Tag Archives: Playa del Carmen

Things You Need to Know Before Moving to Mexico III

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The third in a series of topics: “What to do with your current home and belongings”

Before retiring and moving to Mexico from your present homestead, lots of difficult decisions will need to be made. One of many is what to do with all your worldly possessions. If this includes owning a property, you need to decide if you are going to sell, rent or keep it for when you visit family and friends. I would suggest to sell it, especially if you are looking at purchasing a home in Mexico.

If you’re moving to Mexico and you make the decision to sell your current home, then hiring a good realtor should be on the top of your list of ‘things to do’. Having a “to do list” is another highly recommended element for a successful relocation. Once you find a qualified buyer, then the real work begins. But first, you will need to place your proceeds from the sale of your property into an account that will guarantee easy accessibility. When you arrive in Mexico and your dream home suddenly appears and falls directly into your lap, your money will need to be readily accessible.

The time has come for you to choose what or what not to keep. This includes, but is not limited to furniture, housewares and other miscellaneous items. Economically speaking, shipping furniture abroad usually doesn’t have any financial advantages. If you have any heirlooms of substantial size, it is recommended to pass them onto family members. You will most likely want to purchase stylish furniture that will coordinate with your newly acquired Mexico home.

Many of your kitchen ware and cooking aids that you are currently using in the United States aren’t always readily available in Mexico. So keep this in mind when selecting certain items like specialized utensils, thermometers, and pots and pans. I would suggest to pack and ship most of these types of things. But don’t go overboard by taking everything including the kitchen sink! If you have taken the time to shop in or around the Playa del Carmen area, you should have a good idea what is available.

If you are moving from a multi seasonal climate and have an abundance of cold weather clothing, leave it at home or get rid of it all together. Playa del Carmen has two temperatures and they are warm and hot. Heavy footwear or boot type shoes are also not necessary. A pair of tennis shoes, casual dress shoes, and plenty of flip flops and sandals are the norm. If you do get chilled in weather that dips slightly below 80 degrees, then a light hoody will be more than adequate for those ‘cooler’ tempered nights.

There are always a few knick knacks, personal pictures and crafty hobby materials that mean more than life to you. If they fit into a suitcase and stay within the given weight limit, then pack it and take them with you. You will probably have a surplus of inventory that needs to be transported. Take time to decide which items have first priority and take them on the first go ‘round. Usually 4 to 5 pieces of luggage per trip are manageable. Most people normally have to return back to the states for one reason or another. During this second trip, have your remaining items either boxed up or in suitcases and bring them back with you. Always check with your airline to be sure you know the exact size and weight limits. Just don’t stand there, get packing! Your new life is waiting for you!

Don’t forget to read our second series of topics “Making sure all your paperwork is in order”

The Best Destinations in the Riviera Maya

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You have asked, we have listened… Here are our 5 favorite destination spots in the Riviera Maya to retire.

Please read below, as to why we choose these specific places in the Riviera Maya! We hope we made your retirement decisions a little easier for you!

Playa Del Carmen:

We have voted Playa del Carmen as our top best destination spot to retire in the Riviera Maya because it has everything. From miles and miles of white sandy beaches, to Brazilian steak houses and some of the best Mexican cuisines you can find. Most importantly, it is well equipped with fantastic medical care, dentistry needs, among other health care practitioners. Salons for those who like to get freshened up every now and then. Wonderful cafes scattered around the town, with free wireless internet access available to their customers. Playa del Carmen at one point was the fast growing city in Latin America. It is located in the perfect spot. Only 45 minutes away from Cancun International Airport, which is convenient for friends and family to come for a visit. It is also only 20 minutes away from some amazing eco-parks. Akumal and Tulum are only minutes down the highway. If you are looking for a perfect place to retire, Playa del Carmen is highly recommended. You want a gated community, with access to the beach and a common pool area to use on your own time? Well, Top Mexico Real Estate can find you a place that meets all your needs.

