Category Archives: Playa del Carmen

Living in Mexico: The Riviera Maya Ultimate Bucket List

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So now that you own a slice of gorgeous Mexico real estate, you have all this free time in your hands.  You find yourself being more active then you’ve ever been.  When you look out your window and see your beautiful Caribbean paradise… you want get out there… and enjoy living in Mexico. So why not start with the ultimate bucket list that lives inside your head.  For most dare devils, a bucket list favorite might be something like… swimming with sharks.

Well let’s not get that crazy.

You would like to be alive long enough to enjoy living in Mexico.  So might I suggest swimming with the “whale sharks”?


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

What is a whale shark? Is it a whale or is it a shark? Well they are a shark.

“What! And you want me to swim with them?”

Even though they are the largest known fish, with a record of 41.5 feet long, they are gentle giants.  Whale sharks are very docile fish that pose no danger to humans.

The whale shark is named after the whale because of their sheer size and feeding habits. The whale shark is a filter feeder, swimming close to the surface with their mouths open surviving on a buffet of plankton.

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Whale shark season is from June to September.  That is when the whale sharks migrate to Isla Mujeres to feed; an Island located just north of Cancun.  All you have to do is throw on your snorkel gear, jump in the water and swim with these massively impressive but gentle giants.

And guess what, you’re now swimming with sharks… and you get to live to tell about it!

Be adventurist, enjoy living in Mexico, go swim with the “sharks”.

And cross it off your list…

… It’ll be our little secret.

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Now if you have any question about this or any of the TOP MEXICO REAL ESTATE properties we have listed in Playa Del Carmen, The Riviera Maya or anywhere throughout Mexico, please feel free to contact any of our TOP MEXICO EXPERT SALES TEAM and we will be glad to help you find your very own piece of paradise.

And remember, here at TOP MEXICO REAL ESTATE…

We make it happen! 

TOPMexicoRealEstate.com NETWORK; “Mexico’s Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely!”

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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!

Official Announcement- The Riviera Maya is Safe!

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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!

Small Town Values in the Riviera Maya Are Still Alive…For Now!

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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!

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!

Meet Kristie Scivally from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma!

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As part of our Livin’ Playa Series we are showing and capturing the real life of expats and snowbirds in Playa del Carmen!

 

We had the lovely opportunity to talk with Kristie Scivally from Oklahoma City Oklahoma!  We were interested to talk with Kristie because she is a die-hard Playa fan who chooses to spend all of her vacation time here in Playa.  We wanted to find out why!  So this is her story!

 

(To see more real-life stories in YouTube, click here.)

 

Kristie lives a normal life back in Oklahoma City.  She raises a 10 year old boy and works very hard.  She has been coming to Playa for the past 10 years, right around the time her son was born. She likes to take any chance she can take to be here.  She visits approximately 4 or 5 times per year and by this time has become a Playa expert as she has watched this lovely beach town evolve and grow without ever sacrificing its charm.

 

Kristie usually spends a bigger chunk of time, of about a month, here during the summer since her son is free from school during that time.  Throughout the year she takes smaller trips of about a week or so whenever her son gets a break from school! And when she is not here, she is always planning and looking forward to her next trip!

 

So we wanted to know, Why Playa?
If you get the chance to take 4 or 5 vacations every year then why not change it up a little? This is an easy question for Kristie to answer.  She simply loves Playa!  We all know that when you love something you should stick with it.  Kristie comes to Playa for a wide scale of reasons.  The atmosphere, the beach, great food, the family friendly environment and also because of safety!

 

Some of her favorite things to do here are to go to the beach, lounge by the pool, take her son for a ride in the go karts or other fun kids activities, walk on the 5th Avenue, socialize with friends while enjoying nice dinners and wine!  She also loves the fact that you can come here and still escape to other beautiful gems such as Tulum, Chichen-itza and many other paradise locations all within the Riviera Maya!  This is all a part of the life in Playa!

 

Good Friends
Over time Kristie has made good friendships with expats who live here year round and she looks forward to spending time with them each visit.  Playa del Carmen is, in fact, a home away from home for Kristie and her son!

 

At this point in Kristie’s life she is not prepared to live here full-time but knows that once here son is out of school, and she can retire, Playa is the place she wants to be!  For now she will continue to escape to Playa for vacation and keeping dreaming that little dream of one day living here!

 

To hear what Kristie has to say please click on this link for her testimonial on You tube!

 

We love our town of Playa del Carmen and we want to get the word out that this is a great place to live, retire and vacation!  What better way to do that than by letting you meet people who can give you the real scoop!  Stay tuned for more testimonials for our Livin’ Playa series!

 

-by Thomas Lloyd

 

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Cathy Tells You about Life in Playa del Carmen! (Video – Livin’ Playa)

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Do you ever imagine what life in Playa del Carmen would be like? Walking on the beach, yoga, Spanish classes, martini’s at the poolside, relaxed expat clubs …

Sounds almost too perfect, doesn’t it?

Well, people who live here can tell you that that’s what life is actually like.  We have another video in our Livin’ Playa series, this time an interview with Cathy Morrison.  Cathy is a past client of ours – we helped her and her husband find their ideal condo in Quadra Alea.  And guess what life is like for her:

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

 

Walking on the beach, yoga, Spanish classes, martini’s at the poolside, relaxed expat clubs …

Life in Playa is relaxation!

-by Thomas Lloyd
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The Experience of a Lifetime – Taking the Bus in Mexico!

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There are many things that we consider thrilling and exciting in this day and age, but did you ever think that taking a bus would be one of them. If you didn’t, then you have never taken a bus in Mexico.

 

The rules need not apply!

 

Buses make their own rules and take you along for the ride.

 

Here in Playa Del Carmen there are many advantages to public transportation. For instance, the bus will pick you up from any location; there is no need to walk to a bus stop. Just wave down a bus and he will happily stop to collect you. The same goes for drop offs. Just remember to shout the secret word ‘bajan!”(remember the “j” sounds like an “h”) and they will stop as soon as possible to let you off.

 

The buses here also don’t worry so much about capacity. A bus is considered full when the door will no longer close. So if you can squeeze yourself on, get on – because if you don’t, someone else will.

 

 Speed is another advantage. A bus is likely to get you where you are going faster than driving. That’s because they can go as fast as they like, which offers another advantage… free window air conditioning! The faster the go the cooler you feel.

 

On a serious note every bus here in Playa del Carmen has fantastic brakes – this is proven every time someone wants to get off. So make sure you hold on.

 

So, all in all taking the bus is a win, win situation. It’s cheap, you stay fresh (most of the time) and you can spend some time relaxing and listening to your favorite tunes. I see many tourists take the bus here, and they are always smiling. It’s an adventure the locals enjoy every day.

 

For the more serious of you out there, I’d stick to the bigger buses. But for those of you that want a bit more adventure, try the little bus… I dare you!!! Where else can you get a fun-filled ride for 5 pesos?

 

-by Thomas Lloyd

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