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Grand Catch of the Day

Order the catch of the day when dining at our restaurants; the fish, shrimp and lobster are all supremely fresh and superbly flavored. From lunchtime shrimp tacos with a splendid view at Heaven Beach Bar, ceviche, aguachile and fish cooked to a traditional recipe at Flor de Canela to Mediterranean and Pacific coast dishes at El Faro Grill, a seafood feast awaits you.

Seafood dishes to try

You may decide to order your favorite shrimp tacos one day for lunch at Heaven Beach Bar and how about trying something new another day? The mixed seafood ceviche, a Japan-Mexico fusion tuna tostada and the salmon duo sashimi are all delicious choices.

For open air dining, Heaven offers seafood starters ranging from tuna tartare and Lima-style fish ceviche to octopus and shrimp tostadas and fried calamari. For your main course, choose classic fish and chips (without the newspaper wrapping), grilled swordfish with meunière sauce, coconut shrimp with mango-chili sauce or fresh lobster cooked to perfection in butter with a hint of vanilla and served with basmati rice pilaf.

More mouthwatering seafood lunch options await you in El Faro Grill. For starters try Chef Borbolla’s Pacific-inspired dishes such as Costa Alegre-style tuna tostada, Bucerias mixed ceviche from Nayarit or the Acapulco-style shrimp cocktail. A hearty seaman’s baguette filled with stewed shrimp, pastor-style salmon or shrimp tacos and linguine tutto mare seafood pasta are favorites. Or you could order the catch of the day marinated in achiote, grilled shrimp and octopus or Ensenada mussels cooked in white wine, garlic with a dash of chili and cream.

Seafood choices for dinner in El Faro range from fritto misto Mediterranean fried shrimp and calamari, shrimp salad or tuna tataki with mango as a starter. Order clam chowder served in a bread bowl followed by grilled octopus or scallops, grouper fillet with butter, lime and toasted almonds, salmon, tuna or shrimp with flavors of the Orient: lemon grass tea, ginger, garlic, shallots, coriander and coconut rice.

For Mexican seafood recipes plan to have dinner in Flor de Canela during your stay. Order some tasty mixed pescadillas or crispy fried turnovers, shrimp tacos, tuna tostadas, shrimp aguachile or mixed ceviche with corn chips and salsas for sharing. Your main course options include tikinxic or Mayan-style marinated and grilled fish, tequila shrimp and seafood pozole, a vibrant Mexican take on bouillabaisse. Try the Governor’s shrimp burrito, tuna in a Mexican seed crust or lobster al mojo de ajo or garlic sauce. Buen provecho!

Be your own seafood cook

If you like to prepare your own seafood recipes in your gourmet kitchen and serve them to family and friends, order fresh fish, shrimp and lobster from the Protein Menu available from Room Service.

And when you are ready to go exploring and want to try out seafood restaurants in Puerto Morelos, your Concierge will be able to recommend those that serve the freshest locally caught fruits de mer.

 

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Grand Residences Protecting the Planet

On Saturday March 28 at 8:30 p.m., Grand Residences will be participating in Earth Hour, the global campaign organized by WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature or World Wildlife Fund) to draw attention to climate change and biodiversity loss and the need to join forces to protect our planet.

Global warming is accelerating and is reaching tipping points that will have catastrophic consequences. According to the recent IPBES report up to one million species are threatened with extinction if we do not take urgent action. Seventy to ninety percent of the world’s coral reefs may die as a result of rapidly warming ocean temperatures, and another rich marine habitat, the kelp forest, is disappearing in many parts of the world. The ice caps and glaciers are melting and extreme weather events, drought, floods, crop failure are all becoming much more frequent.

Whether it is lobbying politicians and companies for more action on climate change to switching to eco-friendly products, planting trees, reducing our use of plastics and recycling, walking to work or car pooling, we can all help change the world. Earth Hour 2020 is a good moment to think about what you can do for the planet.

Guests are invited to join in the Earth Hour activities organized during the day. Activities will include arts and crafts and family activities such as a nature walk or tree planting to enjoy with your children. Finally at 8:30 p.m., non-essential lights will be turned off around the resort for one hour and we hope that guests will join us by dimming the lights in their suites.

