Author Archives: Thomas Lloyd

Playa del Carmen – A Runner’s Paradise!

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Playa del Carmen is filled with beach lovers, shoppers, foodies, coffee drinkers and cocktail lovers but here you will also notice that Playa del Carmen is a runners paradise.

Almost everywhere you go, at any time of the day, you will see someone pushing their body to the test as they take the streets and the beaches in Playa del Carmen as their own personal physical fitness zone!  A friend of mine tells her feelings about taking her feet to the streets in Playa del Carmen!

“Why I love running in Playa del Carmen!”

The atmosphere!  Playa del Carmen is upbeat and lively!  My favorite thing to do while I run is to people watch. It helps me get through quite a few miles without even thinking about it! When you run in Playa there are so many things to see and notice. And while most of the time I run a normal route, its different every time!

Flat Streets!  While some may appreciate the challenge every so often, typically daily running is easier on flat land.  The 5th Avenue along with the other streets in Playa del Carmen are generally an easy run!

The Beautiful Beach!  Running on the beach is breathtaking and can certainly give you a little addition to that runners high!  I feel a sense of appreciation and happiness when I run on the beach, remembering that I live in a beautiful paradise.

Staying updated!  I may not get the chance to get out to the beach or the 5th Avenue every day for leisure, but if I run in those areas I can stay updated every day about new changes.  Recently the 5th Avenue has been transforming with new additions and closures. By running I have been able to quickly see what’s going on in the main areas of our beautiful town daily!

When is the best time of day to run in Playa del Carmen?

I enjoy running at all different times of the day!  The mornings are very quiet and is a free range for runners on the 5th Avenue and on the beach.  Enjoy the peace of Playa del Carmen before the town comes alive.  If you are a beach runner you can enjoy a certain calmness in the air, and in the ocean, that is only found early in the day!

Mid-day running in Playa del Carmen can be a little bit hot but it’s a good time to take a shorter run and get a little extra vitamin D!  You may find yourself running more of an obstacle course weaving through the people.

If the main streets are too busy it can be a great chance to explore new neighborhoods and routes in Playa.  Playacar is an incredible area for runners looking for a nice environment and pretty scenery!

Evening running in Playa is very comfortable and a nice time to see Playa in a different light. There are many well lit areas to do your nightly routine safely.

Running is a FREE activity for all ages in Playa del Carmen!  If you are not a full time runner, a light jog a couple times a week or even a daily walk can serve the same purpose!  Running is just one of the many things you can do to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle in Playa del Carmen!

It’s Freezing in Playa del Carmen!

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No not really, but for most locals, we are feeling a bit chilly these days in Playa del Carmen and the entire Riviera Maya region.  Well, if you consider chilly 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit cold.  This is not entirely abnormal as the winter months in Playa can hand us a few days, here and there, worthy of a light scarf, a jacket and a hot chocolate! While some are complaining of “FREEZING” temperatures, others are still completely fine walking around in bathing suits and flip flops.  Both sides staring at each other thinking… “Are you crazy?” The fact is that when you live in a very warm climate year round, 70 degrees can in fact feel, well cold!  On the other hand if you are one of the many Canadians who are hiding from the below zero temperature, 70 degrees, even 60 degrees, is like jumping into a nice hot Jacuzzi!  Which is exactly why you see plenty of people roaming around Playa in both summer and winter apparel; sometimes in both at the same time!

So then what’s up with the weather in Playa del Carmen?

But in either case, many people are wondering why Playa is a little extra cold these days!  One reason is the winter season in Playa does bring some nicer, more comfortable days, to the area; which is always a relief after surviving hot and humid summers. Normally in January or February the air is neither extremely hot nor too cold.  Actually I feel it is the most perfect time of year here! The rain in the Riviera Maya region has also been a contributing factor to some of the chillier days!  It is no doubt that we have had an unusually long rainy season that continued even after rainy season is over! I should mention that this is not the norm in Playa del Carmen!  It is quite normal to see over 300 days of sunshiny days year round.  But in any case, without sun how can we heat up our little beach town?

Could it be because of the Polar Vortex affecting our neighboring northern countries?

We couldactually be seeing some effects of the cold air that has been freezing out Canada and parts of the Northern United States this winter.  It is all part of a weakened Polar Vortex which as an affect is ultimately sending cold air in a downward direction!  Granted we are way down south, but anytime there is a major weather change it can have a significant impact far beyond its local area.

Don’t let a few chilly days change your mind about Playa!

I should mention that in the winter months you can still have some extremely warm temperatures in Playa del Carmen, so my advice is to enjoy the cooler days when they come, as they do only come every once in a while.  Believe it or not there are some great rainy day activities in Playa del Carmen! There are still plenty of things to do in Playa del Carmen where you might actually appreciate some cooler days.  If you are heading to places like Xcaretwhere you tend to spend the day walking outside for an entire day it can be more enjoyable without extremely hot temperatures and also prevents too much sunburn.

And if you are traveling here and thinking you got cheated of warm weather and sunshine, don’t make your judgment just yet!  Playa del Carmen is a beautiful place to be anytime of the year and luckily is filled with many things to do so you can enjoy rain, shine, hot or freezing! If you like this article and want to see more like it hit subscribe to our blog or click on the link at the bottom of the page to follow Mexico Real Estate on facebook! Happy Winter from Playa del Carmen!

BPM Music Festival – Playa del Carmen’s Prime Yearly Event!

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Among the many events in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya each year, is the BPM Music Festival, bringing the most people to the area than any other consecutive two weeks out of the year.  While the music may not be for everyone, this music festival is a major event in Playa del Carmen bringing in a ton of money for all businesses, service workers and owners of real estate in Playa del Carmen!

Playa del Carmen is a Place for Everyone to Share Happily!

It is also the time of year when you see an incredible mix of people from all over the world, every age, and every status!  It is incredible when you can find a place that can accommodate every taste, every style, every preference and way of life!  Playa del Carmen is just that…A place for everyone!

If you are not a fan of the electro style music, other people still enjoy enjoy the sheer energy of Playa del Carmen during this time of year.  There are many people filling up the main streets, walking, shopping and gazing around.

Great Entertainment in Playa del Carmen!

It is a great time of year to seek entertainment any night of the week.  Every night you can find live bands, fire shows, specialty dancers and performers.

Restaurants tend to fill up during the days of the BPM, so make reservations and have a little extra patience for your server!  I should mention that service workers wait all year for January to come!  Most servers, bartenders and managers work 7 days a week and long hours to keep up with the crowds and demand.

BPM Beach Club Locations!

Many of the BPM festivities will be held at the major beach clubs in the downtown area of Playa del Camren.  The areas you can expect to see the biggest crowds (day and night) are Cannibal Royal, Mamita’s Beach, Kool Beach, Blue Parrot and Coco Maya!

Quieter Beaches around Playa del Carmen!

If you are not a fan of the music, or the crowds, t-ere are still plenty of beaches left for an easy relaxing day!   If quiet is what you are searching the best spot to lay down your towel is in Playacar.  And don’t forget there are other beautiful Riviera Maya beaches just a short drive away in Xpu-Ha, Xcacel, Tulum and Akumal.

If you are in Playa del Carmen already, enjoy the season all that beautiful Playa del Carmen has to offer.  For more news on upcoming Events in Playa del Carmen find us on Facebook to keep up with the latest!

The Famous Playa del Carmen 5th Avenue – Food, Shopping, Entertainment, Future!

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Tourists from all over the world come to Playa del Carmen for the beautiful beaches and unlimited doses of sunshine!  But there’s something else that makes this chic beach town a little extra special!  The Playa del Carmen 5th Avenue is a well-known and well-loved pedestrian walk way in Playa del Carmen, housing some of the best in dining, shopping and entertainment in the entire Riviera Maya!

When I first came to Playa del Carmen many years ago, there was not much to be said of the 5th Avenue. In fact, Playa was simply a small fisherman’s village where you can find plenty of simplicity!  Now times have changed, and now Playa is an ultimate tourist and retirement destination, with many conveniences and plenty of entertainment!

Why we love 5th!

The Playa del Carmen 5th Avenue is a mostly pedestrian walkway made of cobblestone and a ton of charm! You can spend the day people watching, take a nice walk, go for a jog, grab a book and enjoy a nice quiet morning at Starbucks, go for a delicious breakfast, grab a coconut refreshment, purchase an excursion, splurge on a shopping spree, indulge in a massage or spa treatment, braid your hair, you name it!

The Playa del Carmen 5th Avenue is a place for everyone to enjoy the things they love all in one beautiful pathway!

Love in the form of food!

