Flying low over the coast in an open plane gives a more physical feel as well as a particular view of the bay and the land below. Somehow, even though you’re flying above, you’re much more a part of it when in that large commercial jetliner. Not only does the wind catch at you but the breezes vary, sometimes warm, sometimes cooler. Just like the currents in water.
Which is another important way to look at Vallarta and indeed, all of Banderas Bay. As the destination continues to attract boaters and sailors from around the world, as evidenced by last months J/24 sailing events, the water view may be more important to clients than that from a busy highway. As evidenced by the recent holiday traffic, perhaps now is a good time to mention the idea of a ferry or serious water transport system to connect the growing destinations on the shores of Banderas Bay. Not only would the trip be quicker but more enjoyable for everyone. I remember some years ago traveling in the area of Rapallo, Italy, where regular ferry service connects all the ports in the area from Cinque Terre to Portofino, giving me the idea, one shared by others.
Last year at one of the many open houses hosted by the busy real estate brokers, someone came up with the idea of doing a boat tour or two along the coast to give agents a water view of the properties, especially those high-end ones in Conchas Chinas, Punta del Burro and even La Cruz and Bucerías. I continue to generate energy to a more direct focus on life on the water, whether by live-aboard sailing, as offered by Pat Henry in her sailing school, the use of water taxis and other transportation or even taking one of the bay tours offered by so many of the local agencies.
Despite the conflict for many of the local press with the municipal president’s 100-day address, the Icon Vallarta event, organized by our very own Karla Moreno, was very well attended by a cross-section of society, government officials including FONATUR’s John McCarthy, real estate brokers and agents, and, of course, representatives of Icon’s developers, The Related Group, including CEO Jorge Pérez, President Roberto Rocha and Vice-President Carlos Rosso.
Icon Vallarta, located at the curve of the street between the Hacienda Hotel & Spa and Christine, boasts arguably one of the best locations on the beach so close to town. The three towers of Icon Vallarta, designed by international icon Philippe Starck, will complete in some way the tower phase of the Pitillal River began by the Grand Venetian and moved even more quickly by Peninsula. In an interview with Jorge Pérez, elsewhere in this magazine, he tells how his intention is to attract the resident who wants to live close to town with its pueblo-feel and malecón so encouraging of walking.
Last month I neglected to mention, due to space considerations, the inauguration of the project in Nuevo Vallarta called Sensara. This fortuitous development takes another look at the baby boomers and decides that what they really want is a smaller residence with more community-style activities. Built on the popular El Tigre Golf Course, just across the road from the very well-developed Sports and Racquet Club, you can count on easy access to most of the activities you might prefer. Even if it’s just shopping, the new shopping center being developed at the north entrance to town in addition to the Paradise Plaza gives you everything you need or desire. And the beautiful Beach Club is right down the road at the edge of the sea. For more information view www.sensaravallarta.com or call (322) 297-5050.
Another recent open house that shouldn’t have been missed was the one sponsored by La Punta Realty in Punta de Mita at Casa Lapalapa. (Or, as the hand-worked sign says, “Casa Lapa Lapa.” I forgot to ask which is correct. Not that it effects pronunciation any.) This absolutely gorgeous home is a fresh take on the coast with a low center of gravity, very Asian, with water features integrated into the living area with the gracious use of wood to create an entirely natural feel. Entry to the complex is just beyond Las Terrazas complex on the golf course in Punta de Mita. For a beautiful brochure and more information, see www.lapuntarealty.com or call La Punta Realty at (329) 291-6420.
Playing was the entire point at Grupo Real del Mar’s recent Casino Night, hosted on the grounds and at the spa at Punta Esmeralda. Upon arrival, guests were given a goody bag which included play money to be used at the black jack tables. As the sun went down over the bay and the night sky progressed beyond the point of deep indigo, Claudio Leone Lamadrid introduced the sales staff, partners and architects of the successful company as well as took a moment to talk about the upcoming projects such as La Joya Huanacaxtle on the adjacent slope as well as Alamar, located in nearby La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. For more information, see www.gruporealdelmar.com or contact them at (329) 295-5360.
Greg Stanton, newly ensconced as coordinator of guest services at Punta de Mita, talked to me about their plans for an increasingly integrated community in the Dine property, primarily known for the exclusive Four Seasons Resort. Coming on line as time progresses are numerous projects, many of them complete and occupied by residents and investors both full-time and part-time, creating the necessity of the Home Owners’ Association. At a recent cocktail party at the Punta Mita Beach Club, homeowners were treated to an invitation-only dinner just after the cocktail hour when the coast is at its most romantic. The evening was unforgettable, music provided by the harpist Paco Collado on a Paraguayan harp. (You can find him at Daiquiri Dick’s during the week.)
During the month of May, don’t forget to take part in the third exciting year of Restaurant Week, May 15-31, when nearly 40 bay area restaurants offer a special three-course menu with prices at $149 or $249 pesos, one of the best local offers of the Vallarta dining season during the entire year. See www.virtualvallarta.com/restaurantweek for more information.