In 2019, more than 180 countries took part in Earth Hour and the lights on close to 18,000 of the world’s most famous landmarks were dimmed. Millions of people came together to take action, making pledges to protect the environment, whether at home, in the workplace or in their communities.

Grand Residences green actions

At Grand Residences, we are doing what we can to reduce our environmental footprint and are reaffirming our commitment to a plastic-free planet. We now serve food in biodegradable food containers instead of polystyrene and our straws are made from avocado seeds and bamboo. We will only bring straws with drinks if guests expressly ask for one. And in order to reduce our consumption of single use plastic bottles of water we are now serving reusable jugs of purified water on the pool deck, the lobby and in other areas around the resort.

You can help us to save water, electricity and reduce our use of laundry products and the chemicals they contain by not requesting a change of bath towels every day. If you would like to join our resort campaign, leave your towels hanging up if you wish to use them again and put them on the floor if you would like new ones.

When you go on a beach walk why not help us keep the beach clean by taking a biodegradable bag with you to pick up trash? It’s a start for making our world a cleaner place. If you return your bag with trash, we’ll give you a coupon for a free drink.

Another way you can help us protect the environment is not to apply sun cream or oil if you are going to swim or snorkel in the sea or in the cenotes. Wear a t-shirt instead. Sun products contain chemicals that are harmful to corals and marine life.

 

 

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In the news

Puerto Morelos and Grand Residences were featured in Forbes Magazine in February. https://www.forbes.com/sites/fionatapp/2020/01/28/tired-of-cancun-try-charming-puerto-morelos-instead/#56521d183b68

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Every picture tells a story

This month we have included some of our favorite photos of the Riviera Maya and Yucatán in the springtime.

If you have a picture of Grand Residences, Puerto Morelos or a special place in the Yucatan or a vacation story that you would like to share with us, we would love to hear from you. Send your pictures to memories@royalresorts.com. A selection of the photos we receive will be published in this newsletter.

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Still time to enter the 2020 Royal Resorts Foundation Race, April 25

There’s still time to enter the 2020 Royal Resorts Foundation Race and run for a good cause. The race will take place on Saturday, April 25. Forming part of the Cancun 50 Year birthday celebrations, the race also has a different venue, the brand new Parque Cancun, located behind the schools and colleges on Bonampak Avenue, Downtown.

The 2020 Royal Resorts Foundation Race cause, a children’s playground in Parque Cancun

Parque Cancun is a new green space for local residents and visitors to enjoy and it will be inaugurated on April 20 as part of Cancun’s birthday celebrations. From the outset, Royal Resorts has been involved in the development of the park, sending gardeners to help in the landscaping. The Royal Resorts Foundation has decided to give more support to this community cause in 2020 and proceeds from the race will be donated to the park to fund a children’s playground.

Take part in the 5 or 10-kilometer race or the three-kilometer walk and there’s a Fun Run for the kids too.

Race details

  • The race takes place on Saturday, April 25 2020 at 7 a.m in Parque Cancun.
  • 3, 5 or 10 kilometers
  • Age categories for men and women
    Free (15-39 years)   Master (40-49 years)           Veteran (50 and over)
  • Race Fee is $300 pesos per adult and $250 pesos per child and includes a souvenir t-shirt and finalist’s medal, race number, chip, water and an isotonic drink at the finish line.
    Prizes will be given to the first three places in each category in the 5 and 10 km races for men and women. The first three Royal Resorts employees to cross the finish in the 5 and 10 km races for men and women will also receive prizes.

Children’s Fun Run

Bring the kids! There is a race for them too!

  • Children aged 4 to 7 years
    500 meters
  • Children aged 8 to 12 years
    1 kilometer

Register for the 2020 Royal Resorts Foundation Race today

Email: contact@royalresortsfoundation.org

Invite your friends and family to take part!

