July 12, 2025 • 32 mins
This podcast episode explores Playa del Carmen's transformation from a fishing village into a major global destination, highlighting its strategic location within the Riviera Maya. The hosts discuss how improved connectivity, thanks to multiple international airports and the new Tren Maya, fuels tourism and real estate investment. They also emphasize the region's diverse attractions, including theme parks like Xcaret, unique cenotes (underground rivers), vibrant beach clubs, and the bustling Fifth Avenue with its wide range of gastronomic offerings. The episode concludes by reiterating Playa del Carmen's appeal as a promising real estate investment opportunity due to its rapid growth and increasing international interest.
- Cancun International Airport (CUN)
- Tulum International Airport (TQO)
- Cozumel International Airport (CZM)
- Tren Maya (Maya Train)
- Xcaret
- Xel-Ha
- Rio Secreto
- Cenotes
- Mamita's Beach Club
- Martina's Beach Club
- Coralina Beach Club
- Fragata Beach Club
- HA
- Cocina de Autor
- Le Chique
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Alexa (00:00):
Imagine this.
(00:01):
You're standing somewhere, maybeyou can hear the Caribbean
breeze.
And there are these, uh,whispers of ancient Mayan
culture all around you.
Then you turn a corner and bam,you're on this bustling street
packed with people, shops, musicjust steps away from a beautiful
beach.
Now picture this.
Just a few decades ago, thatexact spot, it was basically
(00:21):
just a sleepy little fishingvillage.
Hard to believe, right?
But that quiet spot hasexploded.
It's transformed into one of themost dynamic, seriously fast
growing destinations on theentire planet.
Millions of visitors, hugeinternational investment that
everyone is the incredible storyof Playa del Carmen today.
Welcome to the Deep Dive.
(00:41):
Today our mission is, well, it'sto get past those glossy travel
photos.
We've gathered a ton of sources,really comprehensive articles,
some cutting edge research, plusour own notes from being there
to explore exactly how Playa DelCarmen pulled off this amazing
transformation'cause it's waymore than just a pretty beach
town.
It's strategically vital, it'sexpanding like crazy, and it
truly is the heart of theRiviera May.
Bob (01:01):
And that's what we're here to unpack for you.
We want to give you insightsthat, you know, go beyond the
surface level.
We'll carefully look at not justwhat changed in Playa del
Carmen, but maybe moreimportantly, why those changes
are so significant, why theymatter for tourism globally, for
investment flowing in andcrucially for the local
communities living there.
(01:22):
You'll see how it all weavestogether, the, uh,
infrastructure, the amazingnatural beauty, the culture, and
this like forward thinking,economic vision that really
fueled it all.
Alexa (01:32):
Okay, so what's on the agenda for this journey?
We'll look at Playa's incredibleconnectivity, how easy it is to
get there now.
It's got this unique mix of likeaccessible options, but also
real luxury.
We'll talk about the world classattractions, sustainable theme
parks, those mystical cenotes,you name it.
Then there's the iconic FifthAvenue, that vibrant energy and
a surprisingly sophisticatedfood scene that's even getting
(01:53):
global awards now, and all ofthis builds up to why it's
become such a hotspot forinvestment.
Bob (01:58):
Yeah.
By the end of this, you'llreally have a shortcut to
understanding this whole growthstory.
You know, seeing the dynamicsshaping global travel, shaping
real estate.
It's a prime example of howVision Plus Smart development
can turn a small village into,well, a global player.
Let's dive in,
Alexa (02:16):
Right?
So when we talk about thisincredible change in Playa del
Carmen, we absolutely have tostart with connectivity.
It's fundamental, it's thelifeblood, really for any
destination wanting to play onthe world stage.
And Playa has just pluggeditself in, in a really, um,
almost shocking way.
And the first piece of thatpuzzle has to be the airports.
It's become a real powerhouse.
Bob (02:36):
That's the perfect place to begin.
The Cancun InternationalAirport, CUN.
As everyone knows, it isn't justan airport, it is without
question, the main gateway forthis whole region.
It holds the title of the secondmost important, second busiest
airport in all of Mexico.
Alexa (02:50):
Yeah.
Bob (02:50):
That alone tells you the sheer volume of people passing
through.
Alexa (02:54):
Mm.
Bob (02:54):
If you've flown in recently, you've felt it.
Alexa (02:55):
Oh, you definitely have our sources describe it so well,
saying things like you can'teven get through.
You're in the waiting area andobviously there's no place to
sit.
Right?
Yeah.
There's just no way.
Bob (03:05):
Yeah,
Alexa (03:05):
And that's not hyperbole.
It's just the reality of theoverwhelming demand day in, day
out.
You see the expansion happeningconstantly for terminals humming
with activity, and they'rebuilding a fifth right now,
Bob (03:18):
right.
Alexa (03:18):
Just trying to keep up with this massive flow of.
People from all over the worldand that volume, it creates this
huge economic ripple effect.
You see it everywhere.
Tour operators, little artisanshops popping up, training
programs, thousands of jobs.
Bob (03:32):
Its importance really can't be overstated.
It's the primary gateway forinternational travelers,
especially coming from NorthAmerica and Europe.
Alexa (03:40):
Mm.
Bob (03:40):
Actually one whole terminal is dedicated just to
international flights, whichhelps streamline things a bit.
And when you hear figures likeover 2 million visitors during
high seasons coming just throughCUN, you grasp the scale of the
economic injection thatprovides, it fuels growth
everywhere.
Alexa (03:56):
But interestingly, CUN isn't the whole story anymore.
And this is where Playa DelCarmen's location gets really
strategic.
Just a couple of years back, acompletely new international
airport opened up shop Tulums.
Felipe Carillo PortoInternational Airport.
Bob (04:10):
Yes, and its location is absolutely key With Tulums
Airport now operational Playadel Carmen finds itself
literally positioned smack dabin the middle of two major
international airports.
Think about it, you're roughly50 kilometers, maybe 31 miles
from Cancun Airport to yournorth, and then about 76
kilometers or 47 miles from thenew Tulum airport to your south.
Alexa (04:33):
Wow.
Right in the middle.
Bob (04:34):
Exactly.
This dual airport accessfundamentally changes Playa's
role.
It becomes this strategic cityin the Riviera May.
It makes travel smoother.
Less friction for visitorsheading south, but still easy
access to Cancun's offerings.
And for investors, it broadenstheir market reach, makes it
super convenient whether theirclients want the buzz up north
or the Sheik five down south,
Alexa (04:55):
And it doesn't stop there as if two international airports
weren't enough proof of thisconnectivity boom.
We often forget about a thirdcrucial point, which adds
another layer.
Cozumel International Airport,it's on the island.
Just a quick ferry right away.
Bob (05:09):
That's a really good point to bring up.
Yes, it involves a ferry, butCozumel brings in a significant
number of direct flights itself,primarily from the US and
Canada, plus some key domesticflights within Mexico.
It acts as another importantentry point, especially maybe
for divers.
I.
Cruise passengers or peoplewanting that island feel before
hitting the mainland.
So you've got this multi-prongedair access.
(05:32):
It makes the whole tourisminfrastructure incredibly
robust.
Very resilient.
Alexa (05:36):
Okay, so we've got the air covered, but then there's
another huge piece, somethingrelatively new that's really
changing the game on the ground.
I'm talking about the Tren Maya.
The Mayan train, it justrecently opened, and it adds
this whole other dimension ofconnectivity.
Fora Playa del Carmen.
It feels like a real gamechanger.
Bob (05:53):
Oh, absolutely.
It's impact is designed to bereally multifaceted.
Mm-hmm.
It benefits tourists, residents,and investors.
For tourists.
It's not just cheaper.
Sometimes it's convenient.
It links the big hubs, Cancun,Playa, Tulum.
Mm-hmm.
But also connects them tosmaller, culturally rich towns.
Inland.
So suddenly you can plan thesemulti-stop trips without needing
(06:15):
a rental car or juggling buttschedules, right?
This is expected to really boostweekend tourism, you know,
shorter stays'cause it opens upareas that were harder to reach
before people can explore deeperinto the peninsula.
I.
Alexa (06:28):
It's not just about tourists getting around easier.
It also means, like you said,better commutes, better
transportation for the thousandswho live and work there.
Think about it, someone mightnot be able to afford rent and
Playa, but now they couldpotentially live in a nearby
town, maybe Leono Rio or Shamu,commute in for work on the train
and head home at night.
Bob (06:45):
Exactly.
Alexa (06:46):
That supports a wider workforce and makes things maybe
a bit more equitable.
Bob (06:50):
Absolutely.
And from an investment angle,the train literally opens up new
areas for investment all alongits route across the region.
Plus there's a strong belief itwill increase the length of
stays for tourists.
Why?
Because now it's easier toexplore new areas focusing on
Mayan culture.
Archeological sites, yes.
But also contemporarycommunities.
Alexa (07:11):
Hmm,.
Bob (07:11):
It encourages a deeper dive, a richer cultural
immersion, and importantly, itspreads the economic benefits.
