Vallarta botanical garden orchid

Recommended Day Trip – the Vallarta Botanical Gardens

One of the advantages of purchasing a slice of paradise at Villa La Estancia Residences is the choice of wonderful things to do for a day trip or afternoon excursion. The Vallarta Botanical Gardens, on the south shore of Puerto Vallarta make a short road trip from Nuevo Vallarta and are a delightful day out for all the family or a leisurely afternoon with your loved one.

Cooling off at the Vallarta Botanical Gardens

The gardens themselves are further up into the mountains on the south shore of Puerto Vallarta, a good hour’s drive from Villa La Estancia Residences in Nuevo Vallarta. As such, you can expect the climate to be much cooler, which is a dream come true during the humid summer months. The Vallarta Botanical Gardens are a great place to go if the heat down on the beaches is getting too oppressive. When you arrive at the gates you’ll be greeted by a member of staff who’ll take a small entry fee from you before you go in. If you are a permanent resident at Villa La Estancia Residences, you might even think about joining the gardens as a member.

Best Kept Secret

The Vallarta Botanical Gardens, and what they do, are probably the best kept secret in Puerto Vallarta. All the money made from these stunning gardens go to the upkeep of the gardens themselves as well as a number of educational and conservation projects. Proceeds from the gift shop, entrance fees and restaurant go to these charitable foundations and, indirectly, help to educate locals in conservation, protects and support Macaws as well as other Parrot species, and keep the local flora and fauna in good health. Many of the plants you see on the new Malecon in Puerto Vallarta were also donated by the gardens. A visit to these gardens is an indirect contribute to the health and welfare of Mexico’s wildlife and landscape.

Recommendations

When you arrive in the park you can head straight to the main building, if you wish, and get a bite to eat in the restaurant which, like the gift shop, showcases local produce alongside its other delicious fare. In the main building you will also find the Orchid Gallery (which the gardens are rightly proud of) and the day beds, where you can sit back and relax in tranquillity. Taking a book, kindle tablet is a great way to while away an afternoon in the cool fresh air.

The many trails through the park are well sign posted and have been designed to show you the very best of the landscapes encompassed by the Vallarta Botanical Gardens. You can, for example, take one of the trails that goes down by the river and take a dip, if you’re brave enough to face the cold water. Alternatively you could take one of the extremely popular jungle trails which will take you through dense, lush jungle scenes. Either way you’ll see a variety of plants including, but not limited to, Vanilla, Coffee, Tobacco and Cacti.

The Gardens are open 9am – 6pm (Tuesday to Sunday) from April to November, and if you come at the right time you might catch the bird festival or flower show!

5 Tips for Purchasing Real Estate in Mexico

5 Tips for Purchasing Real Estate in Mexico

When planning to buy real estate in Mexico with the purpose of having it rented out to vacationers or to enjoy it as a summer or winter home, here are 5 tips to consider so that your purchase works perfectly in your favor.

  1. The Neighborhood where it’s situated is crucial
  2. When purchasing real estate in Mexico, the location of your second home is important, especially if you are going to rent it when you are not going to be using it. For example, if you want to rent to younger couples and groups, then you should buy property close to all the action in Mexico’s top tourist zones, or if you want to rent to the high end market, the location should be exclusive and quiet, yet within easy reach of fine dining and cultural activities. For example, Villa La Estancia Residences are perfect for renting to those seeking luxury and high end facilities, while they are close enough to Nuevo Vallarta’s restaurants and its shopping centers as well as Puerto Vallarta, Bucerias and Punta Mita.

  3. Seek Real Estate in Mexico with the best amenities:
  4. As potential buyers of real estate in Mexico who want quality vacations, a snowbird sanctuary or a new life, the amenities of your property are of paramount concern. Look for a place which has existing modern and excellent amenities. It should have easy access to the beach, swimming pool(s), be close to areas for fine dining and preferably have a gym – these are the kinds of thing renters are looking for, a aspects that will make living in your home away from home all the more comfortable. Enjoying facilities nearby are big pluses like a golf course, spa & treatment centers and excellent restaurants.

    Also, try checking current projects or future facilities being built in the area like malls, shopping centers, theme parks, cinemas and a transport station. Being close to service oriented companies makes a location all the more attractive; so you should keep this in mind. Internet access and a good signal for televisions and communication are essential must haves for any renter.

    At Villa la Estancia Residences, you have all of these elements in one location, without even leaving the complex. You have access to one of Banderas Bay’s best beaches, a complete fitness center, gourmet restaurants, a world class spa, swimming pools and even room service! Resort living is certainly one of the more luxurious options when choosing real estate in Mexico.

  5. Inquire about possible developments and constructions in the area:
  6. Make a full inspection of the place or inquire with the concerned local government about future plans that they may have some hints into. There can be big companies planning to build modern and sophisticated homes or condos which you might have to compete with for the years to come. Check the surroundings. The property you’re about to buy can provide a good view of the ocean sunset, but having a big vacant lot at its front gives the possibility of someone buying it and building a higher structure than yours. It can erase your property’s advantage and can affect largely potential renters.

    Villa la Estancia Residences is highly priviledged in this aspect as no one is going to spoil your view. The complex is built right on the beach and your will have a sea view from your condo. Also, you can be sure that the area has plans for expansion, but as it is a hotel zone, your real estate investment in Mexico will always be in demand. You also benefit from the marketing that the hotel and the local government do to promote these areas.

  7. The risk of natural disasters
  8. It’s better to invest in a place that is safe against the occurrence of natural disasters like earthquakes and hurricanes. As an investor who puts in a lot of hard earned money for a property, you should look at all possible angles to save your property from these nature’s havocs. It would be best to invest in an area close to or in near proximity to fire departments, local government aid facilities and police stations.

    Villa La Estancia has been built according to strict architectural regualations to withstand hurricane force winds and earth tremors.

  9. Real estate professionals and administrative experts.
  10. Get a real estate professional who deserves your full trust and will give their all in giving you the best advice. Once you have decided and bought a property, look for a person who can take care of it and will help you out in looking for potential customers such as a property manager and rental agent. Find personnel that are capable of giving efficient administrative services. Make a research and know the feedbacks of their past clients. You should be careful in your choice because you must have the people who would work hard enough that can spell the difference between failure and success in your endeavor.

    Villa La Estancia Residences offers a property management service with the option for rentals to owners who wish to contract these services.

A Romantic Horseback Riding Tour in Riviera Nayarit

Whether or not you’re usually an equine aficionado there’s something overwhelmingly romantic and idyllic about horseback treks in Riviera Nayarit. If you’ve ever wanted to gallop along a beach at sunset on horseback then you’re definitely going to love a vacation in Puerto Vallarta or Riviera Nayarit because there are plenty of companies which offer just that experience.

Horseback Riding on the Beach in Riviera Nayarit

The beach treks are the shortest and most popular (due to the romantic nature of the activity) of all the horseback hikes offered in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit. As they’re shorter and the terrain is smoother you’re in less danger of becoming saddle sore by the end of the trek, and they’re also easier to personalize. Cantering through the surf at sunset (or sunrise) is possibly the most iconic vacation activity for couples, and Riviera Nayarit’s scenery will really perfect it. A trot along these beaches will infuse the rest of your vacation with an idyllic, romantic atmosphere.

If you want to get out of the touristy areas then you could take one of the treks that takes you out to the smaller towns and ranches in Riviera Nayarit. Your guide may even be able to tell you a little about the history of these towns and ranches so be sure to ask them. Perhaps the ultimate trek for adventurers, however, are the jungle hikes! These treks are longer, so be ready for a little saddle ache, but take you through some of the most stunning and wonderful landscapes that Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit have to offer to you. The local flora and fauna are fascinating and will definitely help to make your vacation in Puerto Vallarta unforgettable.

So whether you decide to trot around the ranches of the Riviera Nayarit, gallop down the pristine beach of Nuevo Vallarta and Bucerias or weave through the lush jungles that lie just outside the city outskirts you can be sure your trip to Puerto Vallarta will be made unforgettable by a horseback tour.

Mexico Property Advice for Riviera Nayarit

Riviera Nayarit, with its fabulous beaches and scenic landscapes makes owning a Mexico property a dream come true for homeseekers and investors. Before preparing your finances and booking the removal trucks, here is some advice to heed for buying Mexico property in Riviera Nayarit.

Advice for buying Mexico Property in Riviera Nayarit

Consider both Full and Fractional Property Ownership

If you have the money to pay for it, becoming a full property owner in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico is a great choice. A special bank trust is mandatory for non-Mexican residents to purchase land within 50 km of the beach because it is classed as federal land. However, the bank trust, known as fideicomiso, is very secure and gives you all the recognized legal rights to the property. Fractional ownership is also a option in many high end Mexican properties, which means you can invest in a more luxurious home for less.