 

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Spread the Word about Grand Residences

If you enjoy telling your friends, relatives and associates about Grand Residences and showing them photos of your home in paradise, why not help spread the word by participating in the Grand Residences Referral Program?
We want your referrals to discover the Grand Residences luxury vacation experience for themselves and we are willing to offer them, on your behalf, a special 3 night/4 day stay in a luxurious Junior Suite at Grand Residences at a greatly discounted rate, so that they can do just that.
To take advantage of this special offer the only requirement is that during their stay, your referred guests must attend a personalized resort preview of our Private Residence Club. We will show them our new vision of luxury living and what it would be like to have a beautiful home in paradise. If your referrals choose to become owners, you will receive 2% of the net purchase price of their Fraction in Royal Resorts Rewards that you can apply towards your annual Club Service fees, use to pay your club bill on your next vacation or make a donation to Royal Resorts Foundation charitable causes.
Start thinking about the people you know and that you think would be interested in the Grand Residences lifestyle. We would love to hear from you and look forward to showing your friends your beautiful resort home.
If you would like to make a referral, click here or call +52 (998) 881-0100 ext. 65846.

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Witness an Ancient Wonder at Chichen Itza on the Equinox

The ancient cities of the Maya have an air of mystery whenever you visit them but for many travelers, a trip to the World Heritage Site of Chichen Itza in March to witness the Equinox offers even more wonders.

An ancient god returns to earth

On March 19, the day of the spring Equinox, the Pyramid of Kukulcan or El Castillo that dominates the Great Plaza at Chichen Itza, reveals its function in ancient times as a solar clock marking the passage of the seasons. It is aligned to catch the rays of the setting sun on the days of the spring and fall equinoxes in March and September. Triangles of light and shadow appear along the side of the north staircase forming the rippling body of a snake. It merges with the head of a stone serpent at the foot of the building, creating the illusion of a gigantic reptile coming down from the sky and slithering across the ground towards the Sacred Cenote.

The snake symbolizes Kukulcan (also known as Quetzalcoatl in central Mexico), the feathered serpent god, returning to earth to give hope to his followers and heralding the spring planting and fall harvest seasons for the Maya.

A reflection of the Mayan calendar

The pyramid of Kukulcan was built some time between A.D. 650 and 800, with later modifications during the period when it reached its peak under its Itzae rulers, possibly from A.D. 1000 to 1150. It is also believed to represent the ancient Mayan calendar as the number of terraces and wall panels coincides with the number of months in the Mayan year (18) and years in a calendar round (52), respectively, and the number of steps in the staircases, including the top platform, equals 365, the days in the year.

Chichen Itza’s ancient astronomers had an observatory

A short distance from the Great Plaza is the round tower known as El Caracol or the Observatory. It has a viewing platform and wells, which were used by ancient astronomers to mirror starlight, and the building was aligned to catch sunsets and moonsets on both equinoxes and to mark the course of Venus.

Planning your trip to Chichen Itza

Ask your Concierge to arrange a trip to Chichen Itza for you. The snake of light and shadow is also visible the day before and after the equinox, cloud cover permitting.

Why not make a day of it and visit Valladolid and its nearby cenotes beforehand, explore Chichen Itza and witness the Equinox? Eat an early dinner at the neighboring hotel and stay on for the evening Light and Sound Show in the Great Plaza, a marvel of computer-generated art and video mapping.

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Fishing Time

March heralds the start of the sport fishing season in the Mexican Caribbean and avid fishermen are preparing to set sail in search of adventure.

Marlin and sailfish move through area waters following huge shoals of migrating sardines, anchovies and mackerel. Snapper, dorado, bonito and wahoo are also plentiful and even first-time fishermen are sure to catch a barracuda. Knowledgeable local fishermen will take you right to where the fish are running.

Puerto Morelos is one of the most popular spots in the Mexican Caribbean for sport fishing, just a short boat ride away from the rich fishing grounds along the deep ocean trench between the Riviera Maya coast and the island of Cozumel known as the Cozumel Channel.

Other good fishing grounds in the area lie to the east of Isla Mujeres, along the sea mount known as Arrowsmith Bank, around Contoy and Holbox islands and further south along the Costa Maya and accessible from the fishing villages of Mahahual and Xcalak.

The still, shallow lagoons along the Quintana Roo coast offer a different challenge – they are rich in bonefish such as tarpon, permit and snook and attract fly fishermen from all over the world. There are fishing lodges in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve and Holbox and the Isla Blanca wetlands north of Cancun are also good spots.

Local marinas adhere to the catch and release policy to help conserve fish stocks and we urge you to join their campaign. The thrill of being out on the waves in pursuit of marlin and sailfish, the fastest fish in the sea, should be enough and we hope that you will liberate any game fish you catch.