One of the features that makes Playa del Carmen’s 5th Avenue so popular is the wide array of delicious National and International food options!  You can find everything from fine Italian dining, to authentic Mexican food selections, to French bistros, to Argentinian steak houses, to incredible sushi and great pizza!  The dining options range from classy fine dining selections to casual and affordable!  But no matter the price, it’s all great!

Shop your little heart out!

The Playa del Carmen 5th Avenue has everything from cheesy souvenir shops to high end luxury shopping, and everything in between!  If you forgot your swimsuit, broke your sunglasses, or love the feel of a new dress, or pair of heels, you can find it here!  You can find familiar stores like Nike, The Sunglass Hut, Forever 21, Roxy, Nine West, Pandora, The Body Shop, as well as plenty of small specialty boutiques and name brand shopping!

Be Amused! 

Believe it or not the Playa del Carmen 5th Avenue is filled with entertainment day and night!  You may notice mariachis, local musicians performing your favorite tunes, and Fire Show performers showing you their talents right on the street!  If you are walking down the 5th at night you are sure to come across bars showcasing live band performances.  Stop, have a drink, and relax enjoying great laid back entertainment!

Have Faith! 

Right there in the southern end of Playa del Carmen’s 5th Avenue, is a cute small little church where many go to enjoy mass, to find a quiet peaceful moment or to celebrate life or love!

The Future! The Playa del Carmen 5th Avenue has been an ever changing and ever moving project over the years, and it is expected to continue to grow!  Recently the town completed a major expansion of the beautiful cobblestone walk way, far to the North of Playa, and is it expected to continue even further to accommodate easy access from new residential neighborhoods and resorts in the area.

Within the next couple years we are sure to see added retail, entertainment and dining options fill into the new section of the 5th Avenue!

In this moment we are waiting to see what will become of the old Calle Corazon, and other areas that have been recently bought out by a major investor, coming with plans to add new major retail and hotel options.

If you have never been to this famous staple of Playa del Carmen, is surely a must do if you are in the Riviera Maya this season!  It is the perfect meeting spot, and a place to enjoy, during anytime of the day or night!

New Mall Making Holiday Shopping in Playa del Carmen a success!

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Just in time for the holiday season, we are finally seeing Playa del Carmen’s newest and most anxiously awaited project now completed and ready for the high season and Christmas shopping in Playa del Carmen!  If you haven’t already guessed, I’m talking about the new Quinta Alegria Mall, located directly on the 5th Avenue in the heart of Playa del Carmen!

For many months we have heard countless rumors about what stores we would see welcomed to Playa del Carmen.  There were many hopes of an H&M and Victoria Secrets, as well as a Cheesecake factory and other beloved American Brands.

While some of these rumors did not prove to be true we still have a final result that is pleasing to many expats who live in Playa as well as favored shopping options for tourists!

So what can you expect to see added to your selection for shopping in Playa del Carmen this holiday season?

  • Sanbourns! Mexico’s well known and loved department store and restaurant selling everything from books, to sunglasses, to perfumes and makeup, to DVD’s and electronics!
  • Victoria Secret Beauty! The VC name is making a mark in Playa for loved fragrances, makeup and accessories!  Sorry ladies, this VC is mainly for accessories!
  • Levis! Perfectly fitting for some cooler Playa nights ahead with their nice selection of denim jeans
  • Columbia! Well-loved brand for outdoor active wear and apparel
  • The Body Shop! We’ve seen it in Cancun but now you can find the best of your favorite lotions, shower gels, hand soaps, sprays and mineral make up items here in Playa!
  • Forever 21! Most anticipated opening among the female crowd in Playa del Carmen.  This Forever 21 has two entire floors reserved for clothing and accessories for women!
  • Bebe! High end clothing store for women well known in the United States

Along with some of these great new additions you will also find some repeats such as the Nike store, Marti Sporting Goods, Mister Tennis, Oakley, Watch my Watch, Sunglass Hut, La Europea, Harley Davidson and Starbucks and more!

The mall itself is a beautiful and attractive addition to the 5th avenue with a very appealing open air design!  If you have been able to walk by these days you will see the beautiful Christmas tree lit up and plenty of pretty white lights inside making it a pleasant new landmark in Playa del Carmen!

Happy Holidays and Happy Shopping in Playa del Carmen this season!

A Special Christmas in Playa del Carmen …for Everyone!

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What are your plans for Christmas in Playa del Carmen?  If you are still stumped on what to do or are looking for a great dinner we’ve got a few suggestions with help and courtesy of “In the Roo”.

Playa del Carmen is filling up with Christmas Cheer!  This weekend we will start to see a huge increase in tourism from Americans and Canadians who will be spending the Christmas holiday with us here in Playa del Carmen!

Many people are asking where they can go to spend the holiday and enjoy a great meal and a fun filled night!

Here are a few restaurants suggestions offering special dinners and celebrations on the eve of Christmas in Playa del Carmen:

  • Fusion– Offering a special menu, dinner and entertainment right on the beach
  • [Cocotte] Cita-Offering a special Christmas menu
  • Ipanema’s Brazillian Steakhouse– Offering Turkey, Fish and Christmas apple salad
  • Las Delicias– Offering a 3 course turkey dinner
  • Palm Playa– Offering a Christmas turkey dinner
  • Tropical– Offering a special menu
  • Zenzi-Offering a 5 course turkey dinner on the beach underneath the starts (24th and 25th)
  • Aldea Corazon– Offering 4 course dinner and live music
  • La Casa del Agua– Offering a 3 course turkey dinner (24th and 25th)
  • Madre Tierra– Offering a special Christmas menu
  • Lol Ha– Offering a special Christmas menu
  • Ziggys– Offering a special Christmas menu
  • Fridas– Offering a special Christmas menu
  • Indigo Beach– Offering a 3 course Christmas menu (24th and 25th)
  • Reina Roja– Offering special Christmas selections
  • Segafredo-Offering a special Christmas menu
  • Wah Wah Beach Bar– Traditional Christmas dinner being served buffet style on the beach. All you can eat. Live music and entertainment (December 25th only)

If you don’t see your favorite spot on the list, be sure to check with them!  Most restaurants will be hosting a little something special to help you make a memorable Christmas in Playa del Carmen! Make sure to book your reservations early!

Feliz Navidad and Merry Christmas to all!

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas in Playa del Carmen!

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We are one week away from one of the most loved, wonderful time of the year!
It can also be a bit of a stressful time!  For this reason many people will escape the logistics of the holidays and head down to spend Christmas in Playa del Carmen!

The newspapers reported a 98% occupancy rate in the Riviera Maya starting December 20th which means an extraordinary amount of Americans and Canadians will be decking the halls down south this Christmas.

Take Christmas with you wherever you go!

Although a vacation seems lovely we still crave that holiday feeling!  So where do you find it?  Well, where do you truly find anything?  In your heart!  You can bring Christmas anywhere you go!

Being away from home doesn’t have to mean you give up the holidays all together!  You can still make a special Christmas in Playa del Carmen!

If you are living in Playa del Carmen or are renting a vacation home, decorating is made completely easy!  Most retail and grocery stores are selling all kind of Christmas décor, lights, wreaths, trees, poinsettias; everything you need to create your home into a winter wonderland!

Yes you can find real Christmas trees in Playa!

Contrary to what one may think, real Christmas trees can be found in Playa!  Most major grocery stores like Mega or Walmart as well as other major shopping centers like Sams Club do have fresh smelling pine trees for sale!  You don’t have to miss out on that Christmassy smell just because you are in in Caribbean!

What I love about Christmas in Playa del Carmen is that I get to enjoy the beautiful Playa summer weather outdoors but when I step inside my home, I get that warm Christmas feeling just the way I would back in Indiana!  You still get the feeling to bundle up, snuggle in with your family and drink hot chocolate!

Christmas all around town

If you get the chance to walk around town you will find the Christmas spirit nearly everywhere; lit up trees and lights shining, bringing all the charm and feeling of Christmas into your heart!

Eat Drink and Be Merry in Playa del Carmen

If you are traveling and aren’t willing to cook on Christmas you will not have to sacrifice a delicious and traditional Christmas dinner.  Many restaurants, on and off the 5th Avenue, will have special Christmas dinner menus and are completely willing to help to make your Christmas in Playa a special one!

You can even order an entire Christmas feast to be cooked, prepared and delivered to your home eliminating all the mess. Check the local grocery stores, department stores like Sanbourns, and local restaurants and bakeries for their special Christmas dinner packages!

Are you that last minute shopper?

