Top 10 List For Fun, Adventure And Culture In Playa del Carmen – Part 1

After four years of calling Playa del Carmen home, I have met two people that were actually raised in this magical city. There is a common thread woven within the storyline of most residents here. Often what began as a one week holiday turned into twelve years, or what was to be a one year cultural experience in Playa became a full decade’s worth of existence in tropical bliss.

Blooming into a metropolitan city from what was once a sequestered, fishing village thirty some years ago, Playa del Carmen developed from of a diverse collection of sun-seekers in search of a simplistic way of life by the sea. Located on the Yucatán Peninsula in the entrancing Mexican Caribbean, Playa del Carmen is a cultural, gastronomic and nature-enthusiasts’ hub. European and North American expats have converged with citizens from all regions of Mexico to form a dynamic, multi-cultural community within a paradisiacal setting.

With new developments and attractions sprouting up along the alabaster shores each year, the Mayan Riviera offers a limitless variety of family friendly, adventure-themed activities as well as hundreds of virtually untouched natural wonders to explore.  May we present Part 1 of our #top10 list of things to do in and around Playa del Carmen!

1) Stand Up Paddle Boarding Yoga In Tulum

SUP Tulum is the Mayan Riviera’s first and only Boga Yoga floating studio. The class takes place on the stunning, turquoise waters of lagoons and cenotes near Tulum, which is only a 45 minute drive south of Playa del Carmen. The company offers a 3 hour class for groups of 3 or more which include transportation to and from the Tulum meeting point, a cold pressed juice, a raw vegan energy ball, a paddle board, instruction class, a Boga Yoga floating yoga class and a photo session. SUP Tulum also hosts Boga Yoga retreats at various times throughout the year. For more information, please visit http://www.supyogatulum.com

2) Golfing

The endless summer climate in the Riviera Maya presents over three hundred glorious sun-filled days, perfect for those who enjoy polishing their skills on the links. There are dozens of scenic, championship quality courses in and around Playa del Carmen which offer all-inclusive options and special summer pricing. To view a list of impeccable courses in the area or to book a tee time, please go to http://www.playgolf.mx.

3) Eco-Adventure Parks

There are four adventure parks near Playa del Carmen in which families, honeymooners, or thrill-seekers alike can partake in a memorable day amidst the surreal beauty of this fascinating region.

Xcaret is mystical park featuring shows and events depicting the culture and traditions of the Mayan people. Swim through caves, learn about local flora and fauna and witness an elaborate spectacle in which the performers sing and dance their way through various aspects of Mexico’s colorful history.

Xel-há is a natural wonder where visitors have the opportunity to commune with nature during an unforgettable day of snorkeling, zip biking, cliff jumping, and floating down a lazy river on rafts.

Xplor is an adventure-themed park consisting of six lengthy zip lines which stretch over the jungle’s canopy. This exhilarating journey includes riding an amphibious vehicle through the remarkable underground caves, swimming in seemingly glowing aqua waters and beneath waterfalls, floating along the subterranean river and exploring the impressive stalactites.

Go Native’s Park is a protected natural reserve with jungle paths which lead to stunning cave formations, crystal clear cenotes and the property of one of the area’s original settling families.

4) Cenotes

The Yucatán Peninsula is made up a shelf of porous limestone. Thousands of years ago, the underground river system which runs beneath the surface of the region, caused the limestone to collapse in some places resulting in hundreds of fresh water sink holes throughout the area.

Each cenote is unique in size and formation. Some are open, while others are hidden gems within caves which display impressive stalactites. The blue-green waters are crystal clear and are appealing for both swimmers and divers.

There are several a short driving distance from Playa del Carmen with very reasonable entrance fees varying from $40 to $80 Mxn pesos per person. Cenotes are an excellent way to spend a memorable day in the Mayan Riviera.

