Monday, August 02, 2010

Hotel Profile: Antigua Posada Barrio Latino

Hotel Barrio Latino

This is the namesake hotel for the Barrio Latino neighborhood from Second to Sixth Streets, between the beach and 30th Avenue, in the heart of Playa del Carmen. The area is reminiscent of the way that Playa used to be, with traditional hotels and a slower pace than the rest of town. The 16-room Italian-owned hotel is a popular home base for Europeans, student travelers, and others who may have money to stay at one of the more luxurious properties around town but choose to stay at a smaller hotel for the local charm, traditional character, and family-like service.

The hotel is just 1.5 blocks from Quinta Avenida, providing quick access to the town’s restaurants and nightlife. Rooms are secure and clean, with private bathrooms, tile showers, ceiling fans, and in-room safes. Many also have air-conditioning. The owners can book most of the same tours that the larger tour agencies can, but they return their sales commission to their guests, resulting in a nice discount. An Internet station is located near the front desk, and complimentary wireless Internet access reaches most rooms. Rates: average $50 a night; include complimentary continental breakfast and a discount at the nearby Café de la Luna Italian restaurant.

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Tropical Storm Alex forms south of Playa del Carmen

Tourists and local officials are watching closely as the first named storm of the season, Tropical Storm Alex, forms off the coast of Belize and due south of Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya.

The Playa Palms live webcam located in the heart of Playa del Carmen's main beach reveals a rainy sky and blustery winds well ahead of the storm's potential arrival.

According to the National Hurricane Center, Tropical Storm Alex is "a large cyclone with an extensive areas of cloudiness, numerous squalls in rainbands and a well-established upper-level outflow in all quadrants."

Travelers heading to resort towns around Cancun and the Riviera Maya should take some comfort in the fact that the storm has a poorly organized inner core and is unlikely to strengthen much before making landfall somewhere in the Yucatan early on Sunday.

Spending time over the Yucatan land mass is expected to dampen the storm's strength even more before it enters the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

At that point, the storm could threaten the cleanup effort on the BP oil spill, which is centered off the coast of Louisiana. Most forecast models show the storm staying well to the west, potentially making a second landfall near the U.S./Mexico border or as far east as Galveston, Texas.

Most travelers from Austin and other U.S. departure cities are not expected to change their travel plans.


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Thursday, June 10, 2010

EcoBeachHotels.com Offers Unique Eco-Friendly Hotel Options

EcoBeachHotels.com is a partner site to MayanHoliday.com that offers information and reservations at eco-friendly hotels and sustainable beachfront accommodations around the world.

Two of their featured properties for this summer are Azulik villas and Cabañas Copal, which are located in Tulum, about an hour south of Playa del Carmen. Both properties have been recognized for their high standards and level of commitment to sustainable accommodations for eco-conscious travelers.

Azulik VillasWith more than 900 million people traveling each year, the tourism industry wields tremendous influence over the economic, cultural and natural heritages of numerous areas particularly rich in biological and cultural diversity. If not practiced conscientiously and in unison with the surrounding environment, tourism can lead to over-development, cultural exploitation, habitat destruction, waste and excess pollution.

Azulik and Cabañas Copal are oceanfront properties that cater to families and singles searching for a unique experience that will not only relax the mind but also recharge the soul. Azulik is a popular wedding destination for couples seeking an intimate setting in luxury villas, complete with a unique Mayan-themed dayspa and in-room dinner services.

Azulik Villas

From October 20 to 24, guests are invited to experience the Fourth Forum of Healers Workshop, where experts from around the world will be on-hand to educate and facilitate a wide variety of techniques and therapies used in the healing arts.

For more information or to book these and other eco-friendly hotels, visit EcoBeachHotels.com.



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Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Free concert at Mamita's Beach Club kicks off 2010 Riviera Maya Jazz Fest

Riviera Maya Jazz Fest
The organizers of the 2010 Riviera Maya Jazz Fest are holding a free kickoff concert on May 29 at Mamita's Beach Club in Playa del Carmen featuring Caro Montes, Phil Perry and Brian McKnight.

The concert celebrates the announcement of the headliners for this year's festival, which will include performances by The Manhattan Transfer, George Duke, Eugenia Leon, Armando Manzanero, John McLaughlin, Incognito, Aguamala and more.

The Riviera Maya Jazz Fest is free to the public and will take place November 25 to 28, 2010, at Mamita's Beach Club in Playa del Carmen. Last year, some 50,000 people attended the festival, making it one of the Riviera Maya's most popular events.

