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Villas of the Month
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Up & Down the Coast |
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Welcome to the monthly newsletter from Sac-Be.com, your
source for news, maps and travel information for the Riviera Maya and Costa Maya. If you
have a news item, an event you'd like to promote, an article of interest or a comment to make
please email us at info@sac-be.com. Enjoy!
 Turtles & Tourism - Turtles nesting are not the only thing slow in
Akumal and the Maya Riviera (see CEA story opposite). Tourism is way down. Most places are reporting
an 80% loss through cancellations because of the flu scare. If you love and
care about this area the best thing you could do would be to book your next
trip now. AND a little insider tip: if you are thinking about traveling to
Akumal in particular in the next year or two – make your reservations now.
Property taxes are dictated by the municipality and Akumal is now a part
the Tulum Municipality. It was explained to us that their property taxes will
be increasing, and more than likely those increases will have to be passed on
to the guests. So don't wait, book now while there are incredible deals on
your favorite place and excellent airline prices to match.
Announcing the Riviera Maya Photo Contest - email your photos to
info@sac-be.com and the winner will be
published in next month's newsletter. Judging will be totally subjective.
June's Theme: What says Summer to you? Summer officially begins on the
21st, so what one shot taken on the Riviera Maya sums up that special feeling?
Don't forget to keep in touch with sac-be.com
in between newsletters by visiting our blog.
And now you can even join us on facebook.
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Akumal's 50th Anniversary Bash
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Akumal's 50th was an incredibly wonderful 3 days of a multitude of events.
There was something for everyone from diving, fishing, volleyball, museum
exhibits, great food, intoxicating music, bazaar, dance troops, puppet shows,
fashion shows, treasure hunts and sand sculpturing. The event kicked off with a
wine and cheese reception along with many multi media presentations about life
over the last 50 years. The Tun family, the first to live in Akumal, were
recognized along with the Bush family, and many who came in the early years.
There were documentaries, slide shows and even old home movies that all
captured the essence of Akumal and took each and every one of us back to the
very first moment we fell in love with the place and its people.
Sac-Be will publish a special edition of this newsletter, later this month, with
stories and photos from Akumal's Celebration. You can also check
back to see what we have added once our staff returns from assignment. In the
meantime you can read updates on our blog and see some of our photos along with
others on Hotel Akumal Caribe's website.
How Fish Stories get so BIG - Wendell, first of all, congratulations
from all of us on winning the Fishing Tournament in Akumal on May 31. While in
Akumal I heard the fish was a 150 kilo (300+ pound) marlin that Wendell fought
for over 2 hours. By the time I got to Xamach Dos, I was sitting around a table
and I heard from Josh, the property manager, about the 200+ kilo marlin that
won in Akumal. I asked Josh where he had heard this story and he explained that
he heard it in Tulum from the person who claimed to come in second, with his
own 150 kilo marlin... and so the fishing tales go. We all figure if you travel
to Punta Allen, Wendell will have won by catching a whale. The next fishing
tournament is scheduled for Punta Allen.
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Volunteer For the Green of It
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We see a lot of inquiries asking where people can volunteer and of course we
refer people to our Causes Section. But many of those are looking for longer
commitments. If you are traveling to the Maya Riviera and want to see some of
nature's most gorgeous beaches take an afternoon and head south of Tulum to
Sian Kaan. There are places where you won't see a building or person for
kilometers. What you will see and be amazed by is the amount of trash and
plastics that wash up along these shores. Grab a garbage bag and spend an hour
helping to make a difference. You will be amazed at how a soda bottle got here
from Asia. This is not the work of local litterbugs but the result of a world
wide problem.
After you spend your time making a difference, stop in at Xamach Dos and meet
the wonderful staff and grab a cold refreshment. This spot is a little slice
of paradise that you will be hearing more and more about. Located between
Tulum and Punta Allen it is not to be missed.
