07-29-2008
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#1 (permalink) |
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Resident Moderator
  Join Date: May 2003
Location: Q Roo
Posts: 17,649
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The Lowdown on Paamul
Since Paamul is not one of the mainstream stops for the average Riviera Maya tourist, I thought I’d post a walking photo tour to give you all a little better idea about a place that’s home (full or part-time) to many of the area’s expats.
In the simplest terms, Paamul is an RV park, but it’s so much more than that, and not like anything most people have ever seen before. And it’s certainly changed since it started out 25 or so years ago. The basic concept is a large palapa that covers a “trailer” of some sort and an outdoor living space as well. However, in recent years, it’s expanded far beyond the requirements that all building material must be made of wood or stone. The rules have expanded (read: ignored, stretched, what-have-you) to the point that, beneath that ubiquitous palapa, you may now find a completely enclosed and quite comfortable home with stucco walls, inlaid tile, and luxurious appointments. However the average home still includes a trailer, with an outdoor kitchen, bathroom, sitting area, and storage space. The current sale prices reflect the differences. The sale price will also reflect the palapa’s location with beachfront homes selling for twice as much, or more, than other palapas. Speaking of sale prices… There are a LOT of palapas currently for sale in Paamul. One of the biggest reasons for that is that the prices have tripled, if not quadrupled, in the past 5 years or so. People saw their neighbors getting what seemed to be astronomical gains for their sales and decided to jump on the bandwagon. Another reason is that some long-term owners are frustrated by the changes. They’d like Paamul to stay the way they first saw it years ago and that’s just not going to happen. So, they’re selling. Or trying to. Let’s just start with the pictures and go from there: My neighbors are a young couple from Michigan with two little girls. The come down during school holidays and their place is empty the rest of the year. Perhaps their inability to use it more often is the reason for their sale sign. They’re asking $65,000 US. (I’ve tried to take pictures of all For Sale signs that include prices.)  These next two are beachfront:    One of the things that makes Paamul so desirable is all the pretty plants and trees.  These folks have SUCH a green thumb! They have their own little jungle oasis here.  They’re also the ones who keep up the info board, though not much goes on in the summertime.  Here’s a place that’s recently been updated.  And another that’s being rebuilt, it includes at least *part* of a trailer and has a beautiful ocean view. I think it’ll be for sale soon.  To be continued…
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Susie OMG I really live here... STILL!  
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07-29-2008
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#2 (permalink) |
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Resident Moderator
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Q Roo
Posts: 17,649
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Paamul includes more than just palapa homes. After the 2005 hurricanes, these VERY nice hotel units were put up. They are all oceanfront.
 And we’re very fortunate to have a pool and a full-service restaurant on the premises. These are open to anyone visiting Paamul.  Some more homes for sale… Oh, before I post these, let me just mention that at least 75% of the palapas in Paamul are occupied only during the winter months. So if some of these look kind of barren, that’s the reason, as everyone battens down the hatches in preparation for any storms that may comethough while they’re gone.      These palapas are in what some think is the most desirable location, on a rocky beach on the north end.  There’s one open lot. But it’s not for sale  This road heads north from Paamul, between the jungle and the beach. There is nothing there at all and it’s a wonderful place to chill. I get my bike workouts in on this road. It’s a challenge to dodge the boulders, potholes, and soft sand pits. Don’t tell Vanessa, but yesterday, a HUGE snake had to dodge me and, watching him instead of the road, I almost ran over the only iguana in town who wouldn’t move!  The path to the “back” of Paamul.  To be continued… |
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07-29-2008
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#3 (permalink) |
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Resident Moderator
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Q Roo
Posts: 17,649
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A new area has been cleared and opened up for building and some nice new palapas are going in. There are still some lots available…
  Just the pretty road…  More for sale…   This is a very nice and well-built place, totally enclosed with glass.  There was a massage therapist for the past couple of years in Paamul, but the couple just recently announced their return to Spain and are selling this great place.  This is the English-speaking church in Paamul. (We don’t all go there, btw.  )   Some of the newer homes in town.       Remember all that rain we had a couple days ago? It didn’t bother me much at all until I stepped back to take this next shot, into a mud slick, slipped and would have taken a tumble on my butt, but overcompensated and came down on my knees and elbows. It had to be hilarious to see but no one was around – thank goodness! I *think* I’ve gotten all the mud outa my camera!  (Not to mention my palms and shins…  )This is one of my favorites.  Here’s a neighbor’s new and kinda funky place.  To be continued… |
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07-29-2008
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#4 (permalink) |
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Resident Moderator
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Q Roo
Posts: 17,649
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More evidence that Paamul is not just private homes. These casitas on the beach can be rented by the day/week and I think they’re adorable. I stayed in one the first time I saw Paamul in person.
 Some, not all, are beachfront, but the others are just steps away.  This view from the casitas shows the “hotel” and restaurant/pool with oceanfront palapas beyond.  Most folks directly on the beach have installed glass doors to close against the occasionally heavy wind/sand.  The road to home…  My little paradise.  So, there you have it. With some great snorkeling and a beach that, even at its busiest has only a handful of people on it, not to mention being one of the "Top Ten Most Scenic Beaches in Mexico," it's worth a visit! Last edited by Susie Q Roo; 07-29-2008 at 05:24 PM.. |
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07-29-2008
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#7 (permalink) | |
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Resident Moderator
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07-29-2008
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#9 (permalink) |
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life=playa
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Winnipeg MB Canada
Posts: 899
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Funny you should post something like this on Paamul Susie. A friend of mine just resently forwarded an ad for a place there
Affordable Tropical Living – Mayan Riviera, Mexico - Winnipeg Cars & Vehicles - Kijiji Winnipeg It looks very interesting. We'll have to take a day trip there this Feb and have a look. 
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07-29-2008
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#15 (permalink) | |
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Resident Moderator
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