Tulum: 

Let’s talk about the beautiful-serene town of Tulum. The distance between Playa del Carmen and Tulum is only 45 minutes and 1.5 hours from Tulum to Cancun. Making it very accessible to reach a bigger city for your different needs. Tulum is famous for their turquoise waters and white sand beaches, but on top of that… their Mayan archaeological site from the 13th century. Tulum’s national park is situated to overlook the beautiful Caribbean Sea. This archaeological site is one of the most fascinating Mayan walled cities in the world. Although Tulum is not as big as Playa del Carmen, it still has all the main necessities you will need such as: Doctors, Grocery Stores, Salons, Restaurants, Beaches and more. The real estate marketing in Tulum is growing every day! This eco-friendly, hippy loving beach town will surely put a smile on your face as long as you are here!

Bacalar:

Bacalar is known for it’s seven color lagoon pictured above. It is located 40 km north of Chetumal, which is the closest big city. Chetumal is where you go if you want to take a boat across to Belize. From Playa del Carmen it takes roughly three hours. Bacalar is one of our top destinations because it is the epitome of pleasure. You feel like you’re in the jungle, mixed with this incredible lagoon. It is a hidden paradise off the beaten path. There is vacant land for sale around the area if you are looking to build.

Akumal:

Have you heard your friends or family members talk about that cool little fishing village, where you can snorkel with large sea turtles for free? Well yes, that would be Akumal! This amazing small town has a great coral reef, where you can see lots of colorful fish, big turtles and other interesting sea creatures. Akumal is only 25 minutes away from Playa del Carmen, making it very easy to commute back and forth when needed. It is a small, beachfront neighborhood in Mexico. There are a lot of North Americans that have property in this area.

Cancun:

Yes, we can’t forget about Cancun. A great city with all the amenities you would ever need. Not many big cities are surrounded by some of the top rated beaches in the world. Not to mention restaurants with world-class chefs, and some of the best shopping in the world. Of course Cancun has a wide selection of medical care and real estate. Being the big city like it is, makes it easier for you to find the best places and necessities for the best price. If you are into golfing, Cancun is a golfers dream. If you like culture and history, Cancun is filled with it. Although it is a big city, it is still enriched with Mayan civilization. Cancun is also known for it’s fishing. There are way too many things to do in Cancun to include everything, but it is definitely a place to enjoy if you like having all your necessities in walking distance from you as well as the beach.

We hope you enjoy one of our top five best destination spots in the Riviera Maya for your retirement, and you see for yourself just how amazing life here in Mexico really is!

 

Things You Need to Know Before Moving to Mexico

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The first in a series of topics: “Preparing yourself physically and mentally”

Imagine waking up one morning in a place that now you call home. How would your body handle a different environment where your diet would change and your physical abilities could be challenged on a daily basis? These are things you need to be prepared for when you decide to live in Mexico for any length of time. This isn’t a bad thing by any means, but needs to be taken into consideration nevertheless.

When at home life becomes a routine and your body grows accustom to a systematic pattern. When changes suddenly interrupt your biological and mental time clock, it can make for a rough going. So it is very important to begin the reprogramming process before your new life’s adventure starts. The following recommendations will make your transition into living in Mexico much easier. It will also help you put your best foot forward with the locals.

Let’s talk about the body’s ‘Physical’ ability and how it will react to Mexico’s tropical climate, adverse heat and terrain. Mexico’s near perfect weather is filled with lots of sun, plenty of humidity and warmer temperatures. If you have been thinking about dropping a few pounds or starting a daily exercise plan, this would be the time to do it. If you are investing in Mexico real estate and are looking to be close to everything, most likely you will be walking to all your favorite spots.

There are days where there are nice breezes, and then days there are not. Walking is a great way to easily get around Playa del Carmen. Being in shape cuts down on exhaustion and fatigue. Be careful to not get dehydrated and drink plenty of bottled water. For every adult beverage enjoyed, drink water in between. In the beginning, limit your exposure to the sun. Get acclimated to being in the elements – usually two, maybe three weeks is suggested.