If you enjoy fishing and are planning a day out on the high seas or want to go bone fishing, the Concierge will help you organize fishing trips and boat charters.

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Cancun shopping news: phase 2 of La Isla Mall opens

The expansion of Cancun’s shopping options continues with the opening of the second phase of La Isla Shopping Village this spring. A movie complex, some stores and cafes are already open. Brands coming soon include Sephora, Urban Outfitters, Innovasport, L’Occitane, among others.

When the mall is fully functioning, it will also have a variety of restaurants, a Chocolate and Tequila Museum, Ripley Museum, casino and an even bigger Ferris wheel 70 meters high.

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Cozumel Museum reopens after renovation

On your next trip over to the island of Cozumel be sure to visit the Island Museum in San Miguel, which has reopened after a lengthy renovation.

There are 11 rooms with exhibits on the island’s ecosystems, coral reefs and endemic species of birds and animals and its history.

The island was inhabited from about 200 BC, although several jade objects have been found that are 3,000 years old and point to trade with the Olmec civilization*, changing the early history of the island.

There are displays telling the story of Cozumel or Cuzamil, which means place of swallows, in the days of the ancient Maya when it was the site of the shrine of Ixchel, the goddess of fertility, childbirth and the Moon and was visited by pilgrims from all over the Yucatan Peninsula. In addition to its religious significance, it was also an important port on the Caribbean maritime trade route.

The coming of the Spaniards and Hernan Cortes in 1519 is another chapter in island history shown in the exhibits, as are the exploits of the pirates who used it as a refuge after raids on ships in the Caribbean.

Refugees fleeing the Caste War settled the island in 1852. Photos and historical documents relating to traditions such as chicle harvesting, Santa Cruz, Cedral Fair and Carnival are also on display.

[* via Sipse]
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CANCUN, RIVIERA MAYA & YUCATAN EVENTS

Here’s our monthly listing of upcoming festivals and events in Cancun, Riviera Maya and Yucatan.

2nd Nautical Festival, Cancun, March 7-8

Plaza La Isla 2 is the venue for this event featuring Jet surf and Jet ski races and paddle board, kayak and wakeboard displays.

Modern Pentathlon World Championships, Cancun, March 25-31

The world’s finest pentathletes gather in Cancun for the Modern Pentathlon World Championships, a classification event for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

The original venue for this event was to be Xiamen, China but was changed because of the coronavirus epidemic.

Beach Volleyball World Tour, Cancun, March 26-29

The International Beach Volleyball Federation Beach Volleyball World Tour comes to Playa Langosta in Cancun, March 26-29. This event is a classifier for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

Equinox, Chichen Itza & Dzibilchaltun, March 19-21

The famous light and shadow serpent of Kukulcan appears on El Castillo Pyramid at Chichen Itza and descends from the heavens at sunset on the day of the Spring Equinox (March 19-21). It is also visible the day before and after, cloud cover permitting.

Elsewhere in the Yucatan, at dawn on the day of the Equinox the rising sun appears through the doorway of the Temple of the Dolls in the ancient city of Dzibilchaltun to the north of Merida.

The spring equinox officially falls on March 19 in 2020 but the largest gathering at Chichen Itza takes place on March 21, a national holiday in Mexico.

Holbox Fishing Tournament, Holbox, April 17

Easter Week, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Merida, Valladolid and elsewhere in Mexico, April 6-12
Masses, processions and reenactments of the Crucifixion, masses, floral carpets in the streets and more on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Saturday and Easter Sunday.

Anniversary of Cancun, Cancun April 20

Masses, processions, exhibitions and more in Downtown Cancun to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of Cancun.

Sol al Sol Race and Amigos Regatta, Isla Mujeres, April 23-May 1

Yachtsmen in this international race set off from St. Petersburg Yacht Club in Florida bound for Isla Mujeres. This is the 51st edition of the race, which now takes place every two years. Registration is on April 23, the start is on April 24 and the awards ceremony is on Isla Mujeres on May 1. The Amigos Regatta takes place after the race.

Fundadores 2019 International Riviera Maya Fishing Tournament, Playa del Carmen, April 24-26

This fishing tournament attracts fishermen from all over the state and the Caribbean. Competitors are asked to follow catch and release policy to help preserve fish stocks.

