Author Archives: Thomas Lloyd

Try This Cafe on Fifth Avenue, Playa del Carmen – You Will NOT Regret it!

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A “triple treat” restaurant for me is a place that has:

 

  – great food
  – great service
  – reasonable prices

 

Most restaurants – anywhere – offer only 2 of the 3. You either have great food and service at a price, cheap but not so tasty food or great food at a reasonable price but no customer service whatsoever.

 

 

It saddens me to say this but customer service is not all that great here in Playa del Carmen. While in hotels and fancy restaurants on the popular Fifth Avenue the service is exceptional, the local hangouts are not as lucky. But I’m happy to report that it is getting better. What gives me this ray of sunshine? Let me explain…

 

The Task of Choosing a Restaurant

Yesterday, we headed out for lunch like we usually do. Listing the places we normally go out loud until we decided on a restaurant. We walked along thinking about all our experiences in different restaurant, some good, some bad. We like to try new places but we often leave feeling more disappointed than satisfied. But that was not the case yesterday.
Retire in Playa del Carmen, MexicoDiscovering a New “Triple Treat” – Hot Baking Company

We decided against all our judgment and the little voice in our head saying ‘Stick to what you know’, to try Hot Baking Company. And, boy, were we surprised. The prices were the first thing we noticed. I’d always thought it was an expensive place but turns out that it is quite reasonable prices. We decided to share some enchiladas. So decision one was out of the way, but the we had the choice of filling (chicken, cheese, beans, etc), the choice of tortilla (blue, flour, wheat, etc), the choice of sauce (red, green, mole, etc) and of course what we wanted on top (onion, lettuce, cream, cheese, etc).

 

 

We were a little overwhelmed at first, but then settled on chicken enchiladas, with blue tortillas, mole sauce and everything on top. And what a great decision it was. They also agreed to split the meal on two plates so we could share – we often do this and then if you like it and we are still hungry we order and share another plate. It’s a great way to enjoy a variety of dishes!

 

To wash down our delicious enchiladas we ordered a chaya (a Mexican green leaf that is great for juicing or with eggs) and mango juice. It was equally delicious and refreshing. After the enchiladas are tummy were still rumbling so we decided to order a salad. Again with the choices- what kind of lettuce or green leaves? What meat (chicken, beef, fish)? What vegetables and cheese, and to top it off a choice of dressing? And again they offered to put the salad into two bowls!

 

Retire in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Service to Write Home About (or at least a blog …)

We were amazed. The wait staff was attentive, we were happy with the price and the food was very yummy. We will definitely be going back and with 2 locations to choose from (Fifth Avenue or Centro Maya Shopping Mall) it makes the choice of what to eat even easier.

 

To sum up the whole experience sometimes new it better and yum, yum, yum!

 

-by Bea Lozano

 

Awa Condos Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen Opens First Wheelchair Accessible Beach in Mexico!

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Wheelchair accessibility and beaches are not ideas that people would imagine to be very compatible. Yet, a few weeks ago, Playa del Carmen combined innovation, creativity and sound practical thinking to open Mexico’s first wheel-chair accessible beach!

 

The beach is Fundadores, located right next to the ferry dock in the heart of downtown, which is also one of the widest beaches in the region.

 

The service offers wheelchairs and walkers specially designed to work on the beach, a wooden board-walk style path going out onto the sand, and accessibility to the beach showers.

 

Take a look at the pictures:

 

Fundadores Beach, Playa del Carmen

 

Fundadores Beach, Playa del Carmen

 

Fundadores Beach, Playa del Carmen

 

Fundadores Beach, Playa del Carmen

 

Fundadores Beach, Playa del Carmen

 

Fundadores Beach, Playa del Carmen

 

We’re proud of Playa del Carmen for putting in the effort to make this beautiful beach more accessible and enjoyable for everyone!

 

-by Bea Lozano

 

Awa Condos Playa del Carmen

Let Earth Day Inspire You – Eco-Lifestyles in Mexico

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Earth Day (today, April 22) is an inspiring day for many of us.  It reminds us that we need to take action to prevent pollution, live sustainably and protect wildlife and natural vegetation.  It also reminds us of the possibility of living in harmony with nature.

 

It’s one of those things many of us support and think about, but when it comes to taking action and making it happen, there’s always something in the way or a reason why we (apparently) can’t make the leap right now.  Sure, we all recycle, ride our bikes when we can and hope the government will cut back on pollution – and those things are great, but it would be nice to have the right chance to just go out and do it.

 

Retiring in Mexico

Here’s something that’s surprising for many people who haven’t lived in Mexico; it’s easier to live an environmental lifestyle here!

 

But you may ask yourself – why is living in Mexico better for an ecological lifestyle?  Consider these points:

 

Mexico has a huge variety of natural settings, wildlife and biodiversity.  In many parts of the country, there have simply never been the resources to develop these areas.  Fortunately, as resources have increased with recent economic growth, many large protected areas, such as Sian Kaan, have been created.

