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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 | 2 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 8, 2011 6:49 PM by Rob Kinnon | 1 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

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 8, 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 7, 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

The Fairmont Mayakoba Introduces "Appetite for Luxury" Package

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. Read More...
Posted Friday, September 16, 2011 8:30 PM by Rob Kinnon | 0 Comments

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

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. Read More...
Posted Tuesday, August 16, 2011 5:11 AM by Rob Kinnon | 0 Comments

Pony Camp in Playa del Carmen!

Monday morning, my kids jumped feet first into their summer vacation, arriving bright and early at the barn for the first day of Pony Camp. Trainer and club owner Paco Magellon has been running this camp during the school vacations and it is something all the young riders in Playa del Carmen look forward to. Paco is so terrific with the kids and he has passed this special gift along to his son Diego who will be assisting him during this summer session. Monday is a day off for the horses so this morning the group learned how to groom a horse from nose to tail. "Brisa" was a patient subject, standing quietly while each of the children took a turn currying, brushing and picking hooves. The kids started to learn a bit about the anatomy of the horse and how to care for these majestic beasts. Later on in the day, as the temperature soared, they all cooled off in the cenote! Read More...
Posted Tuesday, July 5, 2011 6:00 AM by Rob Kinnon | 1 Comments
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