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Real Estate Market, Lifestyle and More in the Riviera Maya and Southeastern Mexico
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What is it like to live in Playa del Carmen?
Playa del Carmen is much more than a vacation destination. Those who choose to live here discover a vibrant city, with an active community, a deep connection to nature, and a pace of life very different from urban centers in the rest of the country.
Here are five experiences you can only enjoy if you make Playa del Carmen your home. We especially love the last one!
1. Connect with the jungle and the sea every day

Here, you don’t need to escape on weekends to reconnect: everything is just around the corner. Whether you’re running along nature trails, paddling at sunrise, or swimming in crystal-clear cenotes, nature becomes part of your daily routine.

Playa del Carmen is home to people from all over the world. This mix of cultures creates a diverse and dynamic community, where it’s common to make friends with neighbors from different countries. From local markets to cultural fairs, there are always spaces to share and collaborate.
3. Experience the Riviera at your own pace

Far from the tourist hustle, daily life here moves at a different pace. Free time, mindful enjoyment, and closeness to what matters are truly valued. Developments like Tierra Madre, designed to foster community, offer the perfect setting to create a home: green areas, functional amenities, security, and a location that connects you to everything important. A place where community isn’t just a concept—it’s a reality.

In Playa, everything invites you to slow down. Outdoor yoga classes, meditating by the sea, hidden cafés in the jungle to start your day in peace… Here, you breathe a different kind of life. One where physical and mental well-being are part of your daily routine, not a distant goal.
Here, you don’t just live—you build. Playa del Carmen is undergoing urban transformation, and its residents actively participate in its growth. Whether through entrepreneurship, investment, or creating community projects, it’s a city for active minds who want to make a mark.
You might be interested: How to live in Tierra Madre

5 experiences you’ll only have if you actually live in Playa del Carmen (beyond just being a tourist)

The path of real estate investment is full of important decisions, as what you choose will influence how your expectations for returns, appreciation, and lifestyle are met. Choosing the right property type for your real estate investment is key to achieving your goals.
The most common types are studios, apartments, and penthouses; all very different from each other. So, how do you choose the best one? In this article, we’ll help you decide.
Studio

Studios make the most of every square meter, as they are a single space that brings together daily essentials like a bed, kitchen, and desk. Only the bathroom is separated from the main area.
Because of their size, the initial investment is low, and maintenance is the simplest and least demanding. They are usually in a strategic location to attract travelers and thus generate steady income.
Apartment

Apartments have more variable sizes, as they can have 1 or 2 bedrooms, and are also equipped with a kitchen, living room, bathroom, and even a terrace. The initial investment is moderate, and this type of property usually has steady rental demand and solid appreciation.
Penthouse

Located at the top of residential complexes, penthouses are the epitome of luxury and exclusivity. They usually have several bedrooms, spacious areas, and large windows with privileged views. That said, the initial investment is high, but it’s a great property to rent in the luxury real estate market and thus maximize your investment.
We highly recommend certified real estate advice to make the best decision, as an advisor can guide you on factors such as the local market, profitability, or suggest the best way to diversify your portfolio.
What do these properties have in common?

While these three properties attract different investor profiles, they all share the fact that they are located in luxury developments like Constelada; the most original proposal in Tulum’s Selvazama, the sister development of the successful Aldea Zamá, which is located in an urbanized area with high tourist demand due to its proximity to main attractions.
In addition to offering a variety of property types, Constelada features luxury amenities such as a rooftop with pool, bar, yoga area, coworking, and gym. Thanks to its location, infrastructure, and architecture, Constelada is a safe bet for success.
We invite you to click on the following box to learn more about Constelada, and to get in touch with our expert advisors to find out which is your ideal investment in this thriving development in the Riviera Maya.
You may also be interested in: The benefits of investing in Tulum, a paradise of luxury and nature.


Studio, apartment, or penthouse—which is the best investment for me?

