RIVIERA MAYA REAL ESTATE SEEKERS – THE FIVES

August 19th, 2010

THE FIVES

FOR INQUIRIES GO HERE

One of the most anticipated developments in the Mayan Riviera is finally close to reality.  The Fives had their long awaited launch last month where they made some exciting announcements.  Being that this has been the best selling development in the last two years, many owners have been waiting for the moment when they will finally take delivery and begin using their condo in this amazing beach front development. Over 100 people including brokers, press, and city officials including the president of the National Association of Realtors for Riviera Maya were on hand to hear the latest announcements and future plans for The Fives this past July 1st. The project is practically complete and the first homeowners have begun to receive title!  Also, the Sea Olive restaurant on site is open and ready to serve patrons with more restaurants to come.  Plans are on schedule for Karisma Hotels to begin operations this fall as Azul Fives. This is great news for owners who will participate in the Fives rental pool operated by Karisma.

The Fives is a beachfront condo development offering resort style living including beach club, fitness center, swimming pool, green areas and 24 hr. security. Every unit will be fully furnished with complete bedroom set, living room set, kitchen appliances and more. The Fives private residences consist of two and three bedroom condominiums fully furnished and decorated in the taste and elegance of unique Mexican architecture.  The Fives is surrounded by very high-end developments (Mayakoba and Mareazul) and the Mayakoba PGA golf course.

With close to 85% of the units already sold, there is great interest to own in this secluded beach front community.  Prices currently start at $299,000 for a two bedroom unit. Please contact us for more info and enjoy the video.

Features & Amenities

  • Interior space: 1300 SQF. – 1900 SQF. Exterior space: 250 SQF. – 2000 SQF.
  • Outdoor sky/garden terrace: 600 SQF. – 1800 SQF
  • Furnishings: Top of the line Five-Star fully furnished
  • Views Available: Ocean (Selected units), Garden, Pool and Cenote
  • Location: Five minutes north of Playa del Carmen.
  • Dining: Four restaurants in the resort property
  • Pool: Over 25,000 square feet of pool space plus an amazing infinity pool at private beach club
  • Surrounded by very high end developments (Mayakoba and Grand Coral Nick Price Golf Course)
  • Once purchased, there is the option of immediately putting your new condo into the five star rental program.

For full photos and more info go here

FOR INQUIRIES GO HERE

Article by Rafael Bautista / www.MrPlaya.com

RIVIERA MAYA GOURMET – OUR MONTHS CHOICE

August 19th, 2010

YAXCHE AUTHENTIC MAYAN CUISINE

Yaxche (pronounced jag-shey) Maya cuisine restaurant is located in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. We serve the Maya culinary art in a unique style. Dining at Yaxche will be a quest into the Mayan World where you will find the flavors of the region in a unique environment that combines both ancient and cosmopolitan elements.

The owners inherited a strong affinity for the Mayan from their ancestors. They dreamed of introducing people to the Mayan through their cuisine. Yaxche Maya cuisine Restaurant is the fulfillment of that dream.

The restaurant

The main dining room in the lower deck has air conditioning and broad windowpanes that allow the sunlight in. It is decorated with Mayan paintings, mixing the ancient with the most modern displays. In the upper deck the dining area is at a terrace, with wooden floors and a sophisticated atmosphere. The whole deck faces the luxurious 5th avenue. You can come for lunch of dinner, or have a typical drink at the bar such as “Mayarita”.

Events

The restaurant is available for special events like rehearsal dinners, weddings, conferences and private parties. We can also plan surprises for birthdays, engagements, anniversaries or other special occasions.

How it all begun

Inspiration: The grandfather: Don Andrés Hernandez.

Don Andres Hernandez took all these photos. He lived in Merida, the cultural center of the Yucatan. When he moved to Merida from Cuba, the local Mayan fascinated him.

Throughout the 1930’s to the early 80’s he traveled the Yucatan peninsula talking to the Mayan and learning their language and history. Along the way, he visited ruins of Mayan religious and governmental centers.