Retiring in Mexico

Ecological residential developments are becoming increasingly common. Because of the point mentioned above, more residential developments are being designed with sustainable principles. Many are even being designed in a fully sustainable design, integrating nature and offering an ecological lifestyle in very close contact with that nature.  (See, for example, Pueblo Sac-Be near Playa del Carmen.)

Eco-lifestyle is supported by a deep-rooted spirituality. Many people who want to live in harmony with nature also seek out the spiritual element of that lifestyle.  The strong roots of Mayan mysticism, combined with the recent influence of Tibetian monks and yoga, in the Yucatan Peninsula have created a place where spiritual health, environmental health and bodily health are one and the same.  (See, for example, Holistika, a new eco-village in Tulum.)

Retiring in Mexico

The cost of living is lower.  While an eco-lifestyle is more natural and closer to the basics, up north it tends to cost considerably more.  This is often one of the factors that prevents people from taking the dive.  In Mexico, the cost of living is considerably lower – even for natural products and lifestyle – leaving people more freedom to choose the lifestyle that is best.

 

So, don’t be content to put a poster up on your fridge for Earth Day.  Let this day inspire you to start something extraordinary!  You may not change the world today, but you can start the steps to change your own lifestyle drastically for the better, and inspire others to follow you.

 

-by Bea Lozano

 

Awa Condos Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen’s International Film Festival Starts Tomorrow, April 21!

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If you are in Playa del Carmen or anywhere nearby, you won’t want to miss this:

 

Tomorrow the Riviera Maya International Film Festival starts!

 

It runs from April 21 to April 27, one entire week.  It’s entirely free, and there are nightly drive-in theater showings!

 

Retirement activities in Playa del Carmen - Film Festival

Patricia Arquette

Some international stars, like Patricia Arquette, will be present!  This event is not only a great place to see films, but also to catch some star sightings on the most beautiful beaches in the world!

 

(This is getting more and more common, by the way.  In addition to the Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders Tom posted about on Thursday, these days there are almost continuously stars in Cancun, like Salma Hayek and Adam Sandler, who are there right now.)

 

Check out the schedule for the film festival.  It’s in English, as is the main website.

 

Hope you can make it out there!

 

-by Bea Lozano

 

Awa Condos Playa del Carmen

Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Bring New Connection Between Cozumel and Texas

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When people think about beaches, for many people bikinis come to mind – for some, wearing them, for others seeing them.  When it comes to bikinis, Mexico’s beaches certainly aren’t lacking.  Now, people don’t believe me when I say this, but seeing beautiful young women in bikinis on the beaches in the Riviera Maya is so common that after a while you really just don’t notice anymore.

 

 

But here’s something you simply can’t overlook:

 

Just last week, the Dallas Cowboys’ cheerleaders came to Cozumel (the island across the strait from Playa) to do a few photo shoots!

 

Besides the pictures, as anyone would guess, these women also enjoyed Cozumel to it’s fullest, scuba diving in the coral reef among other things.

 

For obvious reasons, Mexico’s tourism board is using the cheerleaders’ visit as a publicity campaign, which includes a 2014 calendar I believe as well as some online promotions.

 

 

Now, it’s also worth noting that international, high-profile events with celebrities are becoming more and more common in the Riviera Maya.  Besides the idea of seeing these people around, it’s good for just about every other aspect of choosing to live here – better publicity, more tourism, which leads to more modern services, investment, etc.

 

I’ve written about the growing connection between Texas and Cozumel a number of times before. I believe Dallas is one of the main U.S. destinations for direct flights from the island, and there have been several international real estate conventions, but you might says this is something a little more “lively.”

You don’t have to wait for the Dallas Cowboys’ cheerleaders to see bikinis on Cozumel’s beaches, but I’m sure most people wouldn’t miss the chance if they got it!

 

See this gallery from Cozumel Cruise Excursions for more pictures from the 2014 calendar.

 

– by Thomas Lloyd

 

Mexico Real Estate Testimonials

Tulum is One of the Best Places for Camping! – Pictures

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When people think of traveling or vacations in Mexico, they think of resorts, hotels, luxury homes, comfortable condos, etc.  All of this is readily found at great prices, so it makes sense.  But what many people don’t realize is that Mexico has extraordinary camping locations.  Tulum is one of these.

 

Camping in Tulum is excellent for many reasons.  You’re right on the world’s most beautiful beaches.  The weather is always warm.  You’re surrounded by nature, but at the same time, there’s always a little shop or stand with food and snacks nearby.  The starts and moon are simply amazing, as are the sunrises (as I pointed out on Monday.)

 

Take a look at some of my pictures from our recent camping trip on Tulum’s beaches:

 

Camping in Tulum - Retirement in Mexico

 

Camping in Tulum - Retirement in Mexico

 

Camping in Tulum - Retirement in Mexico

 

Camping in Tulum - Retirement in Mexico

 

Camping in Tulum - Retirement in Mexico

 

Camping in Tulum - Retirement in Mexico

 

Camping in Tulum - Retirement in Mexico

 

Camping in Tulum - Retirement in Mexico

 

Camping in Tulum - Retirement in Mexico

 

Camping in Tulum just feels so good, so relaxing, so refreshing! Of course, being able to go take a dip in the warm Caribbean Sea in the morning is a wonderful way to start a day.

