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Project Panga - Update #2
2008-06-08 18:56:00
The week or so of bad weather really put a crimp in Yimer's work schedule. His workshop is way to small to pull the boat into (I'm not sure the trailer is quite up to it anyway) so he is restricted to working only on dry days. The long and tedious process of sanding, filling and sanding again is not a lot of fun and he has had a bad time finding willing helpers. We stopped in to check on things and I was surprised that he had been able to do as much as we saw, given the weather.We have decided to move the console back a bit from where you see it here, behind that first "rib". The floor of the boat is going to need some reinforcement in places to support the weight of the console and captain. We had originally planned on using fiber-glassed plywood but Yimer has settled on using sheets of fiberglass cut from a supply of bathtubs currently residing in his workshop. Don't ask.After some debate, we have decided to try to "finish" the interior of the boat ...
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Casa Kinnon - Ideas and Drawings
2008-06-08 04:26:00
We have been working with our architect, Carlos Alamillo, for a few weeks now, going back and forth with ideas, looking at sketches  and researching ideas for a "green" house. In contrast to the homes that we visited in SacBe, most of the "eco friendly" homes being built around the globe are quite modern. While the homes in many of the pictures I have seen successfully bring the outdoors inside, they are way too modern and angular for our taste. While we love all the glass and the views out to the wilderness, in this area, prone to hurricanes, as a primary building material it just doesn't work. We also want a home that looks like it "belongs" in this area of the world. Using traditional building materials, local hardwoods and stone from the our property is the way we want to go with our home. These are some of the interesting "research" pictures Carlos sent for our consideration.We have met, face to face, three times now. Each t...
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Daytrip to Valladolid - Part 2 (The right place at the right time!)
2008-06-06 19:07:00
Well lubricated with tequila and sangrita, we wandered out into the square where hundreds of people were seated, dresses in their Sunday best, waiting patiently, staring at the enormous stage that had been constructed at one end of the street. Apparently, today was the day of the "Matrimonias Colectivas" a mass legal wedding ceremony performed free of charge for the poorer members of the outlying Yucatan villages who could not afford the process on their own. 250 couples, Mexican and Mayan, had traveled by bus and by foot from their pueblos to participate in this grand event. As they had opened the Cathedral of San Gervasio for the use of these special visitors, we took a quick peek inside, making every effort to be respectful to the worshipers inside.We returned for a walk through the zocalo, sampled some marquesitas and watched the wedding ceremony take place. There was an "orchestra" of sorts entertaining the crowds and a raunchy stand-up comedy...
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Cheeseburgers in Paradise!!
2008-06-06 15:21:00
Last night was the first of what we hope will be many Parrothead parties at The Luna Blue Hotel. Tony cooked up the best cheeseburgers in paradise, Jimmy Buffet streamed live via Radio Margaritaville, Jose kept us well lubricated with 2 for 1 margaritas and Cheri was the consumate hostess. It was a very nice evening and we look forward to many more. Congratulations to Tony and Cheri!
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Recycling in Playa del Carmen
2008-06-05 16:42:00
 This Friday marks the last day that Papalote will be accepting recyclable materials on campus. For those of you wondering where we should now take our recycling, please read the following information from el Dirección del Medio Ambiente.Who:    EveryoneWhat:   Local Recycling CenterWhen:  The 1st Friday of each month, 9am - 1pmWhere: The Municipal Plaza in Playa del Carmen , Ave. 20 between calles 8 and 10Why:    To help preserve our small piece of paradise!How:     Bring the following materials to the collection area in front of the Municipal Plaza the first Friday of every month, between 9am and 1pm. The following items will be accepted:Plastics (PET) - clear plastics, water bottles etc.Paper - must not have crayon on it or other oily substancesCardboard - clean with no food oils or residueBatteriesOld ElectronicsScrap MetalAluminum - cans, clean foil etc.Used Cooking Oil - in a sealed cont...

