Destinations

Villa La Estancia Real Estate > Blog > Destinations

Category: Destinations

El Medano Beach in Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas, Destinations, Real Estate, Residences

El Medano Beach in Cabo San Lucas

A two-mile-long strip and the most beautiful beach in Los Cabos, Medano Beach is the top choice when it comes to enjoying stunning views, swimming and basking on golden sands. El Medano Beach in Cabo San Lucas has the best swimming and all sorts of dining for both visitors and residents to enjoy. It is one of the key reasons that makes purchasing Villa La Estancia real estate all the more attractive.

The Best Beach in Cabo

Visitors and residents can rest at ease when visiting Medano Beach in Cabo San Lucas, because it provides a safe environment for swimming and relaxing as well as opportunities for fun and excitement. One of the most breathtaking features of the beach is that it overlooks the El Arco rock formation at Land’s End. Residents at Villa La Estancia can sit back and bask in the amazing views with a cocktail in hand, without having to move a muscle.

Excitement

However, if you are looking for more than an amazing view, then there are plenty of bars and restaurants that line the coast a little further up the beach from Villa La Estancia, or you can dine at the gourmet restaurants on site. For adventure lovers, you can take advantage of the paddleboards and kayaks that are available for residents to use on Medano Beach or indulge in a variety of watersports offered by independent vendors along the beach. Medano Beach also provides visitors and residents with easy access to downtown Cabo. You can walk along the beach to reach the center of Cabo San Lucas where more dining options are available and you can go shopping, sightseeing and visit with the locals

Cabo’s top swimming beach

The Medano Beach in Cabo San Lucas has been declared as one of the safest places to swim and enjoy all kinds of water related activities. Visitors can go swimming all day long in the shallow waters or take part in other fun watersport activities that are available up and down Medano Beach. Why not try SUP, banana boat riding or kayaking on the crystal blue waters? Anyway you decide to spend your day at Medano Beach Cabo San Lucas, you can be sure to have a great time. You will be lounging on the most popular and exciting beach in Cabo with spectacular vibes.

Villa La Estancia on Medano Beach

Residents and their guests at Villa La Estancia will have unlimited access to Medano Beach during their stay at their home away from home in Cabo San Lucas.Just imagine you and your partner strolling along the beach at night, or getting up in the morning for yoga by the sea. Alternatively, you can just sit back on your private patio overlooking Medano beach to admire it from the comfort of your home. The property is close enough go to downtown Cabo San Lucas by foot but at a distance that gives you the greatest privacy and exclusivity.

by VLEAdminRE,
Villa La Estancia Residences
Destinations, Full Ownership, Real Estate, Residences

Is it Time to Downsize?

For retirees “downsizing” is a buzzword, but what does this concept actually mean, and how should someone downsize? Look below at the tips for downsizing and how it could be the next move for you.

What does “downsizing” mean?

“Downsizing” means reducing the size of your current home, and it generally means selling your home and moving to a place that is smaller. However, the common misconception is that downsizing means cheaper; sometimes it is, sometimes it isn’t, with many retirees opting for more luxurious over bigger when downsizing. For many, to downsize means you will liquidate the equity that you currently have in your property to purchase something else that is more suitable to your plans for retirement. Many downsizers like to move to a smaller property that is fancier and more luxurious, while some choose to purchase two cheaper homes and have a second in a different location. Other examples may including downsizing to an apartment that has facilities such as a gym, spa, tennis courts, 24 hour security etc, or choosing to live in a smaller property on a golf course.

What is clear is that downsizing is much more than just moving out of your present home into a new home. There is a lot of research that goes into making the decision, and one must plan ahead and think about what elements are important to them. One thing a downsizer must remember is to think smart with your head, but always follow your heart and gut instincts.

Should you Downsize?

