160 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE
| JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017
We then returned to the condo for a short siesta before driving
to Xcaret, a park with more than 50 attractions. Tina and Javier
planned our limited time in the park efficiently so that we were
able to see a traditional Mayan rain dance at the Mayan Village
and an equestrian show before going to the Mexican Spectacular.
There, we enjoyed a seven-course gourmet Mexican meal while
being entertained by a host of performers, who did everything
from playing ancient Mayan games to dancing and singing in
the styles of the country’s states. On the way out, we stopped to
admire the quaint Capilla de Guadalupe (Chapel of Guadalupe).
The next day we headed south to Tulum, the site of Mayan
ruins and fabulous hotels that are strung along the glorious
white sand beaches. We stopped for lunch at La Zebra, one of the
boutique hotels that attracts jet-setters from around the world.
That evening we attended Cirque du Soleil’s show, Joyà, which is
performed in a magnificent theater building designed specifically
for the show. A unique feature of this theater is the spectacular
gourmet dinner that is served before the show at your table. Joyà
is a permanent production that involves the fantasy world of a
young girl on a whimsical journey through time.
As Tina dropped us off at the airport the following day, we
parted with hugs and vowed to return soon to visit with our
friends in this natural paradise. 9
EDITOR’S NOTE: To book one of Tina and Javier’s condominiums in
Playa del Carmen, Mexico, go to facebook.com/tinascondos/ and press
the “Book Now” button on the top right to get to Airbnb.
The Monkey’s Cave was one of our favorite
places to dine, and it was only a few steps
from Tina and Javier’s building.
The shops along Fifth Avenue in Playa del Carmen
are filled with interesting merchandise.
TRAVEL
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