 

Challenge Cancun Triathlon, Cancun, April 26

1,500 top triathletes gather in Cancun for this international triathlon. The swimming course is in the bay between Cancun and Isla Mujeres setting off from Playa Langosta. The bike race circuit is from Bonampak Ave to km 14 of Kukulcan Boulevard in the Hotel Zone (three laps) and the running event will take place on Bonampak Ave (3 7 kilometer laps).

 

Copa Capitan Ferrat Fishing Tournament, Cancun, May 1-3

One of the most important fishing tournaments in the Mexican Caribbean.

 

Don Andres Garcia Lavin Tournament, Puerto Morelos, May 8-10

Sport fishermen make their way to Puerto Morelos in May for the town’s popular fishing tournament.

Other May tournaments take place on Isla Mujeres from May 22 to 24 and in Playa del Carmen from May 29 to 31

 

Rodeo de Lanchas Mexicanas, Cozumel, May 15-17

Fishing tournament and traditional boat procession in Cozumel.

 

Travesía Sagrada Maya 2020, Xcaret and Cozumel, May

The Sacred Mayan Crossing is the reenactment of an ancient pilgrimage. Oarsmen set sail from the port of Pole (now Xcaret) in wooden canoes bound for the island of Cozumel where they will worship at the shrine of Ixchel, the Maya goddess of the moon and fertility.

 

 

 

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2019 Advisory Council Meeting Report

The 2019 Advisory Council meeting report and financial statement  has been published in the Owners Area of grandresidencesbyroyalresorts.com (owner log in required) this month and printed copies will be available on request from the Manager’s office at the resort.
The meeting report includes information on operations projects completed in 2019 and those planned for 2020, the resort’s 2019 financial performance, and the resort budget and Club Service Fees for 2020 that were approved by the Advisory Council.

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Grand dine around: try something different every night

One of the things that many owners tell us they look forward to the most at Grand Residences is the gourmet cuisine they enjoy during their stay. Breakfast, lunch and dinner at El Faro are always delicious and Chef Rafael Borbolla has lined up new dishes for you to try this year. Heaven Beach Bar also has a new menu and Flor de Canela is the place to dine on Mexican cuisine, including the Dish of the Month showcasing traditional recipes from all over the country.
For more tempting dining, don’t miss the theme nights during the week. Try a different one every night and choose your favorite dishes and desserts from the buffet. They are a chance to sample some of the world’s most popular cuisines or satisfy a craving for steak or fresh seafood. Here is the current theme night line up to whet your appetite:

Monday
Italian Night
El Faro Grill

Tuesday
Taco Tuesday
Flor de Canela

Wednesday
Argentinian Grill
Heaven Beach Bar

 

Thursday
Seafood Night
El Faro Grill

Friday
French Night
El Faro Grill

Caribbean Night
Flor de Canela

Sunday
BBQ
Heaven Beach Bar

Also during the week

Jazz Night
Tuesday & Friday night
Cocktails and live music
Lobby Bar Terrace

Salsa Night
Live music for dancing
Thursday
Pool deck

International Night
Saturday, staged when there is high occupancy
El Faro Grill

Information may change during the year so please ask your Concierge for the schedule upon arrival at the resort.

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Dining News

Chef Borbolla has tempting treats in store for the youngest members of the family with a new Children’s Menu and a Dessert Menu especially for them.
In other dining news, the Room Service menu is also new. You’ll still find some of your all-time favorites, including the gourmet pizza selection, and many new dishes to order for a casual meal in your residence.

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Romantic Riviera dining

Celebrate your love this month or any time during the year  with a gourmet meal in El Faro Grill and ordering a bottle of champagne or a fine wine recommended by our Sommelier. Or you can go one step further and arrange a romantic candlelit dinner on the beach. Dining under the stars with the soft breeze and the sound of the waves is a magical experience.
As an alternative, you can also arrange for the chef to cook dinner for you in your suite. Dine on the open-air terrace or in your elegant dining room.
Ask your Concierge for details, reservations are required in advance for romantic beach dinners and the chef’s dinner and other catering options.

