Life's a Beach | Expat Life in Playa del Carmen

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Celebrating the 4th of July on the Riviera Maya 2014

The 4th of July almost upon us and if you are anything like me, about this time you might start to feel a little homesick. Read More...

Posted Wednesday, July 2, 2014 8:33 PM by Rob Kinnon | 0 Comments

Filed under: Events, Playa del Carmen , Family Life, Holidays, Fun, Akumal, 4th of July, Festivals

Christmas Dreams Playa - Putting Big Smiles on Little Faces

This year, one of the Christmas Dreams projects is to answer these "toy wish" letters which were written by school children from the impoverished village of Nuevo Noh-Bec, which is in a rural area outside of Playa del Carmen. This is the same village BuyPlaya is supporting with the "Kicks 4 Kids" Holiday Sneaker Drive. Read More...

Posted Tuesday, December 3, 2013 5:07 AM by Rob Kinnon | 0 Comments

Filed under: Announcements, Events, Community , Mayan Riviera , Playa del Carmen , Holidays, Charity, 12 Days/12 Ways, 2013, Kicks 4 Kids

Calaveras de Paseo in Centro Maya Mall

Throughout the past week, Dia de los Muertos and Hanal Pixan have been celebrated all over Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya with altars and other representations set up in various locations Read More...

Posted Monday, November 4, 2013 6:38 PM by Rob Kinnon | 0 Comments

Filed under: Events, Community , Playa del Carmen , Holidays, Fun, Culture, 2013

Halloween Parties and Dia de los Muertos in Playa del Carmen 2013

It's that time of year again! Halloween and Dia de los Muertos parties are starting to be announced! Just a few years ago, there was only one place to be on Halloween in Playa del Carmen and virtually no options for children hoping for a chance to dress up and "trick or treat"! Now there are all kinds of festivities and fun to be had for ghosts and ghouls of all ages. Read More...

Posted Thursday, October 24, 2013 10:53 AM by Rob Kinnon | 0 Comments

Filed under: Announcements, Events, Community , Playa del Carmen , Family Life, Holidays, Fun, Culture, 2013

4th of July Festivities in Playa del Carmen 2013

There are lots of expats from the United States living and working in Playa del Carmen and all along the Riviera Maya, ourselves included. If you are one of them and you are anything like us, about this time you might start to feel a little homesick. With the 4th of July almost upon us, we can't help but remember the backyard BBQs, block parties and spectacular fireworks displays that we all enjoyed during our years NOB...north of the border...and start looking for a fun way to celebrate our own Independence Day with like-minded gringos. Read More...

Posted Monday, July 1, 2013 7:33 AM by Rob Kinnon | 0 Comments

Filed under: Events, Playa del Carmen , Family Life, Holidays, Fun, Charity, 2013

Holiday Zumbathon Raises Money for Playa del Carmen's Needy

On Friday December 14, 2012 BuyPlaya Real Estate Advisors and FurnitureMEX hosted a Holiday Zumbathon in Playa del Carmen to support the efforts of Christmas Dreams Playa. The event was organized by Mary Martinez and lead by certified Zumba instructors from around the globe. Over 100 people turned out to dance and have fun and raise money for this fledgling charitable organization. Read More...

Posted Sunday, December 16, 2012 5:00 AM by Rob Kinnon | 0 Comments

Filed under: Events, Community , Playa del Carmen , Holidays, Fun, Charity, 12 Days/12 Ways, 2012

7 Years of Life and Death at Xcaret

Every year, I go on and on about the amazing work of the creative team, organizers and staff at Xcaret and this year will be no exception! The children's pavilion was awash with colored lights streaming through clouds of copal. Read More...

Posted Saturday, November 3, 2012 2:22 PM by Rob Kinnon | 0 Comments

Filed under: Events, Community , Mayan Riviera , Playa del Carmen , Family Life, Holidays, Travel, Fun, 2012, Rivera Maya

Dia de los Muertos Fun at Parque la Ceiba

This year, Xcaret is not the only option for fun family celebrations of Dia de los Muertos! This year Parque la Ceiba extends the festivities with a full weekend of events for families in Playa del Carmen! Read More...

Posted Tuesday, October 30, 2012 12:17 PM by Rob Kinnon | 0 Comments

Filed under: Events, Community , Mayan Riviera , Playa del Carmen , Family Life, Holidays, Fun, 2012, Rivera Maya

Experience Hanal Pixan in the Tres Reyes Village

As you all know by now, every year, the kids and I go to the amazing Festival de Vida y Muerte at Xcaret and every year we love it. Honestly, this is one of the most well-organized events that I have ever attended and I can and do recommend it to everyone who happens to find themselves on the Riviera Maya during the time of Dia de los Muertos. A few years ago, I saw some adverts for a Hanal Pixan excursion offered by Alltournative which piqued my interest but, as the week of Halloween and Dia de los Muertos is always a logistical nightmare, adding yet another activity into the family schedule was impossible. Read More...

Posted Tuesday, October 30, 2012 5:00 AM by Rob Kinnon | 1 Comments

Filed under: Events, Family Life, Holidays, Travel, Fun, 2011, Rivera Maya

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 5, 2012 9:19 PM by Rob Kinnon | 0 Comments

Filed under: Events, Community , Mayan Riviera , Playa del Carmen , Family Life, Holidays, Fun, Charity, 2012

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

Filed under: Events, Community , Mayan Riviera , Playa del Carmen , Family Life, Holidays, Schools, Fun, 2011

Got Turkey? Thanksgiving 2011 on the Riviera Maya

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving in the United States and if you are an American expat living on the Riviera Maya or perhaps just here for a visit, you will be looking for a place to strap on the feedbag and enjoy some good traditional Thanksgiving fare! Here are a few options you may enjoy! Read More...

Posted Wednesday, November 23, 2011 1:11 PM by Rob Kinnon | 0 Comments

Filed under: Announcements, Events, Community , Playa del Carmen , Family Life, Holidays, Restaurants/Bars, Fun, 2011

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

Filed under: Announcements, Events, Mayan Riviera , Holidays, Travel, Restaurants/Bars, Hotels, Cooking, 2011

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

Filed under: Events, Mayan Riviera , Playa del Carmen , Family Life, Holidays, Schools, Fun, 2011

Playa del Carmen 4th of July Party at Wicky's Beach Club!

Looking for a place to celebrate the 4th of July with your family and friends in Playa del Carmen? Don't miss the annual 4th of July Celebration and BBQ at Wicky's Restaurant and Beach Club! The festivities begin at noon with live music starting at 1:30pm and FIREWORKS at dusk! Wicky's famous Beach BBQ Buffet will be open from 2pm - 7pm. This is an event that is not to be missed if you are visitor or an expat from the US you will be sure to have a great time! Read More...

Posted Thursday, June 30, 2011 12:14 PM by Rob Kinnon | 0 Comments

Filed under: Announcements, Events, Community , Playa del Carmen , Family Life, Holidays, Restaurants/Bars, Fun, Live Music, 2011