Grand Opening of La Memorable

Friday October 9, 2015 saw the grand opening La Memorable, a new food market located next to the Grand Hyatt Hotel. Located on the corner of 1st avenue and 26th, this is the third food market to open in Playa del Carmen and this night was dedicated to giving the residents of Playa a taste of what they have to offer. With a DJ and live band providing the soundtrack to an evening that gradually built in attendance, guests eventually filled the market and enjoyed the free samplings of wine and food. Juggling clowns and various street performers added to the entertainment ambience.

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Below you will see a photo gallery that not only captures the evening’s action but also also serves as an intro to the many shops that you will find when you arrive and explore for yourself.

 photo gonzales_zpsfaknbywg.jpg Upon first entering the food market you will come across the Gonzalez artisanal beer bar. There is only Mexican beer sold here, with seventeen on tap and 21 different bottled beers. The prices for beer begins at 35 pesos and goes up to 100 pesos.  If beer is not your drink of choice then there´s a full alcohol bar available as well. The bar´s location makes it an ideal place to sit and watch the people on the street but also is a good place to expand your palate of beers.
If you are a wine lover then head over to the Ensenada wine bar. It only features Mexican wines. and is the perfect place for business meetings or enjoying a drink after a day of work. Prices are very reasonable at about 90-140 pesos a glass, with bottles selling for between 300-1000. If you’re interested in something a little different, try picking up a bottle from the  Paladar De Mezcal store. There is not a lot of mezcal sold in Playa, so grab some for yourself or as a souvenir. They have a great selection that includes flavors such as mango and tamarind, and you can also order from their special cocktail menu.  photo DSC00371_zpsp6lwtdts.jpg

If you’re hungry and looking for something to eat head over to the Oye Carino seafood restaurant, a place where you can select your own fish for your meal or just have fish tacos. If you prefer a traditional  Mexican taqueria then head to the back of the market where you will find Taco Taco,  featuring a wide array of Mexican tacos.

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For dessert try the El Socio candy store, perfect for the kids and people with a sweet tooth, then wind things off with a trip to Sabor Illegal,  the place to go for specialty cigars from Cuba and all over.

 photo DSC00422_zpsewxlcwn1.jpgSee for yourself why this was a such big attraction to the residents of Playa. La Memorable is now open so drop by and enjoy for yourself!

Top Mexico Real Estate is your source for information about life and culture in Mexico. Let us show you what is like here, and what you will be enjoying when you begin your adventure as a property owner in the paradise of the Mayan Riviera.

And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate…

We Make It Happen!

Weekend Getaway to Isla Mujeres

Living in Mexico and looking for the perfect place to escape to for the weekend? Have we got the perfect place where you could spend your weekend: Isla Mujeres! The gorgeous island off the coast of Cancun is home to over 12,000 people who can enjoy views of Cancun when the skies are clear. This small Caribbean island has much to offer to tourists who dare go on a getaway weekend to enjoy a new side of paradise.

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How to Get There

Getting to Isla Mujeres is quite easy. Ferries leave from Puerto Juarez, Punta Sam or Gran Puerto, all located in the Benito Juarez municipality. Ferries depart to and from Isla Mujeres every half an hour from 5 AM to 12 AM from Gran Puerto through Ultramar, but make sure you check schedules prior to your trip so you don’t get stranded on the island for an extra night! The other two companies run at different times, usually once an hour.

You can expect to pay $70 mxn for a one-way ticket, and if you want to cross with a car, moped, bike, or van, you can do so departing from Punta Sam and at an extra cost of $82 to $256 pesos.

Where to Stay

Isla Mujeres is lined with hundreds of gorgeous beach town hotels – from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Additionally, the real estate options are gorgeous and many home owners rent their properties by the day, week or month. Because the island is so small, staying in a condo or hotel in the center is perfect as you can walk or go by golf cart to the beach. If you would rather stay by the beach, the options are endless, also depending on which side of the island you want to stay at. The north part is where the arenales (sand banks) are, creating a beautiful view of white sand and crystal clear blue waters.

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What to Do

The options of what to do in Isla Mujeres are endless. Snorkeling and scuba diving are the most common activities – you can’t say you went to Isla Mujeres without dipping a toe in the ocean! Amongst the most popular things to do is swimming with the great whale sharks (although this can only be done during Whale Shark Season) and visiting the underwater museum. You can also visit the natural reef park Garrafón, take a tour to visit the best snorkeling spots, go fishing, and much more.

