🌴 Lights Out in Playa: What’s Behind the Blackouts?

🌴 Good morning, Insiders!

This is the time of year when I am a little jealous of our lovely snowbirds reading from their cooler climates. Down here, the AC is cranked up, the power grid is buzzing and we have only just started into summer. Let’s just hope the system is ready for what’s coming.

In today’s email you will find:

All this, plus the Riviera Maya Events Calendar are brought to you with support from our Featured Sponsor Paradise Professional Services.

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

— Michele Kinnon

If you’re heading north for a few months, your condo doesn’t just sit quietly — from an insurance standpoint, it changes status.

Many property policies distinguish between occupied, rented, and vacant properties. Once a unit is left unoccupied for an extended period — often 30 to 60 days, depending on the insurer — certain coverages may be limited or subject to different conditions.

Water damage claims, for example, can become more complicated if a property is unattended. Storm-related requirements may also include specific preparation measures. And if you rent the unit while you’re away, that can affect how coverage applies.

Before you lock the door and head to the airport (or even if you have already left), it’s worth confirming how your policy treats vacancy.

Launa Brockman with Paradise Professional Services works with Riviera Maya property owners to review coverage and clarify what changes when a home is left empty.

📩 Email Launa today to double-check your coverage: [email protected].

Better to know now than find out during a claim.

📸 Congratulations to everyone who guessed that last week’s photo was taken at Xcaret Park. The first reader to guess correctly was Kimberly B. reading from Playa del Carmen. Well done!

Where am I today? 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!

⚡ Power Cuts Put Playa del Carmen’s Grid Under Pressure
Repeated blackouts across Playa del Carmen this week have left residents and businesses dealing with heat, spoiled inventory, downed internet, failed payment systems, and frustrated guests. Officials point to extreme electricity demand, overloaded transformers, and a grid struggling to keep pace with the city’s rapid growth. CFE crews are working to identify weak points and restore stability, but the bigger issue is long-term infrastructure. For a city growing this fast, reliable power is the baseline for daily life, business, and tourism. Read more

🎓 School Year Confusion Leaves Families in Limbo
A proposed early end to the school year by Mexico’s Secretary of Education has sparked pushback from private schools and groups like Asociación Nacional de Escuelas Particulares, arguing the change would disrupt family plans and cut instructional time below legal minimums. President Sheinbaum says no official change has been made. At least two local private schools report they will follow the calendar published at the beginning of the school year. Read more

⚡ Floating Power Plant Proposed for Riviera Maya
Facing ongoing power shortages, Quintana Roo is considering an unusual fix: a floating natural gas power plant off the coast at Calica. The proposed unit could generate up to 250 megawatts, offering a fast, temporary boost to the grid as demand continues to rise. Officials say it’s a stopgap while long-term infrastructure catches up. The plan also ties into broader efforts to turn sargassum into energy. Learn more

🛍️ Dates Set for Hot Sale 2026
This year, Hot Sale will run May 25 to June 2, and it’s one of the best times of the year to shop online in Mexico. Major retailers like Amazon and Mercado Libre roll out big discounts across tech, home goods, and travel. For expats, it’s an easy way to score deals without leaving home. The key is to plan ahead, track prices, and avoid impulse buys. Done right, this is your chance to save on things you already need or lock in future travel at a lower cost. Learn more

🌪️ 800+ Hurricane Shelters Ready Across Quintana Roo
As hurricane season approaches, Quintana Roo has activated more than 800 shelters statewide, including pet-friendly options for families who don’t want to leave animals behind. Officials say improved forecasting now allows up to seven days’ notice before a storm, giving more time to evacuate vulnerable areas. A new factor this year is the Nichupté Vehicular Bridge, expected to ease evacuations from Cancun’s Hotel Zone. Read more

🌊 Puerto Aventuras Rallies to Protect Its Reef
A new community-led coral restoration project is taking shape in Fatima Bay focused on restoring damaged coral colonies and protecting elkhorn coral, one of the Caribbean’s most important reef-building species. The effort comes as Puerto Aventuras is already moving forward with its 900-meter sargassum barrier, overwhelmingly approved by homeowners earlier this year. Together, the projects signal a more proactive approach to protecting the marina, beaches, reef, and local economy. Learn more

🎬 The Riviera Maya Hosts the Platino Awards
The 13th edition of the Premios Platino wrapped up in Playa del Carmen over the weekend, bringing together top talent from across Latin America, Spain, and Portugal. A new two-part format kicked things off with a separate technical awards gala, where El Eternauta and Anatomía de un instante led early wins. The main ceremony followed at Xcaret, reinforcing the region’s role as a host for major international events and drawing industry attention well beyond the usual tourism headlines. Learn more

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This has quickly become one of our more popular newsletter segments. So let’s give it another go! Can you guess the listing price of this villa from just one photo?

