PlayaLife Blog
Back in the United States, we pride ourselves on celebrating Cinco de Mayo with such passion and enthusiasm that even the Mexicans themselves are unable to keep pace! Tequila shots, sombreros and a fake mustache or two are bound to make an appearance during the country-wide Cinco de Mayo fiestas in …
What could be more fun than playing in the glistening white sand of the Riviera Maya building sandcastles all day long while enjoying the ocean breeze!? According to Jose Gonzalez, the answer is creating sand art SCULPTURES in Playa del Carmen. This incredible artist, originally from Argentina, has …
When it comes to flavor, Mexico has a "go big or go home" philosophy. American food seems bland by comparison as Mexicans drown their cuisine in chiles and salsas. But here south of the border, it's not just the food that's packed with a punch: the beer will also have your taste buds tingling. Here,…
When I moved down to Mexico's Caribbean coast back in 2005, I felt like I was in a different world every time I stepped into the grocery store or the mall. The store names meant nothing to me, the clothes weren't the style I would find back in the States, and the products lining the shelves weren…
As an Expat myself, there was no shock in the discovery that nearly 30% of Expats living in Mexico are here for retirement. Other reasons included cost of living, way of life, and climate. But with economic crisis encompassing every area of the world today, it's no surprise that Europeans and Americ…
Pitch In Playa del Carmen is a non-profit organization started by local Ex-Pats and Playenses to help the baseball team Los Delfines make a dream come true.
This team is made up of kids of ages 14 - 16 who all dream of playing pro one day. The team has few resources to help with transportation an…
Anyone moving to Mexico worries about dealing with the local culture and most of all the language. Even if you’ve taken Spanish courses, the idea of speaking with locals can be intimidating, to say the least. With all its slang terms, Mexican Spanish is a far cry from the formal “Hola. ¿Cómo e…
BuyPlaya Real Estate Advisors, established in 2007, is a family owned and operated Riviera Maya real estate agency, located in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Providing comprehensive Brokerage Services for vacation homebuyers and investors from the United States, Canada and across the globe, they have bee…
When you're walking around Tulum, Xcaret or even Playa del Carmen on a sunny afternoon, you just might hear the song of a cheerful flute off in the distance, often accompanied by drumbeats. If you follow the sound, you'll come across a truly spectacular show only found in Mexico: The Papantla Flyers…
After nearly eight years living in the area, I've been snorkeling many times throughout the Mexican Caribbean. I've had the chance to swim with stingrays at Cozumel, barracudas at Xel-Ha, sea turtles in Akumal, whale sharks at Holbox and tropical fish all over. It wasn't until this year, however, th…
Many brides end up leaving their wedding dress hanging in a closet for decades upon decades, never to see the light of day. So much money and effort spend on a dress that is only worn once! It's almost a shame. One fun solution for brides who want to re-live the glamour of their wedding is to indulg…
Mexico's Día de la Bandera (Flag Day) is celebrated every February 24. With the holiday quickly approaching, let's take a look at the Mexican flag's history, what the flag's design signifies and why Día de la Bandera is celebrated on this date.
The Mexican flag is divided into three vertical bloc…
Ever since I moved to Cancun, my Mexican friends have been telling me that the island of Cozumel has the best Carnaval festivities in the region. Last weekend, I finally got the chance to see what all the hype was about.
I didn't get to the island until right before the parade was about to begin, b…
Cancun and Playa del Carmen are the popular vacation destinations of Mexico. These destinations are globally renowned for their exquisite setting ad luxurious accommodations. Each destination has its own charm as Cancun has much better party and nightlife scene whereas Playa is more about the cosmop…
Today, Día de la Constitución (Constitution Day, held on February 5) is celebrated across Mexico mainly as a day off from school and work, when the entire family can enjoy a relaxing day at home or sometimes even a 3-day weekend. In addition to being a Mexican holiday, the Día de la Constitución…
Akumal is a small Caribbean town located approximately 50 miles south of the Cancun International Airport. This destination, a hidden Mexican jewel offers both tranquility and adventure. The region has been witnessing a tourist boom lately. As a result of this Akumal is now growing into a sophistica…
My Mexican mother-in-law grew up in a small coastal village on the Yucatan Peninsula, a tropical region known for its Mayan heritage and incredible legends. One of the most fascinating Mayan legends that my mother-in-law ever told me was about the Xtabay woman and the ceiba tree.
While different st…
Guests staying at the luxurious Fairmont Mayakoba resort in the Riviera Maya during the month of December 2012 can spread holiday cheer far beyond the grounds of the hotel this winter season.
Wondering what to do with all the extra room in your suitcase? Bring along some clothing or toys from home …
What lies beyond the Riviera Maya? What adventures wait in the jungles south of known travel destinations like Playa del Carmen and Tulum? What sights can be seen by daring travelers in search of much more than the average beach vacation?
The Ojos Mayas organization took our small group to discover…
Modern day Mayans still hold on strongly to their ancient traditions, especially in the villages of the Yucatan Peninsula and the extensive "Zona Maya" that lies just south of the Riviera Maya. The Xunaan Kab is one such tradition, a fascinating stingless bee that has been domesticated by the Mayans…