As soon as you step off the ferry, dozens of people will approach you selling their tours. The best thing to do is rent a golf cart to be able to move around the island and discover its amazing nature.

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Shopping and Eating

There really is no tourist experience without some shopping and fine dining! Isla Mujeres has a great boulevard by the beach offering an array of shopping options. Most shops offer beautiful Mexican crafts such as sarapes, clay art, carved good, paintings, hammocks, typical dresses, shoes, and others. You will also find dive shops, restaurants and jewelry shops.

As to eating, the top recommended places are Mango Café for delicious breakfast, tea and coffee. Lunch can be had at Q’Bravo where enchiladas suizas and guacamole are recommended highly. Additionally, most (note: not all) restaurants in Isla Mujeres are affordable, as is everything in general, compared to Cancun or Playa del Carmen.

Recommendations

Isla Mujeres is small but has a lot to offer, so plan out your weekend getaway before getting there so you’re not trying to see it all and end up seeing nothing. Snorkeling and scuba diving tours usually take up quite some time from your day, so if you’re wanting to also explore the island, find the hidden gems, visit the parks and see the local life, you need to organize your times.

Bring money! Although it is more affordable than other places on the Riviera Maya, it is still a highly touristic destination and money will be spent. Whether you’re paying for tours, beers, meals, or just shopping, it’s always better to have money.

Most importantly, remember to be open-minded, enjoy the local laid-back lifestyle and make new friends!

Tune back for another great Weekend Getaway trip next week!

Top Mexico Real Estate is an American-owned company in Playa del Carmen catering to thousands of Americans and Canadians wanting to own property in paradise. Feel free to contact one of our Top Buyer Representatives if you’re interested in purchasing a vacation, retirement or permanent home in Mexico! If you fell in love with the area there are many Isla Mujeres real estate options to choose from.

And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate

We Make It Happen!

Love is in the Riviera Maya

You are back home stressed with work, taxes, family, and even the news. You decide to take a vacation at your second home in the Riviera Maya, and you owe it to yourself and your significant other to do nothing but relax and enjoy each other’s company. Maybe you cancelled your date night with your wife because you had to stay late to work, or maybe you told your husband you weren’t in the mood to go out because you spent all day working or taking care of your children or grandchildren. Well, you’re in Mexico, and the place is nothing short of romantic.

The Riviera Maya offers plenty of fine dining and romantic restaurants for you to spark that light. Here are our top 5 favorite romantic restaurants in Riviera Maya:

Oh La La!

This quaint little restaurant has a French name but offers international dishes. From lamb chops to grilled tuna, this Downtown restaurant is sure to excite your palate. Accompany your meal with one of the wide array of wines offered and enjoy the cozy company of your loved one.

Location: 14th Street Bis, between 10th and 15th Avenue
Price: $$$

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Pavo Real by the Sea

As the name obviously suggests, this beautiful restaurant is right by the Caribbean ocean. Offering romantic candle-lit dinners, you can choose anything from an exquisite ceviche to shrimp in saffron curry. Moreover, you will be enjoying the stunning and serene scenery. Sounds like the perfect atmosphere for rekindling love.

Location: Tulum-Cancun Federal Highway 307, in Punta Maroma
Price: $$$$

Como Como Osteria Mediterranea

This gorgeous little restaurant is attached to La Tortuga Hotel & Spa, but functions on its own. Romantically decorated, the food is tasty and innovative. At night, the hotel and restaurant is lit up by candle lights that create a uniquely and suave atmosphere, perfect for sharing a delicious fish fillet with an Italian twist.

Location: 10th Avenue between 12th and 14th Street
Price: $$$

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La Cueva del Chango

Don’t be fooled by the name (the monkey’s cave), this restaurant offers one-of-a-kind dining. Some even claim that the best guacamole they’ve had was in this very restaurant. Surrounded by trees and with a great wine menu, this place is nothing short of romantic.

Location: 38th Street between 5th Avenue and the Sea
Price: $$$

 Alux

It can’t get any more romantic than this! Alux is built within a cave, which offers spectacular stalagmites and stalactites throughout! The food is delicious, the drinks are exceptional and the mood is perfect for a quite and enjoyable experience. The place has little light, which adds to the mysterious and romantic mood.

Location: Juarez Avenue S/N
Price: $$$$

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Well, now you know where to go to forget about stress, work, or anything in between. Both you and your partner will not regret a dinner escapade to one of these – or any of the other hundreds of restaurants – that Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya have to offer. Bon appetite!

For more romantic things to do please read, Love Is in the Air in Playa del Carmen – 10 Most Romantic Things to Do.