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A Grand wedding

Is someone in your family thinking about a destination wedding? Perfectly romantic, Grand Residences is the spot for a dream wedding in paradise. Timeless luxury in an intimate setting, fine cuisine and impeccable service await the happy couple and their guests.
Grand Residences only hosts one wedding at a time and our dedicated Wedding Planners give the bride and groom their undivided attention, taking care of every little detail to make their day unforgettable.
With names like Embrace, Everlasting Love and Cherish, the Grand Residences Wedding Collection of packages include a symbolic ceremony performed by a non-denominational minister, flowers and location set up, a cocktail with hors d’oeuvres, dinner, the wedding cake, and many more luxury refinements and perks.

The Wedding Planners will help the bride and groom choose a wedding package that suits their needs and handle every step for them. No stress, no worries; all they have to do is relax and enjoy the occasion with family and friends.
Alternatively, if the bride to be already has ideas for her fairytale wedding, the Wedding Planners will work with her to create a tailored a la carte celebration to make her dreams a reality. This can include everything from choosing fragrant flowers for the bouquets, boutonnieres and table centerpieces to taking care of the décor, a bespoke menu for the dinner and a DJ and live music for the party (all items priced separately). They can even arrange soothing spa time for the couple and beauty salon treatments for the big day, honeymoon dinners and more.

From the beach at sunset to the poolside terrace or a private room filled with flowers and candlelight, Grand Residences offers a variety of enchanting settings for wedding ceremonies and receptions. And from sublime cocktails and canapés to a formal sit-down dinner or a sumptuous buffet and an amazing cake, a gourmet dining experience is in store for guests.
Naturally, the bride and groom will want to catch up with family and friends before the big day and welcome cocktails, rehearsal dinners and wedding breakfasts can be arranged on demand. And if they would like a day out, the Wedding Planner and the Grand Residences Concierges can help put together incredible excursions in the Riviera Maya and Yucatan, including tours, cruises, snorkeling, fishing and even a fun day of zip-lining and jungle adventures.
The moment they are greeted in the airport by the chauffeur, wedding guests will experience Grand Residences hospitality. Blissful relaxation in a spacious suite, pool time and resort amenities to enjoy together make this exclusive family gathering one to treasure

Contact the Wedding Planner
For more information about Grand Residences wedding packages, anniversary packages, vow renewals or to tell them about dream wedding ideas, contact the Wedding Planners at weddings@grandresidencesrivieracancun.com or call Tel.: + 52 (998) 872-8147

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Spa relaxation

If you are staying at Grand Residences this February why not check in to the Spa for a massage, facial or body wrap? Or for the ultimate in relaxation and luxury, choose a Spa in your Villa Experience.
The Romance Ritual is 220 minutes of pure pampering for you and your partner. It begins with an aromatic foot soak ritual and a full body exfoliation. A signature couple’s massage follows and a 60-minute moisturizing facial. The final touch is a bath in your own spa bathroom with your choice of fragrant bath salts, a bottle of sparkling wine and chocolate-dipped strawberries.
For Spa reservations and information call ext. 179 or ask your Concierge.

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Every Picture Tells a Story

This month we have included some of our favorite pictures of Puerto Morelos, and the Riviera Maya to banish the winter blues that you may be feeling.
If you have a picture of Grand Residences, Puerto Morelos or a special place in the Yucatan or a vacation story that you would like to share with us, we would love to hear from you. Send your pictures to memories@royalresorts.com A selection of the photos we receive will be published in this newsletter.

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Beach reads

Have you already run out of books for the beach? If you are an avid reader and don’t want to carry your Kindle or tablet everywhere, visit Alma Libre Bookstore right here in Puerto Morelos to stock up on paperbacks.
Located on the main square, Alma Libre stocks an extensive selection of second-hand and new books ranging from thrillers and sci-fi to historical romance and the classics. You’ll also find travel guides and books on Mexican art, history, nature and traditions, maps, crafts and more. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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A romantic day out in the Riviera Maya

On your next trip to Grand Residences spend the day together exploring the area. How about some beach time, island hopping or a sunset cruise? Here are some ideas.

A new day in paradise
Start the day with a stroll along the beach at dawn. See the glory of a Caribbean sunrise, listen to the waves and watch the pelicans on their morning fly past. It’s a beautiful beginning to a new day in paradise.
Pack a bottle of bubbly and a picnic basket of freshly baked bread, cheese, prosciutto and other goodies from the Gourmet Market and head off for a day of Riviera Maya beach hopping. There are so many lovely beaches to choose from along this stretch of shoreline, with idyllic spots to be found in Puerto Morelos, Maroma, Xpu-Ha, Akumal, Xcacel, Bahias de Punta Soliman and Tulum, among others. Choose your favorite or visit several during the day.
On your way back, why not stop off in Playa del Carmen for a spot of shopping, a cocktail and a candlelit dinner on Quinta Avenida.

