Mexico’s Two Caribbean Islands are Among the Best in the World

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There are experiences which are created and planned – like Disney World.  Some of these have their charm, but what you experience is exactly what a team of marketing experts in an office building somewhere (these days perhaps in Hong Kong, or maybe Beijing?) decided you will experience – nothing more, nothing less.

 

Other experiences are not planned or created – they simply happen.  The place you are, the people your with and what you see and feel while you’re there is well beyond the control of any corporation or travel agency.  Yes, planning is an important part of getting there and making the most of your visit, but the experience itself is defined by your own personal reaction and many random factors shaped by geography, nature and cultures that have developed over centuries.

 

Isla Mujeres and Cozumel – Top Islands in Mexico and the World

This is the case with two of the world’s favorite islands, Mexico’s two Caribbean islands, Isla Mujeres and Cozumel.  Recently, both have been ranked among the top islands in the world, for example, Isla Mujeres in TripAdvisor and Cozumel by Scuba Diving magazine. (Here is also a nice blog post of a traveler sharing their experience on Cozumel.)

 

They share the wide, soft white beaches and turquoise water of the Caribbean Sea – some of the most beautiful in the world.  They share the heritage of the ancient Mayan people and the warm, welcoming culture of their descendants.  They share warm, sunny weather all year round, and excellent diving access to the world’s second largest barrier coral reef.

 

Retire in Mexico - Islands

And, by geographical luck, they are located about an hour away from each other.  Either can be accessed quickly from the Cancun International Airport

 

Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a tiny island just of the coast at Cancun.  Coming directly from the bustling city of Cancun (where the ferry leaves) – which is quickly becoming the largest on the Yucatan Peninsula, and a cosmopolitan hub for travel and international events – the difference is like day and night.

 

You feel like you’re arriving to a different world.  Yes, the climate and the beaches are the same, but suddenly you’re in a quiet place, a sleepy island where time hasn’t seemed to go anywhere in the past few decades.

 

Retire in Mexico - IslandsCozumel

Cozumel is has ferry access from Playa del Carmen.  In addition to diving in the reef, there is deep-sea fishing, boating, sight-seeing, Mayan pyramids, golf and much more.  One of the ideal ways to spend a day on Cozumel is to rent a scooter or a motorcycle (there are Harley rentals!) and just tour the island enjoying the warmth of the open air.  The freedom to simply explore and discover the jungle, the ancient ruins and relaxing beaches at your own leisure is truly a unique experience.

 

Cozumel also has a small city (about 80,000 – a bit smaller than Playa del Carmen.)  In this city you can enjoy the shops of knickknacks, artwork and handicrafts.  There are also excellent restaurants, including many that sell the local catch of the day – fried fish is a local specialty.

 

Experience Life

Yes, on both Isla Mujeres and Cozumel you can buy tours, you can plan your day and decide what you want to see.  But here, these are only tools to make it easier to find a unique experience that is shaped by the place and its culture that you will not find anywhere else.

 

-by Thomas Lloyd

 

Awa Condos Playa del Carmen

The World Cup Comes to Playa del Carmen

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… the Beach Soccer Worldwide Cup, that is.
Starting tomorrow (May 3), the Beach Soccer Worldwide Riviera Maya Cup will be taking place at Mamitas Beach Club.  I’m kind of thinking of going to take a peak.  I’m usually not a soccer kind of guy, but on the beach … that’s something altogether different!

 

And, it’s worth noting that its free!

 

This is the announcement from Mayan Explore:

 

Riviera Maya Cup 2013 in Playa del Carmen from the 3rd – 5th May 2013

 

Mexico, Spain, Brazil and the Bahamas will take part in the Riviera Maya Cup 2013 at Mamitas Beach Club in Playa del Carmen.

 

This competition will be played in a round robin format, with all of the teams playing each other, the team with the most points will be awarded the Riviera Maya Cup 2013 Champions.