5) Diving, Fishing and Sailing

Just off the pristine shores in the Mexican-Caribbean is the awe-inspiring Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System. In the early 1960s, Jacques Cousteau and his team declared Cozumel one of the best diving sites in the world due to the superb visibility and healthy variety of marine life.

There is an abundant selection of dive centers in Playa del Carmen including http://www.abyssdivecenter.com and http://www.mexicobluedream.com. For additional options for an extraordinary day of fishing or sailing on the open sea, visit http://fatcatsail.com or http://rivieramayafishing.com.

Stay tuned for next week’s post where we continue on with our top 10 list for fun, adventure and culture in Playa del Carmen!

Achiote Pork Tacos

Cochinita Pibil is a must try dish when visiting the Yucatán Peninsula. The tender, pulled pork has a smokey, slightly tangy flavor and is commonly served in soft corn tortillas.

The traditional method of cooking Cochinita Pibil uses a technique which involves marinating pork in an achiote rub, made from annatto seed, a plant found in the tropics. The meat is wrapped in a banana leaf and placed in an underground barbecue pit filled with wood. The pit is then covered with stone and the pork is left to roast for several hours.

If this process sounds somewhat daunting, have no fear. Here is a simplified recipe you can use in your own kitchen to produce similar, flavorful results.

Achiote Tacos

• 1.5 pounds boneless pork
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp fine sea salt
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1 block achiote (the size of one square of baker’s chocolate)
• corn tortillas
• cilantro
• lime wedges
• diced onion
• radishes, sliced
• avocado, cubed

Cut pork into 2 inch pieces and place in a large pot with vinegar, garlic, salt, oregano, achiote and enough water to cover meat completely. Boil on low heat for 2 hours or until the liquid has been reduced, leaving the tender pork in a thick, vivid orange sauce. While the meat is cooking, prepare the cilantro, onion, radish, avocado and lime garnishes. Shred the pork using a fork and serve in warmed corn tortillas with a side of rice and beans.

Chicken is also a savory substitution for this Mayan specialty.

* Look for Achiote in the spice aisle in local supermarkets here in Playa del Carmen. It comes in an orange, rectangle package. Annatto seed can also sometimes be found in specialty stores or in the international aisle elsewhere in North America.

Planning A Destination Wedding? Love Is In The Air In Playa del Carmen!

There is a reason why thousands of couples cross oceans and continents to get married in this paradisiacal region of Mexico known as “The Heart of the Mayan Riviera”.  Playa del Carmen offers pristine beaches, world class accommodations and top-notch wedding planning services at a fraction of the cost you would pay  elsewhere in the world. This sublime area receives on average, over 300 sunny days a year and offers a vast range of magical encounters with an adventurous, ecological or historical twist for the entire group of family and friends to partake in.

And if your travel tales do not yet extend to the land of tequila, white-sand beaches and sunshine, you are probably not aware that Mexicans know how to throw a party!  Due to a seemingly ingrained sense of hospitality and warmth, this culture delights at any opportunity to celebrate a special occasion. Creativity flourishes within a congenial setting and the results are nothing short of spectacular.

I have been fortunate to attend several weddings here in Playa del Carmen over the years, some extravagant and some simplistic, but each so enchanting they have etched a permanent mark in my memory bank.  With so many superb locations from which to hold a romantic ceremony, the Mayan Riviera offers a truly unique wedding experience.

Imagine exchanging vows overlooking the breathtaking turquoise sea, or amidst a lush tropical garden surrounded by the ones you love most. For those of you looking for a one-of-a-kind event, you might even consider performing intimate nuptials by candle light, within one of the many underground caves of the region’s subterranean river system.

Whatever your vision, the professional team of Bric Vacation wedding specialists can assist you with bringing that dream to fruition.  From securing the ideal venue, to transportation, photography, music, decor and catering, our staff will work in unison with you, the happy couple to arrange every detail of your momentous occasion.  Our experienced wedding and event coordinators will be in contact with you every step of the way to ensure that all facets of your vision are seamed together flawlessly.

