🥵 Where to Beat the Heat and Avoid the Sargassum this Summer

🌧️ It’s a rainy Tuesday June 3 here on the Riviera Maya. Let’s hope this cool rain helps quell the wildfires popping up all over the peninsula. In today’s newsletter you will find:

• How to beat the summer heat and avoid the sargassum

• Are you ready for hurricane season? Let’s find out!

• An iconic Playa restaurant has a new location and a new menu

• A special winemakers dinner in Playa del Carmen

• An affordable new real estate listing in Akumal

— Michele Kinnon

*This newsletter may be (will 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 photo of the week is a fantastic aerial view of one of the marinas in Puerto Aventuras. You can find more beautiful photos of Puerto Aventuras on the community’s official Instagram page @puertoaventurasoficial.

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

RIVIERA MAYA ROUNDUP

News from the Riviera Maya and beyond. You don’t have to know everything—but you should know something. Here are a few stories that caught my eye in the news this week.

🏖️ A proposed luxury development at Playa Mamitas has sparked controversy in Playa del Carmen. While Mayor Estefanía Mercado denies environmental damage and plans to privatize the beach, new documents and aerial footage contradict her statements.

🦩 A record-breaking 14,757 pink flamingo nests have been documented in the Río Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, with 40% of eggs already hatched. The species still faces threats from habitat loss and climate change but these numbers prove the success of conservation efforts in the region.

📊 Yucatán has been reaffirmed as Mexico’s safest state, according to the latest INEGI survey, with Mérida leading as the most secure city nationwide. This recognition underscores the region's commitment to public safety and quality of life, contributing to its growing appeal among tourists, foreign investors, and residents.

🚖 Quintana Roo is advancing plans to introduce taxi meters in major cities like Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, aiming for fairer fares and increased transparency. A pilot program is expected to launch in 2025, marking a significant step toward modernizing the region's transportation infrastructure.

🚨 A popular bar in Playa del Carmen was the scene of a violent armed attack, leaving multiple people injured. Authorities suspect the incident is linked to extortion attempts, highlighting ongoing security challenges in the area. Investigations are underway to identify the perpetrators and motives behind the assault.

🏘️ Quintana Roo is intensifying efforts to regulate vacation rentals, mandating registration and compliance with safety and tax requirements. The goal of the initiative is to balance tourism growth with housing accessibility and community well-being. Rental property owners question the effect on their bottom line.

ICYMI

In case you missed it, these are the most popular news stories from last week.

🚗 Foreigners with temporary residency in Quintana Roo can now apply for driver’s licenses valid for up to 12 months. The move aims to support long-term visitors, particularly from the U.S. and Canada, by simplifying legal driving and insurance processes.

🌊 Tulum’s beach access battle heats up as expats and locals continue to protest entry restrictions at Jaguar Park. With conservation, tourism, and equity all in play, the clash is reshaping ideas about who gets to enjoy paradise—and how. Get the full story.

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EXPAT LIVING

🌪️ Are You Ready for Hurricane Season?

If you live in Puerto Aventuras (where we live) or anywhere along the Riviera Maya, you probably already know that hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, with the biggest risk between August and October. While major storms are rare, preparation is everything.If you’ve weathered hurricanes like Emily or Wilma, you know what I’m talking about.

From trimming trees and stocking up on water to updating your emergency contact list, there’s a lot you can do right now to make sure you and your home are ready—before the spaghetti models start heading our way. And if you’ve never heard of the coin-in-the-freezer trick, now’s the time to learn it.

In this practical, experience-based guide, we cover everything from the difference between a Hurricane Watch and a Warning, how to prep your pets, prescriptions, propane, and what to do if the power is out for days. Whether you plan to ride out the storm or retreat inland, having a solid plan is the key to keeping calm, safe, and maybe even entertained.

👉 Click here to read the full guide and get our complete checklist for hurricane preparedness in the Riviera Maya. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, you’ll want to bookmark this one.

TRAVEL TALK

🌊 How to Beat the Heat and Hide From Sargassum This Summer

Welcome to summer on the Riviera Maya! It’s hot. The humidity is off the charts. It’s only June. To add insult to injury, sargassum is covering our glorious beaches in record breaking amounts.

If you are still planning your summer trip to the Mexican Caribbean and haven’t settled on your destination or booked accommodations yet, here are some of the places to go that may not be so affected by sargassum. If you are considering, Isla Mujeres or Cozumel, be sure to look for properties located on the west coast of the island.

Holbox - El Cuyo - Isla Mujeres - Cozumel - Bacalar

If you do find yourself on the Riviera Maya during the summer months and you are tired of wading through seaweed to cool off, you may want to consider these other water-based activities to keep cool and have fun.

