Tag Archives: Playa del Carmen

Celebrate Independence Day, Throw a Noche Mexicana!

Posted on by

One of the most exciting national holidays in Mexico is expected on midnight on September 15, to celebrate Mexico’s Independence. On the night of the September 15th, 1810, Miguel Hidalgo a catholic priest rang the bells of his church; calling the population to rise against the Spanish government and fight for independence.

Miguel Hidalgo

This was the beginning of a long and bloody fight that would last over 10 years, as the Independence was finally gained on September 27th, 1821 and wasn’t recognized by the Spanish Kingdom until 1836.

In Mexico this is one of the most important celebrations, every city in the country decorates the streets with flags, lights and other decor to commemorate the heroes that fought for freedom and equality.

Every 15th of September, in every downtown area in every city, town or village in Mexico; people gather in front of the Government Palace. There, the President, governor or mayor repeats the famous words that Miguel Hidalgo used to start the uprising, while waving the flag of Mexico.

After this ceremony, called “El Grito” traditionally there is a popular festival, if there is enough budget there is a firework show afterwards and then a musical show to enliven the fiesta.

Around the Plaza, there is vendors offering Mexican dishes such as quesadillas, gorditas, shredded chicken tacos, mole, tostadas, pozole, chalupas, bunuelos, and many others. There is also the traditional “aguas frescas” or fresh fruit juices, if you attend a private party there might be drinks like tequila, mezcal and pulque.

You might be familiar with the Cinco de Mayo celebrations, and be surprised to see that this is not such a big celebration in Mexico. Actually it is considered a bank holiday, but the fiesta will never reach the height of Independence Day or Revolution Day.

If you want to celebrate Independence Day you can prepare a Fiesta at home. In Mexico this celebrations are called “Noche Mexicana” or “Mexican Night”.

With our expert tips you too can host a Noche Mexicana!

Invite your friends and family: You can use a creative invitation to ask friends and families to join the party. Traditionally people is asked to wear Mexican costumes, there is plenty of ideas on the internet.

Get the right decor: Look for traditional decorations such as palm or charro hats, paper decor and the traditional ponchos.

Do not forget the tequila, pulque and mezcal: To avoid overdoing it, use this spirits in light cocktails, prepare them in big pitchers with ice beforehand and have them ready for your guests. If you want to go for non-alcoholic drinks the traditional aguas frescas in tamarind, jamaica or horchata flavor, for convenience you can find the extracts already made in the supermarket, just add water and ice.

Mexican food: There is plenty of catering services that will provide food like sopes, quesadillas, tacos or tamales. If you want you can also ask your guests to bring a dish to share.

Set the ambiance: The corridos, rancheras, and even the northern bands should be playing in the background. Remember we are celebrating the Independence of Mexico, look for already made playlists on Spotify or other similar online music services. If budget allows it, you can bring a mariachi, trio or banda to play.

If you love Mexican Culture, you must probably will love Hacienda del Rio, a beautiful residential complex located just outside Playa del Carmen. Hacienda del Rio has a traditional Mexican style, with vibrant colors, handmade tiles and many other elements to feel and experience the real Mexico. Here at Top Mexico Real Estate we have plenty of options for those looking for a touch of Mexico in their residences.

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!

Dental Tourism – Riviera Maya, Mexico

Posted on by

The Riviera Maya, Mexico is one of the most beautiful and sought after vacation destinations in all the worlds. Whether you are attracted to the white sand beaches and crystal blue waters of the Caribbean, the wonderful Mexican / Caribbean blend of cultures or the hypnotic, tropical vibe, the Riviera Maya is a place that needs to be seen to be believed.

Now at about this time of year, people from the United States, Canada and the world for that matter are beginning the process to making vacation plans for the winter to escape the cold, harsh winters of North America, Europe and Asia. So now, at this time, I would like to introduce to you a new concept in vacation packages that is revolutionizing the industry…

Dental Tourism

photo biodental_zps560b3701.png

Now as I am sure you already know, dental and medical prices are quite simply ‘out of control’ in most places around the world… while quality of the work itself relatively stays the same.
So what gives?

Well according to recent studies, increasing insurance premiums and frivolous lawsuits worldwide have raised the operating cost of doing business to mammoth proportions, forcing many dental practitioners to increase their prices. While some others studies suggest that ‘good ol American greed’ is to blame for the rising cost of dental work.

