Archive for the ‘Riviera Maya Leisure’ Category

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »

Riviera Maya Must Do’s – If you dare

Friday, April 29th, 2011

Only 3 hours from Cancun and 24 kms from Chetumal (Quintana Roo’s capital) Bacalar is Mexico’s second largest fresh water lake and still one of its best kept secrets. I first went to Bacalar about 12 years ago and I try to go at least once a year.

Bacalar boasts beautiful lush scenery and of course its main attraction is its lagoon of seven colours..and there really are seven colours I counted Of course a trip to Bacalar is not complete without visiting the Cenote Azul which is a large sinkhole of about 182 meters deep—a favourite among scuba divers. You can find a small restaurant there to enjoy a leisurely breakfast or dinner and perhaps an afternoon swim.

For several years now my husband and I always stay at a family run hotel on the edge of the lagoon with breathtaking views called Hotel Laguna Bacalar http://www.hotellagunabacalar.com/home.php The accommodations are clean and simple that can accommodate from 1-10 guests and they have a nice restaurant with both outdoor and indoor seating. Make sure you try the conch steak—YUMMY!

We love to spend at least two days at Bacalar as we generally arrive in the afternoon after the drive from Cancun. After settling into our room we take our beach chairs out onto the dock and soak up the warm Caribbean sun and swim in the refreshing lagoon until the sun sets and then we enjoy a simple meal and play some cards until bedtime. The following day we often take a drive along the scenic coastline and then have lunch at the Cenote Azul and swim. http://www.cenoteazul.com/ On our last day we like to go to the “Balneario” which basically translates to public bathing area. It is located just below the San Felipe Fort that was built in 1733. There you can relax on the lagoon’s sandy beachside, eat in their restaurant, rent kayaks/canoes or take a small tour by speedboat. It is a very popular place and it can get quite crowded if you are there on the weekends. At the end of the day we pack up our stuff and bid farewell once again to Bacalar knowing that we will be there again soon.

Recently there has been quite a bit of talk that Bacalar will be the next “big thing” in the Riviera Maya. There are plans to build a Safari Park and several new hotels and condos. I can only hope that this doesn’t change Bacalar from the place that I have enjoyed visiting for so long into another typical tourist destination but I guess you can’t keep a beautiful place like that a secret forever.

Article by Ashlie http://ashlied.wordpress.com/2010/03/01/discover-bacalar…-lagoon-of-seven-colours/

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Must do's, Riviera Maya Leisure | No Comments »

Riviera Maya Gourmet – Our months choice

Friday, April 29th, 2011

La Bodeguita Del Medio

You may have heard that American writer Ernest Hemingway drank his way around much of the world, but when he lived and wrote in Havana, Cuba, the Mojito was his drink of choice and his favourite watering hole was the humble little boite, La Bodeguita del Medio (the little shop in the middle). Nowadays, La BdelM as it’s known for short, is an almost-obligatory stop-over for either Hemingway fans, visiting artists and writers, and of course, curious tourists from all over the globe.

The joy of the Caribbean and the magical flavor of the mojitos which transport those who drink them to the picturesque street of the Old Havana quarter, come to life with the smell of tobacco which seems to dance to the rhythm of Cuban. La Bodeguita Del Medio was founded in 1942 by his host Angel Martinez, it arrived in Mexico by the hand of Grupo Son Restaurantero, who from its begginings to the present, has maintained all the values that distinguish this museum-bar-restaurant in high, as unique in its class and one of the most famous in the world. It is visited by personalities from around the world: state leaders, Novel prize winners, wirters, movie stars, musicians, singers, the nobility sports stars, and important business people, as well as wonderful people like yourself.

