📣 An Open Audition for Carnaval Performers 💃🏼🕺🏽

Today is Tuesday January 21. Are your New Year’s resolutions still alive? January is the perfect time to start fresh and set the tone for an amazing year ahead whether you are here on the Riviera Maya or planning your next trip.

In this edition of Riviera Maya Insider you will find…..

• 🏖️ A new beachfront real estate listing in Akumal

• 🍵 A visit to Playa del Carmen’s new curry house

• ⭐️ How you can protect our marine life

• 🎭️ Performers needed for Carnaval 2025

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PEOPLE ARE TALKING

Thank you for all the wonderful feedback and recommendations. And thank you to Kathy R, Kelly M, Doug C,and Laura W for sharing this newsletter with your friends!

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Our Photo of the Week was taken by my friend who wishes to remain anonymous. I will say, this is was taken in his magical garden in Espita, Yucatan. 😎 IYKYK

If you would like to see your photo featured here, tag @rivieramayainsidermx on Instagram.

RIVIERA MAYA REAL ESTATE

🏖️ Beachfront Condo on Half Moon Bay, Akumal
Experience the beauty of Half Moon Bay from this stunning 2-bedroom, 2-bath oceanfront condo in North Akumal. Enjoy breathtaking Caribbean views, white sandy beaches, and world-class snorkeling just steps from your door. This peaceful seaside village offers charming cafes, restaurants, and a full-service dive shop for the ultimate laid-back lifestyle.

The condo features a sunny living and dining area, a fully equipped kitchen with a breakfast bar, and a private covered terrace—perfect for relaxing or entertaining while taking in the spectacular ocean views. Natural light and breezy airflow enhance the home’s comfortable design.

Whether you're seeking a serene retreat or a prime beachfront investment, this property offers the perfect combination of tranquility and convenience. Click to learn more!

Would you like to see YOUR property promoted here?  Find out how!

RIVIERA MAYA ROUNDUP

🌊 Quintana Roo is bracing for the arrival of 50,000 tons of sargassum in 2025, prompting increased efforts like barriers, cleanup crews, and tracking technology to protect its beaches. This ongoing challenge impacts marine ecosystems and tourism, pushing the region to find sustainable solutions to manage this plague.

🏗️ A civil group in Tulum is demanding the demolition of an unauthorized development that allegedly violates environmental regulations and disrupts local ecosystems. The controversy highlights the tension between rapid development and efforts to preserve the Riviera Maya’s natural beauty.

🚄💧 The Mexican Institute of Water Technology (IMTA) has been tasked with overseeing the water impact of the Maya Train project, ensuring that construction and operation do not compromise local water resources. This initiative aims to address environmental concerns and promote sustainable development in the region.

🏖️ Governor Mara Lezama has revealed a bold plan to restore Quintana Roo’s beaches, set to begin in 2025. The 800 million peso initiative aims to protect the state’s tourism-driven economy while ensuring long-term sustainability. The project includes sand replenishment and will be funded through a mix of government and private sector support.

⚠️ Riviera Maya beachgoers are being warned about recent sightings of the Portuguese Man O’ War along the Mexican Caribbean coastline. These creatures are known for their painful stings, which can cause severe discomfort or allergic reactions. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely offering tips how to stay safe, including what to do if stung.

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🎸 Riviera Maya Insider is now covering the live music scene from Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Paamul, Puerto Aventuras and Akumal. The RMI Live Music Lineup will be updated weekly and delivered to your inbox every Thursday. If you are a musician, band member or have a live music venue, we want to hear from you!

UN POCO DE TODO

☕ Atole: Mexico’s Warm Answer to Winter Chills
For those of us down here on the Riviera Maya, it may be hard to imagine but during the winter months some areas of Mexico can experience chilling even sub-zero temperatures. A few areas at high elevation will see some snow! With no central heating in most homes, chilly winter nights call for something more comforting than coffee or tea. Many locals, like author Brian Overcast, turn to a traditional corn-based drink called atole to stay warm. This thick, creamy beverage is not only warming but deeply rooted in Mexican culinary tradition. Learn more here.

EXPAT LIVING

⭐️ A Friendly Reminder: Please Don’t Touch Starfish
Starfish are fascinating creatures, but they are far more delicate than they appear. A reminder for tourists and guides alike: please don’t lift starfish out of the water.

Starfish breathe through tiny gills called dermal papules, which cover their bodies and allow them to exchange gases with the water. When lifted out of the water, they cannot breathe, and exposure to air can lead to a toxic buildup of carbon dioxide. Even a brief moment out of water is stressful and harmful to them. Repeated handling increases the chances of death from stress or drowning.

While a photo holding a starfish might seem harmless, it comes at a serious cost to the animal. Think about how many times a single starfish might be handled every day by the snorkeling groups that flock to El Cielo on Cozumel.

Many of us (myself included) didn’t realize the harm this causes. But now that we know better, we must do better. Starfish are best admired in their natural environment—untouched and unharmed. If you’re a guide, take the time to inform your clients why this is so important. Let’s all play a part in ensuring these incredible creatures thrive for generations to come.

🎭 Are you looking for a unforgetable experience? The organizers of Carnaval 2025 in Playa del Carmen are holding open auditions for performers! Try outs will be held on Wednesday January 23rd at the Salón de Danza of the Teatro de la Ciudad in Playa del Carmen. Auitions will begin promptly at 10AM.