Whatever the case may be, we do have a solution for you: Dental Bio-Esthetics… accredited, trustworthy and skilled dentistry here in the Riviera Maya!

With state of the art equipment, cutting edge technology and an incredibly skilled and dedicated staff, Dental Bio-Esthetics in Playa del Carmen, headed by Dr. Michelle Spears, DDS (a licensed, practicing and skilled dentist from the United States) is making the dream her dental practice slogan “We can make you smile again” a reality for many people in need.

… And did I mention… at a fraction of the price of all other dental institutes worldwide!

Now, you and your family can have it all: a wonderful and exciting vacation for the whole family and the confident and beautiful smile you always wanted! And all at the same price you would spend for just the dental procedures alone in the United States and Canada.

At Dental Bio-Esthetics, they can craft you a comprehensive treatment plan, coordinate transportation to and from the Dental Bio-Esthetic while in Playa Del Carmen, arrange for transportation to and from the airport and coordinate your flight and hotel arrangements depending on your specific needs and wants.
Dental Bio-Esthetics… “Re-think the dentist chair!”

Now if you have any questions about getting in contact with Dr. Michelle Spears, DDS at Dental Bio-Esthetics here in Playa del Carmen – Riviera Maya, please feel free to email her at
info@dentalbioesthetics.com
or visit her website at www.dentalbioesthetics.com.

See you in Paradise!!!!!!!!

photo dental_zps619e7c41.png

ViDAS Gives Back In Playa Del Carmen

Posted on by

ViDAS held its Annual Sterilization Campaign in Playa del Carmen this week. ViDAS the Spanish word for lives, is a non-profit organization made up of Veterinarians, veterinary students and other animal lovers dedicated to improving the lives of animals and people through veterinary medicine and education.

photo vidassalud_zps47c2ab10.jpg

ViDAS conducted its first clinic in 2002 with only six veterinary students and two veterinarians. The five day clinic managed to safely sterilize 100 cats and dogs. ViDAS founding members were veterinary students of Colorado State University. Through Dr. Ruth Parkin, one of the founding member’s tireless efforts, ViDAS has grown since that very first clinic in 2002. ViDAS has sterilized over 11,500 animals in over eight different cities around the Yucatan Peninsula.

photo esterilizacion_zps84e97db9.jpg

The six day Annual ViDAS clinic in Playa del Carmen boasted almost 100 volunteers, and around 30 of those volunteers traveled all the way from the United States to aid this great cause. The contribution of many organizations like IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare) and local Coco’s Cat Rescue helped to make this week long event a success. It was a record breaking week, ViDAS sterilized around 1,600 cats and dogs.

At the clinic cats and dogs are kept separate to not add stress to the cats. The surgery takes about 15 minutes and then the animal are moved into the first recovery room where they recover from the anesthesia. Then the cat or dog is moved into the second recovery room were their family can join them to provide comfort and aid in their recovery.

photo nintildeoygato_zps4094e5b3.jpg

The ViDAS clinic is so important to Playa del Carmen because not only does it aid in decreasing the overpopulation of cats and dogs through sterilization but ViDAS also provides much needed education to the community.
ViDAS is constantly working toward their goal: to become more productive and effective at each clinic, to educate locals about the problems and solutions to pet overpopulation and to work with local veterinarians and municipalities on sustainable and humane solutions to overpopulation.
Coco’s Cat Rescue is a local non-profit organization with a no kill policy and is dedicated to reducing the population of unwanted pets in Playa del Carmen. Coco’s Cat Rescue has many project such as offering low cost or free sterilization on a daily basis to pets, street and rescued animals.

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

Mexico Preconstruction Condo Kit

Living in Mexico: The Riviera Maya Ultimate Bucket List

Posted on by

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.

photo swimmingwiththewhaleshark_zpsdb419200.jpg

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.

photo whale-shark_zps0eeb08ad.jpg

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!”

Mexico Insurance Kit

Playa del Carmen: A Great Place to Find a Habit

Posted on by

Now I know what you’re thinking… and shame on you!  Get your head out of the gutter.

Playa Del Carmen and the entire Riviera Maya in fact, is a great place to pick up a new and exciting habit.  A GOOD HABIT!  Or shall I say… hobby.  With its rich and diverse culture, tropical atmosphere and history-rich location, the Riviera Maya is an exciting and mystical place where one can find themselves immersed in the mystery and mysticism of this ancient and revered landscape.