Some of these had only recently been discovered by archeologists, and were not often seen by anyone other than ranging Mayan hunters.

Don Andres, known as ‘The Cuban’ to friends and travelers, passed on his interest and respect for the Mayan culture to his grandson, Ramon Lizaola. It was him who began to dream about bringing a bit of Mayan culture to the outside world through a restaurant serving Maya cuisine.

Yaxche Maya Cuisine Restaurant is dedicated to memory of Don Andres. Rest in Peace. IN LAK ECH – Abuelo (I’m another you).

Extracted from http://www.mayacuisine.com

RIVIERA MAYA MUST DO’S – IF YOU DARE

August 19th, 2010

XEL-HA NATURAL WATERPARK

Xel-Há is the Eden of the ancient Mayan deities, destined to be a heaven on Earth from the moment it was conceived. The gods combined all that was best of themselves…their dreams and wisdom, that which was most perfect and pure, and brought it into existence inthe place where the waters are born. After delegating guardianship of the heavens, seas, and land to three animal-deities, this pristine natural jewel was presented to mankind.

Huh, the iguana is the guardian of the land, Mo the macaw is the guardian of the sky, and Kay-Op, the parrotfish, is the guardian of the waters.

Up until today, Xel-Há continues to obey the wishes of the gods –that this paradise be shared in all its dazzling natural beauty, its pure, cristaline waters, its luscious rainforest, the rich beating of its heart of Life.

The Xel-Há Inlet is an aquarium free of walls and glass panes, without man-made lights or feeding mechanisms, which every visitor should be allowed to explore with equal freedom. And so Xel-Há has been designed to accommodate everyone, from first time swimmers to expert snorkelers.

With over 70 species that have chosen this earthly paradise as their ideal habitat, plunging into the dizzying myriad of colorful fish is the experience of a lifetime. All dreams of meeting fascinating creatures in the flesh –dolphins, stingrays, turtles, all in their genuine niche –are about to come true at our Natural Aquarium.

Of the 200 acres of nature that make up Xel-Há, almost 150 of these are lush tropical forest. The rich vegetation (over 220 recorded species of plants, many in constant cultivation at the Plant Nursery as part of Xel-Há’s reforestation program) holds as marvelous an abundance of life as the waters do below.

Through the fragrant trails on foot, bicycles, or motor vehicles, one will discover amazing biological luxury, scenery stunning to all the senses, mammals, reptiles, birds, and plenty of places to stop along the way and surrender to the beauty of Nature.

Entering Xel-Há is an invitation to live life at its very fullest. Adventure is unsurpassable here; the color of everyday existence will pale at the comparison. Nature thrills the senses with sensations, rushes, and awe –this is the place to dive deeper, to jump higher, to run faster…to breathe freely at last.

Whether feeling the wind on one’s face on the Floating Bridge, painstakingly balancing the length of Trepachanga, or crashing into the waters below from the Cliff of Courage, Xel-Há will leave the nerves tingling and the soul aching for more.

At last…the dreams of stepping through the aquarium glass, of drifting into an astonishing world of underwater magic are about to come true.

Xel-Ha is nature as no one has ever felt it before, a place to share in celebrating the biological parade of the Riviera Maya.

Our Natural Wonder and its open-sea aquarium offer a myriad of land and water activities, ecological attractions, world-class restaurants, and countless more unimaginable experiences.

Dazzle your senses. Feel the thrills of adventure and caresses of paradise. Xel-Ha…the Natural Wonder awaits.

Extracted from Xelha.com

For Tours and more info contact your Hotel Concierge or visit http://www.xelha.com/

RIVIERA MAYA EVENTS – MAREAZUL LAUNCH EVENT

July 9th, 2010

This past June 10th investors, brokers and media executives had the honor to attent one of the most important events in Riviera Maya considered among real estate brokers The EVENT OF THE YEAR

Grupo Grand Coral and Bancaja Bank from Spain launched their flagship project Mareazul inside the Master Plan community of Grand Coral in Playa Del Carmen. The mega resort with over 560 acrees of land and a 18 hole Nick Price Design Golf Course will be a destination of itself.

