Investing in Playa del Carmen: WakahChan's Vision and Holistic Village

Investing in Playa del Carmen is an opportunity that presents itself in a context of social transformation and wellbeing. In this interview with Bart Geutjes, founder of the WakahChan project, we explore his vision of a holistic community that seeks to empower its inhabitants and foster a sustainable, healthy and collaborative lifestyle.

Table of Contents

• About WakahChan, Holistic Village
• The Concept of Holistic Development
• Why Playa del Carmen?

WakahChan The Holistic Village in Playa del Carmen

WakahChan is more than just a project; it is a transformative vision that seeks to establish a holistic community in Playa del Carmen. This place is not only designed to live, but to live, learn and grow together. WakahChan's proposal focuses on the well-being of its inhabitants, fostering an environment where nature and humanity coexist in harmony, allowing each individual to shine in their authenticity.

The Motivation Behind the Project

The motivation of Bart Geutjes, founder of WakahChan, stems from a profound personal experience. During the pandemic, he and his family felt isolated and disconnected from a society that seemed polarizing. Bart reflected on how the decisions of a few affect many, and decided it was time to create a space where the community could come together, support each other, and live more freely.

"What drives me to do what I'm doing now is the idea that we can change a small part of the world."

This motivation translates into creating an environment where every voice counts, and where all members of the community actively participate in decision-making. WakahChan thus becomes a haven for those seeking a more connected and conscious lifestyle.

Holistic Living in Mexico: Differences from Traditional Residential Developments

Unlike traditional residential developments that tend to focus on building houses and some basic amenities, WakahChan proposes a holistic concept. Here, the idea is to build a small village where proximity and accessibility are paramount. It's not just about providing housing, but about creating an environment where residents have access to education, health and recreational spaces, all within walking distance.

• Community design: Open spaces that encourage interaction among neighbors.
• Integrated services: Schools, health centers and local businesses within the community.
• Safety and freedom: An environment where children can play freely without the danger of traffic.

WakahChan seeks to diverge from the traditional model of social and economic segregation by makingthe community accessible to all, not just those who can afford to live in exclusive areas.

Empowerment and Democracy

One of the pillars of WakahChan is the empowerment of its residents. Bart strongly believes in the need for real democracy, where every individual has a say in the decisions that affect their daily lives. In this model, roundtables will be established where residents can voice their ideas and concerns, creating a more equitable decision-making system.

"It's time for citizens to be empowered again, on an equal footing."

This approach not only promotes active participation, but also strengthens the social fabric of the community by fostering collaboration and a sense of belonging among its members.

An Innovative Societal Model

WakahChan aspires to be an innovative societal model that challenges established norms. The idea is to build an environment where the community takes responsibility for its own well-being through co-creation and active participation. This includes the management of the facilities and services, which will be collectively owned.

• Collective ownership: All residents will own the facilities and services, promoting a sense of belonging.
• Education and health: The community will be in charge of managing its own school and health center, adapting to the needs of its inhabitants.
• Cultural integration: Cultural diversity and inclusion will be encouraged, creating an enriching environment for all.

This model not only seeks to create a physical space, but a living experience that inspires its residents to actively participate in building their future. At WakahChan, each individual is an integral part of the whole, contributing to a vibrant and dynamic community.

The Holistic Development Concept

At WakahChan, holistic development manifests itself in the creation of an environment where every aspect of daily life is considered. It is about integrating nature, community and well-being into one concept. Bart Geutjes, the founder, describes this approach as a journey toward connection with self and others, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose.

"We are creating a holistic village, like-minded people who want to thrive, everyone is welcome."

This development is not limited to the physical construction of homes, but encompasses the creation of spaces that promote social interaction and personal growth. The idea is for each resident to not only inhabit a place, but to be an active part of the community.

Long-term Impact and Global Connection

WakahChan's impact is projected across generations. Bart mentions the importance of thinking about how our actions affect future generations. This approach is inspired by the Hopi prophecy of the "tree of life," where people are expected to come together to bring a new, more just and sustainable world into being.

• Local connections: Involvement of the local community in the development of the project, creating jobs and opportunities.
• Global collaboration: Networking with other holistic communities around the world to share knowledge and experiences.
• Social responsibility: A percentage of the profits will go to support the surrounding community, promoting a sense of solidarity.

