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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

Have a Safe Spring Break on the Riviera Maya

Over 100,000 American teenagers and young adults travel to resort areas throughout Mexico for Spring Break each year. While most enjoy their vacation without incident, a small number are arrested, become victims of crime, or even die. Using common sense will help you avoid trouble. Read More...
Posted Monday, March 11, 2013 5:00 AM by Rob Kinnon | 0 Comments

Notes on Napkins - NEW! John Gray's in the House!

For years, residents and visitors to the Riviera Maya have been enjoying the fabulous cuisine and hospitality of Chef John Gray. His restaurants have achieved local and international recognition and earned the prolific Chef numerous awards and accolades. Now, you can enjoy the same great food and service in the privacy of your own home or vacation rental! Read More...
Posted Wednesday, December 12, 2012 5:00 AM by Rob Kinnon | 0 Comments

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

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

Halloween and Dia de Los Muertos Activities on the Riviera Maya

It's that time of year again! Halloween and Dia Day los Muertos parties are starting to be announced! This will be a running list of the events that will be updated as they are posted. November 2 - Halloween Party, Costume Contest and LIVE Music at Read More...
Posted Saturday, October 13, 2012 12:20 PM by Rob Kinnon | 0 Comments

OH! Food Workshop - Sustainability you can eat!

Sustainability. Carbon Footprint. Environmental Impact. In 2012, these terms are now a part of our everyday vernacular. Regardless of your stance on global warming, I think we all can agree that each one of us needs to do our best to minimize the negative impact increased travel might bring to the more delicate corners of the globe we explore. In keeping with this sentiment, over the past decade, "Eco-tourism" has exploded into what is now the fastest growing segment in the travel industry with no signs of abating. One can now easily plan a whole vacation geared toward conservation and preservation! Read More...
Posted Monday, September 24, 2012 5:34 AM 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 5, 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 | 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

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

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

A Celebration of Life and Death at Xcaret

As most of my friends are well aware, I am no fan of Halloween. This pretty much makes me a total outcast in Playa del Carmen. For two years running, I have successfully avoided the whole thing by accompanying Cole to the "Copa de Merida" tournament Read More...
Posted Friday, November 5, 2010 4:38 PM by Rob Kinnon | 1 Comments

Dia de los Muertos in Playa del Carmen

Most people, knowing my disinterest in Halloween, are confused to learn that I really enjoy the celebration of Dia de los Muertos. As a matter of fact, this is my favorite holiday in my new home country and I look forward to it every year! Commonly known Read More...
Posted Wednesday, November 5, 2008 3:46 PM by Rob Kinnon | 7 Comments