Those previously maybe forgottenlittle towns along the train
line, get a piece of the tourismpie.
New opportunities for localshops, artisans.
Alexa (07:27):
Okay, let's step back and connect these dots.
What we're seeing here in playDel Carmen is this like fully
integrated mobility networktaking shape.
Mobility access, it's alwaysbeen key for any successful
destination.
Right, right, right.
And now Playa has not one, buttwo international airports close
by a modern train line, slicingthrough, and a very, very safe
highway linking everything up.
(07:47):
It's a perfect triangle ofaccess.
Bob (07:49):
Precisely.
This integrated system gives ita unique advantage.
Very few places can match thislevel of combined access.
It makes p Playa del Carmen moreconnected than ever, not just
within the region, but globally.
It cements its position as thatstrategic hub for the whole
Riviera May.
So the growth we're expecting,it's not just growth, it's
likely to be exponential in thecoming years.
(08:10):
Really driven by this strongfoundation.
Yeah, that kind of seamlessaccessibility is like a magnet
for tourists and for investment.
It really reinforces itsdynamic, future focused image.
Alexa (08:21):
So this amazing connectivity isn't just about
making it easy to get there.
It's about what that accessunlocks.
It really solidifies Playa delCarmen's role, as you called it,
the versatile heart of theRiviera May.
It's not just a stopover, it'sthe core.
Bob (08:34):
That's exactly it, because it's literally the heart of the
Riviera Maya.
Yeah.
Geographically speaking, it hasthis incredibly privileged spot.
It sits almost perfectly.
In the middle, you've got thehigh energy of Cancun up north,
the more, uh, bohemian vibe ofTulum down south and Playa is
about 50 minutes drive fromeach.
That central spot isn't justabout miles.
(08:55):
It's fundamental to why itappeals to so many different
people.
I.
It's the perfect launchpad.
Alexa (09:00):
And here's where it gets really interesting.
I think that central location,let's playa offer this
incredibly complete, diversepackage.
Whatever you're looking for,it's probably here.
You've got history literallywoven into the city.
You can see ruins even inresidential areas.
You can see ruins on FifthAvenue.
Bob (09:18):
Mm.
Alexa (09:18):
They're not just fenced off sites miles away.
They're right.
There little altars and parksremnants tucked to between in
modern buildings.
Then there's the amazing nature.
We'll get into a super vibrantculture, that diverse food
scene, and just nonstop optionsfor fun or relaxation.
It's like a mini version ofeverything the region offers all
in one place.
Bob (09:36):
That variety leads directly to another really unique,
compelling thing about Playa.
Alexa (09:41):
Yeah.
Bob (09:41):
It somehow manages to cater to every wallet.
Yeah.
It's pretty remarkable actuallyhow wide the spectrum of tourism
is.
It makes it feel welcoming.
I.
To basically everyone,
Alexa (09:52):
just think about the range, right?
You could have a recent collegegrad.
Maybe it's their first big tripafter getting a job, they scrape
together enough for a flight toPlaya.
They might stay in a nice, cleanhostel, hit the free public
beaches, eat amazing cheapstreet tacos, maybe swim in an
open cenote that doesn't costmuch,
Bob (10:09):
Right.
Alexa (10:09):
They have an incredible time.
Make memories all on a budget.
But then walking down the samestreet, you'll see a high flying
businessman from the US orEurope.
Maybe they're on a Lunchieretreat wanting that exclusive
beachfront five star resortexperience with gourmet meals
and private boat trips.
Playa offers that too.
Bob (10:27):
And that's exactly, its unique appeal and frankly, its
resilience.
Regardless of your budget, itfeels like there's a type of
tourism for every wallet here inthe Riviera Maya.
This broad appeal helps keepvisitor numbers steady and
supports that sustained growth.
It's not just banking on onetype of traveler who's spending
might fluctuate.
Alexa (10:47):
Good point.
Bob (10:48):
It's built to welcome everyone, which fosters that
really vibrant, diverse feel Youget there.
Alexa (10:53):
Tied into that.
Tourism for every wallet idea isthis really fascinating local
price dynamic you find in Playa.
It's different from some otherspots in the region where maybe
everything feels geared towardsinternational tourists and
prices are uniformly high.
Playa has this interestingblend.
Bob (11:08):
That's a critical difference.
Yes, you can absolutely findvery high end, expensive things,
fancy restaurants, craftcocktails, designer shops,
exclusive tours, but just a fewblocks off the main tourist
drag.
You can easily find what thelocals call for.
Locals places, and these spotsoffer infinitely more accessible
(11:29):
prices without sacrificingquality.
Alexa (11:31):
Yeah.
Bob (11:32):
You know, amazing little taqueria serving authentic food
for a fraction of the touristprice or small family run places
with traditional ukticonditions.
Alexa (11:40):
Yeah, those hidden gems.
Bob (11:42):
Exactly.
That duality is a reallydistinct and frankly, cherished
part of Playa's character.
Alexa (11:48):
I remember years ago when I first visited, there was this
quirky system that really showedthis dynamic.
Too many restaurants used tohave two different menus.
Bob (11:55):
Oh yeah, I remember that.
With
Alexa (11:56):
two different price points, either in dollars or
pesos, or maybe it changeddepending on the season.
Bob (12:00):
Mm-hmm.
Alexa (12:00):
Sometimes the waiters would kind of quietly offer to
exchange your dollars for pesosso you could pay the peso menu
price.
'Cause it usually ended up beingway cheaper.
It was a, a unique part of theexperience.
Bob (12:11):
It really speaks to how quickly the place evolved, kind
of organically trying to balancelocal life with this boing
international tourism.
Alexa (12:19):
Yeah.
Bob (12:19):
Now those specific dual menus.
Maybe not as common anymore, butthe idea evolved into different
kinds of local discounts.
Alexa (12:27):
Yeah.
Bob (12:28):
Originally the deal was if you are officially a resident of
Quintana Roo State, you showedyour id, you got discount maybe
10%, sometimes more on tours,restaurants, park entries.
Alexa (12:37):
But even that system has gotten super specific.
Now it's kind of wild and someplaces nearby like Cancun or
Isla Mujeres, it's not enoughjust to be a Quintana Roo
resident anymore.
Your ID has to show you live inthat specific town.
Bob (12:51):
Right?
Alexa (12:52):
So if your ID isn't from Cancun, you might not get the
Cancun discount in Cancun onIsla Mujeres.
You pretty much have to be fromIsla Mujeres.
Bob (12:58):
Very granular now.
Alexa (12:59):
Yeah.
Really targeted to benefit theimmediate local residents.
Bob (13:02):
Indeed.
And while.
You know, some smallerindependent places imPlaya, I
might still give you a littlediscount if you just ask nicely.
This overall pricing structurewhere you can easily find both
luxury and high qualityaffordable auctions side by side
really contributes to, Playa'sbroad appeal and its unique
identity.
I.
It definitely sets it apart fromother nearby destinations that
(13:23):
might feel more uniformlyexpensive.
It helps keep it accessible,keeps it welcoming to a wider
range of people, both visitorsand residents.
That blend is a big reason whyPlaya keeps thriving and has
such a strong local communityfeeling alongside the tourism
boom.
Alexa (13:37):
This mix of accessibility and diverse offerings, it leads
us perfectly into talking aboutthe attractions themselves, the
really unique, unforgettablethings that define Play Ade
Carmen, because this placeoffers a world of things to do
that goes way beyond justgorgeous beaches and blue water.
I.
Bob (13:53):
Absolutely.
Alexa (13:54):
Mm-hmm.
Bob (13:54):
The region has this incredibly rich tapestry of
attractions.
Alexa (13:58):
Mm-hmm.
Bob (13:58):
You've got pioneering sustainable theme parks.
You've got these mysticalnatural wonders, a social scene
that's always buzzing andchanging.
And of course, that iconicpedestrian avenue, that's like
the city's heartbeat.
Alexa (14:10):
Mm-hmm.
Bob (14:11):
Each one offers something different and together they
create Playa's.
Multifaceted charm.
Alexa (14:16):
Let's kick off with something truly visionary.
Something that has fundamentallyshaped entertainment in the
whole Riviera May.
The Xcaret group.
This isn't just a bunch of themeparks.
It's like a leader insustainable fun, a model for
doing tourism, right?
Sources say they have almost 10parks now.
US strategically located justminutes from downtown playa
(14:37):
right there on the coast.
Bob (14:38):
And the variety within those parks is just astounding.
They really cover all bases,every aid group, every interest.
You have Xcaret Park itself, theoriginal, very family focused
offering, this great mix ofMexican culture and nature
spectacular shows.
And that night show is famous.
Yeah.
Then there's Xel-Ha, which isthis incredible natural water
park, which great forsnorkeling, floating down Lee
Rivers, exploring lagoons.
(14:59):
For the adrenaline junkiesXplorer has zip lines over the
jungle.
Canopy, amphibious vehicles.
