Romantic Playa del Carmen for Valentines Day

February 2, 2012 By drlauralee Leave a Comment

Looking for a Unique Valentine Day Idea?

How about a trip to Playa del Carmen, Mexico? I’ll even buy you and your love a romantic breakfast on the beach!

Picture you and your love sipping drinks on the beach in Playa del Carmen

She’ll love romantic Playa del Carmen for Valentines Day. Whether you are looking to stay on the beach at our 5 star, El Taj Ocean (named the #2 Hotel in all of Mexico by Trip Advisor for 2012), or something less expensive, but romantic (or romantico as the Mexicans say) at Porto Playa or Maya Villa, both 4 star properties with great amenities. Contact Laura or Kelly at drlauraleli@gmail.com or call us at 630-664-3904 and ask for the Valentine Special!

What’s there to do in Playa for Valentine’s Day?

Besides beautiful beaches, romantic restaurants and ruins, clubs, 5th Avenue, horseback riding on the beach, wine tastings, and more, there’s perfect weather and walks with the sun on your back.

Mexicans regard friendship very highly, considering it a precious gift of life, and celebrate both love and friendship on February 14, El Día de San Valentín (Valentine’s Day) also called El Día del Amor y la Amistad- the day of love and friendship.

Just as in other parts of the world, Valentine’s Day in Playa del Carmen has signs of love everywhere. Cards and balloons offer “Te Amo” (I love you), “Para mi amor”(for my love), or “Felicidades” (congratulations). Delicious chocolates and flowers, especially red roses, are also sold in many stores. Try Ah Cacao Real Chocolate who has 2 locations in Playa del Carmen (5th Avenue and Constituyentes, or 5ta Ave. between Calle 4 and 6).

Chocolate beans come from Central America and Ah Cacao has original recipes, tasty treats and drinks, and is a great place to hang out and people watch!

Pick one of the many romantica restaurants in Playa del Carmen (Casa Mediterranea,

The most romantic restaurant is Casa Mediterranea in Playa

Da Gigi, Indigo Beach Club (breakfast, lunch or dinner on the beach) and Origines [be serenaded by classical guitarists] are my favorites).

Contact Laura or Kelly at drlauraleli@gmail.com or call us at 630-664-3904 and ask for the Valentine Special!

El Taj Ocean and Porto Playa Condo Hotel in Playa del Carmen

Happy Valentine's Day, honey!

International Music Festival February 2 – 4, 2012

January 30, 2012 By drlauralee Leave a Comment

International Music Festival this weekend

Join us for dancing and/or listening pleasure at the 7th Annual International Music Festival February 2nd-4th, 2012.

Casa de Cultura is hosting the event, and it will be held in both Puerto Morelos and Playa del Carmen the weekends of January 26th- 28th, 2012 and February 2nd-4th, 2012. Please see below for the artist line up and events calendar. The event is free and open to the public!

For additional information on the International Music Festival, visit the website

Here is a calendar of times, dates, and entertainers for the 2012 International Music Festival:

CALENDARIO – 2012

	ENERO 2012			FEBRERO 2012
	Jueves 26	Viernes 27	Sábado 28	Jueves 2	Viernes 3	Sábado 4
18:30 hrs 19:00 hrs	Alumnos de Piano de Erick Sanchez	Carlos Gaviola	El Tambor de Yeikob	Daniel Cortés	Son Aluxes	Són de Tres
19.00 hrs 19.30 hrs	Fuego Maya	Conexión y Resonancia	Saltimbanqui	Dueto Ohm	RoBot	Javier Rojas
19:30 hrs 19:45 hrs	Ballet Folklórico de Puerto Morelos (Yucatán)	Flores, Fuego y Arena (Danza Árabe)	Danza Hip Hop	Compañia Circox	Arte Flamenco	Compañía Bajo Luz A.C. (Danza Contemporánea)
19:45 hrs 20:15 hrs	Rogelio Canché	Ramiro Alejandro	Galería Mental	Men in Blues	Eleonor Dubinsky	El Pollo y los Vegetarianos
20:15 hrs 20:30 hrs	Ballet Folklórico de Puerto Morelos (Nayarit)	Randy	Capoeira	Andres Uscanga	Compañía Quelar Flamenco	Compañía Bajo Luz A.C. (Danza Contemporánea)
20:30 hrs 21:00 hrs	Santuario	Bolena	Chapel Square Combo	Kathy Wilson y Los Chicleros	Kopérnico	Bolé
21:00 hrs 21:15 hrs	Ballet Folklórico de Puerto Morelos (Tabasco)	Origen (Espectáculo Multimedia)	DJ	Compañía 20 Varos	Compañía Quelar Flamenco	Amayama (Danza Ritual)
21:15 hrs 22:00 hrs	Volttax	Operación Cangrejo	I & I	Cinema Dub	Skank Kin	SALSA LATINA

