Mar Archives

Villa La Estancia Real Estate > Blog > 2019 > March

Month: March 2019

Destinations, Riviera Nayarit

2019 Cuisine of the Sun Festival

Food and wine lovers rejoice! It’s just about time for the 4th annual Cuisine of the Sun International Food and Wine Festival. Once again, The Villa Group is proud to present this innovative gastronomic event which will be held from April 23th to April 27th, 2019 at the luxurious Villa La Estancia resort in Riviera Nayarit. Read below to learn more about what to expect in this year’s exciting culinary festival that you definitely can’t miss!

4th Edition of the Cuisine of the Sun Festival

After three amazing festivals over the last few years, we are The Villa Group are especially excited about this year’s incredible program and calendar of events. The Festival curator is once again famed Chef Penny Davidi who has put together an absolutely brilliant production that will delight and enthrall festival attendees. Come join world-famous chefs who will be on hand to share their culinary expertise and prepare tantalizing dishes that will tempt and tease your tastebuds. As in previous years, you can expect to enjoy instructive and informative cooking classes, participate in exciting contests, savor mouth watering dinners and so much more.

World Famous Chefs

This year’s invited chefs include Chef Michelle Ragussis, Chef Jamika Pessoa, Chef Plum, Chef Katsuji Tanabe, and Chef David Fuerte. Chef Michelle Ragussis is a Food Network Star who appeared on NBC Food Fighters, 24 Hour Restaurant Battle, Chopped, and Midnight Feast. Chef Jamika Pessoa has appeared on TLC’s Home Made Simple, the Today Show, the Rachael Ray Show, and ABC’s The Chew. Chef Plum is the newest chef to attend the festival who has been seen on Random Acts of Cooking on OnlyGoodTV, Restaurant Road Trip on ABC, On the Road with Edible Magazine, and on his “Plumluvfoods” Live podcasts. Chef Katsuji Tanabe was on Top Chef Boston and Top Chef Mexico, and is the owner of MexiKosher Restaurant which is the first authentic Kosher Mexican restaurant in the United States. Last but not least, Chef David Fuente is the CEO and Co-Founder of Made for Chefs, Artisan Street Kitchen Catering and Artisan Chef Creations. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to meet these talented and larger than life chefs in person so you can taste their out of this world cooking for yourself. Is your mouth watering yet?

Premiere Wine Selections

And what culinary event would be complete without choice wine offerings that will pair perfectly with your gourmet meals. You can rest assured there will excellent wine selections featured from the best vineyards around Mexico and from across the world that even wine connoisseurs will be amazed by. While the exact details of the final program are still being hammered out, here is this year’s preliminary schedule of the Cuisine of the Sun International Food and Wine Festival at Villa La Estancia in Riviera Nayarit.

2019 Cuisine of the Sun International Food and Wine Festival Schedule:

TUESDAY, APRIL 23rd, 2019
  • 6:00 pm – Opening ceremony/Cocktail with Celebrity chefs, gastronomic samples.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24th, 2019
  • 11:00 am – Cooking Class, talk show with Celebrity Chef.
  • 12:00 pm – Cooking Class, talk show with Celebrity Chef.
  • 1:00 pm – Guests and Celebrity Chefs Chopped Challenge
  • 6:00 pm – 4 course dinner with participation of 3 Celebrity Chefs
THURSDAY, APRIL 25th, 2019
  • 11:00 am – Cooking Class, talk show with Celebrity Chef.
  • 12:00 pm – Cooking Class, talk show with Celebrity Chef.
  • 2:00 pm – Guests and Celebrity Chefs Chopped Challenge
  • 6:00 pm – 4 course dinner with participation of 3 Celebrity Chefs
FRIDAY, APRIL 26th, 2019
  • 11:00 am – Cooking Class, talk show with Celebrity Chef.
  • 12:00 pm – Cooking Class, talk show with Celebrity Chef.
  • 2:00 pm – Guests and Celebrity Chefs Chopped Challenge
  • 6:00 pm – Beach Party Dinner Buffet with participation of all Celebrity Chefs
SATURDAY, APRIL 27th, 2019
  • 7:00 am – 12:00 pm – Brunch

Thanks to three consecutive successful events and impressive chef performances over the last few years, we are certain that this year’s festival is destined to the best yet. Make sure to get your tickets TODAY to reserve your spot to attend. See below for a link to purchase your tickets for the 2019 edition of the Cuisine of the Sun International Food and Wine Festival at Villa La Estancia in Riviera Nayarit.

