🌴 Find Sargassum Free Beaches with Cancun's New App

🌴 Good morning, Insiders! Spring may be on the calendar, but clearly not everywhere—consider today’s newsletter your warm-weather escape. Pour yourself a cup of something warm and let’s dig in.

In today’s email you will find:

All this and much more brought to you with support from our Featured Sponsor Timeless Beauty.

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

— Michele Kinnon

GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are everywhere right now and for many people, they’re working.

But there’s something most people aren’t talking about.

Rapid weight loss can change more than the number on the scale. It can also affect your skin.

As weight comes off, the face often loses some of the fat and structure that keeps it looking firm and supported. Over time, this can lead to a more hollow or less defined appearance. Many now refer to this as “Ozempic face” although the look is not specific to any particular medication.

The key is not to wait until it happens.

A more thoughtful approach is to support your skin before or during the process.

Biostimulation treatments can help your body:

✧ Produce new collagen
✧ Maintain skin structure and elasticity
✧ Adapt more naturally to facial and body changes

At Timeless Beauty, Dr. Luigi Palermo works with patients to align their aesthetic plan with their weight-loss journey so results look balanced, healthy, and natural from the start.

If you’re already using—or considering—these medications, it’s worth having that conversation now.

📅 Book your consultation online
📲 Contact via WhatsApp
📧 Reach out via email [email protected]

Offices in Playa del Carmen | Puerto Aventuras | Tulum

📸 Congratulations to everyone who guessed that last week’s photo was taken at Playa Delfines in Cancun. Andrew S was the first one to chime in with the correct answer. Well-spotted, neighbor!

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!

🌊 New Beach Condition Dashboard Launched in Cancún
Just in time for the Easter rush, Cancún has launched a new online Beach Dashboard designed to help visitors plan smarter beach days. The platform provides real-time updates on sea conditions, flag warnings, lifeguard schedules, and even parking availability at popular beaches. With thousands of tourists arriving for the holiday period, officials say the tool aims to improve safety and reduce risks tied to changing ocean conditions and overcrowding. Check it out here

⚠️ Cenote System at Risk Under Tulum Bypass Expansion
Construction tied to the Tulum bypass is raising serious concerns among environmentalists, as clearing over the Sac Actún cenote system continues despite prior federal suspensions. The project threatens one of the world’s largest underground river systems—a critical freshwater source for the region. Beyond environmental risks, the area contains some of the oldest human remains in the Americas and significant Maya archaeological sites. With permits in question and protections delayed, the situation is quickly becoming one of the most urgent environmental conflicts in the Riviera Maya. Read more

🏛️ Ancient Ixchel Sanctuary Uncovered in Isla Mujeres
New discoveries at Hacienda Mundaca are revealing a much deeper story than most visitors realize. Recent excavations have uncovered human remains, jade artifacts, and evidence that the site once served as a sanctuary dedicated to the Maya goddess Ixchel. Long neglected and heavily looted, the area is now being restored and studied with fresh urgency. With more tombs still unexplored, archaeologists believe this could be one of the island’s most significant finds in decades. Read more

🦋 Cozumel Takes a Step for Monarchs and Pollinators
Cozumel inaugurated its first municipal pollinator garden this weekend, planting dozens of milkweed shrubs to support monarch butterflies and other essential species. The initiative followed the island’s first recorded monarch sighting earlier this year, where the full life cycle was observed. While monarchs are best known for their migration to central Mexico, their presence in Cozumel suggests new or expanding habitat. The garden also supports bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators, offering both ecological value and community engagement. Read more

⚡ CFE Summer Subsidy Now Active in Quintana Roo
The annual electricity subsidy is now in effect across Quintana Roo, helping households manage higher energy use during the hottest months of the year. Applied automatically through Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE), the program increases the amount of electricity billed at lower rates through October 31. With air conditioning and cooling needs driving consumption, the subsidy offers meaningful relief—but it doesn’t eliminate high bills entirely. Read more

🍽️ Playa del Carmen Is Fast Becoming a Foodie Destination
Playa del Carmen is drawing a new kind of traveler—one who comes to eat. With an estimated 60% of visitors seeking out culinary experiences, the city’s dining scene has evolved well beyond beachside basics. From traditional Yucatecan dishes to chef-driven tasting menus and globally inspired kitchens, the variety is hard to ignore. The recent arrival of the Michelin Guide in Mexico has only added to the buzz, while food festivals and pop-ups continue to push things forward. Read more

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This is one of those homes that just feels right from the moment you walk in. This charming 4-bedroom, 3-bath villa in Puerto Aventuras stands out for its comfort, functionality, and easy indoor-outdoor living.

The real highlight for me is the spacious screened-in patio, which becomes a true extension of the home. It’s the kind of space you’ll actually use—perfect for relaxing, entertaining, or enjoying the breeze any time of day. Just beyond, the private pool and garden area create a quiet, inviting setting that’s hard to beat.

Inside, the layout is bright and open, with a practical kitchen, living, and dining area that flows naturally outdoors. Features like walk-in closets, durable finishes, and solar power make this a smart option for both full-time living and keeping ongoing costs manageable.

Located in a secure, walkable area of Puerto Aventuras, the home also benefits from a strong rental history, making it a solid choice for buyers who want both lifestyle and income potential.

