EARTH HOUR

On Earth Hour (tomorrow, March 27th) hundreds of millions of people around the world will come together to call for action on climate change by doing something quite simple—turning off their lights for one hour. The movement symbolizes that by working together, each of us can make a positive impact in this fight, protecting our future and that of future generations.

For more information visit Earth Hour online

Coming soon to Akumal!

Locals here in Akumal are very excited at the appearance of a large Pemex sign on the south pueblo side corner of the highway, advising us that a brand new Pemex gas station will be built there shortly! Currently Akumalians need to travel to Xpu Ha or Tulum for gas.

We'll keep you posted!

Vivero Grand Opening!

La Buena Vida and Vista Del Mar with it's adopt-a-plant program will be holding their GRAND OPENING today, March 25th starting at 10:00 a.m. This program is part of an on-going environmental education program to promote reforestation and a greener Akumal. Come by and show your support!

Baby on Board!

Scott & Marieke will cash in their pesos for pounds this week to return to Marieke’s native Scotland in preparation for baby’s April arrival. Marieke will continue to work she says, “Despite being over the pond. It will be business as usual until the little fella arrives”.
On Sunday, the Akumal girls threw Marieke a fabulous baby shower/brunch at the home of Monica Estrada full of wonderful gifts and delicious food (both home cooked and courtesy of Jen Smith from the Turtle Bay Bakery ).

We’re all anxiously awaiting the big day and wish Scott and Marieke a safe and wonderful journey! Buen viaje!

Join our Akumal Direct e-Newsletter here!

NEW FISH MARKET IN AKUMAL!

A new fish market has opened in the pueblo of Akumal. Pescaderia Akumal is located on the main street junction with Gonzalo Guerrero (which is on the main street on the left hand side as you drive towards the back of the pueblo). They have an extensive selection of both fresh and frozen high quality fish available daily, and also offer delivery to your home, condo, or villa. They meet all of the health department standards.

You can contact Pescaderia Akumal by email at pecaderiakumal@gmail.com or by phone (cell) at 984 105 3859.

Join our Akumal Direct e-Newsletter here!

WHAT DID I SEE? by author David Nuñez

Have you ever wondered what that fish was you saw while snorkeling? Or how to tell Akumal’s famous sea turtles apart? If you’ve always wanted to know more about the wildlife you enjoy on vacation but are overwhelmed by science books, WHAT DID I SEE? is the book for you.

Written and self-published by former Akumal resident and frequent visitor David Nuñez. This friendly bilingual guidebook features over a hundred photographs of the region’s most colorful and easy to identify animals, including sections on fish, birds, reptiles, mammals and corals. Many of the photos were taken by right here in Akumal!

David is dedicating 20% of the profits from his book to environmental conservation works through Mexiconservacion, a non-profit environmental group based in Tulum which he co-founded in 2006. So pick up a copy next time you’re in Akumal. You can find it at the Hideaway Boutique (next to the bakery) and at the El Pueblito convenience store.

p.s. David is also looking for a US-based publisher to target tourists before they even catch that flight to Cancun, so if you have any contacts, let him know!

Sugar & Spice

Welcome little Olivia Marguerite! Born March 16th. 6 lb. 5 oz. and 19" long. Leslie and baby are healthy and doing great!

Hilario Hiler - Colorful characters of Akumal!

Originally from California, Hilario Hiler has been living on the Yucatan Peninsula for 40 years. He started out in Chichimila, having graduated from Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT, with a view to settle in Belize. He fell in love with the Maya and settled in the Mayan community there for 11 years where he met his wife and had his family. He first came to Akumal in 1971 and became firm friends with the founder of the village Don Pablo Romero Bush. He later moved his family over to the Caribbean coast which is when he started guiding tours, both on land and in the ocean and cave systems.

Hilario’s tours are made specifically to your specifications. The tour starts when you want it to start, you eat when you want to eat, and return when you want to return. His extensive knowledge of the Maya culture, ancient and modern, ensures that your trip will be informative and fun. Popular tours include Sian Ka’an biosphere, Coba, Valladolid and Ek Balam, Cenotes, Ruins, Xel Ha, and Xcaret.
Hilario speaks fluent English, Spanish, and Maya; works together with Conde Naste Traveler and National Geographic; and is an experienced cultural ecologist and herb doctor. In addition to all of this, Hilario is a specialist in Mayan cuisine, and is currently working on his first Mayan cookbook which will be titled “Eating yellow and digesting colors”.

To arrange custom made and completely unique tours and adventures, contact Hilario by phone on MX (+52) 984 875 9066.

For more information on tours and sightseeing, please have a look at our website http://www.i-akumal.com/tours-and-sightseeing

March eNewsletter and the ADR baby countdown!

Life is about to become quite busy, exciting and joyous here at Akumal Direct! Both Leslie and Marieke are expecting their first child and we couldn't be more excited!! What a better symbol of spring and new life than a sweet baby girl (due VERY soon) for Leslie & Paul, and a bouncing baby boy for Marieke & Scott (due in early May).

Please don't be surprised by the sounds of babies when calling the office this summer!

Click here to view our complete March eNewsletter online.

One Less Plastic Bag A Day

Akumal Direct believes the health of the ocean environment is important for all marine species. Pollution from human activity often ends up in the sea. Plastic bags are a particular problem as turtles mistake them for jellyfish and swallow them. The bags get caught in the digestive tract and cause the turtles to starve. If you use plastic bags, please reuse, recycle and reduce your use.

Here are a few websites with some great information. Plastic Bag Reduction, Plastic Bags: Friend or Foe? and Earth Resource Foundation