• Ballet Folklórico (Puerto Morelos) -Folkloric Dance

• Bogdan Djukic & Bolé (Yugoslavia-Tulum)-Celtic, Gypsy

• Carlos Gaviola (Argentina-Cancún)-Argentinean Pop

• Chapel Square Combo (Virginia, USA)-Jazz students from Virginia Music Adventures.

• Cinema Dub (Barcelona-Puerto Morelos)-Dubstep and World Music

• Compañía 20 Varos (Mexico/France)-Circus Performers

• Compañía Quelar Flamenco-Spanish Dance

• Compañía Bajo Luz A.C.-Contemporary Dance

• Conexión y Resonancia (Venezuela-France)-Ancestral Multi-Ethnic instruments

• Daniel Cortés-Saxophonist • Dueto Ohm (Playa del Carmen)- Acoustic Rock

• El Pollo y los Vegetarianos (Cancún)-Rock Fusion

• Eleonor Dubinsky (New York)- American Folk, Soul, French pop

• Fuego Maya (Playa del Carmen)- Pre-Columbian Instruments

• Galería Mental (Puerto Morelos-Playa del Carmen)-Multi-Ethnic and Multidiscipline Fusion

• I & I (Mérida)-Reggae

• Javier Rojas (Cancún)- Contemporary Mexican Guitar

• Kathy Wilson y Los Chicleros (San Fco-Puerto Morelos)- Blues, Rock, Reggae

• Men in Blues (Canadá-Puerto Morelos)-Blues

• Operación Cangrejo (Puerto Morelos)-Reggae, World Music

• Ramiro Alejandro (Puerto Morelos)-Violin

• RoBot (Playa del Carmen)-Electric Pop

• Rogelio Canché (Puerto Morelos-Zona Maya)-Singing Mayan Author

• Salsa Latina (Cancún)-Salsa

• Saltimbanqui(Cancún)-Latin Fusion

• Skank Kin (Cozumel)-Reggae

• Son Aluxes (Playa del Carmen)

• Són de Tres (Puerto Morelos)

• TLS (Playa del Carmen)-Acid Jazz

• Volttax (Cancún)-Heavy Metal

If you are looking for a place to stay, please contact Laura at drlauraleli@gmail.com. We have 4 and 5 star properties in Playa del Carmen. Here’s a video of Porto Playa Condo Hotel