Here are 3 non-conventional “habits” one can easily pick up here in the Riviera Maya:

  1. Become the next “Indiana Jones”!
    Archeology is a huge part of the life and culture, both past and present, here in the Riviera Maya. From the grand pyramids of Chichen Itza to the majestic sea side landscape of Tulum, one can find out first-hand what attracts and inspires the “Indiana Jones” types and why experiencing century old relic and temples can be so life miraculous.  The awe-inspiring feeling one get when he/she gazes upon a monument that predates most world country’s is one that can’t be described; but must be seen for any aspiring to be the next “Dr. Jones”.
  2. Become the next “Sam Malone” (Cheers, NBC)
    Now once again, get your head out of the gutter, and entertain this!  Like the unforgettable character from the beloved US television series “Cheers”, you too can be the next guy “where everybody knows your name”.  Why not try your hand at becoming and bartender?.  With more bars and nightlife per capita than any other city here in the Riviera Maya, those people with a flare for the exciting, a passion for enjoyment and an ingratiation towards the party lifestyle should try this noble and time honored profession.  Who knows, maybe you’ll turn out to be the next “Sam Malone”… and get as much “action” as he did!
  3. And lastly, become the next “Jacque Cousteau”
    The vast and virtually unexplored underwater ocean frontier is not only rich with life and discovery, but a hot and sought after hobby and profession.  Becoming a scuba instructor, and maybe just getting your scuba dive certification , can not only be fun, but research has shown that those people who work and play in, or near water have longer lifespans and have a reported 10-20 point decrease in overall blood-pressure.  Take a dive… and live longer.  Sounds good to me!

Now if you have any questions or comments about any of these unique and “life extending” hobbies, or would like some information on real estate opportunity’s that can realize these ideas here in
Playa Del Carmen, please don’t hesitate to contact us here at TOP MEXICO REAL ESTATE.

And remember, here at TOP MEXICO REAL ESTATE…

We make it happen!

Livin' Playa video interview

Wildlife Wednesday: Bird watching and bird conservation; two of my favorite things about living in Riviera Maya!

Posted on by

I moved to Playa del Carmen about 10 years ago, since then I have been surrounded by nature and wildlife in a way and an unexpected hobby was born for me while living in Riviera Maya: Bird Watching. I could stay for hours and hours sitting on my terrace to just listen and if I´m lucky enough see a large group of euphonias, hummingbirds and parrots just to name a few.

In fact, bird-watching is a very popular activity throughout the Yucatan Peninsula, with so many different types of our feathered friends. Right here in Playa del Carmen is only a matter of where you are and what you hear to look up and see an entire group flying over the city.

But there are also aviaries, like the one located in Playacar or the recently opened aviary at Xcaret Park but the thing the I love the most about Xcaret is not the fact that there’s a brand new aviary, is actually the fact that wherever you place your sight inside the park, you’ll be able to find a breathtakingly beautiful bird and in some cases, and I kid you not, you are able to touch it.

Bird-Watching and interactive experiences

So, about a year ago there was a lot of buzz in Playa del Carmen regarding a particular conservation program and activities held around it at Xcaret, which was the “Flying Home” program, created to release Scarlet Macaws into their natural habitat in the Chiapas rainforest.

The Scarlet Macaw is an endangered species and the largest population of this colorful bird lives at Xcaret, visitors are able to see them and listen to them (they don’t talk, but make funny noises) and the awesome thing about having them here is that they are part of a very successful reproduction program.

Make sure that you visit this wonderful eco-theme park when you have a chance, we do it several times a year and is always a wonderful experience because we have lots of fun and always learn something new about wildlife and many ecological themes. Once again, one of the advantages of living in Riviera Maya is to be in touch with nature and learn from it.

– By Bea Lozano

Spring has Sprung in Riviera Maya!

Posted on by

Once you live in the Riviera Maya you tend to forget that there are different parts of the world which still bear the distinctness of each of the four seasons; because here even though we do feel a slight shift in temperature and endure a rainy day or two, about 90% of our year is absolutely beach and cenote enjoyable.

One of my morning rituals is take a beaches of Playa del Carmen near my home, which most of the time I do after I leave my kids at school. I just walk for half an hour or so, depending on how my day is scheduled and how hectic it could be. I take this time for me to see what´s around me and charge my batteries from the sun and the sea.