The Mojito (as inspired by Havana’s Bodeguita del Medio’s Version):

Ingredients-

  • 2 or 3 sprigs of fresh, good quality mint
  • 3 tbsp of fresh lime (or lemon and lime) juice
  • 1 ½ oz of light or amber (preferably) rum
  • 2 tsp of demerara sugar
  • Chilled Club Soda or Seltzer

Method:

In a tall, thin (ideally chilled) glass, muddle the mint (you can use a fork but don’t flake or cut up the mint, a pestle works best) in the glass. Add the sugar and lime juice and stir until sugar is fully dissolved. Top with lots of ice, add rum, a swizzle stick (or thin piece of cane to really add some tropical heat to your cocktail) and mix. Top off with the club soda or seltzer, add a slice of lime and enjoy on a hot summer’s day (or night)!

Come and enjoy the Cuban Chicken, home made rice and beans or try the Tamarind Shrimp. Salsa Clases every thursday.

NEW LOCATION

La Bodeguita was moved recently from Paseo Del Carmen Plaza to 34th Street and famous 5th ave.

Reservations Call 984 803 3950

Visit http://www.labodeguitadelmedio.com.mx

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Gourmet, Riviera Maya Leisure | No Comments »

RIVIERA MAYA MUST DO’S – IF YOU DARE

Saturday, February 26th, 2011

Holbox Island, a small and authentic paradise, is located on the Nortern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. A place of rest and wonder since ancient Maya times waits for you to discover it.

Holbox Island one of the natural beauties of the State of Quintana Roo in México, is part of the protected area called “Yum Balam”, an ecological reserve. On the east side of the Holbox island is Cabo Catoche, and a lagoon separates the Holbox island from the main land: Laguna Yalahau. Holbox is 43 Km long and its white sand beaches are decorated with countless shells the sea washes to shore.

Holbox Island, one of the world’s natural beauties, is located on the northern tip of the Yucatán Peninsula, in the state of Quintana Roo, México and is part of an ecological reserve – the fauna and flora protection area “Yum Balam.” To the east lies Cabo Catoche, separated from the island by the beautiful Laguna Yalahau. Holbox island is 43 Km long and its white sand beaches are decorated with countless shells washed to the shore from the sea.

Holbox Island is the home of the whale sharks in Mexico.  The Laguna Yalahau near Holbox Island Mexico (part of the Yum Balam reserve) is surrounded by mangroves, once a valuable material to make ink sticks that were sent to Europe. At the mouth of the lagoon sits the famous “ojo de agua” which has provided fresh drinking water through the centuries. It is in this lagoon where the pink flamingoes, typical in the summer season, feed. Often, one may see dolphins and many fish species, as well as whale sharks and other marine life.

Isla de Pájaros (Bird Island) is located in the Laguna Yalahau. Over 140 bird species living in the Yucatán visit Holbox Island and the Yum Balam reserve throughout the year, and many of them become permanent inhabitants. This Island is a protected natural area which can be reached only by boat and it is forbidden to set foot on it. These precautions now allow humans to visit the island and get close by without frightening its population.

Holbox Island is a nature- sanctuary which appeals to lovers of the serene natural life and offers an unforgettable holiday. The excursions and activities prepared by Holbox Travel are designed for your comfort and enjoyment and will enable you to really live the authentic Holbox Island experience.

Holbox Island, has just one village, the tiny town of Holbox, where less than 1500 people live. It is a typical coastal village with sandy streets and wooden houses. Most of the people make their living from the sea. Fishing in Holbox Island is excellent and it is very common to catch grouper, bonitos and pargos of great size in its abundant waters. The island fishermen also dive to get lobsters and conch – island specialties

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Must do's, Riviera Maya Leisure | No Comments »

1st Wine Festival Mexican Riviera Maya March 9th – 12th 2011

Saturday, February 26th, 2011

Reposted from our friends at www.American-Development.com

More than 80 wine labels, expert presentations, tastings and pairings will be presented at exclusive hotels and restaurants in Can Cun-Tulum corridor.Expected to be an event of great impact in the country since the presentation was attended by over 1000 people and different wine house St. Thomas, Monte Xanic, Casa Pedro Domecq and Casa Madero who offered a tasting of more than 20 labels of their best wines accompanied by an excellent combination of sandwiches offered by La Cava de Xcaret, were the delight of those present.