A real estate investment is one of the most valuable decisions we can make for our assets and our family's future. Whether it's a residential lot, house, or apartment, this investment can ensure generations of peace of mind and stability. That's why it's vital that our purchase is backed by the law.
In this article, we want to share how we have managed to establish ourselves as a real estate developer that not only stands out for the quality and innovation of its projects, but also for our legal protection and secure investments.
Three decades of passion for building

Our history and commitment began in Mérida, Yucatán, making us a 100% Mexican company. We are known for our forward-thinking vision and for setting the standard in new construction trends. Today, we have more than 20 projects in high-value areas such as Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and recently, Valladolid, Yucatán.
Throughout our history, we have built more than 373,985 m2 and 551 properties. These numbers continue to rise year after year, establishing us as one of the most prolific real estate companies in southeastern Mexico.
How do we guarantee legal certainty?

We are aware that the real estate sector is not exempt from fraud and scams, which is why we provide transparency from the very first moment in our sales and project delivery process through legal contracts. As our client, you can review our official documents to verify the legality of the project.
In addition to each development having a unique creative proposal, each one has specific licenses and personalized legal backing. Likewise, we ensure up-to-date regulatory compliance by actively participating with organizations such as the Mexican Association of Real Estate Professionals (AMPI).
Invest with the legal certainty of Grupo Emerita
Now that you know us a little better, we would love to help you grow your assets with the right real estate investment.
We invite you to contact us to receive more information about our developments or our legal certainty. One of our expert advisors, who are a key part of our clients' satisfaction, will get in touch with you to answer all your questions.
You might be interested: Grupo Emerita: a developer with experience


Emerita Group: Over 30 Years of Legal Certainty in the Real Estate Sector

Aldea Zamá is one of the best-positioned residential communities in Tulum, and for the past couple of years, the continuation of its real estate success has been under development. This is Selvazama, the third phase of Aldea Zamá, featuring a privileged location and top-tier modern infrastructure.
In this article, we’ll tell you more about Selvazama and explain why your next real estate investment should be in this area of Tulum.
What is Selvazama?

Selvazama is a planned 500-acre community, home to luxury real estate developments and a vibrant community. More than just an exclusive area for investment and development, Selvazama’s plan also includes spaces dedicated to cultural, artistic, and holistic activities.
From its conception, Selvazama’s goal has been to be a luxury residential space that reflects the boho chic personality for which Tulum is world-renowned. For example, renowned projects like Papaya Playa and Azulik have already invested in Selvazama’s high-end proposal.
Selvazama’s main differentiator

Without a doubt, the location of this community is its strongest asset. Selvazama enjoys connectivity with Tulum’s main avenues, including Avenida Cobá, which leads to the hotel zone. It’s located in a high-demand tourist area, just minutes from Parque del Jaguar, which provides access to major tourist attractions such as:
- The Tulum archaeological site.
- The Museo de la Costa Oriental.
- El Faro viewpoint.
- Santa Fe Beach, Pescadores Beach, Maya Beach, and Mangle Beach.
Additionally, Selvazama features urbanized infrastructure such as paved roads, bike paths, water service, drainage, underground electricity, and fiber optics.
A vacation constellation awaits you in Selvazama

Constelada is a development of apartments and penthouses located in the heart of Selvazama. Each unit is fully equipped and has its own pool or jacuzzi, ideal for a luxury and relaxing experience. Constelada features an Astro Roof Top, a rooftop with amenities such as a pool with loungers, yoga area, and pool bar.
Other spaces in Constelada include the restaurant, gym, and coworking area. This project is your ideal investment to profit from high-profile vacation rentals and be part of Tulum’s most exclusive residential community.
We invite you to click on the box below to discover all the details about Constelada and get in touch to invest.
You might also be interested in: The benefits of investing in Tulum, a paradise of luxury and nature.


Why invest in Selvazama? The future of real estate in Tulum
Most recent publications

Tourism truly loves any of the destinations that make up the Riviera Maya, being among the most visited places in all of Mexico by both national and international tourists.
There are countless reasons why travelers enjoy the different places that make up this tourist hotspot, such as the activities, cuisine, and culture this paradise has to offer.
Moreover, over the years the region has grown stronger, creating a solid infrastructure that provides confidence and safety to tourists who literally visit every day of the year.