Bric Vacation Rentals is arguably the most convenient route when planning your destination wedding. Our boutique hotel is centrally located within the heart of Playa del Carmen and serves not only as an option for accommodations, but a venue as well.  Additionally, we offer several ocean-front and luxury condo-retreat style accommodations around the city.

Our team of ambassadors are Playa del Carmen experts and can suggest and facilitate an itinerary for your group’s entire stay.  Whether your party consists of golf enthusiasts, thrill-seekers, water-sport fanatics, beach bums, or all of the above, our friendly concierges are able to create a customized list of sublime locations and excursions in which to indulge in the area’s remarkable natural beauty.

The young city of Playa del Carmen pulsates with a fresh and effervescent vibe, yet it is a land in which a fascinating, ancient civilization once trod. It exudes sophistication and modern amenities, yet still manages to remain true to its humble beginnings as a quaint fishing village. It is cosmopolitan city which offers world-class entertainment, yet it charms visitors to succumb to its laid back vibe. There is an alluring force that beckons travelers to return time and time again.

We invite you to allow us to design a wedding day you and your guests will fondly remember for a lifetime.  Let us exceed all your expectations and fill your important day with extraordinary moments, where all you are expected of, is to fill it with love and laughter.

For more information, please contact our events department at Kristen@bricrental.com.

Try These Tips To Make Your Vacation Rental More Appealing

To be able to have a home away from home where you can set off for some tranquility and quality time with friends and family is a dream for many people. However, when owners are only able to spend a few weeks of the year as an escape artist, the idea of offering their second home as a vacation rental becomes intriguing. The income generated from a vacation property not only offsets the costs of ownership, but can also be a financially rewarding experience when a personal approach is combined with good business sense.

What makes some rental properties more lucrative than others? Location is important, but there are many other factors which can attribute to a successful reservation rate. The key goal of a vacation rental should be to offer comfort and convenience which travelers would expect in their own homes while tending to the small details which will exceed their expectations. High review ratings provide owners with an advantage in a competitive market and word of mouth is still the most powerful way to effectuate repeat business.

Here is a list of tips we have put together which when applied, can produce a worthwhile investment for a vacation property owner and make it stand out against the competition.

1) Present the home as if your own family was going to be staying in it.

A lack of enthusiasm some owners have toward their property is clearly evident in the minimal and poor quality necessities they offer. Rock hard mattresses, a television with only 2 foreign language channels and outdated or tattered furniture are prone to lead visitors to develop an unfavorable opinion of the rental. Create a hospitable atmosphere by maintaining and replacing older furnishings, adding modern decorative touches, a fresh coat of paint and consider installing a satellite or an economical movie provider such as Netflix.

2) Showcase the attractive features of your property.

I have seen potentially breathtaking, private roof terraces with panoramic ocean views left in an abandoned state, with a couple of lounge chairs in disrepair or no furniture at all! A penthouse with an ocean view is a definite revenue earner and it is unfortunate when owners fail to play up such incredible outdoor living spaces. A few potted plants and a dining or seating area can really create a stunning transformation and present an alluring selling point for guests.

3) Exceed a guest’s expectations.

An owner is not required to spend a fortune to create a memorable and appealing ambience within his/her vacation home. Guests’ satisfaction lies within the small details. If you have a barbecue, be sure the propane tank is full and the grill is clean and ready for use. Check all batteries in the remotes and confirm that all appliances are in good working order. Consider providing toiletries, beach chairs and toys, tennis rackets, bikes, books, or board games. New visitors will appreciate an information binder which includes emergency contact numbers, appliance and garbage disposal instructions, popular attractions and restaurants in the area. Stocking milk in the refrigerator for coffee, providing laundry detergent, as well as playing soft background music upon arrival are extra touches that can have a big impact.

4) Cleanliness.

