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Month: March 2017

Cabo San Lucas, Destinations, Real Estate, Residences

Art Walk in Cabo

San Jose del cabo has a thriving art scene that can be experienced in many ways, but we think one of the best and most interactive ways to get to grips with the scene as a whole is to take part in the Cabo Art Walk which takes place every Thursday night between November and June.

This fun Cabo event was established by the local Gallery District Association, and has become a mainstay for locals and visitors alike; the Los Cabos Art Walk event has become so huge, in fact, that the local government actually closes off some of the narrow back streets that the walk uses to limit traffic and allow walkers to stroll at their leisure. Most of the galleries in the area observe special hours for this event and will generally open from 5pm to 9pm.

Art Walk – A Fabulous Cultural Experience in Los Cabos

Every Thursday night from November through June, the entire Gallery District of San Jose del Cabo comes alive with energy and excitement; you will often encounter live music and entertainment in the streets and main plaza as you make your way through the area. There is always a fascinating mix of tourists, locals, and artists in the area, chatting, and mingling in the sophisticated yet vibrant art scene that can be found here. The Art Walk is a relaxing evening which will see you soaking up culture while you enjoy free snacks and drinks.

Art Walk Thursdays

San Jose del Cabo is famous for its easy-going vibe and creative scene; you can find an impressive selection of unique works here including sculptures, paintings, glass work, bead work, jewellery, ceramics, and local handicrafts. Galleries will generally have special opening hours to coincide with the Cabo Art Walk, so you can be sure you’ll get to look at what’s on offer while you soak up some culture.

Some Cabo galleries even have special events where you get to meet local artists for Q&A sessions, or even to show off new works. Be sure to ask questions; artists love to talk about their inspiration, and even their methods.

After Art Dinner in Cabo

The fun of the evening needn’t end when the Art Walk does, however; you can always keep the night going with your fellow walkers! Why not stop off at one of the amazing restaurants to be found within the Art District? You will find that there are many great options; al fresco dining in courtyards and patios, sophisticated atmospheres indoors, speciality tequilas, and fine wines… it can all be found here.

We guarantee that you won’t regret taking part in the San Jose del Cabo Art Walk; it’s a great way to get in touch with the local art scene, and the atmosphere is phenomenal.

Picture Via: artcabo.com

by VLEAdminRE,
Destinations, Fractional Vacation Ownership, Full Ownership, Real Estate

Rent or Buy in Mexico?

Many foreigners who choose to make Mexico their home for an extended period of time will most probably ask themselves the question as to whether it is better to rent or buy in Mexico. The personal circumstances of each individual or family will have an impact on the answer to this question, depending on finances, long term goals and experience of the country. Here are some pointers to help you decide whether to rent or buy in Mexico.

Benefits of Buying Real Estate in Mexico

There are a number of benefits of buying real estate in Mexico, which is why it has become popular amongst foreign investors and retirees as well as young families and couples looking for a new pace of life. Here are the top benefits of buying real estate in Mexico:

  • A sound investment

    • You can’t deny that buying real estate is one of the most secure forms of investment, especially if you are looking at buying real estate in Mexico’s top tourist destinations that do not look to be going out of fashion anytime soon.

  • More stable

    • Owning your own home gives you greater stability than renting a property as you are not at the mercy of the whims of your landlord/lady, who could at any minute decide to sell the property that you are living in or decide that it is time for you to leave. Likewise, the death of your landlord/lady can leave you in a difficult situation and vulnerable to being asked to vacate the property that you call home.

  • Potential for appreciation

    • Real estate has the potential for appreciation and therefore you might stand to make money on your property should you choose to sell it at a later date, keeping your money safe.

  • Freedom

    • Owning your own home gives you the freedom to decorate, make enhancements and change your home as you wish. Any improvements that you choose to invest in will add value to your property. Likewise, you can rent your property when you are not using it should you need extra income or decide to return to your home country.