Should you consider downsizing? Not everyone has to downsize, and people downsize for a variety of reasons. Downsizing frequently comes with retirement when children have flown the nest, although the opposite can happen too when you wish to accommodate all the grandchildren. However, for most, the reason to downsize is that your kids have moved out and you are living in a space too large for just you (and your spouse). Maintaining a big property for just one of two people is also an expense that you could better spend on vacations, eating out and joining classes that you wish to enjoy in your retirement. Maybe, you would like a of change scenery or friendship group, or just live out a dream that you always wanted, or to have an easier life, and to travel all over the world.

Forced downsizing

Oftentimes people’s circumstances force them to downsize, because of financial reasons. Some downsizers just want extra cash when they retire, so they sell their property and purchase something cheaper. Sometimes people just have to downsize, because of their health and they have to move to a place that offers support such as a retirement village or home.

    Dos and Don’ts for Downsizing:

  • Always assess your own personal needs not just follow the trend
  • Don’t rush, take your time to find the right property and get the right price for the house you are selling.
  • Think about the type of property that you will need. Do you want a small house, townhouse, apartment with or without stairs, retirement village, or something different?
  • Seek professional advice first, then research the real estate market before you buy or sell.
  • Consider whether you can afford to rent out your first home, using the income to pay for a smaller rent on another property.
  • Look over the new location first and if you can rent first, then do so. It’s always best to ‘try before you buy’ with renting.
  • Make sure that you are close to family, friends, transportation, and places that you would like to go.
  • Always seek financial expert advice to get the most out of your retirement money
  • Never make quick decisions
  • Do not spend all of the money that you get from the sale of your property.
  • Never purchase a property that you feel pressured to buy.
by VLEAdminRE,
tips for Moving House
Cabo San Lucas, Destinations, Full Ownership, Real Estate, Residences, Riviera Nayarit

Some top tips for Moving House

If you are thinking of moving house, or are someone who is constantly changing your rental property, you probably already know that moving house can be a really frustrating, daunting and stressful experience. It is a major task but many people do not spend enough time preparing for the experience. To help you prepare for your moving day, we have put together some helpful guidelines to make the day a lot less stressful.

Here are some top tips for moving house:

  • Plan your packing

    • Packing is one of the most important tasks to get right when moving home. Do it right and you will reap the rewards of a less stressful move. Packing up your boxes efficiently is the key to success. Avoid just throwing your things in any box that you can find space. Take your time and pack all your items neatly in the boxes according to themes. This will result in less wasted space on your removal van which could result in the use of a smaller vehicle and maybe less man hours.

  • Get organized

    • Make sure you allow enough time before your move and start packing up as early as possible, preferably weeks in advance. Try not to leave things to the last minute. Items you don’t need to use everyday such as towels, sports equipment and documents can be packed way ahead of time. If you know you are someone who is disorganized and can’t envision dedicating time to the process, you may wish to think about contracting a professional packing company to help you. They will do your packing in half the time and some services even help you sort out junk.

  • Decide what are the essential items

    • Everyday items such as toiletries, blankets, pillows, medication, phones and chargers, clothes or anything else you might need immediately after moving house in should be kept separate from the rest of your belongings. These should be packed in boxes which should be marked so they can be easily identified. The use of coloured markers or tags will help. Preferably, these boxes should be the last boxes to be packed and then put to one side when you arrive to your new property.

  • Sort out your junk

    • Should you take everything you have amassed over the years to your new property? That is a question you must ask yourself before you move to your new location. As a rule of thumb, if in doubt, throw it out. Thinning out what you take is an important factor and can have an impact on the size of your moving van. Before disposing of your unwanted goods, consider what items could be given to charities or thrift shops but make sure these places will accept your goods before you drop them off.