Island Sunsets
Make your way to Puerto Juarez and board the ferry across the bay to Isla Mujeres. Spend the morning on Playa Norte. Picture-perfect for its turquoise waters and palm groves, Playa Norte often finds its way into the world’s best beaches in online travel magazines.
After a lunch of fresh seafood, it’s time to explore the island. Hire a golf cart and drive to Punta Sur for incredible views of the Caribbean with Cancun Hotel Zone in the distance.
As an alternative, board a yacht for a cruise around the island and a spot of snorkeling along coral reefs in the bay. Keep a look out for sea turtles and even dolphins.
Back on the waterfront, make your way to one of Isla’s tropical palapa beach bars to order a drink, watch local fishermen unloading their catch and wait for the sunset. Playa Norte is one of the best places in the area to watch the sun go down.
If you prefer Cozumel, drive to Playa del Carmen and hop on the ferry to Mexico’s largest inhabited island. After a day of snorkeling, diving or exploring, make your way to one of the palm-lined beaches along the leeward coast for views of the sun setting over the mainland.
Go further afield to the island of Holbox just off the Gulf coast in northern Quintana Roo, another romantic spot with truly spectacular sunsets, long beaches and tropical ambiance.

Set sail on a sunset cruise
Enjoy a romantic Caribbean cruise under a star-filled sky and celebrate your love this February. Options include catamaran trips departing from Puerto Morelos, Cancun, Puerto Aventuras and Akumal in the Riviera Maya.
In Cancun, you can set sail on a yacht for a champagne dinner cruise across the bay to Isla Mujeres.
Board the famous Spanish galleon Columbus for a voyage across the Nichupte Lagoon in Cancun. Dine on charcoal-grilled lobster and sip a Caribbean cocktail as you listen to the soft melodies of a saxophone performer.

Book your trip today
Your Concierge can help you arrange unforgettable day trips, sunset cruises and yacht trips and longer excursions in the Mexican Caribbean and Yucatan.

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Cancun celebrates its 50th birthday in 2020

Cancun celebrates its 50th birthday on April 20 with cultural, gastronomic and sporting events, concerts and more planned throughout the year. The program has yet to be unveiled by the Cancun City Government but the first news is that there will be 200 different activities.
Several commemorative Cancun50 souvenirs will be available during the year. They include a Cancun50 coin, a limited edition wine from the El Cielo vineyard in Baja California and a bottle of mezcal.

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Cancun Airport news

The expansion of Cancun International Airport continues with the construction of a new taxiway for planes landing on runway 2 and the second phase of Terminal 4. When work on Terminal 4 is completed, its handling capacity will increase from 10 million to 14 million passengers. Terminal 2 and 3 will also be renovated this year.
In 2019, Cancun Airport welcomed 25,481,989 travelers, a 1.1 percent increase from 2018.
Cancun International is consolidating its position as an important regional hub with new flights already announced for this year. Starting February 16, Vacation Express will be offering a new Sunday flight from Kansas City to Cancun. The flight will operate until April 5 and will then move to Saturday on May 23 until August 1, 2020.
For Canadian travelers to Cancun, Sunwing is offering a new weekly flight from Hamilton and Air Canada has increased its Vancouver service from four to seven flights a week and has a weekly flight from Quebec City.
Starting March 10, Frontier Airlines will offer a new daily flight from Newark. Spirit Airlines will also start flying from Austin, Cleveland, Nashville, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh in February and March.
In April, Mexican airline Interjet will begin offering a daily Cancun-Miami flight.
For European travelers, Spanish carrier Evelop Airlines is expanding its summer flights on the Madrid-Cancun route with 10,000 additional seats on Airbus 350 planes. It is also adding a flight from Madrid to Cozumel, available from July to September.
Mexican tourism authorities also reported that Tui is set to expand the number of flights it offers to Cancun from the United Kingdom and Germany to cover demand in the wake of the closure of Thomas Cook Airlines. To satisfy demand in the British market, British Airways may also offer an additional flight and Virgin Atlantic may return to Cancun.