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Filed Under: Best of Playa Blog, best properties in Playa del Carmen, Best restaurants in Playa del Carmen, Blog, blog about Playa, Blog about Playa del Carmem, el taj ocean, Hotel in Playa del Carmen, Hotels in Playa del Carmen, Hotels Playa del Carmen, International Music Festival, playa del carmen, Playa del Carmen Accomodations, Playa del Carmen Beach, Playa del Carmen condo, Playa del Carmen condos, Playa del Carmen Resort, Playa del Carmen Resorts, Playa del Carmen Weather, Porto Playa, Porto Playa Condo Hotel, Things to do in Playa del Carmen, weather in Playa Tagged With: Ballet Folklórico, best properties in Playa del Carmen, best resorts in playa del carmen, Bogdan Djukic & Bolé, Carlos Gaviola, Chapel Square Combo, Cinema Dub, Compañía 20 Varos, Compañía Bajo Luz A.C., Compañía Quelar Flamenco-Spanish Dance, Conexión y Resonancia, Daniel Cortés-Saxophonist, El Pollo y los Vegetarianos, Eleonor Dubinsky, Fuego Maya, Galería Mental, I & I, Javier Rojas, Kathy Wilson y Los Chicleros, Operación Cangrejo, Playa del Carmen, Porto Playa Condo Hotel, Ramiro Alejandro, RoBot, Rogelio Canché, Salsa Latina, Saltimbanqui, Skank Kin, Son Aluxes, Són de Tres, Things to Do in Playa, TLS, Volttax

La Sirena Playa del Carmen

January 10, 2012 By drlauralee Leave a Comment

Went to La Sirena last night – great food and lots of fun!!!

La Sirena is located on Calle 16, steps from 5th Ave. in the Porto Playa Condo Hotel Building

This place is so cute, fun and has great food! Something for everyone.

I love 5th Avenue, but I also like to eat at great places just off 5th Ave., places that can be a little less touristy. I love La Sirena. La Sirena is located on Calle 16, steps south of 5th Avenue in the Porto Playa Condo Hotel Bulding. We’re staying in Porto Playa this time (best 2 bedroom unit is 216) and La Sirena will provide drinks and food poolside or in your room. La Sirena’s Facebook pages

Victor is the manager at La Sirena Restaurante

Victor or Max are always around - tell them Laura sent you!

We had the best margherita’s and shrimp ceviche by the pool, the service was great, and very inexpensive. After siesta’s we had friends stop by and decided to go to La Sirena for dinner. We had Aguachile Shrimp (cooked in lime and serrano pepper sauce, Beef Espetinhos (traditional Brazilian charcoal skewers) and a couple of us shared a surf and turf. Everything was delicious and it was so much fun sitting outside being serenaded by mariachi’s who stroll by.

Colleen Kipferl and her daughter Shannon Kipferl were have capuchino's at La Sirena

The menu is a little bit of everything: seafood, pasta, hamburgers, beef, saldas, soups and more. I also like the fact that they have a kids menu – fish sticks, chicken fingers, quesadillas, or pasta. If you’re looking for a lunch or dinner place with kids, I’d highly recomend it. I’m going back this morning for a quick cappuccino and to meet up with some girlfriends.

At night, mariachi's serenade the guests at La Sirena

When you want to get off 5th Ave to eat, try La Sirena: great location, great food, and fun!!!

For rates and availability at Porto Playa Condo Hotel, contact Laura at drlauraleli@gmail.com

Filed Under: 216 in Porto Playa, Best of Playa Blog, Best restaurants in Playa del Carmen, Blog, blog about Playa, Blog about Playa del Carmem, La Sirena Restaurant, playa del carmen, Playa del Carmen condo, Playa del Carmen condos, Playa del Carmen Playa del Carmen, Things to do in Playa del Carmen, Trip Advisor, weather in Playa Tagged With: best properties in Playa del Carmen, best restaurants in Playa del Carmen, La Sirena Barrio, La Sirena Restaurant, Playa del Carmen, Porto Playa, Porto Playa Condo Hotel, Things to Do in Playa, weather in Playa del Carmen

In Memory of Molsen, 2001 – 2012

January 8, 2012 By drlauralee Leave a Comment

Molsen in Mexico

My guy, Molsen

Molsen was my constant companion. He thought I was the greatest person in the world. He walked with me everywhere, every day and, of course, gave unconditional love. He made a difference in my life.