The Riviera Maya is a place with amazing attractions that, without a doubt, will have an even greater impact internationally as the years go by, climbing even higher in public preference.
As we mentioned before, the various destinations offer activities that are among tourists’ favorites, so here’s a list with direct links to other articles where you can learn more about them.

- Skydiving.
- Cycling.
- Diving.
- Fishing.
- Sensory experiences.
- Temazcal baths.
- Sleeping in an impressive cabin.
- Flyboard.
At the same time, it has also become known for two other things: the best amusement, nature, or water parks, as well as the growing business of beach weddings and the countless newlyweds enjoying their honeymoon on the stunning Caribbean beaches.

With all this in mind, it’s important to ask yourself: Why should you own an apartment in the Riviera Maya? The short answer is to make an excellent investment in a place that continues to grow and increase property values.
We invite you to click the button below to learn more about the options we have in Tulum and Playa del Carmen.


Why do tourists love the Riviera Maya?

As we have previously mentioned, buying a home is one of the most important decisions you can make, so it is important to have as much information as possible to make the right choice.
It should be emphasized that this information will be vital to making an intelligent decision; after all, it goes without saying that we are investing our money in a property and a bad decision can lead to financial losses.

When buying a home, there will always be differences between one place and another. For example, one of those factors is the exclusivity and security that a development can offer, which brings important benefits.
To obtain these benefits, there are certain tips that will be useful to help you avoid the dreaded mistakes you can make when buying your home, so we invite you to get to know them.
On multiple occasions, we have shared that location is essential and one of the first things to consider when buying a property, since acquiring a well-located home will exponentially increase its value.
This is a mistake that can literally cost you a lot; if you don't define your budget for buying the home, you might make the mistake of getting carried away in the moment and purchasing an extravagant property you hadn't planned for.
In addition to location, if the home does not have enough access points to reach it, it can become a problem for daily commutes or may indicate that the area is only recently being developed.

When buying a home in pre-sale, it is possible to request the floor plans as well as the renderings in order to understand the layout of the house and the location of the property within the master plan.
Requesting a copy of the contract before signing will give you the certainty that all agreed terms and conditions are included; likewise, if you requested a mortgage loan, it is important to fully understand the breakdown of payments.
Forgetting about extra expenses
Not considering extra expenses when buying a home can turn into a real financial nightmare, since after signing you will have to pay for various costs such as the maintenance fee if it is a gated community.

As you may have noticed, there are certain concepts that are not usually considered when making the purchase; however, it is also important to know the benefits of living in a residential development.
If you are interested in investing your money in a home in Playa del Carmen or an apartment in Tulum, we invite you to click the button below to contact one of our advisors so they can provide you with all the information you need.


Things you should avoid when buying a home
Living in Playa del Carmen is a unique experience: From a dreamlike climate to amazing tourist and commercial attractions, life in the Mexican Caribbean is much more idyllic than you imagine.
Besides being surrounded by nature and warm weather every day, when you move to Playa del Carmen you'll discover that, here, everything is simpler.
That's why we want to share some basic tips to make your life in Playa del Carmen a unique experience. Are you ready to take notes?
Enjoy the best tourist attractions of the Mayan culture, all close to you

A tip that will change your life before moving to Playa del Carmen? Get ready for adventure!
How about a visit to Tulum? Without a doubt, it has something no other archaeological site in Mexico offers: it's just a few meters from the crystal-clear waters of the Mexican Caribbean, so you can feel the sea breeze while discovering the historical richness of its ruins.
Here, the adventures that await you are not only amazing, but also full of historical richness you won't find anywhere else.
Playa del Carmen's location will allow you to access the best tourist spots, archaeological sites, and natural areas in just minutes.
One suggestion you shouldn't overlook is to make the most of all the options Playa del Carmen offers for outings, whether on your own or with family and friends.
After moving to Playa del Carmen, people can access the main archaeological sites and attractions at any time of year, thus avoiding the crowds.
Special discounts for Playa del Carmen residents