You can drive swimming throughunderground rivers.
Alexa (15:07):
Sounds intense.
Bob (15:08):
It is.
And then there's Rio Secreto.
That's an experience unlike anyother, exploring this stunning
underground river and cavesystem.
It's associated with NationalGeographic, this massive cave
network, almost 50 kilometers,like 31 miles, and it's right
near the edge of the city.
It gives you this intimate lookat the geology.
Alexa (15:26):
What's truly amazing and what really makes Xcaret stand
out is the person behind it allthe vision.
Miguel Quintana Pali, thefounder who apparently used to
joke that only governments andcrazy people build park Dolf.
Bob (15:38):
Yes, that's his famous line.
Alexa (15:39):
His foresight, his, uh, audacity really has turned
Xcaret into a massive economicengine for the entire region.
What was it about his visionspecifically beyond just
building parks that made it sopowerful?
Bob (15:53):
That's a great question.
His vision wasn't just aboutbuilding attractions in
isolation.
It was about weaving them intothe natural and cultural fabric
so deePlaya that they createdthis like self-sustaining
ecosystem for development.
Mm.
For example, really early on, hebought up huge amounts of land,
not just for the parks, butstrategically to protect the
surrounding jungle and thesynnott.
(16:13):
Right?
Very smart.
That protected the long-termenvironmental quality of the
experience, which in turn.
Attracted tourists who valuethat, right?
It kind of set the standard forresponsible tourism there.
Plus, Xcaret invests heavily inthe community, employing
thousands of locals, trainingthem, sourcing locally.
It creates this deep economicripple far beyond just the park
(16:34):
gates.
Alexa (16:35):
I.
It really strikes me.
The Xcaret model, it feels likePlaya's version of Disney maybe,
but so focused on nature andauthentic culture.
How would you compare itsapproach, especially on
sustainability to a moretraditional theme park?
Bob (16:47):
That's a key difference.
These parks are certifiedsustainable parks.
They have a real measurablefocus on minimizing
environmental impact.
Unlike, say, a traditional parkin the US where they might clear
huge areas and build everythingfrom scratch, totally reshaping
the land.
Execute.
It's whole philosophy is aboutan adventure in the jungle.
(17:09):
The idea is to integrate withnature, make the environment
part of the park, not somethingto pave over, right?
They recycle water, protectnative plants and animals.
They even have breeding programsfor endangered species like
Scarlet Macau.
It's this unique blend ofculture, nature, adventure,
proving large scale tourism canwork with conservation.
Alexa (17:28):
And it's fascinating that the land Excu sits on.
Was originally a Mayancommunity, right?
A historical port.
Yes.
There's that famous ruin, theBlue House, which was apparently
a spiritual jumping off pointfor ancient Mayan sea voyages.
That's correct.
The layers of history there arejust incredible.
No wonder Xcaret is seen as thismodel company globally for
sustainable tourism.
Bob (17:48):
It really is.
It's become a benchmark for howyou can leverage heritage and
ecology for economicdevelopment, but do it
responsibly.
Alexa (17:55):
But the region's wonders aren't just manmade, even
sustainably made ones.
Playa and the Riviera may arefamous for these completely
unique natural formations.
The Cenotes.
Bob (18:06):
Ah yes, the Cenotes.
They are truly stunning and, uh.
Spiritually very powerfulplaces.
Essentially, there's spots wherethe limestone bedrock has
collapsed revealing these vastunderground river systems filled
with crystal clear freshwaterestimates suggest there are four
to 5,000 soots just in theYucatan Peninsula.
(18:26):
Many are still hidden,undiscovered.
It's this secret.
Interconnected water worldbeneath the jungle.
Alexa (18:32):
Wow.
Four to 5,000.
Yeah.
Bob (18:34):
It's incredible.
They offer these uniqueunderground freshwater rivers,
cool water.
Proving Playa is way more thanjust beach and sand.
It's a portal to another realmalmost.
Alexa (18:43):
And they're not all the same.
Right?
There's a lot of variety in theexperience.
Bob (18:46):
Definitely you have open cenotes, which are like natural
swimming pools open to the sky.
They get more sunlight, so yousee amazing biodiversity fish
turtles, lush plants around theedges.
They feel like jungle oasisperfect for spending a day
swimming and relaxing.
Then you have the closedcenotes.
These are more cavernousunderground chambers.
The experience there is moremysterious exploring stalagmites
(19:08):
stalactites swimming in theseechoing crystal clear pools.
Very different vibe.
Alexa (19:14):
What's great is how close they are.
You don't need a massiveexpedition to see them.
Bob (19:17):
Exactly.
Many are right near playa,especially in Theto area, just
west of the main town, or just ashort drive away, maybe 15
minutes, maybe 40 minutes tops,so they're perfect for a half
day trip.
You can easily escape into thisserene, natural beauty without
spending hours traveling.
Alexa (19:34):
Okay, but here's where it gets really interesting for me.
The Mayan spiritual connection.
Bob (19:38):
Ah, yes.
Profoundly important.
Alexa (19:40):
For the ancient Mayans.
Cates weren't just watersources.
They were sacred, believed to bethe gateway to the underworld
Xibalba, they called it
Bob (19:48):
correct Xibalba.
Alexa (19:49):
They were deePlaya spiritual sites used for ritual
ceremonies making offerings.
They represented this unionbetween two worlds.
The world of the living and therealm of gods and ancestors.
Hmm.
Knowing that just adds thisincredible layer of depth and
mystery when you visit one, ittransforms a swim into something
much more profound.
A connection to ancient beliefs.
Bob (20:10):
Absolutely.
It's not just a pretty swimmingspot, it's touching a living
piece of cosmology.
Alexa (20:16):
Okay.
Moving from nature and historyto the social pulse of Playa.
The beach clubs, they're such acentral part of the fun, the
vibe, the place to disconnectand kick back.
Bob (20:26):
They really are.
Beach clubs typically offereverything you need for a full
day by the sea.
Easy ocean access, usually nicepools too.
Plenty of food and drinks,music, often live DJs and just
this great relaxed but livelyatmosphere and the way most of
them work economically is prettysmart.
You usually pay an entrance feeor a minimum consumption fee,
right?
The
Alexa (20:45):
cover charge.
Bob (20:46):
Exactly, but that fee often gets credited back to you to
spend on food and drinks.
So it ends up being a prettycost effective way to hang out
on prime beachfront all day withchairs, umbrellas, service, the
whole nine yards.
Alexa (20:59):
And Playa has some truly legendary beach clubs.
Everyone knows Mamitas BeachClub.
It's iconic, but the storybehind the name.
Is kind of surprising.
Our sources say it's named afterthe owner's grandmother's
nickname.
Maita
Bob (21:13):
Chuckles.
Alexa (21:13):
Yeah.
Bob (21:13):
Not what most people assume.
Alexa (21:15):
Not Mamacitas.
The sweet little piece of localhistory there.
Then there's Coralina BeachClub, which became instantly
famous or maybe infamous afterthat Lady Coralina incident went
viral, really shows thissometimes wild side of play is
party scene.
Bob (21:28):
You've got long standing places like Martina Beach Club
and Mandarino Beach Club thatare still major players known
for their big parties and greatlocations.
They consistently draw crowds.
Alexa (21:38):
But one that seems to be really evolving and trying to
appeal broadly right now isFragata Beach Club.
They're aiming for allaudiences, offering this really
diverse schedule like they havebachata classes, ladies nights,
these trendy ice bathimmersions.
Bob (21:51):
Oh wow.
Ice baths.
Alexa (21:52):
Yeah, and morning yoga.
All alongside really good foodand drinks.
It shows how these clubs aren'tjust static party spots.
They adapt.
They offer wellness differentkinds of experiences.
They really contribute to thatdynamic diverse social feel of
Playa.
Bob (22:07):
It highlights that local entrepreneurial spirit always
innovating to capture differentsegments of the visitor market.
Alexa (22:13):
Now, we absolutely positively cannot talk about
Playa del Carmen withoutdedicating serious time to its
pulsating heart, its soul.
Fifth Avenue La Quinta Avenida.
Bob (22:23):
You really can't.
It's the lifeline.
It's of five kilometers, roughlythree miles long, and the key
thing is it's almost entirelypedestrian and it runs perfectly
parallel to the beach.
The city planning was quiteclever.
All roads in Playa del Carmenlead you to the beach.
Fifth Avenue is just a hundredmeters, about 330 feet back from
the sand.
So you can effortlessly strollbetween beach relaxation and the
(22:45):
buzz of the avenue.
That transition is seamless.
Alexa (22:47):
It's so much more than just a shopping street, though.
You described it as a microcosmof experiences with different
micro spots and microclimatescatering to all tastes.
What does that actually feellike when you're walking it?
Bob (23:00):
It means that.
Along those 50 odd blocks, thevibe changes distinctly.
One section might be quieter,more bohemian filled with little
artisan boutiques, local craftshops.
Then you walk a bit further andthe energy ramps up.
