Welcome to
the PA General Information and Transfer Sheet!
Below you will find basic information that will get you headed in
the right direction
for a wonderful vacation in Puerto Aventuras, 'Our Own Caribbean
Jewel'.
Section One - About The Condos
Air Conditioning- Your condo is fully air-conditioned
with individual thermostat control. For your convenience we suggest
that you keep the terrace doors and windows closed while it is operating
in order to pre-vent the compressor from freezing. We would also appreciate
your turning the thermostat up when you will be out of the condo for
several hours. Thank you for helping us, this conserves energy, and
keeps the electrical costs within reason.
Maid Service- provided 2 days per week. Your condo
will be equipped with a starter basket containing a new sponge, dish
soap, one roll of paper towels, coffee filters and a small supply
of coffee to get you going. The bathrooms will have two rolls of toilet
paper and bar of soap. Thereafter you will be provided with two rolls
of toilet paper each day that you receive maid service. There will
be fresh linens in the condo when you arrive. There will be two bath
towels and two wash cloths provided per full bathroom, if there are
additional guests we will provide one set per guest. The towels will
be changed on the days maid service is provided, and bed linens will
be changed twice per week. There will be purified water in the condo
upon your arrival; the bottle will be replenished if the bottle is
empty on the days maid service is provided. Otherwise you may bring
the empty bottle to my office and purchase a fresh bottle for $2.50
U.S.- the water is $2.00 and the .50 a small tip for the delivery
person.
Pools- Both Chac Hal Al and Villas del Mar have pools.
Chac Hal Al has two pools, one is located in front of 'C' building
and the other is located on the point in front of 'A' building. Villas del Mar has one gorgeous, gigantic pool. The OMNI also has a pool
you can use if you consume something from the snack bar.
The Beach PA's numero uno attraction! The beach is
a heavenly two mile bay, which is usually very calm. You will not
find the dangerous undertow here that is so prevalent in Cancun. Chac
Hal Al and Villas Del Mar both have private beaches equipped with
palapas, chaise lounges and palm trees. The waiters from The OMNI
are usually very happy to serve you food and beverages if you just
wave them over.
ACTS of God, and Federal Electric Commission Weather
in the Caribbean can be moody and can change at a moments notice.
We keep a close eye on the Weather Channel. Our home
sits on the most exposed portion of Puerto Aventuras and our boat
is on the water at all times. If the government issues a huricane
evacuation we will let you know and do our best to get you out of
here.
You will receive a refund for the day(s) you did not stay in the Condo.
Otherwise, we cannot issue refunds for inclement weather. Electricity
in the area is occassionally unreliable. We cannot issue a discount
or refund for lack of services. If an appliance or air conditioning
goes out due to power problems we will do our best to fix the problem
as soon as possible.
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Section Two - Very Important Information
Passport, Plane Tickets- It is a really good idea
to have all of these things together near something like the car keys
that you cannot forget. You would be amazed at how many vacations
have been delayed etc. because something important was left behind.
If you are traveling with a minor child, PLEASE take note
of this. You must have notarized permission from both parents
in order to leave the country with a minor child even if you have
sole custody you still need permission from both parents. If one of
the parents is deceased you will need both notarized permission and
a death certificate in order to have the proper documentation. If
you have any doubts call the airlines, and call the Mexican Consulate
in your area.
Don't forget your spouse, your child, your suitcase- Seriously
all of these things have happened to people in the rush to the airport.
So please check your belongings and come on down.
Trip Insurance- www.insuremytrip.com
Section Two - Don't Leave Home Without This Checklist
Please be advised that http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html
New Requirements for Travelers Under the Western Hemisphere
Travel Initiative (WHTI)
The proposed implementation timeline has two phases:
- Beginning January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including U.S.
citizens, traveling by air between the United States and
Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean,
and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport,
Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document.
- Additional Information:
MEXICO - *Passport, or proof of citizenship (such as original
birth certificate or naturalization certificate) and photo
ID. Tourist card is required. Tourist card valid 3 months
for single entry up to 180 days, $20 fee, requires proof
of U.S. citizenship, photo ID, and proof of sufficient funds.
Visa not required of U.S. citizens for tourist/transit stay
of up to 30 days. Obtain tourist cards in advance from Consulate,
Tourism Office, and most airlines serving Mexico upon arrival.
