providing the soundtrack to an evening that gradually built in attendance, guests eventually filled the market and enjoyed the free samplings of wine and food. Juggling clowns and various street performers added to the entertainment ambience.

photo DSC00354_zpsk4kl8o6i.jpg

Below you will see a photo gallery that not only captures the evening’s action but also also serves as an intro to the many shops that you will find when you arrive and explore for yourself.

Upon first entering the food market you will come across the Gonzalez artisanal beer bar. There is only Mexican beer sold here, with seventeen on tap and 21 different bottled beers. The prices for beer begins at 35 pesos and goes up to 100 pesos. If beer is not your drink of choice then there´s a full alcohol bar available as well. The bar´s location makes it an ideal place to sit and watch the people on the street but also is a good place to expand your palate of beers.

If you are a wine lover then head over to the Ensenada wine bar. It only features Mexican wines. and is the perfect place for business meetings or enjoying a drink after a day of work. Prices are very reasonable at about 90-140 pesos a glass, with bottles selling for between 300-1000. If you’re interested in something a little different, try picking up a bottle from the Paladar De Mezcal store. There is not a lot of mezcal sold in Playa, so grab some for yourself or as a souvenir. They have a great selection that includes flavors such as mango and tamarind, and you can also order from their special cocktail menu.

If you’re hungry and looking for something to eat head over to the Oye Carino seafood restaurant, a place where you can select your own fish for your meal or just have fish tacos. If you prefer a traditional Mexican taqueria then head to the back of the market where you will find Taco Taco, featuring a wide array of Mexican tacos.

photo DSC00368_zpsfynhw0xy.jpg

For dessert try the El Socio candy store, perfect for the kids and people with a sweet tooth, then wind things off with a trip to Sabor Illegal, the place to go for specialty cigars from Cuba and all over.

photo DSC00422_zpsewxlcwn1.jpg See for yourself why this was a such big attraction to the residents of Playa. La Memorable is now open so drop by and enjoy for yourself!

Top Mexico Real Estate is your source for information about life and culture in Mexico. Let us show you what is like here, and what you will be enjoying when you begin your adventure as a property owner in the paradise of the Mayan Riviera.

And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate…

We Make It Happen!

Mexican Independence Day: Celebrating Like a True Mexican

Posted on September 15, 2015 by Thomas Lloyd

We all know that part of being an expert expat is to engage in the country’s culture and traditions. Luckily, you’ve chosen a country that lacks nothing in those areas. Mexico is a country rich in culture, heritage, gastronomy and traditions, and if you’ve been paying attention, you’ll know that September 15^th is Mexican Independence Day celebration.

photo Viva mexico_zpsjuo65uda.jpg

Although Mexico is going through some political and economical rough patches, the spirit of the Mexicans is hard to shoot down. Many citizens will engage in el Grito in the traditional way (by watching the President give the speech on television), others will engage in the fun live with tequila in hand yelling the cry of independence from Spain.

Traditionally, Mexicans will prepare chiles en nogada, pozole and nopales, amongst other Mexican delicacies that will leave you drooling and wanting more. If you can’t wait to be a real Mexicano, here are some places where to celebrate Mexiacn Independence Day with your fellow Mexican friends…and make sure you clear your throat, because you’ll be screaming “Viva Mexico!” all night long.

Mexican Restaurants

Well, this was an obvious one! Traditional Mexican restaurants throughout the Riviera Maya are ready to serve some gourmet, top of the line, and absolutely delicious Mexican dishes to anyone visiting them. With the amount of restaurants available throughout Playa del Carmen, you are sure to find somewhere to try a delicious pozole accompanied by a tequila shot. You can either choose one of the many options down 5^th Avenue (although you should probably have a reservation), or try your luck at the smaller, more local restaurants off the touristy path.

photo mexican-independence_zpsizplcvhr.jpg

Stroll through Playa’s Main Plaza

If you’re just out going for a walk, make sure you walk by the main square, Plaza 28 de Julio, where the City Hall is lit up in green, white and red, as well as decorated with sculptures made of lights. If you want to live the full experience, hang around. At 11 the Municipal President, Mauricio Gongora, will come out to the balcony and give the traditional Grito speech…after everyone screams “Viva Mexico!” three times, fireworks will go off, Gongora will ring a bell and everyone will celebrate in unison. To top it off, popular norteño band, Los Tigres del Norte, will be performing completely free! There will also be stalls with food and drinks to go around. Celebrate Mexican Independence Day with other,.

photo palacio-municipal-patrias.jpg

Celebrate in Xoximilco (or any Xcaret park!)

Xcaret parks go all out when it’s about celebrating traditions (seriously, look into attending the park for Day of the Dead!). The Independence Day celebration is no exception to this rule, and Xoximilco, their newest park, is where the party will be. Tequila, beer, traditional Mexican food, mariachis, music, dancing, and El Grito…need I say more?

Bahía Principe Residential & Resort Celebration

We’re sure Bahía Príncipe won’t be the only resort celebrating Independence Day, but it sure knows how to throw a party. The hotel is already quite traditional, built as a hacienda, and their full-day program involves exhibition, dances, performances, food, drinks, and the traditional Grito accompanied by a fireworks display. If you’re already a guest at the hotel, no need to go out to find anything else, you will find it all within!

12^th Street

Mexicans love any good reason to celebrate, even if it’s on a Tuesday (Wednesday might be a slow business day). If you’re eager to keep drinking tequila, beer and other traditional Mexican drinks after giving el Grito, head over to 12^th street and hop into any of the many clubs and bars available. They will be playing traditional Mexican music while all tourists and locals keep screaming the words we all love to hear.

If all else fails, you can always head over to Pozoles Doña Olga the next day (or any day of the year) for a delicious pozole made by true Mexican hands. Are you ready to give El Grito de Dolores? We sure are! Don’t forget to dress up in traditional Mexican colors and to be ready to see Mexicans celebrate like there is no tomorrow.

Top Mexico Real Estate is a proud American-owned real estate company, leader in its field in the Riviera Maya. If you are looking to become one true Mexican during these festive dates, make sure you check out our array of real estate options. If you have any questions, please contact one of our Top Mexico Buyers’ Representatives who will gladly guide you through the process of becoming a homeowner in Mexico.

And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate…

We Make It Happen!

Celebrating Canada Day in Playa del Carmen

Posted on July 2, 2015 by Thomas Lloyd

Yesterday was Canada Day and Canadian expats, tourists and non-Canadians alike gathered at the Blue Parrot beachfront bar to celebrate! For those non-Canadians thinking to themselves… What is Canada day? Well, Canada day is the national day of Canada, celebrating the anniversary of the July 1, 1867 enactment of the British North America Act (today called the Constitution Act), which united three colonies, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and the United Province of Canada into a single country called Canada.

So happy 148th birthday Canada!

You might be asking yourself, why celebrate Canada Day in Playa del Carmen?

The Playa Time wrote that, “Mexico is the second most popular destination for Canadians, attracting 25,000 snowbirds every year. Approximately two million Canadian tourists came to Mexico last year, and around 50,000 Canadian Mennonites live in Mexico out of which 25,000 have dual citizenship.”

photo Canada Day 2_zpsxfayjyh3.jpg

Playa del Carmen is home to people from all over the world and has a large Canadian expat community. From year round retires to those just wanting to escape the winter cold and enjoy some fun in the sun. But no matter how long one has been living in Playa del Carmen… you can’t take Canada out of a Canadian. Their Canadian pride runs through and through. This was evident by all the folks that came out yesterday to enjoy the festivities, have a taste of home and celebrate Canada Day in Playa del Carmen.

photo Canada Day_zpsxptrwbdd.jpg

The Canada Day celebration was sponsored by The Playa Times which is owned and operated by a Canadian citizen who wanted to bring this festivity to the local Canadian expat community. The guests enjoyed a barbecue cookout with Canadian specialties such as poutine (French fries smothered in a rich brown grave and topped with homemade cheese curds what took a whole day to perfect) and Canadian sausage… all which were enjoyed by the participants! Additionally, a live band was covering popular Canadian artists throughout the event along with carnival games and other activity to entertain the kids. Fun was definitely had by all.

photo Canada Day 4_zpsffhgm0ru.jpg Not being from Canada myself, by the end of the party I was feeling the true Canadian spirit and felt truly welcomed into the Canadian family. I felt the urge to belt out a verse from, “O Canada! Our home and native land!”… but don’t worry I held myself back.

So fear not, there is no need to miss out on native nationality celebrations in Playa del Carmen as there is a huge expat community. Yesterday many Canadian expats, Canadian tourists and non-Canadians alike gathered to celebrate the “Canuck” spirit in the Mexican Caribbean. Canada Day, what a wonderful holiday.