New Mall Making Holiday Shopping in Playa del Carmen a success!

Posted on December 23, 2013 by Thomas Lloyd

Just in time for the holiday season, we are finally seeing Playa del Carmen’s newest and most anxiously awaited project now completed and ready for the high season and Christmas shopping in Playa del Carmen! If you haven’t already guessed, I’m talking about the new Quinta Alegria Mall, located directly on the 5^th Avenue in the heart of Playa del Carmen!

For many months we have heard countless rumors about what stores we would see welcomed to Playa del Carmen. There were many hopes of an H&M and Victoria Secrets, as well as a Cheesecake factory and other beloved American Brands.

While some of these rumors did not prove to be true we still have a final result that is pleasing to many expats who live in Playa as well as favored shopping options for tourists!

So what can you expect to see added to your selection for shopping in Playa del Carmen this holiday season?

Sanbourns! Mexico’s well known and loved department store and restaurant selling everything from books, to sunglasses, to perfumes and makeup, to DVD’s and electronics!
Victoria Secret Beauty! The VC name is making a mark in Playa for loved fragrances, makeup and accessories! Sorry ladies, this VC is mainly for accessories!
Levis! Perfectly fitting for some cooler Playa nights ahead with their nice selection of denim jeans
Columbia! Well-loved brand for outdoor active wear and apparel
The Body Shop! We’ve seen it in Cancun but now you can find the best of your favorite lotions, shower gels, hand soaps, sprays and mineral make up items here in Playa!
Forever 21! Most anticipated opening among the female crowd in Playa del Carmen. This Forever 21 has two entire floors reserved for clothing and accessories for women!
Bebe! High end clothing store for women well known in the United States

Along with some of these great new additions you will also find some repeats such as the Nike store, Marti Sporting Goods, Mister Tennis, Oakley, Watch my Watch, Sunglass Hut, La Europea, Harley Davidson and Starbucks and more!

The mall itself is a beautiful and attractive addition to the 5^th avenue with a very appealing open air design! If you have been able to walk by these days you will see the beautiful Christmas tree lit up and plenty of pretty white lights inside making it a pleasant new landmark in Playa del Carmen!

Happy Holidays and Happy Shopping in Playa del Carmen this season!

Livin’ Playa – A Big Slice of Chicago in Playa del Carmen!

Posted on December 11, 2013 by Thomas Lloyd

Dear Expats, long time vacationers, and snowbirds, I am pleased to announce Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza in Playa del Carmen! We already know that Playa del Carmen has a wide array of international and national food choices, which only proves that Playa is keeping up with international demand and catering to Playa del Carmen expats!

I want to give Don Chendo’s a big high five for bringing us such a special treat to Playa! Pizza is no stranger in this beautiful beach town as there are plenty of delicious Italian thin crust pizza options, but this is a truly unique and one of a kind concept in the area. I had the chance to try the classic deep dish pizza as well as another incredible classic….spaghetti and meatballs (mom’s style)! AMAZING and delicious!

The little pizza shop is located in a perfect area on 30^th avenue between 24^th and 26^th streets. In my opinion the location is beyond perfect and allows the community of Playa del Carmen expats (living off the 5^th avenue) the chance to have a high quality, fantastically priced, 5^th avenue worthy meal, very close to home, and in the center of town!

I would like to use this as an example to highlight that the expat community in Playa del Carmen is absolutely growing, thus making more room for American or foreign run businesses to take off and be successful.
There is also more opportunity for expats to make a small business because there is true demand from consumers. We love Mexico and all it has to offer but we also love when we can find something familiar and close to our hearts!

Something unique that I find from talking to many Americans and Canadians, moving or retiring in Playa del Carmen, is the desire to come here and run a simple business! Even those who are retiring are looking for something to do!

Many people have worked for years in fast paced careers or big business and would love to finally get the chance to be their own boss, earn a little cash and become part of the Playa del Carmen community! Opening a business is also a great way to meet new people and get to know other Playa del Carmen expats!

If you are thinking about moving to Playa del Carmen and would like more information about what’s going on around town keep up with our blog or visit the Top Mexico Real Estate Facebook Page.

Celebrating the Life of Music in Playa del Carmen-Saint Cecilia’s Day

Posted on November 22, 2013 by Thomas Lloyd

In honor of Saint Cecilia’s Day we would like to honor all of the musician’s here in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya. Music is a traditional form of expression and culture in Mexico as it is in most places. It fills our hearts, it helps us be happy, helps us cry, helps us to feel deeper, stronger and more motivated.

We love to hear music in the streets and on the Playa del Carmen beaches. If you are around town, and you love the music, be sure to help support the local musicians who bring music into our hearts every day and to this beautiful beach town of Playa del Carmen!

Splendid Beach Views! Wouldn’t You Like to Be in Playa?

Posted on January 28, 2013 by Thomas Lloyd

I’ve heard that in Ontario, they’re getting cold rain on top of a couple of feet of snow – lots of slush, and mucky water …

Just as a little antidote for anyone who happens to be enjoying such lovely weather, here are some pictures of Paradise – Playa del Carmen’s lovely beachfront:

White, sandy beaches in Playa del Carmen