For those more valuable items you wish to off load, consider organising a garage sale. This will enable you to make some money on the sales as well. You can also advertise your goods for sale on the internet through sites such as Facebook, Gumtree, eBay or other online buy/sell and swap groups. This is a popular way of selling as there are many thousands of people wanting to pick up a bargain buy.

by VLEAdminRE,
Puerto Vallarta Icons - the New Pier
Destinations, Real Estate, Residences, Riviera Nayarit

Puerto Vallarta Icons – the New Pier

Puerto Vallarta has long been a city of beautiful sights and features, but those who have been frequenting the city for a few years will know just how ramshackle and dilapidated the old Los Muertos Pier was becoming before its renovation in 2011. The modernization of Puerto Vallarta’s pier took place under the care of Architect Jose de Jesus Torres Vega, an esteemed winner of the Biannual Architecture Prize, and was completed in 2013. The old pier was always a centre of activity in Puerto Vallarta, but the new Los Muertos also serves as an aesthetic focal point for the newly refurbished Downtown area of Puerto Vallarta.

Contemporary Design

The design centers around a sail that winds around the very end of the pier and, from some angles, looks like a full sail boat. This sail lights up during the night to produce a colorful and beautiful visual display that can be seen from miles away. This backdrop is a wonderful photo opportunity and makes for a romantic atmosphere during an evening stroll. The pier itself is dotted with benches so that visitors can sit and enjoy the scenery, contemplating the ocean as they do so.

In a stunningly short period of time this pier, like the newly revitalized Malecon, has become an Icon in Puerto Vallarta. You’ll see its striking image in holiday brochures, in paintings and on postcards, but it’s not just a pretty face (so to speak). Los Muertos Pier is also a fully functioning pier from which many an adventure, fishing trip and transport boat leaves. Whether you are taking a sunset cruise, or catching a ride to Las Marietas or Yelapa, it is at Los Muertos Pier that you will find what you are looking for.

Lovers of culture and architecture will definitely want to put a visit to this newly invigorated Puerto Vallarta icon at the top of their ‘to see’ list. It’s likely, however, that you’ll see Los Muertos Pier during your vacation whether you specifically plan to or not. Just be sure that you take the time to admire this pier for what it is; a symbol of Puerto Vallarta’s modernity, growth and charm.

(Photo from Daryl Mitchel at Flickr)

by VLEAdminRE,
Fishing Tours in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit
Destinations, Real Estate, Riviera Nayarit

Fishing Tours in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit

Way before Mexico started becoming one of the top places to vacation worldwide, subsistence fishing was one of the main activities on Mexico’s coastline. Mexico has over nine thousand kilometers of breathtaking coastline, so it is no surprise that Mexico had many charming, little fishing villages. In fact, this coastline provides some of the best fishing worldwide. Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit is no exception; just fifty years ago this whole area was still just a stretch of sleepy fishing villages. Today, besides being an award winning location for international visitors, its fishing industry is still alive and thriving, only now it services on fishing tours, tournaments and supplying the many fine dining restaurants on Banderas Bay.

What fish can you expect to catch in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit?

Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit is epic for fishermen; there are over five hundred different types of species of fish here. Sport fishing tours are plentiful in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit and they are available all year long. Some of the most popular catches in Banderas Bay include: Giant Tuna, Dorado, Snapper, and Roosterfish. These fish can be found in abundance in the waters that surround Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit all year round. Marlin and Sailfish are another two popular species that are very much in demand.

Fishing Tours and Tournaments

Villa La Estancia’s tour agency can help residents and hotel guests organized fishing tours and register you for the fishing tournaments in Banderas Bay. The kind of fishing tours you can choose from include renting private fishing boats and crew or joining larger parties on fishing tours with other fishing enthusiasts. Most fishing tours in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit provide participants with live bait, top of the line fishing rods and hooks, while coming equipped with GPS and Fish Finder, crewed by a captain and deckhands. While catching a big fish isn’t guaranteed, when fishing in the waters of Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit your chances are greatly improved.

At Villa La Estancia’s tour agency, there are plenty of fishing tours to select from. Likewise, you can book your fishing tour independently, with Master Baiter’s Sport Fishing and Tackle, Mike’s Fishing Charters and Tours, and Charly’s Sailing and Sport Fishing. These tours come with a captain who knows where to find the fish, and in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit the best charter fleets are provided.

by VLEAdminRE,
Destinations, Real Estate, Residences, Riviera Nayarit

Non-Stop Flights to Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta

As the Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta quickly become two of the most popular destinations in Mexico, the area of Banderas Bay is also becoming easier and easier to get to! Most of the big airlines have now realized just how many people want to get to this sunshine soaked hotspot and as a result they have ensured that non-stop flights to Riviera Nayarit, served by Puerto Vallarta’s International Airport, are available.

