Villas of the Month

Up & Down the Coast

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 e-mail us at info@sac-be.com. Enjoy!

Happy Mother's Day! And did you know that this year it shares the date with World Migratory Bird Day? It is also officially Turtle Season. As always, we encourage everyone to do your part to help protect and preserve these wonderful animals and their environment.

And speaking of turtle and migratory birds, we all know that there is one of the worst oil spills in history happening along the U.S. Gulf Coast. These links will take you to just some of the organizations that are helping: how to help and get involved.

What's New

Paul Sánchez-Navarro of CEA spoke to The Akumalian about the 36-hole golf course that is planned for Akumal and the possible effects it will have. Read about that, and more comings and goings in their May issue.

Reminder: A replica of a cross from the 1741 shipwreck "El Matancero" was created by Richard Mazzola of Ak-Nah Galería in Akumal, as a limited edition of 150, to celebrate Akumal's 50th anniversary. Each cross is signed and numbered. The cross is made of 925 silver and has an original green glass bead from the shipwreck set in the center of the cross. The cross can be bought by e-mailing camilleka@hotmail.com, or in Akumal at the jewelry counter in Super Chomak. Also, from November–April, the cross will be sold at Ak-Nah Galería in Akumal.

Just Imagine Vacations, Inc. has joined forces with ValMarAn and is now offering some great trips throughout the Mayan World. You can now join a group and travel the ancient sac-be! Choose from a 7-day or a 9-day tour, with more to come. Look for more stories from throughout the Maya World in future issues of Sac-Be.

Of Special Interest

Volunteering at Hekab Be – by Betty Gilgoff – Betty, her husband, Robert, and their teenage daughter, Hannah, are from Vancouver, Canada. Between November 2009–March 2010 they spent many dedicated hours helping as volunteers at Hekab Be. Here Betty describes their experiences during that time.

Walking in the Footsteps of Michel Peissel: Part 2 – by Mari Pintkowski – The lure of the Caribbean coast and small rural Mexican pueblos was becoming part of a dream that Wendy Morrill could not let go of. In 2005 and 2006, she and her 65-year-old father began taking extended "beach hikes" that included the coastal area from Puerto Morelos to Playa del Carmen that would eventually develop into a dream of following in the footsteps of Michel Peissel.

A Turtle Walk to Remember – by Jennifer McDermitt – It's that time of year again! Visitors to Chan Chemuyil have the opportunity for a hands-on experience with baby turtles and can sign up for evening turtle walks. If your timing is right, one of the highlights of your trip will be watching a mother nest and lay eggs.

Does the Third Mayan Prophecy hold some answers to what is happening in the world? See what Yucatan Today has to say.

Yucatan Expatriate Services has some helpful information about how to bring your car into Mexico. We felt it was worth sharing.

Accommodations

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.

Casa Playa Maya - Modern Maya, AC, sleeping loft, full kitchens, direct powder beach on best snorkel bay on the coast.

Casa Buena Fortuna - Located in the subdivision of Chan Chemuyil, this 2-bedroom home is close to many amenities and attractions. It is only a 10-minute walk to the very private, pristine beach called Xcacel, which is also a turtle sanctuary.

Casa Roja - Located in the subdivision of Chan Chemuyil, this very affordable 2-bedroom home is close to many amenities and attractions.

Casa Esperanza - Location, location, location. Esperanza is one of the few homes located a short, 3 minute walk to Akumal Bay, the best beach in Akumal. It is the same distance to Akumal village where there are restaurants, grocery stores, boutiques, dive shops and more.

Casa Luna - Situated at the south end of Half Moon Bay, Casa Luna is a large, very special house with 3,950 square feet of living space and a swimming pool that flows from the outdoor garden into the living room.

Villa Balam Ek - Enjoy our delightful, huge, oceanfront terrace and circular pool and take a breather under the palm trees. Villa Balam Ek is a 4-bedroom villa sitting on the calm shore of Half Moon Bay in North Akumal.

Casa Playa Bella - Situated in the heart of Playa del Carmen, this gorgeous condo at Aqua Terra is a unique and artful two-bedroom condo available for daily, weekly and monthly rental. Combining all the luxury of a boutique hotel with the privacy of your own home, this contemporary rental unit offers the ideal vacation getaway.

From Our Facebook Friends

Found on Facebook – Another reason to become our Facebook friends is you hear first about deals such as Casa Playa Maya on Soliman Bay is offering 30% off all bookings until September 10, 2010. become a friend.

Yucatan Direct provides "For Sale By Owner" services to Yucatán property owners. In their own words, "We provide users the same tools to market their property that the professional agents use, at a fraction of the cost. Sure, you have to do a little of the work yourself, but we think you'll be surprised at how little work it actually takes to sell property here. And your listing on Yucatan Direct is just the beginning: you put together your property listing page using our easy tools, and we market the listing on other Web sites, in print advertisements, and more."

Villa Dolce Vita on Soliman Bay is a luxury beachfront villa that offers accommodations in 2 guest rooms, each with a private bath, in a separate casita located directly on the beach. These are the only bed and breakfast accommodations offered on Soliman Bay. Each room has stunning Caribbean views and is decorated in earth tone, hand-made Mexican tiles with locally made furnishings. The private beachfront pool and ocean kayaks are available for guests' use.

Costa Maya Living is a real estate firm in Costa Maya, the coastal region that extends from the Sian Ka'an to Belize. In their own words: "Costa Maya Living Real Estate only sells properties located in Costa Maya (Sian Ka'an, Mahahual, Xcalak) and we are the experts in this area. All our associates live in Costa Maya. Costa Maya Living Real Estate sells more and has more listings in Costa Maya than ANY OTHER real estate company. Once you've experienced our service firsthand, you'll understand why."