Buy your Cuisine of the Sun tickets in the official website here.

by VLEAdminRE,
Destinations, FAQ, Fractional Vacation Ownership, Full Ownership

Infinity Pools – Luxury And Aesthetics

It goes without saying that infinity pools are a stunning sight to see as they seem to seamlessly blend in with their background. Due to their mesmerizing allure and beauty, infinity pools have become more and more popular over the last few decades. By definition, an infinity pool is a reflecting or swimming pool where the water flows over one or more sides so that it appears as if the pool has no edge. Pools are designed as such to create a beautiful visual effect that is calming and aesthetically pleasing. Many times Infinity pools are constructed in a way so that they appear to merge with another larger body of water, usually the ocean if the pool is situated in a beachfront location. Read below to learn more about the history of the infinity pool and its origins, as well as the spectacular infinity pools at the luxurious Villa La Estancia.

The History of Infinity Pools

Many believe that the first infinity pool dated all the way back to the late 17th century in France at the Stag Fountain on the Palace of Versailles grounds. The Stag Fountain was one of the first vanishing-edge designs found in the entire world. Several centuries later in the United States, architect John Lautner is credited as the person to come up with a modern infinity pool design. In the early 1960’s, he initiated the development of infinity pools in a variety of residential projects he was working on. He is even created the infinity pool seen in the 1971 James Bond movie, “Diamonds Are Forever.”

Architecturally Complex Structure

When compared to regular polls, infinity pools are more expensive and require complex structural and mechanical design in order to create the vanishing-edge style that is so stunning. In addition, infinity pools are usually built in precarious or potentially dangerous locations such as hillsides, so it is extra important to construct a structurally sound and solid base. The elaborate foundation system is key in order to effectively and safely anchor the pool to a hillside, or another architecturally challenging location. This drives the cost up significantly. Also, in order to create the illusion of the vanishing edge, infinity pools must have an edge that is around ¼ of an inch lower than the pool’s water level. A basin or trough is constructed to catch water as it flows over the pool’s edge and is then be circulated back into the pool via a water pump.

Villa La Estancia In Riviera Nayarit

Now that you know more about the history and construction of infinity pools, are you interested to learn where you can see these stunning infinity pools for yourself? One top location in Mexico that has infinity pools that will take your breath away is at the luxurious Villa La Estancia In Riviera Nayarit. Situated on the beach with the expansive Banderas Bay just few away, the Villa La Estancia In Riviera Nayarit has multiple pools including an infinity pool that will not disappoint. Take a refreshing swim and gaze in wonder at how the water seems to seamlessly merge with the crystal clear Pacific Ocean in the near distance. Villa La Estancia’s infinity pool is the perfect spot to cool off with an invigorating swim, or relax poolside and enjoy a fruity cocktail under a shady umbrella. If you head up to your suite, the amazing private terraces at Villa La Estancia offer a birds eye view of the entire pool area as well as the crystal clear Pacific Ocean waves. The lush Sierra Madre mountains hug the Banderas Bay to create an unique picture perfect view that you will never tired of.

Ready to check out Villa La Estancia’s suites and beautiful infinity pool for yourself? Visit Villa La Estancia In Riviera Nayarit’s website today to start preparations for your next getaway. In addition to vacation packages, Villa La Estancia also offers private beachfront residences and oceanfront luxury real estate for sale. Both fractional and full membership options are available. In the market for an incredible dream vacation home or looking for the perfect place to retire? Look no further than Villa La Estancia In Riviera Nayarit. Let us make your dreams become reality today!

Recommended article: Real Estate Options for Expats in Mexico

by VLEAdminRE,
Cabo San Lucas, Destinations, Riviera Nayarit

What St. Patrick’s Day Means to Mexico

Did you know that St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner on March 17th? You may not have know but in Mexico, the Irish are honored as martyrs of liberty and freedom. Mexico pays tribute to the “San Patricios” on St. Patrick’s Day on March 17th and again on September 13th, which was the anniversary date that the United States captured Mexico City in 1847. Read more to learn about what St. Patrick’s Day means to Mexico.