You hit the big internationalbrands, buzzing bars, maybe more
upscale restaurants.
(23:20):
Further still, you might findmore family oriented places or
even surprisingly calm stretcheswith lush little gardens.
There are zones perfect for justsitting at a cafe and people
watching areas for seriousretail therapy, local and
global, and just an incrediblerange of places to eat and drink
every few blocks.
It feels a little different.
Offer something new.
Alexa (23:39):
Yeah.
The food scene just on FifthAvenue alone is mind blowing.
You can grab a Markita, thatcrispy creep thing from a street
cart for next to nothing, or youcan sit down for a super
sophisticated multi-course mealat a high-end restaurant.
You've got quiet romantic spots,and then you've got places with
live bands, dancing peoplebringing out birthday cakes with
(24:00):
sparklers.
That variety is, maybe it'sgreatest strength, always
something for whatever moodyou're in.
Bob (24:06):
And it really functions as the city's main social plaza.
It's where people gather for bigcelebrations.
Kinda like the Abaco in BuenosAires apparently.
Yeah.
It's just alive constantly fromearly morning coffee seekers
right through to the late nightrevelers, locals, tourists,
everyone mixes there.
Alexa (24:23):
What makes it so usable, I think, is that walkability.
Being almost entirely pedestrianmeans you really don't need a
car.
Once you're in Playa.
Mm-hmm.
You can just wander those 50blocks, pop into shops, grab a
drink, have dinner, maybe wanderdown a side street that leads
directly to a beach club righton the sand.
Bob (24:39):
Yeah.
Some connect right through.
Alexa (24:40):
It encourages this relaxed, immersive, car free
experience.
You just soak it all in at yourown pace.
Bob (24:47):
So moving beyond the main drags and the big attractions
Playa's, food scene in generaldeserves its own spotlight.
It's become truly impressive.
Another major draw.
Alexa (24:57):
Absolutely right.
It's not just concentrated onFifth Avenue anymore.
You find incredible restaurants.
Tucked away in unique, reallycaptivating settings.
Imagine dining inside a naturalcave surrounded by ancient rock
formations.
There are places like that, oreven astonishingly restaurants
built inside a cenote.
The ambiance is justunparalleled, totally mystical.
And the food itself, high levelinternational cuisine, yes.
(25:19):
Incredible fresh seafood asyou'd expect by the coast, but
also crucially fantasticregional Mayan and Yucatecan
food that gives you a real tasteof the local culture.
Bob (25:29):
Okay.
You mentioned regional Mayan orYucatecan food.
Give us a couple of must trydishes.
If someone visits, what shouldbe on their list?
Alexa (25:35):
Oh, definitely.
You absolutely have to try coanpeople.
It's slow roasted pork marinatedin a Jeep paste and sour orange
juice wrapped in banana leavestraditionally cooked underground
in a pit oven or pib.
Served with pickled red onions.
It's incredible.
Sounds amazing.
Then there are Papa Azule.
These are unique corn tortillasdipped in a creamy pumpkin seed
(25:56):
sauce filled with choppedhard-boiled eggs, sometimes
topped with a tomato sauce, verydistinct flavor for something.
Lighter soap of the lima limesoup.
It's a tangy chicken broth withshredded chicken, crispy
tortilla strips, and thatunmistakable lime kick.
So refreshing.
Hmm.
And maybe for a street foodsnack, especially on Fifth
Avenue, grab a Maquecita.
(26:17):
It's that thin, crispy rolledcrepe, usually filled with edom
cheese.
That salty sweet combo is key,but you can get it with Nutella
or kata too.
These dishes really show theamazing blend of indigenous
ingredients in Spanishinfluences in Yu could take in
cooking.
Bob (26:31):
And all this culinary development leads us to
something huge, a real badge ofhonor for the region.
Michelin Guide recognition.
That's massive.
The Riviera Maya, includingPlaya snagged three Michelin
stars just this year.
It is massive, and what's trulyfascinating is how fast this
happened.
You know, Playa isn't Paris orRome, or even Mexico City with
its deep culinary traditions.
(26:53):
It's a relatively newdestination.
So for it to gain Michelinstars.
Already really highlights thatexponential growth we keep
talking about.
It shows its ability to cater toa very sophisticated high-end
market.
Especially impressive when youremember.
The area's only really beendeveloping for less than 50
years and Playa itself maybe 30.
Yet here we are with world classdining.
It often involves using amazinglocal ingredients, blending
(27:15):
Mayan traditions with moderninternational techniques.
It's also a sign of seriousinvestment in culinary talent,
bringing in top chefs who thentrain and inspire locals.
Alexa (27:24):
And the specific restaurants that got the stars.
There's"HA" located in one ofthe Xcaret hotels, known for its
elegant take on Mexican food.
There's"Cocina de Autor" at theGrand Velas Resort.
Famous for its artistic tastingmenus.
And"Le Chique", which istechnically in Puerto Morelos,
just north of Playa Helmed bythe amazing chef Jonathan Gomez
(27:44):
Luna it's renowned for reallyavant-garde experimental stuff.
Bob (27:48):
Mm-hmm.
That kind of recognition trulyelevates playa beyond just sun
and sand.
It makes it a serious foodiedestination.
Alexa (27:57):
So we've covered connectivity, attractions,
culture, food.
Let's wrap up by looking at thefinal huge piece of the puzzle.
The real estate boom.
This isn't just a side effect,it's become a major attraction
in itself for investors.
It clearly shows Playa offersway more than just a vacation.
It's a place people see a futurein.
Bob (28:14):
Indeed.
And the growth here is beingdriven by a powerful mix of
factors.
You've got massive domesticinvestment, both private
developers and public projects.
Like the trend mile wediscussed.
That's huge, but.
Equally important, maybe evenmore so in recent years, is the
flood of foreign investment.
Alexa (28:29):
Where's that coming from?
Mainly.
Bob (28:30):
Primarily North America.
Lots of Americans and Canadiansbuying second homes, vacation
rentals for income or places toretire, but also.
A very significant amount fromEurope, particularly Spain, due
to cultural links and seeingstrong potential returns.
Alexa (28:45):
And you see the physical evidence everywhere, don't you?
Nonstop construction everywhere.
Innovative residential projects,luxury resorts going up,
championship golf courses beingcarved out, new shopping centers
appearing along the highway andspreading inland, it reflects
the population boom too.
Mm-hmm.
Playa del Carmen now has over300,000 permanent residents.
(29:06):
That's a huge number for a placethat was tiny not long ago.
Bob (29:09):
Astonishing growth.
Alexa (29:10):
And on top of that, it hosts more than 2 million
visitors during high seasons.
That creates this constant,massive demand for places to
stay, things to do services.
Bob (29:20):
And if we put this into perspective.
Play is still relativelyspeaking, a very young
destination, only about 30 yearsinto his major growth spurt.
So even though real estatevalues have appreciated
significantly already, theconsensus among experts is that
it's really just gettingstarted.
Alexa (29:36):
Still has room to grow.
Bob (29:38):
Absolutely.
The global market is hungry forexactly what Playa offers.
That blend of lifestyle, nature,accessibility, and investment
potential, all signs point tomany more years of appreciation
and sustained growth.
But like the vision needed forXcaret successful investment
here requires foresight.
Understanding the long-termtrends, the fact that it
consistently attracts national,state, and significant foreign
(30:00):
investment.
That's a very strong signalabout its robust and promising
future.
Alexa (30:04):
So the why.
Behind Playa's explosion seemsmuch clearer now.
It's not just luck.
It's this deliberate combinationof strategic vision, leveraging
incredible natural gifts, andfostering this really dynamic
mix of culture, business, andjust unbeatable access.
It really is a compelling storyof modern development.
Bob (30:23):
Wow.
What an incredible journey we'vetaken today.
Really digging into Playa DelCarmen's journey from that quiet
fishing village to this.
Global powerhouse.
We've seen how all the piecesfit together, that amazing
connectivity, the sheerdiversity of attractions for
everyone.
The vibrant culture, the smartinvestment, that award-winning
food scene, it all intertwinesto create something truly
(30:44):
unique, resilient.
Globally significant.
Alexa (30:46):
It's such a powerful living case study.
It shows how everythingintertwines, history, Mayan
culture, smart, visionaryinvestment and irreplaceable
nature to transform a place.
Mm.
You can really see the impact ofstrategic vision and like we
discussed the potential forcontinued growth and
appreciation.
It feels immense.
It's a fascinating model fordevelopment really.
So as you our listener, thinkabout everything we've discussed
(31:09):
today, here's a final thought tochew on.
Bob (31:12):
Given this incredibly rapid, multifaceted growth
fueled by both big investmentand this deep connection to its
natural and cultural roots, whatlessons can we learn from Playa
del Carmen's transformation?
What does it tell us aboutsustainable development and what
global tourism might look likein the 21st century?
Lots to consider there.
Alexa (31:32):
And we're definitely not done with this topic.
