Search results matching tags '2011', 'Mayan Riviera ', and 'Travel'

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

435836 — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:28:00 GMT

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. The alliance introduces a unique concept by Chef Berasategui, whose eponymous restaurant in Lasarte-Oria, Spain is the recipient of three Michelin stars, to every Paradisus property starting with Playa del Carmen, where Passion by Martin Berasategui opens its doors today. The collaboration is part of the brand's mission to continue offering guests an uncompromised level of quality and service in every aspect of its all-inclusive experience.

Located in the prestigious Playa del Carmen enclave on Mexico's eastern Caribbean shore, the resorts, La Perla for adults-only and La Esmeralda for everyone, are the area's finest all-inclusive properties and are the only all-inclusive hotels in the Americas to boast cuisine by a Michelin-starred chef.

"By partnering with a chef of prestigious caliber such as Martin Berasategui, we are elevating the Paradisus brand and guest experience to a very unique level, one that is traditionally not associated with all-inclusive resort properties," said Bernard Wyss, Managing Director of Paradisus Playa del Carmen and Area Vice President for Paradisus Resorts. "This agreement also allows us to train and develop our kitchen and service staff at Berasategui's Lasarte restaurant under his direct supervision. We believe that this partnership reinforces Paradisus' commitment to providing our guests with an extraordinary food and beverage experience, one which exceeds what other properties in the region are offering."

An innovator of Basque cuisine, Chef Berasategui is known for utilizing molecular gastronomy and fresh seafood in his cuisine, which is light, extremely imaginative and crafted with masterful technique. He brings to Paradisus Playa del Carmen a concept that elevates guest experiences and exceeds expectations by showcasing unprecedented flavor profiles to guest's palates. The dishes and tasting menu at Passion by Martin Berasategui, where local seafood plays a starring role, is designed for pairings featuring the resort's most exquisite wines. Guests are able to choose pairings from three separate wine lists that have been created exclusively for the restaurant. Passion by Martin Berasategui is an adults-only gastronomic experience, serving dinner nightly within a beautifully decorated contemporary, yet elegant, space. Guests who book Paradisus' trademark Royal Service or Family Concierge upgrades are invited to one complimentary dinner at Passion by Martin Berasategui during their stay, reservations required. Additional guests of Paradisus Playa del Carmen are welcome to experience the superb cuisine for a surcharge, giving them access to the restaurant's a la carte menu or its tasting menu. Passion by Martin Berasategui is also accessible to local residents and visitors.

"With this new venture, my first in North America, I wanted to create an elegant restaurant incorporating Caribbean flavors into my signature cuisine in addition to a showroom for my team's service standards," said Chef Martin Berasategui. "I am extremely proud to open Passion by Martin Berasategui in Mexico introducing my cuisine to a country, culture, and heritage I have the deepest respect for; it is a privilege."

Passion by Martin Berasategui is a fine dining restaurant that juxtaposes Chef Berasategui's philosophy and style with the remarkable local ingredients of the Mexican Caribbean. One of the world's most accomplished chefs, Chef Berasategui started cooking in his teens, helping his mother and aunt in their family-owned eatery in San Sebastian, Spain. Training in France in addition to other unique culinary countries and cultures, influenced Chef Berasategui's approach to service and techniques.

Today, Chef Berasategui leads the culinary direction at Lasarte y Loidi at the Hotel Condes in Barcelona, the MB Restaurant at the Abama Resort in Tenerife, the Santo by Martin Berasategui at the Eme Hotel in Seville, the DOMA at the Silken Gran Domine Hotel in Bilbao and the Martin restaurant in Shanghai. Passion by Martin Berasategui is his first restaurant in the Americas.

Paradisus Resorts is an all-inclusive luxury resort brand owned and operated by Melia Hotels International, (formerly Sol Melia Hotels &Resorts) one of the world's most successful hotel companies. The growing brand has two hotels in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic: Paradisus Palma Real and Paradisus Punta Cana. Boasting unique room categories and luxurious upgrade options such as the adults-only Royal Service and family-only Family Concierge, the resorts are ideal for a wide spectrum of guests including couples, family vacations, destination weddings and business travelers. The properties in Punta Cana each feature The Reserve at Paradisus, an exclusive resort-within-a-resort concept where guests experience private check-in and stay in residential style accommodations, among numerous other services and amenities. In November 2011 the brand expanded its portfolio with two new properties in Playa del Carmen, Mexico: Paradisus La Perla, an adults-only resort, and Paradisus La Esmeralda, a resort for everyone. The impressive facilities and signature amenities at both Playa del Carmen resorts include dramatic free-form pools, breathtaking artful landscapes, a YHI Spa, fourteen restaurants and eight bars providing guests with pure freedom to escape and indulge in all the properties have to offer. Paradisus Resorts will continue its growth with the opening of a brand-new property in Papagayo Bay, Costa Rica, scheduled to open in 2013.

Luxury in the Jungle at The Tides Riviera Maya

435836 — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:49:00 GMT

"It's really unique," she gushed on the phone a few weeks ago, "you will love it!"

I cringed.

"Unique." If I had a dollar for every time a friend described a resort, a restaurant, a menu as "unique" ...well, let's just say I would be a wealthy woman. Of course it's "unique", I thought. No resort, restaurant or menu concept is exactly like any other. What she was trying to express to me was that this place was special, somehow better than anything we had seen before. 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.

While investigating real estate in Xcalacoco, Rob and I came upon this property a few years back, before Viceroy Hotel Group took over operations. At that time, it was a small exclusive eco-resort called Ikal del Mar. It was quaint and rustic and set a beautiful stretch of beach on the Mexican Caribbean just north of Playa del Carmen. We were both curious to see what changes the new ownership had brought, so when we were offered a guided tour of the property, we jumped at the chance.