We are all guilty of it!  We have an entire 364 days before Christmas yet, that large population of us will wait until December 23rd and 24th to search for last minute gifts!  If you are in Playa del Carmen for the holiday season, you couldn’t be in a better place to have this problem!

Playa del Carmen is filled with all kinds of shopping options to meet your every need. You can find clothing, accessories, sportswear, shoe stores, electronics, books, games, etc.!

The Quinta Alegria mall has opened up quite a few new selections for shopping lovers right on 5th ave.  You can also check out Liverpool on highway 307 for or Sears located in Plaza Las Americas!

I wish everyone a fun, enjoyable and relaxing Christmas season this year in Playa del Carmen!

Living in Akumal – Make a Child Smile this Holiday Season!

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Do you love to get into the holiday spirit by giving?  If you are living in Akumal or traveling to the Riviera Maya area this holiday season, you might be interested to hear about a great opportunity to spread some love and cheer for children in Akumal this Christmas!

We got a lot of questions from clients and visitors who ask about how they can contribute or volunteer in the local Mexican communities.  There are constant initiatives and ways to get involved including special efforts like this one to make sure all children have a little something for Christmas!

Among the many volunteer organizations in the Riviera Maya, who are working hard this season to create lasting Christmas memories for children living in the Riviera Maya, we would like to highlight the efforts of those at the Hekab Be Biblioteca (library) in Akumal!

This year, you can purchase a special Christmas ornament with a child’s name on it for 20 US dollars or 200 pesos!  The money that you use to purchase the ornament will ultimately be used to sponsor a Christmas gift, for the child whose name you have chosen!

Participating is beyond easy!

If you are living in Akumal, you can purchase your ornament in person at the Turtle Bay Bakery and Café.  If you are not in town yet, don’t worry, you can make your sponsorship online anytime, from anywhere!

Santa Clause is coming to town!

The most exciting part for the kids, is that each gift will be hand delivered by Santa at a special Christmas party being held on December 21st at the Hakab Be Library.  The event is open to all who wants to join and see the smiling shining faces on the children receiving gifts!

This is truly a rewarding gesture to partake in!  There are numerous organizations, such as this one, all over the world making children’s holiday wishes come true!  Most times we look to contribute in places that are close to our hearts!

There are many Canadians and Americans living in Akumal, and in the whole Riviera Maya, that feel just as much as home here, as in their countries of origin; therefore they look to help and be a part of the community in any way they can.

There are numerous ways to stay active and involved in the community.  Follow our blog for updates and news on volunteering throughout the year!

-By Bea Lozano

Livin’ Playa – A Big Slice of Chicago in Playa del Carmen!

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Dear Expats, long time vacationers, and snowbirds, I am pleased to announce Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza in Playa del Carmen!  We already know that Playa del Carmen has a wide array of international and national food choices, which only proves that Playa is keeping up with international demand and catering to Playa del Carmen expats!

I want to give Don Chendo’s a big high five for bringing us such a special treat to Playa!  Pizza is no stranger in this beautiful beach town as there are plenty of delicious Italian thin crust pizza options, but this is a truly unique and one of a kind concept in the area. I had the chance to try the classic deep dish pizza as well as another incredible classic….spaghetti and meatballs (mom’s style)! AMAZING and delicious!

The little pizza shop is located in a perfect area on 30th avenue between 24th and 26th streets.  In my opinion the location is beyond perfect and allows the community of Playa del Carmen expats (living off the 5th avenue) the chance to have a high quality, fantastically priced, 5th avenue worthy meal, very close to home, and in the center of town!

I would like to use this as an example to highlight that the expat community in Playa del Carmen is absolutely growing, thus making more room for American or foreign run businesses to take off and be successful.
There is also more opportunity for expats to make a small business because there is true demand from consumers.  We love Mexico and all it has to offer but we also love when we can find something familiar and close to our hearts!

Something unique that I find from talking to many Americans and Canadians, moving or retiring in Playa del Carmen, is the desire to come here and run a simple business!  Even those who are retiring are looking for something to do!

Many people have worked for years in fast paced careers or big business and would love to finally get the chance to be their own boss, earn a little cash and become part of the Playa del Carmen community! Opening a business is also a great way to meet new people and get to know other Playa del Carmen expats!

If you are thinking about moving to Playa del Carmen and would like more information about what’s going on around town keep up with our blog or visit the Top Mexico Real Estate Facebook Page.