Playa del Carmen’s Coloreate 5K Road Race – A Colorful Way to Have Fun and Stay Healthy

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Living in Playa del Carmen is becoming more and more fun every day!  Aside from the fact that you get to wake up to gorgeous weather and scenery every day there are always so many options of things to do!  When you are living in Playa del Carmen there is almost no reason to stay indoors and watch TV!

This past Sunday was an event in Playa del Carmen like I have never seen before.  The Coloreate 5k Race was not just an everyday road race but a party full of fun and lots and lots of color!

I would like to highlight something incredibly special about this Playa del Carmen running event.  This occasion was not just for runners, it was an event that brought the entire community together to interact with each other!  It didn’t matter the age or athletic abilities, everyone could join in!

If you don’t like to run, its ok, perhaps you walked or you were there to be a cheerleader for a friend.  But in the end of the race everyone came together to the Municipal Palace in Playa for a huge party with music, and dancing, and COLOR!!!

Race contestants were greeted by some very energetic and crowd pleasing hosts from Pirata Radio, in Playa del Carmen, who started everyone off with a great pre-race party including upbeat music, and even a warm up routine.

Then it was time to go!  The route starting from the Municipal Plaza down 20th Avenue, down Constituyentes, through to 10th and then looped around to CTM to 5th Ave and then up 8th Street to finish back at the Plaza.

Throughout the entire route, volunteers were throwing handfuls and buckets of non-toxic, sweet flavored powdered color which in the end left each runner with a massive tie dye effect.

Once crossing the finish line everyone was greeted by a spirited party, and given packets of the same color powder, which would be used later to throw in to the air creating a massive storm of color in the Municipal Plaza!

But before that our fantastic hosts from Pirata Radio got the whole crowd excited with music, dance contests and even a show given by an amazing 11 year old girl who put on an exceptional performance showing us the brilliant art of belly dance.

At the end, the crowd got pumped with upbeat music, and all at once everyone threw packets of powdered color creating a sweeping color cloud all through the Municipal Plaza!  It was invigorating, exciting and something that I’ve never seen before.  What an imaginative and cultivate way to bring a community together!

This idea of a radiant storm of color started off a as a tradition in India and has been picked up all over the world, and it’s no wonder why!

If you missed this fun colorful event you are in luck!  The race will be repeated on March 3rd at 3 pm in Cozumel, to coincide with the famous Cozumel Carnival!

To learn more about what’s going on around town stay up to date on our Let’s retire in Mexico blog and don’t forget to follow Mexico real estate on facebook!

There are so many great reasons to love living in Playa del Carmen! What’s your favorite?

-By Bea Lozano

The Inspiring Cirque Du Soleil Set to Grace the Riviera Maya with its Magic in November 2014

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If you are a resident in the Riviera Maya it is likely that you have already heard the great news that Cirque du Soleil is making its grand entrance to the Riviera Maya later on this year!

This news comes with great excitement since many people have waited years for this genre of entertainment to make its way to the Cancun/Riviera Maya area.

Bigger cities in Mexico have seen various visits from Cirque du Soleil but never to the Riviera Maya region. And now, not only will Cirque du Soleil be headed to town for a visit but they are coming to stay!

Cirque du Soleil joins hands to create an experience like no other

Cirque du Soleil has teamed up with Grupo Vidanta, a major Mexico resort developer, to build Latin America’s first permanent Cirque du Soleil Theater.  In fact, there are only a few other locations in the world where the show will run daily in a permanent location, one of those well-known locations being Las Vegas.

The new venue will is going to be built on the Riviera Maya strip about 10 minutes South of Cancun airport, nearby to the beautiful Mayan Palace resort which is directly affiliated with Grupo Vidanta.

Cirque du Soleil is sets out to create a Customized Experience in the Riviera Maya

The new Yucatan jungle inspired theater will be like no other Cirque Theater ever built, as it is intended for a smaller, more intimate, experience.  It is planned to consist of only 600 seats and will operate as a dinner theater, making this Cirque show to be even more unique and special.

This exclusive Riviera Maya Cirque du Soleil show is expected to be 70 minutes long and will run daily, adding yet another “must do” on the itinerary for visitors to Cancun and the Riviera Maya.

Strong news for the healthy growth of the Riviera Maya

This news would have to get some people thinking, clearly this kind of investment has come about due to the increased demand of tourism and residency in the Riviera Maya.  Certainly the Riviera Maya is different than Las Vegas but they share a common factor, which is that people will continue to travel! And people will always continue to seek new entertainment options in the region.

The Riviera Maya is a solid location that shows promise; as we continue to see major initiatives such as this, we can feel more confident in that every day.

Since the Theater will not be open until November, there are still plenty of things to keep you busy.  For more information on upcoming events and things going on around town don’t forget to subscribe to our special Playa del Carmen blog or follow Mexico real estate on Facebook.

In Playa del Carmen you can Still Dance No Matter How Deep the Water Gets!

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The only way to get through life is to dance while doing it-even when you are in the deepest of oceans!  Dance through life in Playa del Carmen!