 

Her e is the schedule for the Round Robin:

 

Friday 3rd of May

 

1.45pm:- Spain Vs Brazil
3pm:- Bahamas Vs Mexico

 

Saturday 4th of May

 

1.45pm:- Brazil Vs Bahamas
3pm:- Mexico Vs Spain

 

Sunday 5th of May

 

1.45pm:- Spain Vs Bahamas
3pm:- Mexico Vs Brazil

 

-by Thomas Lloyd

 

Awa Condos Playa del Carmen

Wouldn’t You Love to Ride a Train to the Beach … in Mexico?

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Many Americans and Canadians love riding trains.  While the use of practical trains for commuting is returning, far more interesting are the tour trains that run through picturesque locations with beautiful scenery and stopping at interesting little towns.

 

Why We Love Trains So Much

For myself, I remember riding a train through the countryside back home, seeing the fields and forests roll by, and also the pictures of the trains running through tunnels in enormous mountains, or following a river through a green valley.  I never rode on those ones, but I always wanted to.

 

Here in Mexico, up in the north of the country, in the state of Chihuahua, there’s the Copper Canyon train with splendid views of rivers, cliffs and forests.  There’s also the Tequila Valley train offering scenery and tours of the communities in Jalisco where the famous liquor was invented.

 

What about a Train to the Beach … or Mayan Pyramids?

Retire in Mexico - train

Here’s some good news that you may have heard about.  There are currently plans to build a train across the Yucatan Peninsula, going from the beaches in Playa del Carmen to the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, the colonial towns of Valladolid, Merida and Campeche, arriving to the beach once again.  I think there may also be plans for a route out to Progreso.

 

That would be a simply beautiful train ride!

 

Besides the practicality of another reliable and low-priced way to travel across the peninsula, the views would include the lush, green jungle, the ancient pyramids, all but forgotten Mayan towns and the romance of Mexico’s colonial cities.

 

When Will We Get the Yucatan Train?

It’s hard to say when this train will actually come into existence.  The plan has been around for a while, and it’s been put on hold several times.

 

Retire in Mexico - train

The good news is that the plan was approved and endorsed by Mexico’s new President, Enrique Pena Nieto, in December, his first month in office. In just a few months, this President has established a reputation for getting things done – quickly and efficiently.  He has already modified the constitution, begun drastic improvement of the country’s education and started economic reform that has given international observers and investors confidence that the country’s annual growth will soon increase to 7% (up from the current 4%.)

 

When this President says there’ll be a train in Yucatan, it gives me confidence that there really will be.

 

Since starting a new train route requires infrastructure, planning and millions of dollars of investment (about $1.5 billion to be exact), it’s not something that happens over night.  In April the states in question held meetings to begin making plans.  The bidding for the private contract is expected to start at the end of this year.

 

Let’s Hope …

Personally, I love the idea of riding a train across the Yucatan. I’m really hoping that this becomes reality!

 

-by Thomas Lloyd

 

Awa Condos Playa del Carmen

Looking for a Retirement Job? Why Not Your Dream Business in Mexico?

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Retirement in MexicoFinally you’ve made it to that big day when retirement begins, so you can … compete in a struggling job market to make ends meet?!?

 

It may sound absurd, but more and more retirees are finding themselves in this situation.

 

Pressures on Retirees

“‘Retirement job seems like an oxymoron,” observes a recent article in USA Today. “And yet a growing number of Americans say that they plan to continue to work during their retirement years.”

 

The article goes on to list all sorts of fun things like:

  • harder times making retirement budgets work
  • difficulty finding jobs
  • employers’ adversity to hiring workers in retirement age
  • higher unemployment in the 55+ group
  • etc.

 

Of course, for professionals, the pictures is a little different.  But the bottom line still is that it’s becoming harder and harder to just forget about work and enjoy life during retirement.

 

Have You Thought about Mexico?