In our very next deep dive,we're gonna zoom in specifically
on Playa del Carmen as a realestate investment opportunity.
We'll get into the nitty grittyappreciation trends, potential
return on investment, keyfactors to consider if you're
thinking about buying propertythere.
And also keep an eye outeveryone.
We're launching a brand newdigital newsletter very soon.
(31:53):
Thank you so much for joining uson this exploration today.
This was the deep dive where weaim to bring you valuable
information to help you makeinformed decisions, especially
when it comes to real estate.
Because remember, it's thosewell-informed choices that truly
help you put down strong roots.
Imagine this.
(00:01):
You're standing somewhere, maybeyou can hear the Caribbean
breeze.
And there are these, uh,whispers of ancient Mayan
culture all around you.
Then you turn a corner and bam,you're on this bustling street
packed with people, shops, musicjust steps away from a beautiful
beach.
Now picture this.
Just a few decades ago, thatexact spot, it was basically
(00:21):
just a sleepy little fishingvillage.
Hard to believe, right?
But that quiet spot hasexploded.
It's transformed into one of themost dynamic, seriously fast
growing destinations on theentire planet.
Millions of visitors, hugeinternational investment that
everyone is the incredible storyof Playa del Carmen today.
Welcome to the Deep Dive.
(00:41):
Today our mission is, well, it'sto get past those glossy travel
photos.
We've gathered a ton of sources,really comprehensive articles,
some cutting edge research, plusour own notes from being there
to explore exactly how Playa DelCarmen pulled off this amazing
transformation'cause it's waymore than just a pretty beach
town.
It's strategically vital, it'sexpanding like crazy, and it
truly is the heart of theRiviera May.
Bob (01:01):
And that's what we're here to unpack for you.
We want to give you insightsthat, you know, go beyond the
surface level.
We'll carefully look at not justwhat changed in Playa del
Carmen, but maybe moreimportantly, why those changes
are so significant, why theymatter for tourism globally, for
investment flowing in andcrucially for the local
communities living there.
(01:22):
You'll see how it all weavestogether, the, uh,
infrastructure, the amazingnatural beauty, the culture, and
this like forward thinking,economic vision that really
fueled it all.
Alexa (01:32):
Okay, so what's on the agenda for this journey?
We'll look at Playa's incredibleconnectivity, how easy it is to
get there now.
It's got this unique mix of likeaccessible options, but also
real luxury.
We'll talk about the world classattractions, sustainable theme
parks, those mystical cenotes,you name it.
Then there's the iconic FifthAvenue, that vibrant energy and
a surprisingly sophisticatedfood scene that's even getting
(01:53):
global awards now, and all ofthis builds up to why it's
become such a hotspot forinvestment.
Bob (01:58):
Yeah.
By the end of this, you'llreally have a shortcut to
understanding this whole growthstory.
You know, seeing the dynamicsshaping global travel, shaping
real estate.
It's a prime example of howVision Plus Smart development
can turn a small village into,well, a global player.
Let's dive in,
Alexa (02:16):
Right?
So when we talk about thisincredible change in Playa del
Carmen, we absolutely have tostart with connectivity.
It's fundamental, it's thelifeblood, really for any
destination wanting to play onthe world stage.
And Playa has just pluggeditself in, in a really, um,
almost shocking way.
And the first piece of thatpuzzle has to be the airports.
It's become a real powerhouse.
Bob (02:36):
That's the perfect place to begin.
The Cancun InternationalAirport, CUN.
As everyone knows, it isn't justan airport, it is without
question, the main gateway forthis whole region.
It holds the title of the secondmost important, second busiest
airport in all of Mexico.
Alexa (02:50):
Yeah.
Bob (02:50):
That alone tells you the sheer volume of people passing
through.
Alexa (02:54):
Mm.
Bob (02:54):
If you've flown in recently, you've felt it.
Alexa (02:55):
Oh, you definitely have our sources describe it so well,
saying things like you can'teven get through.
You're in the waiting area andobviously there's no place to
sit.
Right?
Yeah.
There's just no way.
Bob (03:05):
Yeah,
Alexa (03:05):
And that's not hyperbole.
It's just the reality of theoverwhelming demand day in, day
out.
You see the expansion happeningconstantly for terminals humming
with activity, and they'rebuilding a fifth right now,
Bob (03:18):
right.
Alexa (03:18):
Just trying to keep up with this massive flow of.
People from all over the worldand that volume, it creates this
huge economic ripple effect.
You see it everywhere.
Tour operators, little artisanshops popping up, training
programs, thousands of jobs.
Bob (03:32):
Its importance really can't be overstated.
It's the primary gateway forinternational travelers,
especially coming from NorthAmerica and Europe.
Alexa (03:40):
Mm.
Bob (03:40):
Actually one whole terminal is dedicated just to
international flights, whichhelps streamline things a bit.
And when you hear figures likeover 2 million visitors during
high seasons coming just throughCUN, you grasp the scale of the
economic injection thatprovides, it fuels growth
everywhere.
Alexa (03:56):
But interestingly, CUN isn't the whole story anymore.
And this is where Playa DelCarmen's location gets really
strategic.
Just a couple of years back, acompletely new international
airport opened up shop Tulums.
Felipe Carillo PortoInternational Airport.
Bob (04:10):
Yes, and its location is absolutely key With Tulums
Airport now operational Playadel Carmen finds itself
literally positioned smack dabin the middle of two major
international airports.
Think about it, you're roughly50 kilometers, maybe 31 miles
from Cancun Airport to yournorth, and then about 76
kilometers or 47 miles from thenew Tulum airport to your south.
Alexa (04:33):
Wow.
Right in the middle.
Bob (04:34):
Exactly.
This dual airport accessfundamentally changes Playa's
role.
It becomes this strategic cityin the Riviera May.
It makes travel smoother.
Less friction for visitorsheading south, but still easy
access to Cancun's offerings.
And for investors, it broadenstheir market reach, makes it
super convenient whether theirclients want the buzz up north
or the Sheik five down south,
Alexa (04:55):
And it doesn't stop there as if two international airports
weren't enough proof of thisconnectivity boom.
We often forget about a thirdcrucial point, which adds
another layer.
Cozumel International Airport,it's on the island.
Just a quick ferry right away.
Bob (05:09):
That's a really good point to bring up.
Yes, it involves a ferry, butCozumel brings in a significant
number of direct flights itself,primarily from the US and
Canada, plus some key domesticflights within Mexico.
It acts as another importantentry point, especially maybe
for divers.
I.
Cruise passengers or peoplewanting that island feel before
hitting the mainland.
So you've got this multi-prongedair access.
(05:32):
It makes the whole tourisminfrastructure incredibly
robust.
Very resilient.
Alexa (05:36):
Okay, so we've got the air covered, but then there's
another huge piece, somethingrelatively new that's really
changing the game on the ground.
I'm talking about the Tren Maya.
The Mayan train, it justrecently opened, and it adds
this whole other dimension ofconnectivity.
Fora Playa del Carmen.
It feels like a real gamechanger.
Bob (05:53):
Oh, absolutely.
It's impact is designed to bereally multifaceted.
Mm-hmm.
It benefits tourists, residents,and investors.
For tourists.
It's not just cheaper.
Sometimes it's convenient.
It links the big hubs, Cancun,Playa, Tulum.
Mm-hmm.
But also connects them tosmaller, culturally rich towns.
Inland.
So suddenly you can plan thesemulti-stop trips without needing
(06:15):
a rental car or juggling buttschedules, right?
This is expected to really boostweekend tourism, you know,
shorter stays'cause it opens upareas that were harder to reach
before people can explore deeperinto the peninsula.
I.
Alexa (06:28):
It's not just about tourists getting around easier.
It also means, like you said,better commutes, better
transportation for the thousandswho live and work there.
Think about it, someone mightnot be able to afford rent and
Playa, but now they couldpotentially live in a nearby
town, maybe Leono Rio or Shamu,commute in for work on the train
and head home at night.
Bob (06:45):
Exactly.
Alexa (06:46):
That supports a wider workforce and makes things maybe
a bit more equitable.
Bob (06:50):
Absolutely.
And from an investment angle,the train literally opens up new
areas for investment all alongits route across the region.
Plus there's a strong belief itwill increase the length of
stays for tourists.
Why?
Because now it's easier toexplore new areas focusing on
Mayan culture.
Archeological sites, yes.
But also contemporarycommunities.
Alexa (07:11):
Hmm,.
Bob (07:11):
It encourages a deeper dive, a richer cultural
immersion, and importantly, itspreads the economic benefits.
Those previously maybe forgottenlittle towns along the train
line, get a piece of the tourismpie.
New opportunities for localshops, artisans.
Alexa (07:27):
Okay, let's step back and connect these dots.
What we're seeing here in playDel Carmen is this like fully
integrated mobility networktaking shape.
Mobility access, it's alwaysbeen key for any successful
destination.
Right, right, right.
And now Playa has not one, buttwo international airports close
by a modern train line, slicingthrough, and a very, very safe
highway linking everything up.