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Riviera Maya Guidebook

Tuesday, April 06, 2010

Acanto Condos open model unit

Developers of the Acanto Condominium complex, adjacent to the Acanto Hotel, in the heart of Playa del Carmen have finished construction of a model unit, with completion of the entire project expected in the near future.

The complex has one-, two- and three-bedroom condos located a half-block from the beach and one block from 5th Avenue, the resort town's main tourist strip, with a wide range of restaurants, nightlife and shopping within easy walking distance.
Condo purchase prices start at $265,000 for full ownership and include all the services of a luxury hotel, including Jacuzzi, swimming pool and a rooftop terrace.

The condos are part of the Acanto Hotel complex and owners ca participate in the hotel rental program to start earning a return on the purchase the moment the condo is ready for occupancy. The Acanto Hotel has a historical occupancy rate of more than 90%, making for an incredible potential opportunity for any buyer or investor.

For a limited time, the owners are offering discounted prices on selected units and financing as well as a guaranteed return on investment.

Experts estimate that the long-term investment prospects of Playa del Carmen and Mexico remain very attractive. The country itself has become economically strong and the opportunity for long-term real estate appreciation in most regions continues to be favorable. Over 1 million Americans now live full-time in Mexico, in addition to the large population of ex-pats from Europe, who have chosen the country for its safety and quality of life.


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Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Top 10 See and Be Seen Spots in the Riviera Maya

1. Blue Parrot, Playa del Carmen: With an open-air dance floor and fire dancers at your back door, you can’t go wrong.
2. Fairmont Mayakoba, Punta Bete: The huge stone entryway makes you wonder what’s inside; only the privileged few know for sure.
3. Live Aqua Cancún: Cancún’s one and only lounge hotel, with 24-hour DJ and luxe beach bar.
4. Hotel Básico, Playa del Carmen: The prosperous days of 1950s Latin America glorified with a rooftop bar, oil-tank swimming pools, and rooms with neon lights.
5. Hotel Deseo, Playa del Carmen: Up the unmarked stairs, it’s the hip hangout for the Playa elite.
6. Hotel Esencia, Xpu-Ha: The former estate of an Italian duchess can be yours, for a price.
7. Maroma Resort & Spa, Punta Maroma: If it’s good enough for Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, you’ll probably enjoy it also.
8. Mezzanine Hotel, north of Tulum pueblo: Swanky digs, topless beaches, and DJ parties in the shadow of the Tulum ruins.
9. Occidental Royal Hideaway, Playacar: Playacar’s premier hotel proves all-inclusive resorts can be luxurious, too.
10. Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita, north of Puerto Morelos: With a $3,000-a-night penthouse, you never know who you may rub shoulders with at the swim-up bar.

Monday, February 08, 2010

Reserve Now for Spring Break in Cancun

Spring Break Cancun!Every year about this time, students from across the country start to plan their Spring Break vacations. This year, there are some great package trips, including airfare and hotel.

Many students choose to use a big-name tour company to book their trip, but they don't realize that they are throwing money away, since they end up paying way more than if they just booked the trip themselves. Travelers can go to the SAME CLUBS, the SAME BEACHES, the SAME PARTIES as people who book with a tour company, but can pay about half a much.

There's no need to spend too much to go to Spring Break. With tour companies, you are restricted on how many people you can put in a room, who you can stay with and you will have chaperons bothering you all of the time.

Book your own trip and you can be in control. You can choose to go to the clubs you want to go, when you want to go. You won't have to sit in a big massive bus waiting for everyone to be ready. Do what you want to do, when you want to do it. And you can party with all of the same people.

Find Hotels in Cancun >>
Find Hotel & Airfare Discount Packages >>
Book Last-Minute Trips and Save >>
Book tours and excursions in advance >>
Reserve Your Airport Transportation >>
Visit the Riviera Maya for Spring Break >>

Don't be treated like cattle on Spring Break. Plan your own trip and pay half as much -- and have twice as much fun!

More:
Top 10 Riviera Maya webcams
Riviera Maya hotels
Riviera Maya tours & activities
Riviera Maya guidebook
Mexico's best local beers
Golfing in Mexico
Stay and work in Mexico

Thursday, January 21, 2010

New Riviera Maya Events Calendar Launches

The beach at Playa del Carmen
The Riviera Maya Events Calendar is the most comprehensive online events calendar for local events in Playa del Carmen, Akumal, Puerto Morelos, Puerto Aventuras and throughout the Riviera Maya.