Different foods can sometimes disrupt your digestive system. Mexican food is one of the most desirable cuisines in North America. The special spices that flavor this inviting cuisine consist of a variety of peppers, sauces and other authentic ingredients. A way to combat not upsetting your stomach and/or creating indigestion is to – a) not over eat, b) don’t consume a lot of alcohol and then eat, c) get use to spicy foods slowly. Work yourself into the local menus. Your body will adapt. Just give it time.

Your ‘Mental’ ability is the other half of your body that will need to adjust to a new life style. There are several similarities between living in America and Mexico. But again, there are a lot of surrounding elements that are very unfamiliar to all your senses. One of those elements is the language and the barrier it forms. Knowing some Spanish is a benefit that will relieve a great deal of stress. Walking around in an unfamiliar environment and hearing people mostly communicate in a language that isn’t fluent to you will mess with your mind. Concentrate on learning the speech.

When you visit Playa del Carmen’s stores, restaurants and other social gatherings they will have a structural likeness to back home (US), but that’s as far as it goes. Product merchandising, availability/choices, unit of measurements and cost will appear foreign to you. For example, converting pesos from the US dollar (USD) can sometimes be cumbersome. In the food marts and grocery stores, meats and solid substances are weighted in kilos (2.2 lbs.) Liquids are measured in liters (just under 4 liters is a gallon). You can install a very simple app on your mobile device that will calculate monetary exchange and weight and measurement conversions with a few simple key strokes.

Mexico’s retailers, including food, homewares or other necessities, can at times be limited in choice. If it’s a product you need immediately, you will sometimes have to get creative with what they have to offer. But don’t fret over it. When the exact item becomes available, and it will one day, buy it for the future. Do like you would do at home and shop multiple outlets and local stores. What one store doesn’t have, another might.

Have you ever heard the saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover”? This is so evident in Mexico and especially when roaming the streets for a place to eat. Don’t let the outside façade trick your mind into judging its quality of food, because what’s behind it will surprise you. You will find some of the best dining experiences in places that seem run down and minimalistic. These family run eateries will serve up some of Mexico’s finest culinary delights with service that can’t be matched anywhere. Not to mention at a very affordable price!

When relocating to a country that has so much history and traditions like the Yucatan cities, it can sometimes slip our mind regarding specific “Do’s and Don’ts”. It is well advised to study the culture, important historical facts, and traditional holidays and celebrations beforehand. This will help you understand why native people to the region do certain things. Knowing more about their history will also earn you respect within the community. When talking with a local, don’t be afraid to ask questions regarding their traditions; they will be more than happy to explain everything you want to know and more.

All the above information will alleviate lots of confusing situations when mingling with the town’s people. Your emotions will be peaking on both ends of the spectrum. Being prepared is an important key to less stress physically and mentally when spinning your life in a 180 degree angle. Learning a different way of life will advantage you in so many ways. The effort spent will pay off two fold.

5 Restaurants in Playa That You Can’t Miss

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Life in Mexico is full of adventure, great weather… and delicious food. If you’re visiting or if you are thinking to retire in Playa del Carmen, here is a list of 5 restaurants that you must visit!

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Zenzi Beach Bar & Restaurant – This beachside eatery is located at the end of Calle 10 Norte and is situated directly on the beautiful white sandy beach in Playa del Carmen, along with Mexico’s beautiful Riviera Maya. You also have the advantage of looking out over the gorgeous Caribbean water as you enjoy your food and spirits.

Zenzi appeals to a large expat and retiree crowd who mixes well with the many locals who also come to enjoy the restaurant and its laidback ambiance. Almost every afternoon and evening you can listen to live music being played from one of Playa del Carmen’s many talented musical groups.

zenzi

The atmosphere is very beachy and offers plenty of open air seating. After the sun goes down, accented lighting around the palm trees provides an intimate feel with music and conversation happening in the background. Take your shoes off and feel the cool sand between your toes!

The menu offers a variety of appetizers, sandwiches and dinner entrees. The food is very well prepared and is complimented with great service. They also have a full bar that will prepare your special request or a menu to select an alcohol or non-alcohol beverage.

Zenzi is a great place for family and friends to get together, where couples can meet or just drop in for a quick bite or a cool refreshing drink. Sit back and enjoy the music while you’re relaxing in paradise!