Filed Under: Blog, blog about Playa, Blog about Playa del Carmem, Molsen Tagged With: dogs, dogs in heaven, Mexico, Molsen

Playa del Carmen Tequila Fest January 26-29

January 2, 2012 By drlauralee Leave a Comment

Visit Tequila Fest in Playa del Carmen, January 26-29

EnjoyTequila Fest in Playa del Carmen, January 26-29

Tequila Fest includes: Tequila Taste Tasting Sessions, Pairings with food by the best local chefs, and Informational Courses on Tequila. Join us at Tequila Fest in Playa del Carmen, January 26-29.

Tequila Taste Tasting

The best tequila houses in Mexico are offering hundreds of tequilas available for sampling and purhcase. Experts are available to discuss all aspects of Tequila. Samplings will be offered daily 16:00 hrs to 22:00 (4 – 10 pm).

Price: $ 10USD

Tequila and Food Pairings

Chefs from 26 of the best restaurants in Playa del Carmen will be in charge of the perfect food matching and the tequilas sold in their restaurants. The tastings will be from 7 – 10 pm. Cost is $40usd

There will also be tequila tasting and food matching in four beach clubs from 1- 3 pm

Educational sessions about Tequila

During Tequila Fest lectures are being offered for participants to learn more about tequila, starting from the manufacturing process, the benefits of the different tequilas, the best tequila tasting and food matching.
Schedule: In the morning 27th to January 29th from 9:00 am to 11:00 am.
There will be two introduction lectures: from 9:00 am to 10:00 am and from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Space is limited.
The price per participant is: $15.00 usd / $150.00 mn

For Additional Information visit the Tequila Fest Website

Where to Stay?

Most convenient condo/hotels are Porto Playa, El Taj Ocean, Maya Villa, El Taj Beach and Villas Sacbe. For special discount rates and availability contact Laura at drlauraleli@gmail.com

El Taj Ocean Condo Hotel and Indigo Beach Club

Enjoy Tequila Fest and stay at El Taj Ocean located on the beach in the Premier Zone of Playa del Carmen

Enjoy Tequila Fest from the perfectly located Porto Playa Condo Hotel in the Premier Zone of Playa del Carmen

Maya Billa Condo Hotel in Playa del Carmen

Join us at Maya Villa Condo Hotel in the Premier Zone of Playa del Carmen

Filed Under: best properties in Playa del Carmen, blog about Playa, Blog about Playa del Carmem, el taj ocean, el taj ocean condo hotel, Hotel in Playa del Carmen, Hotels in Playa del Carmen, Hotels Playa del Carmen, Mayan Riviera, playa del carmen, Playa del Carmen Accomodations, Playa del Carmen condo, Playa del Carmen condos, Porto Playa, Porto Playa Condo Hotel, Riviera Maya, Tequila Fest, Things to do in Playa del Carmen Tagged With: best properties in Playa del Carmen, Playa del Carmen, Porto Playa, Porto Playa Condo Hotel, porto playa condo/hotel, Tequila Fest, Things to Do in Playa

Greg Norman to Play in Pro Am Classic in Playa del Carmen

December 28, 2011 By drlauralee Leave a Comment

Greg Norman to play in Pro Am Classic in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, February 22 – 26

Greg Norman to Play in Pro Am in Playa del Carmen

Greg Norman will play in the Pro Am to be held in Playa del Carmen

World Golf Hall of Famer, Greg Norman, will compete in the Pro Am Golf Classic to be held February 22-26 at the Mayakoba resort’s El Camaleon Golf Course.

Norman, winner of 20 PGA TOUR tournaments and designer of the host course, will be competing for the second time in Mexico’s only PGA TOUR event. The last time he competed in Mexico was in 2008. Greg Norman to Play in Pro Am Classic in Playa del Carmen on one of his few tour stops.

“We are extremely excited to have Greg Norman make a commitment to compete in the 2012 tournament,” said Mayakoba Golf Classic Tournament Director Larson Segerdahl. “He always brings a level of excitement when he plays in a golf tournament. We welcome him back and know the fans will be excited to see him compete.”

