🦃 Got Turkey? We've Got You Covered this Thanksgiving 🦃

🌞 Good morning, Riviera Maya! This is Riviera Maya Insider, the newsletter that makes you the smartest guy at the swing bar.

📣 First … bienvenidos and welcome to all our new readers and a massive shout out to this week’s top referring INSIDER Kelly in Akumal for spreading the word and bringing 35 new subscribers on board!

Do you know someone who should be a 🍍 Riviera Maya Insider? Smash that share button!

Now let’s get into this week’s top news stories.

RIVIERA MAYA ROUNDUP

You don’t need to know everything going on along the Riviera Maya, but you should know something! I sift through hundreds of local and regional news stories so you don’t have to. These are the headlines in this week’s local news that caught my attention.

🏨 Hotel La Rana Cansada in Playa del Carmen has been seized by authorities, in a legal dispute that could mark the end of an era for this iconic property. Known for its charm and long-standing presence in the heart of the city, the hotel and bar is now at the center of a legal battle. Learn more about the circumstances surrounding the seizure and what impact this action may have on Playa del Carmen tourism and investment in the region. Learn more here.

🎢 Xavage Adventure Park has temporarily closed, along with the nighttime attraction, Insomnia Experience at Xenses. The closures come amid decreased tourism spending, impacting the demand for adventure and entertainment options in the region. Grupo Xcaret’s decision raises troubling questions about the future of these attractions and concerns about tourism along the Riviera Maya in general. Read more here.

🏛️ Solidaridad Municipality may soon be renamed Playa del Carmen, aligning its official identity with its most famous city. Advocates believe the change will boost tourism and simplify branding for the region, while others worry about the cultural and administrative implications. Learn more here about the proposed name change and what it could mean for residents and investors.

🌊 Mexican authorities are preparing for a significant arrival of sargassum on Quintana Roo’s shores in 2025. This invasive seaweed has become a growing challenge for the region, impacting beaches, tourism, and marine ecosystems. Efforts are underway to address the environmental and economic effects, with plans for better management and innovative solutions to combat the issue. Read more.

🚣‍♀️ Athletes from Cancun and Puerto Aventuras are set to compete in the Outrigger Canoe Pan American Championship taking place this week in Brazil. This event highlights the region’s growing presence in water sports and the dedication of its talented paddlers. Discover how these athletes are preparing to make waves in Brazil. Read more here.

🏋️‍♀️ After months of waiting, the SmartFit Gym has finally opened in the Puerto Aventuras MultiPlaza filling a gap in the fitness industry caused by the temporary closures of the gyms at both the PA Beach Club & Hotel and the Catalonia Resort.

🚘️ Is AutoZone coming to Puerto Aventuras? For months we have been waiting for construction to start in the space in the MultiPlaza parking lot, previously occupied by the fabric store. If the rumors are correct, we should have a new autoparts shop within a few months. Oh how our little village is growing…

💰️ Playa del Carmen is introducing a new sanitation tax aimed at supporting infrastructure improvements in the region. Each tourist will be taxed by their accommodations. Fees will go to fund public works and infrastructure projects, moving the city closer to sustainable development. Find out how much more visitors will be asked to pay.

Did you find something interesting in the news that you think belongs in the Roundup? Reply to this email and send me the link!

¿QUE PASA RIVIERA MAYA?

Here is a selection of fun and interesting events coming up soon along the Riviera Maya and beyond!

November 19 - Justice for La Rana Cansada - A peaceful, public demonstration at 3 PM to save La Rana Cansada and Bar Ranita, Calle 10 between 5th and 10th.

November 21 - 24 - 12th Annual International Horror Film Festival Morbidó Fest Merida in Merida, Yucatan.

November 24 - 2024 Ironman Cozumel Latin American Championship on Cozumel.

November 28 - Thanksgiving Dinners and Events - Our list for 🦃 Thanksgiving 2024 is shaping up nicely! Scroll down to our article below in the EXPAT LIVING section.

November 29 - Fundraising Dinner for Fundación Sanctuario Akumal at Puerto Canal Restaurant in Puerto Morelos

November 28 - Dec. 2 - Transcendence Festival “The Butterfly Awakening” at Finca Yorogana in Playa del Carmen.

November 30 - Dec. 1 - Chibal Sound Fest 2024 - Free music festival in Bacalar.

December 1 - Tulum Half Marathon 2024 - 5km and 10km races and a 3km walk starting from the Municipal Palace in Tulum.

December 10 - Fundraiser for Gaylita at Café Ole in Puerto Aventuras. Market, music, raffle and more to help cover Gaylita’s ongoing medical expenses.

