Author Archives: Bea Lozano

Celebrate Independence Day, Throw a Noche Mexicana!

Posted on by

One of the most exciting national holidays in Mexico is expected on midnight on September 15, to celebrate Mexico’s Independence. On the night of the September 15th, 1810, Miguel Hidalgo a catholic priest rang the bells of his church; calling the population to rise against the Spanish government and fight for independence.

Miguel Hidalgo

This was the beginning of a long and bloody fight that would last over 10 years, as the Independence was finally gained on September 27th, 1821 and wasn’t recognized by the Spanish Kingdom until 1836.

In Mexico this is one of the most important celebrations, every city in the country decorates the streets with flags, lights and other decor to commemorate the heroes that fought for freedom and equality.

Every 15th of September, in every downtown area in every city, town or village in Mexico; people gather in front of the Government Palace. There, the President, governor or mayor repeats the famous words that Miguel Hidalgo used to start the uprising, while waving the flag of Mexico.

After this ceremony, called “El Grito” traditionally there is a popular festival, if there is enough budget there is a firework show afterwards and then a musical show to enliven the fiesta.

Around the Plaza, there is vendors offering Mexican dishes such as quesadillas, gorditas, shredded chicken tacos, mole, tostadas, pozole, chalupas, bunuelos, and many others. There is also the traditional “aguas frescas” or fresh fruit juices, if you attend a private party there might be drinks like tequila, mezcal and pulque.

You might be familiar with the Cinco de Mayo celebrations, and be surprised to see that this is not such a big celebration in Mexico. Actually it is considered a bank holiday, but the fiesta will never reach the height of Independence Day or Revolution Day.

If you want to celebrate Independence Day you can prepare a Fiesta at home. In Mexico this celebrations are called “Noche Mexicana” or “Mexican Night”.

With our expert tips you too can host a Noche Mexicana!

Invite your friends and family: You can use a creative invitation to ask friends and families to join the party. Traditionally people is asked to wear Mexican costumes, there is plenty of ideas on the internet.

Get the right decor: Look for traditional decorations such as palm or charro hats, paper decor and the traditional ponchos.

Do not forget the tequila, pulque and mezcal: To avoid overdoing it, use this spirits in light cocktails, prepare them in big pitchers with ice beforehand and have them ready for your guests. If you want to go for non-alcoholic drinks the traditional aguas frescas in tamarind, jamaica or horchata flavor, for convenience you can find the extracts already made in the supermarket, just add water and ice.

Mexican food: There is plenty of catering services that will provide food like sopes, quesadillas, tacos or tamales. If you want you can also ask your guests to bring a dish to share.

Set the ambiance: The corridos, rancheras, and even the northern bands should be playing in the background. Remember we are celebrating the Independence of Mexico, look for already made playlists on Spotify or other similar online music services. If budget allows it, you can bring a mariachi, trio or banda to play.

If you love Mexican Culture, you must probably will love Hacienda del Rio, a beautiful residential complex located just outside Playa del Carmen. Hacienda del Rio has a traditional Mexican style, with vibrant colors, handmade tiles and many other elements to feel and experience the real Mexico. Here at Top Mexico Real Estate we have plenty of options for those looking for a touch of Mexico in their residences.

Now if you have any question about this or any of the TOP MEXICO REAL ESTATE properties we have listed in Playa Del Carmen, The Riviera Maya or anywhere throughout Mexico, please feel free to contact any of our TOP MEXICO EXPERT SALES TEAM and we will be glad to help you find your very own piece of paradise.

And remember, here at TOP MEXICO REAL ESTATE…

We make it happen!

Dental Tourism – Riviera Maya, Mexico

Posted on by

The Riviera Maya, Mexico is one of the most beautiful and sought after vacation destinations in all the worlds. Whether you are attracted to the white sand beaches and crystal blue waters of the Caribbean, the wonderful Mexican / Caribbean blend of cultures or the hypnotic, tropical vibe, the Riviera Maya is a place that needs to be seen to be believed.

Now at about this time of year, people from the United States, Canada and the world for that matter are beginning the process to making vacation plans for the winter to escape the cold, harsh winters of North America, Europe and Asia. So now, at this time, I would like to introduce to you a new concept in vacation packages that is revolutionizing the industry…

Dental Tourism

photo biodental_zps560b3701.png

Now as I am sure you already know, dental and medical prices are quite simply ‘out of control’ in most places around the world… while quality of the work itself relatively stays the same.
So what gives?