Top Mexico Real Estate is an American-owned real estate company, leader in the Riviera Maya market. If you are thinking of investing in a paradise home, feel free to contact one of our Top Mexico Buyers’ Representatives who will gladly help you through the process to becoming a homeowner in Mexico.

And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate

We Make It Happen!

Hurricane Season in the Riviera Maya: How to Prepare Yourself

Living in the Riviera Maya means that every year we have to get through the hurricane season. Luckily, despite the scary name the possibility of a hurricane hitting the Mexican Caribbean shores is very low. There is only a small chance you will ever experience a hurricane and even if you do; chances are it is going to be just a lot of rain with high winds.

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It has been a decade since the last destructive hurricane (Wilma) hit Cancun and some areas in the Riviera Maya. The main problems caused by Wilma were the reestablishment of power lines as well as water services, there was also a gasoline and food shortage in the area.

Being prepared is essential when dealing with the challenges of hurricane season. Making sure you prepare ahead of time will save you time, money and stress. It is also important to prepare a plan to guarantee everyone’s safety.

Hurricane Season: How to Be Prepared

FOOD:
Always make sure to have enough non-perishable food and a good supply of clean water. Check labels and expiration dates to make sure everything is edible, store all of these items in a safe dry area, preferably in a high cabinet.

Some foods to consider are:

Cans: Tuna, sardines, beans, deviled ham, condensed milk, fruits and vegetables, etc.
Jars: Jam, peanut butter, nutella, spaghetti sauce, etc.
Dry food: Seeds, peanuts, pasta, rice, oatmeal, cereals, bread, cookies and crackers.
Boxes: Ultra pasteurized milk, tomato sauce, cream, etc.

WATER:
For disaster preparedness you should store at least a gallon a day per person for a 3 day period. In Mexico this can be easily solved by calling your drinking water company and order enough 20 liters containers for your family, we’d recommend storing a 10 to 14 day supply in a safe place. For domestic purposes, it is a good idea to have a second tinaco installed at home, or replace the one you have for a bigger size.

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FIRST AID KIT AND PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION:
Make sure to have a properly stocked First Aid Kit, you can find ready to buy kits in places like Sam’s or you can make your own.
Here are some things that you must include in your kit:

  • Sterile gauze
  • Medical Tape
  • Band-Aids
  • Elastic bandages
  • Antiseptic wipes
  • Soap
  • Antibiotic cream (triple antibiotic ointment)
  • Antiseptic solution (as hydrogen peroxide/alcohol)
  • Hydrocortisone cream (1%)
  • Paracetamol, ibuprofen, aspirin, etc.
  • Tweezers
  • Sharp scissors
  • Calamine lotion
  • Alcohol swabs
  • A thermometer
  • Plastic gloves (at least 2 pairs)

Also make sure you have a sufficient reserve of medications prescribed to you and your family. After a hurricane medicines might be scarce, as businesses can be closed or the medicines can be damaged.

PROPANE AND GASOLINE
It is important to have a safe way to cook your meals, most houses in Mexico have a propane stove so filling your tank before hurricane seasons is a good idea. If you have smaller tanks, having a spare is also good, as long as it is safely put away or secured before hurricane season.

Gas stations run out of gasoline quickly during a hurricane, make sure your car has a full tank before the hurricane hits the coast. I fill my tank as soon as an alert is issued; this not only insures that I have gas it also helps me avoided the long lines of people scrambling to get gasoline.

OTHER IMPORTANT ITEMS TO CONSIDER:
These are items that need to be around your home in case of a hurricane:

  • Flashlights: preferably LED in case the power goes out for a short time.
  • Candles: decorative candles can last much longer.
  • Battery Powered Radio
  • Solar Garden Lights: can be recharged by day and use them inside the house overnight.
  • Chlorine: To disinfect water and eliminate germs if your houses floods.
  • Ziplock Bags: To store valuable items like important documents and photos.
  • Corded Phone
  • Cell phone and extra charged batteries.
  • DC adapter to AC
  • Wet wipes.
  • Many batteries of all sizes.
  • A flashlight for each family member, and battery backups.
  • Enough plastic bags for trash and other garbage.
  • Supply of toilet paper and other hygiene products that you need.

Give yourself plenty of time to get ready, technology nowadays will let you know with a week in advance when a hurricane is forming. In my experience getting ready at this time will give you plenty of time to get all the supplies you will need.

Luckily in all the time I have lived in the Peninsula, none of the warnings ended up in hurricanes; but it is always better to be prepared beforehand to avoid long lines and panic purchases.

