happyaddress - Happy Address Vacation Rentals

The Mayan Portal: What does this wonderful work of art mean?

21st June 2018 by happyaddress

It was December 21, 2012: the date on which, according to the Mayan prophecy, a new “katun” would begin, or, as many thought, the world would end.

People were gathered on the white sand of the Mexican Caribbean, perhaps expecting destruction and annihilation. Luckily, that didn’t happen. What they did see was a statue, designed by Arturo Tavarez, that would become the icon of a new era in the life, tourism and history of Playa del Carmen.

It was the beginning of a period that will last another 5,120 years.

With it, Playa del Carmen declared itself ready for a new time, where the charm and mystery of the Mayan jungle and tradition with a modern touch came together in the “Mayan Portal” (the name of the statue), as a message of solidarity and growth between the original peoples and the rest of the world.

Two figures stand evoking the ball game, a ritual that became characteristic of the first inhabitants of this wonderful place.

Standing almost 30 feet tall, a man and a woman hold hands to create a new cycle of light that represents hope.

A spiral of wind and of water show that Playa del Carmen always brings out the best in everyone.

The “Mayan Portal” is not a place where the world ends; on the contrary, it’s an open door for visitors and the people whose hard work has built this tourist destination that has become a symbol of prosperity in the Mayan Peninsula. It’s a way to invite locals and visitors to become part of a history that isn’t over yet.

Would you like to see the “Mayan Portal” for yourself? If you’ve already visited, what did you think?

What are the best breakfasts to try while vacationing in Mexico?

14th June 2018 by happyaddress

The Mayan Riviera is renowned for the versatility of its cuisine. Foodies will feel pampered by the amazing haute cuisine on offer, especially the many “mestizo” dishes, as well as those that make the most of their marine ingredients. Within just a few steps, those who prefer street food will come across taco stands and “fondas” (informal eateries) where they’ll be able to taste authentic local offerings.

Keep walking and you’ll come across steakhouses, fusion food and avant-garde cuisine restaurants that will take your palate places you’d never dreamed of. However, we can’t talk about food in the Mayan Riviera and not discuss the most important meal of the day: breakfast.

With so many activities available, including adventure tourism options, experiences, places to swim, archaeological sites to visits, sports to practice (shopping included), etc., you’ll need a healthy breakfast, rich in protein, vitamins and carbohydrates to keep you going all day long. In Playa del Carmen, taste and nutrition can easily go together. Our years of experience allow us to list some of the breakfast options that have enchanted those who visit the Mayan Riviera. If you haven’t tried them all, we truly recommend them.

Chilaquiles

This is a miracle dish for those looking to heal after a long night: chips, salsa (as spicy as you like), onions, cream, cheese and your choice of either chicken, eggs or beef, among other options. Chilaquiles are a delicious, revitalizing meal that will bring the color back to your cheeks, and if there’s still a party in your heart, it’ll be exactly what you need to keep the fun going.

Cochinita/lechón

People in the Yucatan Peninsula know how to feed the hunger that comes from days of fun, physical activity and discovering landscapes that you’d only dreamt of before. Cochinita pibil and lechón al horno, two traditional pork-based dishes, are some of their most iconic breakfast options, and they’re known for their deliciousness and nutritional value, which combines animal protein, carbs and fiber. Habanero peppers, renowned for their healing properties, are optional.

Eggs Motul-style

The best-kept secret of breakfasts in Yucatan. Imagine a freshly made tostada; add beans, a fried egg, a delicious sauce, peas, ham, cheese and a touch of habanero. As delicious and simple as it sounds, the combination has been perfected throughout years, and it’s become a favorite option for breakfast in the region.

Whatever you want

At Happy Address we don’t impose, we recommend. These are just a few of the many options you can enjoy while vacationing in the Mayan Riviera. The decision is yours, we just help make it happen.

Are you familiar with all the services we offer?

Get your body ready for summer!

7th June 2018 by happyaddress

Summer is just around the corner for the inhabitants of the Northern Hemisphere. Those south of the equator will have to wait a little longer, unless they take this wonderful excuse to visit the paradise shores we have this side of the world: We’ll welcome you with open arms.

