Puerto Vallarta’s Local Art Galleries

The picturesque Mexican seaside town of Puerto Vallarta just 30 minutes from Villa La Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta is a location brimming with art galleries, public sculptures and street art. Each of the numerous art galleries in Puerto Vallarta has a very distinct line of work, displaying art from artists that come from all parts of the world. You will find a wide variety of sculptures, ceramic artwork and paintings in these galleries at reasonable prices for you to decorate your vacation home or choose as gifts for special occasions.

Puerto Vallarta’s Local Art Galleries and the ArtWalk

There’s something for all kinds of art lovers in Puerto Vallarta, from serious collectors to the casual browser to the home decorator, while the weekly Art Walk is a fantastic seasonal event that will introduce you to the Puerto Vallarta gallery scene and local artists. The following list provides you with some useful information about the top galleries in Puerto Vallarta and how to make the most of the weekly ArtWalk

Puerto Vallarta’s ArtWalk

The downtown area of Puerto Vallarta comes alive each Wednesday evening when the seasonal ArtWalk is up and running from October through May. Locals and visitors alike can enjoy the weekly activity which involves many of the top Puerto Vallarta galleries opening up in the evening throughout the Centro Historico area, offering a glass of wine and a chance to meet local artists. The ArtWalk provides a great opportunity for mingling and sharing one’s appreciation of art.

Galeria Uno

The first to open in Puerto Vallarta, this art gallery carries a host of artwork created in various styles and mediums. You can expect to find abstract sculptures and modern paintings among a host of colorful exhibits.

Omar Alonzo

The chic look of this gallery is the perfect setting for the ultra-contemporary exhibits held here. This gallery specializes in sculptures, paintings and photographs, and is one of the most professional galleries in Puerto Vallarta.

Peyote People

Your can expect the most unique indigenous artwork to be found in this Mexican art gallery that pays homage to the crafts and artwork carried out by local indigenous artists. Here you will find stunning beaded artwork, yarn “paintings”, statues, Oaxacan wood carvings and traditional artworks crafted in tin.

OPC

Short for Office for Cultural Products (or Oficina de Proyectos Culturales), the OPC gallery functions as a nonprofit organization geared towards promoting the unique talent of Puerto Vallarta’s very own contemporary artists and providing a platform for discussions about art and educational programs.

Ro’Wo Gallery

This colorful art gallery contains remarkable work done by Mexican artisans: furniture, fashion items, jewelry, home accessories and novelty gifts.

There is so much to see when it comes to the various art styles and mediums found in Puerto Vallarta’s art galleries. There is always something to catch your eye.

Picture from internet

More Flights to Mexico

Great news for people who are looking to purchase real estate in Mexico, the Air Transport Agreement announced at the end of 2016 shows that the aviation markets are opening up even further between the USA and Mexico, starting in August 2017. In response, a number of airline companies have taken advantage of this agreement, announcing new flights to and from Mexico.

Interjet Flights from USA to Mexico City

Firstly, one of Mexico’s most popular budget airlines, Interjet, announced added flights from Chicago, Los Angeles and Las Vegas to Mexico City. Interjet is Mexico’s second largest airline.

Interjet Flights from USA to Puerto Vallarta

Interjet has also indicated that it will add new routes from Los Angeles to Puerto Vallarta, which is already a popular flight from the USA to the leading tourist town on the Pacific Coast of Mexico.

Volaris Flights from USA to Mexico City

Another of Mexico’s popular budget airlines, Volaris has also started services from Houston to Mexico City.

Southwest Airlines Flights from USA to Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, Los Cabos

Southwest Airlines will be offering flights from Los Angeles to Cancun, Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta, with flights pending approval from Oakland, California to Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos.

American Airlines Flights from USA to Puerto Vallarta, Cancun and Merida

American Airlines has announced new services from Los Angeles to Cancun and Puerto Vallarta as well as services between Miami and Merida.

Delta Airlines Flights from USA to Cancun and Los Cabos

Delta will be running new daily services from New York to Cancun and from Los Angeles to Los Cabos, as well as flights on Saturdays from Kansas City to Cancun.

Activities for Young Children in Banderas Bay

The hotel beach and pool area are not the only places where your young children can have lots of fun while on vacation in Banderas Bay. There are other activities available to you if you want your toddler to explore more activities in Banderas Bay. The following is a brief list of some of the activities you might explore with your young children in Banderas Bay.

The Zoo

El Zoologico de Puerto Vallarta is about 30 minutes when traveling by car or taxi from Villa La Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta. It’s located in a mountainous jungle area between Mismaloya and Mismaloya beach, and it’s a great place for your young children to have lots of fun. Unlike a lot of zoos out there, this zoo will allow you to interact with the animals by petting some of them (like baby tigers) and feeding them. The zoo is not that big, so a whole trip’s journey can be completed in a few hours. Your young children will have plenty of colors and sounds to occupy their imagination while there.