This is an obvious method to attract repeat clients, but some rentals fall very short in this category. There should be no stains in the toilets and bathtubs, white sheets and towels should be bleached, and cobwebs from ceiling fans and corners should definitely be given a swipe with the dusting wand. Have rugs and furniture professionally cleaned at least once a year and apply a stain protector to the furniture and mattresses as often as is suggested. Even an older home can have considerable appeal and charm if it is appears fresh, and in excellent condition.

5) Use withstanding materials.

As a rental owner, you can expect that your dish ware and furnishings will not last forever. It is important to choose durable materials that will withstand wear and tear. Solid color draperies and furniture are more timeless and will look less dated than a patterned material. However, for bedspreads and comforters, use a darker, simple pattern so that stains from sunscreen for example, will be less visible. Purchase white dish ware and keep an extra set in the closet so that broken ones can be easily matched and replaced. Removable seat covers are optimal for wearability and can be recovered to look like new.

6) Make your rental appealing to all types of reservations.

A vacation home which maximizes space and can accommodate a large family increases the reservation rate as it appeals to a broader clientele. If you have two bedrooms, by adding bunkbeds with double mattresses or a sleeper sofa in the guest room , you can achieve better odds of renting out your home. Providing extra bar stools or a large dining table provides ample seating for small group bookings. Also remember that it is imperative that there are enough towels, plates, utensils and glasses to accommodate the number of guests your rental sleeps.

The bottom line is that you yourself would be thrilled at the opportunity to stay in your vacation home time and time again. Ask yourself if you would feel as though you are getting your money’s worth? Your aim is to induce an emotional connection between guests and your vacation home so that ultimately, your guests will want to return and will recommend it to others.

If You Are New To Playa del Carmen, Here Are Some Suggestions For Meeting People

Like re-locating to any other city in the world, the initial days can leave one wondering if it was the right decision to move. My first week in Playa del Carmen had me seriously contemplating a return ticket home.  The man-eating cockroaches, (ok, there was one, an inch long and already dead, but scary all the same for this Canuck) the language barrier, (playing charades in the grocery store was how I spent my mornings) and oh, then there was the feeling of being on vacation 24/7, that was especially hard!

A few weeks after our arrival, my three children started the school year off and thus began the play dates, birthday parties and extra-curricular activities. Thanks to the wonderful school community, we met so many great people and have established many fantastic relationships, some like family, here in Mexico.

But what to do if you do not have kids to propel you out of your comfort zone and forge new relationships? Although Playa del Carmen is a relatively small city, there are many events, festivals, and hobbies which bring single or coupled people together. There is much more beyond the night clubs on Calle 12, places where anyone willing to bury their social angst at least once or twice, can go to for a dose of connectedness and camaraderie.

For starters, people in Playa spend as much time as possible outside. The endless summer climate promotes outdoor living and active lifestyles.  There are a few workout facilities which offer group classes such as yoga, kickboxing, spinning, crossfit, and pilates to name a few.  The Gym (1st Avenue between Calle 16 and Constituyentes), Evolve (Calle 24 between 5th & 10th Avenue), and the Unidad Deportiva Mario Villanueva stadium (Calle 34 and 10th Avenue) are just a few of the popular gyms and outdoor tracks where you can get fit and meet some quality people.

Stand up paddle boarding, kiteboarding and diving are popular water activities enjoyed by Playenses and visitors alike.  There are schools offering beginner and advanced classes all along the sublime Mayan Riviera coastline. For more information on board sports, please visit www.pdckiteboarding.com , www.playaboardsports.com, or suppdc.com.  For diving instruction, go to www.phantomdivers.com or www.abyssdivecenter.com.

There are also several meet up groups hosted around the city from tennis to personal development to paleo enthusiasts. These meet ups are a great way to get to know like-minded people who can possibly help you to become familiarized with the city from an insider’s point of view. Visit www.meetup.com for more details.

