Selva & Co Realty

Once a sleepy fishing village, the Riviera Maya, celebrating its eighth annual Jazz Festival, is quickly becoming what Conde Nast deemed “Mexico’s most fashionable getaway.” Nestled between the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea and emerald jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula, the Riviera Maya is proud to announce an acclaimed line-up of internationally-renowned jazz musicians at the highly-anticipated 2010 Jazz Festival to be held November 25-28.

Drawing more than 50,000 visitors to the Riviera Maya last year, the Festival has showcased acclaimed jazz artists such as Herbie Hancock, Kool and the Gang, Gino Vanelli, Pat Martino, Sergio Mendes, The Tower of Power, Fourplay and George Benson, among others, while also giving local jazz musicians the opportunity to display their talents. The Riviera Maya Jazz Festival is free and open to the public, allowing residents and visitors alike to easily partake in this unforgettable experience.

“With white sand beaches, an ideal climate and the warmth of the local people, the Riviera Maya provides the perfect setting for this inspired Festival,” states Javier Aranda, general director of the Riviera Maya Destination Marketing Office. “The opportunity to sit on the beach, under the twinkling stars while listening to a mixed genre of jazz is sure to turn a good evening in the Riviera Maya into a truly unforgettable one.”

During the four day festival, concerts will begin in the evening around 7 p.m., allowing attendees to explore Riviera Maya during the day. In addition to enjoying the sun at the stunning beaches, festival attendees can peruse local boutiques, restaurants, shops and clubs on Playa del Carmen’s 5th Avenue, tour notable Mayan architectural sites such as Tulum and Coba, snorkel and dive at the world’s second largest barrier reef, The Great Maya Barrier Reef, explore underground caverns and ponds, ride ATVs along the coast or zip line atop the canopy of the jungle.

Mamitas Beach Club is one of Playa del Carmen’s most popular spots for lounging and relaxing just steps from the Caribbean Ocean. It is also home to the renowned Riviera Maya Jazz Festival.

Full Jazz Festival lineup and artist info, visit www.rivieramayajazzfestival.com.

November 25

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November 28

On the night of September 15th, Mexicans all over the world united to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Mexican Independence.  This date commemorates the famous “grito” or shout for Independence by Father Miguel Hidalgo in the tiny town of Dolores, Guanajuato.  His battle cry kickstarted the long battle against Spain that would last for another 11 years.  Every year on this night, the President of Mexico rings the bell just as Father Miguel rang the bells of his church. After honoring the heroes of independence he, along with all Mexicans, cry out the patriotic declaration of “Viva Mexico”.  The celebrations last into the next day, the 16th, which is officially recognized as Independence Day in Mexico.

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.

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