Top Mexico Real Estate is an American owned real estate company serving foreigners looking to buy a property in Mexico. For over a decade, our team has helped thousands of clients to find and purchase the home of your dreams.

If you want to learn more about the real estate market in Mexico, please contact us!

Top Mexico Real Estate…

We Make It Happen!

Summer in the Riviera Maya, is your home Fiesta friendly?

People living in the Riviera Maya are always looking for an excuse to organize a Fiesta. Most of the local subdivisions have nice common areas, which will allow you to enjoy a nice afternoon with friends without spending too much money.

If you are looking for the right property for you, you might be thinking about the number of bedrooms and bathrooms or even the location or neighborhood. But something that you should also consider is how Fiesta friendly your home might be.

This obviously does not apply to everyone, as social butterflies might use these areas more than others but the weather is defiantly fiesta perfect. For people that enjoy relaxation and being by themselves, these areas can be used to recharge, surrounded by nature, meditate or practice Yoga.

Is your home Fiesta friendly? Finding the right spaces

Most of the properties in the Riviera Maya have several social areas, some of them have spacious patios or gardens, other have a nice common area with a palapa and pool and some others even offer a clubhouse or a beach club. Imagine the possibilities!

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Agua de Mar offers two bedroom luxury condos with endless possibilities for your party.

The property the photo is a good example of a Fiesta friendly property, as you can see it has huge balconies; if you want to keep your party private and be close to your kitchen. You can also use the beautiful modern-chic palapa, and have easy access to the pool; or even organize a nice party at the beach club!

Another space that can be used for a beautiful party is the rooftop, especially if it has views to the jungle or even better… the beach. Some of the rooftops also have common areas with barbeque grills and even a pool to take a refreshing swim in. Here is an ideal property for your next rooftop party?

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This property is located in the heart of Playa del Carmen, it has a huge common area with a swimming pool in the garden as well as a rooftop with a common area including a kitchen, sitting areas and an infinity pool. All of these with magnificent view of the pool, the jungle and the Caribbean Sea.

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Finding the right property for you and your family depends on many things such as the main use of the property, personal habits and taste, etc. When looking for the perfect home it is important to list your priorities and let your Real Estate Agent know about them and your lifestyle.

Here at Top Mexico Real Estate, we have helped thousands of foreigners find their dream home in Mexico and the Riviera Maya. Our decade long experience of living and loving the Riviera Maya gives us special insight on what our clients need and what properties might be perfect for them.

Top Mexico Real Estate…

We Make It Happen!

Enjoy the Summer in the Riviera Maya

The summer is here, and we are so excited to enjoy the beautiful Caribbean weather, the warm calm water at the beaches and the cool water in the Cenotes. The Riviera Maya is so beautiful this time of the year, even when it rains and the jungle turns a brighter green and the smell of exotic flowers are in the air.

If you are lucky enough to live in paradise, you know that summer is here! Kids are almost out of school and you can see them enjoying the common areas like the pool or the playgrounds, family and friends are gathering to enjoy life and share some food under a Palapa.

Invite your friends and have a BBQ!

People moving to Mexico are looking for a slower pace of life, for a relaxing lifestyle. What better way to enjoy the Riviera Maya than to hosting a BBQ party with your friends and family or this is the perfect excuse to make new friends by inviting some neighbors.

If you are lucky enough to have a big patio or a beautiful common area with a pool… this is the perfect setting to host your party. If cooking is not your thing, keep it simple with some drinks and delicious homemade guacamole or salsa.
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What about having a party in your common area?

This Puerto Aventuras property is located on the golf course and it features the perfect party worthy common area with a swimming pool, grill area and a palapa.

Share a Bowl of Delicious Guacamole

Authentic Mexican Guacamole Recipe
Ingredients
Makes 4 servings

  • 3 avocados – peeled, pitted, and mashed
  • 1 lime, juiced (strain the juice or remove the pits before squeezing it)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (disinfect before using)
  • 2 roma (plum) tomatoes, diced
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 Jalapeño/Serrano Chile
  • Optional – 1 pinch ground cayenne pepper (if you don’t like spicy food, exchange the chile for cayenne pepper or a dash of Tabasco Sauce)

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Directions

  1. In a medium bowl, mash together the avocados, lime juice, and salt. Mix in onion, cilantro, tomatoes, and garlic.
  2. If you are using fresh chilies, cut lengthwise and remove the seeds, then proceed to cut it in small pieces, stir it in the guacamole. Substitution, add in cayenne pepper/Tabasco Sauce.
  3. Refrigerate for 1 hour for best flavor, or serve immediately.