(07:47):
It's a perfect triangle ofaccess.
Bob (07:49):
Precisely.
This integrated system gives ita unique advantage.
Very few places can match thislevel of combined access.
It makes p Playa del Carmen moreconnected than ever, not just
within the region, but globally.
It cements its position as thatstrategic hub for the whole
Riviera May.
So the growth we're expecting,it's not just growth, it's
likely to be exponential in thecoming years.
(08:10):
Really driven by this strongfoundation.
Yeah, that kind of seamlessaccessibility is like a magnet
for tourists and for investment.
It really reinforces itsdynamic, future focused image.
Alexa (08:21):
So this amazing connectivity isn't just about
making it easy to get there.
It's about what that accessunlocks.
It really solidifies Playa delCarmen's role, as you called it,
the versatile heart of theRiviera May.
It's not just a stopover, it'sthe core.
Bob (08:34):
That's exactly it, because it's literally the heart of the
Riviera Maya.
Yeah.
Geographically speaking, it hasthis incredibly privileged spot.
It sits almost perfectly.
In the middle, you've got thehigh energy of Cancun up north,
the more, uh, bohemian vibe ofTulum down south and Playa is
about 50 minutes drive fromeach.
That central spot isn't justabout miles.
(08:55):
It's fundamental to why itappeals to so many different
people.
I.
It's the perfect launchpad.
Alexa (09:00):
And here's where it gets really interesting.
I think that central location,let's playa offer this
incredibly complete, diversepackage.
Whatever you're looking for,it's probably here.
You've got history literallywoven into the city.
You can see ruins even inresidential areas.
You can see ruins on FifthAvenue.
Bob (09:18):
Mm.
Alexa (09:18):
They're not just fenced off sites miles away.
They're right.
There little altars and parksremnants tucked to between in
modern buildings.
Then there's the amazing nature.
We'll get into a super vibrantculture, that diverse food
scene, and just nonstop optionsfor fun or relaxation.
It's like a mini version ofeverything the region offers all
in one place.
Bob (09:36):
That variety leads directly to another really unique,
compelling thing about Playa.
Alexa (09:41):
Yeah.
Bob (09:41):
It somehow manages to cater to every wallet.
Yeah.
It's pretty remarkable actuallyhow wide the spectrum of tourism
is.
It makes it feel welcoming.
I.
To basically everyone,
Alexa (09:52):
just think about the range, right?
You could have a recent collegegrad.
Maybe it's their first big tripafter getting a job, they scrape
together enough for a flight toPlaya.
They might stay in a nice, cleanhostel, hit the free public
beaches, eat amazing cheapstreet tacos, maybe swim in an
open cenote that doesn't costmuch,
Bob (10:09):
Right.
Alexa (10:09):
They have an incredible time.
Make memories all on a budget.
But then walking down the samestreet, you'll see a high flying
businessman from the US orEurope.
Maybe they're on a Lunchieretreat wanting that exclusive
beachfront five star resortexperience with gourmet meals
and private boat trips.
Playa offers that too.
Bob (10:27):
And that's exactly, its unique appeal and frankly, its
resilience.
Regardless of your budget, itfeels like there's a type of
tourism for every wallet here inthe Riviera Maya.
This broad appeal helps keepvisitor numbers steady and
supports that sustained growth.
It's not just banking on onetype of traveler who's spending
might fluctuate.
Alexa (10:47):
Good point.
Bob (10:48):
It's built to welcome everyone, which fosters that
really vibrant, diverse feel Youget there.
Alexa (10:53):
Tied into that.
Tourism for every wallet idea isthis really fascinating local
price dynamic you find in Playa.
It's different from some otherspots in the region where maybe
everything feels geared towardsinternational tourists and
prices are uniformly high.
Playa has this interestingblend.
Bob (11:08):
That's a critical difference.
Yes, you can absolutely findvery high end, expensive things,
fancy restaurants, craftcocktails, designer shops,
exclusive tours, but just a fewblocks off the main tourist
drag.
You can easily find what thelocals call for.
Locals places, and these spotsoffer infinitely more accessible
(11:29):
prices without sacrificingquality.
Alexa (11:31):
Yeah.
Bob (11:32):
You know, amazing little taqueria serving authentic food
for a fraction of the touristprice or small family run places
with traditional ukticonditions.
Alexa (11:40):
Yeah, those hidden gems.
Bob (11:42):
Exactly.
That duality is a reallydistinct and frankly, cherished
part of Playa's character.
Alexa (11:48):
I remember years ago when I first visited, there was this
quirky system that really showedthis dynamic.
Too many restaurants used tohave two different menus.
Bob (11:55):
Oh yeah, I remember that.
With
Alexa (11:56):
two different price points, either in dollars or
pesos, or maybe it changeddepending on the season.
Bob (12:00):
Mm-hmm.
Alexa (12:00):
Sometimes the waiters would kind of quietly offer to
exchange your dollars for pesosso you could pay the peso menu
price.
'Cause it usually ended up beingway cheaper.
It was a, a unique part of theexperience.
Bob (12:11):
It really speaks to how quickly the place evolved, kind
of organically trying to balancelocal life with this boing
international tourism.
Alexa (12:19):
Yeah.
Bob (12:19):
Now those specific dual menus.
Maybe not as common anymore, butthe idea evolved into different
kinds of local discounts.
Alexa (12:27):
Yeah.
Bob (12:28):
Originally the deal was if you are officially a resident of
Quintana Roo State, you showedyour id, you got discount maybe
10%, sometimes more on tours,restaurants, park entries.
Alexa (12:37):
But even that system has gotten super specific.
Now it's kind of wild and someplaces nearby like Cancun or
Isla Mujeres, it's not enoughjust to be a Quintana Roo
resident anymore.
Your ID has to show you live inthat specific town.
Bob (12:51):
Right?
Alexa (12:52):
So if your ID isn't from Cancun, you might not get the
Cancun discount in Cancun onIsla Mujeres.
You pretty much have to be fromIsla Mujeres.
Bob (12:58):
Very granular now.
Alexa (12:59):
Yeah.
Really targeted to benefit theimmediate local residents.
Bob (13:02):
Indeed.
And while.
You know, some smallerindependent places imPlaya, I
might still give you a littlediscount if you just ask nicely.
This overall pricing structurewhere you can easily find both
luxury and high qualityaffordable auctions side by side
really contributes to, Playa'sbroad appeal and its unique
identity.
I.
It definitely sets it apart fromother nearby destinations that
(13:23):
might feel more uniformlyexpensive.
It helps keep it accessible,keeps it welcoming to a wider
range of people, both visitorsand residents.
That blend is a big reason whyPlaya keeps thriving and has
such a strong local communityfeeling alongside the tourism
boom.
Alexa (13:37):
This mix of accessibility and diverse offerings, it leads
us perfectly into talking aboutthe attractions themselves, the
really unique, unforgettablethings that define Play Ade
Carmen, because this placeoffers a world of things to do
that goes way beyond justgorgeous beaches and blue water.
I.
Bob (13:53):
Absolutely.
Alexa (13:54):
Mm-hmm.
Bob (13:54):
The region has this incredibly rich tapestry of
attractions.
Alexa (13:58):
Mm-hmm.
Bob (13:58):
You've got pioneering sustainable theme parks.
You've got these mysticalnatural wonders, a social scene
that's always buzzing andchanging.
And of course, that iconicpedestrian avenue, that's like
the city's heartbeat.
Alexa (14:10):
Mm-hmm.
Bob (14:11):
Each one offers something different and together they
create Playa's.
Multifaceted charm.
Alexa (14:16):
Let's kick off with something truly visionary.
Something that has fundamentallyshaped entertainment in the
whole Riviera May.
The Xcaret group.
This isn't just a bunch of themeparks.
It's like a leader insustainable fun, a model for
doing tourism, right?
Sources say they have almost 10parks now.
US strategically located justminutes from downtown playa
(14:37):
right there on the coast.
Bob (14:38):
And the variety within those parks is just astounding.
They really cover all bases,every aid group, every interest.
You have Xcaret Park itself, theoriginal, very family focused
offering, this great mix ofMexican culture and nature
spectacular shows.
And that night show is famous.
Yeah.
Then there's Xel-Ha, which isthis incredible natural water
park, which great forsnorkeling, floating down Lee
Rivers, exploring lagoons.
(14:59):
For the adrenaline junkiesXplorer has zip lines over the
jungle.
Canopy, amphibious vehicles.
You can drive swimming throughunderground rivers.
Alexa (15:07):
Sounds intense.
Bob (15:08):
It is.
And then there's Rio Secreto.
That's an experience unlike anyother, exploring this stunning
underground river and cavesystem.
It's associated with NationalGeographic, this massive cave
network, almost 50 kilometers,like 31 miles, and it's right
near the edge of the city.
It gives you this intimate lookat the geology.
Alexa (15:26):
What's truly amazing and what really makes Xcaret stand
out is the person behind it allthe vision.