Eva Estes - "My love for the Yucatán began over 28 years ago, when our family invested in Kailuum, a luxury camping resort, near Playa Del Carmen. There were countless vacations with the whole family and, during these trips, my heart and soul surrendered completely to this magical, spellbinding part of Mexico. Each vacation created a meltdown at the end, since I never wanted to leave."

May 2010 - #28

Hekab Be Biblioteca – Despite devastating hurricanes, frustrating Mexican bureaucracy, and other challenges, Hekab Be Biblioteca now has thousands of books for both children and adults, in Spanish and in English. Many children graduate from ninth grade, and a few go on to finish high school in Tulúm or Playa del Carmen. Tourists use the library to borrow books for the beach, learn more about the region and interact with the local people. Children from the village visit daily for after-school classes, tutoring, and lots of fun and educational activities. Be sure to visit Hekab's blog.

Children’s Day Outing – by Eleanor Zucker - In Mexico, not only are mothers and fathers honored with their own day, but children are too. El Día del Niño is celebrated on April 30. To celebrate this special day, the students of Otoch Paal were taken on a field trip.

Much was accomplished during Anat Kah's first health week in the Poblado of Puerto Aventuras. To view a summary of the activities that took place during the week of April 26, 2010, click here (PDF).

PET OF THE MONTH

This month's cat was submitted by Coco's Cat Rescue - Pacino. This little kitten was found by a woman who runs a restaurant in Playa. She found the injured kitten and tried to help by taking him to the vet. The vet was closed for lunch and she tied the cat up in a plastic bag and left him outside. Fortunately she called Coco's Cat rescue and explained what she had done. Luckily the kitten survived being in the plastic bag and was treated for his wounds which were either caused by a burn or by being inside a car motor. He is now safely undergoing treatment. Pacino is shy at first but once he gets to know you, he loves having his tummy rubbed and is playful. He is 4 months old and has been neutered.

But it's hard to pick just one! Here are all the ones available at Akumal Animal Rescue Fund and here are the ones from Peanut Pet Shelter in Playa del Carmen.

UPDATES ON CAUSES

Message from Lucy - Hello friends and family around the world, and all of you who know and love Akumal and the Riviera Maya! I'm Lucy from Akumal, and I'd be grateful if you could spend a few minutes looking at my Web site.

Centro Ecológico Akumal Director Paul Sánchez-Navarro did a wonderful interview which we wanted to share with all of you. Read it on matadorchange.com.

Coco's Cat Rescue is full to the brim and in dire need of people who can foster. Please contact them if you can help. Fantastic news: Coco's Cat Rescue raised enough money to hire a part-time vet. Edgar will be working six days a week from 10AM–2PM at Medivet for Coco's Cat Rescue. His day off will be Monday. They will also be accepting dogs for 300 pesos (to cover costs of medicines) so that Coco's donations continue to go to their original cat mission.

VIDAS announced that there are only 10 weeks until their Playa del Carmen clinic! Help them have their biggest, most successful clinic yet! Visit their site and donate today!

Well, folks, it's official! The Peanut Pet Shelter has won in the International Division of the Animal Rescue Site Shelter Challenge. Grand total winnings were $2,000! A HUGE thank you to everyone who took the time to vote for them. But you can still help out by buying a brick for their new clinic. Check out their Web site to learn more. BUT HURRY ... buying a brick now enters you into the contest to win a trip for 2 to Playa del Carmen; the drawing will be May 7.

Finally, a famous quote well worth revisiting was posted on Ocean Conservancy’s Facebook page. Margaret Mead once wrote, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." Let these words inspire all of us to try to change the world!!

Thursdays through August – Great news for those in Akumal—the Arpason Original Duo is back at Lolha! Bogdan had been touring with Bowfire.

What are you going to do to celebrate the upcoming Eco-days? We found these while perusing CEA's site.

World Migratory Bird Day - May 8 & 9
International Day for Biodiversity - May 22
World Turtle Day - May 23
World Environment Day - June 5
World Oceans Day - June 8

May 16 - Bazaar on 5th Av between 34 and 40 in Playa del Carmen, from 9AM to 9PM. Coco's Cat Rescue will be there from 7AM getting everything ready. They need volunteers to help with the stand and they need second-hand clothes, toys, books, DVDs, bikes—basically anything that sells!

July 17 - VIDAS Spay and Neuter Clinic, Playa del Carmen. The location is the school Jose España Cruz in the Colosio on Calle 104, between Av 10 and 15. Intake is between 9AM and noon daily.

November 1-8 - The WaterART certifications will coincide with the Second Annual Women In Wellness. Here is a look at this year's schedule of events. VIP tickets will be available for all events or you can attend part of the week. Contact Just Imagine Vacations for more information.

November 1-8 - The Second Annual Women In Wellness Event is going to be bigger and better this year. Just Imagine Vacations, Inc. is putting the final touches on the schedule. If you are interested in participating as a presenter or workshop leader, please contact Lydia this month. Get a sneak peak of some of the events! Registration is required, via e-mail in advance or in person at Lolha November 1 from 4-7PM. We are encouraging locals to join in, and you should treat yourself to some really fun events. After all, it is low season—relax and do something nice for yourself. Or check it out on Facebook.

November 21 - Second Annual Taste of Playa is scheduled. Mark your calendar; it is going to be delicious.

REMINDER: If you have any events coming up in 2010, please send us the information so we can get it posted on our Events Calendar.

Make your own Special Event any night by having a Romantic Dinner for two on the beach at Lolha.