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Naturally
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Caribbean Cushion Starfish
If you snorkel anywhere in the Mexican Caribbean from Cozumel to Mahahual you
have probably seen the Cushion Starfish or Oreaster reticulatus CLASS: Sea
Stars, Asteroidea. Also called Cushioned Star, it is common in the sea grass.
This sea star is easily viewed and identified because of its size, color,
thickness (hence the "cushion" title) and proximity to shore.
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Of Special Interest
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My First Trip to Akumal - by Denise Roper -
When I got certified the only other English speaking person in Akumal was Dave,
the Brit who owned the dive shop and a bit by his assistant dive master and that
was it. I know because I had a toothache and went to the tienda - which sold
individual pills from a bottle - screaming dolor muelos which I learned from
our housekeeper? Is she rich? No... (photo courtesy of Hotel Akumal Caribe)
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The Everyday Challenges of Living in the Yucatan - By Lou Pintkowski -
It was the start of what I thought was going to be an easy day. We only had to
prepare breakfast for four guests at La Selva Mariposa, and they had plans
after their meal to leave in different directions to explore for the day. My
only chores that had to be done that morning involved a leisurely drive to
Tulum to take and pick-up laundry and a little money exchange...
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Rio Secreto - By Myrna Sparks -
Located just south of Xcaret on Highway 307, Rio Secreto has 14 kms. of
spectacular underground caverns filled with huge stalagtites and stalagmites,
cenotes to explore on foot and by swimming, a 500 meter underground river and
a 600 meter limestone pathway on the floor of the caverns!
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Accommodations |
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Sac-be offers free listing of properties along the Riviera Maya.
If you would like to have your rental property listed please complete the form on our
owner's page. Or, if you are interested in
learning more about other advertising opportunities please contact us.
The following vacation rental properties were recently listed:
Chemuyil
Casa Rosa -
$550 a week.SUMMER RATE STARTS MAY 1. This is for a full 7 Night week not 6
nights like many other ads! You can rent our 2 bedroom house that sleeps four,
right across the road from the best beach on the Riviera Maya, Xcacel Beach.
Casa Buena Fortuna -
You can rent our 2 bedroom house that sleeps four. The beach has crystal clear
blue water, a sandy bottom and is also a turtle nesting sanctuary.The house is
located 10 minutes from Tulum, 5 minutes from Akumal.
Soliman Bay & Tankah
Maya Jardin -
This large villa can be your spectacular home away from home. Serene palms,
tropical fish, coral and white sand set the stage for this romantic lifestyle.
A few steps to the beach and you swim or snorkel in the blue waters of the
world's second largest barrier reef.
Playa Belleza -
This 2 bedroom, 2 bath air conditioned villa on tranquil Tankah Bay offers
luxury accommodation and amenities in a very private setting. Step through the
handmade louvred doors onto your large terrace overlooking the Caribbean.
Villa Orquidea -
The newest villa in Tankah, Villa Orquidea is the perfect place to relax and
enjoy modern accommodations on this fantastic beach. The 3 master suites in the
main house all have wonderful views of the Caribbean and Tankah Bay.
Casa del Perro Feliz -
Tucked into the curve of the bay, Casa del Perro Feliz is a favorite of many
visitors to the Tankah area. Tastefully appointed, yet very comfortable, this
3 Bedroom, 3 1/2 bath beachfront villa, has a beautiful, natural setting.
Puerto Morelos Area
Isla de Vista -
Looking for one of the last undiscovered areas on the Riviera Maya? Quiet,
serene and peaceful, Playa del Secreto, the Secret Beach, is an enclave of less
than 20 private homes and condos located halfway between Cancun and Playa del
Carmen.
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June 2009 - #17 |
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Community News |
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Akumal |
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Hekab Be Biblioteca Update -
With summer vacation just around the corner, we are looking for donors who would
be willing to sponsor a child to participate in our summer school program. All
it takes is $30 US to send one child for the entire month of Summer School!
Read A Touching Story of
how first time visitors to Akumal adopted the the library and made it a cause
for many visitors.