We arrived an hour before dinner and were greeted in the grand new foyer. We refreshed ourselves with chilled, moist face cloths and tropical welcome drinks beneath a spectacular spiral chandelier specially designed for the space. After proper introductions and a brief review of some of the improvements, both completed and still in the works, we headed down a path and disappeared into the lush green Caribbean jungle. As the sun dipped below the trees and dusk began to envelope us, we wound our way through groves of banana trees and coconut palms, across small footbridges and past waterfalls. Rounding a bend in the trail, suddenly we were met by a warm, earthy cloud of "copal", an aromatic resin burned in many traditional rites and ceremonies and a scent that is unmistakably Mayan. Before us, shrouded in the haze and clad all in white, stood a Shaman. He welcomed us and performed a customary cleansing ritual to rid us of any negative energy or malevolent spirits that may have latched onto us in the course of our day-to-day lives.

From there, we toured the Wayak Spa, a warm, serene, womb-like space where you can fully unburden yourself and leave the cares of the world behind. The candle lit whirlpool tubs were intensely inviting, the gauze draped massage room (with two tables to accommodate a romantic experience for couples) positively dream-like. In addition to traditional massage therapies, the resort also offers the use of the "temazcal", a sweat lodge used by the Maya for centuries for medicinal and spiritual healing.

One of the most interesting and unusual treatments is an open air massage done with warm organic honey harvested from "sting-less" Mayan bees kept right on the property. The therapeutic process culminates in a refreshing "rainstorm" shower with water drawn from the crystal clear cenotes that run beneath the jungle. If treating your skin with honey and cenote water is not luxurious enough, the resort boasts its own "soap concierge" charged with helping each guest select just the right handcrafted natural soap to use during their stay.

Continuing on our path toward the sea, we wandered down jungle paths now illuminated with candles, a blanket of stars glimmering through breaks in the canopy of trees.

Here and there, the path would split, branching off into the darkness toward the private villas that dot the property. When the renovations are complete, the resort will have 41 villas in total, each with a private patio, plunge pool and outdoor shower. Two of the newest villas will be set oceanfront and offer guests the highest level of amenities and VIP services. What struck me as we went along was the level of privacy that the layout and design of the resort afforded its guests. As we walked, there was a sense that the suites were there in the jungle surrounding us. You could see lights glowing through the dense foliage but you could not fully make out the source. Keeping in mind The Tides "Dine Anywhere, Anytime" policy, guests could spend an entire week in luxurious seclusion, never leaving the confines of the villa! This is a place where one can completely and utterly disappear.

Finally, our jungle path opened up revealing an elegant pool area. A series of lagoon-shaped infinity pools spread out toward the beach, surrounded by dining tables and loungers and lit by hanging rattan lanterns and torches. From the pool we could see the lofted dining room for La Marea, an elegant ocean-view restaurant with a "Mayaterranean" menu concept, a fusion of Mexican and Mediterranean cuisines. Below, the newly finished Library Lounge with its overstuffed armchairs and sofas was being stocked with books and wired with high speed internet, creating a warm and inviting place to sit and read and enjoy a glass of wine on the occasional rainy afternoon. The resort boutique was still in the works and craftsmen were putting the finishing touches on the new brick pizza oven at the oceanfront Coral Grill. Beyond that, the last lights of the sunset danced across the waters of the Caribbean. I couldn't have imagined a more romantic setting for our special evening.

We bid goodbye to our guide and settled in at a cozy poolside table for two with nothing, save a few palm trees, between us and the sea. All around us luminaria cast their warm glow creating islands of light in the darkness. Executive Chef Jetzabel Rojas came out to greet us personally and explain how the tasting menu would proceed. She was so gracious and enthusiastic about her cuisine; we couldn't help but be excited ourselves! The Chef's Table Experience at The Tides features seven signature dishes, each expertly paired with a premier Mexican wine. The courses are served at a relaxed pace and at no time did we feel rushed or pressured to finish off our generous servings of wine. Our bi-lingual sommelier was very knowledgeable about the wine pairings and was able to tell us about each of the producers, the growing region and the varietals. He was delighted to discover that Rob and I have attended numerous wine tastings featuring Mexican wines and could fully appreciate the quality of the wines that had been thoughtfully selected from the resort's 500 bottle wine cellar.

We began our dining experience with a selection of warm homemade rolls and a flavorful compound butter whipped with cream cheese. From there, we savored a delicate tuna tartar drizzled with olive oil made by Santa Tomas and served atop a crisp pita chip. This was paired with a bright sparkling wine from Freixenet. Braised short-rib tortellini followed in an unctuous gravy-like sauce served with Rogata Sauvignon Blanc from Baja Sur, an unusual wine that tasted more like a viogner than a traditional sauv. blanc but matched well with the tuna. Next, a fresh green salad was served with a more conventional citrusy Sauvignon Blanc from Casa Madero. A rich roasted "Indio" tomato soup was brought out, matched with Casa Madero's "V", a slightly sweet blush wine made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes left on the skin just long enough to impart a bit of color. The boquinete, pan seared and finished in the oven, came next, moist and crispy all at once, seasoned on the skin side only and served with a savory cilantro sauce and the tiniest pattypan squash I have ever seen. This too was successfully paired with the Casa Madero "V". From crispy fish, we moved on to the duck, two medallions of medium rare breast meat with perfectly rendered crispy skin served atop a delicate cauliflower puree. A dollop of warm pumpkin mousse and white corn with fresh farmers cheese were offered on the side. The wine pairing for this was the Viña Doña Dolores Crianza, a Cabernet Sauvignon from Freixenet. All the while, servers slipped quietly in and out of the darkness, adjusting table settings, decanting bottles, replacing wine glasses, serving and clearing plate after plate of the Chef Jetzabel's culinary creations. Each dish was beautifully presented and delicately seasoned with nuances demonstrating an unusual maturity from such a young Chef.