One of the most useful tips when moving to Playa del Carmen is to officially change, as soon as possible, your place of residence with the authorities.
Being a Quintana Roo resident not only lets you see the wonders of the Mexican Caribbean for yourself, but also gives you opportunities and discounts you won't find anywhere else.
For example, people whose official ID proves residence in Quintana Roo have access to significant discounts at hotels, ferry lines, and entry to archaeological sites, art galleries, and museums.
Don't forget to update your INE when you start your new life in Playa del Carmen!
Day pass vs. all-inclusive: How to make the most of living in Playa del Carmen?
Did you move to Playa del Carmen? Welcome! This is the place that has it all: art, culture, history, luxury, and comfort. All within an environment that stands out for its colors and nature.
Plus, by living in Playa del Carmen, you won't have to dip into your savings to buy plane tickets and access the best hotels: they'll be just a few kilometers from your home, offering you attractive discounts to visit them.
Take advantage of the discounts and special promotions that some hotels offer to Quintana Roo residents by booking a day pass on the day of your choice.
Are you ready to live your best adventure in Playa del Carmen? Welcome to paradise in Mexico!


3 things future Playa del Carmen residents should know

People naturally seek to experience pleasant events every day, but when it comes to tourism, this becomes essential and decisive for a destination to become popular.
Unique and unrepeatable experiences are those that go beyond the understanding of our five senses; in other words, they are extrasensory experiences due to the beauty that surrounds us in a natural place, or simply because the environment itself gives an indescribable sense of peace.

Tulum is simply a paradise in southeastern Mexico, and it’s no wonder it was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site—no matter where you look, it’s a fascinating place.
Throughout the area, three elements stand out that are truly astonishing: the nature that surrounds you with its enigmatic green, the turquoise blue of the Caribbean Sea, and the sensations you feel walking through ancient places full of history like the archaeological zone—a nearly utopian setting where nature and modernity coexist, giving it a mystical touch.

When these elements are combined with high tourist demand, a business opportunity is created. Currently, one of the most popular trends is vacation rentals of houses or apartments.
That demand, as we mentioned earlier, is experience-based tourism—travelers seeking unique moments, far from the crowds, wanting to get closer to natural, authentic places wrapped in a mystical aura.
This concept is very popular in Tulum, where you can feel it in many activities—from staying in an apartment surrounded by nature to diving in a coral reef alongside turtles, whale sharks, and a great variety of species.

However, with so many destinations to visit, it can be hard to choose, so here’s a list of places you’re sure to love.
- Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.
- Puerto Aventuras.
- Cenote Xcacelito.
- Kaan Luum Lagoon.
- El Pit Cenote.
- LabnaHa Cenotes & Eco Park.
- The Jungle Place.
- Punta Laguna Reserve.
- Akumal Monkey Sanctuary & Rescued Animals.

For all these reasons, Tulum is the perfect place to invest. It has become one of the most exclusive places to vacation and buy property.
If you want to learn more about this topic, just click the image below so one of our advisors can provide you with the information you need.


Discover Tulum’s hidden gems

The Riviera Maya is one of the most visited destinations in all of Mexico by both national and international tourists. These travelers enjoy the different places, activities, cuisine, and culture that this paradise offers.
In addition to the unparalleled beauty of this exclusive area of the Mexican Caribbean, it also has a very solid infrastructure that has been built up over the years to provide confidence and safety to tourists who literally enjoy its attractions 365 days a year.

Currently, buying and selling apartments is a very lucrative business throughout the Riviera Maya area, as investors see a market where they can rent out their properties to tourists.
This tourist market is made up of people willing to have new experiences outside of hotels and enjoy their vacations in exclusive developments with impressive amenities.
This has turned apartments into a truly authentic and highly profitable business for those who have had the foresight to support growth and obtain extremely attractive investment returns.