Whether you’re in Patagonia, Alaska or northern Mexico, summer is usually synonymous with fun, beach, good weather, friends, dancing and clubs.

Because of this, many people who worry about their looks work out year-round to have a “bikini” or “beach body” when the time comes. However, for many others this is a source of problems: miracle diets, overcompensating, overtraining, despair and frustration—since everybody knows you can’t make your belly go away overnight.

At Happy Address we want you to have the vacation of your dreams, so we’re going to tell you how to get your body ready for summer.

The first thing you should do is think about your vacation: Where are you spending it? What are you planning to do? Who are you going with? Are you thinking about hooking up? Do you plan to sunbathe or would you rather stay indoors? Are you playing golf or skiing?

Then you should stand in front of the mirror and visualize the activities you want to do and the clothes you’re planning to wear: Have you seen a skinny-legged diver? A swimmer with a belly? A Kardashian without a tan?

The third thing you should do is forget every insecurity you have about your body. Your body is perfect for summer, winter, fall and spring, whether at the beach or watching the northern lights (though if you do, make sure to stay warm). At Happy Address we want you to enjoy your vacation without any limitations whatsoever; we’re here so no chain hotels can stop you from having the summer of your dreams.

Find out more about our wide range of options for vacation rentals, where you’ll be able to enjoy whatever you want to do.

A weekend in the Mayan Riviera, the perfect gift for Mom

31st May 2018 by happyaddress

The days when the Mayan Riviera meant only fun for young tourists on Spring Break are gone. After all, the greatness of a tourist destination like Playa del Carmen goes beyond its nightlife and party atmosphere, which there is a lot of.

Playa del Carmen is a destination that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, from the youngest in the family to college students, and, very important right now, it’s a great place for pampering Mom.

Its natural beauty, shopping, haute cuisine, restaurants with relaxed atmosphere and recreational activities in nature are ideal for Mom to enjoy her weekend as she deserves. And we know that there are thousands of ways and thousands of ideas for celebrating and thanking her for everything that she’s done for us, but in the Mayan Riviera, there are many opportunities to do so in an ideal setting so she never forgets this great gift.

A breakfast with a great view

It could be a breakfast in bed, like she did sometimes when you were sick. Or right on the beach. A refreshing orange juice, her favorite dish accompanied by a delicious coffee. Mom will be thrilled with the details and will feel pampered by the breeze, the affection of the whole family and the delicious combination of flavors.

A spa day

The best way to pamper mom is with a spa day: massage, treatments, a refreshing shower, a cleansing drink. The options and packages are varied; you can go with her if you wish, you can let her choose the different treatments or surprise her with the ones you think will be her favorite.

You can also order it where you’re staying; for example, with Happy Address, all the spa facilities are right there.

Shopping!

Playa del Carmen’s Fifth Avenue has shops of all kinds so you can stop asking “What will Mom want?” and let her decide. And to avoid getting tired, you can find a property for rent very close to the commercial heart of Playa del Carmen.

See how easy it is to spoil Mom with the help of Happy Address and the Mexican Caribbean?

Five perfect songs for your Mayan Riviera vacations?

24th May 2018 by happyaddress

Playa del Carmen is a unique place with a special personality that offers one-of-a-kind experiences for all visitors. Because music is always with you and fills the best moments of your life with emotions, we thought it would be interesting to build a playlist with five songs you shouldn’t leave out when you visit this tropical paradise.

What was our selection criteria?

We only considered the atmospheres you’ll encounter, the landscapes you’ll enjoy and the experiences you’ll live—that was the criteria.

Are you ready?

Cozumel- Cerati and Melero

Gustavo Cerati has always been a versatile singer-songwriter. In this song it feels like both his music and lyrics invite you to become a swallow flying over this marvelous island, floating on the sea breeze.

Wouldn’t It Be Nice – The Beach Boys

There’s a reason why the Beach Boys are called that: their music is so light, fun and easy to listen to, you’ll want it to be the soundtrack to having fun in the sand with your friends.

It’s Oh So Quiet – Björk

There will come a time when sunset will fall as softly as a feather, while the birds fly back to their nests and tourists take a nap. Everything will be peaceful and quiet, and then will wake up all over again.