Fah

Restaurant Fah Bar – Fah Bar is a unique restaurant that sits directly on the world famous Quinta Avenida (5th Ave), between near the corner with Calle 10 Norte. Fah offers lots of exciting street action that includes everything from break dancers to traditional mariachi music, to jugglers. It is also a great location to people watch from your street side table, booth or the open air dining area.

The off street dining area provides a tropical forest like feel with an oversized tree that provides a natural canopy but still allows the outside in. They have a variety of seating choices that consist of tables and chairs to padded sofa duets, and a back wall with bench seating that faces the bar, dining and stage areas.

fah3

Entertainment is provided most every afternoon and evening. The music mixes very well with any mood. The menu is quite extensive and offers a cuisine that can be found in many fine dine restaurants. The service is very courteous and complete with complimentary servers who assist the waiters in keeping your needs met.

The drink menu offers some unusual cocktails served with or without alcohol. If you are an exotic connoisseur of martinis, you must try the cucumber martini or any of the other creative beverages. The relaxing atmosphere will provide a subtle comfort that can’t always be found in similar eateries.

PezVela4

Pez Vela – Another great 5th Ave. restaurant and bar is Pez Vela. It is probably one of the longest standing eateries on Quinta Avenida, with an astonishing 28 years of existence. They must be doing something right to be around for that long. You can find this restaurant on the corner of 5Th Ave. and Calle 2 Norte.

They are more of a casual – lets hangout restaurant and cantina. Their walk up “U” shaped bar has swing seating that offers quick service and a full drink menu. Their clientele ranges from locals to vacationing singles or couples, to expats looking for a casual conversation. The atmosphere of the open air corner bar kind of reminds you of a Mexico version of ‘Cheers’.

PezVela2

The restaurant offers curbside dining which is great for people watching and other activities that are constantly passing by. There is an inside dining area, as well as a mezzanine that is ideal for group parties or a special occasion get together. The motif is traditional Mexican with a flair for color, and yes there is a big screen TV for watching your favorite sporting event.

The food is true Mexican but has its own special flavor. They have received awards from the Federal Tourism Board regarding their quality of cleanliness and kitchen preparation – a big plus for delicate stomachs. Their menu is fairly simple but covers all the desired dishes normally wanted when visiting Playa del Carmen. The service is friendly, prompt and very attentive. The prices are budget friendly and offer great value.

Oasis

El Oasis – El Oasis on Calle 12 Norte between 5th and 10th Avenidas is an eye-catching location. The eatery is a true seafood venue with an extensive menu of top notch dishes. They aren’t a high capacity restaurant like a lot of their neighboring peers. They do have a fully stocked bar, but their main focus is Seafood cuisine!

You have a choice to either be seated street side, on a small open-air covered patio or dine inside. The décor is styled very elaborately with a strong emphasis on a nautical theme. The walls, ceiling and seating are painted with bright colors that provide quite a novel experience.

Oasis2

The menu goes from ‘A to Z’ in seafood choices and cooked any way you want it. They pride themselves on fresh lobster, ceviche and their signature shrimp tacos. The food is plentiful, served hot and fresh and is extremely delicious. They serve a small cup of seafood chowder as an appetizer that will arouse your taste buds and tease you for what is ahead. The service is excellent with a smile every time they visit your table.

They do have a small bar area that offers Happy Hour specials, but not really known for having a cocktail hour crowd. However, they serve up a mean margarita that is crafted at your table with ingredients that you would never have imagined being in a margarita. It is actually served to you in a mortar type bowl with an accompanying straw. If you enjoy good seafood in a unique setting, then a visit to El Oasis is a must.

CasaSofia3

Casa Sophia – Located on Avenida Aviacion between 10th Ave. & 50th Ave (Highway 307), Casa Sophia is a great place to have some good Italian food, great conversation and enjoy a glass of wine. Its cuisine is prepared authentically as if coming from its own origins.

The restaurant and bar is a stone’s throw away from Playacar and is very popular with the locals, as well as the area’s expats and seasonal residents. It has multiple dining sections that include a glassed in dining area with a full bar, two open air covered patio areas, and a smaller indoors area near the deli counter.