Finally, our desserts were placed before us. We were surprised to discover a soft ancho chile filled with guava paste placed on a swath of sweetened pasillo chile sauce. This was served with a scoop of house-made caramel ice cream and a generous pouring of Xtabentún, a liqueur made from honey and anise and produced exclusively in the Yucatán. The juxtaposition of sweet and spicy was heavenly, a master artist's palette of flavors and colors, the perfect end to a magnificent dining experience.

It's been quite a while since Rob and I have come across a place that we both could really rave about, a place that offers a dining experience we enjoy so thoroughly that we found ourselves eager to return to. When you find yourself torn between wanting to invite all your friends and wanting to keep it a well-guarded secret, you know you are onto something special. The food was honest and restrained and free from any gimmicks or trendy cooking trickery. The plates were well balanced, the flavors were pronounced without hitting you over the head with any one element. The service was smooth and unobtrusive and the atmosphere unsurpassed.

We plan to return to The Tides in the near future to partake in the cooking classes at the Casita Maya. For another special evening, perhaps our upcoming wedding anniversary, we will reserve the palapa on the pier for a private dining experience orchestrated by Chef Jetzabel. Maybe, one day soon, we will be able to take a break in the action and completely immerse ourselves in luxury, taking advantage of all the amenities and services that The Tides has to offer. Until then, we will happily recommend The Tides to our friends and customers, not just as a culinary destination but also as an exclusive, luxurious resort option for their next stay on the Riviera Maya.

Top 10 Take-Aways from the Social Media Boot Camp

435836 — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 11:00:00 GMT

"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.

Without giving away the farm, here are my personal Top 10 Takeaways from Kay Walten's Social Media Boot Camp for Tourism.

1. People want to do business with people, not companies. Put a face on your company or humanize the customer interaction and engagement in every way you can.

2. 100 Fans or Friends who engage with you and advocate on behalf of your business are better than 10,000 that do nothing.

3. If your messages are well organized, well researched, properly timed and interesting, your advocates will "share" it and spread your sphere of influence.

4. Be consistent with your social media efforts by creating and utilizing an editorial calendar.

5. Better to learn and master one social media venue and utilize it effectively than to dabble in 5 or 6 poorly.

6. Connect and cross promote between all the social media venues you are using. Integrate social media with traditional marketing strategies.

7. Whatever social media platform you are using, finding and using the right keywords and search terms will be essential to getting found by your target audience.

8. Before you jump into social media, make sure your house is in order. Be 100% ready to receive an increase in business.

9. Be honest about how you portray yourself and your product, service or business.

10. Don't broadcast or sell. Offer information. Answer a question. Solve a problem. Start a dialogue. Engage.

It is so important that we take advantage of opportunities like this to invest in ourselves and in our businesses whenever we can. The information we were provided over the weekend, regardless of how much or how little we are able implement right now, will help to make each of us influencers and trusted experts in our respective industries in Cancun and all along the Riviera Maya. I am coming away inspired and looking forward to continuing my social media education with all the great online resources we were turned on to and especially with Kay's upcoming webinar series. As soon as I have the registration details, I will be sure to get them out to all "Life's a Beach" readers who have an interest in social media. Take a moment and sign up. Even if you can't commit to the live webinar times, you can still receive and listen to the replays at your leisure. You can even listen to them on the beach with your toes in the sand sipping on a margarita! Isn't that what we all came here to do?

UPDATE

******If you are interested in social media and interested in tourism don't miss Kay Walten's upcoming webinar series. It is reasonable priced and includes a line-up of great speakers and instructors. You can sign up right HERE.

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

435836 — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 22:35:00 GMT

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. It's a good thing some bright DMO (Destination Marketing Organization) came up with a more elegant name, dubbing it the Riviera Maya and hereafter making our marketing efforts infinitely easier. Gary and Kay began their life in this new, virtually undiscovered area leading tours of cave divers through the mystical cenotes that are now so famous in this region. To supplement their income and to provide added value to their guests, they began offering vacation rentals to their groups and in 1996, LocoGringo was officially born!

As tourism to the Riviera Maya became more and more popular, so too increased the demand for rental properties. Soon, this became their primary focus and LocoGringo became an industry leader in online vacation rentals. Overwhelmed with the hundreds of questions they would receive about travel to this area, they created the LG Forums, a message board drawing on the individual and collective experiences of people who had previously visited the Riviera Maya. This very early foray into what we now call "social media" helped them to grow their company and their reputation astronomically. In 2007, LocoGringo officially merged with Akumal Vacations and by 2010 was ranked #20 in the "Top 50 Social Media Influencers in the Travel Industry" with Kay herself named the "Leading Micro-blogger for the Riviera Maya". Who better to lead the first conference on destination marketing and social media for Cancun and the Riviera Maya?!

Seminar leader Kay Walten

My husband will tell you...rolling his eyes...that I am a seminar/workshop junkie.

I'm the first one clamoring to reserve my spot.
I always want to sit up front.
I take copious notes.
I always have follow up questions.
I want to discuss everything I've learned afterward.
I am dork.

He would like me to believe that I am alone in my dork-dom, that no one else shares my need to learn MORE and that my weekend mornings might be better spent bringing him breakfast in bed. Yet, every time I sign up for a "webinar" or attend a "tweet up" or a conference such as this one, I am able to implement some new marketing strategy and he sees a bump in his leads. He may not fully understand "return on engagement" but I know he sees the value in this sharing of information when it leads ultimately to new customers and more real estate sales.

So, I'm a dork. I don't really see him complaining. ;)

Kay covered a lot of ground today in Day 1 of the Social Media Boot Camp for Tourism: the history of social media, the various popular platforms and how to best utilize them, what to do and what NOT to do on Facebook, Twitter etc... As I mentioned, I have 10 pages of notes to go through and organize. As I looked around the room, it was nice to see so many faces I already knew from their blogs, Facebook pages and Twitter accounts. Some, I had met before at other networking events. Some will become new friends thus extending our respective spheres of influence. In my estimation, the investment in my time (and BuyPlaya's money) will be well worth it!