If you like cooking and are looking for a property where you can host a party with a spacious open floor plan kitchen, dining room and living room that flow to a large balcony, with amazing views of the Mayan jungle and common areas, take a look at these beautiful condos located just outside of Playa del Carmen. Look at all that space!! You can perfectly set up a table, chairs and even a big cooler full of cold drinks for your guests.

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Look at the size of these balconies! If you like this property click here!

Top Mexico Real Estate is a local company based in Playa Del Carmen, we have over a decade experience helping foreigners find and purchase the house of their dreams in Mexico. If you are considering purchasing a vacation, investment or retiring to Mexico, please let us find you the property you have always dreamed of.

We Make It Happen!

Behind the 9th Travesia Sagrada Maya (Sacred Mayan Journey)

For thousands of years, the ancient Mayans would pay respects and prayer to the goddess of fertility, Ixchel. Every year, they would take off from the Polé market (known today as Xcaret), and row all the way to Kuzamil (or the Island of Cozumel, as it’s known nowadays). Brave oarsmen and women would row in Mayan canoes facing the wild Caribbean ocean, risking their lives, to bring offerings to Ixchel and be granted favors in return.

As the years went by and the Mayan civilization slowly disappeared, many of its traditions disappeared with it. However, the Xcaret Park, which is located right where the market was, decided to continue commemorating the old traditions of the Mayans by reliving this sacred and spiritual ritual. For the past nine years, the Travesia Sagrada Maya (or Sacred Mayan Journey) has seen hundreds of modern oarsmen and women bravely cross the ocean and pay tribute to Ixchel and the old civilization we’ve all come to know and love.

(Related: Read more about the history of Travesia Sagrada Maya here.)

Of course, Top Mexico Real Estate did not want to miss out on the opportunity of being part of this, so they chose one brave participant from the Marketing office to take part in this journey. Julio Salinas, designer, took a step forward and volunteered himself for this spiritual pilgrimage that will change his life forever.

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“I decided to participate because I had the chance to see this great event in 2014, and I was motivated by the drive and emotion that the participants delivered that year, and the passion with which they were willing to relive the history and tradition”, shared Julio. And rightly so; training sessions have been ongoing for six months, where they have worked “resistance, concentration, swimming, sailing, and we went through different filters to prove that we were ready to achieve the goal”, he said.

Six months of physical and mental preparation – the journey can take five hours to complete, depending on the wind and ocean’s conditions of the day. The journey does not end in Cozumel. Here, they rest for the night after a spiritual welcome ceremony, and take off the following morning to return to Xcaret. Amongst the things that they have learned, Julio emphasizes on the importance of keeping these traditions alive. These are traditions that “have lost strength, language, and communication through time”.

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Teamwork is another key element in this journey. While spiritually the pilgrimage might be personal and unique to each individual, the physical journey to the island of Cozumel, and back, relies on teamwork. Ten oarsmen ride in each canoe, and they are unable to finish if anyone of the gives up. “The most important thing is to learn from your team and to support it. While we trained, motivation and communication became very important elements”.

While the tradition is very rooted to Mexico, it is not only a journey where Mexicans can participate. Over time, more and more foreigners have decided to be part of a tradition that was very important to the ancient Mayans. Many travelers or people who have moved to the Riviera Maya indefinitely from other countries want to be involved in everything to make them understand the history and culture of this beautiful country. Julio finds it especially joyful to see that foreigners are taking part. “It’s nice to see that not only Mexicans are interested in being part of the Journey, as many foreigners […] have joined this party full of tradition and history”.

You can be part of the oarsmen’s journey by joining them in the farewell ceremony on Friday 22nd of May, at 6am in Xcaret. If you are located in Cozumel, you can receive them around 1 or 2pm in Chankanaab Park and participate in the Sacred Mayan Journey Dances for the Lady of the Moon (Ixchel). You may also bid them farewell and a safe journey back to Polé the following morning (May 23rd) at 9am. For those located in Playa del Carmen, you can watch the sacred Mayan celebration and receive the brave oarsmen at Xcaret around 1pm, as well as enjoy all that the park has to offer.

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“The idea of completing the journey makes me feel great emotion and great satisfaction, because it’s been a long preparation”, Julio shares. As part of our team, it makes us feel great satisfaction, as well! Every participant of the Journey will return changed and with great spiritual stories to tell of their sacred pilgrimage to see Ixchel.