I also like to watch how other people start their daily routine, all of those beach walkers that, like me, are sharing that peaceful moment to focus on themselves and organize their thoughts before the day gets into full swing. As

As  I people watch I notice that some of them are walking with their significant other, others are jogging or doing yoga, other people go for a quick swim; I particularly enjoy to just walk and stumble upon something interesting or beautiful and take photos.

And today, what would say Welcome Spring better than the scene I found this morning: wild flowers growing just a few meters away from the sea, quietly and beautifully lying on the sand, getting energy from the sun and the sea breeze, probably listening to the song of the waves and enjoying life as it is.

A lesson that I learned living Playa del Carmen: be grateful, live one day at the time even if you are one of those who likes to plan everything ahead (as I do myself), because living in Riviera Maya means peace, beach, colors, joy,  happiness and amazing moments at the beach!

-By Bea Lozano

Living the Gourmet life in the Riviera Maya – A visit to the Wine and Food Festival!

Posted on by

When Cancun was founded a little more than 40 years ago, the intention of it was to create a new place that could have all the accommodations for tourists all over the globe and share the beauty and exotic nature of this part of Mexico.

Over the years, as Cancun and Riviera Maya have boomed with 5 star hotels, and its once fishing villages flourished into exciting travel destinations, it’s not rare to find wonderful events where you can experience all the luxury and leisure, the finest cuisine and drinks that can be found here! That’s what the Cancun-Riviera Maya Wine and Food Festival is all about.

Last Sunday I got the chance to take part is some of the great festivities of this amazing festival, in one of the most exquisite hotels near Cancun. Being such a food and wine lover as I am, spending an afternoon at the Gourmet Tasting Village was a delicious experience to say the least.

Just at the entrance you could see all the colors, you could smell so many flavors and feel your mouth watering instantly. You just have to grab a glass of wine take a leisurely stroll to find food samples of well-established restaurants, 5 star hotel restaurants, new edgy cafes, pastry shops, wine cellars and artisanal breweries from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya as well as other regions of Mexico and all over the world.

I particularly enjoyed the selection of wines that I found at Wines from Argentina and an artisanal beer from Monterrey, as well as a stand with smoothies of typical fruits of the Yucatan Peninsula.

My jaw dropped at one stand that had Crocodile Stew! Yes, crocodile stew; and you know what, even if at first I felt strange trying; it actually turned out to be pretty delicious. I am generally open minded and enjoy trying new things when I have the opportunity.  This was the perfect venue to do so!

Other delicacies that I could try belonged to Nikkei Cuisine (recently introduced to the area), chocolate bullets spiced with chipotle chili, shrimp and mango ceviche, stuffed mushrooms with different kinds of cheese, oreo cookies made out of olives, smoked salmon (this was one of my favorites as the salmon perfectly smoked just how I like, yumm) and the other dessert that caught my attention was one called Damiana Sour.

This last one is based on Damiana Liquor cream transformed into ice cream by introducing it into liquid nitrogen on site, which was actually something pretty amazing to watch! It tasted like a mix of fresh and delicious herbs, like a minty sweet explosion inside my mouth. To neutralize the effect, you had to try a Guanabana fruit mollusk; which was a much softer flavor but equally delicious.

By the end of the day I was full with an over the top culinary experience and my heart was also full with love and happiness. Since I moved here 10 years ago I have never stopped being grateful to the Universe, Mother Nature and the human beings that, just like me, decided to take a chance on this area and made it our home.

If you too want to live here and be grateful for these experiences, you are more than welcome to take a look at our blog Let´s Retire in Mexico for more insights on events, places to go and life in paradise.

-By Bea Lozano

Beach Thursday in Riviera Maya– We are all Xcacel Lovers!

Posted on by

The Riviera Maya is a place best known for its incredibly clear waters; in some places it is almost impossible to determine how many shades of blue are visible! The Riviera Maya sand is so soft and powdery that it stirs through your toes almost like water.

One of those Riviera Maya beaches is Xcacel; which is not only breathtakingly beautiful but also one of the most important nesting spots for sea turtles.

I can’t help but go almost every I time can, after some 35 minutes driving south from Playa del Carmen, in a kind of “hidden” entrance between mangroves. After entering you drive for about 3 more minutes until you reach a security stand where the keepers will come and meet you and tell you some basic facts about Xcacel.

TOP Facts you need to know about Xcacel-Xcacelito!