Water Parks

Two major water parks where toddlers can play are located in the Banderas Bay area, both of which are about 10 minutes drive from Villa La Estancia. The largest park is called Parque Aquatica, and it has a smaller pool area with shallow water that is perfect for toddlers. There are also smaller slides fit for them that they can use to make a splash in the smaller pools. The other park, Splash, is not expensive as Parque Aquatica, and it also has a pirate theme. The pirate ship has slides coming from it that are suitable for older children and adults. The beach area (manmade) is ideal for toddler play and a great location for parents to enjoy. Both parks have marine creatures like seals, dolphins, and sharks, so that is also something else to keep your toddler entertained.

Equestrian Bucerias

In Bucerias, a small town just 15 minutes from Nuevo Vallarta on Banderas Bay, is an educational farm community that teaches young children about animal life. For a little less than $8, your children will enjoy hours of fun petting, feeding, and talking to the animals. They will also get a chance to ride a pony, which is sure to be a thrill for your child. Your toddler is sure to enjoy this adventure of fun and education.

What is the Difference Between a Condo and a Condo-Hotel?

As with so many fusion concepts today the mash-up of Condo and Hotel that the real-estate industry has begun to see has inspired a new, fusion word: condo-hotel. This might seem like a silly word, but it’s one to get a grasp of if you’re planning on buying a condo in a resort location. When it comes to second homes, vacation homes, and rental investments in the sun high-rise condos are a staple due to the low-maintenance, high quality living that they offer. The condo-hotel has created a new facet to this experience;

What is a condo-hotel?

In order to understand the value of a condo-hotel we need to understand how it differs from the usual condo; these are, essentially, condo’s which are managed by luxury hotels. The units are individually owned, but are altogether branded with the hotels name, whereas the usual condominium building lacks this branding and marketing. The benefits of these differences are quite noticeable; the hotel works as a property manager of sorts for the building and will schedule stays, deal with building maintenance, and keep things ticking over in your absence. Furthermore condo-hotel tend to get access to the hotel facilities and amenities like gyms, pools, room service, and spas. Some of these are perks which condominium buildings might have, but it is unlikely the same calibre of equipment and service will be found outside of a Condotel.

Advantages of a condo-hotel Over Traditional Condo Ownership

The aforementioned extras and perks obviously stand as one reason why condo-hotel have become so popular in recent years, but there are other benefits which set them apart from the average condo purchase. Firstly, the stress of building maintenance is taken on by the hotel company so you don’t have to worry about that! Secondly, the furnishings and décor are taken care of, too. This could be a downside, however, if you like to make your mark. Thirdly, should you wish to make some money from your investment with vacation lets the hotel will generally oversee this process for you, thereby making it a much less risky and stressful activity for you.

In fact, the main advantage that a condo-hotel offers over a traditional condo is just that; less stress, more perks, and the ability to get your dream vacations year on year without all the hassle that comes with a second home.

Tax Advantages of condo-hotels

If you don’t use your condo-hotel as a primary residence you may experience tax benefits. An accountant will be able to more specifically tell you what the benefits of this are when applied to your specific financial and tax situations, but an obvious upfront benefit is a reduction in your tax bill in the years when it is used.

Now that you know a bit more about Condos and condo-hotel you can begin to think about which will work for you in the long-run.

Ref.:ArticleMonster.com

Luxury apartments and Condos for Baby Boomers

Luxury apartments and Condos for Baby Boomers

With the oldest baby boomers about to turn 70 years old this year, the majority of these post-war babies are too young-at-heart for retirement villages and still many years away from requiring aged care accommodation. They prefer to downsize from family homes to smaller, luxurious apartments.

Below are some thoughts on what to consider when going through the downsizing process.

The Community

Baby boomers should consider the mix of ages among other residents when choosing the right apartment or condo for luxury downsizing. Some apartment-complexes have a wide range of ages, including young families, while others cater for baby boomer and empty nesters which tend to develop into retirement communities. Many retirees and baby boomers regard community friendliness as an important aspect when choosing the right place to live later in life, and like to have access to local attractions and leisure facilities and be closer to the action than they were before.

Luxury Amenities

To get baby boomers’ attention in today’s highly competitive new apartment market, many health-conscious over-55s clients are looking for onsite gyms, concierge services, underground parking and ground level shops, restaurants and cafes. The inclusion of a pool is also a must for many people, not just baby boomers.