Top Mexico Real Estate is the leading real estate website in the Riviera Maya. If you are looking to be part of the land that has seen thousands of traditions born, and relived, don’t hesitate to contact one of our Top Buyer’s Representatives who will gladly help you in your personal journey to find the perfect paradise home.

And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate…

We Make It Happen!

The Fourth Annual Riviera Maya Film Festival

The fourth edition of the Riviera Maya Film Festival just wrapped up their event in Playa del Carmen, which was the host to the opening and closing ceremonies as well as several galas. The Riviera Maya Film Festival brings art, glamour and movie stars to this tropical paradise. This year Anton Yelchin, Ashley Green and Aaron Paul were in attendance. Over a hundred screening of national and International films were showed in the movie theaters, at the parks and on the gorgeous beaches in Playa del Carmen.

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The Riviera Maya Film Festival will continue its special touring program at in select city throughout the Riviera Maya from May 13th – June 6th. Here is a list of the venues and screens where you can enjoy the Film Festival.

Puerto Morelos May 13th -17th May

Location: Unico Beach Club
Address: Av. Javier Rojo Gomez SM2, Mz2, Lote 2 cp 77580

Wednesday May 13th
19:30   “Incomprendida” / “Misunderstood”  Dir. Asia Argento Time: 1hr. 43min.
21:30    “Los días no vuelven” / “Missed days” Dir. Raúl Cuesta (1hr. 14min.)

Thursday May 14th
19:30    “Ícaros” Dir. Pedro González Rubio (55min.)
21:00    “La Maldad” / “Evilness” Dir. Joshua Gil (1hr. 25 min.)

Friday May 15th
21:00    “Los muertos” / “The dead” Dir. Santiago Mohar Volkov (1hr. 28min.)

Saturday May 16th
19:30    “Alexfilm” Dir. Pablo Chavarría (1hr.)
21:00    “El regreso del muerto” / “The return of the dead man” Dir. Gustavo Gamou (1hr. 30min.)

Sunday May 17th
19:30    “La princesa de Francia” / “The princess of France” Dir. Matías Piñeiro (1hr. 7min.)
21:00    “Resultados” / “Results” Dir. Andrew Bujalski (1hr. 45min.)

Cancun May 20th -24th

Location: Park Los Palapas
Address: Calle Margaritas on the corner of Tulipanes in Centro

Wednesday May 20th
19:30    “Incomprendida” / “Misunderstood” Dir. Asia Argento (1hr. 43min.)
21:30    “Los días no vuelven” / “Missed days”  Dir Raúl Cuesta (1hr. 14min.)

Thursday May 21st
19:30    “Juanicas” Dir. Karina García Casanova (1hr. 18min.)
21:00    “Plan Sexenal” / “Sexennial plan” Dir Santiago Cendejas (1hr. 26min.)

Friday May 22nd
19:30    “Muchachas” Dir. Juliana Fanjul (1hr. 4min.)
21:00    “Memoria oculta” / “Hidden memory” Dir. Eva Villaseñor (1hr.)

Saturday May 23rd
19:30    “El señor de las tres caídas” / “Lord of the three falls” Dir. Roberto Olivares Ruiz (55min.)
21:00    “Noche de resurrecciones” / “Night of the resurrection” Dir Raúl Rico (1hr. 12min.)

Sunday May 24th
19:30    “A las escondidas” / “Hide and seek” Dir. Joanna Coates (1hr. 22min.)
21:10    “Resultados” / “Results” Dir. Andrew Bujalski (1hr. 45min.)

Isla Mujeres May 28th -30th

Location: Playa Posada del Mar
Address: Av Rueda Medina 15, Centro – Supmza. 001, 77400 Isla Mujeres, Q.R.

Thursday May 28th
19:30    ***TBD***

Friday May 29th
19:30     “El silencio de la princesa” / “The silence of the princess” Dir. Manuel Caribe (1hr. 24min.)

Saturday May 30th
19:30    “Elvira, te daría mi vida pero la estoy usando” / “Elvira, I would give you my life but I’m using it” Dir. Manolo Caro (1hr. 34min.)

Tulum June 4th – 6th

Location: Papaya Playa Project
Address: Carr. Tulum-Boca Paila km. 4.5

Thursday June 4th
19:30     “Incomprendida” / “Misunderstood” Dir. Asia Argento (1hr. 43min.)

Friday June 5th
19:30    “Resultados” / “Results” Dir. Andrew Bujalski (1hr. 45min.)

Saturday June 6th
19:30    “Elvira, te daría mi vida pero la estoy usando” / “Elvira, I would give you my life but I’m using it” Dir. Manolo Caro (1hr. 34min.)