If you didn't get in on this seminar, the first of what I hope will be many similar events from Kay Walten Consulting, I would strongly recommend you make the effort to attend the next. I will look forward to meeting you then.

I'll be the one sitting in the front row with my hand raised.

If you are interested in social media and interested in tourism don't miss Kay Walten's upcoming webinar series. It is reasonable priced and includes a line-up of great speakers and instructors. You can sign up right HERE.

The Fairmont Mayakoba Introduces "Appetite for Luxury" Package

435836 — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 02:30:00 GMT

At The Fairmont Mayakoba, Riviera Maya hotel, the first course is value. This fall, the AAA Five Diamond resort is introducing "Appetite for Luxury", a savory all-inclusive Playa del Carmen vacation package highlighting the resort's award-winning cuisine.

With an abundance of unique dining options and the ease of having an entire meal plan prearranged, this exciting Riviera Maya package allows guests to savor each of Fairmont Mayakoba's delicious culinary options without missing a beat. From snacks by the pool to seaside ceviche and prime cuts at dinner, all food and beverage services are included. Guests can even choose to dine at the area's only oceanfront AAA Four Diamond Playa del Carmen restaurant, Las Brisas -- adding an unforgettable experience to the culinary aspect of their journey.

When reserving this Riviera Maya vacation package, families can be certain that both fun and food are taken care of. Children up to five years old enjoy complimentary food and beverage service from the kids menu, as well as daily supervised Kids Club activities. For children five years and older, a meal supplement will apply.

Starting at $499 per night, "Appetite for Luxury" is available through December 21, 2011. Inclusive features consist of: deluxe Riviera Maya hotel accommodations, bird-watching boat tours, use of BMW bikes, and meal and beverage service complete with gourmet buffet and a la carte menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner for two adults at La Laguna, Las Brisas, the Lobby Lounge and beach and pool bars. Gratuities and tax are included in the price of this Riviera Maya package.

For reservations or further information, visit the Riviera Maya luxury hotel online or call 1(800) 540-6088.

Sign Up Now for "Explore Tourism™ Social Media Boot Camp 2011"

435836 — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 11:11:00 GMT

Explore Tourism™ Social Media Boot Camp 2011, Cancun-Riviera Maya, is a new marketing seminar that focuses on social media and social media marketing for the tourism industry in Mexico. This two-day seminar will discuss tourism marketing and how social media can be used effectively by travel & tourism businesses. This seminar is an invaluable information resource that includes lessons and strategies to further social media marketing efforts of individual businesses while increasing the strategic use of travel and tourism marketing for the area.

Mexico is in the process of winning the battle against negative press. Social media and the use of social networks has assisted in overcoming some challenging international press. It is through the use of social media and social networks that travel and tourism businesses can work for themselves and together to promote destinations, activities, hospitality options, tourism attractions and Mexico as a tourist destination. In 2008, early adopters of social media and social networks in the Mexican tourism sector.

“We are really excited to bring the first Social Media Boot Camp to the Riviera Maya, a seminar that will prove to be an invaluable resource for tourism businesses. It will also gather industry professionals together where they can share ideas to boost the economy and increase individual profits”, said Kay Walten, the keynote speaker and coordinator of the Explore Tourism™ Social Media Boot Camp 2011.

Explore Tourism™ Social Media Boot Camp 2011 will educate more industry professionals on how they can have a voice for their business and work with others to promote this destination. This seminar is ideal for marketing professionals, business owners, management staff and employees in the Mexican tourism industry, resort hotels, small hotel owners, hotel marketing professionals, e-commerce site owners, tour companies, small business tourism focused businesses such as dive shops, restaurants, golf courses, wedding planners and spas.

Explore Tourism™ Social Media Boot Camp 2011 will build an understanding about social media, define the best social networks for tourism based businesses, provide free resources for the ongoing successful use of social media strategies and bring tourism based businesses together to discuss and learn the most effective ways to coordinate promotional strategies for the destination, a much needed strategy after recent challenges faced by the Mexican tourism industry. The seminar is designed to empower and educate more tourism industry professionals on the use of social media marketing techniques for their businesses and inspire marketing professionals to work with others to promote the Riviera Maya as a first class vacation destination.

Kay Walten, the speaker at the event and owner of Kay Walten Group, an international social media consulting firm, is a the owner of LocoGringo and a well respected social media marketing voice in the industry. The success of individual marketing campaigns and the expressed need for more education so the voice of Mexico through social media can become stronger has prompted the design and execution of the Explore Tourism™ business concept and development through the Kay Walten Group.

Explore Tourism™ Social Media Boot Camp 2011 will be held October 8 and 9, 2011 at the Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa from 9 am to 2 pm each day with a networking lunch included. Discounted enrollment is $1750mn and available online when attendees sign up prior to September 15, 2011. Group discounts are offered until September 1, 2011. For additional information for the Explore Tourism™ Social Media Boot Camp 2011 review all seminar details at http://www.kaywalten.com .

Summer Camp Programs Playa del Carmen 2011

435836 — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 12:11:00 GMT

On the Riviera Maya, summer is now upon us and summer vacation is just around the corner. For many families, the school break means travel! Many will take this time to travel to see their families scattered across Mexico. Others will depart for cooler climates in the US, Europe and Canada. For those staying put, the challenge is always "What to do with the children?". When school is out and most of the extracurricular activities have been suspended for the summer months there is a huge gap to be filled in the daily lives of our young ones. Many families, especially those with two working parents, will be looking for fun summer programs to fill the time for their restless nin@s.

Fortunately, there are some nice options for children of all ages to keep them active and occupied until classes start up again at the end of August. These are a few of the programs and summer camps that we have found for kids living in Playa del Carmen and all across the Mayan Riviera. Whether your children are interested in sports, nature, the arts or even a traditional sleep-over camp experience, there are a variety of options to choose from.