Non-stop flights to Riviera Nayarit

No matter which coast you live on in the US or Canada you’ll find that major airlines in your area have now jumped on the proverbial bandwagon to bring you non-stop flights to Riviera Nayarit. Whether you’re on the east coast or the west, flights to Banderas are cheaper and more convenient than ever. This is great news for those thinking about buying real estate in Riviera Nayarit. Not only does it mean that your journeys back and forth are more affordable and comfortable, it also means that your friends and family will not have an excuse not to visit you!

Why are non-stop flights to Riviera Nayarit the best choice?

By far the very best thing about being able to get direct flights to Riviera Nayarit is that it allows you to carve out as much of that precious vacation time as possible for relaxation. No stop overs, no flight switching. Just an extra hours sleep before you head out, and sunshine and sangria until you need to hop on your flight back home. What’s more, you can get to areas like Sayulita, Bucerias, Punta Mita and Puerto Vallarta easily too as they are all served by the Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport located on the edge of Puerto Vallarta close to Riviera Nayarit.

Don’t sacrifice your vacation time, book non-stop flights to Riviera Nayarit from one of these providers:

Non-stop flights to Riviera Nayarit

From the United States

 American Airlines:
Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Phoenix

Delta:
Atlanta, Detroit, Los Angeles, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York, Salt Lake City, Seattle/Tacoma

US Airways:
Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Phoenix

Aeromexico:
Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Houston,

United:
Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco

Sun Country Airlines:
Dallas-Fort Worth, Minneapolis/St. Paul

Frontier Airlines:
City of Origin: Denver, Saint Louis, MO

Southwest:
Denver, Houston, Orange County

Alaska Airlines:
Los Angeles, Orange County, Portland, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle/Tacoma

Virgin America:
San Francisco

From Canada

 WestJet Airlines:
Abbotsford, Calgary, Comox, Edmonton, Kelowna, Prince George, Regina, Saskatoon, Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria, Winnipeg

Air Transat:
Calgary, Edmonton, Kelowna, Montreal, Quebec, Regina, Saskatoon, Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria, Winnipeg
Air Canada: Calgary, Toronto, Vancouver

From United Kingdom

 Thomson Holidays:
Manchester, London

by VLEAdminRE,
Destinations, Real Estate, Residences, Riviera Nayarit

International Food and Wine Festival in Riviera Nayarit

Residents and hotel guests at Villa La Estancia in Riviera Nayarit will be in for a treat this spring as top chefs from around the world join the hotel for an exclusive International Food and Wine Festival – Cuisine of the Sun from April 13th – 17th, 2016. Coordinated by Penny David who is the Food Network’s celebrity chef and USFOODS culinary specialist, the gastro event of the year at Villa La Estancia, Riviera Nayarit is set to get the taste buds tingling with cooking classes, special dinners, wine tasting and the finest culinary experiences for all those who join in.

“April is going to be quite a month” shares Olivier Pierre, General Manager of Villa la Estancia, “We’ll have cooking demos, brunch, wine tasting and great mixology demos put on by some of the best professionals in the industry.”

The International Food and Wine Festival will also feature various beach activities, from fine dining to barbecues by the sea, all while sipping the best concoctions made from the finest tequila and liquor from Mexico and around the world. A number of renowned chefs will be joining the culinary festival to showcase a range of different styles and flavors. “That is what cuisine is all about,” says Olivier Pierre, “expanding your knowledge, experiencing new flavors and trends and, of course, enjoying a tasty meal in the company of those you hold in the highest esteem.”

Besides celebrity chefs such as Michele Ragussis, Adam Gertler, Pat Neely and Manouschka Guerrier, the Food and Wine Festival at Villa La Estancia Riviera Nayarit will be welcoming stars of the screen and musicians. The first celebrity to have confirmed is TV and movie actor, Dennis Haysbert, who has appeared in films such as Kung Fu Panda, Ted 2, Sin City and Mr. Peabody.

Villa La Estancia, Riviera Nayarit will be hosting this mouthwatering event from April 13th until April 17th, 2016 and invites all guests and residents to make reservations for the specific events or their choice or purchase a special all inclusive festival package. To see the schedule and prices of each event, click here .

by VLEAdminRE,
Fractional Vacation Ownership at Villa La Estancia Residences Riviera Nayarit
Destinations, Fractional Vacation Ownership, Full Ownership, Real Estate, Riviera Nayarit

The Best Luxury Real Estate on Banderas Bay

Mexico’s ever flourishing real estate industry counts the areas of Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta as today’s top destinations for luxury properties. Found along the Pacific Coast of Mexico, Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta together form the world renowned Banderas Bay.

Best Luxury Real Estate on Banderas Bay

Despite the downward trend brought by the recession of 2009 that brought changes in Mexico’s development and real estate industry, prices of luxury realty remain stable yet affordable. 2016 and 2017 paint a much better future for developers and realty investors according to real estate forecasts as prices are expected to surge in the near future. Luxury real estate buyers should snap up this opportunity to purchase property on Banderas Bay, before these lower prices begin to rise.

Banderas Bay No.1 For Luxury Homes

Mexico’s real estate market provides investors and homeseekers with luxury that is affordable. Luxury real estate on Banderas Bay is available at reasonable prices, which means that the house of your dreams is within your reach. You are sure to find a lucury second home that perfectly suits your budget and needs on Banderas Bay.

The choices for luxury real estate on Banderas Bay are diverse, especially in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit. You can choose from stunning mansions on the beach to luxury condo units with swimming pools and resort facilities like restaurants, room service, world class spas fitness centers. The prices you can expect to pay for luxury real estate on Banderas Bay are highly influenced by the kind of neighborhood where your property is located and the future of the area.

Why you should invest in luxury real estate on Banderas Bay

A list of benefits awaits you if you decide to invest or make Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit your second home for luxury real estate:

  • many hours of sunshine and comfortable, warm temperatures year round.
  • affordability; both in terms of cost of luxury real estate as well as cost of living
  • large expat community with several social clubs (poetry, yoga, fishing clubs, painting, reading groups etc).
  • accessibility, including cheap flights to USA and Canada and international airport.
  • quality selection of fine dining restaurants
  • day spas
  • bars and live music venues
  • boutique theatres
  • sunsets over the ocean every evening
  • walks along the Malecon boardwalk
  • art galleries

Living on Banderas Bay does not only mean staying in your own elegant home or standing on a portion of luxury realty, but it’s having the simple pleasures of life that are worth sharing with your family and special ones.

For more information about the best luxury real estate on Banderas Bay, check out the full and fractional options at Villa La Estancia Residences.

by VLEAdminRE,
Cruz de Huanacaxtle
Destinations, Real Estate, Residences, Riviera Nayarit

Spanish for Riviera Nayarit Residents

In Banderas Bay, the number of snowbirds and residents living here full time has escalated over the years, and many want to learn a little more Spanish than “hola” and “una cerveza/margarita por favor”. Of course, learning basic Spanish will make your Riviera Nayarit home away from home far more enjoyable than you could ever imagine. While speaking Spanish is not essential, it will sure make your life in paradise all the more fulfilling.

At Villa La Estancia Residences, there will be plenty of opportunities for you to practice your Spanish: speak to the bellboys in Spanish everyday, get to know your maid or make a point each day to join in the activities at the hotel and try to speak to the activities team in Spanish. In the meantime, here are some helpful tips for learning Spanish for Riviera Nayarit residents.

Helpful Tips for Learning Spanish in Riviera Nayarit

There are easy ways to learn how to speak Spanish. It just depends on what level of Spanish you would like to speak.

