Ajua Maya Restaurant Celebrates 10 Years in Playa del Carmen

Ajua Maya Restaurant celebrated 10 years in Playa del Carmen with a traditional celebration mixing Mayan, Mestizo and Mexican cuisine and customs on on May 21, 2011.

Jorge and Brenda Alfaro acquired Ajua Restaurant (now Ajua Maya) in Playa del Carmen in 2001. The restaurant specializes in Mayan, Mestizo, Mexican and a touch of Virginian cuisine; and now, ten years later, the Alfaros enjoy working with many of the same staff and wonderful Ajua friends who return each and every year to share their success.

"Immediately after the acquisition of Ajua, we worked hard to provide our customers with the highest quality ingredients and preparations available on the Riviera Maya," said Brenda Alfaro, the Virginian partner.

"We feel blessed," said Jorge Alfaro, the Mexican-Mayan side of the couple. "Those who experience our creative and inclusive restaurant style, convey to us that we are one of the best, if not the best, restaurant experiences they have ever had in their life. What a compliment."

The Alfaros attribute their restaurant’s success to the extraordinary Mayan staff they have worked with for 10 years. Brenda explained that the Maya infuse Ajua Maya with their noble heritage, including their traditional community culture, which ensures harmony in daily life and in work, free of negativity and full of the joy of working together as a family and a village.

Hotel Profile: Antigua Posada 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.

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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Free concert at Mamita's Beach Club kicks off 2010 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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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.

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New Riviera Maya Events Calendar Launches

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.

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The Riviera Maya Events Calendar
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Riviera Maya Raising Funds for Haiti Victims

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.

El Taj Oceanfront Condo to Open in January 2010

A 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.


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Fine Spanish Cuisine in the Riviera Maya

The 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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"Taste of Playa" Summer Food Festival

PLAYA DEL CARMEN -- The "Taste of Playa" summer food festival will take place in Playa del Carmen on September 5, 2009. The event, which organizers plan to begin hosting annually, will highlight the diverse global influences of Riviera Maya chefs and their cuisine.

Backed by the Riviera Maya Tourism Board and local officials, the event highlights the unique culinary perspectives of local chefs that have made Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya a world-class dining destination.

"The international collection of chefs, flavors and influences is what has made Playa Del Carmen one of the most popular destinations in the area," said Roman Quian, president of the Solidaridad municipality.

This gourmet sampling event will take place in the newly renovated city center plaza and is open to the public free of charge. More than 25 local restaurants have been selected to showcase their unique culinary visions and creativity.

Sponsors and participants include John Gray’s Place, The Glass Bar, Divina, Cocina 38, Buy Playa Real Estate Services, Bric International and Abyss Dive Center.

A portion of the proceeds from Taste of Playa 2009 will benefit Ak Lu’um International School, a non-profit private learning institution in Playa del Carmen that integrates young students with physically and developmentally challenged children in a safe and inclusive learning environment.

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Official site - The Taste of Playa
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"Amazing Race" Coming to the Riviera Maya?

Discovery Channel's popular travel adventure show, "The Amazing Race," will be filming an upcoming season in Latin America. To help pick the exact country, the show's producers are letting the public decide by casting their votes.

On the heels of the bad press caused by the Swine Flu and recent media reports of drug violence, tourism to Mexico is down sharply and the positive exposure of a show like this could do a lot of good for Playa del Carmen, the Riviera Maya and the entire country.

Right now, Mexico and Columbia are neck-and-neck in the voting, with Chile a distant third.

MayanHoliday.com urges all our readers to vote for Mexico and help bring "The Amazing Race" to the Riviera Maya!

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Drug Traffickers Arrested in Playa del Carmen

PLAYA DEL CARMEN, June 13, 2009 -- The heart of the Playa del Carmen tourist zone, Fifth Avenue (Quinta Avenida), was the scene of a major drug bust on Saturday as 40 soldiers from the Mexican Army swarmed a souvenir market and arrested five drug traffickers.

The heavily armed military gunmen wore black hoods to disguise their identity and were supported by more than a dozen local police, who blocked pedestrians from the area where the raid took place. Even with the large police presence, though, tourists were just yards from the scene as the soldiers made their way to the back of the market to apprehend the criminals.

The event occurred near the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Second Street, close to the main bus station and the dock for the ferry to Cozumel. The authorities seized three bags of illegal drugs and arrested five men, who were using their handicrafts stall in the market as a front for their drug-selling ring.

No shots were fired in the incident and authorities credited the police and soldiers for using overwhelming force and the element of surprise to their advantage.

The men were known to be dealing drugs, but many other sellers in the market were afraid to turn them in or say anything, for fear of retaliation. The market was reopened after the incident and after 15 minutes, the scene on the street returned to normal.
It is a reminder, though, that tourists should avoid any illegal drug use while visiting the Riviera Maya. The old adage is true that if you go looking for trouble, you're probably going to find it.

It's important to note, however, that the federal and local authorities are very conscious of the effects that drugs and illegal activity could have on the tourist trade, so they aggressively pursue arrests and work to keep the resort town safe for visitors. Even during this raid, the hundreds of tourists on the beach two blocks away were oblivious to the episode and were not affected by it.

Playa del Carmen is still a very safe place to visit and enjoy a great vacation, as long as travelers remain aware of their surroundings and don't take any more risks than they would back home.

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Early Playa del Carmen Ferry Service Returns

PLAYA DEL CARMEN -- Officials in the Riviera Maya have reported the reinstatement of the 6am ferry run from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel. The service was suspended on May 4, with the decrease in demand caused by concerns over the flu outbreak.

Demand had dropped by approximately 70%, from an average of 6000 daily riders down to only 700. That number has increased back to nearly 4000, which makes it worthwhile to add the earliest service back to the schedule. In the interim, the first ferry from Playa to Cozumel had been 8am.