For more information about living in Playa del Carmen watch real life testimonials and learn how anyone can peruse their dream of living in paradise!

-By Bea Lozano

Palenque! A Surprisingly Charming Stop on our Journey through Mexico!

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Part of the privilege of living in Mexico is getting to explore all of the hidden treasures, beautiful wonders and amazing history tucked away in nearly every corner of the country.  Every landmark, every town and every city in Mexico tells a story!

On my journey with my husband from Mexico City to Playa del Carmen by car, we stopped in the charming town of Palenque in the beautiful state of Chiapas. We stopped off for a place to sleep for the night and to simply take a break from driving but discovered that we were in a town full of beauty, charm and rich history.

The town is small with a very Mexican feel.  Many people who come to Cancun or even Playa del Carmen experience more of a Caribbean and Americanized version of Mexico.  If you are searching more authenticity Palenque is a perfect place to experience it!

Although Palenque happens to be a very popular tourist destination due to its history, well-known archeological sites and wondrous hidden waterfalls the town’s traditional feel has remained untouched by tourist traffic.

You feel as though you stepped into a little story book!  Pick up a morning tamale by one of the local street vendors and then head on over to one of the many cafes you will find all around the little town.

If you are a sweet addict of coffee or even the casual morning sipper you are going to be in love in Palenque.  The state of Chiapas has the most incredible coffee, hence the reason why you will find a café nearly everywhere you turn.  Pick up a cup or go to your favorite local café and grab a kilo of the perfect blend to make right in your home!

Once you’ve had your caffeine fix you can explore the town and then head over to the famous archeological sites where you can find exceptional pyramids standing strong on a site where the Mayans used to reside, leaving us with mysteries of their endeavors.  Each pyramid holds a different history.

In Palenque you can still climb the historical Mayan pyramids which leave you with outstanding views into the distance of the town and far ahead.

In Palenque you can also visit the beautiful waterfalls at Misol Ha!  The incredible views are captivating and invigorating for your spirit.  Swim in the clear waters and take in all of your breathtaking surroundings!

Before you leave Palenque don’t forget to have a good meal while you are there.  In Mexico each state prepares Mexican food with a different style of cooking and specializes in different regional dishes.

There are not any fancy resorts in Palenque but rather small and clean hotels, most offering coffee and breakfast in the morning.

Palenque is known for being a hot travel spot for backpackers and also for students exploring and studying new cultures and traditions.

Traveling through Mexico means you have the opportunity to see, taste, and feel so many different and new things.  Take of all the beautiful new experiences you are presented with and enjoy your journey through this amazing country!

-By Bea Lozano

1st Annual Peek-rroton Dog Run in Playa del Carmen – Fun for everyone, especially our Furry Friends!

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Running in Playa del Carmen is fun for everyone! Of course, even for our furry friends!  On Sunday February 9 Playa del Carmen residents came out to enjoy a fun and fairly non competitive road race with their friends, family and their dogs.

Playa del Carmen’s 1st annual Peek-rroton was a huge success and a quite enjoyable one.  Some of our team members were at the race with their own dogs along with our favorite Top Dog “Topper”.

There were dogs of all kinds! From large Great Danes to mini Chihuahuas; some even dressed up for the occasion!

The race was a 3 kilometer race.  Some walked with their dogs while others ran!  But no matter how you got to the finish line or at what speed; one things is for sure, that everyone was having a great time!

A free and fun race for everyone!

Registration for the event was absolutely free, which was a big benefit for the entire community of Playa del Carmen.  Normal road races would range anywhere from 200 to 300 pesos for registration.

This unique running event in Playa del Carmen was an awesome event for adults, children, retirees, and of course the dogs!

Bringing the Community of Playa del Carmen together!

The first ever race was held at CTM with 10th avenue which is essentially becoming the “new Playa”.  It made me happy to see the diverse community of Playa residents come together to take part in this Sunday morning event.

Next Peek-rrton in Playa del Carmen!

We are excited to hear that there will be another Peek-rroton coming soon which will take route through some of the beautiful jungle area of Playa. I hope that this race, as well as other events like this one, will spread throughout the different neighborhoods in town highlighting that Playa del Carmen is not just about the beach and 5th avenue!  It is a safe and lively town all the way through!

Playa del Carmen is a Pet Friendly Town!

It’s not doubt that Playa del Carmen is dog friendly and continues to show their love for animals.  Animal rescue is a huge initiative in Playa del Carmen.  If you are thinking about adopting a dog find out how you can rescue and save a life at Playa Animal Rescue (PAR).

If you liked this, you’ll love this:  Join us next week at the Playa del Carmen Colorate 5K road race where all participants will be splashed bright with color as they run towards the finish line!  If you don’t like to run, come cheer on your friends!  See more about running in Playa del Carmen!

Love Plank! A New Unique and Exciting Culinary Experience in Playa del Carmen!

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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!

Xplor’s Bravest Race – Do you think you are Brave Enough to Cross the Finish Line?

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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!