Miguel Quintana Pali, thefounder who apparently used to
joke that only governments andcrazy people build park Dolf.
Bob (15:38):
Yes, that's his famous line.
Alexa (15:39):
His foresight, his, uh, audacity really has turned
Xcaret into a massive economicengine for the entire region.
What was it about his visionspecifically beyond just
building parks that made it sopowerful?
Bob (15:53):
That's a great question.
His vision wasn't just aboutbuilding attractions in
isolation.
It was about weaving them intothe natural and cultural fabric
so deePlaya that they createdthis like self-sustaining
ecosystem for development.
Mm.
For example, really early on, hebought up huge amounts of land,
not just for the parks, butstrategically to protect the
surrounding jungle and thesynnott.
(16:13):
Right?
Very smart.
That protected the long-termenvironmental quality of the
experience, which in turn.
Attracted tourists who valuethat, right?
It kind of set the standard forresponsible tourism there.
Plus, Xcaret invests heavily inthe community, employing
thousands of locals, trainingthem, sourcing locally.
It creates this deep economicripple far beyond just the park
(16:34):
gates.
Alexa (16:35):
I.
It really strikes me.
The Xcaret model, it feels likePlaya's version of Disney maybe,
but so focused on nature andauthentic culture.
How would you compare itsapproach, especially on
sustainability to a moretraditional theme park?
Bob (16:47):
That's a key difference.
These parks are certifiedsustainable parks.
They have a real measurablefocus on minimizing
environmental impact.
Unlike, say, a traditional parkin the US where they might clear
huge areas and build everythingfrom scratch, totally reshaping
the land.
Execute.
It's whole philosophy is aboutan adventure in the jungle.
(17:09):
The idea is to integrate withnature, make the environment
part of the park, not somethingto pave over, right?
They recycle water, protectnative plants and animals.
They even have breeding programsfor endangered species like
Scarlet Macau.
It's this unique blend ofculture, nature, adventure,
proving large scale tourism canwork with conservation.
Alexa (17:28):
And it's fascinating that the land Excu sits on.
Was originally a Mayancommunity, right?
A historical port.
Yes.
There's that famous ruin, theBlue House, which was apparently
a spiritual jumping off pointfor ancient Mayan sea voyages.
That's correct.
The layers of history there arejust incredible.
No wonder Xcaret is seen as thismodel company globally for
sustainable tourism.
Bob (17:48):
It really is.
It's become a benchmark for howyou can leverage heritage and
ecology for economicdevelopment, but do it
responsibly.
Alexa (17:55):
But the region's wonders aren't just manmade, even
sustainably made ones.
Playa and the Riviera may arefamous for these completely
unique natural formations.
The Cenotes.
Bob (18:06):
Ah yes, the Cenotes.
They are truly stunning and, uh.
Spiritually very powerfulplaces.
Essentially, there's spots wherethe limestone bedrock has
collapsed revealing these vastunderground river systems filled
with crystal clear freshwaterestimates suggest there are four
to 5,000 soots just in theYucatan Peninsula.
(18:26):
Many are still hidden,undiscovered.
It's this secret.
Interconnected water worldbeneath the jungle.
Alexa (18:32):
Wow.
Four to 5,000.
Yeah.
Bob (18:34):
It's incredible.
They offer these uniqueunderground freshwater rivers,
cool water.
Proving Playa is way more thanjust beach and sand.
It's a portal to another realmalmost.
Alexa (18:43):
And they're not all the same.
Right?
There's a lot of variety in theexperience.
Bob (18:46):
Definitely you have open cenotes, which are like natural
swimming pools open to the sky.
They get more sunlight, so yousee amazing biodiversity fish
turtles, lush plants around theedges.
They feel like jungle oasisperfect for spending a day
swimming and relaxing.
Then you have the closedcenotes.
These are more cavernousunderground chambers.
The experience there is moremysterious exploring stalagmites
(19:08):
stalactites swimming in theseechoing crystal clear pools.
Very different vibe.
Alexa (19:14):
What's great is how close they are.
You don't need a massiveexpedition to see them.
Bob (19:17):
Exactly.
Many are right near playa,especially in Theto area, just
west of the main town, or just ashort drive away, maybe 15
minutes, maybe 40 minutes tops,so they're perfect for a half
day trip.
You can easily escape into thisserene, natural beauty without
spending hours traveling.
Alexa (19:34):
Okay, but here's where it gets really interesting for me.
The Mayan spiritual connection.
Bob (19:38):
Ah, yes.
Profoundly important.
Alexa (19:40):
For the ancient Mayans.
Cates weren't just watersources.
They were sacred, believed to bethe gateway to the underworld
Xibalba, they called it
Bob (19:48):
correct Xibalba.
Alexa (19:49):
They were deePlaya spiritual sites used for ritual
ceremonies making offerings.
They represented this unionbetween two worlds.
The world of the living and therealm of gods and ancestors.
Hmm.
Knowing that just adds thisincredible layer of depth and
mystery when you visit one, ittransforms a swim into something
much more profound.
A connection to ancient beliefs.
Bob (20:10):
Absolutely.
It's not just a pretty swimmingspot, it's touching a living
piece of cosmology.
Alexa (20:16):
Okay.
Moving from nature and historyto the social pulse of Playa.
The beach clubs, they're such acentral part of the fun, the
vibe, the place to disconnectand kick back.
Bob (20:26):
They really are.
Beach clubs typically offereverything you need for a full
day by the sea.
Easy ocean access, usually nicepools too.
Plenty of food and drinks,music, often live DJs and just
this great relaxed but livelyatmosphere and the way most of
them work economically is prettysmart.
You usually pay an entrance feeor a minimum consumption fee,
right?
The
Alexa (20:45):
cover charge.
Bob (20:46):
Exactly, but that fee often gets credited back to you to
spend on food and drinks.
So it ends up being a prettycost effective way to hang out
on prime beachfront all day withchairs, umbrellas, service, the
whole nine yards.
Alexa (20:59):
And Playa has some truly legendary beach clubs.
Everyone knows Mamitas BeachClub.
It's iconic, but the storybehind the name.
Is kind of surprising.
Our sources say it's named afterthe owner's grandmother's
nickname.
Maita
Bob (21:13):
Chuckles.
Alexa (21:13):
Yeah.
Bob (21:13):
Not what most people assume.
Alexa (21:15):
Not Mamacitas.
The sweet little piece of localhistory there.
Then there's Coralina BeachClub, which became instantly
famous or maybe infamous afterthat Lady Coralina incident went
viral, really shows thissometimes wild side of play is
party scene.
Bob (21:28):
You've got long standing places like Martina Beach Club
and Mandarino Beach Club thatare still major players known
for their big parties and greatlocations.
They consistently draw crowds.
Alexa (21:38):
But one that seems to be really evolving and trying to
appeal broadly right now isFragata Beach Club.
They're aiming for allaudiences, offering this really
diverse schedule like they havebachata classes, ladies nights,
these trendy ice bathimmersions.
Bob (21:51):
Oh wow.
Ice baths.
Alexa (21:52):
Yeah, and morning yoga.
All alongside really good foodand drinks.
It shows how these clubs aren'tjust static party spots.
They adapt.
They offer wellness differentkinds of experiences.
They really contribute to thatdynamic diverse social feel of
Playa.
Bob (22:07):
It highlights that local entrepreneurial spirit always
innovating to capture differentsegments of the visitor market.
Alexa (22:13):
Now, we absolutely positively cannot talk about
Playa del Carmen withoutdedicating serious time to its
pulsating heart, its soul.
Fifth Avenue La Quinta Avenida.
Bob (22:23):
You really can't.
It's the lifeline.
It's of five kilometers, roughlythree miles long, and the key
thing is it's almost entirelypedestrian and it runs perfectly
parallel to the beach.
The city planning was quiteclever.
All roads in Playa del Carmenlead you to the beach.
Fifth Avenue is just a hundredmeters, about 330 feet back from
the sand.
So you can effortlessly strollbetween beach relaxation and the
(22:45):
buzz of the avenue.
That transition is seamless.
Alexa (22:47):
It's so much more than just a shopping street, though.
You described it as a microcosmof experiences with different
micro spots and microclimatescatering to all tastes.
What does that actually feellike when you're walking it?
Bob (23:00):
It means that.
Along those 50 odd blocks, thevibe changes distinctly.
One section might be quieter,more bohemian filled with little
artisan boutiques, local craftshops.
Then you walk a bit further andthe energy ramps up.
You hit the big internationalbrands, buzzing bars, maybe more
upscale restaurants.
(23:20):
Further still, you might findmore family oriented places or
even surprisingly calm stretcheswith lush little gardens.
There are zones perfect for justsitting at a cafe and people
watching areas for seriousretail therapy, local and
global, and just an incrediblerange of places to eat and drink
every few blocks.
It feels a little different.
Offer something new.
Alexa (23:39):
Yeah.
The food scene just on FifthAvenue alone is mind blowing.