They are looking for men and women, ages 18-35. (although I am told that is flexible) Scan the QR code above to complete your registration. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this fantastic celebration! Follow IMCAS on Facebook to keep up to date.

NOTES ON NAPKINS

🍴 Playa del Carmen’s Ruta Gastronómica App Gets the Green Light
The Ruta Gastronómica app has earned the support of the Riviera Maya Chefs Association for its innovative approach to showcasing the region's diverse culinary offerings. The app features a digital map of over 300 local restaurants, allowing users to explore options by cuisine, price, and location. It’s designed to enhance both tourist and resident dining experiences by making the vibrant food scene more accessible, with features like QR code-based guides. We will let you know what it’s like when it is launched!

🥣 Curry lovers rejoice: A new and delicious option for Indian cuisine in Playa
We finally made it to the new curry house everyone has been raving about and now we know why. With her simple menu and quiet unassuming manner, Priya Maghendran is quickly becoming the unlikely hero of the PDC restaurant biz. My constant companion who is British remarked that this tasted and felt like the curry houses he would typically frequent in the UK. The service is fast and friendly. The flavors are 100% on point. The prices are in line with the serving sizes and the dining experience.

Don’t come if you are looking for fancy cocktails. Order a nice cold beer or a lassie and enjoy the flavors of Priya’s India. She is doing what she knows and doing it well with quality ingredients. We have visited all the Indian restaurants in Playa del Carmen and Más Masala now comfortably sits within our top two. The restaurant is located on Constituyentes at Av. 15. Reply to this email to check out the menu.

Pro Tip: Dinner drama doesn’t have to be a thing.

Order Tovala instead, and enjoy zero stress with every meal. Tovala’s menu changes every week so there’s always something new—and their at-home delivery makes grocery shopping virtually non-existent. Savor freshly-cooked flavors in every meal—with just 1-minute of prep.

Get started now and ditch the dinner drama.

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¿QUE PASA RIVIERA MAYA?

Today - January 26 | Merida Fest 2025 (multiple events & locations) Info

Today - January 30 | Public Exhibition of the Art of Marcelo Jiménez at the Palacio Municipal (Centro) in Playa del Carmen.

January 23 - 25 | Seussical The Musical presented by Explayarte at the Teatro de la Ciudad in Playa del Carmen. Curtain times: Jan. 23 & 24 at 6PM, January 25 at 4PM.

January 24 | “Memories of Cozumel” - Exhibition of the works of Adriana Delfin at the Museo de la Isla on Cozumel. Begins at 6PM. Free admission.

January 24 & 25 | Coffee Fest Riviera Maya in the Plaza 28 de Julio, Playa del Carmen, 5PM - 10PM.

January 26 | 2025 Corrida Blanca Bullfight - Plaza de Toros in Merida, 4:30PM.

January 30 | Fundraiser for Leyendo at Buzo’s in Playa del Carmen, 4PM - 7PM.

January 30 - February 3 | ARENA Festival 2025 in Playa del Carmen. Tickets

February 2 | 10th Annual Feria del Tamal y el Atole from 5PM - 10PM in the Parque 28 de Julio in Playa del Carmen. Free Admission.

February 12 - 15 | Island Time Fishing Tournament & Music Fest on Isla Mujeres. Info

February 14 | Mercado de Amor - a special Valentines Day Market at La Lomita in Puerto Aventuras. To participate as a vendor whatsapp ‪+52 55 4092 9036‬.

February 15 | Moulin Rouge, The Musical at the new Teatro de la Ciudad in Cancun. Curtain time 8PM.

February 19 | 14th Annual KKiS Project Fundraising Gala at The Grand Hyatt in Playa del Carmen. Dinner and live auction 6PM - 10PM. Ticketing information detailed below.

Do you have information about an upcoming event that you would like to see shared on Riviera Maya Insider? Let us know by replying to this email or sending it to [email protected].

DO GOOD RIVIERA MAYA

This month our featured community organization is The KKiS Project and specifically, their upcoming Gala Fundraiser. This is the biggest fundraising effort of the year for KKiS - Keeping Kids in School and essential to the success of their programs.

🎉 The KKIS Gala 2025: Funding Futures, One Student at a Time! 🎉

Get ready for an unforgettable night at the annual KKIS Gala – the Riviera Maya’s most anticipated charity event of the year!

✨ Date: Wednesday, February 19, 2025
✨ Location: Grand Hyatt, Playa del Carmen
✨ Theme: ‘Funding a Future’
✨ Dress Code: Wear your best white attire for this special evening!
✨ Ticket Price: $125 per person

🌟 Why Attend?

• Make a Difference: Every ticket you buy helps us bring education, opportunities, and a brighter future to the incredible students of Playa del Carmen.

• Dine in Style: Savor a gourmet buffet dinner prepared by top chefs at the Grand Hyatt.

• Open Bar: Unlimited drinks available for all attendees.

• Auction Extravaganza: Bid on unique, high-value auction items, including once-in-a-lifetime experiences, local treasures, and more.

Let’s come together to celebrate community, give back, and change lives – all while enjoying an extraordinary night with friends, family, and fellow changemakers. We have our seats reserved and hope to see you there!

🎟️ Reserve your tickets here: bit.ly/kkis-gala-tickets

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