ABOUT LATIDO DE MEXICO

MONICA HARTLIEF
Originally from Amsterdam, Monica chose the sunny skies of Mexico in 1999. Or more accurately she chose the the warm Caribbean waters as she pursued a career as a recreational dive instructor. She completed her PADI OWSI in 1999, and is now an accomplished diver with the highest level of training as a PADI Course Director. Prior to moving to Mexico, Monica worked as a project manager and consultant for various ICT and telecommunications companies in the Netherlands. But all of our life experiences prepare us for the next adventure, and with her professional experience in project management and consulting work, Monica has great attention to detail as well as a keen knowledge of the area and community. With her focus on detail and organization she was the natural fit to run the property management and vacation rental side of things for Latido de Mexico, and being fluent in 3 languages only adds to her expertise.  

OUR TOP PICKS

We are commonly asked which establishments we like to frequent, so we put together a list of some of our top picks in Playa del Carmen!  

AH CACAO
A coffee shop with so much more. Known for their Mexican chocolate and other sweet treats. Two locations: on 30th street and 5th avenue (our favourite) and on Constuyentes and 5th avenue.

DIRTY MARTINI LOUNGE
Check out this local hang out that has a European bar feel. Excellent drinks like martinis, top shelf cocktails, and a wide selection of beer served by their wonderful staff with great music. It’ll keep you coming back! … Well, it does for us!  Located on 1st Avenue between 10th and 12th street.

BABE'S NOODLES AND BAR
Thai food with a Swedish twist in Mexico? You bet! A funky restaurant with fresh and healthy food at great prices. Don't forget to try one of the frozen margaritas, not as healthy but definitely yummy! Calle 10 between Avenida 5 and 10.

IL PESCATORE DA ILEANA
This restaurant has been around for a long time and the real home-made Italian food here is consistent and unequalled. Don’t forget to try the specials of the day and the tiramisu. Located on 10th avenue and 24th street.

DAC VEGETABLE AND FRUIT MARKET
Not only the best produce in town but also wonderful Mexican food (lunch) as well as excellent fruit shakes and smoothies. DAC is located on 30th Avenue and Constituyentes, it generally closes around 7 pm.

LA CASA DEL AGUA
Truly fine dining in Playa del Carmen since 2001. La Casa del Agua has an international menu specialized in seafood but neither the meat lover nor the vegetarian is overlooked. Service is exceptional. Located upstairs on 5th Avenue and the corner of Calle 2.

YOGA BY THE WAY
Vinyasa yoga that will give you a better and more complete workout than many hours spent at the gym. Make sure to take a class with Ellen de Jonge in this beautiful studio as she is one of the best yoga teachers you'll ever have the pleasure to practice yoga with. Click here for schedules and location.