Once you have made your guess, click CONTINUE and you'll be directed to the actual listing to see if you guessed correctly.

If your CFE bill has you sweating more than the weather, this is one of the easiest fixes.

Raising your thermostat from 26°C to 29°C can make a noticeable difference in how much electricity your AC uses. It doesn’t sound like much, but those three degrees matter.

In hot climates like the Riviera Maya, each degree higher typically reduces cooling costs by around 3% to 5%, depending on your setup. That puts the potential savings in the 10% to 20% range just by making this one adjustment.

The reason is pretty simple. The smaller the gap between the outside temperature and your indoor setting, the less work your AC has to do. At 29°C, your system cycles less often and removes less heat overall.

Of course, comfort is the trade-off. But it’s easier to manage than most people think. A ceiling or standing fan is your best ally. Moving air across your skin creates a cooling effect that can make 29°C feel closer to 27°C. In a humid climate, reducing that “heavy” feeling in the air also makes a big difference, whether through your AC or occasional use of “Dry Mode” if you have that setting.

You don’t need to freeze your home to feel comfortable. This small adjustment, paired with good airflow, can keep you cool and help keep your electricity bill under control.

The first nests of the season have already been recorded in Tulum, Akumal, Cozumel, and Cancún, a sure sign that one of the most important natural cycles on our coast is underway.

From now through the fall, thousands of sea turtles, Green, Loggerhead and Hawksbill, will return to these beaches to lay their eggs. It’s a fragile process, and small human actions can have a big impact… good or bad.

If you spend any time on the beach over the next few months, here are a few simple ways to help:

1. Skip the flash photography: Bright lights disorient nesting turtles and hatchlings. If you’re lucky enough to witness it, keep it low-light and low-impact.

2. Leave no trace. Fill in holes, knock down sandcastles, and take your trash with you.

3. Respect marked nests: Those roped-off areas are there for a reason. Don’t cross them, step inside, or move markers.

4. Turn off beachfront lights at night: Artificial light confuses hatchlings, pulling them inland instead of toward the sea. If you’re oceanfront, this one’s huge.

5. Keep your distance: Whether it’s a nesting female or emerging hatchlings, give them space. Crowding causes stress and can interrupt nesting.

7. Don’t touch or “help” hatchlings: It’s tempting, but they need to make that journey on their own. It helps them imprint on the beach.

8. Share the message: A little awareness goes a long way.

Sea turtles have been returning to these shores for millions of years, but they’ve never had to navigate quite as much human activity as they do today. A few small changes in our behavior go a long way toward giving these turtles a fighting chance.

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If you are traveling to Cancun and the Riviera Maya from Canada, this is worth paying attention to. Flair Airlines, a Canadian ultra-low-cost carrier, is bringing back direct seasonal flights to Cancún starting mid-December 2026—and the pricing is very attractive.

They have announced nonstop routes from Edmonton, Calgary, and Montreal, running through early April 2027. Edmonton and Montreal will operate three times a week, while Calgary earns four weekly flights. The real headline is the price. Base fares are starting around $355 CAD ($259 USD), which is about as low as it gets for direct international flights into Cancun.

For travelers, this removes one of the biggest friction points. No more layovers, no sprinting through connecting airports, just a straight shot into Cancun International Airport and onto the beach.

For the Mexican Caribbean, it’s another strong signal that demand from Canada remains solid. More direct lift usually means more visitors, especially during winter when Canadians are looking to escape the cold.

These routes and rates will make it easier and more affordable to trade snow for sun this winter, with more money left over to actually enjoy it once you land.

An intimate dining experience is back for its third edition at Maison Oh La La by George, offering a thoughtfully curated evening where food and wine take center stage.

On May 28 at 8:00 PM, just 10 guests will gather for a guided five-course tasting menu, each dish paired with wines from Bodega 12 Lunas. Over the course of approximately two hours, the chef will present each plate, sharing the inspiration behind the ingredients and the story on the plate.

