Puerto Vallarta – Page 3 – Villa La Estancia Real Estate

Sea Turtles in Riviera Nayarit

Banderas Bay and Riviera Nayarit has long been a top tourist destination and locations like Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta are the crown jewels, so to speak, of the region. The tourist trade has done wonders for these destinations, making them vibrant and bustling, What is particularly enchanting is the way that the area’s wildlife lives side by side with tourism: sea turtle season being a great example of how a vacation in Riviera Nayarit will have you up close and personal with one of nature’s most beautiful creatures.

Sea Turtles in Riviera Nayarit

Sea Turtles are a beloved and longstanding part of the Riviera Nayarit ecological make-up, but in recent years their numbers have declined. Therefore, for the last thirty years Riviera Nayarit locals, hotels, restaurants and tour companies have been getting together to fight for the survival of the Olive Ridley Sea Turtle, and other similar species.

The beaches of Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta are host to swathes of turtles every year between July and December, as they ready themselves to bring forth the next generation. Pregnant sea turtles spend hours and hours digging the perfect nest for their eggs, and it’s not uncommon to see a whole group of them waddling about the beach in front of Villa La Estancia Residence in Riviera Nayarit at night during turtle season. It really is quite a sight to see!

Once the turtles deem their nests to be satisfactory, they will lay their eggs, bury them and return to the sea for another year. The cycle begins again when the baby Turtles hatch. Baby Sea Turtles have a rocky start in life; between airborne, landlocked and sea dwelling predators, poachers, and the struggle to even get out of their shells, let alone the danger of being dug up and devoured before hatching. Statistics reckon that 1 in 1000 will make it to adulthood. So you can see that they need all the help they can get.

Helping Sea Turtles in Riviera Nayarit

This is where guests and owners at Villa La Estancia Residences come in and the many dedicated conservationists. It’s very easy to do your bit for the endangered Sea Turtles in Riviera Nayarit while you’re on vacation in Banderas Bay. For a start you can be sure that you don’t interfere with the females while they lay and bury their eggs! You should also report anyone who does to the hotel or to local authorities.

Also, you can support one of the many conservation projects in the city by visiting open days and attending hatchings. Attending turtle releases really is beneficial; research has shown that spectators at such events ward off some of the turtle’s natural predators as well as poachers! Ask the activities team at Villa La Estancia Residences to tell you where the next sea turtle release will be in Riviera Nayarit. You may find there is one planned right outside the hotel.

Nothing makes a vacation truly magical quite like seeing these adorable reptiles scurrying towards the sea for the first time!

by VLEAdminRE, October 7, 2015

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!

by VLEAdminRE, September 30, 2015

Residences, Riviera Nayarit

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.

by VLEAdminRE, September 17, 2015

Real Estate, Riviera Nayarit

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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

by VLEAdminRE, September 3, 2015

villa la estancia real estate nuevo vallarta

Full Ownership, Residences

Utilities and Expenses of Homeownership in Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta

Purchasing a luxury residence at Villa La Estancia in Riviera Nayarit near Puerto Vallarta in Mexico offers many elegant benefits to homeowners, including making the payment of utilities and expenses relating to running your home simple. Not only will you be able to find support and advice with the Villa La Estancia Residences homeowners’ association but many of your monthly expenses are covered by your maintenance fees.

villa la estancia real estate nuevo vallarta

However, owning a property in Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta can seem daunting for some homeseekers, which is why we have compiled a list of tips to help you navigate your way around the expenses and practicalities of homeownership in Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Put Utility Bills in your Name

There are a number of circumstances when you will be required to provide proof of address in Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta, such as immigration procedures, getting a Riviera Nayarit or Puerto Vallarta driving license and so forth. Making sure that you have at least one utility bill in your name will save you the trouble and risk of carrying the deeds to your property with you to carry out simple formalities.

Pre-Payment

If you are not planning to live in Riviera Nayarit or Puerto Vallarta throughout all the seasons, you have the option to pre-pay many of your bills in preparation for your absence. Villa La Estancia residences in Riviera Nayarit make it easy for homeowners who can pre-pay maintenance fees or leave a voucher to authorize payments.

Open a Bank Account

Having a Mexican bank account will come in very useful and is fairly straight forward if you are planning to live in Mexico or spend your winters here. Not only can you manage your utility bills and expenses but also transfer funds internationally. The best advice is to choose a bank that has on-line services and great customer service. Many banks in Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta employ staff with a good level of English.

Maintenance Fees

Each condo or residential complex will be different, but most, like Villa La Estancia Residences, will charge maintenance fees every month. Some properties may charge fees quarterly and give discounts for advance payments.

Property Taxes

Property taxes or “predial” are due each year in January. Paying your property taxes is simple enough or you can pay online. You will need your Property Tax ID number (Cuenta Catastral) and a copy of the deeds to your property, or the previous year’s bill. You get a discount if you pay in January of February. Villa La Estancia Residences fractional property owners will not need to worry about these taxes as this expense is included in your maintenance fees.