Volunteering is a noble endeavor which will not only fill your basic human need for contribution, but is a terrific way to meet people. There are many opportunities in Playa del Carmen to help including The Keeping Kids In School Project, Playa Animal Rescue, and Flora, Fauna y Cultura De Mexico A.C. For more information on how you can make a difference and build lasting relationships, click on the name of the cause for the link.

Sitting in a gorgeous outdoor classroom, learning Spanish, exploring on weekend excursions and partaking in cooking or photography classes together is another way you are apt to make friends.  With many language schools in Playa del Carmen such as Solexico, Playalingua and ALFA, you will be speaking the language and living like a local in no time.

Each month, ladies in Playa del Carmen get together for Wednesday Women & Wine.  This amicable group meets at various local restaurants or pubs on the first Wednesday of every month. Many longterm friendships have been cultivated as a result of these casual girls nights out. See the Wednesday Women With Wine Facebook page to view upcoming locations and times.

One of the most attractive aspects of Playa del Carmen is that it is a very multi-cultural community, teeming with residents from around the world, each bringing something interesting to the conversation table. Every person has a unique background, and a one-of-a-kind story to tell.  As you sit back and listen, you become aware of each other’s differences and similarities. You realize that although people arrived from different ends of the earth, most here have similar desires which ultimately led to a crossing of paths in Playa del Carmen. We were all willing to risk our comfortable lives for something more, a surreal experience – a life of which dreams are made.

A Little Piece Of The World I Call “Heaven”

In honor of the ‘I Love Playa del Carmen’ contest presented by Bric Vacation Rentals, we interviewed Michelle, a recurring visitor at one of the city’s most sought after luxury condos, ‘The Elements’.  Michelle first became familiar with Playa del Carmen twenty years ago during its initial blossoming period from rustic, fishing village to vibrant, young city.

Colonio Colosio, Playa del Carmen, 1995

She fell in love with this part of the world she describes as “heaven” and was thrilled to have the opportunity to purchase the stunning Garden House 1, which sits nearest to ‘The Elements’ exclusive beach club.  As the green-blue waters of the Caribbean Sea and pristine beaches are the most compelling aspects of Playa which lure her back time and time again, owning a vacation haven steps from the beach was a must.

‘The Elements’ exclusive beach club

Michelle has passionately created within her retreat, an atmosphere of serenity with its warm color palette and zen-inspiring Thai accents.  It is her home away from home in which all cares of the world tend to diminish upon entering.  The striking, turquoise views from her living room and soothing ambience immediately fill her with a sense of peace.

The views from Garden House 1 in ‘The Elements’

At the time she was introduced to ‘The Elements’, Michelle was impressed by the impeccable grounds, ocean views and desirable location. After spending a considerable amount of time here, she is captivated by the tangible invigorating energy – a result of the natural fusion of Mother Nature’s most remarkable components- Water, Sun, Wind and Fire.  There is a majestic air surrounding Playa del Carmen which has allowed her and her family to stockpile many cherished moments into their memory banks over the years.

A longtime visitor to “The Gem of the Mayan Riviera,”  Michelle has watched the town transform from a once sleepy village with dirt roads to a thriving, world-renowned vacation destination. Although she fondly remembers the “old Playa,” she has welcomed the growth and appreciates the abundance of activities and entertainment options that are now available.

The bustling 5th Avenue today

As a business owner, Michelle looks forward to her escapes to paradise where she can relax and unwind.  In a fast-paced world, Playa offers the perfect opportunity to slip into vacation bliss.  With amenities such as pool-side spa services and an on-site concierge, stresses have a knack of quickly fading away.  One comfortably eases into a rejuvenation period, when ‘Shall we lounge by the pool, or by the sea today?’ is among one of the toughest decisions to be made.