The event took place inside the Maya Zen Garden inside Mareazul. Mareazul features 300 luxury condominiums designed and built with the utmost quality and craftmanship. The projects main features are the amazing beaches and the ocean views from every unit. Resort amenities like a fitness center, spa, tennis and paddle court, business center, zen maya gardens with meditation areas.

Goverment officials like Felix Gonzales Canto Governor of Quintana Roo and Playa Del Carmen’s Mayor Roman Quian Alocer where present to unveil the awaited Mareazul and endorse the work of Grupo Grand Coral as one of the major and most important investors in the region.

Jordi Mercade CEO of Grand Coral confirmed the joint venture with Microsoft. Microsoft from all the world chose Grand Coral and Mareazul to unveil their new technology called Smart Living. An entertainment and comunications system that interacts with your everyday activities combining internet, security, games and more.

The event was topped off by a private concert of famous mexican pop singer Alex Sintek

With the launch of Emerald Tower in Cancun last year, Mareazul and soon to open Nick Price Residences, Grupo Grand Coral shows their long term commitment and strong presence in the Real Estate industry for Riviera Maya.

RIVIERA MAYA GOURMET – OUR MONTHS CHOICE

July 9th, 2010

FUSION

Enjoy the calm ocean breeze and fantastic view from Fusion restaurant and bar overlooking the Caribbean Sea while dining on international fusion cuisine and luscious tropical drinks. The chefs use only the freshest local ingredients. Fresh caught fish, traditional Mexican specialties and tasty sandwiches are some examples from the menu. You can relax under the palapas on one of the beach beds or hammocks and enjoy great service with a unique blend of drink and food.

The Fusion Hotel is popular with both tourists and locals. The cheeseburger is often referred to as the ‘best burger in Playa.’ After dark, the beachside bar turns into a romantic beach lounge lit by rustic oil lanterns. To complete the mood, you will find live music that’s easy on the ears as you relax by the sea. It is without a doubt one of the most romantic settings in Playa del Carmen.

SUNSET SHOWS

Reggae or Rock!

NIGHT SHOWS

Jazz and Blues
Reggae en Espanol

FRIDAY AND SATURDAY

Salsa and Latin Party

FIRE  SHOW

After 11 PM

The Fusion Restaurant in Playa del Carmen is very easy to find at the end of Calle 6 – 6th Street – where it meets the beach. On foot, walk up or down the 5th Avenue pedestrian mall to Sixth and turn towards the beach. When the street turns to sand, look on the left.

Source: http://www.fusionhotelmexico.com

RIVIERA MAYA MUST DO’S – IF YOU DARE

July 8th, 2010

SIAN KAAN

Sian Ka’an, the largest marine natural protected area in Mexico, is a United Nations World Heritage site, designated to be protected for its rich biodiversity and unique Mayan cultures which have inhabited the peninsula for ages. It is also the most beautiful natural treasure of the Yucatan peninsula that is accessible to tourists. Community Tours Sian Ka’an, a local tourism alliance between four Mayan cooperatives, presents to you the Mayan Riviera as it once was and as it should be experienced: untouched by urbanization, undisturbed by mass tourism, and guided by local Mayan community members who know the reserve best.