In case you didn´t know, these are the TOP 4 facts you will learn as soon as you enter Xcacel-Xcacelito Sanctuary:

  1. It was designated as the Xcacel-Xcacelito Sea Turtle Sanctuary in 1998.
  2. Its total area is about 365 hectares that combine 3 different ecosystems; which are beach, mangrove and cenote (sinkhole).
  3. The Xcacel-Xcacelito sanctuary has a wide and long beach, sand dunes, an open cenote, mangroves and great wildlife diversity.
  4. There´s a “Turtle Camp” with volunteers run by the ecological organization Flora, Fauna y Cultura that´s been operating for the last 10 years on site.

Once you pass the entrance and park your car, take a walk on top a sand dune and what you will find will astound you; everywhere you look is a wide and white sandy beach, filled vegetation, indescribable shades of turquoise and blue, a few families or groups of young people setting up their umbrellas or looking for a shade underneath a palm tree, walking along the beach, swimming, jumping from wave to wave, taking pictures… and many endless and wonderful beach scenes.

The purity of diving in a Cenote next to the beach

After you set your camp and go for a swim, it is worth to take a short walk to the cenote; you will cross a wooden bridge and pass throughout the mangrove until you get to the cool and clear waters of this sinkhole. For those who are not fond of that salty sticky feeling on the skin, take a dip here to cool off, these waters will make your skin feel softer than ever, trust me!

There are also a few spots within the cenote where you can just sit on a mangrove branch or the wooden dock and let the fish do their job, a way of pedicure which you can find at spas in Playa del Carmen and other cities of the world but in its natural environment! If you are the kind of person who is very ticklish, then try to stay out the fishes way, if not, you´re in for a treat and it won´t cost you a thing!

I wish I could stay longer but sometimes it’s just time to leave!

After a long day of sun bathing, swimming, taking long walks to explore, having fun with the kids and taking pictures with your waterproof camera, around 4:30 to 5 in the afternoon it is time to leave! The beach closes around 5:30 to public and all that remains is a few keepers and the Sea Turtle Conservation program volunteers.

It is extremely important that you bring with you the following items: organic sunscreen and mosquito repellent, enough water, snacks, fruits or sandwiches, and last but not least, garbage bags so you can leave the place as clean as you found it; remember, this is a place where for a few months every year, 2 species of sea turtles come to lay their eggs; so let´s keep it safe for these amazing creatures.

So, if you –like me- live close enough, take a short drive from Playa del Carmen or Tulum and you are ready for a full day of pure fun, feeling blessed and thankful for the life you´ve got, come on over and become a Xcacel Lover yourself.

-By Bea Lozano

Playa del Carmen Carnival Spectacular!

Posted on by

Playa is for sure a place that you should never underestimate the word fun!  As the entire town has evolved, more and more incredible events and celebrations are brought to this amazing town. Carnival is one of many of those exciting events that arrive to Playa del Carmen each and every year.

Last week we celebrated a fantastic Carnival celebration in Playa, ending on Fat Tuesday (the day to indulge before Ash Wednesday). Parades filled the streets of Playa each night with dancing, exciting Caribbean music, and outstanding colorful costumes.

The parade runs through the main streets of Playa del Carmen giving everyone a chance to be a part of the action. The spectacular parade arrives to the Municipal Palace square in Playa del Carmen where you will be submerged into the very heart of the Carnival action, with more live performances from entertainers of the community and Caribbean Carnival show extravaganzas.

As the town square turns in a huge entertainment venue it is a perfect place to join with friends and family for a night out and to eat traditional Mexican Foods and snacks!  As the carnival does purposely coincide with Fat Tuesday you have a perfect excuse to indulge!

Some of the best Carnival favorites which are typical to these kinds of events are those delicious churros, marquesitas, shrimp on a stick and of course corn on the cob with chili and mayo!  Other more familiar favorites like hamburgers, hot dogs and tacos are also a hit at Carnival time in Playa!

As an even bigger treat, those who are staying or living in Playa del Carmen have very close access to the ferry dock which brings you right into the most amazing Carnival on the Riviera Maya, in Cozumel.  While each town or city holds its own version of Carnival, the most talked about and popular Carnival can be found on the beautiful Island of Cozumel.

Since both events run for the entire week you have plenty of time to experience both!  Fat Tuesday in Cozumel is particularly an event that shouldn’t be missed.

Be sure to visit our Let’s Retire in Mexico lifestyle blog for more exciting Playa del Carmen news and events!

-By Bea Lozano