Events include local cultural and arts events, food festivals, wine tastings, restaurant specials, local fairs, environmental events and local get-togethers.

Local residents moderate the daily events in various cities to ensure up-to-the-minute information is posted to interested travelers. Both vacationers and residents use the calendar to enrich their experience in the Rivera Maya.

More:
The Riviera Maya Events Calendar
Riviera Maya Hotels
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Riviera Maya Guidebook

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Riviera Maya Raising Funds for Haiti Victims

Hope for Haiti!Fund-raising events will take place on Sunday, January 24, in Playa del Carmen and Akumal to raise much-needed money for "Hope for Haiti," a local, grassroots campaign that is supporting the relief efforts.

"Hope for Haiti" Playa del Carmen will take place on Sunday, January 24, from noon to 6pm on the beach at Wicky's (10th Street), which has volunteered their beach and their culinary skills for the event. There will be pulled-pork sandwiches, potato salad, veggies and all the fixin's for $200 pesos per adult, $100 pesos for children 12 and under. Children under 3 eat for free. There will also be a raffle and beer and drink specials running all day.

Playa del Carmen’s J.J. and the Nasty Bastards Band will provide entertainment with guest performances by some of Playa’s favorite visiting musicians. Proceeds from the event will be sent to Doctors Without Borders to support their relief efforts in Haiti.

For more information visit the event's page on Facebook. And for more Riviera Maya events, check out the event's calendar.

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Taylor Lautner Headed to Cancun for Spring Break

Courtesy FLICKR/DdaarryynnAs if Mexico's beach resorts needed any more dubious publicity, Summit Entertainment, the Hollywood film studio that created The Twilight Saga, has announced plans to film an adventure movie set in the Cancun.

The movie will star teen Twilight heartthrob Taylor Lautner, who will play a Spring Break vacationer whose pleasure trip turns into a nightmare when his girlfriend and her friends run into trouble at the hands of the local drug cartel. Rather than spend their days frolicking on the beach, going snorkeling and enjoying wet T-shirt contests at Sr. Frog's, they end up fighting for their lives as the drug dealers threaten them with all sorts of unpleasantries sure to ruin a Spring Break vacation.

Directors are making use of Lautner's fairly extensive martial arts experience, so audiences should expect to see plenty of action and fight scenes.

Though drug cartels are present in many of Mexico's cities, even the tourist towns, vacationers have not been the primary targets of any violence, making such a story a bit of a stretch from the current reality. That said, with all of the negative press that Mexico has seen lately, it's easy to see how the plot line will resonate with many American tourists, many of whom are already wary of traveling south of the border.

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Monday, December 21, 2009

Resort Report: Hotel La Tortuga

The Hotel La Tortuga is located at the corner of 10th Avenue and 14th Street, just a block off Playa del Carmen's popular Fifth Avenue. The 45-room boutique hotel offers stylish rooms; a welcoming pool, exclusive social area with pool table and a private and upscale ambience. Rooms have air-conditioning, safes, fans, satellite TV, wireless Internet access and phones. Many also have a minibar, private balcony, and views of the courtyard pool.

The hotel has an entrance into the Spa Itza, a Mayan-themed day spa, and the hotel restaurant, Agora, serves Italian and international food in a casual sidewalk café atmosphere and boasts the best cappuccino in town. Rates range from $85 for a standard room in low season to $189 for a suite in high season; complimentary beach club access and the use of a beach towel included.

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Monday, December 14, 2009

El Taj Oceanfront Condo to Open in January 2010

Sundown in Playa del Carmen. Photo by Joshua HinsdaleA variety of upscale condos have opened recently in Playa del Carmen, giving visitors to the Riviera Maya new accommodations options without the need for a pricey full-service hotel.

Another new property, the El Taj Oceanfront Condo, is scheduled for opening the first week of January, 2010, was designed by Mexican architect Sergio Segura. The condo will feature a smooth Bali-inspired design that seduces imagination by combining soft curves, natural materials and luscious tropical landscaping with soothing water features. Many hotels in Playa del Carmen were built to please guests without considering how they merge into the environment, but this architect’s vision was to create a modern luxury dwelling that blends nature and modern design, tranquility and plentiful amenities.

The condo is only be a block away from a world-class gym, inspired and built by Vito Errico, the original founder of the famous Equinox sports clubs in the US. There will be two upscale restaurants, a scuba shop, New York-style gourmet deli and day spa.

The El Taj Oceanfront will feature marble counter tops in kitchens and bathrooms, private terraces, modern appliances, Jacuzzis, private rooftop showers and artwork imported from Bali.

