🌴 Your Insider Update from the Riviera Maya - September 1

🌴 Good morning, Insiders!

Thank you to everyone who answered last week’s poll. Some of you mentioned that you had to sign in to participate in the poll which I can’t really work around, so thank you for your efforts. In case you are curious, over 80% of responding readers live here full or part time! This week, I’d like to know:

Today’s newsletter and the Riviera Maya Events Calendar are brought to you with support from our Featured Sponsor Launa Brockman with Paradise Professional Services.

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

— Michele Kinnon

📸 Congratulations to everyone who guessed that last week’s photo was taken at Manne’s Biergarten in Playa del Carmen. Kim B., reading from Vancouver, was the first one to spot it!

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!

📱 2nd Round of Cellphone Suspensions Begins Today
Mexico’s staggered cellphone-registration rules enter their next phase today. Prepaid numbers ending in 1 that were not registered by August 31 can now be suspended within 72 hours. Users may lose calls, texts and mobile data, although their number will not be permanently canceled. Service can be restored by registering with the carrier. Read more

🏖️ New Hotel and Beach-Recovery Project Approved in Playa
Semarnat has approved a 27-room hotel, wooden pier and private beach-restoration project at the former Kool Beach site beside Playa Mamitas. Plans include dredging sand from within the Mexican Caribbean Biosphere Reserve to rebuild part of the badly eroded shoreline. The proposal is smaller than one rejected in 2023, but it renews questions about coastal development, environmental protection and public beach access. Learn more

🌊 Seasonal Closures Are Not a Solution for Tulum
Closing beachfront hotels during the worst sargassum months may sound practical, but Tulum’s hotel industry says there is no longer a reliable off-season. The seaweed can now affect the Mexican Caribbean for eight or nine months a year. Hotel leaders warn that seasonal closures would threaten permanent jobs and businesses across the tourism chain, making a coordinated, year-round response essential. Read more

🏆 Xcaret Founder Joins Attractions Hall of Fame
Miguel Quintana Pali, who transformed a five-hectare property south of Playa del Carmen into the Grupo Xcaret tourism empire, has been named to IAAPA’s 2026 Hall of Fame. The international attractions industry recognized his influential model combining natural settings, Mexican culture, hotels and immersive entertainment. His formal induction will take place Nov. 16 in Orlando. Read more

🏺 There’s More to Tulum Than the Ruins
Hidden inside Jaguar National Park, the Regional Museum of the Eastern Coast takes visitors through thousands of years of Maya history. More than 300 archaeological and cultural objects help explain the people, beliefs and daily life behind Tulum’s famous walled city. The museum also features immersive displays, temporary exhibitions and cultural activities connecting the ancient Maya world with communities living in Quintana Roo today. Learn more

If you’ve dreamed about owning right on the beach in Akumal, now might be a very interesting time to look. I’ve found three newly listed, fully furnished 2-bedroom beachfront condos, all at $300K or less, including a penthouse. I honestly can’t remember the last time we had this quality of inventory at these prices.

Lol Kanaab #6 | $275,000
Second-floor, 2BR/2BA directly on Half Moon Bay with an oceanfront terrace, beachfront pool, lock-off flexibility, and established rental history.

Playa Caribe #6 | $299,000
Spacious 2BR/2BA with wonderful Mexican character, oceanfront terrace, two additional balconies, pool, housekeeping, concierge, and on-site rental support.

Playa Caribe Penthouse | $299,999
Yes, a 2-bedroom beachfront penthouse under $300K. Top floor, two king suites and a large corner terrace with sweeping views across Half Moon Bay.

Has sargassum made some buyers more cautious about beachfront property? Of course. But markets change, sargassum seasons come and go, and for the right buyer, softer conditions can create opportunities that simply weren’t available a few years ago. If beachfront Akumal has always felt just beyond your budget, I’d take another look right now.

Canadian readers, your wait has finally be coming to an end. Last week, Tim Hortons opened its first Quintana Roo location on Avenida 135 in Cancun. The new restaurant is open 24 hours and is only the beginning.

The company plans to open five Cancun locations, including one at Plaza Las Américas expected in mid-October. Its longer-term expansion plan calls for as many as 45 Tim Hortons across Quintana Roo. Stores may include traditional restaurants, drive-thrus and smaller locations inside gas stations or supermarkets.

So, when do we get one? The best information available suggests Playa del Carmen will be the company’s next expansion point after Cancun. Tim Hortons expects to open another 10 to 12 Quintana Roo locations in 2027, which makes a Playa opening next year quite possible.

Tulum also falls within the corridor Tim Hortons has identified for expansion, but it does not yet have a confirmed location or timeline. But right now, for anyone jonesing for a double-double and a box of Timbits, Timmy’s is just a quick trip up 307.

Did you know … Mexican law prohibits unauthorized people from touching or carrying sea turtles and their hatchlings. Handling one may lead to an investigation and possible federal prosecution. Fortunately, most hatchlings emerge at night, when beaches are quieter and it’s just the mapaches they need to contend with on their quest for the sea. Complications begin when a nest “boils” during the day, sending dozens of tiny turtles scrambling onto a beach filled with sunbathers, children and dogs.

If this happens near you, the best help is crowd control. Move everyone back at least three meters, stay behind the hatchlings and keep a clear path to the sea. Keep dogs away, don’t block the turtles for close-up photographs and never pick one up, even if it appears confused or is moving in the wrong direction.