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Screenings on the beach, and especially on the beaches of the Riviera Maya, have a special charm and a magic to them. Great artistic films, soft white sandy beaches filled with colorful beach chairs, the Caribbean breeze and a star filled sky makes for one unforgettable night.

The Riviera Maya Film Festival wants their guests to enjoy the best films from around the world, as well as the welcoming tropical landscape, creating an unforgettable experience.

For more information about the Riviera Maya Film Festival please click here.

Top 25 Beaches in the Riviera Maya: A Day at Colosio Beach

Beach #12 on the Countdown to the Best Beach in the Riviera Maya: Colosio Beach

Playa del Carmen is the most popular destination in the Riviera Maya and its famous for its vibrant international community, white sand beaches and upscale hotels. Once a sleepy fishing village, Playa del Carmen has become one of the fastest-growing cities in the world; according to the 2006 edition of the Guinness Book of World Records.

Playa del Carmen is located about 40 minutes south of Cancun, and it offers its visitor miles of pristine beaches. Each local neighborhood has a favored beach, with its own attractions and crowd.

Colosio Beach: General Information

Colosio Beach has been a local favorite for many years, it is only a few steps north from other popular spots; but it feels like a world away because of its quiet and serene nature. It is located at the bottom of the Luis Donaldo Colosio Avenue (calle 72), a mile long area of undeveloped beach; an ideal spot for those looking for a more private and quiet setting.

Lately, there has been more and more condos and hotels being built in the Colosio Area, so do not miss the opportunity to visit this little corner of paradise.

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Colosio Beach: Getting There

If you are in Playa del Carmen you can get to this pristine beach walking along the coast line, Colosio beach would be located north of popular sites like Playa Mamitas.

If you are driving or take a cab, take Federal 307 highway and head north, once you get to Luis Donaldo Colosio avenue (the one with home depot in the corner) turn right and drive to the end of the road.

There is a small entrance at the end of the road, and two more on the sides of the Meliá Paradisus La Esmeralda Hotel.

Colosio Beach: Things To Do

The charm of Colosio beach is its quietude, so feel free to walk, meditate or even practice your favorite yoga pose. You can also get a beautiful tan and enjoy some quality time with friends and family.

Remember this is a beach favored by the locals, so it is going to be busy on the weekends and holidays. Entire families take advantage of the beautiful warm weather; it is amusing to see several generations of a family spending time together and playing in the waves.

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Colosio Beach: Recommendations

If you are planning to spend the day at Colosio beach here is some recommendations:

  • Bring your own drinks and food, there is nothing close by and you will have to walk half a mile to get to the closest hotel or restaurant.
  • There are no toilets in the area, if you need to go plan to leave with plenty of time.
  • Do not bring valuables, the area is secluded and there is no security in the area.
  • Some parts of this beach are rocky, so bring your water shoes to protect your feet.

We hope you enjoy this beautiful beach, one of the spots for locals in Playa del Carmen. Keep up to date with the best beaches in paradise by following our Top 25 Beaches in the Riviera Maya countdown every Friday and watch the best beaches in the Riviera Maya Videos! If you are in search for the perfect beach to spend the day at, make sure you check out all the options. We aim to provide you with the best information about living in the Riviera Maya!

Top Mexico Real Estate is a local American-Owned company, which specializes in helping foreigners become homeowners in Mexico. If you are looking for a second home or to retire in paradise, feel free to contact a Top Buyers’ Representative! Browse our beautiful properties; we are sure you will find your Mexico dream home.

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Top 25 Beaches in the Riviera Maya: A Day at Reef Beach

Beach #14 on the Countdown to the Best Beach in the Riviera Maya: The Reef Beach

Many of the amazing resorts along the Riviera Maya have beautiful and breathtaking beaches. Unfortunately, although the beaches are public, accesses tend to be private, so it is hard to reach them unless you are a guest of the hotel. However, many of these big resorts want to give everyone – not just their guests – the beach resort experience they can offer.

That is why you will find day passes and night passes at most big resorts down the coast of the beautiful Mexican Caribbean. And The Reef Playacar is no exception. The Playacar neighborhood is located in the south end of Playa del Carmen and hosts some of the most beautiful beaches you can find in the Riviera Maya.

Because Playacar is a private community, you need to address that you are visiting The Reef Resort and that you are going for a Day Pass so they let you through. The Day Pass has a cost of $53 USD per person and gives you full access to the hotel’s facilities – including, but not limited to – the pool and beach club. Meals and drinks are included throughout the day (9am to 6pm). If you are looking to enjoy an experience worth hundreds of dollars for a much lower price, then The Reef Playacar Day Pass is the resort to go to.

