The renovations seem to be taking more time than was originally planned for the Royal Hideaway Playacar; looks like the deadline for the completion has gone from Nov. 15 to Dec. 20, 2016. Here is a list of what has been completed or is going to be worked on during the renovation process: Continue reading
There is a new aquarium in Playa del Carmen called L’Aquarium by Blau Life. It consists of 45 exhibitions and promotes the education and conservation of marine life through observation and interaction with the exhibits. It is the 3rd largest aquarium in the country and is located on the corner of 5th Avenue and 14th Street. At this time there is a paucity of information about the new attraction, but I’m sure they will be promoting it via Facebook and/or a website, so stay tuned.
For those of you looking for a boutique resort in the heart of Playa del Carmen just off of 5th Ave., check out Hotel Live Aqua Boutique Resort Playa del Carmen. This luxury resort opened December 2015 and is located just off of 5th Ave. and Calle 32 Norte; it is walking distance from Mamita’s Beach Club and steps from Playa del Carmen’s action. Hotel Live Aqua also offers discounted admission to both Mamita’s and Kool beach clubs in Playa del Carmen.
Uber began offering their private car service in Cancun Sept. 14, 2016 under a temporary operating license. While it is now up and running, the Mexican government is trying to find a way to temporarily halt the service until it can be regulated just like the taxi service. Understandably, taxi drivers are also upset and trying to highlight current government traffic laws which supposedly outlaw outside companies, such as Uber, from operating in Quintana Roo.
Bless the person who invented the drone as well as the person/company who decided that making drone videos of resorts could be a money-making business. Gotta love them–they give a great overall view of a resort’s general layout which can provide additional information when deciding whether or not to book a specific resort.
Take a quick look at what Secrets Maroma has to offer–who has stayed here before?
For Hyatt Ziva Cancun guests too tired to go out to the clubs but want a chance to listen to some house/EDM music and dance, there is a new opportunity to do so on Tuesday nights at the Punta Vista bar by the adults-only rooftop pool. It is simply called “Club Night” and it is open to all adult guests, not just guests staying in the adults-only Turquoize Tower (during the day, this rooftop pool area is only open to those staying in the Turquoize Tower). It is open from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. and consists of a DJ and hired dancers along with a small lit stage for dancing. Sounds like fun!
Those of you who have been patiently waiting for the After Dark sports bar and nightclub to open have to wait no longer. While it’s opening was initially delayed over two months after the resort’s official opening, After Dark is now open for late-night partiers (it’s open until 3 a.m.).
I just read on the Friends of Akumal Bay page on Facebook that the new Profepa rule states that all fins are now banned from snorkelers at Akumal Bay. This reportedly includes all tour group members as well as guests staying at the resorts. Wow. Fins disturb the sand which prevents the sun from nourishing sea bottom grasses as well as potentially damaging coral beds, so looks like the new rule makes sense for the turtles but may present a different kind of snorkeling experience for vacationers.
For those of you who like to explore away from your resort, there is a new monkey/animal sanctuary which recently opened just outside the town of Akumal in the Riviera Maya. While it is called the Akumal Monkey Sanctuary, there are several different types of animals which are housed onsite including several macaws, a couple of boa constrictors, a red kangaroo, a Shetland pony, a lemur, several burros, as well as several different types of monkeys.