Cenotes - I think that summer is actually the best time of year to enjoy our cenotes. No matter where you are staying along the Riviera Maya, there are bound to be cenotes near you. Most of them are pretty budget friendly. Just open up Google maps to find the cenotes closest to you.

Rooftop Pools - If you are staying in Playa del Carmen, this is going to be an easy fix for your beach woes. Playa has some great rooftop pools that offer day passes as well as food and drink to purchase. These are a great place to spend hot summer days when the beach is not so appealing.

Muyil Ruins and Float - Explore the ruins of Muyil in the morning when it’s cooler and then take a lancha out into the canals of the Sian Kaan Biosphere where the currents create a natural lazy river, propelling you through the marshes and magroves. If you haven’t done this yet, I highly recommend it.

Snorkel Tours - This is great way to get out past the mats of sargassum and enjoy the waters of the Caribbean Sea. There are some good tour options especially in Puerto Morelos, Puerto Aventuras and Akumal that will take you out by lancha or catamaran, avoiding the seaweed and allowing you enjoy a few hours out on and in the water.

Laguna Kaan Luum - Located just 15 minutes south of Tulum, inside the Sian Kaan Biosphere, this incredible lagoon is a great destination at any time of year. The water is calm and shallow, perfect for kids and paddleboarding. Bring a picnic and enjoy!

Xel Ha - Xel Ha is a great option for water-based fun during the summer months. They have installed a floating bridge with nets that capture the sargassum before it reaches their protected inlet. Kids or no kids, we always have fun at Xel Ha.

Rio Secreto - If you haven’t visited Rio Secreto yet, summer is the time to so it. This spectacular underwater cave system just south of Playa will keep you cool and blow your mind at the same time! You can book a tour here.

NOTES ON NAPKINS

Oh LaLa! by George Finds a New Home, New Hours and a New Menu

In case you hadn’t heard, one of Playa del Carmen’s most iconic fine dining establishments has a new home. Oh LaLa! by George tucked away since 2011 in an intimate local on Calle 14 bis has moved. Rebranded as Maison Oh LaLa! , the restaurant has relocated to a new spot on Av 10 between Calles 28 & 30, below the Fiesta Inn Hotel.

The new space is bright and accessible and offers more seating than the old location. The interior is sleek and modern with minimalist furnishings and soft lighting. There are just enough flourishes, including dwarf olive trees to let you know you have left Playa del Carmen and stepped into France.

We were excited to learn that Maison Oh LaLa! is also now offering lunch from noon until 5 PM. The carefully curated lunch menu looks fantastic and includes a nice variety meals for all apetites. I’m happy to see their famous onion soup, a hearty salade niçoise, a creamy lobster rolll with cold water lobster and the steak frites are all available at lunch. What a great opportunity to enjoy a special meal without having to waut for dinner!

The new Maison Oh LaLa! is quiet and chic and still perfect for a romantic meal. As before, there is the option to dine al fresco albeit not in the charming garden setting the old location offered. I think I’ll be more likely to sit inside in air-conditioned comfort. See you there!

Masion Oh LaLa! is open Monday through Saturday, serving lunch from noon until 5 PM and dinner from 5 PM until 10 PM. Reservations are strongly recommended through OpenTable.

🍷 Winemaker’s Dinner at Wine O’Clock with Jorge Maciel

Thursday June 5, Wine O’Clock will host a wine paring dinner featuring the wines of Cava Maciel. Restauratuer, sommelier and our friend Gerson Soriano has invited winemaker Jorge Maciel to bring some of his favorite bottles to share alongside four original dishes from Chef Rene Gamboa.

Cava Maciel is a boutique winery nestled in the Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico. Founded in 2009 by self-taught winemaker Jorge Maciel. Jorge’s passion for winemaking ignited after a transformative trip to Italy in 1993. Upon returning to his hometown of Ensenada, he began crafting wines in his parents' garage, guided by the expertise of Enrique Ferro. This humble beginning laid the foundation for Cava Maciel, which officially launched its first commercial vintage in 2009. ​

Today, Cava Maciel produces approximately 3,700 cases annually, sourcing grapes from select sites in the Valle de Guadalupe, San Vicente, and Ojos Negros. The winery's offerings include monovarietals and blends, each named after celestial bodies, reflecting Maciel's fascination with the cosmos. ​

This special winemaker’s dinner will be presented on Thursday June 5 at 8 PM. The cost is 950 MXN per person. Reservations must be made in advance via Whatsapp 984 142 3434.

RIVIERA MAYA REAL ESTATE

🌴 Jungle Views & Rooftop Vibes in Grand Sirenis!

