Author: Nicole Martin

Understanding Condo-Hotel Real Estate

Luxury Apartment Living in Later Life

You may be thinking about downsizing or considering your options when you retire. Luxury apartment living in Mexico is certainly one of the great options for later life. Not only will you find that your dollars go a lot further, you will also be able to afford something more luxurious than you can find back home, perhaps not even having to “downsize” at all, rather “up-sizing!” With maid and handyman services far more affordable in Mexico, the job of running a bigger home in later life is far less daunting in Mexico, where you are more likely to be able to afford to pay someone to do the chores and DIY that you will find more difficult to perform in later life. To help you decide if luxury apartment living is right for your in later life. Take a look at the following pros and cons to living in an apartment living in Mexico for those in the later years of their life. Pros Services such as maids, decorators, plumber and so on are much …

Luxury and Comfort

Garza Blanca Real Estate in Puerto Vallarta

Welcome to Garza Blanca Real Estate in Puerto Vallarta, where luxury realty can become your reality at the beach in one of the most sought after destinations in Mexico. Whether you are looking to stay for a week, a month or a lifetime, Garza Blanca Real Estate in Puerto Vallarta offers a selection of exclusive options for home seekers, snowbirds and property investors alike. Real Estate in the Most Exclusive Neighborhood The Garza Blanca real estate development is one of those unique hidden jewels on the South Shore of Puerto Vallarta´s majestic coast where mountains meet the sea. Reached in just 10 minutes from downtown Puerto Vallarta, Garza Blanca Signature Residences are so close, yet so far, providing privacy in one of the most exclusive neighbourhoods for real estate. Traveling along the windy roads south on the road to Barra de Navidad, surrounded by lush jungle flora and fauna, passing million dollar homes and 5 star hotels, you are immersed into tranquility unlike no other on Banderas Bay. With such steep mountain topography enveloping exquisite …

Spanish for Puerto Vallarta Residents

There is a growing number of snowbirds and full time residents in Banderas Bay who enjoy coming to Mexico and learning more than “Hola” and “una cerveza/margarita, por favor!” for their Spanish vocabulary. Indeed, learning at least some basic Spanish can make all the difference when choosing to make Puerto Vallarta your home away from home whether for a few weeks of the year or longer. Tips for learning Spanish in Puerto Vallarta There are a few ways to learn Spanish, depending on the level you wish to acquire. Join In The easiest way to learn some Spanish is to immerse yourself in the local culture in Puerto Vallarta not just within the comfort zone of your expat pals where English will dominate your conversations. Volunteer with local charities that visit the elderly, help out at the Los Mangos library, attend art openings and other cultural events, take a community yoga or zumba class (rather than the bilingual classes at your gym) and force yourself to communicate as much as possible in Spanish. Getting a …

Beautiful Malecon in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta’s Beautiful Malecon

Your trip to Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay would not be complete without a visit to the beautiful Malecon.  The picturesque boardwalk stretches for over a mile and provides astounding views of the vast Pacific Ocean as it is embraced by the beloved Banderas Bay.  The pedestrianized icon of Puerto Vallarta is peppered with bars, restaurants, souvenir shops and jewelry stores tempting visitors to their wares, as well as imposing sculptures and street artists. Safe and Friendly A safe and friendly area of the city for adventuring tourists to explore at their leisure and locals to hang out in, Puerto Vallarta’s Malecon is one of the most important icons of the city, alongside the bell tower of the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the rocky arches known as Los Arcos. A brisk morning stroll or a romantic walk at sunset are just two ways you might enjoy Puerto Vallarta’s malecon.   Renovations of 2011 If you have been to Puerto Vallarta before, then you might be interested to know that the Malecon underwent …

Swimming with Dolphin Tours in Puerto Vallarta

When it comes to experiences nothing quite beats swimming with dolphins for making unforgettable memories with friends and families. These are some of the brightest, most curious and friendliest of all the oceans mammals and there are literally hundreds of companies in Puerto Vallarta who can give you the opportunity to get to know them better. In fact, this is an enduringly popular activity all across Mexico. Swimming with Dolphins in Puerto Vallarta We know it’s as important to you as it is to us that the dolphins you have the pleasure of spending time with are happy, healthy and well cared for. This is why we recommend that you choose to avoid places where the dolphins are kept in small swimming pools, where they are cramped and poorly treated. It is recommended to use companies that specialize in the care of such animals – companies who have large spaces for them to swim in, or even companies that take you out to swim with wild dolphins. What to expect If you go for an …