Mi gente – J Balvin

J Balvin is a singer-songwriter who writes lyrics everyone can relate to. “Mi Gente,” besides being catchy, is an anthem for the cosmopolitan, for people from all over the world coming together in a brotherhood—but not a corny brotherhood, one that goes beyond the heart.

En el mar – Tin Tan

This is a classic Mexican beach song that plainly states that life is better and love is stronger by the sea. You can’t argue with that!

Bonus track: Cuando calienta el sol – Luis Miguel

If by any chance Mexican singer Luis Miguel had stopped being on everyone’s mind, Netflix fixed that by making a mini-series about his life. “Cuando calienta el sol” is a light, fun, romantic song that will immediately transport you to a world of teenage love by the sea, enjoying a refreshing drink.

What songs would you add to our Mayan Riviera vacation playlist?

Live, don’t just travel

17th May 2018 by happyaddress

In this era of social networks and a 2.0 world, we seem to live under the dictatorship of the selfie, where everything is perfect, all food is instagram-worthy, all landscapes are beautiful, all drinks are “flirty” and all parties are amazing. They make us believe the Instagram Moments, the Facebook stories and the thousands of hashtags we use in any social network.

We’ve forgotten to live every moment, as if everything was about posing for a selfie, but there’s something much more important: living. We don’t mean like when your grandparents say that this generation has forgotten many things. We travel, but only for the pictures.

When you completely experience a place, like when you stay at Happy Address, you exchange the smile in the selfie for a laugh with your friends, you stop thinking about Instagram and you get lost in paradises you’ve just discovered, where your phone barely has a signal. But, how can you turn your trip to the Mayan Riviera into an authentic experience?

Disconnect from the internet

Sometimes it’s good to take a few minutes away from your phone and all the worries about “likes” and “shares;” now imagine doing it for several hours. Maybe it sounds crazy, but after a while you stop thinking about it and start enjoying the scenery, just for you and those with you; stop listening to Spotify and start listening to the breeze. Stop thinking about the picture and start creating memories.

Search for the authentic

What do the people who live here eat? What was life like for the first people who lived here? What will it feel like to live in this paradise? Experiences begin when you create empathy with the space and feel the breeze, feel the sand under your feet, the freshness of the blue ocean. Sensations that can’t be translated into an emoji.

Forget about traditional hotels

Hotels are stuffy spaces that only seem cozy: rules, schedules, cold staff that welcome you with a smile but don’t mean it. At Happy Address we want to give you the most authentic experience, something you can live, talk about, and want to repeat. We want to turn your trip to the Riviera into something you want to share more than just online.

Underwater photography in the Mayan Riviera? Why not?

10th May 2018 by happyaddress

Underwater pictures are always impressive: they’re a great way to discover an environment that is not ours and which hides wonderful shapes, colors, species of flora and fauna, reliefs, textures and even stories that we could never have imagined.

If you grew up in the 90s, you’ll surely remember the iconic cover of Nirvana’s Nevermind album: a baby swimming in a pool. Fortunately, underwater photography is no longer exclusively available to professionals with expensive equipment; if you’re traveling to paradise, why not dive into it to discover a side not everyone has seen?

But what about the equipment?

Plenty of “action cams,” small cameras that take amazing underwater pictures, are now available. A good tip is to make sure to get one that has a display or mini-screen on the back, so you can frame your picture before shooting. Brands such as GoPro, Evorok, Vivitar, Sony and Garmin, among others, have options for all budgets.

You could also get a waterproof case for your smartphone; using it becomes a little more complicated, but you’ll be able to capture amazing shots.
Some tips for beginner underwater photographers:

Optimize battery use: before going underwater to take pictures, make sure the phone or camera doesn’t stay on all the time, especially if you’re only going to take a couple of shots.

Take advantage of bursts: burst (or continuous shooting) mode is the best way to take pictures of moving subjects, as you’ll have plenty of pictures to choose from.

Never stray far from a charging center or an external memory: we know that once you start taking pictures underwater you’ll be amazed by the result and you’ll want to take pictures all the time, but neither the memory nor the battery are unlimited. Staying near the beach, as you would with Happy Address, will allow you to keep your computer, charger and memory cards nearby, but always safe. You might not be a pro just yet, but surely soon.

Have you tried taking pictures underwater? What do you prefer? Action cam or phone in a waterproof case?