Looking for a vacation property in Akumal? Think you can’t find a 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo on the beachside of 307 for under 200K? Think again! Tucked into a lush, gated resort community just minutes from the beach, this bright and breezy condo in La Reserva by TAO may be just what you are looking for.

Inside, you'll find a modern kitchen, sunny open layout, and a private jungle-view balcony that’s perfect for morning coffee or evening cocktails. The lock-off bedroom with a kitchenette gives you flexibility for guests or rental income, and the entire unit comes fully furnished and move-in ready.

But the real showstopper? The rooftop terrace with an infinity pool, grill area, and partial ocean views. It’s pure vacation mode up there.

With its prime location, peaceful vibe, and strong rental appeal, this one is worth a closer look. Click here to see the full listing and schedule a showing with Marieke.

¿QUE PASA?

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

June 5 - 8 | Cancun Pride Festival on the Tajamar Boardwalk in Cancun.

June 7 | “Magic Music Onstage” with guitar wizard Andre Krengel and classical violinist Sofia Lych at Buzo’s in Playa del Carmen at 8 PM. Tickets 200 MXN at the door.

June 7 | “Les Miserables” (Student Edition) presented by Academia Play at the Teatro de la Ciudad in Playa del Carmen. Show times 4PM and 8PM. Tickets at the door.

June 8 | High Vibez Global Pool & Beach Party at Hyatt Centric Beachhouse in Playa del Carmen. 2PM - 7PM. 10 USD or 200 MXN per person at the door.

June 8 | Playa Comedy Night - Stand Up Comedy in English at Buzo’s in Playa del Carmen. Showtime 7 PM. No cover charge.

June 12 | Name That Tune - Playa del Carmen vs Puerto Morelos. A special edition on the rooftop of La Sirena in Puerto Morelos. Game starts at 7 PM. Free admission.

June 13 & 14 | ”The Divine Comedy, the Musical” presented at the Teatro de la Ciudad as part of the VII Italian Cultural Festival in Playa del Carmen. Showtime 7PM. Tickets.

June 18 | “Saladdin” a parody of Aladdin in Spanish at the Teatro de Cancun. Curtain times 7 PM & 9:30 PM. Tickets.

June 19 - 29 | Festival PAAX-GNP 2025 at Hotel Xcaret Arte in Playa del Carmen. Program, tickets and packages.

🎼 Festival PAAX GNP 2025: A Symphony of Music, Dance, and Culture

Experience the harmonious blend of classical music, contemporary dance, and cultural celebration at the Festival PAAX GNP 2025. Set in the luxurious Hotel Xcaret Arte in Playa del Carmen, this festival runs from June 19 to June 29, 2025, offering an immersive artistic journey in the heart of the Riviera Maya.​

Under the artistic direction of renowned conductor Alondra de la Parra, the festival features performances by the Orquesta Imposible, a collective of world-class musicians. Highlights include symphonic concerts, chamber music, and the innovative "Darkside" series, blending genres and pushing musical boundaries. Dance enthusiasts will appreciate gala performances choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon, showcasing both classical and contemporary pieces.​

The festival also emphasizes social impact through its Armonía Social program, providing music education to youth in the Yucatán Peninsula. The culmination of this initiative is a matinee concert featuring the Armonía Social Youth Orchestra alongside professional musicians.​

For a detailed program and ticket information, visit the official website: festivalpaaxgnp.com.

June 20 | Love Flameco World Tour 2025 at the Teatro de Cancun. Curtain times 7 PM & 9:30 PM. Tickets.

June 21 | La Casteñeda in concert at Sushi 3:16 in Playa del Carmen. Doors open at 8PM. Tickets.

July 11 & 12 | “Diosa del Mar “ International Women’s Fishing Tournament in Puerto Morelos. Info and registration.

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

🥣 Help Us Feed 90 Children in Playa del Carmen

Since 2017, the Rotary Club of Playa del Carmen Seaside’s Feeding the Future program has been providing 90 children with healthy meals, three times a week, in the remote community of Torres de la Paz. Most families here live in extreme poverty, in one-room homes or makeshift shelters. Public services are scarce. Hunger is common.

In a small community school, Seaside Rotary has installed solar power, a clean water system, biodigester, and a modest kitchen where volunteers prepare meals for the students. For just $1,200 USD per month, Feeding the Future feeds all 90 children—but that cost is increasingly hard to meet. The video above was made during COVID but the need is teh same our funds are dwindling.

Here’s how you can help:

• Sponsor a full month for $1,200 USD—perfect for Rotary Clubs, businesses, church groups, or generous donors.

• Donate any amount—every peso counts.

• Share the link and spread the word.

💛 Click here to donate securely
📩 Or email [email protected] for other ways to help.

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