Rental Specias!

La Iguana & La Sirena – 15% off all new reservations arriving prior to December 20, 2007

· Casa Iguana – 15% off all new reservations arriving prior to December 14, 2007
(up to 8 guests) http://www.i-akumal.com/casaiguana.html

· Akumal Breakers - $4000/US week new reservations arriving prior to November 16, 2007 (max occupancy of 10) http://www.i-akumal.com/breakers.html

· Casa Portuguesa - $2000/US per week on all new reservations arriving prior to December 20, 2007
http://www.akumaldirect.com/site/Overview/PropertyID__20182/2267/DesktopDefault.aspx

Time of my life

My boyfriend and I went down to Akumal in the beginning of September and it was fantastic! It was my first visit to the Riviera Maya and I can't wait to go back. We went down with a group of 6 friends and stayed in Casa del Sol. The house was amazing. The outdoor kitchen was a great place for us all to get together at night for dinner and we spent quite a bit of time there. If we wanted a little peace and quite the house was large enough to accommodate us all with room to spare. We were just steps away from the lagoon where we could stand on the foot bridge and watch the fish swimming in the crystal clear water. Some of us, myself included, went snorkeling in the lagoon. It was beautiful. The snorkeling was only topped by the scuba diving. It was my first time and I loved it; easily my favorite part of the trip.

Staying in Akumal was great. The restaurants in town are fantastic with plenty to choose from. The bakery has a great breakfast menu and La Buena Vida is a bar like no other. I could have never left town and been perfectly happy with my 10 days in paradise.

Of course we did leave town, visiting the ruins in Tulum and 5th Ave in Playa as well as Aktun Chen (a great cave system just minutes from Akumal). Staying in Akumal gave us the peaceful time on the beach that we wanted, but still put us within about 30 minutes or less of about everything we wanted to do.

We have been home for a few weeks now and we are still talking about what a great time we had. The only problem with my vacation was that it ended!

A little hurricane debris isn’t going to stop me!

A group of 8 of us went down Sep. 6 through the 16th of Sep. '07', just a few weeks after Dean visited to the south. I just have to say WHAT A GREAT TRIP! We stayed in Casa del Sol and it was spectacular. The house is huge and beautiful with lots of character, perfect for a large group like ours. My girlfriend and I were the first to arrive so we picked out our room and I took her around town to show her around. As a former Akumal local, I knew the good spots, but they aren't hard to find in Akumal. The rest of the group arrived a few hours later and the fun began! We had two birthdays while we were there and what a blast. We had one at La Buena Vida, one of the best bars in the world. The other, we went to La Cueva del Chongo in Playa del Carmen. The atmosphere was like you are in the jungle with a water fall running through it, it's pretty cool.

On the first Sunday we went to Chitzen itza (the big Mayan ruins near Merida). It was the first time most of the group had seen anything like it. The ruins are well restored and well maintained. During the rest of the week everyone enjoyed the activities available in Akumal such as messages at the spa, scuba diving, sky cycling, snorkeling and much more. My girlfriend enjoyed the scuba diving the most, it was her first experience and now she won't quit talking about it.

So, all in all we didn't let a little hurricane debris stop us, it sure didn't stop the fun in the area. There was still a little debris around that was being cleaned up but other than that you would never know that a hurricane like that had been so close. Thanks Sydney and Leslie for the house, it was the best!

Highway Construction on 307

I have been in the Akumal area for the last couple of weeks and wanted to drop a note to let everyone who will be arriving in the next few weeks knows about the construction on Hwy 307 in front of Akumal, Jade Bay, and South Akumal. Having a 4 lane highway is very nice but until it is finished things are changing every day.

To enter North Akumal you will drive past the pueblo entrance and use the retorno right after the second tope (speed bump). This has been completed and will not be changing in the immediate future.

Akumal Beach Resort entrance is blocked off today. You can take the access road which runs on the east side (beach side) of the highway from the entrance at north Akumal. I am sure this will be changing in the next week.

Jade Bay is also only accessible from the access road.