Sian Ka’an Facts

  • Largest protected area in the Mexican Caribbean (approximately 1.3 million acres)
  • Established January 20th 1986 as part of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Program
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Unique for its geography and wetlands
  • 23 known archeological sites (with relics dating up to 2,300 years old)
  • 103 known mammal species
  • 336 known bird species
  • Nesting ground for many species of wading birds
  • Annual rainfall between 44 and 48 inches
  • Important nesting site for two endangered sea turtle species
  • Believed to be inhabited in the Pre-Classic and Classic Periods in the chieftanships of Cohuah and Uaymil
  • Currently home to over 2,000 inhabitants

Canal Tour

This tour is an educational, sight-seeing boat tour through the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. Highlights of the Tour include:

  • Following the Mayan trade route used 1200 years ago
  • Seeing abundant flora and fauna unique to Sian Ka’an
  • Visiting unexcavated Mayan ruins hidden within the Reserve
  • Floating down a freshwater river
  • Learning the natural and Mayan history of the Reserve with experienced guides

Tour Summary

The tour begins at the CESiaK ecological center where we have an introductory discussion and view the coastal flora and fauna. The tour continues by boat traversing the two northernmost, brackish lagoons. In this area, we pass a small Mayan ruin and view up-close the mangrove islands which are nesting areas for many of the birds found within Sian Ka’an.

The tour continues south along the peninsula to the lagoon of Boca Paila where we turn inland and enter the narrow 11 km natural canal which traverses the expansive mangrove swamp and savanna grassland which comprise much of the center of Sian Ka’an. Along the journey we are surrounded by birds, tall mangrove trees, orchids, bromeliads, termite mounds, fish and much more.

The canal ends at a Post Classic Mayan Temple hidden in the mangrove swamp with beautiful frescos and a well-preserved inner sanctum. After visiting the temple we continue by boat to the freshwater Lagoon of Chunyaxche where we see some examples of the thousands of small sink holes (cenotes) from which the lagoon is filled.

After a snack and refreshments we enter the canal once again to commence a half-hour relaxing float wearing lifejackets and being carried by the water’s current. After getting back in the boat we travel to the ocean edge passing wide sandy flats where rays, predatory birds, and many fish are found. Continuing under an antique wooden bridge we follow a waterway which allows us passage to the ocean to view the seemingly endless expanse of tree-lined, sandy beach. We end the tour following the peninsula back to CESiaK for a sit-down lunch (included in the price) in the center’s restaurant and for some relaxation on the beach.

For more information and tour bookings visit http://cesiak.org/

REAL ESTATE SEEKERS – MAREAZUL UPDATE

June 9th, 2010

INQUIRIES AND MORE INFO HERE



INQUIRIES AND MORE INFO HERE

RIVIERA MAYA MUST DO’S – IF YOU DARE

June 8th, 2010

Whale Shark Swimming

Think of how exhilarating it will be to snorkel with the largest fish in the sea – The Whale Shark! The whale sharks come to Holbox Island and Isla Mujeres off the Yucatan coast near Cancun where the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea merge. An upwelling current brings plankton laden nutrient rich waters. It is in these waters where Whale Sharks come to feed in the months of June, July and August. This “plankton bloom” provides the environment for this area to have the highest concentration of Whale Sharks in the world.

We take you in a 35 foot boat with two 200 horsepower engines directly from Cancun. No long travel time from Cancun to Holbox and then out to see the Whale Sharks! You and your guides will be searching for these gentle giants within 40 minutes of leaving the Cancun dock.

You might want to know that the water visibility is normally 20 to 30 feet for snorkeling with the Whale Sharks. I wonder whether you are aware of the fact that the reason that water is not clearer is because of all the microscopic plankton in the water. There is so much plankton in the water is like swimming in a milk shake. The plankton is the reason why the Whale Sharks gather here.

Weather permitting and if sea conditions are good you will get to snorkel with the Whale Sharks. We allow two people in the water at a time with life jackets and a guide. All people on the boat (10 people max) will be given the opportunity to snorkel. One of the things you’re going to love about your Whale Shark Adventure is that you can go back in the water again if you like – in fact you can go back in the water as many times as you like once everyone has snorkeled once! We want you to have a fantastic experience!

Experience shows that this is truly an event you will never forget – a lifelong memorable experience! Test your courage to see if you will get in the water and snorkel with these magnificent docile animals – or just view and photograph them from the boat – also impressive. You might want to bring a video camera as this IS the adventure of a lifetime.