What is Montessori Preschool? Part 11
by Eleanor Zucker
- Within the Montessori tradition, there is little separation between the
interior and exterior of the classroom environment. Nature becomes part of the
interior environment through the children’s activities such as: daily care of
plants, arranging flowers, and taking care of animals in the school.
Kent Samuelson of Lightcrafters in Austin, TX will be in residence at Nah-Hah in
Akumal from June 5-12.
Kent builds lights using specially selected erosion resistant materials for the
Akumal environment. His company did those special lights for Nah-hah (see
Villa Art in Akumal). If any villa owners
wish to consult with Kent while he's in town let him know.
New Yoga in Akumal schedule.
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Puerto Aventuras |
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Name Change - The Puerto Aventuras community foundation
is now known as Anat Kah! Anat Kah is a name suggested by Donald Hart, a
Puerto Aventuras resident and archaeologist with 43 years of experience working
in the Maya world. Anat means help or support in Yucatec Maya, and Kah means
village. To learn more about this great organization read the May Newsletter (PDF). The website is coming soon.
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Updates on Causes |
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CEA News -
As we reported last month, turtle season has started. According to Armando,
the coordinator of CEA's Turtle Protection Program there are 20 -30 nest in
Akumal. He said this is a slower than usual start to the season.
There are no cases of H1N1
virus in Playa del Carmen, where the Peanut Pet Shelter is located but
this has not stopped the International media from scaring everyone from
travelling to this wonderful part of the world. This has prevented many of our
supporters and tourists from coming to Playa del Carmen and bringing much
needed donations/medications. Don't let the flu scare stop you from helping!
Coco Cat Rescue is busy as can be.
If you're interested in adopting a kitten or donating time, money or medical
supplies please read on. You'll also see some impossibly cute pictures.
Last minute note from Laura: A big thank you to everyone a lot of hard
work was put into this fundraiser by all! We raised 35,565 pesos!
SPAY has announced its Playa cel Carmen Animal Spay and Neutering clinic for June 12, 13,
14, taking dogs and cats from 9-Noon at Centro Comunitario Ejido 95av.
entre 14 y 16 (atras del centro a la mujer). They will also be having clinics in July in both Akumal and Chemuyil. They
are currently raising money for a Tulum Clinic. The home owners of Solimon Bay
have begun a feral cat program to trap, fix and release the cats in the area.
The money is being raised from the home-owners. Good work, Solimon Bay. Jen
Smith reported between 25,000 to 30,000 pesos in soft funds have been raised
for the animals and at the Akumal's 50th Bazaar they raised $4,000 pesos just
in the sale of Nancy Poor's necklaces.
Christina Alexander of Anat Kah (Community Foundation of the Riviera Maya) sent
us this reprint from the Philanthropy Journal about
Mexican Non-profits. Food for thought.
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Calendar of Events |
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Happy Fathers Day – June 21st!
June 13 - Gino Vannelli Concert as part of the
Riviera Maya
Jazz Festival in Playa del Carmen.
August 8 - 15 - Vidas spay and neuter clinic in Playa del Carmen.
August 9-15 - a group sponsored by the Minnesota Zoo will be visiting CEA.
October 16 - 18 - Festival de Tortugas Marinas Tulum - 7th Annual Sea
Turtle Festival. Tourists and locals are welcome to participate in the release
of baby turtles at Xcacel beach by moonlight, supporting the Sea Turtle
Protection Program.
October 24 – November 4 Women In Wellness
– Local's are welcome to join
in the fun. Blanca Sanchez-Navarro, Chef Gynna, Boutique Ixchel, WaterART,
International and more are joining Just Imagine Vacations, Inc to make this a
great retreat.
November 9 - 15 - Cancun & Riviera Maya International Film Festival
November 9 - The Fuhrer Fiesta is planned for Akumal celebrating a 10th wedding
anniversay.
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New Advertisers |
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Ann and Chuck Irvine - Casa
del Perro Feliz in Tankah.
Xamach Dos in Sian Ka'an.
Dreams for Mayan
Children
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