🌴 A Big Win for Animal Welfare in Playa del Carmen

🌴 Good morning Insiders!

If your social feeds are anything like mine, you’ll see the rest of the world is deep into Cinco de Mayo mode—margaritas, sombreros, and a whole lot of fun. Meanwhile, here on the Riviera Maya… it’s Tuesday.

In today’s email you will find:

All this plus the interative Riviera Maya Events Calendar brought to you with support from our wonderful Featured Sponsor Timeless Beauty.

For the very best newsletter experience, choose the option above to Read Online.

— Michele Kinnon

If you’re looking for something a little more meaningful than flowers for Mom this year, self-care is a simple, elegant way to celebrate—with results that last longer than just one day.

Dr. Luigi Palermo is offering a special Mother’s Day Promotion focused on treatments that will bring subtle, natural results—the kind that help you feel refreshed—not “done.”

From May 7 – 15, enjoy 10% off all non-surgical treatments, including Botox, fillers, skin boosters, biostimulation, Morpheus8, Ultherapy, and more. For those who prefer to pay in cash, there’s an additional 5% savings.

Whether you’re treating your mom, planning something together, or simply taking a little time for yourself, this is a great opportunity to experience Dr. Luigi’s thoughtful, anatomy-based approach to aesthetic medicine.

Not in town this Mother’s Day? You can also purchase a Timeless Beauty Gift Certificate during the promotion to send a thoughtful gift or use it yourself later.

🎁 Promotion Valid May 7 – 15, 2026
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📲 Contact via WhatsApp
📧 Reach out via email [email protected]

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📸 Congratulations to our readers who knew that last week’s photo was taken at Kay Beach Club! Quite a few of you knew the spot but Donald L. was the first to reply back!

Where am I today? Do you know where this was taken? Reply back with your best guess. Be the first reader to guess correctly and look for your name in next week’s newsletter! If you are reading online, pop me a quick email!

🚨 Exotic Animal Attraction Raided on 5th Avenue
A major police operation shut down Animalandia Maya on Playa del Carmen’s 5th Avenue, leading to the arrest of five people—including the owner, a former city councilman. Authorities are investigating animal cruelty and environmental crimes, with officials stepping in to secure and assess the animals on site. This latest action signals increased scrutiny on wildlife operations in one of the city’s busiest tourist zones, where enforcement has often been inconsistent. Read more

🌉 All Dressed Up and Nowhere to Drive
Cancún officially inaugurated the Nichupté Bridge this weekend, complete with presidential visit, speeches, and all the optics you’d expect from a project of this scale. There’s just one small detail: it’s still not open. As of Monday morning, the bridge remains under federal review, with no confirmed timeline for when cars will actually be allowed on it. Local authorities say they’re waiting on final approvals from the Secretaría de Infraestructura, Comunicaciones y Transportes. For now, Cancún has a brand-new bridge that you can admire… just not use. Learn more

⛳ Korda Dominates Riviera Maya Open at Mayakoba
Top ranked Nelly Korda delivered a commanding performance at El Camaleón Golf Course, finishing 17-under to win the Riviera Maya Open by four strokes. The victory earned her roughly $375,000 USD and reinforced her dominance on the global stage. A strong international field followed, with Thailand’s Arpichaya Yubol and China’s Yu Liu rounding out the top three. Mexico’s Gabriela López led the local contingent, finishing tied for 20th as the event continues to grow in profile. Read more

🛑 Sargassum Barrier Installation Begins in Puerto Aventuras
Puerto Aventuras is taking a proactive approach this year, with work underway on a 900-meter sargassum barrier designed to protect the marina and key inlets. Approved by residents earlier this year, the 6.6 million peso project aims to stop seaweed before it enters internal waterways where cleanup becomes far more difficult. After a tough season that saw rental demand and occupancy drop, the goal is clear: protect water quality, preserve the marina, and stabilize the local economy. Read more

🚲 No Bikes, Same Fees in Playa del Carmen
The BiciPlaya bike-share system has quietly disappeared from the streets, but parking meters run by Playaparq are still very much in effect. That’s raising questions about whether the company is meeting the terms of its concession, which required it to operate both services. With docking stations sitting empty and no official explanation, frustration is growing. Residents are starting to ask whether the rest of it should still stand. Learn more

🚧 Tulum at a Standstill Over Beach Access Dispute
A protest over beach access in Tulum escalated last weekend, as around 150 residents blocked Highway 307, bringing traffic to a standstill near the archaeological zone. The demonstration targets federal control of Parque del Jaguar, with locals arguing that fees, restrictions, and management decisions are pushing both residents and small businesses out. It’s the latest in a series of protests tied to access and economic fallout. Read more

🏈 From Sidelines to Seafood: Coach O Heads to Tulum
College football legend Ed Orgeron is heading to La Zebra Tulum—but not for football. From May 12 – 14, “Coach O” will take over the kitchen as a celebrity chef, serving his signature shrimp étouffée with a Tulum twist. The event wraps with a beach football game where he’ll be calling the plays. It’s a fun, unexpected crossover of food, sports, and beachfront vibes that shows how Tulum continues to evolve beyond its usual scene. Read more

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If you’ve been waiting for a serious deal in a prime location, this is it. This 3-bedroom, 3-bath condo at La Nueva Quinta sits right on 5th Avenue, across from Ah Cacao and a stone’s throw from India Jones (two of my personal faves), putting you in the middle of everything. Beach, restaurants, nightlife, shopping. It’s all right outside your door.

