Donde esta Santa Claus (Where is Santa Claus)
Where is Santa Claus (Donde esta Santa Claus)
Restaurant Discounts in Playa del Carmen
September 23, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Guests at our Condo Hotel properties * receive discounts of 10 – 15% at the following restaurants:
*El Taj Ocean, Porto Playa, Maya Villa, El Taj Beach, Villas Sacbe: all in the Premier Zone of Playa del Carmen. Walk to your favorite restaurants
See map at bottom for restaurant locations. Bon Appetite!
Restaurant Discounts In Playa del Carmen
Fine Dining:
- Casa Mediterranea is one our favorite restaurants. Very cute, outstanding food, romantic. Mauricio and Maria are the owners and are there every night.
CASA MEDITERRANEA: This wonderful little Italian restaurant is one of the best and most romantic restaurants in Playa. This is where many other restaurant owners go to eat on their nights off. The ambient courtyard setting, with lots of trees, twinkling lights and vegetation, provides a cozy neighborhood feel. Managed and operated by the Italian owners, Maurizio and Maria, and are present every day. Although ingredients are always fresh, it’s a good idea to ask them about their personal recommendations for the day. Map locator # 17, * NO CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED * 5thAvenue between 8th & 6th street
Trip Advisor Reviews
Join the fun outside, or come into the air-conditioning for great steak and seakfood
ALDEA CORAZON: This magical piece of Mayan culture includes a sacred garden invisible from the outside. A magical environment surrounded by dream catchers, tropical greenery, old leaf trees, underground cenotes and a cascading fountain. Enjoying mouth-watering dishes as fresh local fish with hibiscus flower sauce or a tender beef fillet, stuffed with huitlacoche (Mexican corn fungus) covered with spicy poblano chile sauce. Fusion of Mexican cuisine with a Mayan twist.
Map locator # 9, 5th Avenue between 14 and 16Street.
Trip Advisor Reviews
- Byblos is very french, very romantic and very good! Just off 5th at Corazon
BYBLOS: Gourmet French Restaurant by Parisian owners. Cozy French restaurant and wine bar with white linen and low candlelight. French romance. Some of Byblos signature dishes include Duck Foie Gras, Escargot and French onion soup that top the list of favorite French delights.
Map locator # 4, 14th Street between 5th Avenue and 10Th Avenue.
Trip Advisor Reviews
- Very cute, great food, great location
DRUPAS 38: Delicious gourmet Mediterranean dishes for those who want to try something a little different, and excite their palate with a new experience. From appetizers to desserts every dish is designed to please. Air conditioning dining room or outside terrace seating. Map locator # 3, 5th Avenue & 38th Street
Trip Advisor Reviews
Agua is on the second floor with a great breeze, outstanding seafood, and lovely atmosphere. People watch on 5th Ave.
LA CASA DEL AGUA: Combines a unique dining atmosphere with a versatile menu of an International Cuisine specializing in seafood. An extraordinary setting located on the second floor with cool ocean breezes and beautiful ambiance.
Map locator # 5, 5th Avenue & 2nd Street
Trip Advisor Ratings
Great place for steak or seafood
LATERAL: Seafood & steak restaurant, Relax on the shaded patio or cool off in the air conditoned interior
while enjoying international menu, full of standard classics and some new twists on old favorites.
A light fresh environment with lots of class and no attitude.
Map locator # 8, Corazon street and 14th street.
Trip Advisor Reviews
- We love Oh Lala because it has fabulous food and wonderful service. It’s on 10th in a small storefront. Menu changes often and is one of our favorites
OH LALA INTERNATIONAL CUISINE BY GEORGE: is a small and intimate restaurant with only 7 tables is operated and owned by a young couple whose aim is to provide their guests an enjoyable and unforgettable gourmet experience. The fine selection of dishes presented on the Menu, is prepared in a small open kitchen. An exquisite combination of flavors that shows the chefs’ great passion for the art of cooking.
Map locator #15, Av.10 between 14bis & 16th streets.
Trip Advisor Reiews
- Mosquito Blue is easy to spot on 5th Ave and the corner of Calle 12. It’s very sophisticated and high end food and ambiance
MOSQUITO BLUE: Gourmet, fashionable restaurant serving Mediterranean fusion cuisine. The furniture is designed by the famous architect Philippe Starck
Map locator #1, 5th Avenue & 12th street.
Trip Advisor Reviews
- Wicky’s is easy to find: Look for the light house on the beach (El Faro) and Wicky’s is right there. Known for great meat
WICKY´S: This upscale restaurant & casual beach club features spectacular beachfront location serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner specializing in USDA prime steaks & fresh market seafood, free WiFi in their air-conditioned restaurant and seaside terrace. Wicky’s boasts the best hamburger in the Riviera Maya, as well as steaks. Map Locator #24, 10th Street between 5th Avenue & Beach
Trip Advisor Reviews
Casual Dining:
- La Sirena is on Calle 16 just east of 5th. It’s in the same building as Porto Playa and they have great ceviche, margarita’s, service, and location. If you stay at Porto Playa, you can get Room Service and Pool Service from La Sirena
LA SIRENA DE MAR Y BARRIO: a great seafood restaurant, charcoal grill, tacos, hamburgers and ceviches. Located at our Porto Playa property, they have a great kids area just below a glass floor where you can see your kids play being taken care of by a nanny while you enjoy great seafood, meat dishes, natural drinks and cocktails from the bar. Open for breakfast at 9 am until dinner, ROOM CHARGE ACCEPTED *Room service is also available in Porto Playa. Please see in room menu. Map locator #27, 16th Street between 1st Avenue & 5th Street.