[Source: Sipse, Riviera Maya News, Caribbean Journal, CPQT]

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Running for a cause, 2020 Royal Resorts Foundation Race, April 25

Ready to run for a good cause, on your marks, get set, go! The 2020 Royal Resorts Foundation Race will take place on Saturday, April 25. Forming part of the Cancun 50 Year birthday celebrations, the race also has a different venue, the brand new Parque Cancun, located behind the schools and colleges on Bonampak Avenue, Downtown.

The 2020 Royal Resorts Foundation Race cause, a children’s playground in Parque Cancun
Parque Cancun is a new green space for local residents and visitors to enjoy and it will be inaugurated on April 20 as part of Cancun’s birthday celebrations. From the outset, Royal Resorts has been involved in the development of the park, sending gardeners to help in the landscaping. The Royal Resorts Foundation has decided to give more support to this community cause in 2020 and proceeds from the race will be donated to the park to fund a children’s playground.

Take part in the 5 or 10-kilometer race or the three-kilometer walk and there’s a Fun Run for the kids too.

Race details
• The race takes place on Saturday, April 25 2020 at 7 a.m in Parque Cancun.
• 3, 5 or 10 kilometers
•Age categories for men and women
Free (15-39 years) Master (40-49 years) Veteran (50 and over)
• Race Fee is $300 pesos per adult and $250 pesos per child and includes a souvenir t-shirt and finalist’s medal, race number, chip, water and an isotonic drink at the finish line
Prizes will be given to the first three places in each category in the 5 and 10 km races for men and women. The first three Royal Resorts employees to cross the finish in the 5 and 10 km races for men and women will also receive prizes.

Children’s Fun Run
Bring the kids! There is a race for them too!
• Children aged 4 to 7 years
500 meters
• Children aged 8 to 12 years
1 kilometer

Register for the 2020 Royal Resorts Foundation Race today
Email: contact@royalresortsfoundation.org
Invite your friends and family to take part!

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UPCOMING EVENTS IN CANCUN, RIVIERA MAYA & YUCATAN

Island Time Music Fest 2020, February 5 -8
It is the eleventh anniversary of this Isla Mujeres music festival featuring Nashville country, rock and R&B performers all in a good cause, raising money to help an island school The Little Yellow Schoolhouse and local special needs children.

Cozumel Carnival, February 19 – 26
More than 146 years of tradition come to the fore in February as islanders celebrate the Cozumel Carnival.
It is also Carnival time in Cancun, Merida, Isla Mujeres and Campeche. Dates may vary slightly.

Equinox, Chichen Itza & Dzibilchaltun, March 19-21
The famous light and shadow serpent of Kukulcan appears on El Castillo Pyramid at Chichen Itza and descends from the heavens at sunset on the day of the Spring Equinox (March 19-21). It is also visible the day before and after, cloud cover permitting.
Elsewhere in the Yucatan, at dawn on the day of the Equinox the rising sun appears through the doorway of the Temple of the Dolls in the ancient city of Dzibilchaltun to the north of Merida.
The spring equinox officially falls on March 19 in 2020 but the largest gathering at Chichen Itza takes place on March 21, a national holiday in Mexico.

50th anniversary of Cancun, April 20
Cancun is gearing up to celebrate its 50th birthday on April 20 and City Hall is planning a series of events – including sporting events and music festivals – over the next few months. More details coming soon.

Puerto Morelos Fishing Tournaments
Cesar Martin Rosado Tournament, late April-early May
Don Andres Garcia Lavin Tournament, May

Travesía Sagrada Maya, Xcaret and Cozumel, May
The Sacred Mayan Crossing is the reenactment of an ancient pilgrimage. Oarsmen set sail from the port of Pole (now Xcaret) in wooden canoes bound for the island of Cozumel where they will worship at the shrine of Ixchel, the Maya goddess of the moon and fertility.

Visit the Royal Resorts blog at www.royalresorts.com for listings of more events during the year.

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Grand Residences six years old in December

Your home away from home celebrated its sixth birthday in December and your Grand Residences hosts wish you all the best for 2020. They are looking forward to seeing you this year and creating more unforgettable luxury vacation experiences for you, your family and friends.

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