The pool at ‘The Elements’ mere steps from Michelle’s terrace

If duty does call, Michelle is able to take advantage of the Wifi and on premise business center with its floor-to-ceiling windows and mesmerizing ocean views. ‘The Elements’ enviable location, just off the trendy, newly-developed section of 5th Avenue, gives guests convenient accessibility to all the attributes which make Playa del Carmen such an attractive beach getaway.

Not only is Michelle a stone’s throw distance from the pristine beaches, but she is also grateful to be walking distance to hundreds of fabulous restaurants which line the famously effervescent avenue. When she first set foot in Playa, there were only a handful of eateries scattered in the area.  Now there are over 700 restaurants spread over the downtown core, which ranks selecting a place for dinner, as perhaps the second toughest choice she might be faced with on a typical day in paradise.

Trendy dining options on the north end of 5th Avenue

Having her daughter as her frequent travel companion, Michelle values these memorable trips to Playa del Carmen.  She is delighted to be present to witness the on-going metamorphosis of this city she holds so dear to her heart and expects to create many more special moments with her family and friends in which to savor forever.

If At First, You Don’t Succeed, Try Try Again

In August of 2011, we excitedly embarked on the 4500 kilometer journey from Canada to #playadelcarmen.  The original plan was to come to establish a central exportation headquarters for our produce business and return after one year.  We would have an interactive cultural experience, our three children would register in school and we would all be fluent in a few short months…you would think. We fell in love with the #mayanriviera, the sublime beatuy in its simplicity and the Mexican way of life.  Three and a half years later, I unfortunately still stumble on words in an attempt to formulate a proper sentence and use the correct verbiage.

Take for example the time I tried to acquire health insurance. I asked the broker, “Cuanto va a estar el pago menstrual?” This roughly translates to “How much will the menstrual payment be?” rather than “How much will the monthly (mensual) payment be?”  Too similar, wouldn’t you agree?  I chalked the slightly mortifying encounter between the red-faced broker and I up to an honest mistake. Although Spanish is the main language spoken here, there are many expats who have called Playa home for, in some cases, fifteen years with a very basic conversation level. The language barrier can make life somewhat frustrating at times.  It is not uncommon that you will, every now and again, run into a plumbing issue. It can be a challenge to make a decision when even charades fails and you still haven’t a clue what the plumber is trying to explain.

I am thankful for the Mexican custom with regards to birthdays and celebrating in grand fashion, when half of the community receives an invitation to the event.  With three young children in school and an average of thirty students per class, we accepted anywhere from one to three invites per weekend throughout the school year. It was due to those seventy plus fiestas that I was eventually able to converse in Spanish. Three years later, people even laugh at my jokes instead of looking at me with a blank expression on their face as I awkwardly laugh alone.

Sure, there have been a few occasions when I realize people are laughing at me and not with me. On one particular day I announced to the twenty moms at soccer practice that I was pregnant.  Puzzled after a couple of them came up to hug and congratulate me, one of them finally told me that I had said “I was so pregant” (tan embarazada) instead of “I was so embarrassed!” That was an important reminder that not every similar English word translates to the same idea in Spanish! After almost four years here and hundreds of birthday parties later, my accent has improved (in my opinion anyway) and I welcome each [minor] catastrophe as an opportunity to increase my vocabulary.  I know how to say ‘leaky toilet’, ‘I need air in my tire’, and the gardener and I are able to come up with a plan of attack for the pesky bats which seem to take pleasure in bombing my truck.

Although I know how to ask the store clerk where the chocolate chips are hiding this week,  most of the time I forego the inquiry. After all, many of the imported products fortunate to make it to the shelves in Playa del Carmen tend to disappear as quickly as they arrive, rarely to be seen again.

All in all, I have noticed that most of the lovely people in these parts are forgiving and practice extreme patience towards foreigners desperately attempting to express themselves.  Although there are times when I have (not intentionally) masacred the language, the locals have allowed my gringo-esque pronunciations to slide and often just appreciate the effort.  And when all other forms of communication fail, I find that a smile goes a long way!