December 15 - Noel Christmas Run - 10K, 5K and 3K Races in Cancun.

December 21 - El Papalote’s 30th Anniversary Party - Comunidad Educativa El Papalote Celebrates 30 Years of Education in Playa del Carmen

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!

That means a little bit of everything!
Interesting articles about Mexican history, culture, art, food and more.

🦈 Bull shark season has arrived on the Riviera Maya, marking an exciting time for marine enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Each year, these impressive creatures migrate to the warm Caribbean waters near Playa del Carmen, creating a rare opportunity for divers to observe them up close. This season not only offers thrilling underwater encounters but also highlights the importance of marine conservation and responsible tourism in the region. Read my article to learn more.

🌍 Claudia Sheinbaum Advocates for Global Reforestation at G20 Summit
President Claudia Sheinbaum made her international debut at the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, proposing a global reforestation initiative funded by reallocating 1% of military expenditures. She also engaged in bilateral discussions with leaders such as U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, signaling Mexico's renewed commitment to active participation in global affairs. Read the full article here.

🕍 Lost Cities: How Maya Ruins Stand the Test of Time
Have you ever wondered how the Maya cities remain so well-preserved after centuries in the jungle? These ancient structures have defied time, weather, and even modern encroachment. Discover how these ruins continue to reveal the Maya’s architectural genius and their deep connection to the natural world. It’s a captivating look at the legacy of a civilization that still shapes the Yucatán today. Find out more here.

🚗 Mexico’s New President Unveils Electric Car for the People
Mexico’s new president has announced an ambitious plan to produce “Olinia”, an affordable electric vehicle designed for widespread use. This initiative aims to reduce the country’s reliance on fossil fuels and make eco-friendly transportation accessible to the average citizen. This tiny electric car could help reshape Mexico’s automotive industry and transportation future. Read more.

EXPAT LIVING

Insider insights and tips for better living and leisure on the Riviera Maya. Information from expats for expats and anyone planning their dream life in Mexico.

🦃 Celebrating Thanksgiving on the Riviera Maya
For some people, the craziness of spending all day in the kitchen on Thanksgiving is part of the charm. But for others? Not so much. Maybe your new tradition could be having your Thanksgiving dinner catered or dining out at a local restaurant.

Plenty of local businesses are ready to handle your Thanksgiving needs, whether it’s picking up a few extra sides or the entire meal. Check out our (ongoing) list of restaurants and caterers offering Thanksgiving Dinner and start making those plans as soon as you can. Don’t be a turkey and miss out on your top choice.

RIVIERA MAYA REAL ESTATE

Are you interested in purchasing real estate along the Riviera Maya? Are you an investor looking for vacation rental properties with great ROI? Maybe you’re dreaming about finally escaping the rat race and retiring on the beach.

Reply to this email and we can help you start your search the right way, working with fully licensed and certified REALTORs and reputable attorneys.

Featured Listing

This is a unique opportunity to purchase a turnkey business just minutes from the beach in Akumal. This jungle property consists of 10 independent lodges with 15 bedrooms in total. The residences can be rented out individually but the compound has actually become a popular destination for yoga enthusiasts, wellness and spirituality groups who book the entire property for retreats. The options are only as limited as your imagination. Find the listing price and details here.

DO GOOD RIVIERA MAYA

Over the past few weeks, 🍍 Riviera Maya Insider has been running a fundraising campaign to support the Akumal Arts Festival. The promotion was a great success and I was pleased to hand over 110 US dollars to support this year’s event!

This month our featured community organization is LEYENDO.

📚️ Leyendo (which means “reading” in Spanish) is a volunteer-driven organization based in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, dedicated to fostering literacy and a love for reading among local children. The group focuses on establishing libraries in public schools throughout the community, providing students with access to a diverse range of books and educational resources.

Leyendo’s efforts are lead by my friend Janet Lowe and supported by a community of artists and library enthusiasts who collaborate to create inviting reading spaces for children. By promoting literacy, Leyendo aims to empower young readers and contribute to their educational development.

How can 🍍 Riviera Maya Insiders help?

1. Donate new or gently-used books for children or young adults in Spanish. If you are planning a visit to the Riviera Maya, tuck a book or two into your suitcases. If you reply to this email, I’ll be happy to arrange a place for you to drop them off or I’ll come to you and pick them up!
   

2. Share this newsletter with any friends who you think would enjoy or benefit from it. For every one of your friends who subscribes to 🍍 Riviera Maya Insider, I will donate 1 USD to Leyendo. Those funds will be used to buy new books for their upcoming library project.

It costs nothing to share the newsletter and gives you, the INSIDERS, a way to Do Good Riviera Maya. 💪

JOIN THE INSIDERS!

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