At this time there are no signs of Akumal Sur. The entrance is located 1.7 kilometers south of the north Akumal entrance. There is a large billboard for Bahia Principe on the west side. There is also construction on the west side of the road right now.

I hope this helps! Please feel free to email us if you need more information at info@akumaldirect.com. Have a great vacation! Leslie

The animals of Dean

My feet are back in the US, and we covered a lot of ground. My hat changed and I accompanied the Disaster Services Team of the Humane Society and Humane Society Int’l, we went to assess the situation of Dean’s path and its effects not only on the animals but on human health as well.

We spent some time in the town of Limones before heading to Xcalak and Mahahual. The road between them had been passable for a few days but had downed trees and electric poles. Xcalak had minimal damages, nothing compared to the destruction Mahahual endured. The evidence of the path was visible miles out; it makes you realize the severity of the surge. Crocodiles have been displaced as the water pulled them from the bay. Structures are gone or badly damaged and a good amount of the coral reef is on the beaches, horrifically loaded with trash.

It doesn’t resemble what we know of the town, but it is amazing how far they’ve come in just 2 weeks. The governor had finally arrived (on Sunday) bringing trucks and military to help clear the road. People are tired but they are positive and have pulled together as a community. They are living in tents and under lean-to’s and it was common to see their dog hanging around as well. The help coming in the way of food and supplies always warms my heart. We were able to bring over 1250 lbs of food down to the distribution center set up in Mahahual. Thank you Scott & Gary for helping us get it there!

For those of you who don’t know me, we do spay/neuter clinics here in Quintana Roo. Sterilizing is the only long term solution to an animal overpopulation problem. With the amount of animals roaming and surviving, populations will flourish and there is already evidence of packing in Mahahual. Understanding this is a human risk issue, I did get to experience one such meeting. It was a happy gathering as lone dogs realized others were out there, they found friends to frolic with!

HSI is hoping to secure funding for a 4 year program to include the communities of Limones, Mahahual and Xcalak. Our plan is to have a clinic sometime in Nov/Dec, help is always welcome in the ways of volunteers, supplies, food, accommodation, and of course contacts. We will have local vets attending and the municipality has already proven supportive of such programs.

We set up base in Chetumal, where there was more evidence in some places than others that Dean strolled in. One such place not so fortunate is what’s known as the Chetumal Zoo. We were thrilled to hear that they are more of a refuge, or sanctuary because their animals are rescued. I love to hear that! There is a lot of damage to their outdoor enclosures and all of the residents have been in their feeding and holding facilities. Large cats, primates and others wandering in their small cement cages has prompted HSI to secure immediate funding.

http://www.hsus.org/about_us/humane_society_international_hsi/hsi-disaster-response/dean_mexico_report1.html

From Chetumal, we crossed the border to Belize City and a few area towns affected. We visited the Belize Humane Society and Animal Shelter, and a typical scene we see all too often. Limited resources, a surplus of dogs, minimal homes to be found and disease spreads quickly. Shelters need to have an adoption program for them to function, and HSI hopes to help them institute that. We will also help with putting together a spay/neuter campaign, I do love Belize!

Included in the assessment was the Sian Ka’an Biosphere and down to the quaint little fishing village of Punta Allen. We weren’t sure the road was going to be open so we ventured down finding it to take us the normal 1 ½ hours from Tulum. The road was washed in places but passable with care. The one sight that amazed us, after seeing the surge as far up as Akumal; the stretch of road that has natural mangroves looked virtually untouched. Leave it alone and it will survive, it was a very sad realization seeing what we’ve seen the last 4 days. Punta Allen was cleaning up the usual sand and debris, but it looked good overall. We did our first s/n clinic there last year and will plan on getting back again soon.

I took a lot of photos, not only of the properties. I’m sad to say they will have to wait another few days until I can get them from my “field” friends – I’ve had my camera taken, well, my sisters camera which is even worse!! I will share them soon.

www.HelpAfterDean.com

Life after Dean

I've just returned from Akumal and my trip south to Mahahual. Its amazing to see how much was accomplished in just 1 week. Pools are cleaned and filled, gardens cleared of debris and tourists moving in. The road in front of La Buena Vida/Vista del Mar continues to improve but this is where the waves washed through. The rest of the Akumal road is as it usually is in the rainy season, pretty bumpy.