Benefits of Renting

Depending on your financial circumstances, it may be necessary for you to rent a property in Mexico rather than purchase real estate. Some people even choose to rent for a period of time before committing to buying real estate to see if life in Mexico is really suitable. Here are some of the benefits of renting in Mexico:

  • No need for a large investment

    • Perhaps the most obvious advantage of renting a property in Mexico is that you do not need to invest large sums of money. Usually with a couple of months’ deposit and your first month covered you can start renting a property in Mexico.

  • Less Responsibility

    • Renting means that you can hand over the responsibility of repairs and maintenance to your landlord/lady. If the boiler stops working, it’s not your responsibility (or cost), or if you need a new roof, your landlord/lady will have to cover the expense.

  • No long-term commitment

    • Rental contracts can range from one month to one year contracts, with some landlords offering two year contracts, with the possibility of terminating your contract when giving sufficient notice. This means that you have more freedom of movement.

Has this article helped to you decide whether to rent or buy in Mexico? Leave your comments.

by VLEAdminRE,
Real Estate, Residences, Riviera Nayarit

Living in Nuevo Vallarta with a Young Family

If you have decided that living in Nuevo Vallarta is the right thing for you and your family, or perhaps you are still undecided if it is the right move, here are some reasons why living in Nuevo Vallarta with a young family could be the best decision you ever make.

Living in Nuevo Vallarta with a Young Family

Nuevo Vallarta and neighboring Puerto Vallarta have many different kinds of activities for people of all ages, budgets, and persuasions, and so you can find something to do in every corner of Banderas Bay, even if you come with a young family. The beach in Nuevo Vallarta is perhaps its best feature with shallow waves ideal for playing and bodyboarding, but there is also a good shopping mall, dolphin sanctuary and a small marina with a boardwalk. Plus, the streets are safe for bicycles, and there is a jogging lane that can also be used for rollerblading.

North

On the North Shore just a short drive from Nuevo Vallarta, you can find Bucerias with its quiet yet hip atmosphere, art galleries, beach and water sports. Further north you will come to Punta Mita where the sun, sand, and seafood make for a great time for all the family. This is the area to be in if you want to enjoy some sport fishing, bird watching, boating, or a leisurely cruise around the bay. When living in Nuevo Vallarta, going north is sure to be something you do regularly.

Sayulita

If you head just a little further North, you will come to the famous Sayulita, which is known as a surfer’s paradise. If you have demanding teenagers this hip and funky town is a must visit; the crowd here is young, and the waves are a most stunning and affordable playground. In Sayulita great restaurants catering to all budgets can be found around the plaza.

Downtown Puerto Vallarta

Heading into Puerto Vallarta is about a 30-minute drive when living in Nuevo Vallarta. The downtown area of Puerto Vallarta is teeming with activities for people of all ages, and the boardwalk is a great place to see and be seen. Your teenagers might like to hit Senor Frogs, and little ones will love the Papantla dancers and the street performers. Either way, you should walk along the boardwalk to see the open air theatre at Los Arcos, where there are generally a variety of shows, and of course the Los Muertos Pier where you can enjoy an ice-cream and some really stunning views.

Puerto Vallarta’s South Shore

Starting where the cobblestones meet a paved highway after Puerto Vallarta’s Old Town, the South Shore heads towards Barra de Navidad along a beautiful coastal. Along this road you can find beaches, jungle, and river walks, and even bungee jumping. Your young children may enjoy the zoo and a trip to the Vallarta Botanical gardens too. The south shore is a great place for nature-loving people living in Nuevo Vallarta.

Mountain Towns

For those days when you have had enough of the beach, you can always head into the mountains for a cooler experience. The towns of Mascota, El Tuito, and San Sebastian are charming towns which are fairly close to Nuevo Vallarta, taking between an hour and two hours to reach. This can be a very rewarding way to spend your time if you want to do something away from the beach. If you travel just an hour inland from Nuevo Vallarta and you will find San Sebastian where there is a wonderful plaza to stroll along, a river to hike along, and wonderful eateries in which to cool off and recuperate.