You can grab a Markita, thatcrispy creep thing from a street
cart for next to nothing, or youcan sit down for a super
sophisticated multi-course mealat a high-end restaurant.
You've got quiet romantic spots,and then you've got places with
live bands, dancing peoplebringing out birthday cakes with
(24:00):
sparklers.
That variety is, maybe it'sgreatest strength, always
something for whatever moodyou're in.
Bob (24:06):
And it really functions as the city's main social plaza.
It's where people gather for bigcelebrations.
Kinda like the Abaco in BuenosAires apparently.
Yeah.
It's just alive constantly fromearly morning coffee seekers
right through to the late nightrevelers, locals, tourists,
everyone mixes there.
Alexa (24:23):
What makes it so usable, I think, is that walkability.
Being almost entirely pedestrianmeans you really don't need a
car.
Once you're in Playa.
Mm-hmm.
You can just wander those 50blocks, pop into shops, grab a
drink, have dinner, maybe wanderdown a side street that leads
directly to a beach club righton the sand.
Bob (24:39):
Yeah.
Some connect right through.
Alexa (24:40):
It encourages this relaxed, immersive, car free
experience.
You just soak it all in at yourown pace.
Bob (24:47):
So moving beyond the main drags and the big attractions
Playa's, food scene in generaldeserves its own spotlight.
It's become truly impressive.
Another major draw.
Alexa (24:57):
Absolutely right.
It's not just concentrated onFifth Avenue anymore.
You find incredible restaurants.
Tucked away in unique, reallycaptivating settings.
Imagine dining inside a naturalcave surrounded by ancient rock
formations.
There are places like that, oreven astonishingly restaurants
built inside a cenote.
The ambiance is justunparalleled, totally mystical.
And the food itself, high levelinternational cuisine, yes.
(25:19):
Incredible fresh seafood asyou'd expect by the coast, but
also crucially fantasticregional Mayan and Yucatecan
food that gives you a real tasteof the local culture.
Bob (25:29):
Okay.
You mentioned regional Mayan orYucatecan food.
Give us a couple of must trydishes.
If someone visits, what shouldbe on their list?
Alexa (25:35):
Oh, definitely.
You absolutely have to try coanpeople.
It's slow roasted pork marinatedin a Jeep paste and sour orange
juice wrapped in banana leavestraditionally cooked underground
in a pit oven or pib.
Served with pickled red onions.
It's incredible.
Sounds amazing.
Then there are Papa Azule.
These are unique corn tortillasdipped in a creamy pumpkin seed
(25:56):
sauce filled with choppedhard-boiled eggs, sometimes
topped with a tomato sauce, verydistinct flavor for something.
Lighter soap of the lima limesoup.
It's a tangy chicken broth withshredded chicken, crispy
tortilla strips, and thatunmistakable lime kick.
So refreshing.
Hmm.
And maybe for a street foodsnack, especially on Fifth
Avenue, grab a Maquecita.
(26:17):
It's that thin, crispy rolledcrepe, usually filled with edom
cheese.
That salty sweet combo is key,but you can get it with Nutella
or kata too.
These dishes really show theamazing blend of indigenous
ingredients in Spanishinfluences in Yu could take in
cooking.
Bob (26:31):
And all this culinary development leads us to
something huge, a real badge ofhonor for the region.
Michelin Guide recognition.
That's massive.
The Riviera Maya, includingPlaya snagged three Michelin
stars just this year.
It is massive, and what's trulyfascinating is how fast this
happened.
You know, Playa isn't Paris orRome, or even Mexico City with
its deep culinary traditions.
(26:53):
It's a relatively newdestination.
So for it to gain Michelinstars.
Already really highlights thatexponential growth we keep
talking about.
It shows its ability to cater toa very sophisticated high-end
market.
Especially impressive when youremember.
The area's only really beendeveloping for less than 50
years and Playa itself maybe 30.
Yet here we are with world classdining.
It often involves using amazinglocal ingredients, blending
(27:15):
Mayan traditions with moderninternational techniques.
It's also a sign of seriousinvestment in culinary talent,
bringing in top chefs who thentrain and inspire locals.
Alexa (27:24):
And the specific restaurants that got the stars.
There's"HA" located in one ofthe Xcaret hotels, known for its
elegant take on Mexican food.
There's"Cocina de Autor" at theGrand Velas Resort.
Famous for its artistic tastingmenus.
And"Le Chique", which istechnically in Puerto Morelos,
just north of Playa Helmed bythe amazing chef Jonathan Gomez
(27:44):
Luna it's renowned for reallyavant-garde experimental stuff.
Bob (27:48):
Mm-hmm.
That kind of recognition trulyelevates playa beyond just sun
and sand.
It makes it a serious foodiedestination.
Alexa (27:57):
So we've covered connectivity, attractions,
culture, food.
Let's wrap up by looking at thefinal huge piece of the puzzle.
The real estate boom.
This isn't just a side effect,it's become a major attraction
in itself for investors.
It clearly shows Playa offersway more than just a vacation.
It's a place people see a futurein.
Bob (28:14):
Indeed.
And the growth here is beingdriven by a powerful mix of
factors.
You've got massive domesticinvestment, both private
developers and public projects.
Like the trend mile wediscussed.
That's huge, but.
Equally important, maybe evenmore so in recent years, is the
flood of foreign investment.
Alexa (28:29):
Where's that coming from?
Mainly.
Bob (28:30):
Primarily North America.
Lots of Americans and Canadiansbuying second homes, vacation
rentals for income or places toretire, but also.
A very significant amount fromEurope, particularly Spain, due
to cultural links and seeingstrong potential returns.
Alexa (28:45):
And you see the physical evidence everywhere, don't you?
Nonstop construction everywhere.
Innovative residential projects,luxury resorts going up,
championship golf courses beingcarved out, new shopping centers
appearing along the highway andspreading inland, it reflects
the population boom too.
Mm-hmm.
Playa del Carmen now has over300,000 permanent residents.
(29:06):
That's a huge number for a placethat was tiny not long ago.
Bob (29:09):
Astonishing growth.
Alexa (29:10):
And on top of that, it hosts more than 2 million
visitors during high seasons.
That creates this constant,massive demand for places to
stay, things to do services.
Bob (29:20):
And if we put this into perspective.
Play is still relativelyspeaking, a very young
destination, only about 30 yearsinto his major growth spurt.
So even though real estatevalues have appreciated
significantly already, theconsensus among experts is that
it's really just gettingstarted.
Alexa (29:36):
Still has room to grow.
Bob (29:38):
Absolutely.
The global market is hungry forexactly what Playa offers.
That blend of lifestyle, nature,accessibility, and investment
potential, all signs point tomany more years of appreciation
and sustained growth.
But like the vision needed forXcaret successful investment
here requires foresight.
Understanding the long-termtrends, the fact that it
consistently attracts national,state, and significant foreign
(30:00):
investment.
That's a very strong signalabout its robust and promising
future.
Alexa (30:04):
So the why.
Behind Playa's explosion seemsmuch clearer now.
It's not just luck.
It's this deliberate combinationof strategic vision, leveraging
incredible natural gifts, andfostering this really dynamic
mix of culture, business, andjust unbeatable access.
It really is a compelling storyof modern development.
Bob (30:23):
Wow.
What an incredible journey we'vetaken today.
Really digging into Playa DelCarmen's journey from that quiet
fishing village to this.
Global powerhouse.
We've seen how all the piecesfit together, that amazing
connectivity, the sheerdiversity of attractions for
everyone.
The vibrant culture, the smartinvestment, that award-winning
food scene, it all intertwinesto create something truly
(30:44):
unique, resilient.
Globally significant.
Alexa (30:46):
It's such a powerful living case study.
It shows how everythingintertwines, history, Mayan
culture, smart, visionaryinvestment and irreplaceable
nature to transform a place.
Mm.
You can really see the impact ofstrategic vision and like we
discussed the potential forcontinued growth and
appreciation.
It feels immense.
It's a fascinating model fordevelopment really.
So as you our listener, thinkabout everything we've discussed
(31:09):
today, here's a final thought tochew on.
Bob (31:12):
Given this incredibly rapid, multifaceted growth
fueled by both big investmentand this deep connection to its
natural and cultural roots, whatlessons can we learn from Playa
del Carmen's transformation?
What does it tell us aboutsustainable development and what
global tourism might look likein the 21st century?
Lots to consider there.
Alexa (31:32):
And we're definitely not done with this topic.
In our very next deep dive,we're gonna zoom in specifically
on Playa del Carmen as a realestate investment opportunity.
We'll get into the nitty grittyappreciation trends, potential
return on investment, keyfactors to consider if you're
thinking about buying propertythere.
And also keep an eye outeveryone.
We're launching a brand newdigital newsletter very soon.
(31:53):
Thank you so much for joining uson this exploration today.
This was the deep dive where weaim to bring you valuable
information to help you makeinformed decisions, especially
when it comes to real estate.
Because remember, it's thosewell-informed choices that truly
help you put down strong roots.
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