 

I recommend for anyone to try camping in Tulum or other parts of Mexico if they get the chance.

 

-by Bea Lozano

 

Mexico Real Estate Testimonials

Camping in Tulum, I Saw the Most Spectacular Sunrises

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A couple of weeks ago, we went camping in Tulum.  I got up before daybreak to get some pictures of the sun rising over the Caribbean – some of the most spectacular sunrises you’ll see, especially in the setting of the Mayan jungle, wide, sandy beaches and clear water of the Caribbean.

To start, take a look at the moon over the sea earlier in the night (you might have to adjust your screen a little see it well):

 

Retirement in Tulum, Mexico

Check out your dream condo in Tulum

Now, here’s a sequence of pictures, showing the sunrise from the first light over the horizon, until the sun is fully up in the sky.  Notice the fishermen’s boats lined up just off the beach:

 

Retirement in Tulum, Mexico

 

Retirement in Tulum, Mexico
(Notice the dogs who came to enjoy the sunrise!)

 

Retirement in Tulum, Mexico

 

Retirement in Tulum, Mexico

 

Retirement in Tulum, Mexico

 

Retirement in Tulum, Mexico

 

Retirement in Tulum, Mexico

 

Retirement in Tulum, Mexico

 

Retirement in Tulum, Mexico

 

And, just for fun, notice this nifty tool I found, which adds the time, date and weather to the pictures:

 

Retirement in Tulum, Mexico

 

As anyone will know who’s gone camping, it’s easier to wake up earlier – and, here in Tulum, in the middle of nature, with the sound of birds and the waves, it’s just that much easier yet.

 

Next week, I’ll share some pictures of the rest of the camping experience.

 

-by Bea Lozano

 

Mexico Real Estate Testimonials

It’s Time to Redecorate Your Home – Oaxaca Style!

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Don’t you think it would be a great time to redecorate your home? People are always talking about “out with the old, in with the new.” Why not try “out with the new, in with the old” – or the traditional, at least!

 

Take a look at some of these fine household decorations, arts and crafts that I found at last week’s Oaxaca culture fair.  In this first picture, notice the busts of a Mexican president made of the same materials and along side of the ancient pre-hispanic pottery, skulls and animal figures.  (I believe the president is Benito Juarez, given recognition in Mexico similar to that of Abraham Lincoln in the U.S.)

 

You might also want to add a few candles to your new decor, in these clay candle holders, made onsite:

These fans would look nice on the wall, but if you’re living in Playa del Carmen, on the beach, I would suggest keeping them on the coffee table so people can actually use them:

 

Finally, while you’re in the process of redecorating, you might as well throw out the old pots and pans, and perhaps the dishes too, and try something more “down to earth:”

I love these culture fairs that we enjoy here in Playa del Carmen.  I makes it easy to get a taste of other parts of Mexico. While traveling to these places is always the best way to go, it might help you decide which location to travel to first!

 

-by Bea Lozano

 

Can You Imagine Dressing Like This?

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Playa del Carmen is most certainly a laid-back place where no one would be too concerned if an American woman was enjoying a sunny day on the beach or on Fifth Avenue in a traditional Mexican clothing! Of course, many non-Mexicans who wouldn’t go for the dress might feel more comfortable in one of the beautiful blouses.

 
Whether you choose to try out some of Mexico’s more traditional clothing for yourself or not, the beautiful embroidery work and bright colors are certainly appealing to look at, either on people or even just on display.

 

Last week’s Oaxacan culture fair in Playa del Carmen was one opportunity to enjoy seeing traditional clothing for women and men:

 

beatlo's Oaxaca Traditional Clothing album on Photobucket

(If you can’t see the slide shows, click here.)

 

And there was also a good bit of jewelry:

 

beatlo's Oaxaca Jewelry album on Photobucket

 

Tomorrow, we will see some decorations, arts and crafts from Oaxaca as our final post on the culture fair that we enjoyed last week!

 

-by Bea Lozano

 

Mexico Real Estate Testimonials

Oaxaca’s Traditional Toys Mix the Old and the New

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As I pointed out on Friday, last week there was a fair presenting various aspects of Oaxaca’s culture here in Playa del Carmen.  As I said in that post, which was about the food, Oaxaca is one of the more distinct regions of Mexico, on the south end of the country’s Pacific Coast.

 

Today, I want to share some pictures of toys we took.  I love seeing the toys, not only because we have two younger kids, but also just because of the colors, the variety and the style.

 

Today, they’re in a slide show:

 

beatlo's Toys - Traditional Mexico album on Photobucket

(If you can’t see the slide show, click here.)

Notice the variety; some are simple, fun, colorful traditional toys, like the rattles, some are figures that include religious scenes, history and day to day life and some, like the maps, are educational.  Yet, a single colorful style can be seen in all of them.

 

Also  notice the puzzles with Disney figures on them.  First of all, I don’t suppose they bothered getting copyright approval.  Secondly, notice that they also end up with the same colorful, authentically Mexican look!

 

 – by Bea Lozano

 

Mexico Real Estate Testimonials