Departure tax $10 is paid at airport when not included in
the cost of the airline ticket. Notarized consent from parent(s)
required for children under age 18 traveling alone, with
one parent, or in someone else’s custody. For additional
information, check with the Embassy of Mexico, 1911 Pennsylvania
Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20006 ((202) 736-1000) or nearest
Consulate General: AZ ((602) 242-7398), CA ((213) 351-6800,
(415) 392-5554 and (619) 231-8414), CO ((303) 331-1110),
FL ((305) 716-4977), GA ((404) 266-1913), IL ((312) 855-1380),
LA ((504) 522-3596), NY ((212) 217-6400), PR ((809) 764-0258)
or TX ((210) 227-1085, (214) 630-7341, (713) 542-2300, (512)
478-9031 and (915) 533-4082). Internet: http://www.embassyofmexico.org/
Passport, Plane Tickets- It is a really good
idea to have all of these things together near something like
the car keys that you cannot forget. You would be amazed at
how many vacations have been delayed etc. because something
important was left behind. If you are traveling with a minor
child, PLEASE take note of this. You must have notarized permission
from both parents in order to leave the country with a minor
child even if you have sole custody you still need permission
from both parents. If one of the parents is deceased you will
need both notarized permission and a death certificate in order
to have the proper documentation. If you have any doubts call
the airlines, and call the Mexican Consulate in your area.
Don't forget your spouse, your child, your suitcase-
Seriously all of these things have happened to people in the
rush to the airport. So please check your belongings and come
on down. Trip Insurance- www.insuremytrip.com |
Plane Tickets |
Should Have ________________ |
Do Have ________________ |
| Passports (or Drivers Licenses) |
Should Have ________________ |
Do Have ________________ |
| Birth Certificates |
Should Have ________________ |
Do Have ________________ |
| Papers for Minor Children |
Should Have ________________ |
Do Have ________________ |
| Medications |
Should Have ________________ |
Do Have ________________ |
| Suitcases |
Should Have ________________ |
Do Have ________________ |
| Camera Bag |
Snorkel or Dive Equipment |
Suntan Lotion |
| Beach Towels |
Golf or Tennis Equipment |
AT&T or MCI Cards |
| Other Stuff |
|
|
|
Heather's phone numbers
from the States |
USA Cell Phone: (956) 334-9306
(only works when I'm in the USA)
Marina Office:
+01152 (984) 873-5884
Home Office: +01152
(984) 873-5035 |
| - - - |
Heather's phone numbers
from Cancun |
USA Cell Phone: +001 (956) 334-9306
(only works when I'm in the USA)
Marina Office:
01 (984) 873-5884
Home Office: 01 (984)
873-5035 |
|
Paradise Tours numbers
from the States |
Driver Ruperto - mobile phone
- +01152 (1 984) 114-9878
Driver Antonio
- mobile phone - +01152 (1 984) 114-9882
Main
Office - +01152 (1 984) 875-1950 ext. 5419
Stewart
(Office Manager) - mobile phone - +01152 (1 984) 114-9875 |
| - - - |
Paradise Tours numbers
from Cancun |
Driver Ruperto - mobile phone
- 01 (984) 114-9878
Driver Antonio - mobile
phone - 01 (984) 114-9882
Main Office
- 01 (984) 875-1950 Ext. 5419
Stewart (Office Manager)
- mobile phone - 01 984-114-9875 |
LATE ARRIVALS or EMERGENCIES-
+01152 (1 984) 130-1695 or 044 (984) 130-1695, +01152 (984)
873-5035
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2)
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Section Three - Airport Transfers
I work with Paradise Tours- below you will
find their transfer instructions and rates.
AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION TO PUERTO AVENTURAS
| # of Passengers |
One Way Service |
Round Trip Service |
| 1 to 2 |
$ 80 USD |
$ 155 USD |
| 3 to 7 |
$ 95 |
$ 185 |
| 8 to 11 |
$ 125 |
$ 245 |
| 12 to 18 |
$ 175 |
$ 345 |
| 19 to 25 |
$ 300 |
$ 595 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
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AIRPORT TRANSFER INSTRUCTIONS:
As
you exit the terminal building, you will see many tour
operators and transfer agents holding signs and waiting for
their guests. You maybe approached by many other Operators-
some are affiliated with unofficial Suppliers- offering transportation.
They may also feed you with false and inaccurate information
as to our whereabouts and existence, in an attempt to solicit
business. Please ignore these Operators.
Look your chauffeur with a PARADISE TRANSPORT AND TOURS
sign and YOUR PARTY NAME below and he will
without delay take you and your luggage directly to the villa
or condo, with NO STOPS at other Resorts. You
will need to pay the driver for the transport service in cash,
US dollars are best, and if you have round trip reservations,
please pay that amount in full and the driver will give you
a paid in full voucher with your departure information.