Parque La Ceiba Curso de Verano (Day Camp)

Dates:      July 11, 2011 - August 19, 2011
Time:        9 am - 2 pm
Location: Parque la Ceiba - Calle 1a sur and Diagonal 60, Col. Ejido
Cost:        1 Day - $150 mn per student (15% disc. for siblings, 10% disc. for friends)
   1 Week - $ 800 mn 2 Weeks - $1400 mn 3 Weeks - $1800 mn
                 4 Weeks - $2300 mn   5 Weeks - $2600 mn   6 Weeks - $3000 mn

Children ages 5 - 12 are invited to spend the summer break in the jungle at Parque la Ceiba in Playa del Carmen. Students will participate in a wide variety of classes and activities including Huichol art, dance, drama, recycling, gardening, cooking and much more. The children will enjoy field trips to the Xcaret aquarium, a plant nursery, a turtle sanctuary and other fun trips designed to stimulate their minds and bodies and fuel their imagination! Prices include all materials and costs for field trips. Instruction will primarily be given in Spanish providing a wonderful opportunity for children new to Mexico to immerse themselves in the language in a casual and fun environment without the pressures of school. For more information and to sign up, contact Gina Taboada at parquelaceiba@florafaunaycultura.org.

Kids Cooking at UTKids Cancun (Day Camp)

Dates:      July 11, 2011 - July 15, 2011 Ages 5 - 8
                 July 18, 2011 - July 22, 2011 Ages 9 - 13
Time:        9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Universidad Tecnologica de Cancun
Cost:        $1000 per child/per 5 day session

This week-long summer program in Cancun is a great way to introduce your child to the world of cooking! In a fun and safe atmosphere, the children will develop a recipe guided by the Chef/Instructor. While preparing the dish, the children will learn about the origin of the dish, the individual ingredients, the various tools required and some of the skills required to one day become a great Chef! For more information including directions to the University campus, email avela@utcancun.edu.mx or lsolis@utcancun.edu.mx.

A Summer of Dance with In Motion (Day Camp)

Dates: July 11, 2011 - Aug. 5, 2011
Time: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Location: In Motion Artes Escenicas. In the Tendenza Building on the corner of Calle 14 bis and Ave. 10.

Cost: $1800 per child for the entire session

In Motion Dance Academy in Playa del Carmen is offering a summer program for children ages 9 and older. This is a diverse artistic program with instruction in theatre arts, voice, dance, acrobatics, capoeira, theatrical makeup and more! If you have a budding young performer in your household, this is a program they will surely love! For more information email inmotionplaya@hotmail.com.

Agua Azul Camp (Sleep-away Camp)

Dates:     July 11, 2011 - July 16 2011
                July 18, 2011 - July 23, 2011
Time:       Sleep-over camp
Location: Camp Agua Azul, 1 hour west of Cancun, in Nuevo Valladolid
Cost:       $3800 mn per camper/per session

Just because you are in Mexico does not mean your kids have to miss out on the traditional "sleep-over" camp experience! Camp Agua Azul is located just about 1.5 hours from Playa del Carmen near Nuevo Valladolid. Children ages 6 - 15 will spend 1 or 2 weeks sleeping in tents, surrounded by lush jungle and mystical cenotes. Campers will learn about the environment they live in and enjoy all sorts of games and activities including swimming, kayaking, zip-lines, campfires, parties, competitions and all the fun you would expect from a true summer camp. Counselors and lifeguards with paramedic training will be onsite at all times. Cost includes transportation to and from Cancun, lodging, meals, accident insurance and all onsite activities. For more information visit the Agua Azul website or contact camp organizer Marilu Rivera at 998-120-4825 or via email marilu@aguaazul.info.

WAYAK' Edu-Eco Camp (Day Camp)

Dates:     August 1, 2011 - August 5, 2011
                August 8, 2011 - August 12, 2011
Time:       9 am - 1 pm
Location: El Papalote School, Ave. 25 between Calles 30 and 32
Cost:        $750 mn per student (1 week) $1250 mn per student (2 weeks)

Boy and girls, ages 3-6 and 7-12, will spend days on the campus at El Papalote School practicing and perfecting English skills through art, games, drama, music and sports! Organized and by Crecer Juntos, the kids at Camp Wayak are supervised by native English speaking counselors, each experienced in the field of elementary education. All levels of English speakers will find a place in this all-inclusive, culturally diverse camp environment. WAYAK' Camp offers opportunities for actively learning English, creative art experiences and physical play, and focuses on the positive development of children by:

• creating an environment that is a safe and activity-oriented learning center
• offering a wide variety of new and traditional activities, sports, and games
• teaching children that learning a language can be fun and useful
• providing positive feedback on the process of doing your best, emphasizing participation rather than winning or being the best

For information visit the Crecer Juntos website or contact Alicia Meno at wayak@crecerjuntosmex.com.

Papalote Summer Camp (Day Camp)

Dates:     July 11, 2011 - July 29, 2011 Monday - Friday
Time:       9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Location: Papalote School, Ave. 25 between Calles 30 and 32
Cost:       1 Day - $250 mn per child
    1 Week - $1050 mn
                Entire Course - $2800 mn

Children ages 1 - 10 years old will spend the day having fun with old friends and new! Using Waldorf based teaching methods, the children will have the chance to experiment with watercolors and modeling wax, learn a variety of handcrafts, play water games and much more! Instruction will be bi-lingual and provide a great opportunity for both native Spanish and English speakers to practice language skills in a casual, inclusive environment. For more information contact Miss Silvia Leon at 984-111-1134.

Horseback Riding Camp (Day Camp)

Dates:     July 4, 2011 - July 8, 2011
                July 18, 2011 - Aug.26, 2011 Monday - Friday
Time:       8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Hipico Playa del Carmen located behind Rancho Guadalupana, just south of Xcaret on 307 south.
Cost:        $1000 mn per student per 5 day session.

