Author Archives: Thomas Lloyd

Playa del Carmen: A Great Place to Find a Habit

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Now I know what you’re thinking… and shame on you!  Get your head out of the gutter.

Playa Del Carmen and the entire Riviera Maya in fact, is a great place to pick up a new and exciting habit.  A GOOD HABIT!  Or shall I say… hobby.  With its rich and diverse culture, tropical atmosphere and history-rich location, the Riviera Maya is an exciting and mystical place where one can find themselves immersed in the mystery and mysticism of this ancient and revered landscape.

Here are 3 non-conventional “habits” one can easily pick up here in the Riviera Maya:

  1. Become the next “Indiana Jones”!
    Archeology is a huge part of the life and culture, both past and present, here in the Riviera Maya. From the grand pyramids of Chichen Itza to the majestic sea side landscape of Tulum, one can find out first-hand what attracts and inspires the “Indiana Jones” types and why experiencing century old relic and temples can be so life miraculous.  The awe-inspiring feeling one get when he/she gazes upon a monument that predates most world country’s is one that can’t be described; but must be seen for any aspiring to be the next “Dr. Jones”.
  2. Become the next “Sam Malone” (Cheers, NBC)
    Now once again, get your head out of the gutter, and entertain this!  Like the unforgettable character from the beloved US television series “Cheers”, you too can be the next guy “where everybody knows your name”.  Why not try your hand at becoming and bartender?.  With more bars and nightlife per capita than any other city here in the Riviera Maya, those people with a flare for the exciting, a passion for enjoyment and an ingratiation towards the party lifestyle should try this noble and time honored profession.  Who knows, maybe you’ll turn out to be the next “Sam Malone”… and get as much “action” as he did!
  3. And lastly, become the next “Jacque Cousteau”
    The vast and virtually unexplored underwater ocean frontier is not only rich with life and discovery, but a hot and sought after hobby and profession.  Becoming a scuba instructor, and maybe just getting your scuba dive certification , can not only be fun, but research has shown that those people who work and play in, or near water have longer lifespans and have a reported 10-20 point decrease in overall blood-pressure.  Take a dive… and live longer.  Sounds good to me!

Now if you have any questions or comments about any of these unique and “life extending” hobbies, or would like some information on real estate opportunity’s that can realize these ideas here in
Playa Del Carmen, please don’t hesitate to contact us here at TOP MEXICO REAL ESTATE.

And remember, here at TOP MEXICO REAL ESTATE…

We make it happen!

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Getting around Xcacel – Xcacelito

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What a wonderful day to be at the beach! What about visitingXcacel- Xcacelito?

Close to the small town of Chemuyil, this beach is well known among locals, far away from the crowds and closer to the way mother nature intended beaches to be. Sand, sun and coconut trees welcome you to one of the most secluded beaches in the Mayan Riviera.

Immerse yourself in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, sunbath in the soft white sand and enjoy the sound of the waves and the breeze swaying the coconut trees.

Xcacel-Xcacelito is a nature reserve, it is protected by the federal government since it is one of the most important turtle nesting sites in Mexico and a vast area of mangroves. This reserve is about 362 hectares of pristine jungle, and one of the few beaches without major constructions.

If you go to Xcacel-Xcacelito, it is important to take your own drink and food, as well as chairs, umbrella, icebox or whatever you need. The place is quite basic and it only has a few toilets and showers available, there is no shops nearby so this is a trip you have to plan ahead of time.

Getting to Xcacel can be a little be tricky, it is not signaled on the road. It is located between Pueblo Chemuyil and Xel-Ha. There is a small sign but it is about 3 square feet, so keep your eyes open for a dirt road going to the beach.

There is plenty of things to do: from sunbathing to snorkeling in the nearby reef. Go for a short walk in the jungle and find a cenote with pristine waters or just enjoy the view and nature and relax. We are sure it is going to become one of your favorite places!!

It is important to get there early, since the closing time is enforced by 4:00 p.m. to make sure the turtles feel safe to make their nests on the beach. There is a voluntary donation of 10-20 pesos per person, this money is used to keep the place running.

What are you waiting for? Go ahead and have fun at Xcacel-Xcacelito.

-By Bea Lozano

Playa del Carmen, a Foodie’s Dream

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If you are considering moving or retiring to Playa del Carmen, you will be delighted to discover the wide variety of restaurant options available, with something new to try every day.

Living near 5th avenue or downtown neighborhoods will allow you to step out and experience the lively restaurant scene in Playa del Carmen.