CasaSofia

Its ambiance is simple but casual and very comfortable. The menu is very detailed with some of Italy’s finest dishes. Their pizzas and pasta are handcrafted with true Italian style. They also have a variety of wines that compliment any meal. The table settings are reminiscent of the old country where dining is an art of ambiance and food combined. The service is exceptionally friendly and delivered in a professional manner.

Casa Sophia is somewhat off the beaten path and offers no significant similarities to its peers that reside beachfront or on Playa’s Quinta Avenida. There is no hustle and bustle or lapping waves or street entertainers. Just a relaxing setting for family, friends or couples wanting to enjoy a conversation. The pricing is very reasonable for the exceptional quality of food served. They accept pesos and USD only.
Enjoy Italy in the heart of the Riviera Maya!

Do you have any other recommendations for eating out in Playa del Carmen?

Let us know!

Remember… we make it happen!

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Halloween in Playa del Carmen… a great party by the sea!

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Halloween is almost here! Once a North American tradition, Halloween is growing increasingly popular in Mexico. If you live or are visiting Playa del Carmen, you can join the people that goes out on this night and enjoy an amazing blend of traditions in Playa del Carmen.

In Mexico, there has been a long tradition of celebrating the Day of the Dead. This day commemorates the people that has left before us, and people make shrines to celebrate the memories of loved ones that are no longer with us.

However, many also join and celebrate the fun of trick or treating… and it is common to celebrate both. If you are in the area, you cannot miss celebrating Halloween Playa style! Get that costume ready and join the crowds trick and treating on 5th avenue.

Celebrating Halloween in Playa del Carmen:  Things to do

1.  Trick or treating

Every year, hundreds of visitors and locals go on 5th Avenue wearing costumes, dressed as Catrina Skeletons or even as an Xtabay. Playa del Carmen is the ideal place to see traditions merge and become something different, come and see and enjoy the party.

Don’t forget to bring enough candy to share with the hundreds of local and visiting children, trick or treating on 5th Avenue.

2.  Have an authentic Day of the Dead experience

If you want to learn more about the Mexican tradition of Day of the Dead, Xcaret has an amazing festival every year. The festival has theater, music, performances and art… and everything is about the Mexican traditions to celebrate the day of the dead.

You can purchase your tickets and receive more information here. If you are planning to visit Xcaret, your ticket includes the pass for the Day of the Dead celebration.

3.  See the Mayan Day of the Dead celebrations

Celebrating the dead is a Mexican celebration with deep roots in the native cultures of Mexico, but the Mayans have their own way to commemorate the dead: Hanal Pixan. If you want to learn more about this amazing tradition in an authentic Mayan Village, Alltournative organizes a tour every year, which takes visitors to an authentic Mayan village and allows you to participate in the Day of the Dead traditions. The tour that includes:

  • Round trip transportation
  • A guided visit through the process of decoration of shrines and the celebration of Hanal Pixan
  • Traditional Mayan food

If you want to learn more about this exciting adventure, please click here!

4.  Go party!

After all the fun and adventures, you can also do what people love to do in Playa: Party! You can organize your own bar crawl, or visit one of the local clubs and enjoy the special events organized for the day.

You cannot miss the fun on 12th Street with all the clubs and the best place to see and be seen in Playa del Carmen.

Playa del Carmen is a community with a rich culture, people from all over the world come to reside here and brings with them their own traditions. The merge of different cultures allows for a diverse and vibrant community, willing to enjoy and share with people from other places.

There are many options to enjoy an amazing Halloween and Day of the Dead, feel part of this amazing culture or feel at home with your own celebrations. Playa del Carmen is an amazing place to live and at Top Mexico Real Estate, we specialize in helping foreigners find their home in Mexico.

We would love to hear about your plans for Halloween, or if we are missing an awesome event… Please let us know!

Snowbirds are Returning to Playa del Carmen

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It’s that time of year when the snowbirds start to prepare for their return to Playa del Carmen once again. Leaving behind the cold winds, rain and snow and migrate south to the sunny beaches of Playa del Carmen for much fun and well deserved relaxation.