Boys and girls, ages 7 and older, will spend days at the Hipico Playa del Carmen learning all about horses; how to feed and care for the animals and their tack. Riding instruction daily for beginning and intermediate riders. No previous experience required. Bi-lingual instruction. This is a wonderful opportunity to introduce your children to horses and riding in a safe and fun environment under the supervision of experienced equestrian Paco Magellon. For more information, visit the Hipico Playa del Carmen Facebook Page or email hipicoplayadelcarmen@gmail.com.

Harmon Hall English Summer Course (Day Camp)

Dates:     July 11, 2011 - Aug. 5, 2011 Monday - Friday
Time:      11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Location: Harmon Hall, Calle 6 between Ave. 25 and 30
Cost:       $2999 mn per student (plus cost of books)

This will be of particular interest to National families who are looking for an intensive English summer program for their school age children. Harmon Hall, likely the best known English language school in Mexico, is offering a Summer Course for students ages 6 - 14 and older teens 15 - 18. The classes will involve 3 hours of fun English instruction and one hour of activities, also in English. The theme this summer, for the younger group, is "Superheroes" so the classes and activities will follow this theme. The entire course is 80 hours long and tuition includes an official backpack, notebook and school materials. If you call 01-800-HABLA YA, promotional prices are offered. Discounts may also be available through certain companies (all the employees of member hotels and companies of the Hotel Association of Riviera Maya, for example). Call 984-873-2803 for more information and to enroll your child. Sign up here and get a 15% discount!

Montessori Selvamar Summer Camp (Day Camp)

Dates:     July 11, 2011 - August 4,, 2011 Monday - Friday
Time:       9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Location: Colegio Montessori, Fracc. Selvamar, Playa del Carmen
Cost:       $800 mn per child per week

The Montessori School in Selvamar welcomes children ages 2 - 12 years old to spend their summer days learning and having fun in a safe and well supervised environment. Using Montessori supported learning methods, the children will create their own individual works of art using a variety of materials. They will be introduced to theatre arts including singing and dancing. They will also be able to dabble in the culinary arts, learning to prepare fresh delicious food that they will all enjoy! For more information and to enroll your child, call 984-118-5866 or send an email to montessoriplaya@hotmail.com.

Summer Camp at Centro Cultural Caracol Marino (Day Camp)

Dates:     July 11, 2011 - August 12, 2011 Monday - Friday
Time:       9:30 am - 1:30 pm (after-care also available)
Location: Caracol Marino, Calle 80 between 5th and 10th Playa del Carmen
Cost:       $2500 mn per child for the entire 5 week session

The Cultural Center Caracol Marino is a special place that to me is uniquely Playense! After school and special programs are available year round but the summer camp wraps all of the fantastic activities that Caracol Marino offers into one 5 week package. Children ages 2 - 12 are welcome and will be divided into groups by age. Activities will be eco-artistic in nature and will include circus arts and clowning, theater, music, dance, fun recycling projects, art, meditation, gardening, singing, games and more! There will field trip every Friday. Children can either bring a bag lunch or parents can pay for a a delicious healthy meal prepared in the onsite kitchen ($30 mn). Discounts are available for families with multiple children and package rates can be arranged with lunch included every day. Working families will be pleased to know that after-care is also offered. For more information and to sign up contact Hena Iris Moreno Corzo at henamoren@gmail.com or call any of the following numbers 984-267-3136, 984-147-0267 or 984-116-8439.

PLAY TENNIS Camp for Kids (Day Camp)

Dates:     July 11, 2011 - July 15, 2011
               July 18, 2011 - July, 22 2011
               July 25, 2011 - July 29, 2011
Time:       8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: RIU Lupita Hotel/Colegio Manuel Acosta, Playacar
Cost:       1 week: $1800 mn
               2 weeks: $2900 mn
               3 weeks: $3500 mn

PLAY TENNIS has organized a wonderful summer tennis camp for kids ages 6 - 12. Fun and learning guaranteed! Using the new "Play + Stay" method, kids of all skill levels will learn the proper technique and form for each of the strokes used in the fast paced game of tennis! Children will develop important motor skills with the racket in a manner suitable for children at all levels of play. Each day will be split between court time and swimming lessons in the pool at Manuel Acosta School. There will be all sorts of fun games, educational activities, raffles and prizes with a mini-Olympics at the end of the week!

8:00 am   Classes begin at the Hotel Riu Lupita in Playacar
10:30 am Students transported from Hotel Riu Lupita to Colegio Manuel Acosta
11:00 am   Swimming lessons in the pool at Colegio Manuel Acosta
12:00 pm   End of day. Children can be picked up at Manuel Acosta

This summer course is organized and operated by PLAY TENNIS ACADEMY. Clinics will be taught by Facundo Fernandez, Professor of the PTR (Professional Tennis Registry) certified by the ITF (International Tennis Federation), certified by Play & Stay, Instructor High Performance Tennis Federation of New Zealand, Director High Performance Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Intensive specialized clinics will also be available in the evenings for advanced teen and adult players. For more information and to sign up contact Alvaro Flores at tenisproalvaro@gmail.com or call 984-806-4666.

If you know of any additional summer programs being offered in Playa del Carmen or anywhere in and around the Riviera Maya, please let us know so I can add them to the list! Send me an email at michelekinnon[at]gmail.com.