St. Patrick’s Day Origins

Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland who was born in Roman Britain in the late 4th century. At a young age, Saint Patrick was kidnapped and taken to Ireland as a slave. He died on March 17, 461, but during his life he made many contributions to Ireland because he established monasteries, churches, and schools throughout the country. During the Mexican-American War many centuries later between 1846 to 1848, a unit of 175 Irish immigrants and other European descent expatriates, joined together under John Riley to help Mexico fight against the United States. Their group was known as the Saint Patrick’s Battalion, and these men switched sides to fight with Mexico against an invasion by the United States. Nowadays, St. Patrick’s Day is a fun holiday where you can toast the Irish with friends and family. Here are a few ways you can honor the Irish and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Mexico on March 17th.

Join the Fun! Wear a Shamrockor Something Green

Did you know shamrocks are a well known symbol of Ireland? As a result, part of the St. Patrick’s Day traditions include wearing a shamrock. It’s a great way to join in on the good natured celebrations of Ireland. If available, you can even wear a fresh sprig of shamrock plant on your clothing, which the Irish call “the wearing of the green”. Another great way to join in on the fun is to simply wear the color green in your clothing. Wear a green shirt, skirt or even accessories to play along. Green is one of the national colors of Ireland and pays homage to the green rolling hills of this lush country. Remember, you may get pinched if you don’t wear green so plan ahead and you can avoid getting nabbed!

Toast the Irish with a Beer or Whiskey

Last but not least, no St. Patrick’s Day celebration is complete without including some alcoholic beverages from Ireland? Two of the most popular drinks from Ireland include Guinness beer and Irish whiskey. Guinness beer is a tasty stout beer that is popular world wide. With its creamy head and hearty taste, drinking a Guinness beer is so filling you may even be able to skip your dinner! If Irish whiskey is more your style, request your whiskey on the rocks and slowly sip and swirl to savor this potent and tasty Irish liquor. Order a beer or whiskey on St. Patrick’s Day and toast to the Irish!

Don’t forget to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on March 17th and toast to the luck of the Irish!

Recommend for you:

by VLEAdminRE,
Riviera Nayarit

Vallarta Bird & Nature Festival: March 8th – 10th

Do you live at Villa La Estancia in Riviera Nayarit? If you do, make sure you make plans to attend the Vallarta Bird & Nature Festival on March 8th through 10th at the Vallarta Botanical Gardens. Enjoy a day trip down from your home in paradise, and celebrate the local wildlife that makes life in Banderas Bay so special. Read below to learn more about the Vallarta Bird & Nature Festival which is guaranteed to be a fun and educational day for all that attend.

Vallarta Botanical Gardens

Just an hour drive south of Villa La Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta, the Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens regularly hosts educational and cultural events. This month, Villa La Estancia homeowners should take time to day trip to attend the Vallarta Bird & Nature Festival on March 8th through March 10th. The Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens is a non-profit organization that heavily relies on donations to maintain operations at the naturally beautiful sanctuary situated 30 minutes south of downtown Puerto Vallarta. The Vallarta Botanical Gardens works hard to organize conservation projects and educational events that locals and visitors alike can enjoy. Would you like to know how you can help support your local community? Please visit the Botanical Garden’s website for more information about membership opportunities. A simple financial donation from residents like yourselves will ensure that this incredibly important organization continues to prosper.

Bird & Nature Festival Workshops

This year, the Vallarta Bird & Nature Festival will include numerous workshops in both English and Spanish to accommodate event attendees. The Vallarta Botanical Garden entry free is only $200 pesos per day. However, all tours and workshops that are offered outside of the Botanical Gardens cost between $600 to $1000 pesos each. A few of the top workshops to attend include a tour of the Macaw Sanctuary in Cabo Corrientes which is also known as “Santuario de las Guacamayas.” Stop and smell the roses and enjoy bird watching with a morning bird walk through the Botanical Gardens. Step back in time and see local crocodiles in their native habitat at the Estero El Salado. There is also a workshop about woodpeckers that are found only in the state of Jalisco, and a tour of Rancho Primavera located further south in El Tuito. Do you happen to have a young child who loves to draw? There is a free bird sketching course for children 8 years old to 12 years old that will be held at the Botanical Gardens Hall of Flowers. There is also an adult bird sketching course available as well that costs $300 pesos per person. Visit the Vallarta Bird & Nature Festival website to see the full schedule of events here. Make sure to sign up for any workshops that interest you as space is limited.