A Daytrip to Valladolid - Part 1 (What we planned to do)
2008-06-05 05:16:00
Early this week, our friends Dean and Jody flew in from Minneapolis to spend a week on the Riviera Maya. We met four years ago, while we were planning our move to Playa del Carmen. We have seen them again just one time since but we all get on quite well and were really looking forward to this visit. I wanted to plan a fun day for all of us, a day full of seeing new sights and doing new things. As Jody had put her foot down and declared it would be a "ruin free" day, I settled on a day trip to the quiet colonial city of Valladolid . We chose to make the drive via Tulum and Coba rather than go up into Cancun and out the cuota road. The sticker on our imported car had expired in February and we figured, on this route, we would meet with less resistance at the state line. In fact, we did encounter a small road block but they seemed more concerned with the fact that our car has no front license plate. Two hours flew by quickly and soon we arrived in Valladolid and loca...
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"A Night of Lucha Libre" or "Why am I still just a silly gr
2008-05-31 18:29:00
You would think that after four years I would at least start to "get it". The flow of life in Mexico is very different than in Upstate New York, of course. I have no grand illusions of changing the way things work here just to suit my standards. I have made many adjustments and concessions to my normal and customary ways of doing things. I have learned to be patient. I have learned that only I find value in my time. What I haven't learned is how the heck everyone seems to always know the proper protocol for things and I don't. Our recent outing to an evening of Mexican professional wrestling, Lucha Libre , really drove this point home for me. Our evening of Lucha Libre was a last minute affair "organized" by friends and fellow ex-pats John and Libby. While, the last minute notice made it easy to blow off, I know that this opportunity only comes around once a year, and what the heck, my kids would really get a kick out of it. So, fi...
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Vanessa - Beachmutt of Catelonia Royal Tulum
2008-05-30 18:31:00
A few weeks back, a thread on one of our regional message boards, LocoGringo, caught my eye. It was about the plight of a particular beachmutt, named Catelonia by concerned and caring visitors for the beach she roamed and called home. It seems she has been a fixture at this resort for sometime and apparently nursing yet another litter of pups. After reading about several unsuccessful attempts to capture and rehome her, I offered my time and efforts to Steven from NACER who assisted me in coordinating this with the management of the Catelonia Royal Tulum. I arrived at the resort on Thurday afternoon, armed with a collar, leash and several cans of tuna fish. The General Manager, Alexis, was waiting for me and set me up with one of the beach security guards who was to assist me in this capture. We made off down the beautiful paths and foot-bridges that wind through the lush jungle of this beautiful resort until we finally reached the beach. We spotted Catelonia immediate...
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Project Panga Update
2008-05-27 13:30:00
Just a quick photo update from Project Panga. The boys have just about sanded and grinded the boat down to her bones. The console and seats are being measured and constructed and the first stage of filling and smoothing the exterior of the hull has begun. I chose a pretty caribbean blue for the hull and the rail and interior surfaces will be white. She should look quite sharp when the gell-coating is done.Rob is in Cancun today buying the rod holders and any other fittings he can find. This is actually moving along much faster than we anticipated. What happened to "Mexico Time"?Previous Entry - Project Panga - The Beginning 
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A Home of Our Own - Building in Playa del Carmen
2008-05-26 16:26:00
Well, after almost four years living in Playa del Carmen , we are finally making plans to build a home of our own. We have selected the lot, a nice 831 square meter parcel backing up to the jungle in an area west of 307 called The Campestre. We have hired an architect, Carlos Alamillo (more on him later) who is just now putting pencil to paper to sketch out preliminary layouts and design ideas for our new home. This is the fun part of the process when everyone has their input and everyone’s wish-lists are incorporated into the design. Now is the time for dreaming big. Negotiation, compromise and sacrifice will come soon enough. I hope you will all enjoy following us through the process of bringing our dreams to reality.  Carlos came to us through the group developing Rancho Mayab. Because of his background, integrating low impact, eco-friendly home design and construction with the modern conveniences prefered by most of our clients, he is our architect of choice for&n...