During the festival, homes wine available to the audience about 80 different labels of their wines with a series of conferences, lectures, tastings and pairings designed and conducted by the winemakers and wine houses and Hugo Acosta Laura Zamora to name a few.The restaurants “ambassadors” who are members of the festival, will house the home of wine and food pairing with chefs made exclusive but open to all at affordable prices for the entire community, “said Menu exclusively for Mr. Francis Brown CEO Xcaret Park.

Martin Ruiz Cuevas vice president of the Hotel Association of the Riviera Maya said “it is important that the Mexican wine staying in our hotels and restaurants to be part of the culture and thus support the home production of wine in Mexico. This will be done in parallel in the 163 hotels that are grouped together in our partnership and integrate this effort with training, with knowledge and commercial link with the houses that we visit today, wine is a new culture and have to support it. ”
This type of event is important for Mexico after oil since the second income is tourism and this is part of the cuisine.

On the other hand, he representatives of the various wine houses commented that a festival like this can help raise different problems: “One of the things we face is malinchismo unfortunately when we do promotion, in restaurants, Mexican wine, prefer in his letters Chilean wines, French, Argentine and not looking for a domestic wine. What we’re trying to do is to have a menu of Mexican wine in restaurants in this country, “said marketing director Claudia Bernal St. Thomas home. The idea of such events is to bring the wine to people and try to demystify it as issues related to prices, because even though prices are low or high, there is a very good relationship between price and quality.

The first annual Mexican Wine Festival will take place March 9th – 12th at the The Royal resort in Playa del Carmen. The festival will include conferences & workshops, wine tastings, and cultural events. More than 50 wine labels from 13 different Mexican wine houses will be presented.

Facebook Event Page

PROGRAM

Wednesday March 9, 2011
* Inauguration Ceremony
5th Avenue & Calle 38, 7pm
Wine tasting, bottle music (using wine bottles), trio of musicians, and art exhibition.

Thursday March 10 & Friday, March 11, 2011
* Series of conferences, workshops and tastings
The Royal, 9am-6pm
Winemakers, sommeliers, opinion leaders, wine consultants, wine marketing advisors, experts, journalists such as Laura Zamora, Rene Renteria, Hugo Dacosta, Pilar Mere, among others bring invaluable knowledge to share through more than 40 conferences, workshops and training.

* Wine Pairings at Ambassador Restaurants
13 different restaurants, 8-10pm
Food & wine pairings will be offered at 13 different restaurants, combining the knowledge of the restaurant’s chef and the wine house’s sommelier. The cost will be standard at all restaurants, 600 pesos, and will be limited to 30 people per restaurant. Reservations through the restaurant are recommended. The restaurants are as follows.

Asiana
El Bistro
Blue Lobster
Byblos
Casa del Agua
Cava Veinte 33
Cocina 38
La Cueva del Chango
Frida at Grand Velas resort
Madre Tierra
El Puerto at Fairmont Mayakoba
Sur
Yaxche

Saturday, March 12
* Keynote Speaker & Roundtable
Xcaret, 10am
Mexican wine personalities, wineries, distributors, and consumers will discuss the theme “The future of Mexican wine in Mexico. ”

* Harvest Night
La Hacienda Henequenera at Xcaret, 7pm
The 13 wineries will surprise us at this authentic hacienda with the winning wines and new releases for 2011. Sensory tastings and blind tastings are some of the activities you will enjoy. A gala night, full of music and dance.

Posted in Events, Gourmet, News, Riviera Maya Leisure | No Comments »

Riviera Maya Gourmet – Our Months Choice

Saturday, February 26th, 2011

LA PIOLA PLAYA DEL CARMEN

In 1986, in the heart of Treviso, a new idea takes shape: the re-invention of the most quintessential Italian establishment: the Pizzeria, that idea is now a wonderful reality called Piola.

The success achieved in Italy by Piola has started to spread around the world: Piola’s quality is now sought after by discriminating and trend-setting international clientele in the United States, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Turkey and coming soon Honduras.