Everyone who visits the region always agrees that it is a truly special place to enjoy natural beauty. For example, Tulum is considered one of the best beaches in Mexico according to a list by Condé Nast Traveler, a prestigious luxury travel and lifestyle magazine.
Growth potential
Continuing with the previous point, Tulum alone has had an average annual growth rate of 3% over the last 5 years. It's also worth noting that it hasn't stopped growing, as it ranks third in tourist flow in the state of Quintana Roo.

One of the ingredients for the success of all these places is that, being visited by countless people from different nationalities—many of whom end up living there—it has become a fusion of cultures, creating a truly cosmopolitan city with an impressive offering of world-class business, cuisine, and culture.
It is enough to say that Cancun International Airport has countless connections from all over the world as well as direct flights from the main capitals of the globe, in addition to maritime and land connections.
What has been mentioned above is just a small sample of the reasons to invest in an exceptionally located apartment in a tourist area with extremely high added value.
If you want to learn more about the investments you can make, we invite you to click the button below to see the options we have for you.


Why should you own an apartment in the Riviera Maya?

Vacation rentals have become a very lucrative business, as the properties intended for this purpose are usually located in tourist destinations such as Playa del Carmen or Tulum.
Tourist destinations have the great advantage of being in demand all year round, as travelers are always on the move looking for new places to discover and enjoy.
Both Tulum and Playa del Carmen have earned their place thanks to the impressive numbers they show:
Tourism in Tulum
- More than 2.3 million visitors.
- Third place in tourist traffic in Quintana Roo.
- Fourth place worldwide in Airbnb bookings.
Tourism in Playa del Carmen
- It is one of the favorite beaches for luxury tourism in Mexico.
- Over 150 million dollars in tourism revenue.
- It is in the top 5 destinations with the highest real estate demand in Mexico.
- One of the most popular vacation destinations in the world.
With these figures, it's no surprise that tourists and investors are interested in discovering these wonderful places, which are truly a paradise on earth with beautiful white sand beaches and turquoise blue sea.

There are certain elements you should consider before embarking on a vacation rental adventure, even before deciding whether a studio, a lock-off apartment, or a penthouse is best for you.
When renting out an apartment, you acquire rights and at the same time obligations, regardless of whether you do it directly with the guest or through a platform like Airbnb, so it is important to be very clear about the rules to avoid confusion.
This particular point refers to the fact that contracts are necessary to rent the property, making everything clear in advance, and having damage insurance will be very useful, since not all guests are equally careful during their stay, which could lead to expenses that reduce your profits or simply accidents.

Keeping a physical or digital calendar with the dates the apartment is rented, scheduling preventive maintenance, and making payments for different services are all essential to provide guests with a memorable stay.
This is a tip that can help you a lot when renting: there are travelers who just want to get away from the noise of the city and all they want is to relax, enjoy the pool without leaving the place, so it is very important to choose a property with amenities that make the stay more pleasant.

As you may have noticed, it is important to know certain aspects to provide excellent service, which will be reflected in the demand for your apartment and translate into higher income.
We invite you to click the button below to contact one of our advisors and learn about the options we have for you in the Riviera Maya.


Learn more about vacation rentals

In 2019, Mérida received its latest recognition, this time as the best city in the world to visit. This award was given by the Readers Choice Awards, which is held annually by Condé Nast Traveler, an American magazine specializing in luxury travel and lifestyle.
This is proof that Mérida is a city with a bright future. Thanks to various factors, such as tourism, it ranked second nationally in 2019 for tourist arrivals, with approximately 563,365 visitors.
However, this growth is not recent; it has been happening for several decades. To be more precise, one of the events that marked the city's boom was on September 3, 1969, when a Sears store opened in Mérida, highlighting the importance of the Yucatecan capital.

Since then, the city has continued to grow, with the Jardines de Mérida neighborhood being one of the first to be built in 1970.
The catalyst effect of these circumstances led to a population increase in the so-called White City, which stands out today for its safety, quality of life, and interconnectivity.
These factors are some of the reasons that influence the purchasing decisions not only of Mexicans but also foreigners, who are drawn to the city's lifestyle, calm and relaxed atmosphere, and affordable prices, all of which encourage investment opportunities.
Foreign investment in the city over more than 30 years, along with various projects, was a major driver. One of the high points was the opening of shopping malls in different areas, especially in the northern part of Mérida.

After that, the value of many areas increased with the arrival of residential neighborhoods and developments with amenities—something new for the time—as well as the first vertical developments in a region used to horizontal construction.
This new expansion brought higher-value projects; luxury and comfort became part of the real estate offering, and a new concept was created to meet the demand of various markets with all possible budgets.
Thanks to all of this, Mérida's property values have increased exponentially, providing attractive returns for investors. It's no wonder the city ranks among the top in real estate growth in the country, with excellent opportunities for the future.
We invite you to contact us to discover the options we have not only in Mérida but also in Tulum and Playa del Carmen, two exclusive destinations in the Riviera Maya.


The increase in property values in Mérida

One of the main attractions for both national and international tourism are coral reefs, thanks to their magnificent marine formations, most of which are at least 10,000 years old.
It is thanks to the waves and ocean currents that they receive the nutrients needed to create a habitat of unique visual beauty for humans, as well as being an incredible source of underwater life.

In the post Visit the Caribbean Sea, home to the second largest reef in the world, we shared information about one of the most famous reefs not only in Mexico but in the world. However, our country has a great variety of them, so this time we will share them with you.
As previously mentioned, in the Mexican Republic we have several of these ancient formations, a source of indescribable life that continues to amaze us.
Coral reefs act as a natural barrier to reduce the effects caused by tropical cyclones that affect the regions where they are located, as well as preventing erosion and strong waves.

The National Commission for the Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity (Conabio) states that reefs in Mexico are divided into 3 zones: the Pacific coast, the coasts of Veracruz and Campeche, and finally the eastern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula.
It is worth mentioning that our coral reefs cover an area of 1,780 km², home to 60 species of corals, resulting in an impressive natural view.

All coral reefs are an incomparable source of life, but it should be noted that in our country, 5 of them stand out due to multiple factors.
- Mesoamerican Reef System.
- Veracruz Reef System National Park.
- Cozumel Reefs National Park.
- Cabo Pulmo National Park.
All these marine communities are extremely important for the environment, so it is necessary to do everything possible to preserve them, as they are currently deteriorating at a faster rate due to human interaction.
Finally, to conclude, we invite you to click the button below to learn about our developments in Tulum and Playa del Carmen.


Discover the coral reefs in Mexico

Lock-off apartments are highly popular among real estate investors, thanks to the great versatility these types of properties offer.
Another major factor is the economic aspect, as they can be rented in various ways at the same time, resulting in higher profits and more accessibility for guests.
On the other hand, guests also prefer these types of properties, since they have the chance to get a better place at a lower cost, all with the same comforts as a full apartment.

Previously, we mentioned the flexibility of lock-off apartments to generate income, which is possible because the rooms are independent, making it possible to rent them in different ways. Some examples include:
- Traditional rental (the entire apartment is rented).
- Separate rental (each room is rented to different guests).
- Mixed rental (one room is rented long-term and the other is rented short-term).
- Semi-fixed rental (one room can be rented for a full season and the rest of the year according to demand).
- Rent and use (one room is rented out and the rest of the apartment is used for living).
To complement the above, in a previous post we mentioned the benefits of having a lock-off apartment, such as independent rooms, strategic location, and the ease with which these units can be acquired or rented.

However, it is important that the development where you plan to buy a property of this type also offers other advantages that set it apart from the competition, making the property more attractive and profitable.
One of these key elements is location, which we have written about countless times—a few kilometers can make all the difference, sometimes even worth millions of dollars. Currently, one of the best places to acquire a property is Aldea Zamá in Tulum.

Amenities are another factor to consider, and one of them is a pool, which helps beat the heat. At OMARA, you'll find the most impressive swim-up pool in Tulum.
In the perfectly located development in Aldea Zamá, you'll find elevators, storage rooms, and sun decks that will make your stay more comfortable, plus it's just minutes from the beach.
On the other hand, if you want to learn more about this development, just click the button below to contact an advisor who can provide you with the information you need.