Get Involved

One of the easiest ways to learn to speak Spanish is to get involved in Riviera Nayarit’s local culture. When you are in Mexico, don’t surround yourself with only those friends who speak English, because this is your comfort zone and the only language spoken is English. Instead, why don’t you volunteer with several organizations and charities such as assisting at the Los Mangos library, going to a nursing home to work with the elderly, going to art galleries and art events, or taking a zumba class with the locals rather than hiding out in your bilingual gym. If you do this, then it will force you to speak in Spanish and your Spanish speaking skills will increase.

Don’t Worry About Speaking It Right

The way to learn a foreign language like Spanish is not to worry about speaking it right, but letting yourself get it wrong. As you are starting to speak a second language like Spanish, then don’t worry about feeling silly or stupid when you mix up the tenses. You can try to imitate Speedy Gonzalez to get the accent down. Just let it go of speaking it right and try to use the Spanish words that you actually know over and over. Communicating in Spanish is not always about the grammar, but the way you express yourself, then listen to the person that you are talking to see what they are saying.

Take a Spanish Class

Taking a Spanish class of some sort in the Riviera Nayarit will boost your confidence. You can get a Spanish tutor, join a Spanish class, or buy Spanish learning CD’s. In the Riviera Nayarit, there are several small groups that offer beginner Spanish learning skills, and a smaller group or class is the best place to start, because you will get more attention from the instructor and you can work with other students. If you prefer a private Spanish tutor, then this is the best option, but you have to remember the cost will be more than taking a small group class.

Spanish Tutors in Riviera Nayarit

In Nuevo Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit, there are numerous private tutors available. You can post on your Facebook that you are looking for a private tutor or even other forums too. This is a great way to find a private tutor. You can also go to a Spanish school too and ask them to recommend a private tutor. You should beware though, just because someone lives in Mexico and is a native doesn’t mean they are the best person to teach you Spanish. You should always ask for recommendations and references. Another great way to learn is by going for a cup of coffee and just holding a conversation with a Mexican friend.

Speaking spanish and fully embracing the local culture in Riviera Nayarit is just one of the joys of moving to Mexico.

|

by VLEAdminRE,
No Zika in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit
Destinations, Riviera Nayarit

No Zika in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit

According to the State of Jalisco’s Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Disease Division, as well as Jalisco’s State Secretary of Health, there have been no reported cases of zika in Puerto Vallarta. State authorities, however, maintain preventative measures in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit, Mexico against zika and other mosquito borne diseases such as dengue and chikungunya.

What is Zika?

The zika virus is mosquito borne and is spread, in particular, by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito which also the dengue, yellow fever and chikungunya viruses. This infection is a new, emergent disease in Mexico and a very minimal number of cases have been found in the country. The city of Puerto Vallarta has already been working on preventative measures to protect the city’s population and tourists. This includes a state coordinated tourism and health program that awards companies and establishments which meet cleanliness and hygiene standards with a special certification known as Distintivos H.

No Zika in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit
Via: www.paho.org/zikavirus

Preventative measures for dengue, chikungunya and zika in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera

Nayarit

Preventative measures aimed at minimising Aedes Aegypti mosquito populations are part of the ongoing health programs put forth by the city of Puerto Vallarta and state of Jalisco. These initiatives include the fumigation of city streets, beaches and river beds as well as larval control and an aggressive awareness campaign which goes hand in hand with a community outreach program right along the coastline.

What’s more, Jalisco’s Secretary of Health has put in place a robust system of epidemiological surveillance which is designed to enable the early detection of cases in order to minimize the spread of any identified cases. The Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board, the Hotel & Motel Association and the CVB consider the health of citizen and guests to the city to be of paramount importance and will continue their efforts, alongside the city, state and federal authorities (as well as the tourism industry) to keep them safe. Preventative measures look set to be in place indefinitely.

How to prevent Zika virus? See the CDC|Zika Report

by VLEAdminRE,