At Piola, the most genuine Italian tradition of simple and delicious food combines cleverly with a particular service and ambiance for the demanding and modern customer, who chooses Piola aware of the fact that feeling comfortable is as important as eating well. People from all walks of life and backgrounds meet and gather at Piola, since they are sure to find their own space in an atmosphere that balances freedom and well being with good taste.

Piola’s cuisine is rigorously Italian: Simple and healthy. Piola’s pizza is thin-crust and well cooked, but above all, Piola’s pizza menu is very creative: the classic Italian pizzas are flanked by many other creations, all delicious and original.

But Piola is more, much more:

Piola opens its doors to culture, hosting film premieres, book and magazine events, art exhibitions and many other social and artistic activities.

Piola also becomes an editor and publisher: Piola’s magazine embodies all that Piola brings to its international customers on a daily basis. Thirty-five thousand copies of a fourty eight page, full color, yearly magazine, written in Italy and translated in 4 languages.

Piola in Playa Del Carmen offers a very quiet and romantic location on the VIA 38 Plaza between 5th ave and the beach.

For more information visit http://www.piola.it/

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Gourmet, Riviera Maya Leisure | No Comments »

Real Estate Seekers – New Beachfront Condo Residences

Friday, January 28th, 2011
Here is a wonderful opportunity to be part of a development that combines luxury, relaxation and affordability. The beachfront Condo Residences are an innovative concept in real estate, located in the Riviera Maya directly on the beach, surrounded by a fascinating ecological park with more than 7 acres of natural beauty. Located only 4 km north of the famous downtown Playa del Carmen, The development consists of 156 full ownership luxury condominiums. Owners can choose from spacious 2 and 3 bedroom homes many of which have large furnished roof top terraces. All homes are professional decorated to five star standards.

This development offers oversized luxury condos tastefully designed in contemporary architectural style. Guests will love the lush tropical gardens framing views of the Caribbean ocean and pools from the 1st, 2nd and 3rd floors with elevators at all levels. All condominiums are fully furnished and provided with air conditioning, LCD flat screen cable TV with DVD player, king size or two beds, night table, private bathrooms with rain forest shower, double sinks and vanity magnifying mirror. All condos also feature oversized balconies or terraces.



These contemporary condos offer a complete living room with modern furnishings, a fully equipped granite top kitchen with stainless steel appliances, a dining table for eight and a powder room.  The master bedroom is furnished with a king size bed, LCD flat screen cable TV with DVD player, ceiling fan, deluxe double Jacuzzi and magnifying vanity mirror. The master bathroom has a double sink, a walk-in rain forest shower and a private toilet cabin.

To take advantage of this incredible opportunity or to discuss your real estate requirements, please contact us directly. You can browse our Featured Developments and Our Listings for a full spectrum of Real Estate options.

2011 Guaranteed Income Promotion

With prices starting at just $299,000 USD, there are few units remaining. Inquire about the rental pool option and how your unit can produce income while you are away. As part of our Guaranteed Income Promotion, there are currently select units available where an income return is guaranteed and maintenance fees are included for the first 3 years.

Fly and Buy Program

Travel on us while sampling the lifestyle and luxury. Our Fly & Buy Program conisists of complimentary 4 days / 3 nights gourmet inclusive accommodation for up to 4 people! Flight & travel expenses will be deducted from the price of the unit reserved during your stay, for up to $1,500.00 USD.

For any question or to make a reservation you can call us at 718 713 2764 or email us at info@selva-co.com

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in News, Riviera Maya Leisure, realestate | No Comments »

Real Estate Seekers – New Tulum Condos

Monday, January 24th, 2011

TULUM BRAND NEW CONDOS

The first residential developements located in the Heart of Tulum, created within Aldea Zama (The New Playacar of Tulum) a world class developent with top quality services. Aldea Zama is expected to become a tourist mecca created to respect and preserve the historical and cultural importance of this historical region. This new development is destined to become an exclusive enclave for its residents, visitors and guests

Reserve your unit now

Reserve your unit now

Tulum city is currently popular for its amazing virgin beaches and archeological sites. Now Tulum will be a new residential destination in the coming years. Currently Tulum is a city with very low to no high end residential developements, making this opportunity very unique and attractive wether you are an investor or looking for a secluded vacation home.