Location

When making your choice of apartment, the older buyers need to make sure that they think the process through and buy in an A-grade location so your home/investment’s value is assured in future years. There are advantages in small boutique apartment complexes, but if there are many onsite features – pools, gyms, communal spaces etc, you will need to assess how much these facilities will cost you and include that in your deliberations.

Facing Old Age and Vulnerabilities

Getting older brings new perspectives on life for some people. They begin to value convenience and realize their vulnerabilities. Ground floor apartments with lovely views in low-rise developments with an elevator become a preference and wheelchair access becomes more of a concern.

    Questions to consider for baby boomers

  • How much are the maintenance costs and how are they budgeted?
  • Is there a long-term maintenance plan for the complex and how has this been budgeted?
  • Are there non-slip surfaces? If so, how much of the home has non-slip surfaces?
  • Are areas suitable for use with walking aids?
  • Are cupboards easily accessed?
  • Is the lighting suitable?
  • Can power outlets be easily reached?
  • Is the bathroom designed well? Can the bath or shower be easily accessed?
  • Is there enough room in the bathroom for a wheelchair?
  • Are the ‘high tech’ features in the apartment including automatic drape opening/closing, security features or remote control of lighting easy to understand and operate?
  • Are there any communal areas (dining/function rooms) that can be booked for entertaining bigger groups?
  • Are there enough storage facilities?
  • Are dogs or cats allowed on the premises? Are there any local council rules?
  • Are there any examples of the developer’s previous projects? Can I speak to any residents?
  • Is access to the benches low enough if I later need a wheelchair?
Villa La Estancia Real Estate

Villa La Estancia Real Estate Riviera Nayarit

Villa La Estancia Real Estate Riviera Nayarit can offer magnificent realty that can become your reality in one of the most loved beach locations in Mexico. Should you wish to enjoy a short stay or a long vacation or even spend the rest of your life in Riviera Nayarit, Villa La Estancia Real Estate offers many special choices for those seeking a home or wanting to invest in the property markets.

Real Estate Riviera Nayarit

You will be able to find many unique real estate opportunities available at Villa La Estancia Real Estate Riviera Nayarit. Located on one of the longest beaches in Banderas Bay, Villa La Estancia can offer full and fractional residences in one of Banderas Bay’s most exclusive districts. You can obtain exclusivity in your real estate which will retain its value for years to come in the future.

Luxury Real Estate at the 5-star Complex

For those looking for something special in life, luxury real estate at the five-star resort is available from Villa La Estancia Real Estate. We cater for all budgets and persuasions and if you require a luxurious penthouse with exceptional views or a delightful condo located on the beach, Villa La Estancia Real Estate Riviera Nayarit can certainly match your needs. Within its large portfolio of available properties, you can opt for full time ownership for those wanting to live in Banderas Bay permanently. A collection of limited edition fractional properties is also available.

Fractional Real Estate in Riviera Nayarit

Villa La Estancia Residences can offer Fractional ownership too which is a real estate option that sits somewhere between the ease of vacation club membership and the privileges of full time ownership. As an owner of fractional Villa La Estancia Real Estate you and the other “partner owners” will share a villa at the resort in Riviera Nayarit, with each owner using the same unit at different times of the year. Fractional ownership at Villa La Estancia Riviera Nayarit is divided into 8-week or 12-week intervals, for life! One of the big bonuses of purchasing fractional Villa La Estancia Real Estate is that when you are you are ready to make Riviera Nayarit your home in the future you can use the equity from your fraction towards buying a full property or upgrading the size of your fractional property.

Deed Real Estate in Riviera Nayarit

As a Villa La Estancia Real Estate investor, whether full or fractional, you benefit from deeded ownership, just like any traditional real estate purchase. This also means you have the right to use our house rental program to rent your residence, either long or short term, sell your property, bequeath it and so on.

If you have any questions or would like to receive further information about Villa Estancias Real Estate in Riviera Nayarit or Cabo San Lucas, leave a comment or contact us .

tips for Moving House

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.

Mexico Property Advice for Riviera Nayarit

Riviera Nayarit, with its fabulous beaches and scenic landscapes makes owning a Mexico property a dream come true for homeseekers and investors. Before preparing your finances and booking the removal trucks, here is some advice to heed for buying Mexico property in Riviera Nayarit.

Advice for buying Mexico Property in Riviera Nayarit

Consider both Full and Fractional Property Ownership

If you have the money to pay for it, becoming a full property owner in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico is a great choice. A special bank trust is mandatory for non-Mexican residents to purchase land within 50 km of the beach because it is classed as federal land. However, the bank trust, known as fideicomiso, is very secure and gives you all the recognized legal rights to the property. Fractional ownership is also a option in many high end Mexican properties, which means you can invest in a more luxurious home for less.

