Tulum

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Average Lifestyle rating: B (range  C+ to A+)Tulum is a world apart from Cancun and Playa del Carmen, but it is marching on the “path of progress” and change is in the air.  In 2004, the road to Tulum from Akumal (20 miles north) was dirt and rough.  In 2010, they finished the last leg of what [...]

Cozumel

Cozumel Snorkeling

Average Lifestyle rating: B+ (range B- to A+) How does living on an island in the Caribbean Ocean sound? Exotic, glamorous, stress-free, infrastructure-deprived? Isla de Cozumel, off the eastern side of the Yucatan Peninsula 20 kilometers southeast from Playa del Carmen, may just fit the bill – except for the infrastructure part. With multiple ferries running [...]

The Mayan Riviera

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The Riviera Maya area of the Yucatan Peninsula stretches from Cancun through Playa del Carmen southward to Tulum, and includes the island of Cozumel, located 20 kilometers from Playa del Carmen into the Caribbean. Many people, both visitors and residents, believe this area has the best beaches in the world. If you are into scuba diving, [...]

Yucatan Peninsula

Yucatan-map

Unique among the mix of peoples who have become Mexico, are the Yucatecans. Once an independent country, by mutual agreement, Yucatan became part of Mexico in 1821, went independent again in 1823, and finally rejoined Mexico for good in 1825. However, the defining observation about this blend of Mayan, Spanish, Caribbean, French and Middle Eastern (yes, Middle Eastern!) cultures [...]

Baja California Sur

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There is a lot more to Baja California (Sur) than surfing, sand and rocks. Wonderful wine growing areas and fresh seafood make the tip of the Baja peninsula a great place to live. In fact, here is where you’ll find the best fish, oysters, clams and scallops you’ll ever taste. Winter brings the whale migration from Alaska, and [...]

Playa Del Carmen

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Average Lifestyle rating: B+ (range – B- to A+) Playa del Carmen, only 25 miles south of Cancun, is a universe away in atmosphere. The beautiful, all-star beaches start in this area of the Yucatan coast. Hotels in Playa del Carmen range from thatch-roof bungalows to boutique hotels to the massive, all-inclusive 5-star resorts. There are several excellent golf courses that [...]