Trip Advisor Reviews
Great Mexican foods and drink
MI PUEBLO: Authentic Mexican cuisine made with the original recipes passed on from generations. Amazing Mexican delicacies prepared in an open style kitchen. Their home made mole sauce is a mix of 73 different ingredients that give it an exquisite flavor. The decoration is made by local artists. Entertainment by Mariachi musicians in a carnival atmosphere Map locator #23, 5th Avenue & 8th Street
Trip Advisor Reviews
Great sushi off 5th Ave.
SUSHI CLUB: Best Sushi in all of Playa! The sushi club also provides an ambiance and setting as beautiful as the food they serve! Map locator # 10, 26th street & 10th Avenue.
Great location, food and service.
SUR Steakhouse: Argentinean grill with many fine cuts of beef and large variety of choices. Great ambiance and a perfect spot for people watching. Offering a large variety of appetizers, salads, pasta, meats, pizzas and a large seafood section.
Map locator # 11, 5th Avenue & Calle Corazón- Hearts’ alley.
Trip Advisor Reviews
Love it! It’s very cool
LA CUEVA DEL CHANGO: (The Monkey’s Cave) – This is an institution in Playa and something to experience. The culinary delights are spectacular and it’s the not the only thing that is natural and pure. Restaurant was built over 20 years ago with natural materials in a jungle like atmosphere. There is a small river stream that connects throughout the interior and into the jungle garden where some of the best meals are served. All food is fresh and natural: home-made rye bread, freshly made salsas, fresh fish and salads. Even the tortillas are made “en casa”, Open for Breakfast, Lunch and dinner * NO CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED * Map locator # 16, 38th Street between 5th Avenue & 1st Avenue
Trip Advisor Reviews
- Best location and view is at Indigo Beach Club. Francesco is the brilliant owner of Indigo. He an Paulo, the chef, are from Italy and the food is phenomenal. Great drinks and deserts as well. Open for Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
INDIGO BEACH CLUB: The perfect place to relax under the Caribbean stared sky tasting the specialty of our cuisine, a Mediterranean touch with an international influence, the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or to have a drink with a friend. .ROOM CHARGE ACCEPTED.
Map locator # 2, Located on the 14th street and the beach
Trip Advisor Reviews
Located on First Ave in the Maya Villas Building, centered between all of our properties. It’s great food and sweet/charming
IMPREVIST: Located just a few steps from our property Maya Villa. IMPREVIST is a charming restaurant that offers an international gourmet buffet to dine in a unique space decorated with brick ceilings. Seats 28, the menu changes according to the season and the most fresh ingredients that you can get . ROOM CHARGE ACCEPTED. Located on First Avenue, between Calle 14 and Calle 16
Most of the restaurants are located on or close to 5th Ave. Our condo hotel properties (El Taj Ocean, Porto Playa, Maya Villa, El Taj Beach, and Villas Sacbe, are all in the Premier Zone close to the restaurants.
Contact Matt or Laura for Contact Matt or Laura for rates and availability at El Taj Ocean, Porto Playa, El Taj Beach, Maya Villa, and Villas Sacbe
drlauraleli@gmail.com 312-560-3508 or 708-267-3630
Restaurant deals in Playa del Carmen
Imprevist one of Best Restaurants in Playa del Carmen
September 3, 2012 By Leave a Comment
There are many inexpensive places to have eat on 5th Ave, but if you are looking for something more upscale (and delicious!), try Imprevist on First Ave between Calle 16 and Calle 14, in the Maya Villa Condo Hotel building. Imprevist one of Best Restaurants in Playa del Carmen
Imprevist is located on First Ave between Calle 16 and Calle 14. Great food and ambiance
They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with tables outside or inside. The inside has been transformed into a beautiful little bistro with curved brick ceilings and a great ambience.
The inside of Imprevist seats about 20 people and has beautiful brick, curved ceilings.
We had dinner last night and went back for breakfast today. The food was fabulous for both meals, and the chef, Juan Diego Solombrino does a great job. Christine Bertrand took care of us this morning and we had a wonderful experience with her.
Christine took excellent care of us at Imprevist. She speaks several languages fluently
Menu prices include taxes. Gratuity is extra.
The menu offers a wide variety of seasonal foods and everything is wonderful
For reservations, call 984.168.7025
If you book your reservation with me at any of our properties (Porto Playa Condo Hotel, El Taj Ocean Condo Hotel, Maya Villa Condo Hotel, Villas Sacbe Condo Htel), you receive a 10% discount off your food at Imprevist!!