Reserve your unit now

It is important to understand that Tulum will NEVER be Playa Del Carmen and its famous 5th ave due to the changes on enviroment permits in the past years. All the beachfrontage is protected by federal goverment and the closest you can be to Tulum beach is about a mile. This is what makes this project unique, it is among the very few developements inside an upscale community with services, shopping just minutes away of the amazing beaches of Tulum.

Reserve your unit now

Other factors that make this option very special is the new International Airpot located in Tulum that is expected to begin construction this year. You will be able to fly down directly to this paradise and drive from the airport to your condo and the beach in less than 15 minutes.

Reserve your unit now

Developed by one of the top construction companies in Riviera Maya, Grupo Kaua has more than 25 years in the area building from homes, condos to luxury residences in Merida, Playa Del Carmen and now Tulum.

Reserve your unit now

Only 34 units total

Features & Amenities

•2&3 Bedroom Apartments

•Porcelain floors

•Closets

•Marble Counter tops

•Air Conditioning

•Ceiling fans with lighting

•Jacuzzi tubs

•Kitchen Cabinets

•GRANITE counter tops

•Refrigerator

•Stove

•Laundry Room

•WASHER/DRYERON AREAS

•Pool

•Lounge area

Reserve your unit now

Reservation process is very simple, you can mail or wire a 5k refundable deposit to secure your unit for 15 days, in this time we can set up a tour to visit the site, area and why not, grab a drink at one of the popular beaches of tulum.

Reserve your unit now

Ask a Question

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in News, Riviera Maya Leisure, realestate | No Comments »

RIVIERA MAYA REAL ESTATE UPDATE

Tuesday, December 14th, 2010

One of the most prestigious developers working on the future of Playa Del Carmen recently launched their first phase of beachfront condos north of downtown Playa.

After more than 2 years of construction, the deluxe beachfront condos are finally ready for investors and families to move in.

The property features resort amenities like pools, tennis courts, paddle, fitness center, spa, concierge services among others. Interior finishes are outstanding with high end materials, wood work, kitchen appliances from BOSH and high tech options that make it a smart living experience using an Ipad or Blackberry app to control lights, curtains, music, etc. Located in one of the best and most exclusive beaches of the caribbean of Mexico just a mile and a half of famous 5th Ave. (Quinta Avenida) and downtown area, in fact 5th Ave. will eventually connect directly with this development with the inevitable growth of Playa Del Carmen.

The residences offer 2, 3 and 4 bedrooms all facing the water with those near the ocean having the best views. The spanish group backed by Spanish bank Bancaja is glad to announce they have finally received the so called “Condo Regime” in Mexico, the condo regime or Articles of incorporation on a condo complex are crutial for owners to take full title. Many developers in mexico who lack proper funding, planing or political networks often fail to obtain the condo regime leaving many owners hanging with their investments. This developer has finally obtained title which also speeds up the process of those who want to finance.

The opportunity of ownership here is like nowhere else in Mexico. Developers are offering up to 65% financing through their own bank with a rate of around 5% depeding on LIBOR (LIBOR + 4%)

Outside of this beachfront complex you have a Master Plan community with up to 600 acres of land as part of your gated community with a championship 18 hole Golf Course. Club house, Shopping Mall, Beach Clubs are among the additional amenities you obtain when you live and own in this piece of paradise.

Their second phase, condos on the golf course has also been a success, currently still 14 months away from completion has become the most succesfull selling project in Riviera Maya for the past year with up to 60% of the project sold thanks to the discounts and flexible terms the developer can offer. On top of all of that, they also offer the same financing terms as the beachfront condos. In simple words, you can get involved with around 100k intial investment which can be spread in up to a year and finance the balance of up to 20 years with their “in-house” financing. Some of the condos we have personally sold have monthly payments of around $1,600 USD which when you compare with a long term rental of a similar condo in the area, you can pretty much put the downpayment and rent the condo long term to have it paid for itself. Another option is to rent it on a weekly basis where projections based on current market conditions show very attractive numbers.