What makes this stand out is how involved it feels. The chef presents each course, talks through the ingredients and the thinking behind it, and the pairings are chosen to really make each dish shine.

At 1,580 MXN per person (service not included), this is a limited, reservation-only experience. If you enjoy discovering new flavors and experiencing wine as part of the story, this is well worth a seat at the table.

Reservations can be made via WhatsApp at +52 984 127 4844.

📍 Maison Oh La La by George is located on Av. 10 between Calles 28 & 30

If you regularly travel up and down over the puentes in Playa, you have surely seen the new three-story building going up between Calle 44 and CTM. It’s bright yellow… impossible to miss. Well, it looks like they are almost ready to open their doors.

El Camarón Guasaveño officially opens on May 22, promising bold, briny flavors straight out of Sinaloa. Look forward to fresh aguachiles with real heat, smoky pescado zarandeado, loaded molcajetes, and generous seafood plates that don’t hold back on flavor.

This is Mazatlán-style, lime-and-chile-forward seafood that pairs perfectly with a bucket of ice-cold cervezas and a long lunch that turns into dinner. If you’ve been craving that west coast flavor profile here on the Caribbean side, this one deserves a visit.

📍 El Camarón Guasaveño is located on Carr. 307 between Calle 44 and CTM

Meet Kiara, a beautiful young pup just starting her journey. New to the rescue, she’s already showing her sweet, affectionate nature and eagerness to connect with people. She’s learning to walk on a leash and is quickly gaining confidence each day.

Kiara has completed her quarantine period, is up to date on all vaccines and preventatives, and is scheduled for her spay soon. With her gentle personality and puppy charm, she’s ready to grow into an incredible companion. To get to know Kiara, email [email protected].

Below are a few standout events coming up soon that are worth planning for. Some may even require tickets in advance. This is just a small curated selection from the full calendar. Browse the complete list by clicking HERE or using the link below.

• May 9 - 31: Dinosaur World at Campo El Campesino, Playa del Carmen ($)

• May 14: Cenote Clean Up at Cenote Puerto Maya, Puerto Aventuras

• May 15 - 17: 4th International Beach Volleyball Tournament at Puerto Morelos

• May 15 - 17: Rodeo de Lanchas Mexicanas Fishing Tournament on Cozumel ($)

• May 15: Los Cocoa Live at Zitla Ceiba, Playa del Carmen ($)

• May 15 & 16: Artisans Fair at Paseo de la Triguneña, Isla Mujeres

• May 16 & 17: CESQROO Show Jumping Tournament at Hípico Playa del Carmen

• May 16: Frida Kahlo: El Musical at Teatro de la Ciudad, Playa del Carmen ($)

• May 16: Hammer of the Gods – Led Zeppelin Tribute at Teatro de Cancún ($)

• May 16: Mariachi Night at Caché Boutique Hotel, Playa del Carmen ($)

• May 21: Sinfonía Z – Dragon Ball Live Orchestra at Teatro de la Ciudad, PDC ($)

• May 22 - 24: Cosme Alberto Martínez Magaña Intl. Fishing Tournament on Isla Mujeres ($)

• May 22 & 23: The Holbox Pride Festival 2026 on Isla Holbox

• May 23: 17th Annual Copa del Rey Polo Tournament at El Rey Polo Club, Puerto Morelos ($)

• May 23 & 24: Free Dog & Cat Sterilization Campaign at Escuelita Arrecifes, Tulum

• May 24: Avatar – The Way of Water at Sunset Cinema, Xpu-Ha ($)

• May 25: Happy Hour Lotería at Restaurant Latitude 20°, Puerto Aventuras ($)

• May 29 & 30: 2026 Puerto Morelos Fishing Tournament at Puerto Morelos ($)

• May 30: Mar & Vino: Paella and Wine Festival at Cancun Country Club, Cancun ($)

• May 30 - June 7: 14th Mexican Caribbean Ocean Festival in various locations

• May 30 & 31: Spring Fundraising Bazaar at Hekab Be Activity Center, Akumal

• June 16 & 17: Playa del Carmen Grill Fest at Parque Fundadores, Playa del Carmen

📆 Did you know you can also submit your own event to appear on the calendar? Give it a try! The more people who use it, the better it gets.

To access the full list of Riviera Maya events and happenings for this week and beyond, click on the link below!

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