Top 10 Ways to Save the Reef of the Riviera Maya

435836 — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 20:00:00 GMT

The Mesoamerican Reef (MAR) is the largest barrier reef in the Atlantic and stretches over 1000 km from the tip of the Yucatán Peninsula down to the Bay Islands of Honduras. This reef is the largest coral reef in the Western Hemisphere and the second largest barrier reef in the world. The Mesoamerican reef serves two important functions. It provides a habitat for a vast array of marine life that rely on the coral for food and shelter. It also functions as a natural barrier to protect the coastline from the damaging effects of storms and coastal erosion. The Mesoamerican reef system supports nearly 60 varieties of coral, 350 mollusks, and 500 species of fish. There are numerous endangered or protected species that live in or around the reef system. These include the magnificent sea turtles that call the shores and bays of the Riviera Maya home and the Whale Sharks that migrate yearly to the waters surrounding Holbox and Isla Contoy.

Today, the Mesoamerican Reef faces a wide array of threats, from land-based pollution, waste water run off and severe overfishing to poor tourism practices, infestation of non-indigenous marine life and global climate change. As one of the millions of tourists who will visit the Riviera Maya this year, how can you help to protect this valuable natural resource? What can you do to ensure that your enjoyment of the reef does not contribute to its degeneration thus preserving it for future marine life enthusiasts? This our list of the Top 10 ways you can help save the Mesoamerican Reef during your next stay on the Riviera Maya.

Practice responsible fishing, kayaking, sailing, jet skiing and other recreational boating activities on the water. Never discard anything overboard and do not anchor on the reef. Be aware of marine life in the waters around you. Remember the old saying: “Take only pictures, leave only bubbles”.

Many institutes and organizations are fighting to protect the Mesoamerican Reef habitat and its indigenous marine wildlife. Find a reef preservation initiative like the MAR Leadership Program or a local organization such as the Centro Ecologico Akumal (CEA) and consider making a financial contribution or volunteering for hands-on work or advocacy.
Before you book an excursion, ask the fishing, dive or snorkeling operators what steps they take to protect the reef and follow reef-friendly protocols. Ask if they are affiliated with any local reef conservation or advocacy groups.
Participate in a Beach Clean-Up Day! Every year, several beach clean-up days take place in Playa del Carmen, Akumal, Xcacel and Tulum. See if there are any scheduled during your stay. It’s a fun family activity and a great way to meet new people. The local organization Flora, Fauna y Cultura will be able to tell you about upcoming events.
I know it’s tempting, but do avoid purchasing items such as coral jewelry, tortoise-shell jewelry and hair accessories, decorative shells and shark products. Harvesting these items for sale is detrimental to the health of the reef and its eco-system.
Whether you enjoy diving, kite-surfing, or relaxing on the beach, always clean up after yourself. If you see garbage left on the beach, do the right thing and dispose of it properly. Some areas, like Akumal, have easy to find recycling and garbage bins to utilize. If you can’t find one where you are, bag it up and take it back to your hotel or condo to throw away.
Use only recommended biodegradable sunscreen and avoid commercial moisturizers, oils, insect repellents, perfumes, deodorants and hair products when swimming, snorkeling or diving. The chemicals used in these products will kill coral and marine life.
Explore and appreciate the underwater world of the Mexican Caribbean without interfering with marine life or removing rocks and coral. Millions of people visit the Riviera Maya each year and many will come to see the amazing sea turtles that nest and reside here. Please, if you are lucky enough to spot one, observe from a distance. Do not hover over them and please do not touch them.
Do not touch or stand on the coral whether it appears to be dead or alive. A single touch can kill live coral and essential micro-organisms. When resting over the reef try not to disturb the coral below by stirring up sand with your flippers.
Report any illegal activities you may witness on our reef. Illegal fishing, improper anchoring, dumping of trash and bad tour practices should be reported to proper authorities. If you do not know who to report these activities to, tell a local dive shop or tour operator what you have seen. They are invested in the area and will be sure to take the appropriate action.

Not planning a trip to the Riviera Maya but want to help preserve the reef and its inhabitants? Share this list with your friends!

10 Tips for Green Travel on the Riviera Maya

435836 — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 20:11:00 GMT

In 2010, best estimates from the Mexico Tourism Board tell us that over 10 million people passed through the Cancun International Airport. This number considers foreign and domestic passengers including tourists, business travelers and general transit to Quintana Roo. A great many of these visitors are drawn to this area and the Riviera Maya in particular for the astounding array of flora and fauna that can be found in this relatively small geographic region. Let’s all do our part to protect our amazing jungles, cenotes and reef systems by taking steps to travel responsibly. In recognition of Earth Day, here are 10 Tips for Green Travel on the Riviera Maya.

1. Green Before You Go! Green travel starts before you even leave for the airport. Before you lock up the house, turn your hot water heater down to its lowest setting. Make sure you have turned down your thermostat as well to a temperature that will save energy without killing your plants. Appliances, especially televisions and cable/satellite boxes, should be unplugged. Even when turned off, these can draw as much as 40 watts per hour!

Eco-Friendly Accommodations - When selecting your lodging, do a little research online and try to book in resorts or vacation rental properties that adhere to eco-friendly policies. There are a number of websites that list and rate environmentally friendly inns, hotels and resort properties around the world. Each organization may have its own guidelines for rating properties. Look for those that meet the standards that are important to you. Of particular concern along the Riviera Maya is the health of our precious cenotes and the linked system of underground aquifers that provides all the fresh water for the region and is home to a myriad of fish, animals and microorganisms. Investigate how hotel waste water is treated? Do they have a system to reuse water? How do they minimize energy consumption? Has the property invested in low flow showers/toilets, or eco-friendly lighting? Are they utilizing alternative energy sources such as solar, wind or geo-thermal? An impressive example of eco-friendly lodging can be seen at Hacienda Tres Rios. In addition to making every attempt to promote sustainable tourism within their 326 acre park-like resort, HTR is also helping to reforest the mangroves in the region.

3. Limit Your Laundry – Laundry, specifically the washing of towels and bedding, consumes almost 40% of the average resort’s energy usage expended for hot water. If you are willing to use your towels and sheets for more than one day you can help hotels reduce their overall energy use by up to 5%. Each hotel or rental property will have its own system for alerting the housekeeping staff to either wash or refold your towels for a second or third usage. If you are uncertain, tell the front desk your intentions or try to leave a note for the staff. Think of it as a good time to practice your Spanish skills!

