Visit the Maritime Museum in Puerto Vallarta

The fascinating Puerto Vallarta Naval Museum and Naval Historical Center aims to exhibit and preserve Mexico’s rich culture and history. Since its opening in 2006, it has devoted itself to educating visitors on the wide-reaching positive effects of Mexico’s Navy on this country. You can find this great historical venue right next to Los Arcos on Puerto Vallarta’s famous Malecon boardwalk. The colonial-style building also once served as the Port Authority office, the local Navy Headquarters, and the Navy Hospital in the past. Are you a Villa La Estancia homeowner in Riviera Nayarit and want to head down to PV for the day? If so, escape from the sun’s hot rays, and go explore this great historical place and the nautical treats it offers.

Mexico and Its Maritime History

The museum will take you as far back as pre-hispanic times when Mexico’s maritime history began. You can learn more about Puerto Vallarta and its rich past as a port city. The exhibits include the city’s former encounters with the Nao ships which came here all the way from China. The museum also highlights important history on the port’s trade with other ports, documented sea journeys, and an account on how the bay was defended during wartime. There are also five exhibition rooms inside the museum that display amazing artifacts that belong to its permanent collections of maps, photos, paintings, and documents. You will discover a deeper understanding of how the naval history of Mexico has evolved through time. There are displays of a variety of naval uniforms used by sailors throughout the years which seem to come alive as you tour the museum.

Real-life Navigation Exhibitions

Your dream to become one with the seas will become reality as you explore the detailed scale models of old and modern vessels, as well as the forts and topographic layout of Mexico’s prominent ports. Sailing the open seas will be more exciting as you watch the museum’s audio-visual exhibitions and a special five-screen navigation simulator. You get a chance to see what it feels like to maneuver a large ship across different environments and conditions. The navigation instruments and charts on display will also awaken the sailor spirit within you.

One of Mexico’s most important historical events occurred on April 21, 1914, when a group of young men defended the port of Veracruz against the naval school during the second North American Intervention. You will also explore the long-held custom of how sailors kept themselves entertained while at sea. They placed terrifying, mythological creatures within navigation charts to give fellow sailors a good natured scare and to keep everyone alert.

Times to Visit

Villa La Estancia homeowners, residents and visitors may visit this great historical spot throughout the year and at a fraction of the cost. Its entrance fee is only 45 pesos for general admission and 30 pesos for children, students, teachers, and senior citizens. Persons with disability and children below 6 years of age may enter the museum for free. It is open from Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm.

Villa La Estancia homeowners should take advantage of the chance to enjoy the nautical and historical experiences found only at the Naval Museum in Puerto Vallarta. Ships ahoy!

Checklist for Retirement Destinations

If you’re coming up to retirement age you may be seriously thinking about where you would like to do it: will you stay in your hometown, move closer to family, or would you rather go abroad? If you really have your heart set on retiring somewhere mild and sunny, this article will help you to focus your thoughts on where and how you wish to retire. For those of you who are looking forward to retirement with your partner, you might find that what you want is very different from what they want when it comes to retirement destinations. Therefore, you might want to spend some time together to talk about what you want and need from your Golden Years. At the very least you can figure out if compromise will be needed, and in which areas.

Checklist for Retirement destinations

What kind of climate do you want in your retirement destination?

Do you feel the cold while your spouse cannot stand the heat? If so you need to discuss the kind of climate which will be good for you both. Before you choose your retirement destination we would advise that you visit during all of the seasons; the winters may be fine, but if the summers are way too hot (or vice versa) there’s going to be an issue.

How close to home does your retirement destination need to be?

How far away do you want to be from your family and friends; would you like to see them daily, or will the occasional visit be enough? This will determine what the best destinations will be for you. Places like Mexico will be cheap and easy to visit whereas places in Europe and Asia may be more expensive.

Are you ready to move full time?

Will you be choosing a retirement destination for good or are you going to be a snowbird and migrate in the winters? If you’re going to emigrate fully you will need to find a country which is open to retirees becoming full time residents. Being a part-time snowbird may leave you with more options.

How long term will your move be?

If you intend to move permanently to your retirement destination, you’re going to want to be in a country which has a good healthcare system and you can still receive your pension. You might also want to think about whether or not you can have dual-citizenship in your destination, and just how easy it will be to gain residency.

How expensive is it to live in your chosen retirement destination?

If it you’re hoping to downsize and live less expensively you will need to consider how cheap (or otherwise) it will be to rent accommodation, and just what the cost of living will be when you’re there.

What kind of lifestyle are you used to?

What kind of lifestyle would you like to have? This is the key question when choosing a retirement destination, really… what is it that you love most; the beach, the garden, theater, or good food?

What is the current political climate?

Is there potential for unrest in the near future? Is the economy stable? How are policies geared towards foreigners who live there. What are the immigration laws? Some retirement destinations are more welcoming to foreigners… think about how your nationality will be received in your country of choice?

How will your healthcare needs be met?

Choosing a retirement destination which will help any chronic illness that you might have. For example, if you live near the sea or mountains it may have positive impacts upon your health, but more pragmatically it will also be better for you if private healthcare is cheaper in your new home.

Will learning a foreign language be necessary (or desirable)?

Do you speak the language? If not, can you learn? Alternatively do many people in your new destination speak English? If you are unable to communicate with the locals, your retirement is going to be lonely and possibly difficult! Of course, there are many retirement destinations in non-English speaking countries like Mexico where you will be part of a large English speaking community and will find that many locals can speak at least a little English.