What makes this one stand out is the space. With over 3,700 sq. ft. of indoor-outdoor living, this is not your typical Playa condo. You’ve got two full levels of living space, spacious wrap around terraces overlooking 5th Avenue, and a sprawling rooftop that’s just waiting to be turned into something amazing!

Inside, it’s fully furnished and move-in ready, with a modern kitchen, open living area, and recent upgrades already done. Whether you want to use it yourself or jump straight into rentals, it’s set up and ready to go.

Locations like this don’t stay empty and at this price, this gem will not languish on the market. The seller is motivated, and for the size, location, and flexibility this offers, it’s a standout value.

👉 Take a closer look. Deals like this don’t come around often.

Contrary to popular belief, May 5th isn’t Mexico’s Independence Day. That’s September 16. Cinco de Mayo marks the Battle of Puebla in 1862, when a small, under-equipped Mexican army defeated the much larger and better-trained French forces of Napoleon III. It was a surprising victory and a powerful symbol of resistance, but not a decisive turning point in the war.

In Mexico, the date is commemorated mainly in Puebla with parades and reenactments. Elsewhere in the country, it tends to pass quietly.

So how did Cinco de Mayo become a global party? The answer lies north of the border. Mexican-American communities in California began commemorating the battle in the late 1800s as a celebration of identity and resilience. Over time, especially in the 20th century, the day was embraced more broadly in the United States, helped along by marketing campaigns from beer and tequila brands that turned it into a full-blown cultural event.

Today, Cinco de Mayo is much bigger abroad than it is here in Mexico. A historic underdog story turned global celebration, though not always for the reasons you might think.

Many of you will remember Playa del Alma, the book of portraits published in 2005 by Italian photographer Anthony Caronia. It was a quiet, thoughtful collection of the people who were Playa del Carmen at the time—when we were all still finding our way.

Yesterday, at a launch party hosted by Amate 38, Caronia introduced the second volume of Playa del Alma, Like the first edition, Playa del Alma II focuses on preserving the social and cultural memory of Playa during its years of transformation by celebrating the iconic faces of that time.

I pulled out my copy of Vol. I yesterday. Carefully peeling apart the pages one by one, long sealed together by the humidity and the sea air, I recalled so many of those faces. Many—most—are gone now. Some gone from Playa—moved on as the city grew without leaving space for them. Others no longer share this earthly plain. So many are people I met when we arrived 20 odd years ago—neighbors, business owners, familiar faces from everyday life. Some became very dear friends.

For some, looking through that book now will feel like opening a time capsule. For me, it’s a like opening an old wound. A stinging reminder of a life and a community that no longer exists in the same way.

In a place that changes as quickly as Playa del Carmen, projects like this matter. They preserve faces, stories, and moments that might otherwise disappear. It helps us remember who we were by honoring the people who shaped this town into what it became. I was unable to attend the book launch yesterday but I have a copy on hold for me. I can’t wait to see who is in this new edition.

Our favorite jungle dining experience has rolled out its summer menu, and naturally, it called for a girls’ afternoon. We gathered at Josephine’s to celebrate a special birthday, stepping straight into that thick May heat—the kind that doesn’t let up, not even in the jungle. But between the chilled rosemary-infused water and their fresh, easy-drinking mocktails, we managed just fine.

One of the things I appreciate most about Josephine’s is how the menu evolves. It’s small, intentional, and built around what’s fresh right now. This season leans into bright, balanced flavors—think the Pura Vita salad with avocado and a citrusy cilantro-lime vinaigrette, or the robalo in coconut and lemongrass that somehow manages to feel light but still satisfying. The shrimp dishes are always a strong choice, and if you’re leaning toward something heartier, the Triple C filet is still there, bringing those deeper, richer notes.

We lingered longer than planned—as you do here—listening to the Yucatan jays cackling in the treetops. Even on a sweltering afternoon, Josephine’s has a way of slowing things down and turning a simple meal into something worth savoring.

If you are looking for a dining experience that takes you off the beaten track and into the extraordinary, give Josephine’s a try. Pop me a message if you would like to preview the summer menu. Maybe we will see you there!

📍 Josephine’s is located inside Rancho Santa Teresita in Xpu Ha. Reservations are strongly recommended +52 984 233 3733.

If happiness were an Olympic sport, Rocky would take gold every time. This joyful boy wakes up ready to embrace the day, tail wagging and smile firmly in place. He loves being part of the action—whether that’s playtime, walks, or just hanging out with his people. Rocky is neutered, fully vaccinated, parasite-free, and up to date on all his preventatives, so he’s ready to go. If you’re looking for a dog who brings energy, fun, and nonstop good vibes, Rocky is your guy. Contact [email protected].

Browse what’s happening across the Riviera Maya in one place and sort by date, location, and type of event. These are just a handful of local events coming up that you won’t want to miss!

Remember, you can submit your own events directly to the calendar for publication. Take a look and add your next event while you’re there.

To access the full list of Riviera Maya Events and happenings, click on the link below!

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Thanks for reading Riviera Maya Insider! Let’s chat again next Tuesday!

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