Consult a Trustworthy Real Estate Agent

Unless you know exactly which property you wish to purchase, such as in the case of homeowners buying Villa La Estancia Residences direct from the developer, you would be best advised to select a reputable real estate agent. Finding the right agent in Riviera Nayarit for your needs can be a tedious process as there are so many realtors to choose from. The best advice is to look for real estate agents with the right qualifications and extensive experience, such as being a member of the prestigious Mexico Professional Real Estate Association (AMPI). The rest is up to how you click and if you feel that the agent has fully understood what you are looking for.

Mortgages

Many people do not realize that they can take out a Mexican mortgage to purchase a property in Riviera Nayarit. Nowadays, owning a condo or a home in Riviera Nayarit is possible through a Mexican bank mortgage for foreigners. It can do wonders in your finances by giving you the freedom and flexibility in handling payments. Homeseekers interested in buying a property at Villa La Estancia Residences, Riviera Nayarit can also take advantage of developer financing for a limited time, providing financing for up to 10 years.

Purchase Times and Processes

You should anticipate that the purchasing process time will take a longer than doing it in your home country. This includes the process of qualifying you for a mortgage and preparing all the paperwork to make everything smooth and legal. It’s not complicated, it’s just better to be informed beforehand so as not to lose your patience.

What to know about Buying Land in Mexico

Buying land in Riviera Nayarit is a little more tricky, and although there are many lots for sale, there are those that can’t be sold. Many of the most appealing plots of land are restricted for sale to both foreigners and Mexicans because they are what is known as “ejido” land. Ejido land is that which belongs to a particular community and can only be leased and not sold. Talk to a licensed agent if you are set on buying land, he or she will be able to direct you to legitimate lands for sale.

Being a property owner in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico is a big decision but one that will bring years of enjoyment for you and your family. For more advice, leave your questions in the comments box.

Villa la Estancia Residences Riviera Nayarit

Riviera Nayarit, Mexico

Riviera Nayarit, Mexico’s newest tourist destination, is breaking the mold on typical Mexican tourism with a scintillating combination of real estate opportunities, luxury hotels, gorgeous beaches and slew of quaint, fishing villages. Stretching for over 200 miles along the coast of Mexico’s Pacific rim, Riviera Nayarit is a haven for travelers and homeseekers looking for something different. The unique blend of culture, art and modernity create a masterpiece for the senses and those who visit the area are always reluctant to leave.

Situated just north of Puerto Vallarta’s international airport, this corner of paradise is home to stunning Nuevo Vallarta, a luxurious neighborhood of world-class hotels (including our very own Villa La Estancia), stunning golf courses, upscale homes and a series of canals that lead to the region’s most multifaceted marina. An ideal place for those looking to stay in the heart of it all, Nuevo Vallarta provides access to the traditional charm and modern luxuries of Puerto Vallarta, as well as day trips to some of Riviera Nayarit’s most beloved seaside villages.

Gracing the northern end of Banderas Bay all the way to San Blas, one of Mexico’s most historic ports, is a series of charming towns that offer a little bit of something for everyone. Visit Punta Mita for a sanctuary of turquoise waters, unbelievable marine life and one of the world’s most fascinating hidden beaches. Spend the day in Sayulita, a world-renowned surf-town bustling with boutique shops, delicious eateries and all things water related. Or simply head to Bucerias, a seaside escape, just minutes from Nuevo Vallarta, overflowing with countless restaurants and a myriad of opportunities to experience life to its fullest.

Wherever your time in Riviera Nayarit takes you, one thing is for sure, the awe-inspiring vistas and nostalgic nature will enrapture you from the minute you arrive until it’s time to go home. And just in case you never want to go home… check out Villa La Estancia Residences, a luxury real estate opportunity you don’t want to miss.

FAQ: Can I have guests stay at my property at Villa La Estancia Residences?

When you purchase real estate at Villa La Estancia Residences, you can use your property as you would your second home. Family members, friends, work colleagues, business associates or anyone else you decide to invite into your Villa La Estancia residence can be accommodated as your guests.

You have a choice of whether your guests accompany you on your vacation to stay at your property or if you would like to lend them your Villa La Estancia residence when you are not there. The choice is yours. Guests, of course, will be your responsibility even if you do not accompany them and you should be sure to advise Villa La Estancia Residences of the names of your guests, so that we may offer them the very best services in your absence.

The beauty of buying real estate at Villa La Estancia Residences is that whether opting for fractional or full ownership, your villa is your second home away from home for you to use as you wish. You and your guests can enjoy the luxury of a 4 Diamond caliber resort with all the privileges that come with home ownership.

There are few better luxury real estate opportunities in Riviera Nayarita and Cabo San Lucas than Villa La Estancia Residences.