**Please note that gratuity for the chauffeurs is NOT included
in this Service Charge, and a gratuity of 10-20% is greatly
appreciated.
In case of a delay or other problems, here
is the contact information for the PARADISE TRANSPORT AND TOURS
representativies.
Paradise Tours numbers
from the States |
Driver Wilbert - mobile
phone - +01152 (1 984) 114 9881
Driver Rosendo - mobile phone - +011
52 (1 984) 114 9880
Main Office - +01152 (984) 875-1950 ext.
5419
Stewart (Reservation Manager) - mobile
phone - +011 52 (1 984) 114 9875
Antonio (Transport Manager) - mobile
phone - +011 52 (1 984) 114 9883 |
| - -
- |
Paradise Tours numbers
from Mexico |
Driver Wilbert - mobile
phone - (dialing from Cancun) 045 984 114 9881
(dialing
from Playa Del Carmen) 044 984 114 9881
Driver Rosendo - mobile phone - (dialing
from Cancun) 045 984 114 9880
(dialing from Playa Del Carmen) 044 984 114 9880
Main
Office - 01 (984) 875-1950 ext. 5419
Stewart (Reservation Manager) - mobile
phone - (dialing from Cancun) 045 (984) 114 9875
(dialing
from Playa Del Carmen) 044 984 114 9883
Antonio (Transport Manager) - mobile
phone - (dialing from Cancun) 045 (984) 114 9883
(dialing
from Playa Del Carmen) 044 (984) 114 9883 |
DO NOT PANIC If you should not find Paradise
Tours. Many times the flights are not announced and occasionally
they have been know to switch terminals. Go to one of the stores
in the airport and buy a LADATEL Phone Card,
proceed to a phone and call them. If for some reason you cannot
reach them - please call me.
01-(984) 873-5035 or 01 (984) 873-5884
Please carry this with you when you travel.
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Section Four - All around Puerto (part
one)
Grocery Stores- There are three small convenience
stores around the marina. There you will find basics such
as bread, ham, cheese, cereal, chips, yogurt, milk (not American),
bacon, ice, purified water, soft drinks, beer, wine, liquor,
and a small selection of meats and fresh veggies. There is
a large supermarket (Chedraui) and a Sam's Club (American
memberships work fine) in Playa del Carmen a 12 minute ride
and a $12.00 U.S. taxi ride away.
Pharmacy and Doctor- Puerto has two pharmacies
in the marina area. The pharmacy next to 'The Pub' has a Doctor
on call. Also Dr. Miguel Angel Galindez Negron (speaks English)
lives in Puerto 044-(984)-876-5489 or 044-(984)-875-0486 -
87-355-81 In case of an emergency there is a 24-hour emergency
medical center Playa Med in Playa del Carmen. Playa Med is
located on the right side of the highway (coming from Cancun)
between the stoplights of Juarez and Constituyentes in Playa
del Carmen.
Shops and Boutiques- The shops around the
marina carry clothing, pewter, silver jewelry, arts and crafts,
disposable cameras, sunglasses, sun block, hats, beach towels
and more. However if you want to shop till you drop, head
up to Fifth Avenue in Playa del Carmen.
Money Exchange- There is a money exchange
in Puerto as well as an ATM that takes American Credit Cards
and some Debit cards. It is a good idea to bring a supply
of Traveler's Checks
Dive Shops- Puerto has three on property:
Aquanauts, Dive Aventuras, and Memo Lotz- a private dive master
and Captain. There are numerous freelance cave divers such
as Fred Devos, Kate Lewis, Steve Bogart- all qualified cavern
and cave instructors. Puerto Dive Shops offer Open Water Diving,
Open Water Certification, Resort Courses, Caver and Cave Diving
and Certification, Rescue Diver, Cenote Tours, Rebreather
Courses and more!
Snorkeling- The three reefs off PA are lovely,
and only a few yards from your condo. A myriad of colorful
fish and invertebrates live there. Snorkeling at night is
a special experience, you may want to try. Remember the reef
is protected. Do not use spear guns or touch the coral (which
dies wherever it is touched). There are also many cenotes
up and down the highway where you can snorkel for a small
fee.
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version
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Section Four - All around Puerto (part two)
Massage and Facials- Vivianne is our local
Massage Therapist. She has studied in Switzerland, France, Japan
and Indonesia as well as being licensed in Texas. Vivianne also
offers facials, reiki treatment, color, aromatherapy and Shiatsu.