To add to the magical splendor of this new jewel amongst hotels in Playa del Carmen, there are breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea, swaying palm trees and a light sea breeze. Only steps away, there is the famous pedestrian 5th Avenue with the convenience of the best restaurants, nightlife and shopping.

The luxury condos are available for vacation rentals and also for sale. Rental rates start at $265 per night per condo. The accommodations vary from one-bedroom apartments to three-bedroom penthouses.


More:
Official Reservations Site
Condo Sales Info
Riviera Maya Hotels
Airport Transportation
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Riviera Maya Guidebook

Monday, August 24, 2009

"Free" Hotel Stays at Esencia Estate

Playa Xpu-HA -- Esencia Estate in Mexico's Riviera Maya is offering guests daily account credit equal to the amount paid for their nightly room rate. The credit can be used at the hotel's organic healing spa, at the poolside restaurant or on other expenses, including airport transfers, room service, in-room nannies, or even Coronas and margaritas on the beach.

The promotion is part of the hotel's campaign to spur new business on the heels of a slumping spring and summer tourism season across Mexico, caused by negative media reports and unsubstantiated fears of the H1N1 virus.

The hotel is located on a 50-acre waterfront estate near the resort town of Playa del Carmen and is recognized as one of the area's most exclusive properties. The hotel was originally built as the private retreat for an Italian duchess and now welcomes guests with well-appointed guestrooms, a powdery white-sand beach, a Mayan-themed spa and chic dining.

Esencia Estate gives guests direct access to one of the world’s most popular travel destinations. Within a short distance from the estate, visitors can explore the Mayan ruins of Tulum and Coba, go snorkeling at Akumal's famous Yak-Ku Lagoon, ride horses along the beach, go fishing for blue marlin, play golf on the Mayakoba PGA championship course, or go canopying in the jungle.

Esencia's promotion offers guests a unique opportunity to experience high-end travel at a affordable cost. The promotion is valid for reservations made through October 15, 2009, subject to availability, for travel through October 15, 2009.

For more information or reservations, call the hotel's guest services at 1-877-528-3490. For a glimpse of the good life at Esencia, visit the hotel's website.

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Saturday, August 22, 2009

Fine Spanish Cuisine in the Riviera Maya

Dining in Playa del CarmenThe owners of the popular Ajua Maya Restaurant, a long-time favorite in Playa del Carmen, have opened the first traditional Spanish tapas restaurant in the Riviera Maya.

Restaurante Tierra España
features the culinary creations of Chef Antoni Pellicer, originally from Barcelona. The kitchen serves up a menu of classic dishes from the Spanish Mediterranean, including hot and cold tapas, rich paella, chorizo, blood sausage, cured Serrano ham and fresh seafood. There's also an assortment of traditional desserts and coffees, plus an extensive menu of wines, brandy and sherry.

The ambiance is warm and welcoming, with traditional Spanish décor and a waitstaff that treats every customer like a regular. It's open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and diners can choose a table in the air-conditioned indoor dining room or on the covered patio.

Tierra España is quickly becoming a fun gathering spot for groups watching American football games, international soccer matches and major sporting events. The restaurant hosts regular wine tastings and other events.

Tierra España is located at the corner of Avenida Constituyentes and 20th Street in downtown Playa del Carmen.

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Friday, July 31, 2009

Mexican Navy Closes Gran Caribe Real's Beach

Cancun BeachTourists watched with amusement and a bit of frustration as armed sailors from the Mexico Navy portioned off the beach in front of the Gran Caribe Real hotel following claims that the hotel had illegally pumped sand from the ocean floor.

After exceedingly high tides and rough waves caused by Hurricane Wilma eroded the beach in 2005, Mexico spent some $19 million to pump sand back onto the shore, but the action of the waves has slowly been eroding it away again.

To disrupt the erosion process, some hotels have begun to build concrete or rock jetties at the waterline to help keep the sand in place, but this is the first time that a hotel has actually been accused of using underwater pumps to move the sand from deeper waters and onto the beach.

Mexican Navy on the BeachOfficials with the Mexico environmental enforcement agency that five people were detained and the beach was considered a crime scene and would remain closed until the matter is settled.

Sunbathers moved to another beach and the hotel is arranging to accommodate guests as much as possible during the interim.

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Chablé Maroma: Discover the Riviera Maya's Most Exclusive Family-Friendly Hotel

The Chablé Maroma hotel in Playa Maroma has done what few hotels have even attempted to do -- successfully combine luxury with family-friend...