Since your visit last year Playa del Carmen has had some changes to the Fifth Avenue. You will be glad to know that more stores have been added to the La Quinta Alegria Shopping Plaza, and there are several others due to open shortly. Unfortunately, the Body Shop has closed and remains empty right now but we are excited to see what will open next.

If you remember, last year there was a large construction site just a few steps away from the La Quinta Alegria mall, where the famous Calle Corazon used to be. Now there is a modern five story plaza called “Calle Corazon Mall”, where you will find well known retail stores like H&M -which opened one of the largest fashion shops on Fifth Avenue, plus sunglasses, cosmetics and a new Starbucks, and there will be much more to come. Above the shopping area is the upscale Thompson Hotel with 2 rooftop restaurants that are open to the public, the Cinco and Catch Restaurant, here you can enjoy a fabulous meal and some of the best views of the city.

Hopefully some things in Playa del Carmen will not change as we as locals and snow birds enjoy the simpler things too and a big hit with both is Kava Kasa. You will be happy to know that they still have a great yoga lineup and their weekly local market has not changed, you will find your fresh produce there every Tuesday morning. Kava Kasa posts their monthly yoga schedule on their Kava Kasa Facebook page and any other changes that may happen.

You will be happy to know that your favorite bars have not changed and still have their amazing lineups to keep your evenings full of entertainment and happy hours.

If this is your first year coming to Playa del Carmen as a Snowbird, there is a great online community of Expats that are always happy to assist you whether you just can’t find the right ingredient or if you are looking for fun night out.

One of the forums that is very useful is Playa Info, where you can find general information posted from where to find pink lemonade to a lists of the best happy hours in town.

Another very helpful community is the Facebook group Expats & Locals in Playa del Carmen, in this community they cover everything you need to know for daily living in Playa del Carmen and are eager to meet new people, they even arrange nights out which is a great way to meet new people and expand your social group.

Welcome Snowbirds Old and New!

Neighborhoods of Playa del Carmen – Little Italy

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As many of you know the expats of Playa del Carmen are not only made up of Americans and Canadians, but a large number of Europeans have also relocated to Playa del Carmen. So it is no wonder that Playa del Carmen has its very own area called Little Italy.

Little Italy has truly an ideal location, located in the heart of Playa del Carmen and is walking distance to the beach and the 5th Avenue, the main tourist area. In this part of town you can find a few homes but it’s mainly condos and the real estate options start from as little as 90,000 USD and up to 700,000 USD.

As Little Italy is one of the oldest areas in Playa del Carmen you will find large mature trees scattered through the area as it is illegal to cut down trees in Mexico without permission from the government, which results in much appreciated shade and tree lined streets.

Going by the name of this area you can expect to find some amazing Italian restaurants, such as Piola on Avenue 38 North, with seating options either inside or out that offers a range of brick-oven pizzas, salads, pasta dishes and vegan options, but is mostly known here in Playa del Carmen for their basil margaritas, a definite must try. With so many different restaurants, cafes and bars in this area you will be really spoilt for choice.

The white sandy beach is only a few minutes away with many beach clubs and bars lining the beach, happy to serve you a refreshing cerveza or a cocktail of your choosing. Further along the beach, approx. a 10 minute stroll away, you will find the popular Canibal Royale Beach Club and in the other direction the famous Mamitas Beach Club and Zenzi, which the locals and visitors highly recommend. But don’t be shy! There is many more bars and beach clubs serving different dishes and with their daily promotions you will have many options to choose from.

There are large supermarkets not far from Little Italy such as Walmart, Mega and with Sam’s Club and City Club you will easily be able to cover your household needs.

Remember that there are small fruit and veg markets in the area too, with DAC being the largest and more popular due to its large range of fresh produce but also sells cheese, dried herbs and spices and a selection of tinned / jarred foods that is not very common to find in Playa del Carmen. DAC is open daily and located on Avenue 30, one block north from Constituyentes Ave.

