🖤 Tragedy in Tulum and Fyre Festival Chaos 🔥

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📆 It’s Tuesday March 25 and this newsletter has more twists and turns than the Tobagonxote at Xplor!

This week we are reeling from the murder of a respected civil servant in Tulum, celebrating Mexico’s move into the top 10 happiest countries in the world and skeptical about the new location of Fyre Fest 2. We are excited about the beach volleyball tournament, and curious about the results from the Playense’s Choice Awards for the best restaurants in Playa.

Are you ready? Buckle up. Here we go…

— Michele

*This newsletter may be clipped for length in your email. 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, Maya advocate, jungle cowboy and my friend, Michael A Maurus. You can find more of his photography here @capturebymichael and visit his website to learn more about his work in the Maya Hinterland. 

📸 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.

🖤 Tulum and the Riviera Maya community are mourning the tragic death of José Roberto Rodríguez Bautista, Tulum's Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection. The widely respected civil servant was assassinated on March 21 in the La Veleta neighborhood by assailants on a motorcycle. Rodríguez sustained multiple gunshot wounds and succumbed to his injuries in a Playa del Carmen hospital.

🔥 Fyre Festival 2 is now being promoted to take place in Playa del Carmen from May 30 to June 2. Organizer Billy McFarland, previously convicted for fraud related to the original 2017 festival, had previously announced the event would be presented in Isla Mujeres. So far, no confirmation from the venues or municipal officials has been reported. Is this just another scam?

🚗 Quintana Roo is reintroducing the 'Tourist Card' to support visitors driving rental cars. This digital card allows tourists to receive warnings instead of fines for up to two minor traffic infractions. Serious violations, like driving under the influence are excluded.

🏆 The Playenses Choice 2024 awards have unveiled Playa del Carmen's top dining spots, as voted by locals. Highlights include El Fogón for Best Taquería, Doctorcito for Best Seafood Restaurant, and Bendita Costilla for Best Grill/Steakhouse. Discover all the winners here.​

🏐 Playa del Carmen is set to host the 2025 Beach Volleyball World Tour Elite 16 from March 26–30. A spectacular beachfront stadium, accommodating over 2,000 spectators, has been erected for this prestigious event which will feature 24 men's and women's teams from around the world. The tournament starts tomorrow.

🇲🇽 Mexico has achieved a significant milestone by entering the top 10 happiest countries globally, securing the 10th spot in the 2025 World Happiness Report. This recognition, highlighting the nation's strong cultural identity, community bonds, and resilience, has been met with mixed responses in online communities.

⛳ The PGA Riviera Maya Championship is set to debut on the Korn Ferry Tour from May 1–4, at the PGA Riviera Maya course near Tulum. This tournament marks the final international event of the 2025 Korn Ferry Tour schedule, highlighting the region’s emergence as a premier golf destination.

EXPAT LIVING

🌞 Living on the Riviera Maya? Your Skin Needs Extra Love! 

After 20 years of living on the Riviera Maya, I’ve learned that taking care of your skin here is a little different than in other places. The mix of strong sun, salty air, chlorinated pools and even air-conditioning can really take a toll after awhile. The good news? There are plenty of easy, natural ways to keep your skin healthy, protected, and glowing—all year round. Here are some things that really work for me.

☀️ Prioritize Sun Protection, Daily
The sun here is no joke—even on cloudy days. If you are spending a lot of time, outdoors, wear sunscreen every single day and preferably a reef-safe mineral one with zinc oxide if you are planning to be in the ocean or a cenote. It’s better for your skin and our delicate marine habitat. Personally, I usually opt for a hat, sunglasses, and a rashguard with UV protection.

🥑 Eat Skin-Friendly Local Foods
Your skin reflects what you eat, and luckily, the local produce here is amazing. I try to eat foods rich in vitamins A and C—like watermelon, dragonfruit and mango—and get my healthy fats from avocados and pumpkin seeds. It helps battle wrinkles and helps my skin stay clear, soft, and strong.

🛁 Exfoliate with Natural Ingredients
With the heat, sweat, and sunscreen buildup, gentle exfoliation once or twice a week makes a big difference. My daughter likes to mix honey with a little sugar and lime juice for a simple scrub. Just be sure to rinse well and avoid sun exposure right after as lime juice can make your skin extra sensitive.

🚿 Install Water Filters
The tap water here is full of calcium and other minerals that can dry out your skin and hair. Installing a simple inline shower filter can make a big difference—you’ll feel the softness right away. We started using these filters four years ago and change them a few times a year. This has been a game changer for me and my daughter!

🍃 Use Local Aloe Vera for Soothing and Repair
Aloe grows all over the place here, and it’s one of my go-to remedies. If I get too much sun or my skin feels irritated, I cut a fresh stalk, remove the skin and apply it directly to my skin. It’s soothing, healing and totally natural—so much better than those gels you find at Chedraui. For minor wounds or abrasions, apply Melipona honey as a natural curative. It really works!

🥥 Stay Hydrated from the Inside Out
I can always tell when I haven’t been drinking enough water—my skin shows it first. We recently installed an under-sink reverse osmosis system from Bebbia which removed our reliance on garafones and platic bottles. 🙌🏼 I also try to eat lots of juicy local fruits like watermelon, papaya, and mango. Coconut water is also great for hydration and easy to find.