Well according to recent studies, increasing insurance premiums and frivolous lawsuits worldwide have raised the operating cost of doing business to mammoth proportions, forcing many dental practitioners to increase their prices. While some others studies suggest that ‘good ol American greed’ is to blame for the rising cost of dental work.

Whatever the case may be, we do have a solution for you: Dental Bio-Esthetics… accredited, trustworthy and skilled dentistry here in the Riviera Maya!

With state of the art equipment, cutting edge technology and an incredibly skilled and dedicated staff, Dental Bio-Esthetics in Playa del Carmen, headed by Dr. Michelle Spears, DDS (a licensed, practicing and skilled dentist from the United States) is making the dream her dental practice slogan “We can make you smile again” a reality for many people in need.

… And did I mention… at a fraction of the price of all other dental institutes worldwide!

Now, you and your family can have it all: a wonderful and exciting vacation for the whole family and the confident and beautiful smile you always wanted! And all at the same price you would spend for just the dental procedures alone in the United States and Canada.

At Dental Bio-Esthetics, they can craft you a comprehensive treatment plan, coordinate transportation to and from the Dental Bio-Esthetic while in Playa Del Carmen, arrange for transportation to and from the airport and coordinate your flight and hotel arrangements depending on your specific needs and wants.
Dental Bio-Esthetics… “Re-think the dentist chair!”

Now if you have any questions about getting in contact with Dr. Michelle Spears, DDS at Dental Bio-Esthetics here in Playa del Carmen – Riviera Maya, please feel free to email her at
info@dentalbioesthetics.com
or visit her website at www.dentalbioesthetics.com.

See you in Paradise!!!!!!!!

photo dental_zps619e7c41.png

Living in Mexico, Childcare Options

Posted on by

Many clients planning to relocate to Mexico with their families, ask us about childcare arrangements. As working parents, we are happy to share our experiences, hoping to help you find the right option for your family.

You might not be thinking of any childcare services, after all you are moving to Mexico to relax and spend more time with your kids, right? But once your and your family finally settle down, you might want to take that yoga lesson in the morning, or go out for drinks with your friends and find there is no one you trust lo leave your kids with.

Living away from home means you leave behind your family and friends, so you find yourself sitting indoors with your kids going slowly but inexorably mad, wishing you could call for grandma to come and rescue you.

Before this happens to you, know that is plenty of alternatives for childcare, here some of the most popular:


  1. Fulltime Daycare:     There is plenty of daycare centers in the Mayan Riviera area, with services like meals, homework support and extracurricular activities. This is an excellent option for parents that have to work on a regular schedule and some of them cater for children with parents working overnight.
    Daycare centers fees vary, according to the area and services provided, as well as the group size and teacher/student ratio.  Make sure to ask around for recommendations, ask to visit the place to see their daily routines and get a feel of the place. Make sure they have emergency exits, fire extinguishers and First aid equipment and that they have an emergency service and insurance included in their fees.
  2. Daycare by the hour: this is an excellent option if you want to be at home most of the time, but want to have a night out or run errands without your children. This service is offered in limited places and can be bought by the hour or have a prepaid fee and buy a package and use it in a certain amount of time.
    The available activities are limited, these spaces tend to be a big play area, and most of them won’t offer meals or help with homework. Keep in mind that most of these centers have a TV playing continuously, which can add up to your child’s allotted TV time.
    A daycare by the hour won’t have enrolling fees so you can try different ones and see
    which one is the most convenient for you and your children.
  3. School:  If you only need a few more hours to finish your errands or your part-time job, most schools in the area offer of an extended schedule. This means your children will have lunch at school, then homework support and an extracurricular activity of their choosing.
    For younger children, schools offer classes for kids as young as two, starting with maternal (nursery) and the three grades in kindergarten. Schools tend to be more expensive than a childcare center, but they tend to have a stronger curriculum and developmental activities.
    If you have older children this can be a good option for you, since you will have one stop to drop them and pick them up.

  4. Nanny    : Having a nanny has been a wonderful experience for our family, it’s affordable, it’s convenient and you cannot imagine life without them. Taking the kids to take beach? Yes!, Going on a weekend trip? Why not? You’ll find that having an extra pair of hands to help with the kids does wonders. You get to sit and relax, you chew on your meal for the first time since the birth of your first born – nine years ago. If you want to go this route, the easiest way to find a nanny is asking your friends or other mothers with kids. Make sure to ask for references and be sure to be around for the first days or weeks until you and your kids feel at ease with her.

We have tried a mix of all of the above, in different stages of our children’s growth and it has been a fantastic experience. People is really big on families, but go ahead and try different options to see which one is the best for you.

-By Bea Lozano

Livin' Playa video interview