People who find themselves in this situation would do very well to look south. First and foremost, the cost of living is so low in Mexico, that it solves the problem for most people.   The stress of wondering if those retirement funds will go far enough is removed and people can relax and live well.  Most people could easily afford a nice Mexico property, leaving their savings in tact, or even boosting them if they sell a more expensive property back home.

 


Starting a Business

Some people would still need a source of income.  In Mexico it’s much easier to invest in a rental property or open that business you’ve always dreamed of.  Many retirees are living in Mexico, and gaining an income here.

 

But it’s not that they’re working that same office job that they’ve been waiting to be rid of for so long – they’re working their dream business – a restaurant, cafe, sailing tours, yoga, decoration,  dog kennel – whatever is their passion is.  And they own it.

 

Even people of modest resources can start a business in Mexico.

 

Working for Enjoyment

There are also many retirees who keep working in Mexico, even though they don’t have to.    Why?  Because they enjoy it.   But there’s a world of difference between working  because you like it, and working because of financial pressures.  Working because you enjoy it is also a nice luxury even back home, but in Mexico add to that the comfort of living better on less money, warm weather, beaches, great food and – best of all – relaxation as a way of life.

 

-by Thomas Lloyd

 

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In Uruapan, Michoacan, Bright and Lively Festivals Are Celebrated All Year

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This is a guest post from John Glaab, an real estate expert in La Paz and in Mexico’s international connections.  He also has strong interest in the city of Morelia in central Mexico.

 
All year long there are festivals occurring in Uruapan, near Morelia. The two most noteworthy and that fill the hotels are; Noche de Muertos (Night of the Dead) and Semana Santa (Holy Week). The first is November 1 and the second is Holy Week which includes Palm Sunday and Easter.

 

Michoacan is the center of the part pagan, part Christian celebration of Noche de Muertos (Night of the Dead). Tzintzuntzin the capital of the Tarascan empire is especially important, but Ofrendas (altars) are also abundant in the streets of Patzcuaro and Uruapan. For the past three years, Uruapan has also had a celebration of velas. (candles) More than 10,000 candles adorn the Centro Historica and the main plaza.

 

During Semana Santa, the artisans fill the four block long plaza in Uruapan. This year more than 1,200 came to display and sell their work. Representing 73 communities, the artisans came with 1 million pieces. These ranged from copper works of art (Santa Clara del Cobre) to fine guitars. (Paracho)

 

There were two parades during the week. One the parade of the artesanos and the other the parade of the aguadores. (Water carriers) The later in rational costume carried water from the Rio Cupatitzio, to the Inmaculada church for blessing. Of course both had musical groups in the processions.

 

You may also wish to read about:

 

 

-by John Glaab

 

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At the Riviera Maya Film Festival I Met Patricia Arquette!

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I’m not one to go following stars around, or even looking for them, but if I get the chance to meet one, I’m definitely happy about.  As is more and more common these days, there are celebrities showing up in Playa del Carmen, Cancun and this entire region.

 

And yesterday, at the gala in Puerto Morelos for the Riviera Maya film festival I met Patricia Arquette!  I got some nice pictures:

 

beatlo's Patricia Arquette album on Photobucket

 

I’m not sure if I mentioned it on Saturday when I announced the festival, but this festival is entirely FREE! So, you get glitz and glamour and after-parties and fun activities … without paying anything.  Besides seeing stars, and enjoying international cultural events, it costs very little or nothing.The rest of the event was very nice.  

 

Take a look at the moon over the sea:

 

Riviera Maya International Film Festival Puerto Morelos Playa del Carmen 

Here are some pictures of other parts of the event, and the after-party:

beatlo's Gala Puerto Morelos album on Photobucket

 

Of course, Saturday was really good here in Playa too, with some screenings in Fundadores beach right downtown:

 

beatlo's Riviera Maya Film Festival 2013 album on Photobucket

 

Playa del Carmen really is growing into a thriving place for culture, celebrities, events, festivals and all of this – of course – in the setting of pure relaxation on the beach!

 

– by Bea Lozano

 

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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