👩‍🦰 Good Skincare Starts on the Inside
Are you looking to take your daily skincare regime to the next level? You should definitely try PIQUE. Much to my mother’s dismay, I never bought in to all the topical skin care creams and potions that she swore by. But I did listen when she said, “You are what you eat”, or in this case, drink. I was introduced to PIQUE by a friend who brought some pouches down with her from the U.S.. If you are serious about skin care, you are going to love these tasty disolvable nutrients.

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Should You Add These to Your Skincare Routine?

About three months ago, I discovered Pique’s Radiant Skin Duo and put it to the test. Within weeks, I saw results no topical product had ever delivered. My skin became clearer, brighter, and deeply hydrated—glowing from within!

The turning point? People started commenting on my skin. The only thing I had changed? Pique’s drinkable skincare!

The Radiant Skin Duo is an inside-out approach to radiance:

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Here’s to glowing skin—from within!

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RIVIERA MAYA REAL ESTATE

🌴Jungle Luxury in Akumal – Your Dream Home Awaits!

If you've been holding out for a seriously stunning home in the Riviera Maya, this villa in Grand Sirenis, Akumal just might be the winner. Tucked inside a gated resort community with private beach access, 24-hour security, and lush jungle all around, this 11,000+ sq. ft. luxury home is the kind of place you won’t want to leave.

The home has two spacious levels, a sleek kitchen with premium appliances, a bright dining area, and a breezy living room that opens to a covered patio and gorgeous pool area with a palapa. Upstairs? A rooftop terrace with sweeping jungle views that stretch all the way to the sea—ideal for sunrise yoga or sunset drinks. Add in solar power, hurricane windows, and smart design touches throughout, and you’ve got the perfect mix of comfort, style, and sustainability.

Whether you’re looking for a private escape or a high-end vacation rental, this Grand Sirenis home is a standout. Click here to see the full listing and contact Marieke to book a tour—this one is pure Riviera Maya magic.

¿QUE PASA?

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

March 26 - 30 | ‘Elite 16’ Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour 2025 at Playa Fundadores in Playa del Carmen. Info and Tickets.

March 28 - April 5 | Rally Maya Mexico 2025 - various locations across the Yucatan peninsula including Tulum Country Club. Info.

March 28 | The Russian State Ballet Mari El will present Swan Lake at the Teatro de la Ciudad in Playa del Carmen. Curtain time 8PM. Tickets.

March 29 | Festival Parrillero del Caribe Mexicano at the Cenote La Cueva del Jaguar on the Ruta de Cenotes in Puerto Morelos. 2PM - 7PM. Info & Tickets.

March 29 | The Russian State Ballet Mari El presents Romeo & Juliet at the Teatro de Cancun. Performances at 6PM and 9PM. Tickets.

March 30 & 31 | Playa del Carmen Taco Festival in the Parque 28 de Julio from 5PM - 10PM. Free admission.

April 2 - 6 | 2nd Annual Puerto Aventuras International Film Festival - various locations and times. Info.

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.

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].

NOTES ON NAPKINS

🍷 Wine Course, Tasting & Dinner at Off the Vine

🍷 Ready to elevate your wine game? Join your friends at Off the Vine Playacar for an unforgettable evening in their private tasting room. Whether you're new to wine or just want to sharpen your palate, this immersive course is your ticket to discovering the art of wine tasting, identifying aromas, and finding the perfect pairings.

You'll explore different grape varieties and wine styles while enjoying a 4-wine tasting, aroma workshop, and a special dinner—all guided by experts in a relaxed, elegant setting. This is one-night-only experience and space is limited—reserve your spot now.

💵 Tickets: $1000 MXN

📍 Address: Off the Vine, Xaman Ha Plaza Playacar
📆 Date: Friday, March 28th
🕓️ Time: 7 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Click here to reserve.
📩 More info: +52 984 125 7774.

🍸️ Contra-Cocktail at Contracultura

🍸️ Step into the world of mixology at Contracultura Playa del Carmen, where cocktails, creativity, and competition collide! This one-of-a-kind event brings together 8 bartenders at 8 bar stations, each serving up a unique cocktail paired with a delicious appetizer. Watch the excitement unfold with both pro and amateur bartending competitions, a live drink contest, and awesome prizes—all while Vinyl DJs spin the soundtrack to an unforgettable night.

Whether you're there to compete, sip, or soak in the vibe, Contra-Cocktail is the place to be for cocktail lovers and partygoers alike.

INCLUDES:

• Pro & Amateur Bartending Competitions

• 8 Bar Stations

• 8 Cocktails + 8 Appetizers

• Drink Contest & Prizes

• Vinyl DJ Sets

• VIP Area Access

💵 Presale: $800 MXN | At the Door: $1000 MXN

📍 Address: Calle 14 / Calle 30 y 35, Playa del Carmen
📆 Date: Saturday, March 29th
🕓️ Time: 4 PM
🎟️ RSVP via WhatsApp: Click here to reserve
📩 More info: [email protected] | +52 562 024 7020

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.

If you came to the SpringFest on Saturday at Colegio Puerto Aventuras, you might have seen me with my little stand set up. Thank you to everyone who stopped in to say hello, dropped off art supplies or tossed some pesos in the jar. Thank you to Directora Gabi for giving us the space. It was a fun day and nice to see everyone out and having fun!

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 collecting until April 26th. Please help if you can!

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