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Project Panga - The Beginning
2008-05-17 05:42:00
As some of you may know, Rob and I purchased a 28' fishing panga a few months ago. Because we have been up to our eyeballs with clients, we haven't had much time to dedicate to the "new" boat or to give it the attention it needs. Until about 2 weeks ago, the poor vessel had been sitting in dry dock in Paamul, unused and unserviced. Just recently, a friend of ours, a local boat captain, lamented that his current employment situation was unsatisfactory and that he was in the market for a new job and a new boat to command. Immediately, we recognized an opportunity to not only get our boat back in "ship shape" with a professional captain to take charge of the re-fit but also a way to carefully test the waters in the very competitive world of charter fishing on the Riviera Maya. A lot of work lies ahead of us and we are going into this new business with our eyes open and a willingess to learn and adapt as necessary.This is the first post a ...
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Saltarines de la Rana - A New Juice Bar in Playa!
2008-05-15 21:30:00
Anyone who has been to Captain Dave's Bad Boyz on the Beach on a Thursday or Saturday evening and enjoyed the talented house band has, perhaps without knowing it, been acquainted with the owners of Playa's newest and most colorful juice bar. Aurora and her fiance Enrique are, respectively, the accompanying vocalist and drummer for Playa del Carmen's most popular cover band, J.J. and the Nasty B.astards. As long as we have known her, we have found Aurora's humor and spirit to be intoxicating and infectious. I don't think I have ever seen her without a big grin on her face. I was thrilled when she invited me to come and check out their latest venture.Saltarines de la Rana - Jugos y Licuados is a bright splash of color on the somewhat drab backdrop of the colosio. Located on the corner of 10th Avenue and calle 54, just a few blocks north of the C.T.M., this clean bright juice bar may seem a bit out of the way, but is actually poised dir...
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Playa del Carmen Construction Update - May 2008
2008-05-13 16:08:00
As requested by "Life's a Beach" Readers...... Far and away our most popular and fastest selling investment property of the year, The Fives is teaming with activity as the enormous free-form pool that meanders throughout the property gets dug in and poured. Many of the towers have been completed and are getting a fresh coat of paint and windows fitted. We spent several hours onsite today with buyers looking to snap up the few remaining units. Due to the recent purchase of a neighboring parcel, The Fives beach frontage has been dramatically increased and is, as always, spectacular.In Playacar Phase 2, a large swath of land has been selectively cleared and dug in preparation for the new project from Origo, Vaiven del Viento. This is the first phase of the ambitious Vaiven project consisting of 149 2 and 3 bedroom luxury condominium residences set on over 9000 square meters of property. Features of this project include underground parking facilities, a...
More About: Playa del Carmen , Construction , Carmen , Update , 2008

Dia de las Madres en El Papalote
2008-05-12 16:22:00
¡Los estudiantes y los maestros de la escuela del El Papalote prepararon un celebración del día de una madre maravillosa por completo de la canción y de la danza, rodeado por 1000 garzas de papel! Pasamos una mañana encantadora con nuestros niños y fuimos tratados a un desayuno delicioso.Felicidades mamas y maestras. Era un buen dia para todos!

Parque La Ceiba - The Heart of Playa del Carmen
2008-05-07 17:04:00
Aptly named for the Mayan tree of life, Parque La Ceiba is breathing new life into our community. Inaugurated officially in mid-March yet still a work in progress, Parque La Ceiba is a refreshing oasis in a city that seems bound and determined to cover every square foot of its municipality with luxury condominiums and shopping malls. Our two week trek through Belize kept us from attending the grand opening, so I was very excited to hear that the children of El Papalote School would be treated to a day in the park in celebration of "Dia de los Ninos".The park is located in the "ejido", on the west side of 307 and encompasses an entire city block. (see map at the bottom of the page) The area is completely fenced with only one point of entry, off of calle 1 sur, making it difficult for a child to leave the grounds unattended. Inside, natural trails, ampitheatres, classrooms and creative play areas have been carved into th...
More About: Playa del Carmen , Carmen , Heart , The Heart

Geofish Tara's 40th Birthday!
2008-05-07 13:00:00
Lovely Tara turned the big 4-0 on Sunday and her better half (don't they all think that anyway), Steve, threw her a terrific pool party! The sun was hot, the water was cool, the food was delicious and everyone had a great time. Lots of familiar friendly faces in the photos below!The birthday girl.Tyra and JurgenJana and MaryJ.J. and baby KajKi keSherryRob and DebSteve and MorganJ.J.Cherie, Bill and Amy - and I very well have everyone of these names wrong.Rob, Steve and J.J.ClaireMickey in love!Kim and baby KajBirdie and DaddyColeTaraCake!!Happy Birthday Tara and welcome to Mexico.  