For organic produce, handmade goods and gluten free baked goods, there are two markets that come to Playa del Carmen once a week. Both are organized by KaVaKasa, one takes place right in their HQ and the other one in Les Alizes Condos, on CTM Ave.

Whether you are looking for a calm stroll on the beach, a romantic evening out or just a simple trip to the market, if Little Italy does not have it you are guaranteed that it is close by!

If you’d like more information about Playa del Carmen or are interested in purchasing property here, we invite you to visit our main website where you can search further. Please get in touch with one of our agents who will gladly assist you in any questions you might have.

And remember, at Top Mexico Real Estate…

we make it happen!

Xenses Park in Mexico’s Riviera Maya

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Welcome to Xenses

Last month the Xenses Park in Mexico’s Riviera Maya opened to the public, becoming the sixth adventure park to open inside the Xcaret development grounds. Recently I wrote about how Xcaret in Cancun and the Riviera Maya were recognized as the best international theme park and the best water park, winning the 2016 Travvy Award held in New York City.  This new addition is a 23-hectare property and was made possible with an investment of $25.5 million.

Getting to Xenses is easy. It’s approx 15 minutes by car from the entrance of Playacar Phase II’s across from Centro Maya. You can also take the bike path which runs along the east side of the highway all the way to the inside of the park. Keep an eye for some of the local wildlife like the iguanas, who will quickly run under the pavement when they see you coming.

Once inside of Xenses you will find a variety of things to do, including zip lines and slides, a river of mud and a waterfall. One of the more intriguing things you will find is a bizarre looking village where everything looks off. The houses seem like they are completely crooked and the road appears to incline but in reality it is flat. The optical illusion that it creates is so believable that you will likely struggle to walk properly as your sense of balance is upset.

The timing for this new park couldn’t be better, as this year is the 25th anniversary of Experiences Xcaret. According to the Riviera Maya News the concept is to “offer a range of new experiences for visitors.” For those of you who have never been to Xcaret or to the Rivera Maya this is a great way to explore the environment of the peninsula in a manner which is challenging and fun.

Xenses Park can be found between Xplor and Xcaret and is currently operating from Monday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Because it’s has just opened you can take advantage of there being less visitors, making your waiting times short. Admission for adults is $59, children under 5 years get in free and those aged 5 to 11 get in for half price.

To quote the developers: “Upon leaving Xenses, all your senses will be awakened. You will distinguish in more detail the world around you. You will be a Xensei.”

If you’d like more information about living in Playa del Carmen or are interested in purchasing property here, we invite you to visit our main website where you can search further. Please get in touch with one of our agents who will gladly assist you in any questions you might have.

And remember, at Top Mexico Real Estate…

we make it happen!

TOP MEXICO REAL ESTATE

Neighborhoods of Playa del Carmen – Zona Diamante

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El Camaleon

Playa del Carmen is growing at an amazing rate. In 10 short years it has transformed from a small fishing village into a bustling city, with a growth driven by all the locals and expats returning and relocating to the area.

This is why I have decided that every few weeks I will choose a Playa del Carmen neighborhood and let you know what you can expect living in that area.

For our first neighborhood I have chosen the Zona Diamante, which is spread between the Grand Coral Resort and the Selvamar Residences, with easy access to the Cancun – Playa del Carmen highway.

It’s located just 15 minutes away from downtown Playa del Carmen, and is a fast growing area made up of several gated communities with condos, family homes and a condo hotel.

Prices in this area start under 100,000 USD, making this area perfect for all stages of life, whether you are looking for a starter home or the perfect place to retire.

Grand Coral

Grand Coral

If you are looking for an investment property, Zona Diamante can fit those needs also. The Fives Luxury Condo Hotel is located right on the Xcalacoco beach, and is a great option for investment, especially if you’re looking to avoid all the hassle of managing a property yourself.

The Fives will look after all of the maintenance of your investment property and even find tenants to rent it.

Xcalacoco beach, which had been previously named as #5 in the top 25 beaches in the Riviera Maya, is the closest to all the communities located in the Zona Diamante.

It is still partly untouched, but offers a wide range of activities. Those who crave adventure can try their hand at jet-skiing, parasailing or even the ever popular jet powered hover boards.