WakahChan seeks not only to be a model of sustainable development, but also an example to follow in creating mutually supportive communities that are connected across geographical boundaries.

Managing Differences in the Community to Strengthen Relationships

Diverse points of view exist in every community and can generate some friction or conflict; the WakahChanc team believes that trust and honesty are built on open communication, mutual respect and a shared commitment to growth. Conflict, when approached with understanding, can be a powerful tool for strengthening relationships and deepening connections.

Bart stresses that while differences are a natural part of any dynamic community, the key is how we deal with them. By fostering a culture of openness and constructive dialogue, residents will have the opportunity to turn challenges into meaningful learning experiences.

Circular Economy at WakahChan

The circular economy is a fundamental pillar of WakahChan's design. This model seeks to maximize the use of resources, minimizing waste and promoting sustainability. Bart explains how practices will be implemented that not only respect the environment, but also benefit the community.

• Reuse of materials: the use of local and recycled resources will be prioritized in the construction and maintenance of the village.
• Food production: Community gardens will be established that will not only supply the village, but also promote sustainable agriculture.
• Water management: Implementation of systems that purify and reuse water, creating a cycle that benefits both the community and the natural environment.

By adopting a circular economy model, WakahChan seeks not only to be a livable space, but also an example of how communities can thrive in a responsible and sustainable manner.

Investment Prospects in Playa del Carmen

Investing in Playa del Carmen presents itself as an exciting opportunity, especially in a project that seeks to redefine the way we live and interact. Bart notes that as more people seek a more holistic lifestyle, demand for projects like WakahChan is on the rise.

...These types of projects are not commonly found in Playa del Carmen, and Mexico's economy is growing, making it an attractive place to invest.

The potential for economic growth in Playa del Carmen is significant. Bart mentions that a 10% annual return on investment is expected, which is attractive to investors looking for alternatives to traditional markets. In addition, the focus on sustainability and community well-being adds unique value to this investment.

• Return on investment: Growth projections that exceed typical investments in the real estate market.
• Social impact: Investing in a project that not only seeks economic benefits, but also improves the quality of life of the community.
• Long-term stability: Playa del Carmen is a growing destination, which promises an increase in property values as development progresses.

With WakahChan, investors are not only supporting a real estate project, they become part of a movement toward a more sustainable and collaborative future.

...and in fact, at an official event of the governor of the state of Quintana Roo, Mara Lezama,(https://cgc.qroo.gob.mx/viene-lo-mejor-para-playa-del-carmen-en-2025-afirma-mara-lezama-ante-empresarios-de-solidaridad/) spoke of the closure in terms of tourism; in the period from January to October 2024, and announced the projection for Playa del Carmen this 2025 in terms of tourism, economy, urban development and the fiscal benefits for the southern border region and Cozumel.

Playa del Carmen registered an influx of 1 million 438 thousand 542 tourists, according to the State Secretariat of Tourism (SEDETUR). He also highlighted the tax benefits for the southern border region and for Cozumel, where the possibility of extending them to the maritime transportation sector in the mainland of Quintana Roo is being analyzed; during the meeting with businessmen, actions within the framework of the New Agreement for the Wellbeing and Development of Quintana Roo were discussed;

Among the topics discussed were investments and safe destinations, tourism promotion, improvement of tourism infrastructure, economic diversification and promotion of the local economy, informal commerce and sustainable development, and promotion of local entrepreneurs, among others.

On the other hand, in the "Prosperous, Inclusive and Sustainable Mexico" Forum(https://cgc.qroo.gob.mx/refrenda-quintana-roo-su-liderazgo-turistico-con-prosperidad-compartida-y-sustentabilidad-mara-lezama/) held in January 2025, the governor of Quintana Roo stated: "If Quintana Roo were a country, it would be among the 15 most visited in the world".

Quintana Roo's contribution to tourism in Mexico is reflected in a revenue of more than 20 billion dollars in 2024, more than 21 million tourists, more than 32 million passengers and more than 135 thousand hotel rooms.

Why Playa del Carmen?

Playa del Carmen is not just a tourist destination; it is a place where opportunities and a diversity of lifestyles are intertwined. The natural beauty of its beaches, combined with its cosmopolitan atmosphere, makes it an ideal place to live and invest; just a few hours from Cancun and very close to Miami; Playa del Carmen offers a very particular and convenient location; The growing demand for spaces that offer wellness and connection with nature makes projects like WakahChan extremely attractive for those who are looking for a significant change in their lives and want what they invest to be with a more conscious and human sense.

