Tulum is a place to be free and to feel love even in the smallest spaces!
If you LUV Tulum and are interested in owning a home in Tulum someday contact an experience Mexico real estate agent!
-By Bea Lozano
Author Archives: Thomas Lloyd
Love Plank! A New Unique and Exciting Culinary Experience in Playa del Carmen!
If you live in Playa del Carmen and have not heard of Plank yet you are in for a real treat! Plank is one of the newest additions to Playa del Carmen’s hot restaurant scene offering, not just dinner but a whole experience!
From the excellent food to the unique fusion cocktails, everything deserves an unlimited amount of starts and a special high five for excellence and service!
If you are familiar with Imprevist, The GYM, Indigo Beach and Porto Playa you will probably have good confidence that this new restaurant addition brings nothing but quality and good standards. That is because Plank is brought to you by the same owners who have continued to bring Playa exceptional high quality products and services-known and loved by residents and tourists in Playa del Carmen.
So what is there to brag about?
The Sweet Scene!
Let’s start with the fact that a first impression is always given by looks! You wouldn’t show up to a job interview wearing sweat pants would you? So if you want to show you are worth it, you’ve got to look good! And Plank does just that!
The restaurant is not oversized but it is not tiny. If offers indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the beautiful street of what some are starting to call “the new Calle Corazon”.
The entire ambiance is romantic and sleek with just the perfect amount of light to enhance its surroundings.
The bar is uniquely placed and beautifully designed with a sweet display of citrus and spirits! Perfect place to relax and have a cocktail before sitting down for dinner! You can also enjoy a laid back environment watching the game on two perfectly visible flat screen TV’s and an excellent sound system.
Mouthwatering Dishes!
Well now that I’ve got you hooked and into the restaurant let’s talk about the most important thing on the list-the food! Plank offers something entirely different from other restaurants in Playa, and it’s not because of what they are cooking, but how they are cooking it.
Each entrée is grilled on special wooden planks or Himalayan salt planks both designed to infuse every bite with a unique and special flavor, which traditional grilling can’t provide. Plank is the only restaurant in the entire region to have introduced this special cooking style which makes it truly like no other in the area.
Having tried nearly every entire dish on Plank’s superb menu I can tell you that this is where it’s at! The chefs of Plank have worked hard to combine the perfect ingredients and just the right amount of love into every dish being offered.
The menu offers a variety comfortable variety of selections for every taste from tender steaks, elegantly prepared shrimp and seafood, classic BBQ baby back ribs, fusion flatbreads, grilled meat skewers, to classic comfort foods like mac and cheese and chicken pot pie!
They even have an excellent bar menu offering a few more classics like Buffalo wings, beef or chicken sliders and nachos!
One thing that I have to say is that Plank takes the word gourmet and delivers it in a very special fashion which everyone will love! Whether you are a gourmet food lover or someone who prefers simplicity each and every dish is cooked with absolute quality and care.
Tasty Drinks!
Every heard of a Smoked Dirty Martini? Did I get your taste buds working a little bit? Well, I don’t want to give away too much. You’re just going to have to try! But I will say this-At Plank the excellence and uniqueness that is infused into their food flows right into their cocktails as well.
There’s no fluff when talking about these cocktails. They use quality ingredients, premium spirits and creativity that is being brought to you by experienced bar tenders who have made cocktail science, not just their job, but their business!
Try your classic favorites, pick from a list of new and fun fushions or simply ask your bartender to surprise you with something new!
Plank also has a lovely wine selection and bottled and draft beer!
Exceptional Service!
You’ll love the ambiance, you’ll love the menu, you’ll love the drinks but what is the most crucial ingredient to a successful business? As always, it’s the service! Good service is what keeps you coming back and gains your faith in a quality company!
There is no doubt in my mind that Plank has mastered all of the proper elements to run and maintain a fantastic restaurant but also to provide an enjoyable experience for their customers.
A good experience comes from value! And at plank value is ranked high!
If you love food like I do…fall in love with Plank!
Looking for more: Here’s another fantastic Playa del Carmen restaurant suggestion!
Playa del Carmen Beaches – A Place Made for Friends to Live Free and By Happy
Some of the best days with friends are best spent on the beaches of Playa del Carmen!
Check out our list of the top must see Playa del Carmen beaches!
-By Bea Lozano
Xplor’s Bravest Race – Do you think you are Brave Enough to Cross the Finish Line?
The first ever bravest race at Xplor Park was a huge success this past Sunday in Playa del Carmen! This was a well anticipated race well planned by the makers of Xplor, who strived to deliver a quality fun experience for both competitors and spectators of the race.
The Bravest race was a 5k obstacle run with daring challenges and opportunities to overcome fear. The race did not revolve around time, but rather around clearing the obstacles and challenges ahead of you.
Finishers of the race finished with sincere pride for their athletic and mental achievement. Many who participated in the race spent months training physically and mentally.
