⚖️ Time Share Trauma, Fyre Fest Drama & Red Hot Habaneros 🌶️

😷 Good morning! It’s Tuesday April 1 and if you find anything weird in this edition it’s because I am recovering from a nasty bug that’s making the rounds. It’s not my lame attempt at an April Fool’s Day gag!

In fact, if you are reading this newsletter in Mexico, you may be a little disappointed. While in most countries—including the United States—April Fool’s Day is celebrated on April 1st, Mexico has their own unique version called Día de los Inocentes— which is celebrated on December 28th. So, your shenanigans will have to wait. 😎 

⚕️ This week, the RMI newsletter highlights International Health Insurance—more specifically—an upcoming live seminar that I am recommending to all of my friends living in Mexico, regardless of their insurance coverage—or lack thereof. You will find all the details below in the EXPAT LIVING section.

But before that—a quick poll. Because you know I love learning more about all of you and polls are fun.

That’s it! Carry on!

— Michele

*This newsletter may be clipped for length by your email provider. For the best reading experience, scroll up and select the option to READ ONLINE. It’s a better reading experience. Trust me. 😄 

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

📸 Our stunning Photo of the Week was taken by professional photographer Rafael Lizarraga. You can find more of his photography here @rafaellizarragaphotography. Do you know where it was taken?

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

RIVIERA MAYA ROUNDUP

You don’t have to know everything….but you should know something. Here’s what caught my eye in the news this week.

🔥 The Fyre Festival saga continues as organizer Billy McFarland confirmed in a virtual press conference that Fyre Festival II will be held in Playa del Carmen from May 30 to June 2. McFarland asserts that all permits have been secured and promises not to repeat the “shortcomings” of the failed 2017 festival. Uh huh. Sure. 🙄

🚨 A Michigan couple remain detained in Cancún over alleged timeshare fraud involving Palace Resorts. The dispute stems from $117,000 USD in charges reversed by their credit card company. The family is protesting the arrest amid claims of “kidnapping”.

🦞 Cozumel’s marine ecosystem is under threat from increased lobster poaching, according to the local fishing cooperative. The fishing cooperatives are asking for consumers and restaurants to respect the veda and for authorities to enforce the law.

🚗 Puerto Aventuras has a shiny new AutoZone conveniently located at the entrance to Puerta Maya, across from BBVA. The only person NOT excited is the guy who sells crappy wiper blades in the Chedraui parking lot. Amiright?

⛽ The PEMEX gas station in Akumal is under scrutiny for allegedly shortchanging customers by delivering less fuel than paid for. Authorities have launched investigations into these claims, urging motorists to remain vigilant and report discrepancies.

🚗 Tulum Country Club recently hosted the launch of Rally Maya 2025, an annual roadtrip celebrating classic cars. Eighty vintage automobiles embarked on a 1,000-kilometer journey through southeastern Mexico, starting from Tulum and touring through Chetumal, Bacalar, Campeche, and Mérida.

🌶️ Researchers at the Scientific Research Center of Yucatán have developed two new habanero pepper varieties—Mayan K’iin and Mayan Chac— which show increased resistance to pests and diseases while still preserving the distinctive flavor and heat essential to Yucatecan cuisine.

⚠️ The FBI has issued a warning to U.S. citizens traveling to Mexico, including Quintana Roo, urging increased caution due to rising cartel-related violence. While the U.S. State Department maintains a Level 2 advisory, the FBI’s alert highlights growing concern during this travel season.

🐢 Environmentalists are sounding the alarm over the use of heavy machinery on Playa del Carmen's beaches as turtle nesting season approaches. Advocates are calling for immediate action to protect these vulnerable creatures.

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EXPAT LIVING

⚕️ Health Insurance in Mexico: What Your Insurance Company May Not Tell You! 🤯 

Navigating the intricacies of international health insurance in Mexico can be daunting, even for seasoned expats like myself. Over the years, I've heard way too many stories of foreign residents facing unexpected challenges with their coverage—from being detained at hospitals until bills are settled to discovering that certain claims were voided due to simple documentation errors.

Unfortunately, these situations are all too common but they can be avoided if you know what to look for in the fine print and know in advance where the pitfalls lie.​

That's why I'm personally recommending this free workshop, 7 International Health Insurance Nightmares Nobody Warns You About. This 60-minute live seminar with a Q&A session following will cover critical insurance topics such as:​

• Reasons you might be prevented from leaving the hospital—even with insurance.​

• Common documentation mistakes that can invalidate your entire claim and strategies to avoid them.​

• The pitfalls of "pre-certification" and how it can still lead to significant out-of-pocket expenses.​

• Why insurers may require police reports when you're filing a claim and what you should know beforehand.​

📆 This seminar is the first in a series and is scheduled for Wednesday, April 2, at 7 PM Central Time (CT). Don't let an emergency situation become a “learning experience”. Join this free workshop and learn how to protect yourself from insurance nightmares that could cost you thousands out-of-pocket—even if you have "premium" coverage.

I’m planning to attand myself so I’ll see you all there!

RIVIERA MAYA REAL ESTATE

🌿 Budget-Friendly Garden-Level Getaway 🏖️

Looking for a low-key escape in the Riviera Maya that still checks all the boxes for comfort, style, and rental potential? This 2-bedroom garden-level condo in Grand Sirenis, Akumal is such a gem. Tucked inside a peaceful, gated resort community, you’ll be surrounded by jungle, cenotes, and walking trails. If you can pry yourself away from the stunning rooftop pool, your private beach access is just a few minutes away.