Income from Rentals

Some Villa La Estancia Residences homeowners choose to rent their properties during those times when they are not occupying their luxury home in Riviera Nayarit. This is equally true of fractional owners during their allotted time. Renting your property can help offset your maintenance costs, although you must ensure that you seek advice regarding taxes on your income from rentals in Mexico.

by VLEAdminRE, August 27, 2015

Real Estate, Riviera Nayarit

Puerto Vallarta 2nd Best Place to Retire According to CNN

According to a recent article on the CNN website , Puerto Vallarta comes second place after Portugal’s Algarve for the best place to retire in the world. Among the retirement destinations mentioned on the list of amazing locations to retire were Cayo in Belize, Languedoc in France, Abruzzo in Italy, Medellín in Colombia and Hua Hin in Thailand.

Puerto Vallarta one of the Best Places to Retire

The CNN’s article regarding the world’s best places to retire confirms what we have known for a long time at Villa La Estancia Residences. Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit have so much to offer retirees and makes for an amazing place to relocate or enjoy a second home.

Amongst Puerto Vallarta’s features that were mentioned in the CNN article were its beaches, fishing, shopping, restaurants as well as the picturesque downtown area with its cobblestone streets. The article also mentions the convenience of direct flights to Puerto Vallarta’s international airport from the United States and its tropical climate, comparing it to Hawaii.

We think you will agree, it’s great to see Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit getting the recognition that it deserves as a number one place to retire. If you don’t believes us, come and check it out for yourself with our Try and Buy offer.

by VLEAdminRE, August 5, 2015

Puerto Vallarta Sculptures on the boardwalk - Nostalgia

Destinations, Real Estate, Residences

The Malecon – A Stunning Boardwalk in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico boasts an amazing feature that is beloved by many people including locals and visitors: The Malecon. This famous boardwalk has a beautiful view of the ocean overlooking Banderas Bay, and it is a mile long. It makes up a wall which protects the many restaurants, shops, and bars from Banderas Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The Malecon is considered to be the focus of the downtown section of Puerto Vallarta and is enjoyed by locals and tourists everyday of the year. When you become an owner at Villa la Estancia Residences, a Sunday stroll on the Malecon will become part of you personal story too. Just think, you can look out to sea and watch the sunset without getting sand in your shoes.

Anyone who visits Puerto Vallarta should definitely visit to the Malecon, and it is one place that you will return to time and again. You can never tire of the Malecom. There are several restaurants, shops, bars, and nightclubs as well as other attractions. It is possible to see the sun set as you eat your dinner on the boardwalk or walk hand in hand with an ice cream or frozen yogurt. Banderas Bay’s Malecon is surely one of the best places to view a sunset, second only to the comfort of your own balcony at Villa La Estancia Residences.

2011 Renovations

If you haven’t visiting Puerto Vallarta in a few years, then you might be interested to know that in 2011, there were renovations done to the Malecon, which has made it all the more beautiful. Pedestrians can now enjoy an even better experience at this locale, with beautiful surroundings of tropical plants, palm trees, and bugambilia. The indigenous tribes of this area also are honoured with artwork on the streets to represent sacred Huichol symbols. They depict nature, the cosmos, and animals. This is a wonderful sight to behold.

Art and Theater

Speaking of art, there are sculptures all along the boardwalk that have been created mainly by the local Mexican artists. You might wish to go on a guided English-speaking tour to learn more about the sculptures, which tell you a lot about the artistic heritage of Nayarit and Jalisco states in Mexico. You can request additional information at Galeria Pacifico. Free performances are held at the outdoor amphitheatre that is near Our Lady of Guadalupe church and the plaza. Street performers, merchants, and artisans entertain and sell their items at this location.

The New Pier on Los Muertos Beach

Travel towards Old Town and you will also find a brand new pier, from where you can go on a water taxis to travel to idyllic beaches which may only be accessed by boat.

by VLEAdminRE, July 20, 2015

Destinations

Puerto Vallarta is an Art Lover’s Paradise

Puerto Vallarta is an art lover’s paradise, the best vacation location and top choice for second home real estate. Public art and sculptures are displayed all along the seafront boardwalk called the Malecon as well as in various locations throughout the city. Both the Romantic Zone and Downtown Puerto Vallarta have a lot of galleries, markets, and shopping establishments, so you will experience plenty of art. There is so much art available in Puerto Vallarta that you could purchase numerous of pieces for your home, and still be tempted by more works of art.

Puerto Vallarta’s Galleries

The galleries in Puerto Vallarta have a reputation for quality as well as extraordinary, and breathtaking works of art. Artists such as Rogelio Diaz, Javier Nino, and Manuel Lepe Macedo are local artists in Puerto Vallarta who will tempt art lovers to invest in Mexican art for their homes. These local artists are known for creating unique sculptures, traditional paintings, and jewelry that is designer quality.

Huichol Art Galleries

Some of the local galleries sell only Huichol art, which includes absolutely stunning sculptures and threaded “paintings” created by the Native American people from the local area. Huichol art is colorful, beautiful and sacred, whose traditions feature vibrant beadwork and tapestries that are all sealed with beeswax. Occasionally, you can see Huichol art in one of the craft markets in Puerto Vallarta. Puerto Vallarta is known for its public art markets.

Huichol Deer

The Malecon Boardwalk for Art Lovers

The Malecon boardwalk showcases a number of public artworks which include sculptures by Alejandro Colunga, Ramiz Barquet, Jonas Gutierrez, and Sergio Bustamante. Many of these works of art were donated by the artists to the town and stimulate interaction from the public. The Malecon is also home to live sculpture artist where actors will pose for a coin or two. For a tour of the sculptures on the Malecon, Galeria Pacifico offers guided tours in English for art lovers.

Boardwalk Puerto Vallarta

The Artwalk

From October through May there is an ArtWalk featured each Wednesday evening. The galleries that are downtown treat guests with wine and small snacks. The ArtWalk is the perfect place to meet a few of the local artists, and chat with other art lovers as yourself. New galleries will debut their gallery at the ArtWalk. There is a map available with the information of each gallery that will be at the ArtWalk. For the Old Town, a similar event is held on Thursdays, known as the South Side Shuffle.

Puerto Vallarta is perfect for art lovers everywhere. There is so much art available that you will be continually inspired.

by VLEAdminRE, July 8, 2015

Destinations, Riviera Nayarit

Top Family Beaches in Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta offer great beaches that you should not miss when you spend your vacations or choose to live in Banderas Bay, Mexico. The beaches in Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta provide the most picturesque views, with cool blue waters and yellow sand. There are many beaches that are perfect for swimming as well as beaches that have shallow waves where supervised children and families can enjoy the waters and go frolicking on the shorelines.

The beach at Villa La Estancia, called Nuevo Vallarta beach, is one of the most beautiful in Banderas Bay and stretches for miles. The water here is relatively shallow for playing in the waves and body boarding, and the sweeping coastline is great for walking with a partner or running in the morning or in the early evening out of the midday sun. Sometimes, you will see turtles arrive to the beach to lay eggs and dolphins jumping in the distance.

Some beaches to the north of Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta have gigantic waves where surfing can be truly pleasurable and challenging. Banderas Bay’s wide coastline is ideal for many outdoor activities like beach volleyball, frisbee throwing, running and camping. Don’t limit yourself by visiting just one beach; there are many of them guaranteed to make you smile.

Besides your beach at Villa La Estancia Residences, here is a list of the top family beaches in Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta that you can visit:

Sayulita Beach

About half an hour’s drive from Villa La Estancia, you will find Sayulita, the coolest and hippest beach in the area. It offers more than just a gorgeous beach, but an active tropical lifestyle that would blow you away. It is a surfer’s paradise, with huge waves as well as areas safe for learning to surf. It is teeming with world class surfers and surf shops abound. But it is not just surfers who can have a good time in Sayulita; it boasts of a very wide beach with restaurants and bars offering services.

What makes Sayulita truly special aside from a wonderful beach life is the different environment that you can experience. There are restaurants where you can gorge on Mexican food and delicacies, as well as a farmer’s market on Fridays. You will also find a number of beachwear designer stores and signature shops that will satisfy your shopping cravings and make you think of San Francisco in the late 60s / 70s. Lastly, don’t miss the nightlife for a bohemian night out.

Punta Mita Beach at the Anclote

North of Nuevo Vallarta, you will find Punta Mita, a laid back, serene place to enjoy a day at the beach. This beach is more reminiscent of a mediterranean beach resort, an ideal hideaway from the boisterous and clogged city life. Relaxation and peace can be achieved here, erasing the hassles and pressures of life. Get a sling chair, sip your favorite cocktail and feel the tranquility of its air while treating yourself to a sumptuous dinner of fresh marlin or grilled tuna.

Although Punta Mita is a relatively small and quiet beach, there are cozy restaurants, stores and surf schools that will heat up your stay, offering a unique choice for your vacation or day trip. Punta Mita is the best for people watching and soaking up a totally different atmosphere that will energize and invigorate any listless soul. Shallow and blessed with marine life like colorful corals and different fish species, its waters are ideal for snorkeling and is a feast for any snorkeler or scuba diver’s eyes. Watch out for starfish and squid.

Camarones Beach, Puerto Vallarta

One of Puerto Vallarta’s most popular beaches. It is located on the North side of the Malecon. It has a wide beach and a long stretch of shoreline that can host a large number of visitors. Order and safety are a priority; lifeguards are all over the area during the busy seasons of summer. People who have a knack for tasting tropical delicacies would surely love this place. Vendors that sell fish, shrimps, fruits and other delicious snacks is a sure hit for hungry appetites.

Because of its wide shores, active bodies who are into beach volleyball and other outdoor activities are an instant shoot at Camarones Beach. You could work up a sweat by competing in beach running or try frisbee throwing. There are still a lot more you can do at this beach resort that would result in complete family fun and entertainment.

It is not the most sophisticated beach in Puerto Vallarta, but here you will really see how local Mexican’s enjoy the beach, especially if you go on Sundays.

by VLEAdminRE, June 2, 2015