In addition to the main race, there was also a Bravest Kids Race where the youngsters were able to show their “kiddie” strength.
The Bravest Race was a fun event for all ages!
There was plenty of room to handle a high demand of the race. There were new races groups starting every 30 minutes throughout out the day, ending at 2 pm.
Watching the race was just as fun as competing in it. Family and friends got to enjoy watching their loved ones on huge LED big screen TV’s while enjoying live music, food and entertainment.
The Bravest race was an event including the whole community. The Playa del Carmen Boy Scout chapter volunteered by handing out water and supplies and also by directing competitors in the right direction.
The bravest race also supported exceptional cause for charity! Krispy Kreme Doughnuts were being sold as a way to collect proceeds for “Projecto Sonrisa”, a group of Patch Adam type animated clowns who make special hospital visits to brighten the days of sick children.
The race was sponsored by TV Azteca, the second largest TV network in Mexico bringing lots of extra attention to Xplor, Playa del Carmen and the entire Riviera Maya!
After the race there was a huge party which turned out to be a great family fun day for all competitors, volunteers, and spectators!
We are looking forward to the next Bravest Race which is expected to be scheduled for July! Do you think you are the Bravest? Come and find out! See you in July!
Wordless Wednesday – I Wish I Were in Playa del Carmen!
Right about now is the time you say….Take me away to a beautiful place where the palm trees grow…Take me to Playa del Carmen!
-By Bea Lozano
Official Announcement- The Riviera Maya is Safe!
Here is a startling and completely true headline! Riviera Maya Mexico is SAFE! We have known this all along but for those waiting for official confirmation the United States Department of State has made the declaration in their most recent travel advisory report for Mexico.
As it states-There is no travel advisory in affect for Riviera Maya, Cancun, or Yucatan as well as other major touristic points in Mexico.
The Riviera Maya is a preferred tourist and retirement destination by Americans and Canadians!
Cancun is the number one travel destination in all of Latin America with the Riviera Maya following closely at number two! We have seen a huge rise in tourism, Mexico real estate purchases and residency requests by Americans and Canadians within the past 2 years.
The country of Mexico is becoming a strong economy offering a strong opportunity for both commercial and residential real estate investment in many regions. Mexico is a place where people want to be, a place where they feel safe and comfortable to live without discrimination.
Newbies to the Riviera Maya area may still have some fear which is carried over from negative media attention over the past years in the United States. This is why the question of safety remains the number one question? I urge people to understand that the problems for which Mexico does have are isolated and far away from major touristic areas.
Remember that Mexico is an entire country and the country itself should not be entirely penalized for things that happen in certain areas. The same way we should think understand that although crime exists in the United States, in general the country itself is strong and opportunistic. Mexico is rebuilding that same reputation within its right.
Feel Free to Enjoy and Explore All the Best Parts of the Riviera Maya!
In areas like Playa del Carmen and Tulum the entire cities are safe and completely ok to walk around day or night. Of course, use common sense. I would never suggest someone to enter an area where they feel discomfort but it is important to realize that there is life and a lot to see and do off of the main strips, such as the 5th Avenue in Playa. There are fantastic restaurants, shopping malls, and homes in all areas of the Riviera Maya and in the depths of each town.
Experience Mexico and the wonderful traditions, foods and cultures! Don’t be afraid to explore and see what Mexico is all about!
Rivera Maya Photography-Keeping Beautiful Memories Alive Throughout Time!
Photography is an art form that holds extreme importance as it is an art that holds our dearest memories, our dreams, and our experiences. Photos bring countless memories to life and keeps those memories alive throughout time!
The Riviera Maya is one of the greatest places that a photographer could choose to settle and work.
Whether you are a professional full time photographer or just someone that likes to snap shots for a hobby, photography is an extremely rewarding art that can be very beneficial especially here in the Riviera Maya.
Why the Riviera Maya?
Beautiful Scenery! The Riviera Maya is an incredible place of beauty with so much to capture. Get creative and artistic with different backgrounds, scenes and settings. The beauty of the ocean, jungle and nature are a major attraction for area photographers.
Major Destination Wedding Location! Weddings on the Riviera Maya are extremely popular, of course because of the beauty and romantic atmosphere. Skilled photographers in the area can make a very healthy living doing wedding photo sessions.
New Trash the Dress Concept! Because of the incredible clear water cenotes and beautiful reefs and ocean life, underwater photography brings a new art form to wedding photography. New artistic photography in the Riviera Maya like trash the dress is becoming a hot trend!
Events! The Riviera Maya hosts a ton of major events worthy of snapping shots! If you are into photo journalism or social media this can be your path.
Modeling! Well guys, we live on the beach don’t we? This means bikinis and models! These kinds of photo shoots are a big business here in the Rivera Maya.