Say yes to piracy!

3rd May 2018 by happyaddress

Before any misunderstanding, no, we’re not referring to making illegal copies of items, artistic works or original ideas. We’re referring to a true experience in which you’ll be surrounded with pirates and buccaneers who will take you to a time of adventure, courage, tenacity and fun.

If you come with children, we’re sure they’ll be happy to experience adventures with the most famous anti-heroes of the Caribbean, made popular by the films in which Johnny Depp played the unforgettable Jack Sparrow, possibly the worst pirate ever known.

So say yes to the adventure and set sail with the pirate adventure.

If you’re not travelling with small children, don’t worry: the adventure starts at the Fat Tuesday dock and will take you to the pirate village on Isla Mujeres, where you can eat a buffet dinner and partake in the open bar.

During the trip (which departs at 6:30 p.m.) you’ll arrive at the private club “El Pescador” where you will see a pirate celebration and a show of adventure, magic, competitions and tropical rhythms.

To get to the Pirate Assault, just travel to Cancun from Playa del Carmen and ask them to take you on this emblematic tour. If you stay with Happy Address, we’ll be happy to do everything to get you there and back from this great adventure quickly and safely.

Just focus on enjoying yourself, and Happy Address will be waiting for you.

Playa del Carmen, a great destination for those who love to dance

24th April 2018 by happyaddress

It’s well-known that Playa del Carmen is a place where the music never stops, ranging from music festivals such as the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival to BPM.

However, we know that for every taste there’s a rhythm, and listening to Chick Corea or the most famous DJs on the scene isn’t for everyone. Some have a taste for something more classic and prefer Latin rhythms like salsa, son and merengue.

Walking along Fifth Avenue, you’ll find a great variety of these rhythms and, most importantly, many places that offer a warm atmosphere and that honor the Caribbean environment in which they operate. However, not all of them have the authentic flavor that salsa lovers seek; that’s why we took on the task of finding the ideal options.

La Bodeguita del Medio

With this name that references one of the favorite places of Ernest Hemingway, perhaps the most Cuban American of all time, here you’ll find live Cuban music and Cuban souvenirs (cigars, coffee, rum). The mojito is very affordable; just give it a chance to get you in the mood.

Mambo Café

Tourists are very distrustful of franchises, but Mambo Café has taken care of bringing salsa to places it’s never been heard before (like Mexico City or the State of Mexico itself).

In an atmosphere of total party, with a great Cuban band playing live, DJ music, and attentive waiters, the Grand Mambo Café in Playa del Carmen has a true “salsero” style that true dancers will surely appreciate.

Salsanera

If you want to stick close to Fifth Avenue, the Salsanera is an option that even has classes for beginners, so there’s no reason to keep saying “I don’t know how to dance.”

With these three options you’ll have enough options to dance until dawn… or until the dance floor empties.

And so the fun doesn’t stop, you can stay with Happy Address, where you can be close to the best places to dance salsa in Playa del Carmen.

Have you visited Mexico’s one true bike-friendly destination?

19th April 2018 by happyaddress

Bicycles are no longer just a way to work out: they’ve become a lifestyle for people who love sustainable, comfortable and practical transportation. Once you try riding in Playa del Carmen you’ll understand why.

In an ever-growing city like this, it might even feel unusual to be able to ride a bike so easily, without worrying about cars, and even on paths especially designed for your cycling pleasure.

It’s also important to note that, unlike other cities, Playa del Carmen has a very relaxed dress code, meaning you’ll be able to ride more comfortably even if you’re going to work.

And what can we say about the many views you’ll come across when riding your bike? Beaches, breeze, an amazing commercial area that you can ride through in just a few minutes—unless you decide to stop along the way without having to worry about your bike’s security.

You don’t even have to buy one. Playa del Carmen’s wide range of touristic and commercial options includes plenty of spots where you’ll be able to rent one of these wonderful means of transportation to ride and enjoy in a way not many people get to experience.

If you’re staying at Happy Address and you’d like to enjoy riding in Playa del Carmen, let us know how many bikes you’d like and what sizes and models you’d be interested in (a road bike, mountain bike, city bike, touring bike or just any bike) and we’ll do our best to help you.