For ex-pats everywhere, being away from our favorite foods is hard. One day you’ll wake up craving a juicy hamburger, BBQ ribs or chili con carne and lucky for you there is places that offer American and Canadian Style food.

Walk on the beach to get to Wah Wah’s, enjoy the view and their cold drinks while trying their BBQ Chicken or BBQ ribs with all the trimmings, They also offer Tex-Mex and traditional Mexican food as well as brick oven pizza and live music in the evening. Maybe you are looking for the kind of bar where everybody knows your name, with comfort food and an American ambiance, then maybe you should try Mom’s with their weekly changing menus and English speaking staff, you’ll forget you are in Mexico.

If you want to experience the “Real” Mexican food, maybe you can take a stroll on 10th or 30th avenues, with their tacos, tortas and tamales stands as well as a variety of local delicacies: sea food, Yucatecan food and many others.

There is also plenty of options for the Vegan or Vegetarian, most restaurants offer vegetarian options and you will find chefs willing to accommodate your requests. For Vegans one of the most popular spots its “La Senda” on 10th avenue, with its traditional mushroom pozole and many others soups, sandwiches and smoothies completely free of animal products. Fruit juices and Fruit cocktails are a Mexican staple, you will find street vendors selling diced fruit with optional lime and chili powder almost in every local park, so fresh fruit is always a good option.

If you are an Italian food lover like myself, you’ll find that the ever growing Italian community in Playa is always opening new restaurants. Local favorites and both located  on 34th street, Al Volo with their homemade pastas and Ciao Pizzeria with their brick oven and delicious pizzas. These restaurants use the freshest ingredients and will charge a fraction of the cost of the restaurants located on 5th avenue.

Playa del Carmen has a growing community of expats from all over the world, this means there is a great variety of restaurants with cuisines from many regions including: Asian, European, Latin American and Mediterranean.

-By Bea Lozano

If you are considering moving or retiring to Mexico, a big part of your new life will be exploring places and finding your own favorites. There is so many choices there is always going to be something new and exciting but little by little you’ll find the spots you can’t live without.

10 Things to do on a rainy day: Riviera Maya Style

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After planning your holiday carefully and making a long list of fun under the sun activities, you find yourself stuck in your hotel. The weather forecast is not looking good and you find yourself wondering if there anything you can do.

Even though the Mayan Riviera is famous for its beaches and many other water activities, a little bit of rain shouldn’t ruin your holiday. So go ahead and find about 10 different activities you can do on a rainy day, Riviera Maya Style.

  1. Chill: After all, that is what holidays are for. Book yourself on a day spa. Spend time in the sauna, get a massage, have a mani-pedi or that body wrap you always wanted and let the staff pamper you.
  2. Get dirty: Book a day at the ATV Park, mud makes things even more fun. The roads are slippery, which makes the experience so much better. We bet you it is going to be an amazing unforgettable experience.
  3. Go underground: It doesn’t matter if it is pouring outside, go ahead and have a tour at an underground river. This is a unique experience that you will never forget!!
  4. Have a private class: There is so many things you can learn, why not try that activity you were always curious about?. Do you want to master a few salsa moves? To try yoga or pilates on a one on one lesson? Learn how to make your favorite Mexican dish?? The options are endless.
  5. Go warrior: Try Gotcha, use your strategy and stamina and defeat your enemies. The rain and slippery floor makes the experience so much more fun!
  6. Have a cultural experience: Visit a museum or art gallery, go to the theater or enjoy a good film.
  7. Try Mexican hot chocolate. Chocolate comes originally from Mexico, where it was considered an aphrodisiac. Cocoa is roasted, grinded with sugar and spices and then added to milk or hot water, you will find it is different to hot cocoa. If you are feeling particularly adventurous have the chocolate with chili, it will blow your mind.
  8. Dive or snorkel: Enjoy the beauty of the reefs and the cenotes, you won’t mind getting wet if you are already under water.
  9. Take a jeep tour to the Sian K’aan Reserve: Two words, mud and 4×4 cars.
  10. Go shopping: try a covered shopping mall, visit the local grocery store or the local market. We are sure you will find something to buy.

Having a god time is all about attitude, do not let a few days of bad weather ruin your holiday. Go around with an open mind and make sure to have fun every single day.

-By Bea Lozano

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Wildlife Wednesday: Bird watching and bird conservation; two of my favorite things about living in Riviera Maya!

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I moved to Playa del Carmen about 10 years ago, since then I have been surrounded by nature and wildlife in a way and an unexpected hobby was born for me while living in Riviera Maya: Bird Watching. I could stay for hours and hours sitting on my terrace to just listen and if I´m lucky enough see a large group of euphonias, hummingbirds and parrots just to name a few.

In fact, bird-watching is a very popular activity throughout the Yucatan Peninsula, with so many different types of our feathered friends. Right here in Playa del Carmen is only a matter of where you are and what you hear to look up and see an entire group flying over the city.

But there are also aviaries, like the one located in Playacar or the recently opened aviary at Xcaret Park but the thing the I love the most about Xcaret is not the fact that there’s a brand new aviary, is actually the fact that wherever you place your sight inside the park, you’ll be able to find a breathtakingly beautiful bird and in some cases, and I kid you not, you are able to touch it.

Bird-Watching and interactive experiences

So, about a year ago there was a lot of buzz in Playa del Carmen regarding a particular conservation program and activities held around it at Xcaret, which was the “Flying Home” program, created to release Scarlet Macaws into their natural habitat in the Chiapas rainforest.

The Scarlet Macaw is an endangered species and the largest population of this colorful bird lives at Xcaret, visitors are able to see them and listen to them (they don’t talk, but make funny noises) and the awesome thing about having them here is that they are part of a very successful reproduction program.

Make sure that you visit this wonderful eco-theme park when you have a chance, we do it several times a year and is always a wonderful experience because we have lots of fun and always learn something new about wildlife and many ecological themes. Once again, one of the advantages of living in Riviera Maya is to be in touch with nature and learn from it.

– By Bea Lozano

Life around Xel-Ha Park – Being Part of an Eco-Friendly Community Pays Off!

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It’s no secret that Riviera Maya is the closest thing to Paradise! There’s no doubt or question of that, and there’s also no room for doubt that we, as its inhabitants are the ones with the power to change it for better or for the worse. Having said that, I am very happy to say that I am particularly aware of the nature and special environment that my family and I live in and  do my best to keep my mind and actions as eco-friendly as possible.

I’ve never disguise my preference for this park (as well as all the other parks belonging to the Experiencias Xcaret group) for different reasons. I love the fact that you can spend all day enjoying the inlet with many water activities, eat delicious food, learn about the delicate eco-system existing within the area and snorkeling in the water’s larger natural aquarium.

Xel-Ha De Oro; environmental sustainability for visitors and the community!

Last Saturday was an exceptionally special day for Xel-Ha Park as well as the Tulum and Chemuyil community.

We were invited to the press conference in which the park was being awarded with the EarthCheck Gold Certification for its environmental policies and efforts in this natural reserve.  There we we also learned about the work that they have been doing with the neighborhood community of Chemuyil.

It is necessary and worth mentioning that Xel Ha first attained the EarthCheck Silver Certification in 2009, being the first park in the world to have ever to gotten this kind of recognition.  They have steadily maintained this status for 5 years which has driven them to achieve this new level of Gold Certification.

The most valuable asset to this event was not only the scenery (which of course is to die for) but the tour around the village of Chemuyil, to the parks recycling center and the plant nursery.

In Chemuyil, the outstanding efforts include a baseball field, a library and a clean façade program in which Xel-Ha gives away the painting materials and colors, and Chemuyil’s residents make a compromise to keeping their homes clean and spotless façades.

For me, the library was one of the biggest hits because as a result of the educational efforts, all of the community residents are alphabetized. Isn’t it wonderful?!

Keeping it clean and green!

The recycling center was a revelation to everyone on the tour because basically, about a 75% of the disposable waste generated within the park is actually recyclable (they call it “Valuable Material”). The entire Xel Ha family and the Chemuyil community are involved in these programs as well. At the plant nursery, about 50,000 plants are planted every month and then transported to different places around the country.

Maintaining this beautiful place is not a business, it is a true labor of love for the beauty and nature surrounding us. There are generations of families working at the park for more than 15 years now, from fathers to sons and nieces and nephews; everyone’s involved.

Why is this so cool?

Xel-Ha Park is located between two of the most tight and eco-friendly communities in Riviera Maya, which are Akumal to the north and Tulum to the southern end. Both are strong and its residents are pretty much hands-on with environmental issues, whether is with the different sea turtle conservation programs or community wellness centers.

So, if you happen to be living in Tulum and want to watch the programs and community efforts done by Xel-Ha nearby, just do your homework and research and get in touch with any of the non-profit organizations they support or look for others within the area. Let´s keep our home as the natural wonder that it is!

-By Bea Lozano

Spring has Sprung in Riviera Maya!

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Once you live in the Riviera Maya you tend to forget that there are different parts of the world which still bear the distinctness of each of the four seasons; because here even though we do feel a slight shift in temperature and endure a rainy day or two, about 90% of our year is absolutely beach and cenote enjoyable.

One of my morning rituals is take a beaches of Playa del Carmen near my home, which most of the time I do after I leave my kids at school. I just walk for half an hour or so, depending on how my day is scheduled and how hectic it could be. I take this time for me to see what´s around me and charge my batteries from the sun and the sea.

I also like to watch how other people start their daily routine, all of those beach walkers that, like me, are sharing that peaceful moment to focus on themselves and organize their thoughts before the day gets into full swing. As

As  I people watch I notice that some of them are walking with their significant other, others are jogging or doing yoga, other people go for a quick swim; I particularly enjoy to just walk and stumble upon something interesting or beautiful and take photos.

And today, what would say Welcome Spring better than the scene I found this morning: wild flowers growing just a few meters away from the sea, quietly and beautifully lying on the sand, getting energy from the sun and the sea breeze, probably listening to the song of the waves and enjoying life as it is.

A lesson that I learned living Playa del Carmen: be grateful, live one day at the time even if you are one of those who likes to plan everything ahead (as I do myself), because living in Riviera Maya means peace, beach, colors, joy,  happiness and amazing moments at the beach!

-By Bea Lozano

Living the Gourmet life in the Riviera Maya – A visit to the Wine and Food Festival!

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When Cancun was founded a little more than 40 years ago, the intention of it was to create a new place that could have all the accommodations for tourists all over the globe and share the beauty and exotic nature of this part of Mexico.

Over the years, as Cancun and Riviera Maya have boomed with 5 star hotels, and its once fishing villages flourished into exciting travel destinations, it’s not rare to find wonderful events where you can experience all the luxury and leisure, the finest cuisine and drinks that can be found here! That’s what the Cancun-Riviera Maya Wine and Food Festival is all about.

Last Sunday I got the chance to take part is some of the great festivities of this amazing festival, in one of the most exquisite hotels near Cancun. Being such a food and wine lover as I am, spending an afternoon at the Gourmet Tasting Village was a delicious experience to say the least.

Just at the entrance you could see all the colors, you could smell so many flavors and feel your mouth watering instantly. You just have to grab a glass of wine take a leisurely stroll to find food samples of well-established restaurants, 5 star hotel restaurants, new edgy cafes, pastry shops, wine cellars and artisanal breweries from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya as well as other regions of Mexico and all over the world.

I particularly enjoyed the selection of wines that I found at Wines from Argentina and an artisanal beer from Monterrey, as well as a stand with smoothies of typical fruits of the Yucatan Peninsula.

My jaw dropped at one stand that had Crocodile Stew! Yes, crocodile stew; and you know what, even if at first I felt strange trying; it actually turned out to be pretty delicious. I am generally open minded and enjoy trying new things when I have the opportunity.  This was the perfect venue to do so!

Other delicacies that I could try belonged to Nikkei Cuisine (recently introduced to the area), chocolate bullets spiced with chipotle chili, shrimp and mango ceviche, stuffed mushrooms with different kinds of cheese, oreo cookies made out of olives, smoked salmon (this was one of my favorites as the salmon perfectly smoked just how I like, yumm) and the other dessert that caught my attention was one called Damiana Sour.

This last one is based on Damiana Liquor cream transformed into ice cream by introducing it into liquid nitrogen on site, which was actually something pretty amazing to watch! It tasted like a mix of fresh and delicious herbs, like a minty sweet explosion inside my mouth. To neutralize the effect, you had to try a Guanabana fruit mollusk; which was a much softer flavor but equally delicious.

By the end of the day I was full with an over the top culinary experience and my heart was also full with love and happiness. Since I moved here 10 years ago I have never stopped being grateful to the Universe, Mother Nature and the human beings that, just like me, decided to take a chance on this area and made it our home.

If you too want to live here and be grateful for these experiences, you are more than welcome to take a look at our blog Let´s Retire in Mexico for more insights on events, places to go and life in paradise.

-By Bea Lozano

Beach Thursday in Riviera Maya– We are all Xcacel Lovers!

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The Riviera Maya is a place best known for its incredibly clear waters; in some places it is almost impossible to determine how many shades of blue are visible! The Riviera Maya sand is so soft and powdery that it stirs through your toes almost like water.

One of those Riviera Maya beaches is Xcacel; which is not only breathtakingly beautiful but also one of the most important nesting spots for sea turtles.

I can’t help but go almost every I time can, after some 35 minutes driving south from Playa del Carmen, in a kind of “hidden” entrance between mangroves. After entering you drive for about 3 more minutes until you reach a security stand where the keepers will come and meet you and tell you some basic facts about Xcacel.