While many of us arrive to live in the Riviera Maya with the dream of laying around on the beach all day with a cocktail always in hand, at some point we need to do other things to keep ourselves busy! While the idea of a perma-vacation is always a lovely thought, naturally we always need to be moving, learning and challenging ourselves. There are plenty of opportunities to find a hobby or volunteer in the Riviera Maya.
If you already have the talent and expertise for photography or even if you want to learn and start a new hobby there’s no better place to be to start!
Wordless Wednesday: Nothing like a Rainbow in Paradise to Make you Smile!
Is it the luck of the Irish or just a reminder that every day is beautiful in Playa del Carmen?
For more check out our Playa del Carmen photo gallery!
-By Bea Lozano
Small Town Values in the Riviera Maya Are Still Alive…For Now!
After living in the Riviera Maya for quite some time now, I have made a clear observation about the value of hard work and the appreciation for small business in the area.
I remember a time when….
Coming from the United States, I remember a time when you can still go to a local family owned hardware store. I remember family owned video rental stores and small movie theaters where you can enter for 2 dollars.
But over time the Home Depots, Walmarts and Redbox’s of the world came wiping out family owned business. And in some cases, like Redbox (a vending machine for DVD rentals) which are eliminating the need for stores and employees all together.
Small Business is Still Strong in Mexico
What I always thought was wonderful about Mexico is that these small family run businesses are still alive bringing a little bit of that wholesome feeling back to your heart. You build relationships with store owners who have been their running businesses for years. It is always nice to know when someone knows your name and you know theirs!
While we welcome some conveniences or “one stop shopping” so to speak, there is still charm and value in small business in the Riviera Maya. Most times they offer a service above the rest with integrity, honesty and hard work. They offer a personal experience; one that is appreciated and missed on many levels in the United States.
Unfortunately our children might never know what that is like. But here in Mexico there is still a chance to learn those old small town values.
In Mexico hard work is valued
One thing that is true about Mexico is there is a genuine value for hard work! Lazy is not often found here, even in this beautiful beach paradise where life tends to be a little more laid back.
And additionally, I believe that sometimes people even work without certain technologies and conveniences, not because they do not exist, but because many of those technologies may eliminate the need for certain jobs, which are needed to support families, pay rent and buy food.
Some people believe that Mexico is a country without technology or enhancements. That is quite the contrary actually. You can find all the same modern technologies as in the United States. But I think the use of those things really comes down to actual necessity and values combined.
Will we slowly start to see small business in the Riviera Maya area disappear?
However, as demand for American convenience is growing in the Riviera Maya, due increased relocation and tourism form Americans and Canadians, large chains are slowly moving in. Ironically, the very same Americans who crave these convenience are also a bit sad about the loss of small town charm that seems to be very slowly slipping away.
Will all this change and movement create the same purge of small business that we have seen sweep the United States? We hope not, and we still have faith that the Mexican culture and values will remain solid to stimulate the local economy in the Riviera Maya region.
Check out our free EBook for more information on the best benefits of living in Mexico!
Welcome Back Beautiful Playa del Carmen Sunshine!
Hello Playa del Carmen and welcome to this sunny beautiful day on the most beautiful beaches of the Caribbean! Some of us have been a little down with the rainy cold days in Playa, but now those days are just a far away memory!
The sun is out and Playa del Carmen beaches are back in action!
Here are a few things to do in Playa del Carmen to take advantage of a full beautiful sunny day!
Have your morning coffee or breakfast outside! If you have a backyard or terrace at your home in Playa del Carmen, start your day relaxing and reading the morning paper with the natural sunlight. If you don’t have a space to relax at your home, go to Starbucks or Ah Cacao and enjoy your outdoor brew while you watch the people roam the 5th Avenue!
Take a walk! Maybe it can be on the 5th Avenue, in your neighborhood, on the beach or at a local park! If you have own a pet in Playa del Carmen, this is the perfect time to take your dog for a good long walk! Remember, they too have been stuck indoors waiting for the rain to go away!
Go to the beach! The sun is inviting us to come and play! We have all been waiting for the perfect beach day to come along! So go ahead! The local Playa del Carmen beach clubs are sure to be offering drink and food specials all day long!
Enjoy lunch outside! Whether you pack yourself a picnic for the beach, or hit up your favorite restaurant, eating outdoors can fill your tummy while boosting your endorphins, making you a little bit more likely to smile today!
Grab an afternoon fresh fruit refreshment! Since the temperatures are rising, our bodies are asking us for a little extra hydration and nutrients. You can always find all natural juices, smoothies and fresh fruits wherever you go!
Do a little outdoor shopping! In the late afternoon, while it’s still light out, take a leisurely stroll down the 5th Avenue! Even if you won’t buy, it’s still ok to look!
As the sun is going down you can head back to the beach! While the sun does not set on the ocean in Playa del Carmen, it still creates a beautiful colorful affect in the sky over the incredible turquoise sea.
Talk about perfect day outdoors in Playa del Carmen! Enjoy the sunshine and beautiful temperatures everyone!