There are also very attractive options with guaranteed rentals on selected units, furniture packages, management and vacation rental programs for you to choose from.

If owning a piece of paradise is your dream then why not take a closer look at this opportunity who is expected to be one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Playa Del Carmen and Riviera Maya and with reason, just take a look at the photos and judge for yourself.

The word hassle-free ownership is easily used by many developers in the area but only a few really have the ingredients that make it free of hassles. This property truly offers a hassle free opportunity for investors wether Mexicans or foreigners.

If you like to book a private tour or like more information, full slideshow presentations, floor plans and prices please email us at info@selva-co.com or call us at 718 713 2764.

You can view more photos and full description here

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in News, Riviera Maya Leisure, realestate | No Comments »

RIVIERA MAYA JAZZ FEST 2010

Tuesday, November 30th, 2010

The Riviera Maya Jazz Fest 2010 was a complete success.

Read the complete summary of the 4 days here

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Events, Riviera Maya Leisure | No Comments »

RIVIERA MAYA MUST DO’S – IF YOU DARE

Thursday, November 25th, 2010
Dolphin Encounter®

A program for all ages: Learn and have fun!

Imagine an exchange of looks; a gaze full of liberty and love. That is the beginning of an unforgettable experience in Puerto Aventuras beside marine friends, the dolphins. During theDolphin Encounter ® program, you and your family will have the opportunity to receive all the affection of these tender and playful animals that always seem to smile. In this swim with dolphins program your kids will be able to enjoy safe and funactivities that Dolphin Discovery Puerto Aventuras has specially designed for all ages. Doesn’t matter if you are 1 or 80 years, you will be able to enjoy from a platform that will cover half of your body and swimming is optional. Your new friend will give you unlimited love, he will give you a Handshake, he will Sing and Hug, you will be able to pet him and swim in a place that he and his other dolphin friendscall “home”: the Mexican Caribbean.

Our dolphins will always welcome you in our location highlighted by its beautiful environment next to the Caribbean Sea. Return home with this memory that will last forever!

Dolphin Royal Swim®


Pure excitement: action and speed!

Have you ever dreamed about swimming with dolphins in the beautiful waters of the Caribbean Sea? Today you can make your dreams come true! The Dolphin Royal Swim® program, is best defined with the words action and speed. It is the most dynamic of all the swim with dolphins programs, and this time. Dolphin Discovery Puerto Aventuras, will give you an experience to talk about for the rest of your life with family and friends. On the beautiful complex of Puerto Aventuras, Riviera Maya, a few minutes from Playa del Carmen, one of our incredible dolphinariums is located in a totally natural environment.  You will find interesting aquatic activities with these tender animals that seem to know you already. While you walk by the pier, you will notice them following you, waiting for their playtime. They will conquer your heart before you even get into the water. They will give you a handshake, kisses and will pull you with their dorsal tows to give you a speed ride! After that, the dolphins will push your feet to raise you up the water surface, you will feel like you are flying!

Today you are alive, feel the freedom and magic of dolphins!

Dolphin Swim Adventure®


Perfect entertainment: Up-close and underwater!

If swimming with dolphins is one of your greatest dreams, now is the time to make it real! In the crystal clear waters of the Caribbea Sea you will be able to live an adventure that you will remember forever. The Dolphin Swim Adventure® in Puerto Aventuras—a beautiful residential complex located in the Riviera Maya – will bring you as close to the dolphins as you ever imagined.  You will discover yourself in their world through a snorkeling mask and you will understand the greatness of the special bond between you and them. They will tenderly say hello with their fins, they will kiss you, sing for you, take you for a ride on their belly and you will be able to swim in Caribbean waters while they jump or play with you. The dolphins will be your pals for the rest of your life.

For full information about prices, schedules and reservations contact your hotel concierge of go to http://www.dolphindiscovery.com/

Posted in Must do's, Riviera Maya Leisure | No Comments »

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »