Boat Excursions on Banderas Bay, Mexico

One of the great pastimes that homeowners at Villa La Estancia Residences can enjoy anytime of the year is exploring Banderas Bay on a boat tour. Boat excursions on Banderas Bay, Mexico are one of the best ways to get to know the beauty of Banderas Bay. There are many different boat cruises on offer for both day and night excursions on Banderas Bay, in addition to private yacht charters and fishing tours. With so many amazing boat tours, you could try something different each time your visit your home away from home.

Booking boat excursions on Banderas Bay, Mexico is easy, especially for Villa del Estancia residents who can use the services of the onsite tour agent. Alternatively you can make bookings via the internet. A lot of different activities await; dancing, singing, snorkeling, eating out and indulging in great music will make memories that last forever. Whether you are an adult, a child or a kid at heart, boat excursions on Banderas Bay will provide the time of your life.

sunset on banderas bay

Marigalante Pirate Ship Day and Night Tours

Have you ever dreamed of being a pirate sailing the vastness of the ocean with reckless authority? The Marigalante Pirate Ship can make that dream come true as you sail aboard an authentic wooden pirate ship with staff that dress and act like real pirates. On both the day and night tour of Banderas Bay, a pirate show will leave you in awe as acrobatic stunts, pirate music and other live performances literally fill the deck of your boat.

During the Pirates of the Bay night tour, the show is the center of attention with a delicious three course meal and as much to drink as you are partial to. You will enjoy an award winning pirate battle as though you had been transported back in time to the Golden Age of Pirates, followed by fireworks. The focus of the pirate ship day tour is more towards outdoor pirate fun, and your day will be full of merry things like dancing, exciting games, water sports and even treasure hunting on the beach. It’s an all ideal Banderas Bay cruise for an all out family affair that will leave you breathless.

Rhythms of the Night Boat Cruise

If you are looking for romantic boat excursions on Banderas Bay, Mexico to share with your nearest and dearest, the Rhythms of the Night cruise is highly recommended for you. It promises a night full of romance as you start off cruising the scenic coastline of Banderas Bay en route to the remote beach cove of Las Caletas. The slow beat of ancient Aztec drums can be heard as your boat arrives to the shore and you are escorted to an amphitheatre in the jungle where you will enjoy an artistic representation of Mexico’s pre-Hispanic history through dance and music. All of this followed by a candlelit dinner under the moon and the bright, sparkling stars for a night to remember affair.

Las Marietas

A day jampacked with a host of activities is what you can expect of Las Marietas boat excursions in Banderas Bay. From the shore, you will make your way by boat to the famous Las Marietas islands which boast a unique location formed out of volcanic eruptions thousands of years ago. While cruising your way, music and dancing will create a festive air, with an open bar and a full lunch provided to satisfy your hunger. You may be lucky enough to see a wide variety of marine life like manta rays, humpback whales and dolphins from the side of your boat.

When you reach Las Marietas, you can jump in for some snorkeling and discover the underwater riches that these remote islands offer. You can also access a hidden beach by swimming through a cave to discover the hidden gem that makes Las Marietas so famous on Banderas Bay.

Las Animas Boat Cruise

If you love exploring underwater and admiring the beauty down below, Las Animas boat excursions on Banderas Bay will fit you to a tee. Two destinations are the order of the day and awaiting discovery. First is the Los Arcos Underwater National Park, where snorkeling is at its best. A professional guide will accompany you and provide snorkels, fins and life jackets for your safety. Prepare yourself for close encounters with underwater creatures and colorful fish and corals that dominate the sea landscape. The Las Animas beach comes next on the agenda, and this is where facilities for beach volleyball, kayaking and banana boating are available. If you don’t feel like taking part in the action, you can simply lie on the sandy beach and enjoy the wonderful scenery surrounding you. As you head back, the fun never ceases. You can party, dance and drink all the way back to port.

Princess Sunset Cruise

The two and a half hours you will spend on the Princess Sunset Cruise on Banderas Bay will leave you enchanted. This elegant cruise offers simple luxury like drinking at an open bar with great snacks for company as you take in the spectacular views of the bay. If you want to let your hair down, you can dance and party the night away in the lower decks where you will be joined by others who are in the mood for a fiesta.