Norman has won 91 professional events around the world, including the 1986 and 1993 British Open Championships. He has 29 top 10 finishes in major championships and has twice served as captain for the International team in the Presidents Cup competition.

Tickets for the Pro Am will go on sale January 1, 2012 and can be purchased by clicking here or by calling 011 52 (984) 873-4916 in Mexico or 888-66-SHARK in the U.S.

Local residents of Playa del Carmen and the Mayan Riviera can purchase tickets at area golf pro shops within the Cancun and Riviera Maya region.

El Camaleon Golf Course in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Win a chance to play in the Pro Am with Greg Norman!

Enter to Win a Chance to Playa in the Pro Am!

Submit your best golf photo – funny, serious, an action shot, or …? by January 16, 2012. The selection of the grand prize winner will be determined by public vote online at MayakobaGolfClassic. Use the Chicago method of voting: Vote Often! The winner will be announced on February 1, 2012. All finalists will receive VIP passes to attend the 2012 Mayakoba Golf Classic as well as additional prizes below.

Enter yourself or surprise someone else and enter their picture here for an opportunity to play with the pros at the El Camaleón Golf Club, located in Playa del Carmen, Mexico at the Mayakoba.

The Grand Prize Includes:

• Pairing with a PGA TOUR Professional • One (1) Gift Package (retail value $1,000 USD) • Two (2) invitations to the Pro-Am Pairings Party (Tuesday, February 21, 2012) • Two (2) invitations to the Pro-Am Awards Dinner (Wednesday, February 22, 2012) • One (1) Pro-Am Participant credential and One (1) Pro-Am Guest credential granting access on Wednesday to the Founders Club which overlooks the 18th green from the second floor of the El Camaleón Clubhouse (Wednesday, February 22, 2012) • Two (2) wristbands granting access to the Terraza, Fiesta Club (18th Green) and El Camino venues (10th green, 15th green and 17th green) from Thursday – Sunday Upload your photo to the website between October 19, 2011 and January 16, 2012. The selection of the grand prize winner will be determined by public vote on MayakobaGolfClassic.com. The winner will be announced on February 1, 2012. All finalists will receive VIP passes to attend the 2012 Pro Am Golf Classic. El Camaleón Golf Club | Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, México

To submit your photo, click here

For lodging reservations

at El Taj Ocean, Porto Playa, El Taj Beach, Maya Villa, or Villas Sacbe, please email Laura at drlauraleli@gmail.com I’ll buy you breakfast!

Filed Under: Blog, blog about Playa, Blog about Playa del Carmem, Cancun golf, Carmen del PLaya, El Camaleón Golf Club, el taj ocean, el taj ocean condo hotel, golf Cancun, golf Playa del Carmen, Greg Norman, Hotel in Playa del Carmen, Hotels in Playa del Carmen, playa del carmen, Playa del Carmen Accomodations, Playa del Carmen Beach, Playa del Carmen condo, Playa del Carmen condos, Playa del Carmen golf, Playa del Carmen Playa del Carmen, Porto Playa, Porto Playa Condo Hotel, Pro Am in Playa del Carmen Tagged With: El Taj Ocean Condo Hotel, Golf, Playa del Carmen, Playa del Carmen golf, Porto Playa, Porto Playa Condo Hotel, Things to Do in Playa

Happy Holidays from Porto Playa and Playa del Carmen

December 24, 2011 By drlauralee Leave a Comment

Happy Holidays from Porto Playa and Playa del Carmen

Thank you for being part of our Playa family and have a Happy Holiday

We wish you Happy Holidays from Porto Playa and Playa del Carmen, and our sister properties: El Taj Ocean, El Taj Beach, Maya Villa, and Villa Sacbe. We continute to strive to be the best source for your booking needs and to live up to our promises.

Our continuing promises to you in 2012:

1. We respond to all emails within hours.
2. We want you to have the right property for your needs and desires even if it means renting you another unit (not ours) in any of our 5 properties: Porto Playa, El Taj Ocean, El Taj Beach, Maya Villa or Villas Sacbe, or someone else’s property
3. We will be honest with you on any and all questions you may have.
4. We are committed to getting you the best rate we possibly can and can match the Property Management’s rate on all units in all 5 properties.
Our goal is for you to have a fabulous experience and come back again.

Enjoy our video of Porto Playa

Visit our other website and blog: http://www.eltajplayadelcarmen.com and our videos: Playa del Carmen http://youtu.be/90_EhqgMRWk and El Taj Ocean http://youtu.be/5_7GuVH1BAo

Contact Laura for rates and availability at drlauraleli@gmail.com

Happy Holidays from Playa del Carmen

Filed Under: 216 in Porto Playa, best properties in Playa del Carmen, best resorts in Playa del Carmen, Blog, blog about Playa, Blog about Playa del Carmem, Hotels in Playa del Carmen, Hotels Playa del Carmen, Playa del Carmen condo, Playa del Carmen condos, Playa del Carmen Playa del Carmen, Playa del Carmen Resort, Playa del Carmen Resorts, Porto Playa, Porto Playa Condo Hotel, video about Playa del Carmen, Video about Porto Playa, weather in Playa Tagged With: best properties in Playa del Carmen, best resorts in playa del carmen, Blog about Playa, BlogAboutPlaya, Playa del Carmen, Porto Playa, Porto Playa Condo Hotel, video about Playa del Carmen, video about Porto Playa, weather in Playa del Carmen

Casa Mediterranea: Most Romantic Restaurant in Playa del Carmen

December 12, 2011 By drlauralee Leave a Comment

The most romantic restaurant in Playa del Carmen would have to be Casa Mediterranea

Once you step off 5th Ave, you'll feel you are in Italy: the lights, the aroma coming from Casa Mediterranea are bellisimo!

Casa Mediterranea is in a private courtyard on the east side of 5th Ave between Calle 6 and 8, across from Hotel Lunata

Tucked away on a quiet little courtyard off Quinta Avenida, this impressive, small, restaurant is the most romatic restaurant in Playa del Carmen and offers, excellent home-made Italian food. Maurizio and Maria, the owners, are there to greet their guests and are true Italian chefs. The menu is mostly northern Italian, with several dishes from other parts of Italy. There are daily specials, and the best Bruschetta in North America! Everything is wonderful and the ambiance is unbeatable. There are several wines to choose from and a selection of deserts and after dinner drinks to enjoy.

Casa Mediterranea is highly regarded by many, including Frommers, Trip Advisor

Cassa Mediterranea in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Every table at Casa Mediterranea has a view of twinkling lights

Bourtiques near Casa Mediterranea in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

There are 8 - 10 small boutiques sharing the courtyard with Casa Mediterranea

Casa Mediterranea in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

At Christmas time you'll see a Christmas tree decorated outside Casa Mediterranea

You'll see the sign on 5th and as you enter the small courtyard you can't miss Casa Mediterranea

A small Italian restaurant tucked into a courtyard filled with twinkling lights, small boutiques, and a sense of being in Italy

Casa Mediterranea just off 5th Ave in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

In a courtyard off 5th Ave is the most romantic restaurant in Playa del Carmen

Looking for a place to stay in Playa? Contact Laura at drlauraleli@gmail.com for rates and availability at El Taj Ocean, El Taj Beach, Porto Playa, Maya Villa or Villas Sacbe.

drlauraleli@gmail.com

Filed Under: Best Italian restaurants in Playa del Carmen, Best restaurants in Playa del Carmen, Blog, Casa Mediterranea, playa del carmen, Romantic restaurants in Playa del Carmen, Things to do in Playa del Carmen Tagged With: best restaurants in Playa del Carmen, Playa del Carmen, Things to Do in Playa

An update on Playa del Carmen

December 10, 2011 By drlauralee Leave a Comment

Although we live in Chicago, Playa is home to us.