SOUTH SHORE TEMPTATIONS Art, Culture and Puerto Vallarta

an Interview with OPC’s Pilar Perez While Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay has long been home to OPCs (Off Premises Contacts/Outside Public Canvassers) related to the timeshare industry and other promotions, today in one of Mexico’s friendliest cities, OPC has a brand new meaning to inspire both visitors and local residents: Oficina de Proyectos Culturales (Cultural Project Office). OPC is a an non-profit arts organization located in Puerto Vallarta’s downtown on Juarez street whose mission is to foster dialogue through art exhibitions, panelled discussions and education programs among other cultural endeavours. Open to the public Wednesday through Saturday and by appointment, the center is the nearest thing to a cultural art center that Puerto Vallarta has, apart from, perhaps, the Biblioteca Los Mangos. Find out more about the OPC and the driving force behind it, Pilar Perez, in this fascinating interview. How was OPC born? OPC was founded by a group of artists, curators, and architects—me, Fernando Sanchez, Oscar Moran, Heidi Padilla, Davis Birks, and Maria Jose Zorilla—the same group of people who have worked …

News

Hospitals in Puerto Vallarta

Making Puerto Vallarta your home, whether for a few months of the year or full time, is a big step, albeit exciting and inspiring. One of the concerns voiced by those people thinking of moving to Puerto Vallarta to live is healthcare. This need not be a worry. Puerto Vallarta has a selection of excellent hospitals and healthcare professionals, and you will even find that private health insurance is a lot more affordable than back home. Private Hospitals in Puerto Vallarta There are many wonderful private hospitals in Puerto Vallarta and any you choose will not disappoint. It all depends on location, price and the hospital which your doctor works with. At Garza Blanca, there is a doctor from San Javier hospital on site 24 hours a day to deal with any common ailments or first aid problems you may have; but should you need more serious medical care while staying as a guest or living as a resident in Puerto Vallarta, you have a variety of options. San Javier Hospital This hospital is known …

News

The New(ish) Pier in Puerto Vallarta

If you have been to Puerto Vallarta before then you are probably aware that since 2011 the city’s Downtown area has been receiving widespread renovations which include changes to the Malecon and Los Muertos Pier. You will most likely also be aware that the old pier in Puerto Vallarta was in a state of much needed TLC. Today, however, you will be able to marvel at the new and unique pier that has risen in its place to be an architectural focal point in Banderas Bay. Puerto Vallarta’s Pier to be Proud Of This new pier was designed by architect Jose de Jesus Torres Vega, esteemed winner of the Biannual Architecture Prize, and was finished in January 2013. Puerto Vallarta’s new pier was designed based on the image of a large sail which twists around the end of the pier, lighting up in various colors at night. From certain angles it actually looks like a full sail boat. A Colorful Sight At night the colored lights make for the perfect backdrop to a romantic walk …

News

Live Life to the Full Like a Local

Puerto Vallarta’s reputation as a premiere vacation destination is bolstered by the diverse activities it offers around the bay. Situated beautifully between the majestic waters of Banderas Bay and the statuesque Sierra Madre Mountains, it promises a magical encounter for anyone who is lucky to visit, and even luckier to live here. If you want to make the most out of your Puerto Vallarta vacation, or if (even better) you are thinking about making Puerto Vallarta your home, follow how the locals enjoy themselves and you are destined for the best experiences on Banderas Bay. Locals know where the best food can be found If you are a home owner at Garza Blanca Signature Residences, you will be spoiled for choice by the restaurants on site. But venturing out into Puerto Vallarta to satisfy your food cravings is always a pleasure and easy to do. Puerto Vallarta’s gastronomic offering is highly characterized by a mixture of authentic Mexican dishes cooked the traditional way and international gourmet cuisine. Fine dining does not always have to mean …

What to Keep in Mind when Buying Real Estate in Mexico to Rent.

Having a piece of real estate property in Mexico is a great investment.  It can rise in value over time and give a steady flow of income if you rent it out to visitors.  However, there are some things you should keep in mind when buying real estate in Mexico for rent. The kind of neighborhood matters: When buying real estate in Mexico, you should take into consideration the needs of the people who are going to be dwelling in your property (whether that is you and your family or renters), matching the neighborhood to those needs. For example, buying real estate in the Old town of Puerto Vallarta will attract the kind of people who want to be at the center of everything and who don’t want to have a car to get them around as most things are close by, while choosing a place near more secluded beaches or nature reserves, like at Garza Blanca Signature Residences, attracts property investors who are looking for more exclusivity and gated luxury. The amenities nearby are …