Migration to Playa del Carmen is on the rise. People from all over the world are looking for an environment that not only offers them quality of life, but also a sense of community; WakahChan's vision of creating a holistic space aligns perfectly with this trend, making this an ideal time to invest in Playa del Carmen.Another great geographic and city planning advantage in favor of Playa del Carmen is that the environment is different from Tulum at present; where its beautiful beaches are far away from the historic center, making it difficult to move around the city and the cost of living is very low. and on the other hand the cost of living of this city, which is higher than Playa del Carmen, and practically with the same quality of services and benefits to citizens provided by local governments, or rather, investment in works to improve the quality of life is practically similar, but Playa del Carmen has a lower cost of living, which favors the incentive to a real estate investment of its citizens as foreigners.

"Mexico's economy is growing, which makes it an attractive place to invest," says Bart.

In addition, Playa del Carmen's infrastructure is constantly developing, which means that property values are bound to increase. This, coupled with WakahChan's focus on sustainability and community well-being, presents a unique opportunity for investors looking for more than just a financial return - they are looking for a positive impact on society.

Education at WakahChan

Education is a fundamental pillar of WakahChan's vision. Bart Geutjes emphasizes the need to create an educational system that not only focuses on academics, but also embraces the emotional and spiritual development of children. The lack of quality educational options in Playa del Carmen, especially for adolescents, has prompted the creation of a school that responds to these needs.

• Comprehensive approach: Education at WakahChan will focus on cognitive, social and emotional development, as well as spirituality.
• Talent identification: From an early age, children will be guided to discover and develop their unique abilities.
• Educational community: The school will not only be a place of learning, but a space where the community is actively involved in the educational process.

"We want to create a school where you can be yourself, stay yourself and develop from a more spiritual perspective."

This innovative approach to education will not only benefit the children of WakahChan, but will also attract families interested in investing in Playa del Carmen in search of an environment that fosters the holistic growth of their children. By offering an educational system that prioritizes wellness, WakahChan becomes an attractive destination for those who value holistic education.

The Vision of a Future in Balance

Bart's vision for WakahChan is one of a future in balance, where community and nature coexist harmoniously. This model not only seeks to meet the needs of residents, but also to contribute to broader social change. The idea is for WakahChan to serve as an example of how communities can thrive by adopting a sustainable and collaborative approach.

• Connection and collaboration: WakahChan aims to be a space where people come together to co-create solutions that benefit everyone.
• Positive social impact: The community is committed to supporting neighbors and the surrounding community, promoting a sense of solidarity.
• Replicable model: The hope is that WakahChan's success will inspire others to create similar projects in different parts of the world.

"We hope that our village will contribute to a more balanced development and have a ripple effect on society."

By investing in Playa del Carmen, you are not just purchasing a property, you are participating in a movement towards a more just and sustainable future. This vision of community and collaboration is what makes WakahChan a truly unique and valuable project.

A Great Investment Opportunity in Playa del Carmen

WakahChan represents a genuine opportunity for those seeking not just a place to live, but a lifestyle that prioritizes community, sustainability and wellness. By investing in Playa del Carmen, investors are not only securing an attractive financial return, but are also contributing to a more conscious and balanced way of life.

We invite all those interested in being part of this project to explore the possibilities offered by WakahChan. Join us in creating a future where community and nature thrive together. We look forward to welcoming you with open arms.

Visit their website here

Frequently Asked Questions about Investing in Playa del Carmen

1. What are the benefits of investing in Playa del Carmen?
   • Playa del Carmen offers constant growth in the real estate market, with an attractive return on investment.
   • The community is developing, which means that property values are bound to increase.
   • The quality of life and access to holistic services are greater in projects like WakahChan.
2. How is investment security ensured?
   • WakahChan has a reliable legal and financial team that ensures that all transactions are conducted in a transparent and secure manner.
   • The agreements are legally tested, which provides confidence to investors.
3. What financing options are available?
   • Various financing options are offered, tailored to the needs of each investor.
   • Investors can choose to reinvest in the project or receive their return in cash.
4. What kind of community is being created in WakahChan?
   • WakahChan seeks to form an inclusive and diverse community, where all residents have a voice and active participation.
   • The community is focused on wellness and sustainability, promoting a balanced lifestyle.