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Help Save Iconic Trees in Playa del Carmen!

Every once in awhile I run across a really neat program that I just know is being over looked or is simply undiscovered by the expat community in Playa del Carmen. We all know about the animal rescue groups to help our homeless four legged friends and the medical missions that help the under-served members of our community. I found an organization dedicated to saving the old growth and often iconic trees in Playa del Carmen. Read More...
Posted Monday, January 09, 2012 6:05 PM by Rob Kinnon | 0 Comments

The Tradition of the Rosca de Reyes in Mexico

The "Rosca de Reyes", also known as "Twelfth Night Bread" and "Roscon de Reyes", is historically served on the evening of January 5, before the "Dia de Reyes". The origin of "roscón" appears related to the ancient Roman holiday, Saturnalia. This was a celebration dedicated to the god Saturn in order that the Roman people in general could celebrate the longer days that began to come after the winter solstice. Read More...
Posted Thursday, January 05, 2012 9:19 PM by Rob Kinnon | 0 Comments

Winter Solstice in the Mayan Jungle

The Winter Solstice, also known by some as Yule or Saturnalia, generally falls on December 21 or 22. It celebrates the birth of the new solar year and marks the beginning of winter. Taking place on the longest, darkest night of the year, this is a time when we must reflect inward to find our own inner light. This is also a festival of inner renewal and spiritual rebirth. Many of the customs, lore, symbols, and rituals now associated with the modern "Christmas" actually are linked to Winter Solstice celebrations of ancient Pagan cultures. Both Christian mythology and older Pagan customs are evident in modern day holiday observances. Read More...
Posted Wednesday, December 21, 2011 6:20 PM by Rob Kinnon | 0 Comments

12 Days/12 Ways 2011 - Christmas Dreams Playa

Since 2000, a group of kind-hearted residents of Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya have helped local non-profits connect with those who need a little extra attention during the Holiday season. In years past, this group has helped organize the collection and distribution of thousands of Christmas presents for disadvantaged and special needs students as well as much needed dispensas (essential non-perishable food items) for families and elders in impoverished outlying villages. This year, the group has struck out on their own and created Christmas Dreams Playa. Read More...
Posted Thursday, December 15, 2011 5:00 AM by Rob Kinnon | 0 Comments

12 Days/12 Ways 2011 - Pack for a Purpose® with The Fairmont Mayakoba

This year The Fairmont Mayakoba has joined forces with Pack for a Purpose® to launch their new program "Holiday Wishes". This project is in preparation for Día de Reyes (Three Kings Day), one of the fondest traditions celebrated on January 6th by children all across Mexico. During December guests of the Fairmont Mayakoba are invited to Pack for a Purpose® and bring toys and games or school and medical supplies to help the neediest children of the Riviera Maya to have a happy holiday! The toys and gifts will be presented on January 6, 2012, during a party in honor of the Three Kings celebration. Read More...
Posted Wednesday, December 14, 2011 5:01 AM by Rob Kinnon | 0 Comments

Playa del Carmen's New Paradisus Resorts Partner with Chef Martin Berasategui

Playa del Carmen, Mexico - Dec.13, 2011 - Paradisus Resorts, Melia Hotels International's luxurious all-inclusive brand, which expanded its portfolio in November with two new Mexican properties, Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Esmeralda and Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla, announces its brand-wide partnership with seven-star Michelin Chef Martin Berasategui Read More...
Posted Tuesday, December 13, 2011 6:28 PM by Rob Kinnon | 0 Comments

Luxury in the Jungle at The Tides Riviera Maya

Rob and I were planning to celebrate our seven year "Mexi-versary" and struggling to find just the right place to spend a special evening, just the two of us. We wanted to try something new and fabulous and after living on the Riviera Maya for seven years, that has become a tall order for us to fill. My friend was eager to recommend her new favorite dining experience at a newly renovated resort close to Playa del Carmen, so we followed her lead and reserved our spot for the special Chef's Table Dining Experience at The Tides Riviera Maya. Read More...
Posted Thursday, December 08, 2011 6:49 PM by Rob Kinnon | 0 Comments

2nd Annual Family Eco-Challenge at Ak Lu'um!