4. Switch Off and Save - Coming back to a hot room after a day on the beach is no fun but you can make a difference by turning up the temperature air-conditioning by just a few degrees while you are gone. By switching the TV off rather than leaving it on standby, you reduce its energy consumption by 25% and significantly reduce the amount of heat that it throws into the room. Close your curtain when you leave or pull the blinds down to keep out the sun. When using the spa or gym facilities, remember to turn off exercise equipment, sauna, whirlpool/jacuzzi or tennis court lights when you're done. Certain properties are now installing systems that are activated by your room key. Return to the room, slide the swipe card in and the air-conditioning, lights and TV are functional. Take the key out on your way out the door and it all powers down automatically. Cool!

5. Recycle - Recycling in the Riviera Maya has come a long way in the past few years. Every municipality is doing its part to help reduce the waste in dumps by providing recycling opportunities for residents and tourists alike. Familiarize yourself with your recycling program offered by your hotel or property management company and sort your trash accordingly. If your hotel or condo complex doesn't recycle, consider reusing your empty bottles or utilizing the recycling bins that can be found in town. Playa del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras, Akumal and Tulum all have them!

7. Walk the Walk - For now, the downtown areas of our coastal cities are very manageable by foot. Most visitors can easily see and experience all that downtown has to offer on foot or on a bicycle which can be rented by the day or by the week. Thanks to a brand new eco-initiative in Playa del Carmen, visitors can now explore the city by bicycle for FREE! If you are planning to investigate nearby towns, archeological sites or other “must see” attractions, try to utilize the public transportation available instead of renting a car. Buses run up and down the coast from Cancun to Chetumal several times a day making stops in Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen and Tulum. For shorter trips, colectivos are cheap and plentiful and will stop pretty much anywhere you need to go. You can pick one up at the colectivo stops in town or flag them down on the highway. Colectivos are a great way to do a self guided tour of the cenotes that are scattered all up and down the Cancun-Tulum corridor. It’s less stressful than driving in an unfamiliar place and will allow you more time to enjoy the scenery! Taking public transportation will also give you more access to the local people and afford you a more authentic traveling experience.

Responsible TOURism - There is so much to do and see in and around the Riviera Maya. Going on an organized tour and utilizing their transportation is a more eco-friendly alternative to renting a car and going it on your own. Before you book a tour, be sure to ask about the size of the group. Smaller groups tend to make less of an environmental impact. Smaller groups also afford the participants a much more intimate experience than the “cattle drive” tours. Find out ahead of time whether the tours are led by locals and how the tour operator contributes to the local community. When scuba diving or snorkeling, do not touch or stand on the coral or stir up sediment, as these actions can damage our reef's fragile ecosystem. Choose an approved biodegradable reef-safe sunscreen. The chemicals found in most commercial sun blocks are harmful to coral and sea life. When exploring ruins or the surrounding jungle, stay on the marked paths. While it may be tempting to touch or feed the wildlife in and out of the water, please refrain from doing do and always maintain a reasonable distance between you and the indigenous wildlife.

8C Charge it Up – Try to avoid disposable batteries. These are of particular concern as if they end up in one of our dumps, they will degrade and leach toxic chemicals into the earth which cannot be filtered out by the limestone, ultimately poisoning our water supply. If you must use them, please bring the dead batteries home and recycle them properly. An even more responsible and more economical alternative is to bring a charger and use re-chargeable batteries. Plug them in at night before bed and they will be ready to go in the morning! If possible, look for NiMH “nickel metal hydride” batteries as they seem to have the best environmental record. Another tip: Don’t feel too badly about buying those inexpensive “single use” cameras when you have to. The companies that process the photos in the US and Canada all recycle!

Eco-Bags Are Cool - It is only since the introduction of non-biodegradable consumer goods and packaging from the “modern” world that litter and garbage disposal has become a major issue in the Yucatan. Just half a century ago, food was wrapped, cooked and served in banana leaves. There were no concerns about trash disposal as everything could be tossed into the jungle to rapidly decompose! These old habits are tough to break. Now plastic wrappers and bottles are strewn everywhere. The ubiquitous plastic grocery bags are another odious culprit. If you are planning to stay on the Riviera Maya for any amount of time, you will most likely do some shopping. On your first trip to the store, pick yourself up a reusable shopping bag. They are inexpensive and readily available in all the grocery stores and markets. Looking for something a little more fashionable? Try these super chic eco-bags from WearEarth. They are made from recycled plastic, come in a myriad of colors and designs and are sold in some of Playa’s best boutiques.

10. Carry Reusable Bottles - The importance of keeping hydrated during a Riviera Maya vacation is often overlooked but cannot be overstated. Many travel related illnesses (headaches, intestinal issues etc.) sometimes attributed to tainted food or water are simply an unpleasant side effect of dehydration. Under the hot Caribbean sun, after a few cervezas, it is easy to forget to drink enough water. Because the water here on the Riviera Maya is not so good for drinking, 20 liter garrafones (large plastic water jugs) are virtually everywhere. Look for coolers at hotels, hostels and car rental or travel agencies. Bring your favorite reusable bottle and refill as you go. Research indicates that 9 out of 10 plastic water bottles wind up as garbage. That adds up to 30 million bottles a day worldwide. Unfortunately, it can take a thousand years for each one of those plastic bottles to biodegrade. Carrying a reusable bottle is one of the simplest things you can do to reduce plastic waste and help protect the environment.

Taking a green approach to travel is an easy and essential way to protect the places we love to visit. Do it not just for yourself but for your children and grandchildren and all the people who will continue to live here long after you've flown home. Tell us your suggestions for Green Travel. We all deserve a clean and healthy Riviera Maya.