La Buena Vida is ahead of schedule and they opened last Thursday night. They have a new menu, new staff and an overall new feel. This combined with its usual charm has Akumal a bit more lively these days.

All of the properties are opened, except Akumal Beach Resort which will open September 15th. It was nice to see the amount of cleanup work they are doing, and the beach looks untouched.

All restaurants are open as are all local businesses. The beaches took on the power of Dean gracefully, and once again persevered. We've gotten up, brushed off the sand as we gear up for high season. We were fortunate, but in the storms path, others were not.

Las Tortugas

Another devastating aspect of hurricanes is the turtles that nest during this season. You can see nests of Loggerhead and Green turtles beginning as early as April and hatch up through October/November. Data presented by CEA (Centro Ecologico Akumal) indicated that almost half of the nests were damaged by the storm surge. Eight nests were able to be rescued with successful releases post hurricane. Of the 141 nests documented before the storm, 73 were able to hatch and get to sea. The great news is, they began nesting again just 2 days after Dean rolled through, they must know there's only a few more months to make up for lost time! As with all of our non-human friends, they are more aware of natural disasters than we are. Visit www.ceakumal.org for info on CEA and the turtles.

I am heading south myself today, to wear my other hat. Along with the Humane Society International and the Humane Soc. of the United States and their Disaster Service team, we are going to Mahahual/Xcalak and Chetumal to assess the damage and the situation with the animals. I will be documenting the trip so stay posted.

Property Update, Akumal Beach Resort

Akumal Beach Resort will be closed for cleanup and glass repairs until September 15th. All other properties are on schedule to reopen as directed in the Aug 23rd posting. To recap, all properties will be open for reservations August 30th (some earlier) with the exception of a few. Casa Tortuga has some structural damage and closed for renovations. Casa del Mar and Nicte Ha in Akumal will be open for reservations as of September 30th. Casa Portuguesa on Tankah has no structural damage, cleanup and fence repair will be complete for reservations by August 30th.

5 days post Dean

I've arrived in Akumal, and pleasantly surprised by the progress thus far. What I noticed before I even entered town was the vegetation and how green and lush it still looks. From what we experienced with Emily and then Wilma shortly afterward, it wasn't nearly as bad. Although the cleanup is no small job, its moving along rapidly. The photos we've seen just days before are nothing compared to what it looks like now.

I walked South Akumal and Half Moon Bay today to find dozens of homes and condos coming together, feeling positive about what I saw. It does look like a tropical storm came through in some places but every day marks huge improvements.


I want to stop and take a moment to thank the managers and caretakers who have been working round the clock ensuring our area have a speedy recovery. And they are. Sand and rocks have been cleared from pools and gardens are being cleaned. It makes us realize the people behind the scenes, the ones that make sure you have a comfortable stay. They are the ones that fare the storm and are ready to begin working once it passes. We want to thank each and every one of you for all the hard work, none of us would have what we do without you!





Thank goodness Cueva del Pescador and Que Onda are open for dinner and the ever-faithful, post-hurricane Turtle Bay keeps us fed throughout the day! It really is business as usual around here.

Many of us who live here have also become accustomed to seeing one of the few beach dogs left in the Akumal area. He can be seen at the bakery scrounging bacon for breakfast, hanging with visitors during the day and normally at a dog loving tourists place for dinner. Not a bad life for a dog you may think. But during times like these, they're on their own and "Cane" is one of those dogs. Noone knows where he hunkered down during Dean but it wasn't shortly afterward he surfaced again. He was named today by his new friends he found in South Akumal and looking like nothing ever happened. We also have some good turtle news....I'll leave that for tomorrow.

Happy Birthday Sydney!

In the midst of Hurricane Dean info and photos, we thought we'd change the subject for a bit. Lets turn our focus to wish Sydney a very happy 40th birthday today!

We hope your day was as fabulous as we wished for you, here's to 40 more!

Akumal Direct Properties Update!