Consult a Trustworthy Real Estate Agent

Unless you know exactly which property you wish to purchase, such as in the case of homeowners buying Villa La Estancia Residences direct from the developer, you would be best advised to select a reputable real estate agent. Finding the right agent in Riviera Nayarit for your needs can be a tedious process as there are so many realtors to choose from. The best advice is to look for real estate agents with the right qualifications and extensive experience, such as being a member of the prestigious Mexico Professional Real Estate Association (AMPI). The rest is up to how you click and if you feel that the agent has fully understood what you are looking for.

Mortgages

Many people do not realize that they can take out a Mexican mortgage to purchase a property in Riviera Nayarit. Nowadays, owning a condo or a home in Riviera Nayarit is possible through a Mexican bank mortgage for foreigners. It can do wonders in your finances by giving you the freedom and flexibility in handling payments. Homeseekers interested in buying a property at Villa La Estancia Residences, Riviera Nayarit can also take advantage of developer financing for a limited time, providing financing for up to 10 years.

Purchase Times and Processes

You should anticipate that the purchasing process time will take a longer than doing it in your home country. This includes the process of qualifying you for a mortgage and preparing all the paperwork to make everything smooth and legal. It’s not complicated, it’s just better to be informed beforehand so as not to lose your patience.

What to know about Buying Land in Mexico

Buying land in Riviera Nayarit is a little more tricky, and although there are many lots for sale, there are those that can’t be sold. Many of the most appealing plots of land are restricted for sale to both foreigners and Mexicans because they are what is known as “ejido” land. Ejido land is that which belongs to a particular community and can only be leased and not sold. Talk to a licensed agent if you are set on buying land, he or she will be able to direct you to legitimate lands for sale.

Being a property owner in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico is a big decision but one that will bring years of enjoyment for you and your family. For more advice, leave your questions in the comments box.

two bedroom suite

Tips for Decorating your Property at Villa La Estancia

Don’t make the same errors that many first time property purchasers do in Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta with your furnishings at Villa La Estancia Residences. Remember, you probably come from a cold, dry climate, and we have a different climate in Banderas Bay that is hot and humid for much of the year. There is also a rainy season that starts in mid-June, then continues through October. This season is also a very humid time, so properties here have to have annual maintenance and careful consideration about the kinds of materials you choose for your beach home.

The good news for those purchasing a property at Villa La Estancia is that you can purchase a furniture package that is designed especially for your property and you can be sure that the essential maintenance that is required in humid climates is met by your maintenance fees.

Nevertheless, here are some tips if you are thinking about decorating your property at Villa La Estancia yourself that will come in very handy.

  1. Invest in an Interior Designer: Investing in an interior designer is a great idea, especially when you consider just how luxurious your second home is at one of the topic hotels in Riviera Nayarit. Start by interviewing several designers, then compare their rates, and always check their references. You have to have a good working relationship with your designer, so make sure you like and get along with them. Consider it a marriage; you have to have great chemistry with your designer. Negotiate all quotes, and stay within your budget. There are so many companies to choose from, that you will have good grounds for negotiation.
  2. Do the Work Yourself: It is always more affordable and fun if you can do the shopping yourself. Take a week or two off and check out all the shops in Puerto Vallarta; you will surely find items to meet your style in the many new stores in Bay of Banderas. Then go on a ride to Guadalajara where you will be amazed at the numerous options of shops. Outside the city is Tonala, where you can purchase many items directly from the creator at superb prices.
  3. Interiors for Rental Market: Are you planning on putting your property on the rental market? If you are, then you better be careful. This is why you will need an interior decorator’s skills. The interior decorator will know the exact type of fabrics to choose from along with linens and draperies. These type of items must handle traffic, children, and sunlight.
  4. Corrosion Protection: Metal corrosion will occur if you have any metal furniture or metal on your window treatments. Corrosion is a common problem in the tropics, and having WD40 on hand is important.
  5. Tropical Wood Furniture: Wooden furniture always looks amazing in properties, but they also attract termites, which can be a common problem in humid climates. If you use this type of furnishings, then make sure you have the place fumigated regularly or opt for tropical woods that have better resistance to damaging insects.
  6. Modern Plastic Furniture: Modern plastic furniture looks amazing in the modern skyscraper units, but they also have to be taken care of. They can’t be put in the direct sun, because they can fade and melt, then they also leave an unpleasant scent when this occurs.
  7. Use Less At First: Use less furnishings at first with your new property. There is no reason that you have to furnish the entire property at once. Add bright, vibrant colors and just a few pieces to start out with. When you meet new friends, then ask them for decorating ideas, and you can get ideas when you visit their homes. This is the best way to flatter a new friend when you use a part of their décor in your own property.