We arrived Thursday at noon and by 1:30, while it was snowing in the midwest, we were eating grilled grouper sandwiches at Coco Maya, had friends over for drinks on the balcony, then ate outdoors at one of the best Italian restaurants in Playa, Al Bar Dello Sport. Although the name implies that it’s a sports bar, I don’t see multiple big screens, or t-shirts/jersies plastered on the walls. It’s more like walking into your Italian aunt’s kitchen.
The weather is 80 during the day and 60′s at night. It is absolutely perfect!

Terry Carmine, Aurel Gusat, and Ed Vidgen on the balcony of 216 at Porto Playa

After lunch we walked the beach. For early December there’s lots of tourists – nothing like Christmas and New Year’s, but still a very healthy number of people.

After the beach walked (10 minutes) to Mega and bought salami, smoked salmon, cheeses, and Carmenere (Chile) wine as well as fruits and pastries. Since our groceries were heavy, we cabbed it back to the condo.

We’re staying in 216 at Porto Playa and gosh the condo and property look lovely. Between the palm trees and flowering bushes the courtyard never looked better. We have the best view of the pools and gardens and I love having coffee in the morning on the balcony. The water from the upper pool flows over the side facing us into the lower pool and the sound is so soothing.

View of pools at Porto Playa, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

As we sit drinking our wine, the view of the pools under a full moon is Bellisimo!

Ed Vidgen and Aurel Gusat, our friends came over for wine and appetizers. We love sitting on the balcony drinking wine with these guys. Since it’s dark here by 5:30 during the winter, we enjoy the courtyard and pools lights. Just beautiful – my compliments to Jack Perlman, the developer. He knows how to light up a place like no one else does. And there’s a full moon!

Sitting on the balcony of 216 at Porto Playa under a full moon!

Al Bar Dello Sport

The four of us went to dinner at Al Bar Dello Sport. I have to laugh because to me it translates as a sports bar, and although during the day they’ll show games on the 2 medium screen TV’s they have, it just doesn’t look like a sports bar and I don’t know a sports bar that serves homemade Italian. It’s on the corner of 5th and Calle 32 (10 minute walk). They made their own Sangria and although I usually don’t like red Sangria (too sweet, and made with bad wine) this was the best I’ve ever had. Ed and Aurel were there when they were making it and told me they used very expensive and good dry red wines. You can tell, it was fabulous!

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I went in the back to see the kitchen and watch them pour our Sangria. Fantastico!!

Sangria in the kitchen at Al Bar Della Sport

Al Bar Dello Sport, one of the best Italian Restaurants in Playa del Carmen

I had pescado (fish) ravioli with shrimp sauce- OMG were they outstanding, Terry had decarne (meat) ravioli, Ed had Gnocchi, Aurel had a pizza (he claims it’s the best in Playa). Pizza is thin crust, European style. A work of art. Our compliments to Pino, the owner.

Say hi to the owner, Pino, of Al Bar Della Sport

Playa is home to many artists, and there are art shows a couple of nights a week. On Thursdays it’s on 5th Ave just north of Constituyentes. I’ve bought several paintings you’ll see hanging on the walls of 216 at Porto Playa or 341 at El Taj Ocean. Walking home tonight I see lots of beautiful pieces.

Artists sell their work on 5th Ave. every Thursday in Playa del Carmen

You can buy beautiful artwork from one of the many artists in Playa del Carmen. Thursdays you can find them on 5th Ave.

I love Playa del Carmen

December 9, 2011 By drlauralee Leave a Comment

Playa del Carmen I love you!

Terry Carmine in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Terry Carmine, a die-hard Packers fan, loves the beach in Playa del Carmen

For those as old as I am, you might remember the words to a song, I Love Paris. For those younger or for those who don’t remember, it’s a song about loving Paris every season of the year, every moment. That’s how I feel about Playa.

We’ve gotten through Fall in Chicago. The leaves are off the trees, it’s cold and damp, and Sundays revolve around Football, specifically the Green Bay Packers. My husband, Terry is a die-hard Packers fan and right now the Packers are 1 point up on the NY Giants.