Hechizo - Culinary Enchantment in Tulum
2008-05-05 19:47:00
Tucked away at the southern end of Tulum's world famous beaches, perched on the edge of the Sian Kaan biosphere, the more intrepid traveler will find Hechizo, a restaurant certain to cast a powerful spell on even the most discriminating diner. On a lush oceanfront parcel known as Rancho San Eric, Chef Stefan Schober and his wife and pastry chef, H ui have created out of their collective imaginations a remarkable dining experience unparalleled in all the Riviera Maya. Stefan, born to Austrian parents and raised in Mexico City, met H ui while they were both working in the world class kitchen of the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Singapore and, eventually, brought her back to Mexico, to the beaches of his childhood. The restaurant is of their own design and sits amidst tropical palms and flowering plants on the property owned by Stefan's parents. Although, on good advisement from local message boards, we scouted out the location in advance in the light of day, our 8:30pm reser...
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An Amazing Find in Chemuyil - The Jungle Place
2008-04-30 13:00:00
I don't think it's any kind of secret that my husband loves monkeys. I mean really, really loves them. For some kids, the wish every year at Christmas is for a puppy. Others, like myself become obsessed with horses. For Rob, it was all about the monkeys and it's an interest he has held onto even into adulthood. You can imagine my delight when, in the process of planning a spectacular weekend to celebrate my sweetie's 40th, I stumbled upon some interesting comments on the web about a spider monkey sanctuary just down the road in Chemuyil! This mysterious habitat, The Jungle Place , sounded like just the right kind of unforgetable destination for Rob and the kids to enjoy together on his birthday.I had made previous arrangements with the owners, via email, several weeks in advance and was told the best time to interact with the monkeys would be in the late morning. So, off we went, south on 307, and just 35 minutes later made the turn into Chemuyil. ...
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El Papalote Pre-1st Students Celebrate Earth Day!!
2008-04-29 13:00:00
Last Tuesday, in celebration and appreciation of Earth Day, the students in the Pre-1st class at El Papalote, traveled 30 minutes north, via vans, for a day at La Casa de la Cultura in Puerto Morelos. I was lucky enough to be invited along as chaperone/staff photographer. This was my very first field trip as a mom and I was thrilled that Birdie wanted me to tag along with her and her classmates. I might as well take advantage of the opportunity now. In a few years, she won't want to be seen with her boring/crazy/annoying/totally un-cool mum and her darn camera ;)In preparation for their special project of the day, Miss Kim gathered the students in one of the classrooms and introduced them to the traditional Mexican figurines sculpted of clay called "cuentacuentos", the story-tellers. These small figures can take the shape of a human or an animal and will often have smaller figures attached to it resembling offspring. The figures are often shown...
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Negrosal
2008-04-28 17:05:00
It's been said many times that the only thing that is consistent in Playa del Carmen is inconsistency. I find that to be be true in so many aspects of life here, particularly in my dining experiences. As this weekend my husband celebrated his 40th birthday, our regular Friday night companions treated us to dinner at Negrosal, a chic downtown restaurant we have come to jokingly refer to as "the mistress". On those select occassions that we depart from our regular favorite eateries and get all dolled up for an indulgent evening at Negrosal, it always feels a bit like we're cheating. We have dined here on several occasions with various friends and customers and, without exception, our experiences have been very positive. On this special day, we were really looking forward to more of the same. While I can't say that the meal, overall, was bad, it just didn't quite live up to our expectations based on past performance. The service, I will say, is frien...

Deal Breakers - A Reluctant Retrospective
2008-04-25 00:06:00
When Heather gave us our marching orders.....errr, I mean "blog entry suggestions" during the Blogger Blowout last weekend, I went a bit numb when I received mine. To reveal what one considers in one's relationships to be a "deal breaker" can unearth some rather uncomplimetary truths about a person. Fellow blogger, Tyler Jordan, queried not too long ago about the truth to the lyrics in the Cross Canadian Ragweed song "17" that tell us "You are always 17 in your hometown".  I find that statement to be almost universally true and perhaps the reason that so many of us choose to escape and live our lives elsewhere in this great big world and perhaps, embrace the chance to reinvent ourselves, to live the life we want to live and be allowed the opportunity to be the person we want to be. To look at my own personal "deal breakers", then and now, is to go back and reflect on a person who, while I am not in anyway asha...
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Hot Sun and Hangovers - Blogger Blowout Day 2
2008-04-23 14:15:00
Day two of the Blogger Blowout was a hot one, much to the chagrin of us bloggers, each wearing varying shades of HUNGOVER! After a quick latte at Aluxes, we slowly piled into our carts and headed out across the island for a bit of good old-fashioned sight-seeing. Aluxes Coffee BarLisa and HeatherMimi (who I am quite sure still could not pass a FST at this point), Jonna and our tour guide, Wayne.Kelly "Cancun Canuck". Nice to finally meet her in person :)Taco on the rocks.Our next stop was the turtle breeding facility on Sac Bajo. In all of our trips to Isla with the children, this is one place we have not yet visited. Bad Parents.Rob feeding the turtles.As promised...bloggers with cameras.You lookin' at me?OK, this is going to sound horrible but all I kept thinking was "Wow, those shells would make for some stunning jewelry." I know, very bad.Paul checking the outside holding tanks.Lisa catches the shot.After our brief repreave from the scorching, dehydr...

1st Annual Blogger Blowout is a hit!!
2008-04-21 23:07:00
This weekend Rob and I and the kiddos traveled to Isla Mujeres for the very 1st Latin America Blogger s Convention or, as it has now been more appropriately dubbed, "The Blogger Blowout"!  Our fearless leader, Wayne, aka "Isla Gringo", did an amazing job organizing each aspect of the event and communicating with the attendees. Bob did his very best to tolerate our shenanigans and therefore he too is to be complimented. This year we had participants from Merida, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Isla Mujeres and Belize. I have no doubt that once word gets out about the fun we all had together, sharing stories and experiences, bloggers will be clammering to sign up for next years event.Here are some random photos from the first day of the 2008 Blogger Blowout.The Kinnon clan and the Taco's, Laurie and Paul on the ferry to Isla Mujeres.Laurie "Tacogirl" and Connor with Birdie pulling up the rear.Meet and greet drinks and dinner at Fayne...
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Grand Opening - Origo Offices in Playa del Carmen
2008-04-18 22:17:00
Yesterday evening, Rob and I were invited to the grand opening party for the offices of Origo, the prolific developers of the fabulous condominium projects "The Elements, Playa del Carmen ', "Vaiven" in Playacar and coming soon...."The Elements, Puerto Aventuras". The offices are located, conveniently, just down the street from our house on 10th Avenue in the Tendenza Building. The offices, which are beautiful and completely reflect the style that these developers are knon for, have been built for the use of local Brokers and Agents working with clients and customers. Access to this chic new space is going to be another one of the great sales tools that Origo provides for us in support of our sales efforts. Bravo!For more information about Origo and their current projects Vaiven and The Elements, contact us through our website www.BuyPlaya.com. 
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Grande Concurso del Arte at Papalote!!
2008-04-15 15:04:00
This week is "La Semana de Arte y Cultura" in the school my children attend, El Papalote. Last night was the Concurso del Arte, an art contest for the students of the school. Being Waldorf inspired, the curriculum and methodology of Papalote center heavily around the arts and we were all really looking forward to seeing what our children would create. Birdie was in the largest group comprised of pre-first and first grade students. Miss Kim did a terrific job wrangling all the young artists into their seats and making sure they were well stocked with paints, brushes, sponges and water.A watercolor garden.Miss Claudia admiring her students' work.A good turnout!Tonight's winner in Birdie's division. First prize for the primaria...........and the winner for secundaria.A special hello to Sunny's grandpa, Dave Waller, a "Life's a Beach" reader in chilly Canada!!!Well done Birdie!!! Congratulations to all the s...