Please email Laura at drlauraleli@gmail.com or call 630.664.3908
Imprevist one of Best Restaurants in Playa del Carmen
Sea Turtle Festival, The Tour de Turtles, in Riviera Maya
June 13, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Sea Turtle Festival in Riviera Maya
Join the Conservation Activities to Preserve the Sea Turtles
The Tour de Turtles Migration Marathon, hosted by the Florida-based Sea Turtle Conservancy will take place in the Riviera Maya, including Playa del Carmen, June 21 – 24.
The purpose of the conservation event is to track sea turtles from important nesting sites and identify their migration patterns. Sea Turtle Conservancy workers will attach a satellite tracking device to the mature turtles as they lay eggs on the Riviera Maya beaches, then workers will track the migration movements from the nesting beaches during the next three months. Various hotels sponsor turtles and the turtle that travels the farthest is the “winner” Hotel guests can be involved in the activities and the results
Supporters can meet the contestants, learn about the challenges of their long journeys and follow the progress of their favorite turtles as the satellite sends data on their locations and distances traveled at www.tourdeturtles.org.
Tourism and Turtles
In May and June each year, thousands of sea turtles land on Mexico’s beaches to lay their eggs. In the natural order of things, the eggs would incubate in the sand until hatching 40 or 50 days later. But tourists scrambling for volleyballs and tractors clearing land for new resort towers aren’t compatible with hatchling survival — which even under ideal circumstances is alarmingly low. In addition, adult turtles are prized for their meat, shells, skins and eggs. Since four species nearly became extinct in recent decades, conservation projects throughout the country have been working to protect the vanishing turtles.
Some resorts run extensive programs that send specially trained staff out at night to protect the mother turtle until she returns to the ocean. They then collect the eggs, nests and all, to be taken to a nursery where biologists supervise the incubators and collect research data. When the hatchlings emerge, staff and volunteers take them back to their nesting sites on the beach and release them to find their way to the sea. Nesting season usually runs through September and continues through October in some years.
Guests at these resorts are often invited to participate, usually by escorting the baby turtles safely from their nests to the sea. The Ritz-Carlton Cancún is one of the longest-running and best-known programs. The Mayakoba complex in Playa del Carmen, renowned for its environmental practices, is an important nesting site that draws four species — the Loggerhead, the Green Turtle, the Hawskbill and the Leatherback — to its beaches. It was also the first spot to record an Olive Ridley turtle on the Quintana Roo coast.. The Fairmont Mayakoba’s ecology manager supervises a beach patrol that protects mother turtles who come ashore to lay their eggs, and guests are invited to participate in baby turtle releases from July to October.
The Sea Turtle Conservancy’s map of major nesting sites shows Mexico’s coasts thick with turtles, especially along the central and southern Yucatán coasts, with Playa del Carmen being a centralized city. If you’re heading to any of this area from May to October, be sure to ask your hotel about turtle programs. Many large resorts have their own; smaller hotels may be working with local conservation groups.
Playa, Akumal, and Tulum
On your own, chances of spotting a sea turtle is up to the whims of nature. The closest you’ll come to a guarantee is the main beach at Akumal Bay, famous for the sea turtles that feast in the sea grass pretty much year round. Take a dip, and you might well find turtles gliding along beside you. Akumal is about 20 minutes south of Playa del Carmen and north of Tulum.
The guardian of Akumal’s turtle population is the Centro Ecologico Akumal (www.ceakumal.org). From May to July, you can volunteer to join the center’s workers who walk the beach in search of new turtle nests and protect the exhausted mothers as they make their way back to the ocean and retrieve eggs from dangerous places and move them to hatcheries where they can incubate safely. From August to October, you can usher the tiny hatchlings safely back down the beach to begin their lives in the sea. The turtle walks take place Monday through Friday at 9 p.m. and are limited to 10 people; sign up at the center during the day. (You can visit any time of year to see the free displays, and attend presentations on ocean ecology.)
Volunteer to help the Turtles
If you’re crazy for turtles, want to protect them, and have the time, volunteer vacations will give you plenty of face time with adults, babies, or both, depending on the time of year. Almost every international organization that offers volunteer trips in Mexico has at least one turtle program.
For more information about sea turtle conservation efforts, check the online directory at www.seaturtle.org.
Special thanks to former Chronicle travel editor Christine Delsol, the author of “Pauline Frommer’s Cancún & the Yucatán” and a regular contributor to “Frommer’s Mexico” and “Frommer’s Cancún & the Yucatán.”
Stay with us in Playa del Carmen while participating in the Tour de Turtles and enjoy our beautiful beaches and fine dining in Playa del Carmen. Contact Laura at drlauraleli@gmail.com for rates and availability at El Taj Ocean, Porto Playa, Maya Villa, El Taj Beach, and Villas Sacbe, or call 630-664-3904. All properties are 4 & 5 star, right on or just off the beach, and offer transportation to Turtle activities.
Enjoy your stay at El Taj Ocean Condo Hotel
Enjoy Porto Playa Condo Hotel and complimentary use of Indigo Beach Club
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