WhaleSharks article courtesy of Cancunvista.com

For more information about trips contact your local hotel concierge or click here

RIVIERA MAYA EVENTS – WORLD CUP 2010

June 8th, 2010

Do you know where is the best place to enjoy the World Cup? Nope, not South Africa.  It’s Playa del Carmen!  While it must be fun to attend the games live, you also have to deal with the 20+ hour flights, expensive ticket prices and football hooligans.  Here in Playa, with its eclectic cosmopolitan locals and beautiful Caribbean weather, you will be able to enjoy every game of the World Cup practically in any restaurant/bar of your choice alongside football loving fans from Mexico, Italy, Spain, Argentina & England (just to name a few). So where will we be watching the games? Well, depending on the team that is playing, you’re liable to find us at any of the following locations.

E.Z. Bar – The most popular sports bar in Playa is right on 5th ave.  Great drinks, plenty of big screens, and the place to be for all sports events.

Zenzi – Since most of the games will be early in the morning, being close to the beach has it’s advantages and Zenzi is one of the best. Try the grilled Tuna sandwich with a caipirinha as you cheer on Brazil.  Since they always win, you can head out to the beach afterwards and samba the day away in celebration.

El 10 – If Argentina is your team, then this is probably where you will want to be. Named after the jersey number of football God (according to Argentinians) and current coach Diego Maradona. While you’re there try the empanadas. They are among the best in town.

Il Bareto – Located in the heart of Little Italy, here is a great place to gather for breakfast while you cheer on the reigning champs the Azzurri.

Tequila Barrel – Team USA fans will love this good ‘ol hoe-down, rooting tooting bar.  Located on 5th Ave with plenty of big screens to watch USA vs England in Round 1. No matter who wins, expect a lot of beer and tequila to be flowing here. Oh and did we mention the girls dancing on the bar trying to score a free tequila shot?

So who is going to win?  While all the so called experts think Spain or Brazil are the favorites to win the Cup, we are a little more daring. Our prediction: Mexico over the U.S.A in the final 2-1. YEAA!!!

By Rafael Bautista / www.MrPlaya.com

RIVIERA MAYA GOURMET – OUR MONTHS CHOICE

June 8th, 2010

La Cueva del Chango is one of Playa’s best kept secrets and a real insider’s tip! It’s the perfect way to start your day in peace and tranquility, have a chilled-out lunch or a romantic culinary dinner experience. La Cueva del Chango is a restaurant-bar built in and with nature. Wood and natural stone are the main materials used to create this open-sided palapa. Wateris ever-present with waterfalls and fish ponds – even the restrooms have a waterfall sink! With birds flying around in the jungle garden(which also hosts a nursery) the natural touch is complete.

At La Cueva you always have your choice of all fruit in season for your juices, fruit salads and other creations. Create your own mix or go with one of Pedro’s excellent suggestions. Expect it to be fresh: home-made rye bread, freshly made salsas, fresh fish and salads. Even the tortillas are made “en casa”, a rare treat! The Huevos Rancheros here are a must!

The lunch menu has a wide variety of salads and other Mexican treats. For years La Cuevawas not open for dinner. Now you can enjoy the new natural Mexican cuisine concept for any meal. At night try the shrimp breaded with Xcatic chile and cinnamon. Other favorites include the habanero chile cream soup (hot but tasty!) and the fresh tuna fish tostadas.

The bar serves fresh juices in all mixed drinks and cocktails. The wine selection includes a large variety of Mexican wines. The owners, Pedro and Andres will make sure you get the best quality and will do their best to accommodate special requests. Add to this reasonable prices, a natural and fresh ambient with Latin music and La Cueva del Changois an all around pleasant experience.

Article by Playa .info

Cueva Del Chango is perfectly located on 38th street between 5th ave and the beach. Might need to look around to find it since the entrance fades away with the jungle and trees on the outside.

Also visit www.CuevaDelChango.com