There are only a few days left before the 2nd annual Eco Reto 2011, a unique eco challenge where families are invited to build the greenest and most original toy or game. Ak Lu'um International School is preparing its jungle campus to receive environmentalists, government representatives and families from the Riviera Maya who will present their original creations to a select panel of judges. The contest and Eco-Fair will be held on December 11 from 11:00 am to 2:30 pm at the Ak Lu'um International School in Playa del Carmen. Read More...
Posted Tuesday, November 29, 2011 1:30 PM by Rob Kinnon | 0 Comments

Mayakoba Golf Classic Extends Contract with PGA TOUR Until 2018

PLAYA DEL CARMEN, México - The PGA TOUR, along with officials of the Mayakoba Golf Classic and its sponsor OHL, announced today a six-year contract extension through the 2018 season. With the initial six-year agreement running through the 2012 tournament (February 22-26), the new contract represents a total commitment of 12 years by the PGA TOUR to Mexico and Playa del Carmen. Read More...
Posted Friday, November 11, 2011 5:00 AM by Rob Kinnon | 0 Comments

A Message from Centro Ecologico Akumal (CEA)

What follows is an important message from the Centro Ecologico in Akumal. It has been posted in its entirety. For more information, important updates and to find out how you can help marine conservation efforts in Akumal and all along the Riviera Maya, visit the CEA website or follow CEA on Facebook. Read More...
Posted Tuesday, October 18, 2011 5:00 AM by Rob Kinnon | 0 Comments

New ONDARTE Artist Residency Program Begins in Akumal

Applications are now being accepted at ONDARTE Artist Residency Program in Akumal, Mexico. ONDARTE was born from the desire to support international artists and promote cultural exchange between creators from all walks of life. Alec Von Bargen, the founder of ONDARTE, is an artist. Maribel Bianchi, the residency director is an artist at heart who has been surrounded by art and artists her entire life. Read More...
Posted Friday, October 14, 2011 5:00 AM by Rob Kinnon | 0 Comments

Top 10 Take-Aways from the Social Media Boot Camp

"Accomplished: A room full of people who are passionate about tourism and social media." So tweeted Arianna Bañuelos from her @AryCancun twitter account at the close of the first ever Social Media Boot Camp for Riviera Maya Tourism. Looking around the room, I see people putting the finishing touches on their notes, asking questions, exchanging email address and twitter handles. Each one of them looks tired but happy. I have come away with a notebook full of information, cemented some friendships and made new relationships with smart motivated people working in this region. We all represent different industries and interests but each of shares the desire to promote Riviera Maya as a destination and increase commerce within the region. We also seem to share a passion for learning and a willingness to share our collective knowledge and experiences. Read More...
Posted Monday, October 10, 2011 5:00 AM by Rob Kinnon | 1 Comments

Kay Walten's Social Media Boot Camp for Riviera Maya Tourism!

Wow. Just wow! I knew I was going to come away with some good info when I registered for Kay Walten's Social Media Boot Camp for Tourism but after reviewing more than 10 pages of notes I am seriously appreciating the value of the information she is sharing with us. For those of you who don't know her, Kay Walten and her husband Gary came to the Riviera Maya way back in the late 1980's, when the area of pristine beaches and jungle south of Cancun was referred to, unceremoniously, as the Cancun-Tulum corridor. Read More...
Posted Saturday, October 08, 2011 4:35 PM by Rob Kinnon | 1 Comments

Keeping Fruits and Veggies Fresh Without Plastics!

One of the great things about living in Playa del Carmen is that we have access to great fresh fruits and veggies year round. Some, the staples like onions, tomatoes, cucumbers and limes, to name just a few, are remarkably inexpensive. Others, the more exotic treats that are shipped in from the US and Canada, can get pretty pricey and may only appear for a few days at a time in DAC, Chedraui or Soriana. If you are going to spend good money on fresh produce you want to eliminate as much waste as possible, right? What is the best way to keep our fruits and veggies crisp and delicious in a climate that turns bananas brown before I can get them home from the store? Read More...
Posted Friday, October 07, 2011 10:50 AM by Rob Kinnon | 0 Comments

Don't Miss the 9th Annual Festival de la Tortuga Marina!

The 9th annual Sea Turtle Festival is scheduled for October 13 - 16 2011 in Tulum. The Festival de la Tortuga Marina is a free event whose mission is to raise awareness in residents and tourists alike about sea turtle protection. Read More...
Posted Friday, September 30, 2011 9:44 AM by Rob Kinnon | 0 Comments
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