This early ferry run makes it possible for workers living on the mainland to get to jobs in Cozumel and also helps tourists get an early start for daytrips to Cozumel for scuba-diving, sportfishing, snorkeling and other activities. One-way and round-trip tickets can be purchased at the ferry dock at the center of town.

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Dancing on the Sand in the Riviera Maya

The editors of MayanHoliday.com pick the top spots to have sand between your toes and a drink in your hand:

Blue Parrot, 12th Street at the beach. Get there early to reserve a coveted waterfront table. If you fall out of your chair, you’ll land on powder-white sand. Dancers spill out from the wooden dance floor all the way to the water line. Fire dancers perform on the beach behind the club most nights at around 11pm-midnight.

El Pirata, between 12th and 14th Streets. This no-frills beach bar offers a laid-back alternative to the Blue Parrot next door. The music is loud, the bar stools swing, and the tables on the beach are just steps from the lapping waves of the Caribbean.

Mamita’s Beach Club, 28th Street at the beach. Who says you can’t go dancing during the day? The folks at Mamita’s prove that getting your groove on by sunlight can be just as fun as by moonlight. The party gets going in the early afternoon and peaks just before sundown, then quickly dwindles. Arrive early to claim a coveted beach bed.

Señor Frog’s, Plaza Marina, at the ferry dock. Built above the beach at the base of the ferry dock, this resort-town stalwart packs in a primarily American clientele in search of good Mexican food, pop music, and sometimes ... love. Dancing patrons can get their drinks to go and boogie on the beach below.

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Mexico to Host World Environment Day

PLAYA DEL CARMEN -- The Riviera Maya will host World Environment Day on June 5, 2009. The location had been in doubt following the recent swine flu outbreak in Mexico and elsewhere.

The event will take place at the Xcaret Eco Park, just a few minutes south of the resort town of Playa del Carmen. Attendees will include California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, World Wildlife Fund president Carter Roberts, renwoned entrepreneur Carlos Slim Helu and more than 400 environmental experts, business leaders, academics, governors and UN staff.

The event will be broadcast via satellite to more than 180 countries. The conference is important to Mexico because it gives a clear signal that the country is still open for business and was able to overcome the recent health emergency.

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300 People Reenact Canoe Trip to Cozumel

XCARET - Around 300 participants made a pilgrimage to Cozumel like their Mayan ancestors did hundreds of years ago. The group left in traditional canoes from Xcaret to the island of Cozumel, approximately 15 miles away. They later returned to Xaman Ha, just south of the town square in Playa del Carmen. A large crowd was on-hand to greet them when they returned.

The local mayor, Román Quiana Alcocer and the head of the Riviera Maya Tourism Promotion Fund, Javier Aranda Pedrero, were part of group at the beach. The mayor noted that this sacred journey served to reinforce the cultural identity of the region and serves to "preserve our traditions and share the history of our ancestors."

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Playa del Carmen at 50% Occupancy - No Swine Flu

Civil Defense personnel donning masks distributed information in several languages to sunbathers (primarily topless women) this week to publicize the measures taken to prevent any possible infection by the H1N1 "Swine Flu" influenza virus.

Despite the recommendation to stay at home and change travel plans, Playa del Carmen's main strip, Fifth Avenue, and the beaches of the Riviera Maya looked almost normal, except for the closure of some enclosed businesses, such as bars and clubs.

A local official was quoted as saying: "You can still enjoy and have a good time, provided you comply with health regulations." Meanwhile, hotel occupancy remains at 50%, about 25% lower than normal for this time of year. "The restaurants are operating and maintaining the economy on Fifth Avenue," the official said.

Mamita's Beach, one of the most popular daytime destinations that's a little north of town, indicated a quiet influx of people. The restaurants were open, people were swimming, sunbathing and ordering cold Coronas, just like normal.

The bus stations, taxis and public services are operating at or near full capacity.

There have been no confirmed cases of the Swine Flu in the region. The city's 10 clinics each received visits from 50 to 60 patients with concerns, but none of them ended up being anything worth worrying about.

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Playa del Carmen Orders Bars to Close

As a preventative measure against an outbreak of the Swine Flu, officials in Playa del Carmen and surrounding areas have ordered the temporary closure of bars and clubs. The Expo Tequila 2009 has also been cancelled, since many of the expected attendees are no longer coming to the area since they have had to cancel their trips.

The closure order applies to bars and clubs accommodating up to 80 people, including such popular locations as Reven, Coco Bongo, Dubai, Cielito Lindo and Mambo Cafe.

The bars and clubs are to be remain closed, "for the duration of the epidemiological emergency."

Coco Bongo Opens in Playa del Carmen

PLAYA DEL CARMEN -- The world-famous Coco Bongo, known for its all-night parties and amazing stage shows in Cancun, has opened a new location in Playa del Carmen. Located at the corner of 10th Avenue and 12th Street, the Playa location is a massive nightclub with non-stop entertainment on an elevated stage.

Regular rates are $50 US for open bar or $20 for cover charge only. Special offers can frequently be found through activities reps at the major hotels in Playa del Carmen and around the Riviera Maya.

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Acanto Breaks Ground on Condo Project

Construction has begun on the Acanto Hotel and Condominiums on the site of the original Acanto Suites Hotel just blocks from the Playa del Carmen town square. The hotel, which has been opened for 15 years, is officially closed and will open in its new form in the summer of 2009.

The development already has six pre-sales and several potential other purchases are pending. Pricing is available online, as well as floor plans and amenities.

Financing can be arranged through US-based lenders with US-based underwriting, allowing buyers to put as little as 20% down.

For more info regarding pricing and/or financing, contact sales@acantohotels.com.


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