For something slightly more relaxing, Xcalacoco beach offers scheduled fishing trips with seasoned fishermen who will take you to the best fishing spots, depending on the season.

If these activities are not for you, there is always the option for a relaxing massage on the beach where you can listen to the ocean rolling up and feel all the tension ease away. Or you can just sit back and enjoy a refreshing cocktail (or 2) at one of the beach clubs.

If you don’t feel like driving or taxiing into downtown Playa del Carmen to have a few sociable beverages or to enjoy a meal, Zona Diamante can accommodate you.

You can try one of the laid back restaurants and bars on Xcalacoco beach like Coco Cabanas which offers both European and Mexican cuisines and is well known for their pizzeria.

Another choice is the Petite Lafitte, which is a quaint bungalow resort that offers a range of seafood dishes.

The open front bar & grill allows you to sit back and enjoy your cocktail and meal while soaking in the sun, sand and sea.

Petite Lafite

For a more special evening out in Zona Diamante there is Le Reve Hotel & Spa, which is a beachfront boutique hotel that offers a gourmet menu and wine from their own cellar.

The menu includes a selection of cut meats, poultry and fish, along with freshly caught lobster from the Caribbean Sea.

When you have had enough of lounging around on the beach and at the beach clubs and are looking for a change you can visit the famous Nick Price Golf Club, located just 5 minutes away in the Grand Coral Resort, or try out the Mayakoba Golf Club, the El Camaleon, which was designed by golfing great Greg Norman.

Related: Snowbirds Beware: Mexico has Perfect Year Round Golf

It hosts many golf tournaments big and best known for the OHL Classic yearly tournament.  It doesn’t matter if you are not a golf pro or have never even swung a golf club, because the Mayakoba has a state of the art Jim McLean Golf School.

With private lessons on offer your golf skills will improve in no time.

And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate…

We make it happen!

Testimonials

Setting up a new business in Playa Del Carmen? Yes, you can!

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You just unpacked all your luggage and start redecorating your new home in Riviera Maya; you have been enjoying a life full of beautiful beaches and incredible landscapes in the Mexican Caribbean, but you also started thinking about setting up a new business in Playa del Carmen and tons of ideas have crossed your mind now that you’re living the dream by retiring into paradise. Can you make that happen? Sure, and here’s a few ideas from people we’ve known that have already taken this step.

Whether you’re willing to open a nice cafeteria, a boutique hotel or a cool restaurant, options could never end when you’re thinking about doing exactly what you love the most every single day; many Americans, Canadians and Europeans have started their own business doing just this and making a living out of it.

What are the chances? Here’s 3 real cases from people who are living the dream, become one now:

A cafeteria:

Great coffee in the mornings, great coffee at nights; Lesley and Jody are a couple of Canadian expats who found their home in Playa del Carmen years ago. Since then, they have established a new life and found their passion in cooking food and serving the community. They opened up a coffee shop with expats as their main public in mind, how? Serving food and creations often missed by American and Canadians who also live here. They also improve a delivery service to make the experience even better.

A boutique hotel:

Having a good time rest and a privileged service in Riviera Maya was the main purpose that made Richard Roberts to open his exclusive boutique hotel in Tulum. It’s just awesome how a good night rest and tasty breakfast can make people happy at the beginning of the day. How hard it is to establish a business like this? Not hard at all if that’s what you’ve always dreamed of. Time and effort are necessary, but making a lot of friends in the way while you’re living the dream it’s just one tiny part of the reward… and of course, being a few steps from the ocean could never get old. Don’t you think?

A restaurant:

The best food at the best place; Mary and Ken Anderson, originally from Ontario, decided to open up a little restaurant in Akumal at the same time they enjoy a relaxing beachfront lifestyle in Mexico. No matter how many hours does the restaurant demands, they’re already working in their dream business every single day… how many people can really say that? satisfaction it’s the key, not to mention that the beach is part of their daily basis.

So, are you in?

If you are interested in exploring properties in the Riviera Maya contact a Top Mexico Buyers’ Representative today.

We Make It Happen!