For more information about boat excursions on Banderas Bay, Villa la Estancia Residents should contact the onsite tour agents.

mexican christmas party

Great Mexican Christmas Traditions

Christmas in Mexico is a great celebration characterized by rich cultural and religious traditions with touches of contemporary influences from the United States and Canada like Christmas trees and Santa Claus. Overall, a Mexican Christmas is less commercialized than other countries and full of fascinating customs that you can enjoy as both homeowners at Villa La Estancia Residences and visitors alike.

Great Mexican Christmas Traditions

If you decide to spend time in Mexico during the Christmas holidays, you’ll be amazed by the sights of large Christmas trees and sparkling lights adorning plazas, and the abundance of food and artisan stalls in public places. Likewise, you will see large nativity scenes and images of the Baby Jesus. On the beach next to Puerto Vallarta’s malecon boardwalk, sand artists usually exhibit great works of art in the run up to Christmas depicting various Christmas related scenes made from sand.

mexican christmas party

Noche Buena

Unlike the United States and Canada, a Mexican Christmas is traditionally celebrated on Christmas Eve on December 24th rather than December 25th. Mexican families gather together following the last mass of advent to feast on sumptuous delicacies such as cod, tamales, pozole and mole. The Mexican Christmas celebrations are likely to last into the wee hours of the morning. Gifts are given as a way to honor the spirit of giving and sharing, which is what Christmas is all about in Mexico.

The Day of the Three Kings/ Three Wise Men

Another Mexican Christmas tradition that differs from those of the United States and Canada is the Day of the Three Kings. El Dia de Reyes is celebrated yearly on January 6th commemorating the end of the long Christmas festivities. Just like the Three Kings in the Bible who gave the Baby Jesus gifts during their visit, Mexican children anticipate this day with the hope of receiving plenty of gifts as well. They’ll put their shoes on the doorstep of their homes thinking that when the kings pass by, they will leave gifts for them.

The Traditional Rosca de Reyes

The Day of the Three Kings is not just about children getting presents, this Mexican Christmas tradition has another charming feature: the Rosca de Reyes. The rosca is a garland-shaped sweet bread that is served on El Dia de Reyes which contains one or more ceramic Baby Jesus figure. Everyone at the gathering has to take a slice of the bread. If your slice contains the figure, you are blessed and will be expected to host the next party which is held on February 2nd for Candlemas, where tamales will be served.

Visitors to Mexico and Villa La Estancia Residences homeowners are invited to join in the Mexican Christmas traditions for a wonderfully rich festive experience.

Luxury Realty in Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta

Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta, that forms part of Banderas Bay on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, is ever becoming the top destination for luxury realty. Development in Mexico and the real estate market has seen a revival over the last couple of years following the recent recession, yet you can still find excellent prices for luxury realty in both Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta. While forecasts are promising for developers as house prices are set to rise in the coming years, buyers should make haste to purchase while the effects of the recession on prices can still be felt in Mexico.

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Your Chance for Luxury Realty in Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta

Despite what you might think about Mexico, if there is one thing that the country does best is to create luxury homes at affordable prices. Luxury in Mexico costs less, without a doubt. Your dream home with all the services can be yours in Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta without having to give up having a foot back home. Second home ownership is truly affordable in Mexico.

Luxury realty comes in all shapes and sizes in Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta: from grand mansions on the water’s edge to lavish condos with pools and beach access to resort living like Villa La Estancia Residences, where you can enjoy all the facilities of a five star resort like pools, gourmet restaurants, a first class spa, gym, room service and so forth. The neighborhood you choose within Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta can also affect the price of your luxury realty investment, albeit not as drastically as it does in the United States and Canada.

Benefits of Living in Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta

Besides the year-round sunshine and warm temperatures throughout winter, living in Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta has its benefits. Firstly, the luxuries that make life more fulfilling are more affordable. You can see yourself getting a massage each week, beauty treatments that you maybe can’t afford back home, or surgeries that are considered a luxury but which make you’re life more comfortable.

The thriving expat community in Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta is also an attraction for many people seeking luxury realty. You can join all kinds of groups such as painting classes, writers’ clubs, poetry festivals, yoga classes, fishing and yacht clubs to mention just a few. For those of you who like to support local charities, you can also meet other expats helping out as a host of different non-profit organizations including orphanages, cats and dogs groups, turtle sanctuaries and disability charities welcome the help of residents.

Your social life need not just be about helping the community, there are plenty of bars, fine restaurants (including gourmet wine and food festivals each year), dancing clubs (with lessons) and street parties to enjoy. And when there is nothing special to do, you will never tire of walking the malecon boardwalk to catch a subset with an ice-cream or frozen yogurt. Life really is good in Banderas Bay!

Luxury realty in Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta is not just about elegant houses and property investment, it is about a way of life that you will want to share with your loved ones, and which will enrich your life no end.

Retirement in Riviera Nayarit

Riviera Nayarit: Far More than your Average Retirement Community

There is no doubt that Mexico is the number one choice for those looking to retire in a foreign land. Thriving expat communities that inhabit almost every coastal town, including, Puerto Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas and everything in between, take advantage of low cost, laid-back lifestyles that make reaching retirement so much sweeter.

Retirement in Riviera Nayarit
Courtesy

Riviera Nayarit a Retirement Favorite

As the popularity of retiring in a foreign land hits all-time highs, so does the preference for Riviera Nayarit, Mexico’s hottest new destination. With its charming culture, stunning seaside towns and endless expanses of palm-fringed beaches, Riviera Nayarit offers far more than your average retirement community.

Attracting visitors from around the world, Riviera Nayarit’s colorful blend of old Mexican charm and modern luxuries creates the ideal destination for those looking to find their home away from home. In this peaceful haven, one can find the finest restaurants, a myriad of shopping opportunities, and a large variety of recreational activities, including world-class golf, sunset sailing and romantic strolls along the most alluring beaches.

Friendly Faces Grace Your Retirement

While the natural beauty that surrounds the region weighs heavily on one’s decision to make Riviera Nayarit their home, it is the genuine happiness and overall friendly atmosphere that exudes from every corner of the region that makes staying worth the while. At the heart of any great place is its people, and that couldn’t be truer for the residents of each and every town that dots Riviera Nayarit’s coast. From the end of Banderas Bay and beyond, the locals are known for their unwavering hospitality and heartfelt welcomes, making it easy to adapt to such a harmonious lifestyle.

Fractional or Full Time Retirement?

Choosing to live in Riviera Nayarit, even if only for part of the year, is a huge step in the right direction. One can find everything from villas to resort-style condominium complexes that make buying real estate in Mexico hassle free. While purchasing a Mexican home can be quite nerve wracking, it’s the option to buy upscale residences with 5-star resort amenities that draws people to the area. With endless opportunities to buy real estate, it is easy to make the move to a happier, more relaxed lifestyle.

Have you thought about a Try and Buy option? Visit us at Villa La Estancia Residences and see what you think!

Spend Christmas in Riviera Nayarit

Reasons to Spend Christmas in Riviera Nayarit

Spend Christmas in Riviera Nayarit

The Riviera Nayarit is one of those eternally popular vacation destinations that draws in thousands of tourists every day throughout the year; but did you know that it is also one of the best celebration destinations in the world for the Christmas season? The festive spirit is alive and well in Riviera Nayarit, and the elegant, elaborate celebrations, traditional festivities and utterly divine weather only make it better.

Reasons to Spend Christmas in Riviera Nayarit:

A Different Kind of Winter Blues

As the rest of the American continent slips into the chilly heart of winter, Riviera Nayarit, and many coastal cities in Mexico, maintains its blue, clear skies, sunny days and balmy temperatures which range from the low to mid 80s. Lounging at the poolside, soaking in the sun’s rays with a cocktail – did you ever imagine spending Christmas day this way? If so, it could become a reality very easily!

The Genuine Christmas Spirit

The idea of the Christmas season is for families and friends to come together in order to celebrate all the things they have to be thankful for, and in the Riviera Nayarit this sense of the Christmas spirit abounds. Families and friends from all over the world gather here to spend time together and cheerfully wish each other all the best for the coming year.

On the run up to Christmas in Riviera Nayarit, many locals will attend a variety of parties called Posadas in which they will share in the magic of the season with their loved ones. If you’re lucky you might also catch the festival of Our Lady of Guadalupe at the beginning of December where in masses of “Vallartenses” will parade through the centre of many towns in an elaborate display of religious devotion and Mexican culture. These parades create a truly magical spectacle for those tourists lucky enough to see them.

A Relaxing Way to Finish Your Christmas Shopping

Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta are home to wonderful shopping centres and promenades that make for wonderful Christmas shopping. Usually Christmas shopping is a nightmare; running from store to store in order to get all those last minute bits and bobs. In the Riviera Nayarit, however, there shops are diverse and unique in that they range from large stores to small, independent boutiques. This is one shopping experience that can be both relaxing and exciting!

You’ll Have a Whale of a Time

As far as unusual Christmas activities go there are few things that can top going whale watching on Christmas eve! Humpback Whales make the waters just off the coast of the Riviera Nayarit their home in December and, if you’re really lucky, you’ll see them breach, spyhop and tail slap their way through the waters. You might even catch a pod with some calves in tow- that is a truly moving sight that will stay with you forever! You can turn your Christmas vacation in the Riviera Nayarit into an adventure in the heart of nature- all you have to do is look around you.

Villa La Estancia Residences Nayarit - One Bedroom Suite

What is a property manager?

You might have heard of property managers before, but there’s a chance you might not know exactly what it is they do. A property manager has many different responsibilities, but at the most basic level they are a third party who handle the day to day responsibilities of your real estate investment when you are not able to do so yourself. A property manager manages many different types of properties from small apartments to large complexes or family homes, and their specific responsibilities will depend on the salary you are willing to pay and the contract that you agree together.

Here are some of the services that a property manager can provide you with:

Responsible for Rent

If you are planning to rent out your property on a short or long term basis, you may require the services of a property manager. Property managers can be responsible for the setting of the initial rent level, adjusting it where necessary and even for collecting it, should the need arise.

  • Setting Rent – A good property managers knows how to set the rent at the right level to attract tenants while still making you a little profit. They will have an understanding of how your property compares to others in the area.
  • Collecting Rent – Property managers can play the role of collector, too, by ensuring that your rent is collected on the correct date each month and by enforcing late fees strictly.
  • Adjusting Rent – Making sure your rent is competitive is one of the key roles of a property manager and, as such , they can increase it by a set amount each year (according to state / municipal laws) or decrease it when necessary.
  • Responsible for Tenants

    One of the main responsibilities of any property manager is to manage your tenants. This means finding tenants, dealing with any complaints and even initiating evictions if needed.

  • Finding Tenants – Property managers are responsible for marketing the property to fill vacancies as well as making sure the apartment is as attractive as possible to tenants. They’ll know how and where to advertise for the best results.
  • Screening Tenants – A good property manager will be able to sort through prospective tenants to ensure that you get one that is a good fit for your property. Experienced property managers will have seen hundreds of tenants in their career and, as such, will be able to weed out the bad ones quickly.
  • Handling Leases – They can set the length of the lease and make sure that it has all the necessary provisions needed to protect the owner. This can include determining the security deposit required from the tenant.
  • Handling Complaints/Emergencies – Property managers are paid to deal with any complaints, maintenance requests, and have the necessary contacts and acumen to handle emergencies.
  • Handling Move Outs – When a tenant moves out your property manager will be responsible for checking it over to make sure that it has not suffered any damage during the tenant’s stay. They can determine how much, if any, of the security deposit should be withheld or returned.
  • Dealing With Evictions – If a tenant breaches the agreement or does not pay rent your property manager will know the proper way in which to file and proceed with an eviction (if you deem it necessary).
  • Responsible for Maintenance and Repairs

    Property managers can also be responsible for the physical condition of your property by keeping up regular maintenance and ensuring repairs are complete quickly.

  • Maintenance – Maintenance aims to keep current tenants happy and attract new tenants. They can take charge of preventative maintenance in your property in order to make sure it is performing at the top of its game. If given the right authority they can hire someone to deal with leaks, deal with exterminations, do landscaping or regularly remove trash.
  • Repairs – When there’s an issue your property manager will either attend to it themselves or hire someone who can. A property manager worth their salt will have a network of plumbers, electricians and contractors that they trust.
  • Responsible for Supervising

  • Other Employees – The property manager can set their salaries and even fire them. If you have other employees, such as a concierge or security, then your property managers will be responsible for making sure they’re doing their jobs properly.
  • Vacant Properties – A property manager can also be hired to look after vacant properties to make sure that there has been no vandalism and perform basic maintenance to keep it ready for tenants.
  • Real Estate in Puerto Vallarta

    Try and Buy Real Estate in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit

    One of the great aids to help you choose the right real estate in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit for you and your family is to take part in Try and Buy Real Estate programs. Try and Buy programs will enable you to visit the properties that you are interested in purchasing in a foreign land at subsidized prices. In that way, the expenses involved in purchasing property in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit are reduced greatly.

    Real Estate in Puerto Vallarta
    Villa La Estancia Residences

    Villa La Estancia’s Try and Buy Real Estate Program

    The try and buy option at Villa la Estancia Residences in Riviera Nayarit is called the Real Estate Discovery Program. This tailored program allows you to try out the residences at Villa La Estancia Riviera Nayarit before making the commitment to buy a property. That way, you can see if you like the residence, community and luxury facilities first hand. As Villa La Estancia Residences Sales Director, Nilo Lucas, says, “once you have stayed at Villa La Estancia Residences and experienced the luxury and stunning surroundings for yourself, there will be no doubt in your mind!”

    Who is Suited for the Try and Buy Program?

    This real estate try and buy program is designed for those people who are genuinely interested in purchasing a luxury fraction in one of the Villa La Estancia Residences or full ownership. The idea is that you have probably read all about the properties, and perhaps even spoken to a sales agent to spark your interest.

    What the program includes

    The Villa La Estancia Residences Try and Buy Discovery Program will provide 4 nights accommodation at one of our resorts. The cost of your accommodations will be substantially discounted, however, the price of the package vary depending on the season and is subject to availability. Up to 6 people are allowed in a Two Bedroom Villa. There are also 3 Bedroom Villas and Oceanfront Villas available. As there is a limited supply of villas at this promotional price, they are only available on a first come first serve basis.

    There are some rules that apply to be eligible for this try and buy real estate privilege.

    1. You must be 30 years of age or older, fully employed or retired and have an annual household income greater than $100,000 USD.
    2. Travel costs to and from Villa La Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit are at your own expense.
    3. You must attend a presentation and tour of the property. This presentation is educational in nature and will allow you to understand our Real Estate product and Villa La Estancia Lifestyle. If you do not participate in the discovery presentation, Villa La Estancia will charge your credit card an additional $250 USD per night for your visit.
    4. There is a specific request form that must be completely filled out. Click here .
    5. The villas cannot be reserved more than 45 days prior to your visit.
    6. Your reserved villa must be paid in full with a major credit card before receiving a confirmed reservation.

    For more information about real estate in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit or to clarify any details, please contact Nilo Lucas , Sales Director at Villa La Estancia Residences.

    Riviera Nayarit’s Pueblo Magico

    Mexico’s famed beach resort towns of Puerto Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas continuously attracts visitors from all over the world. Impressive beach settings and countless commercial establishments that offer fun and entertainment are their major selling points. What many don’t know, however, is that Mexico has other cultural attractions that will surely charm and enchant visitors as well as those lucky enough to make Mexico their second home – Pueblos Magicos.

    Riviera Nayarit - Pueblo Magico

    Pueblos Mágicos

    Pueblos Magicos (magical towns) are classified quaint villages that offer a glimpse of the country’s rich culture and tradition. The Mexican Secretary of Tourism has endorsed around 80 towns throughout Mexico with the “Pueblo Magico” seal of approval to guide visitors to find new and exciting ways of discovering Mexico and its great people.

    Pueblos magicos are selected towns that are rich history and cultural heritage. It’s a program that was started in 2001 and acknowledges places like San Sebastian del Oeste, a quaint town located just over an hour from Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta A 1605 mining town, San Sebastian showcases the Mexican way of life and the traditional means of its people. Every visitor’s heart and emotions will be touched and mesmerized, and it’s within easy reach of your home away from home at Villa La Estancia Residences.

    A perfect day trip from Villa La Estancia, San Sebastian del Oeste pueblo magico offers a variety of activities. Its beautiful landscape that is surrounded entirely by the picturesque Sierra Madre Mountains is a scene changer for anyone whose busy life centers around the city. One can simply walk around and view old buildings which are great examples of traditional colonial architecture or sit in the town’s tree lined plaza people watching.

    If you are feeling a little more energetic, you can take a hike to the nearby Cerro de la Bufa and be with the company of clouds while the dusk provide a stunning sunset drama unfolding right before your eyes. For coffee lovers, visit Quinta Mary and have a taste of a purely organic coffee and a chance to see the meticulous production process it undergoes. Experience a different kind of experience where the contemporary blends with the traditional, taking visitors back in time a hundred years or more.

    Today, San Sebastian is a home to just 600 inhabitants, a far cry from what used to be 20,000 population sustained through a thriving mining industry. Nowadays you can simply sit back and sit idly in a wooden chair admiring the overall appeal of this stunning town. The next time you visit Riviera Nayarit, take the time to explore San Sebastian and you’ll never forget the magical experience it will bring.

    mexico real estate in bucerias

    Best Mexico Real Estate in Bucerias, Riviera Nayarit

    It’s pretty safe to say that if you are reading this, you are looking into the prospect of moving to Mexico and seeking some Mexico real estate advice. Whether you are just looking for a seasonal retreat or a permanent residency, Mexico real estate in Bucerias, Riviera Nayarit, could be just what you are looking for.

    What you need to know about Mexico Real Estate

    The decision to move to Mexico can be a rather big one, but no worries! There are many resources out there to help you, and many pleasure seekers from the US and Canada have already made the move successfully before you. Choosing the right location in Mexico that will suit your lifestyle and taste is one of the most important factors to consider and one of the first things to look at in the real estate decision process.

    Moving to Mexico

    Many people from Europe, Canada, and the United States choose to live and even work in Mexico every year. Mexico can be a very appealing location for vacations, permanent residency, and retirement. It is also tends to be a much more affordable and laid-back option than real estate back home. Many people find a higher quality of life in Mexico, with a lower cost of living; and even the travel expenses are often less than expected, with very reasonably priced budget airfares available these days.

    mexico real estate in bucerias

    Benefits of Real Estate in Bucerias, Riviera Nayarit

    Bucerias, Riviera Nayarit is a beautiful beachfront location on the Pacific Coast of Mexico on Banderas Bay, close by to Punta Mita and Puerto Vallarta. It is a quaint little fishing village that has been a popular locale for many expats, what with being packed to the brim with wonderful places to dine, drink, and play. Bucerias also has one of the best beaches around- one great big stretch of warm golden sands with a beautiful ocean for swimming and taking sunset strolls. Paradise is also easily accessible, as the Puerto Vallarta International Airport is a mere 30 minutes away.

    Types of Real Estate Options in Bucerias

    There are many different real estate options in the beautiful Bucerias, Mexico. Here you will find everything from fractional-ownership condominiums to full ownership homes, to one-bedroom studios, to beachfront villas. Your budget will be the biggest deciding factor on which type of real estate you should look at in Bucerias, shortly followed by how much time you will be spending there. Just ask yourself what type of accommodations you need. You might also want to consider purchasing (in full or fractionally) real estate within a hotel or resort, thereby getting luxurious resort benefits like spas and five star services.

    Villa la Estancia Hurricane Patricia

    Villa La Estancia and Riviera Nayarit Safe n’ Sound after Hurricane Patricia

    Villa La Estancia Residences in Riviera Nayarit is pleased and thankful to report that Nuevo Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit were unaffected by the passing of Hurricane Patricia on Friday October 23rd, 2015. Besides prolonged rain and a significant scare, Banderas Bay was spared the potentially catastrophic effects of the hurricane that was classified as category 5. It would seem that the Sierra Madre Mountains that surround Banderas Bay once again protected the area from a meteorological disaster.

    Hurricane Patricia and Riviera Nayarit

    Making the record books as one of the most intense hurricanes to have made landfall on the North and South American continents, Hurricane Patricia generated wind speeds of over 200 mph and one of the lowest ever recorded pressures. It was for this reason that the imminent threat of Hurricane Patricia to Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta was taken so seriously by local authorities, hotels and security forces. For the sake of precaution, Banderas Bay were held under a curfew from 2pm on Friday afternoon before Hurricane Patricia’s predicted time of landfall.

    Fortunately for Banderas Bay, Hurricane Patricia’s route took a turn to the east, making landfall more than 150 miles south in a relatively unpopulated area (although there are many communities in need of intensive help for the clean up operation), where it quickly lost intensity once it hit the Sierra Madre Mountains. Within hours, Hurricane Patricia downgraded to a category 1 hurricane and by midday Saturday it was classed as a tropical storm. Protect by mountains, Banderas Bay and Riviera Nayarit was sheltered greatly from the potential gales of Hurricane Patricia which brought to our shores only rain with very little wind.

    Villa La Estancia During Hurricane Patricia

    Guest who were unable to evacuate, or who had decided to stay at Villa La Estancia in Riviera Nayarit were safe within its structures that have been built to withstand hurricane forces, although staff enforced the precautionary procedures providing safe havens for guests and removing all furniture from the beaches and pool areas that could potentially cause harm in the event of a hurricane.

    It is worth noting that the area of Riviera Nayarit and Banderas Bay is not a major target for hurricanes in general as the Sierra Madre Mountains form a strong shield from the destructive forces of hurricane winds. However, when faced with the powerful forces of nature, the necessary precautions for the safety of guests and residents are the foremost concern of the team at Villa La Estancia.