Hey! So far, so good! Town is shaping up and everyone is working hard to clean up and help each other. Below is a quick update of Akumal Direct properties. We hope this helps and please be sure to let us know if you have any questions!

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Akumal – Electricity, Phone and Internet service have all been restored. Unless otherwise specified all reservations due to arrive prior to August 30, 2007 have been rescheduled. The road has been blocked by the debris near La Buena Vida and Vista del Mar, but is now generally passable, however further cleanup and repair is required.

The Akumal Beach Resort did suffer some minor damage including low level flooding. General clean up and other repairs are under way. The hotel will be closed through August 30 and will begin accepting arrivals on August 31.


Casa Iguana: Minimal damage. Open and accepting reservations as of August 30.
Casa del Mar – Main level damage (windows/doors blown). Pool has been cleaned and repair work is well underway. Accepting arrivals as of September 30.
Nicte Ha – furniture damage first floor, first floor structural damage (windows/doors blown), pool & yard need to be cleaned, no arrivals prior to September 30.
Playa Caribe – No structural damage. General clean up ongoing. Accepting arrivals as of Aug 27.
Playa Blanca - No structural damage, cleanup ongoing. Accepting arrivals as of August 30.
Luna Azul - No structural damage, cleanup ongoing. Accepting arrivals as of August 30.
Penthouse at the Reef - No structural damage, cleanup ongoing.
Accepting arrivals as of August 30.
Casa Maya – No Damage. Clean up complete. Now accepting reservations.
Yool Canaal – No structural damage, cleanup ongoing. Accepting arrivals as of August 30.
La Sirena - No structural damage, cleanup ongoing. Beach must be replaced. Accepting arrivals as of August 30.
La Iguana - No structural damage, cleanup ongoing. Beach must be replaced. Accepting arrivals as of August 30.
Casa Pantera - No structural damage, cleanup ongoing. Accepting arrivals as of August 30.
Casa del Sol - No structural damage, cleanup ongoing. Accepting arrivals as of August 30.

South Akumal – Electricy, Phone and Internet service restored. Road is passable. South Akumal faired very well. Most properties anticipate only a brief closure for clean up.

Casa Cielo – No structural damage, cleanup ongoing. Previously scheduled maitenance schedule in place. Accepting arrivals as of Sept 23.
Akumal Breakers – No structural damage, cleanup ongoing. Accepting arrivals as of August 30.
Casa Langan - No structural damage, cleanup ongoing. Accepting arrivals as of August 30.
Seven Seas – Slight structural & electrical damage, pool & yard need to be cleaned. Previously schedule maintenance in place. Accepting arrivals as of October 1.

Tankah – While properties in Tankah generally faired well there a few notable exceptions, including Casa Cenote restaurant. The road is not yet passable but clean up is ongoing. Several areas of Tankah Bay gained beach.


Casa Cavu – No structural damage, cleanup ongoing. Accepting arrivals as of August 30.
Casa Rosa – No structural damage, cleanup ongoing. Accepting arrivals as of August 30.

Soliman Bay – Most properties and the beaches faired very well. Most properties have added to their beach. Properties at the southern end of the bay tended to have more damage.

Casa Tortuga -Tortuga-first floor structural damage, no upper level damage, no power, palapa roof intact, gardens are gone, closed for reservations until further notice
Casa Yamulkan – This great palapa house is intact! No flooding, sand needs to be moved from front porch area, open for reservations August 30.
Casas Jihae and Kristi - No structural damage, cleanup ongoing. Accepting arrivals as of August 30.
Casa Playa Maya - No structural damage, cleanup ongoing. Accepting arrivals as of August 30.

Restaurants:
Turtle Bay and Cueva del Pescador are open for business and operating a full capacity!
Lol-Ha beach bar and Que Onda will be open by this weekend
La Buena Vida will be closed until Sept 21

La Buena Vida photos

Here are some views from the road and beachside at La Buena Vida. The cleanup is moving along and most villas will be open for reservations by August 30th. A few exceptions to that are Casa del Mar and Nicte Ha, both in Akumal, which plan on being open by November 1st. Casa Tortuga on Soliman Bay will also need additional time for cleanup and repairs.