TOP Facts you need to know about Xcacel-Xcacelito!

In case you didn´t know, these are the TOP 4 facts you will learn as soon as you enter Xcacel-Xcacelito Sanctuary:

  1. It was designated as the Xcacel-Xcacelito Sea Turtle Sanctuary in 1998.
  2. Its total area is about 365 hectares that combine 3 different ecosystems; which are beach, mangrove and cenote (sinkhole).
  3. The Xcacel-Xcacelito sanctuary has a wide and long beach, sand dunes, an open cenote, mangroves and great wildlife diversity.
  4. There´s a “Turtle Camp” with volunteers run by the ecological organization Flora, Fauna y Cultura that´s been operating for the last 10 years on site.

Once you pass the entrance and park your car, take a walk on top a sand dune and what you will find will astound you; everywhere you look is a wide and white sandy beach, filled vegetation, indescribable shades of turquoise and blue, a few families or groups of young people setting up their umbrellas or looking for a shade underneath a palm tree, walking along the beach, swimming, jumping from wave to wave, taking pictures… and many endless and wonderful beach scenes.

The purity of diving in a Cenote next to the beach

After you set your camp and go for a swim, it is worth to take a short walk to the cenote; you will cross a wooden bridge and pass throughout the mangrove until you get to the cool and clear waters of this sinkhole. For those who are not fond of that salty sticky feeling on the skin, take a dip here to cool off, these waters will make your skin feel softer than ever, trust me!

There are also a few spots within the cenote where you can just sit on a mangrove branch or the wooden dock and let the fish do their job, a way of pedicure which you can find at spas in Playa del Carmen and other cities of the world but in its natural environment! If you are the kind of person who is very ticklish, then try to stay out the fishes way, if not, you´re in for a treat and it won´t cost you a thing!

I wish I could stay longer but sometimes it’s just time to leave!

After a long day of sun bathing, swimming, taking long walks to explore, having fun with the kids and taking pictures with your waterproof camera, around 4:30 to 5 in the afternoon it is time to leave! The beach closes around 5:30 to public and all that remains is a few keepers and the Sea Turtle Conservation program volunteers.

It is extremely important that you bring with you the following items: organic sunscreen and mosquito repellent, enough water, snacks, fruits or sandwiches, and last but not least, garbage bags so you can leave the place as clean as you found it; remember, this is a place where for a few months every year, 2 species of sea turtles come to lay their eggs; so let´s keep it safe for these amazing creatures.

So, if you –like me- live close enough, take a short drive from Playa del Carmen or Tulum and you are ready for a full day of pure fun, feeling blessed and thankful for the life you´ve got, come on over and become a Xcacel Lover yourself.

-By Bea Lozano

Playa del Carmen Carnival Spectacular!

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Playa is for sure a place that you should never underestimate the word fun!  As the entire town has evolved, more and more incredible events and celebrations are brought to this amazing town. Carnival is one of many of those exciting events that arrive to Playa del Carmen each and every year.

Last week we celebrated a fantastic Carnival celebration in Playa, ending on Fat Tuesday (the day to indulge before Ash Wednesday). Parades filled the streets of Playa each night with dancing, exciting Caribbean music, and outstanding colorful costumes.

The parade runs through the main streets of Playa del Carmen giving everyone a chance to be a part of the action. The spectacular parade arrives to the Municipal Palace square in Playa del Carmen where you will be submerged into the very heart of the Carnival action, with more live performances from entertainers of the community and Caribbean Carnival show extravaganzas.

As the town square turns in a huge entertainment venue it is a perfect place to join with friends and family for a night out and to eat traditional Mexican Foods and snacks!  As the carnival does purposely coincide with Fat Tuesday you have a perfect excuse to indulge!

Some of the best Carnival favorites which are typical to these kinds of events are those delicious churros, marquesitas, shrimp on a stick and of course corn on the cob with chili and mayo!  Other more familiar favorites like hamburgers, hot dogs and tacos are also a hit at Carnival time in Playa!

As an even bigger treat, those who are staying or living in Playa del Carmen have very close access to the ferry dock which brings you right into the most amazing Carnival on the Riviera Maya, in Cozumel.  While each town or city holds its own version of Carnival, the most talked about and popular Carnival can be found on the beautiful Island of Cozumel.

Since both events run for the entire week you have plenty of time to experience both!  Fat Tuesday in Cozumel is particularly an event that shouldn’t be missed.

Be sure to visit our Let’s Retire in Mexico lifestyle blog for more exciting Playa del Carmen news and events!

-By Bea Lozano