Mascota is found only half an hour from San Sebastian and has a wonderful medieval church to see. Close to here is the Sierra Lago Resort where you might choose to visit for a relaxing weekend; this is a heavenly mountain resort nestled by a hidden lake is surrounded by forest. This resort has horses, bicycles, and serves some of the most gorgeous meals in the area. This is a must when you have growing kids who love to explore the outdoors.

Nuevo Vallarta is without a doubt a fantastic family friendly place to live. Living in Nuevo Vallarta will certainly bring a host of wonderful experiences.

by VLEAdminRE,
Cabo San Lucas, Fractional Vacation Ownership, Full Ownership, Real Estate, Riviera Nayarit

Mexico’s Villa La Estancia Mentioned on US News’ Lists of Top Hotels

We are proud to share with residents and potential clients that both Villa La Estancia in Cabo San Lucas and Villa La Estancia in Riviera Nayarit featured on more than one of the prestigious lists released last month by US News naming the top hotels around the world for 2016. US News have gained a lot of credibility over the years as the media outlet ranks hotels independently based on user reviews and the feedback from unbiased travel experts.

Villa La Estancia in Cabo San Lucas enjoyed the #16 position for Best Hotel in Cabo San Lucas; #17 for Best Baja California Hotel and #20 for Preferred Lifestyle Collection Hotels worldwide.
In Riviera Nayarit on the Pacific Coast, Villa La Estancia Riviera Nayarit came in #8 position for Best All Inclusive in Puerto Vallarta; #8 in Best Puerto Vallarta hotels; #17 in Best Pacific Coast Hotels and # 8 in Preferred Lifestyle Collection Hotels worldwide.

US News releases its eagerly awaited league tables every year around this time ranking resorts and hotels around the world. The lists provide an important source of information for consumers who can trust the rankings because they are based on the independent opinions of guests and reports from industry experts.

by VLEAdminRE,
Destinations, Full Ownership, Real Estate

World’s Best Places to Retire – Mexico is No. 1

Mexico has edged out the competition to take the number one slot as the best country to retire in amongst U.S. expats, according to International Living (IL), which is one of the foremost authorities when it comes to global retirement and relocation statistics. The findings of this poll are rated on categories such as cost of living, the ease of obtaining visas and residence, and fitting into the local climate. With over 1 million American expats currently living in Mexico, it is clearly an attractive place to relocate, and the transition to live here is one of the easiest a person can find.

The trend of retiring abroad is one that continues to grow, with numbers expected to further increase in the coming years. While other countries on the top 10 list include Panamá, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Colombia, Malaysia, Spain, Nicaragua, Portugal and Malta, Mexico has outshone them all as the top contender for a place to retire, and here are some of the main reasons why:

Affordable Living

One of the biggest concerns that retirees face is finding somewhere to live that is affordable, and Mexico definitely delivers in this category. You can live comfortably on relatively little money in Mexico, with everything from housing to food costs typically lower than back home. Healthcare is extremely high quality and costs much less than what you would pay for comparable care in the U.S., which is also endlessly appealing.

Incredible Exchange Rates

The recent exchange rates between the Mexican peso and the U.S. dollar have been strongly in favor of the dollar, meaning your money will go farther than ever before. This is a great time to take advantage of these historic numbers.

Close Proximity to the United States

With many tourist destinations such as Cabo, Cancun and Puerto Vallarta offering direct flights to several U.S. cities, getting back and forth can be relatively painless. Knowing you can hop on the next flight and be at your destination in mere hours is a major relief for retirees who travel frequently between the two countries.

Impressive Amenities and Entertainment

Depending on where you choose to move within Mexico, you may find conveniences comparable to what you would find back home, from shopping at places like Costco and Walmart to fast food chains common in the states. World-class dining options are also plentiful, as are English-language movies in many theaters, festivals of all types, major musical acts that tour through larger cities and a wide variety of nightlife.

English is Widely Spoken in Many Cities

From coastal towns to big cities, it is very common for English to be spoken by the locals in Mexico, making a move away from the U.S. less intimidating if you don’t speak Spanish.

Why do you think Mexico is a great place to retire? Let us know your thoughts in the comments box.

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by VLEAdminRE,