I wonder if this will be the new trend in aqua exercise at all the resorts or just the upscale ones. I first discovered the aqua bikes at Secrets Akumal in November, then read that Valentin Imperial Maya and Secrets Silversands also have the same equipment. Does anyone else know if any other resorts have started this exercise program? Let me know!
Tulum’s Mayan ruins is a popular tourist attraction in the Riviera Maya with approximately two million visitors each year. Recently, there have been some proposed changes including the following: Continue reading
Experiencias Xcaret has announced that a new ecopark will be opening in the Riviera Maya June 1, 2016 (it originally was supposed to open Oct. 2015). The new park, Xenses, is approximately 99 acres with a cost of USD $20 million and will be “nature-focused” and thus similar to Xcaret and Xplor parks in its general environmental setting. Xenses, however, will differ from these parks in that it will focus on the “feelings and experiences” one has with and about nature with an emphasis on sight, touch, and taste.
I just came back from Akumal the first part of December and did not encounter this, but word has it that the beach access road into Akumal has been blocked due to a protest which is currently going on. The protest is being staged by locals who are against the new proposal to charge a fee (USD $12 p/p) to enter the beach area. This is interfering both with tourists who are staying elsewhere and want to snorkel at Akumal Bay and with those who are staying in the area in a condo or other rental. Check back for updates! In the meantime, here is a link to an article which explains a bit more about the situation.
Kan-Kanán, the world’s longest artificial reef, is reportedly near completion after a lengthy and careful placement of over 1,000 hollow, pyramid-shaped structures. The artificial reef was constructed off the Punta Brava coastline and affected the all-inclusive resorts of Generations Riviera Maya, El Dorado Casitas Royale, and El Dorado Royale. Each pyramid-shaped concrete and silica-based structure was carefully placed with the aid of a crane and a team of divers–in Mayan, the name Kan-Kanán means “the guarding serpent” which is exactly what the structure looks like from above. The artificial reef will reportedly deter coastline erosion in addition to providing an eco-friendly habitat for marine life. The project will be completed by the end of December 2015.
Just a note, Iberostar has confirmed on Twitter that the entire resort is scheduled to reopen for guests on Dec. 11, 2015. It may open on the 10th, but officially they are taking bookings for the 11th. Right now the Tucan and Quetzal sides are both closed due to the fire which occurred the other day–the damage was greater than originally thought with both main buffets, the spa, the bar area, and several nearby guest room buildings affected by the smoke and flame.
Unfortunately, there was a fire yesterday at the Iberostar Quetzal which totally destroyed the lobby and surrounding area. Reportedly the fire was started by a spark from the buffet restaurant kitchen, but that is unconfirmed. Guests from the Iberostar resort were evacuated and have been bussed to the Iberostar Paraiso. There were some guests and employees which incurred minor smoke inhalation injuries, but a fireman is in the hospital in critical condition. Here are a few sad pics:
Found a nice video on Vimeo.com which shows several different beach areas and towns in the Riviera Maya. Check out the video and see what looks familiar to you–I saw Riu Palace Riviera Maya twice within the first 2 1/2 minutes, Gran Porto Real and THE Royal Playa del Carman at around the 4:26 mark, and what I believe is the new Secrets Akumal construction at around the 3:33 mark.
By the end of 2015, Xperiencias Xcaret (Xplor, Xel-Ha, Xenotes, Xoximilco, and Xcaret Parks) will be opening two new parks in the Riviera Maya. The first park is scheduled to open sometime this summer and will feature a free-flight aviary with 70 bird species from southern Mexico. The second park, Xenses, is scheduled to open October 2015. This park is more of a secret–“it is designed to strengthen the senses of visitors”. Check out this link to learn more.
Canada-based Cirque du Soleil is building a new 600-seat theater next to Valentin Imperial Maya in the Riviera Maya. Its inaugural show, Joyà (meaning jewel, in Spanish), will occur Nov. 8, 2014; tickets are already on sale for USD $65–for $165 you can get a three-course dinner served with champagne. Here’s a video teaser: