Playa Fest: A Celebration of Sports, Food and Beach!
Mayakoba Playa Fest 2017: A Celebration of Sports, Food and Beach!
The Mayakoba resort complex has proven that is it not only a world-class destination for international visitors to the Riviera Maya, but also a cultural resource and social meeting point for local residents who come to enjoy the many unique cultural and gastronomic events that are offered throughout the year.
Last December, almost one year ago, we attended the inauguration of Mayakoba’s newest luxury hotel, Andaz. This year Mayakoba selected this hotel property to be the official host of Playa Fest 2017. Sponsored by Montelobos, Ancho Reyes, Tequila Patron, Red Bull, Ultrafemme, Vita Coco, Electrolit and Must Have Sunglasses, the 2nd annual Playa Fest, attracted over 250 guests and participants to this festival showcasing the natural treasures of the Riviera Maya; its beautiful white sand beaches and turquoise waters.
Andaz Mayakoba opened its doors and its beach for the 2nd edition of this exciting festival that featured a variety of sports and contests. Activities offered at this year’s event included Yoga, Stand Up Paddle races (in which we participated), Kite Surf, Jet Surf and the Mayakoba Challenge, Playa Fest’s most difficult sporting event, where attendees went head to head in a challenge that comprised yoga, a 5K race and SUP. The Aqua Forza clinic proved to be a great experience. A new and popular trend in exercise, Aqua Forza combines yoga postures, endurance and elasticity and allows the body to move in a safe and fun way by using an inflatable board.
Andaz Mayakoba not only hosted the sporting events but also offered two wonderful gastronomic experiences. Chefs and mixologists delighted guests with their skills that have been recognized worldwide. Special guests included:
- Braulio Hernández, Ambassador for Ancho Reyes
- Mezcal Montelobos, cocktail creator for over seven years in places like Barra 57, Aurora, Parker & Lenox and Hanky Panky in Mexico City
- Paul Bentley, Executive Chef of the Magno Brasserie restaurant in Guadalajara, with more than 20 years of experience in the world of gastronomy and standing out as one of the most recognized restaurants in Australia, Europe and New York
- Vincent Wallez, Executive Chef of Andaz whose style of cuisine has been characterized by being elegant and contemporary, French technique and great depth in flavor.
To cap off the event, Mayakoba Playa Fest 2017 hosted an award ceremony at Andaz Mayakoba beach to celebrate the winners of the Mayakoba Challenge. Guests enjoyed an exquisite BBQ-style lunch, created by the Executive Chef of the Andaz Mayakoba resort Vincent Wallez who, along with his culinary team, treated guests with a selection of Mexican dishes, complemented by top shelf Margaritas and music selected to celebrate the end of summer.
That same evening, Chef Vincent Wallez teamed up with Australian Chef Paul Bentley and presented a fabulous 5 course dinner at Casa Amate. Casa Amate was designed to resemble a home, a sophisticated one that makes you feel pampered and cherished. Here is a glimpse of our delightful and refined culinary experience at the closing dinner event of Playa Fest.
Xcatic chili cream with king crab ravioli and grand smith apple
Tuna sashimi with hibiscus jelly, ponzu and foie gras
Black cod roasted with confit tomato crust, white bean and basil pesto, mousseline of tetragon and black garlic hollandaise sauce
Braised beef rib, blackened eggplant puree and beef juice.
Chef Paul Bentley (left) and Chef Vincent Wallaz who came to greet us at the end of the fabulous dinner
Andaz mixologist Jessica Zárate Miramontes
Once again, Mayakoba delivered a spectacular event. Successfully combining high-end gastronomy experiences with sporting events is no small achievement. We are pleased to report that Playa Fest was well delivered and well received! At BuyPlaya, we are always honored and delighted to cover their events and we support their commitment to include local residents in all of their fabulous events and festivals. With each new offering, Mayakoba reinforces their growing reputation as one of the finest event venues in the region. We are already looking forward to the 3rd annual Playa Fest. Next year, we promise to bring back at least one trophy of the Stand Up Paddleboard competition!
Andrea was born and raised in Montreal by a Mexican mother and a French Canadian father. She studied cinema and photography in Argentina and Montreal, and has now been living in Playa del Carmen for several years. Both her Mexican and Canadian roots are an important influence on her identity and how she perceives the world through her photography and writing as the content creator for BuyPlaya Real Estate Advisors www.buyplaya.co and the blogs at https://www.buyplaya.co/playalife/
Follow me on Instagram: http://instagram.com/andy_foodie_lifestyle_rm/