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Belize - Our Tips for Travelers
2008-04-13 19:08:00
First, a big thanks you to all of the wonderful people we met in our travels through the beautiful country of Belize and to all the folks that rode along with us virtually, reading the blog, offering suggestions and sending messages of well wishes. I think in my next life, I want to come back as a travel writer.As me made our way through the country, we obviously took copious notes, jotted down names and compiled lists of information to include in the weblog and for our own future use. We also began to put together our list of “should haves”, “could haves” and “would haves”, tips and recommendations for fellow adventurers traveling in Belize. I hope this will be helpful for those of you planning a similar journey and entertaining for the rest of our readers. While this one wonderful journey surely does not make us experts on Belize, we did learn and see a lot and would be happy to try to answer any questions you might have. Enjoy!Buy a proper...
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Zenzi Beach Club - Trying Something New
2008-04-13 02:27:00
This afternoon, still wallowing in disappointment after cancelling our weekend getaway to Cozumel, I dragged the kids off to the beach. Rob will attest to the fact that I am always whining and complaining that we need to do more NEW things, go to DIFFERENT places and generally make an effort to get out of the ex-pat rut. Despite my prodding, often I end up doing these things on my own. Most times, I have a blast. Other times, like today, I am reminded why sometimes it is easier to just keep on doing the same old thing, in the same old places, wth the same old people.I have been wanting to check out Zenzi Beach Club for some time now. So rather than haul the kids all the way down to Captain Dave's, like usual, we walked the few blocks from our house to the beach at el faro. It's a really sharp looking bar and restaurant in a drop dead gorgeous building. Above, the condominiums at Corto Maltes were finished late last year and sold out quickly in pre-construction. The...

Marina Turquesa Condominiums - The Pool is in!!
2008-04-12 17:51:00
Rob and Stuart and I visited the jobsite for Marina Turquesa and what a pleasant surprise....our pool is done, filled, clean and beautiful!! The guys were laying the last few tiles of "cool deck" and raking the newly laid sod when we arrived. OMG! We might actually finish this project ;)A line of palms have been planted along side of the building creating a shady walking path from the parking area to the pool and the marina front.This the next unit at Marina Turquesa to be delivered, a garden level 2 bedroom that opens right out to the new pool! I know the new owner will be thrilled to see these pictures!Solid mahogany cabinets.We now have our carpenters living onsite and the work is moving along quite well. Handcrafted cabinetry and doors makes a huge difference!Lots of warm red ticul in the bathrooms.The washer and dryer, plumbed and installed.Working on the sliding glass door and installing the locking mechanism.The wide patio opening out to the garden and pool are...
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April 2008 - PDC Construction Update - Issue 1
2008-04-10 18:12:00
In response to numerous inquiries from friends and customers, today I will be starting a series, reoccurring monthly, of construction updates via actual photos of projects going up in and around Playa del Carmen! Many of you have already purchased pre-construction property here in the area and are now back at home, no doubt, wondering what the heck is going on with your money! Well, here you go! At the beginning of every month, I will visit various properties in progress, take pictures and report back. And the best thing.....I take requests! That's right! Even if you are NOT one of our customers, (and shame on you for not coming to us) if you have made an investment here in Playa, let me know and I will be happy to go and snap some photos at the beginning of the month. Hopefully, this will be a good way to not only reassure you, the investor, but also your family and friends who may think that you had too many "Panty Rippers" while you were here on vacation, have ...
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Priced Reduced on Bosque de los Aluxes Penthouse!!
2008-04-07 18:35:00
2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom Penthouse at Bosque de los Aluxes on 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen!!Price Reduced to $585,000 usd.If you been searching for the perfect ocean view, two bedroom/two bathroom penthouse complete with private plunge pool, this could be the place! Located in the prestigious Bosque de Los Aluxes on 5th Ave at 34th Street, this exclusive, tranquil spot just steps from both the ocean and the cafes, restaurants, and shops of 5th Ave., has it all. I had the opportunity today to visit this penthouse and I was really impressed. It is spacious and full of light and is still in tip top condition despite the fact that it is a very popular vacation rental.The home is beautifully designed and decorated by a top US interior designer/decorator and therefore has a special attention to detail difficult to find. She embraced the use of color, modern design, comfort, and local art to create a very unique and stylish space. This home offers a double master layout with two king sized ...