Botanical Gardens Location

Villa La Estancia residents should take advantage of the affordable admission fees to attend the Vallarta Bird & Nature Festival as it is only 200 pesos per day. Want to attend all 3 days of the weekend festival? You can get a weekend pass for only 500 pesos. Children under the age of 4 can enter the gardens for free. All admission costs are collected at the entrance to the Botanical Gardens which is situated 24 km (15 miles) south of downtown Puerto Vallarta. Please note that there is limited parking at the Botanical Gardens, so it is best to arrive via public transportation such as by bus, taxi or uber if possible.

Villa La Estancia homeowners should plan to head south to attend this year’s Vallarta Bird & Nature Festival from March 8th-10th. This celebration is a time to appreciate how the natural beauty of Banderas Bay, and pay homage to the incredibly rich and colorful wildlife that live amongst us.

See more: Happy Healthy Lives in Puerto Vallarta

by VLEAdminRE,
Destinations, Residences, Riviera Nayarit

Riviera Nayarit Residents: Get to Know PV Street Art

Do you live in Riviera Nayarit and love the peace and quiet that homeowners in the area so enjoy? Riviera Nayarit has miles of beautiful beaches, excellent restaurants, and endless outdoor activities to enjoy making it a wonderful place to call home. Are you a proud Villa La Estancia homeowner in Nuevo Vallarta? Such a tranquil and peaceful setting may make it hard for you to even want to leave your beautiful home at homes. However, when you are in the mood to liven up your day, head down to Puerto Vallarta to add some excitement to your life. Coming up soon on March 2nd there is an interesting PV Street Art Stroll you don’t want to miss

  • Puerto Vallarta And Riviera Nayarit: Best of Both Worlds

Nuevo Vallarta residents who live at Villa La Estancia really do have the best of both worlds. They have an incredible high quality home with the best amenities and services around. Surrounded by lush landscaping and endless Banderas Bay views, life at Villa La Estancia is pretty ideal. One great thing about living in Villa La Estancia in Riviera Nayarit is that you can easily head to Puerto Vallarta for the day if you are in the mood for some added excitement. Are you an art lover and always interested in seeing what is new and fresh? If you, you probably already know that Puerto Vallarta has a thriving and interesting art scene that is seeing major growth in recent years. There are lots of upscale art galleries in the downtown art district that are worth a visit. However, did you know that Puerto Vallarta also has beautiful urban graffiti street art that you should definitely check out? Street art is a modern take on what some people view as art. Have you not seen any of the cool street area around town? If not, sign up today for the PV Street Art Stroll that will happen on March 2nd. The event was organized by local art lovers in order to showcase the beautiful murals and street art in the area.

  • Hidden Street Works of Art

Puerto Vallarta is best known as a charming small town that has grown into a modern mix of old and new that is easy to fall in love with. Anyone who walks along the quaint cobblestone streets will start to feel the undeniable magic of Puerto Vallarta. While there are modern developments under construction on many street corners, Old Town is still able to maintain that friendly, small town vibe that we all know and love. With tons of great shops, bars and restaurants in the area, incredible street art is also found in PV and you may not have even known it was there. Have you seen any of the street art for yourself? If not, leave Villa La Estancia for the day and join the PV Street Art Stroll on March 2nd so you too can see the coolest, most colorful street art in the region. Remember, street art is constantly changing so that impressive mural you see today may be gone tomorrow don’t miss out!

  • Massive Murals and Colorful Graffiti

Local residents decided to organize the PV Street Art Stroll to share the incredible street art with visitors and other PV residents. They were able to identify the most efficient and best route to find great street area in the downtown and Old Town areas. On March 2nd at 10 am, attendees will meet up at the main church right off the central plaza, called the Lady of Guadalupe Church. From there, the PV Street Art Stroll will begin its path to view impressive murals around town. The walk will probably last about 2 hours, so make sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and bring along a hat and water, too. Definitely don’t forget your camera so you can take some memorable shots of your favorite street art masterpieces. PV Street art could be here one day, and then gone the next so take it all in as you are literally capturing a moment in time. What a beautiful gift!

Are you ready to leave your oasis at Villa La Estancia in Riviera Nayarit for the day, and head PV for the PV Street Art Stroll? The group is limited to only 18 people so visit www.pvstreetart.com right away to secure your spot. Hope to see you there!

Recommended article for you: Invest in Peace, Rest and Real Estate in Banderas Bay

by VLEAdminRE,