The condo has a bright, open layout, a fully equipped kitchen, and a private covered patio that opens to a lush garden area—perfect for enjoying your morning coffee or wine in the evening. There's also a lock-off bedroom, giving you flexibility for hosting guests or earning rental income. And the perks? Discounts at the TAO Wellness Center, Jungle Fish Beach Club, and resort Day Passes make it feel like you're living in a boutique resort.

This condo has been professionally designed and decorated and impeccably maintained and is just waiting for you to for you to move in or welcome vacation renters. Click here to see the full listing and schedule a showing—you’re going to love this one.

NOTES ON NAPKINS

🌴 Introducing Josephine’s - A Jungle Dining Experience

Last week, I had the great pleasure of being invited to be a private “tasting dinner” at the home of my friend, Heather. So, I grabbed some foodie pals—all eager guinea pigs—and off we went to her magical jungle hideaway just south of Xpu Ha.

Tucked away in a quiet corner of the Riviera Maya jungle, you will find Josephine’s, an intimate and unique dining experience that you are going to love! This is the second season for Josephine’s with new items added to the menu—and we were eager to sample a little bit of each one!

The focus at Josephine’s is on using the best quality products available, cooked simply (over an open fire when possible) to bring out the best flavor. Heather is always keen to work with the freshest local ingredients so the menu changes from time to time, depending on what’s in season. As it should be.

On the evening in question, we sampled her pistacio guacamole, the cucumber gazpacho (do not miss this), a fresh summer caprese salad with balsamic pearls, shrimp '“Josephine” perfectly seasoned with crushed red pepper and paprika and a grilled rib roast with chili sauce, gingered potatoes and mushrooms. For dessert, we devoured the strawberry lemon tiramisu trifle and a rich chocolate mousse. I’m surprised we had room for it all—but we managed somehow. 😉 

🤫 Psst—If you would like to see the current menu, just reply to this email and I’m happy to send it to you!

Josephine’s welcomes diners Thursday through Saturday from 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM. Reservations are required and—as you can imagine—seating is limited to offer the best possible experience for guests. Josephine’s is BYOB so you can bring a special bottle of wine, bubbly or even your favorite spirit. Soft drinks, mixers and juices are available.

To reserve or if you have any questions regarding allergies, food restrictions or other details to make your night perfect, call or Whatsapp 984 233 3733. Payment can be made in cash or via PayPal.

If you are staying anywhere along the Riviera Maya, Josephine’s offers a one-of-a-kind, elevated dining experience, that you will really enjoy. If you have guests coming to stay or a special something to celebrate, Josephine’s will give you an evening to remember. I have to say, if I lived in her community (and I almost did 😎 ), I might be there every weekend!

¿QUE PASA?

Check out the events and happenings we found for the next month or so on the Riviera Maya and beyond.

April 2 - 6 | 2nd Annual Puerto Aventuras International Film Festival with screenings at various times and locations inside Puerto Aventuras. Be sure not to miss this star-studded event! Individual screening tickets and All-Access VIP Passes are available on the official PAIFF website.

April 3 - 6 | International Book and Literacy Fair at the Parque 28 de Julio in Playa del Carmen. Info.

April 4 | The Ballet of Kiev presents Swan Lake at the Teatro de Cancun. Performance at 8PM. Tickets.

April 4 - 6 | 12th Annual Tequila & Mezcal Expo in the Parque los Fundadores in Playa del Carmen from 3PM - 11PM. Free Admission.

April 10 | Saladdin - A hilarious parody (in Spanish) of the show Aladdin at the Teatro de la Ciudad in Playa del Carmen. Shows at 7PM and 9:30PM. Tickets.

April 12 | Coco Animal Welfare’s 16th Anniverary Party at Perla 28 in Playa del Carmen. 7PM - 12AM. Info.

April 13 | Art Show & Sale Fundraiser for Leyendo 1PM - 4PM at at Buzo’s in Playa del Carmen.

April 25 | Savour Wine Festival IV Edition at the Hacienda Doña Isabel at Bahia Principe Resort in Tulum. The event is open to the public. 6PM - 11PM. Tickets.

April 28 - May 4 | Korn Ferry Tour PGA Golf Tournament at Tulum Country Club. Info.

May 11 | 13th Annual Family Race in Puerto Aventuras. 400m, 1K, 5K & 10K races. Register here before April 30.

May 17 | Mexican Caribbean Music Fest featuring Sting in at Zamna in Tulum. Free Admission.

May 22 - 25 | Riviera Maya Open LPGA Tournament at Mayakoba. Info.

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

🎨 Bringing Color & Creativity to the Kids in El Cuyo 🧒 👧 

At the end of April, a group of Seaside Rotarians will be making a trip to El Cuyo to bring a delivery of arts and crafts supplies to the children of the village. These simple items, ubiquitous in our children’s lives, are impossible to find up there. So—we are going to make their Día del Niño a little brighter and a lot more colorful.

Over the next few weeks, we will be taking donations at La Vagabunda 38 in Playa del Carmen at the Colegio in Puerto Aventuras and Restaurant Latitude 20°. If these locations are not convenient for you, let me know by replying to this email and I’ll arrange to come to you personally. We will be taking donations until April 26th. Please help if you can!

You can learn more about The Rotary Club of Playa del Carmen Seaside on our official website.

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