Are you open to a completely different pace?

Some countries are well known for having a much slower pace to their lifestyle than you may be used to. If you think that this will impact your enjoyment of living there you may want to consider a country which has more in common with your home nation.

The key to getting the right retirement destination for you is to make a shortlist of the countries which hit the majority of your criteria and begin visiting them at different times of the year to make sure that you can have an accurate gauge of what life there is like overall. “Try and buy” packages are great ways to get to know a destination before you retire. Fractional ownership, too, is a good way to get a feel for a place.

Recommended article: Checklist for Relocating to Mexico

FAQ – Fractional Ownership and Real Estate at Villa La Estancia

What is a Fractional Ownership at Villa La Estancia?

Fractional ownership is the name given to the shared, deeded, ownership of a property wherein a number of “partners” own a percentage of the same property. Villas in this particular program at Villa La Estancia are fractionally divided into eighths (6 weeks) and quarters (13 weeks) of the year.

Where did the concept of fractional ownership originate?

The idea of fractional ownership itself has been around for a while; friends, families and business associates have been pooling their funds to buy property for hundreds of years! In fact, in the 1990s fractional jet ownership became quite popular!

Is Fractional Ownership the same as Timeshare?

No. Fractional ownership occurs when the buyer purchases a percentage, or fraction, of real estate, rather than units of time or points. Each fraction can appreciate in value according to market patterns and each owner can sell their share of the property whenever they wish to!

How do I know my schedule for use?

When you purchase a fractional property at Villa La Estancia you will be given a schedule of use, so that you can plan years in advance, if you wish. The schedule is a fixed rotatation, so you will be able to calculate easily when your property is free for you to use.

As a fractional interest owner, will I have exclusive use of the property?
During your allocated weeks, you will have exclusive use of your property. No matter if you are using your property or not, the unit will not be occupied by anyone else during your scheduled time, unless you wish to rent it privately or through the hotel. You can leave it empty on some of your days, or turn up halfway through your allotted time, if needs be. It is entirely up to you how much use you make of your time. Only other fractional owners and their guests will use the property during their scheduled times.

Who are fractional properties really for?

This type of ownership is perfect for you is you want the benefits of owning a vacation home but couldn’t afford or justify full ownership. One of the great things about fractional ownership is that you’ll usually be able to get a more luxurious property than you could otherwise afford on your own, likewise you’ll be in a very exclusive and secure community, complete with management services! Owning luxury real estate becomes more affordable.

Once you get the taste for fractional ownership, you will find that every time you visit Villa La Estancia, it feels like you are coming home. You will own a wonderful piece of real estate without having all the responsibilities!

How do Fractional Villas differ from residence clubs or condo hotels?

Both vacation home models offer luxurious accommodation and great services; however, fractional ownership Villas offer a greater sense of permanency! When you purchase membership at a residence club, you are signing up for a like for like unit at a resort rather than a specific residence that you will use each time you arrive. Instead, you enjoy suites with a similar, or the same, floor plan. With fractional ownership, you stay in the same residence every time, so you really cultivate a sense of belonging, and, as an added bonus, when the property appreciates you are entitled to your share!

Can I have guests stay at the property?

You can have any guest you wish at your property during your allocated time! During this time it is, essentially, your home so you can invite whomever you wish, whether they be family, friends or business partners. In fact, if your schedule is too hectic, you can allow others to use it in your stead. Guests, however, are your responsibility and will be required to respect the bylaws, rules and guidelines at Villa La Estancia.

Can I rent out my unused time?

Of course you can! If your schedule is too tight to allow you to make use of your priority time then you can rent it out to make a little money for your next vacation! Some Villas will qualify for exchanges, and tax benefits. Your tax advisor will be able to determine what these might be for you.

Do I have the same tax considerations with fractional ownership as with purchasing the entire property exclusively?

When you have the benefit of fractional deeded ownership of a property then you gain the same privileges and responsibilities that come with owning any other piece of real estate. You will experience potential appreciation, depreciation, interest and expenses just as you do with your first home, and you may sell or rent your priority time whenever you so choose. You should discuss your individual tax circumstances with your professional tax advisor, however.

Can I finance my purchase?

For a limited time, the developer at Villa La Estancia is offering financing, with a typical deposit of 25%, for up to 10 years. Most owners choose to pay entirely in cash, or to pay for their share with equity from their primary home.

Who maintains the property?

The property manager will oversee the maintenance, housekeeping and care of your Villa on an ongoing basis. The expense fees that you pay cover this cost, as well as the cost of repair and replacement of items damaged through wear and tear. The real estate fractional property will be kept clean by a professional housekeeper, who will in turn be supervised by the management team.

Any specific damage caused by accident, or otherwise, by owners and their guests is the responsibility of the owner of the priority weeks when the damage occurred. Local professionals will maintain the pool and gardens on a regular basis and any painting and repairs required for the Villa at large will be provided as and when needed.

Can I sell my share in the future?

Certainly; while we hope you will want to keep your fractional share permanently, you may sell it whenever you wish to do so. Resale shares are generally listed with a local real estate agent who will promote and oversee the sale of your share. You can also advertise in publications such as magazine and newspapers to sell your share just as you would any other real estate property that you own. If a fraction of the property you have invested in comes up for sale, you could also opt to buy that section of the villa, too.