But all I can think of is Playa. We leave Thursday to spend a few days in Paradise soaking up rays, visiting friends, eating and drinking a little to much and enjoying life.

Days are simple:

Take a long walk on the beach in Playa del Carmen

Miles and miles of white sandy beaches are in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

rise early in the morning, go for a beach walk, come back to the condo(either 216 in Porto Playa or 341 in El Taj Ocean), grab our books, cell phone, Kindle, Ipad and head for the beach. Lunch is either at Indigo Beach Club or Coco Maya, then back to our chairs for idle chit-chat with those around us and a siesta on the beach. Is that heaven or not? Then it’s off to Sasta on 5th Ave. for an expresso or latte and people watching.

Around 6:30 people drop by for a glass of wine. We have wine and hors d’oeurves with old and new friends every night. Terry started the tradition and we’ve come to really enjoy that time spent hearing stories from people who also love Playa.

Around 7:30 we’ll start foraging for a place to eat. Unless we are visiting our favorites (Casa Mediterranea, Pinio’s, Il Baretto, Da Gigi’s or a couple of other haunts) we stroll down The Fifth (that’s 5th Ave) until something grabs us. Very seldom are we unhappy with a meal. The restaurants in Playa are great and serve a variety of cuisines.

5th Ave is 2 miles long filled with shops and open air restaurants

Dinner usually ends around 10 pm. Then it’s either a Sambucca nightcap for me and Ed (our neighbor), Mayan Coffee, or gelatos.

We walk leisurely back to the condo and crawl into our Heavenly Bed only to do it all again tomorrow.

I love Playa del Carmen!

Filed Under: 216 in Porto Playa, Best restaurants in Playa del Carmen, Blog, Carmen del PLaya, Coco Maya, condos in Playa del Carmen, Green Bay Packers, Indigo Beach Club, Mayan coffee, Packers, playa del carmen, Playa del Carmen Resorts, Playa del Carmen Weather, Porto Playa, Porto Playa Condo Hotel, Things to do in Playa del Carmen, weather in Playa Tagged With: beaches in playa del carmen, best properties in Playa del Carmen, Indigo Beach Club, Playa del Carmen, Porto Playa, Porto Playa Condo Hotel, porto playa condo/hotel, Things to Do in Playa, weather in Playa del Carmen

Looking for a Unique Valentine Day Idea?

How about a trip to Playa del Carmen, Mexico? I’ll even buy you and your love a romantic breakfast on the beach!

What’s there to do in Playa for Valentine’s Day?

International Music Festival this weekend

Went to La Sirena last night – great food and lots of fun!!!

For rates and availability at Porto Playa Condo Hotel, contact Laura at drlauraleli@gmail.com

Molsen in Mexico

EnjoyTequila Fest in Playa del Carmen, January 26-29

Tequila Taste Tasting

Tequila and Food Pairings

Educational sessions about Tequila

Where to Stay?

Greg Norman to play in Pro Am Classic in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, February 22 – 26

Enter to Win a Chance to Playa in the Pro Am!

Enter yourself or surprise someone else and enter their picture here for an opportunity to play with the pros at the El Camaleón Golf Club, located in Playa del Carmen, Mexico at the Mayakoba.

The Grand Prize Includes:

To submit your photo, click here

For lodging reservations

Happy Holidays from Porto Playa and Playa del Carmen

Our continuing promises to you in 2012:

Enjoy our video of Porto Playa

Contact Laura for rates and availability at drlauraleli@gmail.com

Happy Holidays from Playa del Carmen

The most romantic restaurant in Playa del Carmen would have to be Casa Mediterranea

Looking for a place to stay in Playa? Contact Laura at drlauraleli@gmail.com for rates and availability at El Taj Ocean, El Taj Beach, Porto Playa, Maya Villa or Villas Sacbe.

Although we live in Chicago, Playa is home to us.

Al Bar Dello Sport

Playa del Carmen I love you!

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