Well cared for, well located, and well priced—this is one to see in person. Contact Marieke to see it for yourself!

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Tucked far away from the fray of 5th Avenue and the usual centro dining scene, KUKÚ Spa Restaurant & Bar offers something that feels entirely different from the typical night out in Playa.

From the moment you walk in, the space sets the tone. Earthy textures, soft lighting, and a calm, almost meditative energy quickly shift into something more social as the night unfolds. It’s equal parts dinner, lounge, and low-key spectacle, with live music, fire elements, and a steady buzz that builds as the evening goes on.

The menu leans into global fusion with a strong Mexican backbone. Standouts include Yucatecan-style ceviche with a Thai green curry twist, fresh sushi rolls layered with local ingredients like chaya, grilled octopus finished a la talla, and a rich ribeye topped with chimichurri. It’s the kind of place where sharing a few dishes works best, especially if you’re settling in for the night. Cocktails are a highlight—thoughtfully made, balanced, and worth exploring beyond just one round.

What really sets KUKÚ apart is the option to turn your visit beyond a meal into a full experience. During the day, the focus shifts to wellness, with hydrotherapy circuits, massages, and traditional temazcal ceremonies available from 10 AM to 5 PM. In the evening, the energy transitions into a more social dining and nightlife atmosphere.

This isn’t a quick dinner stop. It’s a place to linger, unwind, and let the night evolve—ideal for anyone looking to step off the beaten path and into something a little more immersive. Open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 AM – 10 PM. Spa experiences available 10 AM – 5 PM. Reservations recommended via OpenTable or Whatsapp 984 278 7828.

📍 KUKÚ is located on Calle 2 Nte, Ejidal between Calles 60 and 70

If you’re planning a dive or snorkel trip to Cozumel this spring, there’s an important update to keep in mind.

From April 1 through May 31, three well-known reefs, Dalila, Palancar Jardines, and Palancar Herradura, are temporarily closed as part of a conservation program inside the Parque Nacional Arrecifes de Cozumel.

These scheduled “reef rests”, implemented by Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas (CONANP), have been in place since 2019 and are now a regular part of reef management in Cozumel.

Officials report that limiting human activity—even temporarily—has led to increased fish populations and visible coral regeneration, helping maintain the long-term health of one of the Caribbean’s most important marine ecosystems.

The good news? Plenty of Cozumel’s top reef sites remain open and continue operating as usual. Divers and snorkelers can still explore popular areas such as:

Please don’t worry that these “reef rests” will spoil your trip. Dive shops and tour operators are well-versed in navigating these closures and will redirect trips to open reef sites.

Cozumel’s reef system is extensive, and these rotating closures are part of what keeps it one of the best diving destinations in the Caribbean.

BiciPlaya has officially shut down operations in Playa del Carmen. In a statement posted March 31, the company confirmed it has “concluded its operations,” thanking users for supporting what was intended to be a sustainable, community-focused mobility option.

The timing stands out. The closure comes just as the city has invested in new cycling infrastructure, including the recently completed bike path along 10th Avenue—part of a broader push to promote alternative transportation in one of Mexico’s fastest-growing cities.

BiciPlaya launched as a public bike-share system with dozens of stations and hundreds of bikes, offering residents and visitors a low-cost way to get around without relying on cars or taxis. It became a practical option for short trips in Centro and along key corridors.

So far, no detailed explanation has been given for the shutdown. It’s unclear whether the decision is tied to financial challenges, contract changes, usage levels, or shifting priorities at the municipal level.

What’s clear is that Playa now finds itself in an unusual position: expanded bike infrastructure—but no public bike-share system to use it. Whether this opens the door for a new operator or signals a step back from shared mobility remains to be seen.

There’s a new spot in Puerto Aventuras for anyone in need of a reset.

Magic Hands has opened its doors, bringing more than 20 years of experience in the Riviera Maya to the community. This family-run spa focuses on simple, high-quality treatments in a clean, relaxed setting—exactly what you want when it’s time to unwind.

Services include relaxation massage, deep tissue work, and couples sessions, making it a solid option whether you’re dealing with tension, recovering from workouts, or just looking to slow things down for an hour.

If you live in Puerto Aventuras or just visiting, Magic Hands is a convenient new addition to the local self-care scene. Book your next massage via whatsapp +52 984 279 2163.

📍 Magic Hands is located in the Gran Marina Plaza near Dimelo Marine Lounge

At 5 years old, Odin is ready to trade shelter life for a home of his own—and he’s more than ready. He’s great on leash, social, and has that steady, loving personality that makes him an easy fit for family life. Odin enjoys his walks, loves being around people, and has a calm confidence that comes with maturity.

He is neutered, fully vaccinated, parasite-free, and up to date on all monthly preventatives, so he’s healthy and ready to go. If you’re looking for a loyal, easygoing companion, Odin could be your perfect match.

Email [email protected] for more information about Odin and other great adoptable dogs looking for their forever home.

It’s here!! Now you can browse what’s happening across the Riviera Maya in one place and sort by date, location, and type of event. Looking for live music in Playa? A food festival in Puerto Morelos? A charity event in Puerto Aventuras? You can filter it in seconds. Take a look and add your next event while you’re there.

To access the full list of Riviera Maya events and happenings and the Live Music Lineup for this week, click on the links below!

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

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