Also, report the nest so trained environmental staff can respond. In Akumal you can call or Whatsapp Centro Ecológico Akumal +52 984 875 9095 or S.A.V.E. Mexico +52 998 845 4528. In Playa del Carmen, Chemuyil or Tulum contact Flora, Fauna y Cultura de México, +52 984 871 5289. If you cannot reach a turtle camp, you can call 911.

I know it’s tempting to “help” them along but the best thing you can do is stand back, make the call and give these little creatures the room they need to reach the sea on their own. Learn more here

Wine O’Clock is well known for its wine club, where members pay an annual fee and enjoy a complimentary four-course food and wine tasting every month. It is a lovely arrangement for locals and snowbirds if you are ready to commit to a yearly membership.

But what if you’re a wine lover (like me) who would really enjoy the tasting-pairing experience but can’t quite make the 12 month commitment? (Also me)

Wine O’Clock has now opened the experience to the public. No membership is required, but you will need a reservation. Choose the Wine O’Clock location on Constituyentes every Saturday at 5PM, or Wine O’Clock Boutique in downtown Playa anytime Monday through Saturday between 2 and 10PM.

It is a rare opportunity to enjoy one of Wine O’Clock’s signature experiences without joining the club—and a very civilized way to spend a couple of hours in Playa.

Our friends at Turtle Bay Café have expanded, and the really big news is that their new seating space is air-conditioned. Anyone who has wilted through lunch during an Akumal summer will appreciate just how welcome that is.

The comfortable private room is available for business meetings, group lunches, birthdays, anniversaries and other small gatherings, with Turtle Bay’s regular food and drink menu available to enjoy while you escape the heat.

The space can be reserved in advance, so contact Turtle Bay if you would like to use it for your next meeting or celebration. Whatsapp +52 1 984 218 4128.

If you were planning a visit to La Sirena this month, you will have to wait just a little longer for your next dose of the Mermaid. The Puerto Morelos restaurant will be closed for the entire month of September. The staff are taking some well-earned time off while the restaurant gets a little maintenance and TLC.

But La Sirena won’t disappear completely. The team will continue posting, planning and working on future events throughout the break. Email and WhatsApp will remain active for inquiries, and tickets for upcoming Entre Dos Mundos shows can still be purchased online. La Sirena will reopen on October 1, rested and ready to rock.

Other seasonal closures in Puerto Morelos include Lonchería Sandro, John Gray's Kitchen and MUSES, all taking a break for the month of September. Mem Al Mare will close on September 3 and reopen September 13. Diving Bar will be open only Thursdays - Sundays.

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Coco’s Animal Welfare is preparing for its seventh annual free spay and neuter clinic, and this year’s goal is an ambitious one: sterilize 1,000 dogs and cats in just three days.

The massive clinic will take place November 7, 8 and 9, bringing together local veterinarians, animal welfare groups and volunteers from across the community. Every animal will receive the same high standard of care that Coco’s has built its reputation on.

In a fast-growing community like Playa del Carmen, sterilization remains one of the most effective and humane ways to reduce the number of unwanted dogs and cats. It prevents countless litters from being born into uncertain circumstances and reduces the pressure on rescuers, shelters and families already caring for animals in need.

One thousand surgeries in one weekend will require a tremendous amount of equipment, medication, veterinary support and helping hands. Coco’s has set the goal, assembled the team and chosen the dates. Now they need the community behind them to make it happen.

👉 Find more information about how you can volunteer or DONATE to support this massive effort.

Sweet little Gomita had a rough start in life. She and her littermates were being offered for sale on the street by an owner struggling with alcohol. Thankfully, Gomita made her way to safety, and life has been getting better ever since. Now she just needs the final piece: a family of her very own. At 2 years old, Gomita is every bit as sweet as she looks. She’s a lovely young girl with plenty of love to give and a whole life ahead of her. Interested in giving Gomita her happy ending? Email [email protected].

Below are a few standout events coming up in teh next week. Some may even require rservations in advance. This is just a small selection curated from the full calendar. Browse the complete list by clicking HERE. Don’t forget, you can add your own events for free.

Charity Bingo Supporting Cause4Paws September 1 | Tulipan | Puerto Morelos | 5 PM - Enjoy seven games of traditional UK-style bingo while supporting Cause4Paws Animal Rescue. Bingo books are $50 MXN each, with food specials, happy-hour drinks and prizes available throughout the evening.

ABBA Tribute Night at La Vagabunda de la 38 September 3 | La Vagabunda de la 38 | Playa del Carmen | 8:30 PM - Sing and dance along to “Dancing Queen,” “Mamma Mia” and more favorites from ABBA’s golden age of pop. Table reservations are recommended.

Borracho Bingo September 4 | Don Ernesto’s | Puerto Morelos | 6 PM - This adults-only spin on bingo mixes Name That Tune, trivia and Blackout Bingo with drinks, prizes and plenty of rowdy fun. Advance reservations are required.

Addis Pablo in Playa del Carmen September 4 | Zitla Ceiba | Playa del Carmen | 9 PM - Jamaican artist Addis Pablo brings his signature melodica sound to Playa for a night of roots reggae, dub and sound-system culture. Advance admission is $150 MXN.

“What We Learned to See” Art Exhibition September 5–19 | Puerto Morelos Cultural Center and Museum | Puerto Morelos | Exhibition daily 9 AM–4 PM - This group exhibition brings together different subjects, techniques and perspectives developed by artists learning to observe, interpret and create.

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

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