Her phone number is 01-(984)-87-352-29. Vivianne has been and
continues to be the preferred masseuse in PA; she is also located
above Richard's Steak House.
Beauty Shop Manicures,
Pedicures, Haircuts- There is a small beauty shop next
to Vivianne's called 'Shary-Belle' they offer all the usual
as well as massages. Shary-Belle is located above Richard's.
Parasail- Alex and Irene offer parasailing
and helmet diving. On the Activities page there is a direct
link to their website.
PA Stables-
A small, family oriented 'English-Style Jumper' stable located
in Puerto Aventuras. If you already ride English come on down
and take a lesson. If you prefer a regular horseback riding
tour you may choose between Punto Venado, Rancho Grande or Xazil
-Ha. www.pastables.com.
Dolphin Swim and Manatee Interaction-
Dolphin Discovery Puerto Aventuras offers a variety of programs
that allow you to get up close and either touch or swim with
these 'cool creatures'.
Golf and Tennis-
P.A. offers a tough 9-hole golf course, driving range and pro.
Golf clubs pull carts, and golf carts are available for rental.
The man in charge is Edgar and he will help you in any way he
can. The phone number for the Pro Shop is +01152 (984) 873-5109
from the U.S. and 873-5109 from PA.
The tennis courts here are unique. They are made of artificial
turf sprinkled with round quartz sand that makes it easier on
your knees and your feet. Enrique our local pro will be glad
to give you some pointers or set you up with some of the locals
who are usually up for a game. If you are staying at Villas
del Mar, the grounds keeper can open the court for you - and
yes this one is lighted.
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Section Four - All around Puerto (part three)
Deep Sea Fishing- PA is famous for Sportfishing!
Here you fish less than a mile offshore for Sailfish, Marlin,
Dolphin (Mahi-Mahi), as well as Tuna, Mackerel, Wahoo and Barracuda.
Sailfish run from March - July. There is a resident population
in the area as well. You may book the 'The Flyin' Fish' (my
husband's boat- a 37' Ensign), through me and be sure of a reservation;
during the fishing seasons, ALL the fishing boats busy. You
can also rent other boats through Capt. Rick's Sport Fishing
at www.captricksfishing.com.
Flats Fishing- Excellent opportunities
for Bone Fish, Permit, Snook, Barracuda, and Snapper within
an hours drive. I am happy to book this trip for you. The place
we recommend is well run, the fishing is excellent and the lagoon
is beautiful.
Taxis- Located in the
lower parking lot in front of The OMNI Hotel and across the
street from Cafe Cafe Internet. Late at night, the front desk
of The OMNI can phone one for you.
Car Rentals-
There are two car rental options is PA- Executive is located
at the front entrance; The Sunscape has an agency in their lobby.
Internet- Cafe Cafe, PA Access and
the new place are all located around the marina.
Fitness
Center- the OMNI Hotel has a fitness center where you
may sign up for a day, week or a month.
Tours
and Excursions- The area offers many tours and excursions
of all kinds ranging from skydiving, to ATV Tours, Sailing,
Cave Tours, Ruins, Tres Rios, Xcaret and Xel-Ha. You may book
these with Paradise Tours in The OMNI Lobby.
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Section Four - All around Puerto- Restaurants and Bars (part
four)
PA has a variety of restaurants from which to choose,
and most offer pretty darn good food! You may choose between
Italian, American, Caribbean, Mexican and Mayan food.
My favorites are listed below.
- Cafe Ole- affectionately called 'Cafe
All Day' serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Gary and Gayle
are the owners and Gayle (Gary's wife) makes great homemade
pies, the banana pancakes are very popular as is the pasta
with seafood sauce. Gary and Ritchie play acoustic guitar
and are quite often heard singing at night.
- Gringo Dave's- Big Margaritas, lively
atmosphere, good food and lots of t.vs., keeps Dave's hopping.
Stop by to watch the game, and watch the dolphins frolic
nearby.
- Italian Bakery- Good homemade Italian
food! Try the Fried Calzone or Coconut Shrimp, both are
excellent! A word to the wise; go before you are hungry
because the service and the kitchen is typically friendly
but slow.
- Cafe Cafe Internet and Deli- See Mimi
and Daniel for long distance phone calls, internet access,
Cappuccino, great desserts and Big Sandwiches. Try the Veggie
Sandwich filled with artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, cream
cheese -it is very yummy.
- The Pub- The owner is named, 'Paul' and
he is English so this is where you will go to find Shepard's
Pie, Roast Beef, Fish and Chips. They have a nice spot on
the marina, next to the dolphins and lots of umbrellas to
enjoy a cold beer on a hot day.