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The Reef Beach: Getting There

As mentioned above, the Reef Beach is located within the private community of Playacar, which is located in the south end of Playa del Carmen. There are two entrances to Playacar; one on the Federal Highway 309, the other one is on 10th Avenue.

Driving: To reach the 10th Avenue entrance from Cancun, you need to take the Federal Highway 309 towards Playa del Carmen. Upon arriving in Playa del Carmen, you will pass the overpass bridge until reaching a stoplight where you will see Centro Maya to the right, and Sam’s Club to the left. At the stoplight make a U-turn and drive to the outside lanes. Take a right at the Holiday Inn hotel (Diagonal Aeropuerto Street) and drive down that road all the way until the end, where you will reach 10th Avenue South. Take a right; that is the entrance to Playacar. Once you have gone through security, drive straight for about 4 minutes and find The Reef Resort on your left.

If you want to reach the entrance on Federal Highway, drive past the stoplight and take the next U-turn. Incorporate into the outside lanes. You will find the entrance right before the Hospiten hospital.

Taking a Taxi: A taxi from Cancun will charge you around $800 mxn to drive you to Playacar, but there are other options to reaching the Reef Resort. If you are staying in another hotel in Playa del Carmen, they will charge you between $30 and $80 mxn – depending where you are at.

Public transportation:

Colectivos: If you are coming from the north, you need to take a colectivo heading to Tulum and have it drop you off at Centro Maya. Carefully cross the federal highway to the entrance of Playacar. If you are coming from the south, a colectivo towards Playa del Carmen will drop you right near Hospiten. There is no public transport within Playacar, so if you are taking a colectivo you will need to either walk, or take a taxi to reach your destination.

Buses:  There are no buses that drive you to Playacar, so this time, taking a bus will not be an option. The easiest way to reach is by taxi.

The Reef Beach: Things To Do

As with every big resort, The Reef Playacar, has an array of family-fun activities to offer. With your day pass you are allowed to make use of all the hotel’s facilities and activities (some with extra cost).

  • Swim in their amazing pools and enjoy the meals and drinks included the wonderful service.
  • Lay on the beach beds with a beer in hand enjoying the wonderful blue ocean.
  • Rent one of the activities offered such as kayaking, snorkeling, and more.
  • Walk around the hotel looking for their many activities: restaurants, aquatic sports, entertainment, pools, relaxing, and so on.
  • Enjoy a wonderful meal on the beach, or by the pool, already included in your day pass.
  • Once it is 6pm and you are ready to leave the hotel, you can enjoy Playacar’s shopping malls with souvenirs and cafés.

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The Reef Beach: Recommendations

You will be in one of the high-end tourist destinations of Playa del Carmen. Things within Playacar (specially the resorts) are expensive. There isn’t a lack of services; you will find everything you need both inside and outside the resort. However, here are some recommendations:

  • Everywhere you go, always take money. Whether you are inside the hotel wanting to rent out an extra activity, or walking around Playacar wanting to take home a souvenir, you will need the extra cash.
  • Bring sunscreen! If you forget to bring sunscreen you will find yourself needing to purchase one within the hotel. That will not be cheap.
  • Although there are many activities to do within the hotel, bring a book, iPod, kindle, or whatnot. Laying by the pool for a couple of hours may result boring if you don’t have anything to entertain you.
  • Enjoy the food and drinks included in your day pass. You are paying $53 USD per person, make the most of it.

The most important thing, like we always say, is having fun and enjoying your day at the beach. The Riviera Maya is bathed with many beautiful white sand beaches, each special on its own – so go ahead and make the most of your day at the Reef Beach! And if you love it so much, you can always come back and make a reservation for a romantic dinner on the beach!

Keep up to date with the best beaches in paradise by following our Top 25 Beaches in the Riviera Maya countdown every Friday! If you are in search for the perfect beach to spend the day at, make sure you check out our options. We aim to provide you with the best information about living in the Riviera Maya!

Top Mexico Real Estate is the number one website in real estate in the Riviera Maya and throughout Mexico. We help foreigners find the home of their dreams in the Mexican Caribbean. If you are looking to invest in a vacation, retirement, or full-time property, check out the options we have for you by browsing through our website or contacting one of our Top Mexico Buyers’ Representatives. They will gladly walk you through the purchasing process and help you become a homeowner in Mexico.

And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate…

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