Selva & Co Realty

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

Jazz music lovers can rejoice as they have another great reason to visit the Riviera Maya.  The annual Riviera Maya Jazz Festival, now in its 8th, just announced their 2010 lineup and it is destined to be one of their best ever.  The music fest, which provides free concerts located at Mamitas Beach club, will take place from November 25-28 with a kick-off concert on Saturday, May 29 featuring international known music stars Caro Montes, Phil Perry and Brian McKnight

This year’s event will bring a wide array of artists from across the jazz music spectrum including The Manhattan Transfer, George Duke, and Latin stars Eugenia Leon and Armando Manzanero among many others.  The four day music fest will begin nightly at 7 pm on November 25th as the artists play into the Mexican Caribbean night.

Last years event drew over 50,000 people to see Brazilian star Sergio Mendes and this year will no doubt attract just as many music lovers or more.  I hope you make plans to join us as we enjoy the smooth sounds of all the musical talents while enjoying a nice drink on one of most beautiful beaches in Playa del Carmen.

Great music, beautiful beaches, and fun galore are expected.  What more could you ask for?

For more information, including the full Jazz Festival lineup, visit the official Jazz Festival web site here.

New Art Gallery opens up in Riviera Maya CAMINARTE

Art lovers now have one more reason to enjoy the many attractions found in the Mayan Riviera.  Every Thursday evening, 5th Ave transforms into a eclectic art gallery showcasing a diverse mix of painters, photographers, sculptors, artesans, and performance artists from all over the world.  Proving that Playa del Carmen is not just beaches and sunshine, the Caminarte (Artwalk) exhibit allows visitors to view and appreciate the vibrant art culture to be found in the Mayan Riviera.  Wether it’s original oil paintings, indigenous mask, or landscape photography there is something to be found among the dozens of artist’s work that will interest the art lover in you.  Originally limited to a few street blocks, it has been expanded to 12st & 5th on Tuesday evenings due to the great public acceptance of this art forum.

Jose Luis Martinez – One of the well known local painters in Playa Del Carmen

The exhibition also features professional world class fire dancers

Peter Terrin from Belgium  with a very unique style

Rock and Roll Baby – By Peter Terrin / www.terrinart.com