Overview of Puerto Aventuras
by Lydia Linton Pontius
Sitting here trying to choose a review to write, I decided the best place to start, after such a long break, is with what I would call an overview of our new home, Puerto Aventuras.
Puerto Aventuras was first developed about 30 years ago. Over the years we have visited from time to time to meet clients, friends or grab a meal. Last winter we stayed here for 6 weeks, during our 3 month drive from Charleston, SC to here and back. That was when we realized we had found our new home, and where we would retire.
Puerto Aventuras is a gated, marine and golf community, although it is limited to 9 holes, it was one of the first golf courses along the Riviera Maya. The overall development (town) is made up of private homes, condos and 3 hotels. In the center is a pedestrian area that has a number of restaurants and small shops.
This is not a review but more of an overview of PA, our new home. The places are in no particular order or preference. I just wanted to take a moment and give people a feel for where we live and what the lifestyle here is.
First of all, PA is home to Mexicans as well as an Expat community, the diversity is what intrigued us and eventually drew us in. You will find Expats from the US, Canada, Italy, as well as a number of Eastern European countries. On any given day you will walk the streets and hear half a dozen or more different languages. What that also means, to foodies like us, is you will find a number of great food options! When people ask me if I get tired of eating Mexican food I laugh, partially because that could never happen, but also because the variety of nationalities here is amazing from, Romanian, to Italian, French, Thai, Cuban, and Chinese in addition to seafood, vegan and I’m sure I am not hitting all the options.
Puerto is close, to Playa so if you need to buy things you are close enough to the major stores. There are two grocery stores across the highway - Chedraui and Aki as well as a number of local vendors and small restaurants.
Within the gates there is a small but sufficient farmer’s market two days a week, where you can get fresh produce. There is an Oxxo for those ‘must have’ items and to pay some bills. There is also a small gourmet type food store, Del Prado which even delivers. It is possible to find most of the things you need within the gated community.
What we like most about Puerto is that everything is within walking distance - and really doable by golf cart or bike. There are a number of activities to keep everyone active during the day. There are walking and biking trails, bocci, pickleball and an outdoor gym, as well as a playground in the new Central Park on Blvd Puerto Aventuras.
For those who prefer group activities and classes there are: Latin dancing classes and Latin workouts, yoga, pilates, water fitness, art classes, Spanish classes, and more. Water sports are available for every type of weather: kayaking, paddle boarding, windsurfing, kiteboarding, surfing, sailing, power-boating, snorkeling, swimming and diving.
The nightlife, though rarely does it extend past 9 or 10, is just as diverse as the people, foods and day time activities. On any given afternoon or evening you will have no problem finding some amazing live music. We are blown away by the talent this place attracts, both local artists and visiting musicians, who might offer a few hours of their talents or sit in with the locals.
Take for example, Latitude 20, which offers a variety of fresh grilled items under a palapa on a lagoon-like setting. Depending on the night of the week you may be entertained with Latin, Disco, 80’s or Jazz music.
Wander into Nauti Burro for happy hour or evening entertainment you’ll find an ever-changing list of soloist and small groups to entertain while you dine on tacos, burritos or bowls made to fit your tastes. On Saturday night the locals share their talents during Karaoke. We were leery of Karaoke, but I have to say there is some impressive local talent and Shannon does a great job of keeping it moving and fun. During high season the occasional drunk tourist just adds to the amusement.
Hippo’s is always fun for “Sleepy Sunday” where you get a free morning cocktail if you wear your slippers or PJs, and the musical group, Déjà vu, will not disappoint, especially now with the addition of their two teenage sons who sit in. Hippo’s also has a variety of entertainment throughout the week, and if you are looking for deli food it is the place to go.
Located between Nauti and Hippos are two Mexican restaurants, Papacito and Capitan Titanic, an Italian, Restoranti Massimo and Makito, a Japanese Thai Fusion Restaurant all offering live music several nights a week. Moving on from there are several more Italian places, including Dolce Vida, O Sole Mio and Paparazzi, Mexican at Dos Chiles, and The Pub, serving typical pub cuisine, all offering either their own entertainment or a quieter atmosphere where the music from neighboring places can still be heard.
Cafe Ole, offers a slightly more American cuisine and Gaylita’s (the owner) desserts. It has happy hours, during which visiting musicians are welcome to drop in and jam, in addition to an amazing husband and wife duet, the Candelejas, as well as other musicians and Karaoke throughout the week.
The newest addition to the mix are Girafe, a breakfast place and Guilty, which will be offering indoor dining nightly and disco 4 nights a week.
Across the street, at the golf clubhouse, is a Cuban/Spanish restaurant, Divot, which has a solo musician some nights. On Fridays they bring on the Latin music and dancing. Saturday afternoons they offer up Paella.
As you can tell, there is something for everyone here. And I know I have missed many options, which people are welcome to add in our comments section.
To round it all off I would be remiss if I didn’t mention desserts - there are French and Italian bakeries, ice cream and the best - Jessie’s Gelato. Ooops, there I went and broke my own rule of impartiality - but I am a sucker for his homemade gelato, which is the best I have had since Italy.
**Links provided where there are websites. You can find out more about many of these places by searching them on Facebook.