- Richard's Quarterdeck Steak House- Richard
is one of the town characters; he can be a lot of fun but
don't believe everything he tells you (he likes to pull
legs). He serves a mean steak and has a nice salad bar,
his BBQ Shrimp are good.
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Section Four - All around Puerto- Restaurants and Bars
(part five)
- Mediterranean- Stop in and see Fabrizio
and Ana- this is a friendly restaurant where you will find
good basic Italian food, friendly service, good prices and
usually attracts a the local dive crowd. Tiramisu- Donna
and Memo have a very pretty Italian restaurant, the food
is good and I have been told the steak is awesome.
- Ari Gato- Francesca serves salads, California
Rolls, and Sashimi. Everything is fresh, fresh, fresh -she
usually buys the fish as soon as it hits the docks. This
is a small restaurant bring your own bottle of wine and
relax.
- Cafe del Mar- Just up the road in Xpu-Ha
(the Mayans pronounce the X like SSH) so you will pronounce
it Shpu-Ha. Outdoor restaurant on the beach, wiggle your
toes in the sand. The Cream of Spinach Soup, the Siciliano
Pasta and the Whole Fried Fish are my favorites. Leon has
very good food in a very laid back and beautiful place.
- The Grotto- If you are looking for something
completely different for your family or a special occasion
why don' t you consider a private dinner party in a cave!
Imagine surprising your friends and family by secretly arranging
a dinner in a private cavern! We will accommodate groups
of 10-16, with candlelight, a buffet, etc. Inquire with
Heather at PA Condos LLC.
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Section Five - All Around the
Riviera Maya
Recommended Restaurants in Playa Del Carmen.
- Da Gabi
- Limones- for Fried Jalapenos stuffed
with Shrimp (to die for)
- 100% Natural- Need I say more?
- Appassionato- good food, great atmosphere,
live jazz Byblos - small, country French food, very good
- Pizza Rolandis
- Casa del Agua
- Idea Pasta Hot Baking Company
So you want to dance the night away
The happening places in Playa del Carmen are:
- Papa Hemingways
- Capt Tui-Tix
- Blue Parrot
- Carlos and Charlies
- Tequila Bucket
- Upstairs bar above the Fly
- and famous Mambo Café
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Section Six - Mexican Culture
When in Mexico relax, kick back, enjoy the
sun, have a beer; things move at a slower pace and the culture
and the way of thinking is much different from that of the
United States. Things do not always move like clockwork and
that contributes greatly to Mexico's charm.
Remember that the sayings, 'what will be
will be' and 'if God wills it' are very much ingrained into
the culture and lifestyle of the Mexican people. The majority
of the people are good, hard-working people. Their native
language is Spanish or Mayan and the average worker has a
6th grade education so please be patient, they do not enjoy
our level of education and they do not always understand American
logic. By the same token most all of them will do their best
to understand and to help you in anyway they can.
Here are a few tips to help- Firstly, when
you are in a restaurant do not despair if you have finished
your dinner and the waiter does not bring you the bill. In
Mexico it is customary to linger over coffee and is therefore
considered rude to bring the bill before the patron has asked
for it.
Hello: Hola OR Bwen - oz - diaz
Please: Por Favor OR Por - Faa - vore
Thank You: Gracias OR Grassy - as
Taxi: Taxi
Restroom: Baño OR Baan - Yo
Tipping- The majority of the local people
earn wages that are very low by American standards and therefore
the supplemental income they earn in tips is very important.
In Mexico, it is customary to tip the gas attendant, the maid,
the bellhop, taxi driver, grocery bagger, the waiter and the
parking attendant. Below you will find some guidelines for
tipping (if and when the service is either good or the person
is trying to be helpful).
- Waiter: 15%
- Bell Hop: $1-5 U.S. depending upon the
number of bags
- Taxi Driver: $1 U.S. or $10 Pesos
- Maid Service: if you enjoy good maid
service then $10-15 U.S. per bedroom per condo per week
is appropriate and appreciated.
- Grocery Bagger and Carrier: 5 pesos
or 10 pesos (50 cents to one dollar)
- Gas Station Attendant: 5 pesos or 10
pesos (50 cents to one dollar)
- Parking Lot Attendant: he keeps an eye
on the cars and will help direct you out of your parking
space. An appropriate tip is 2-5 pesos.
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Section Seven - Huricane Emily
right after the huricane photos
a month after the huricane photos
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We hope you will come to love Puerto Aventuras as much as we do.
We truly believe that we live in the 'Jewel of the Caribbean'
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