Stop a moment to appreciate the view of the cruise ships, back with a vengeance, with the final steps of Piers Two and Three on the verge of completion by the beginning of December. Meanwhile, nearly every day is witness to visitors by sea arriving on our shores. The heavy cruise arrivals urge justification of the new pier. While API (the port authority) doesn’t have space to expand further, the third pier will kick-start the process of requesting federal permission for Puerto Vallarta as a home-port. That will allow passengers not only to disembark and terminate their voyage in local waters but also originate here, giving a tremendous boon to the entire cruising industry on our coast.
Local cruising, which includes beach outings, whaling adventures, diving and snorkeling groups and other sightseeing destination trips, was up 8.4 percent since last year this same time. This, despite the construction on the port itself, which has often temporarily complicated boarding of the local vessels. During our brief rainy season, three international cruise ships were cancelled, two due to storms in the Pacific and the third due to mechanical problems on board. The remainder of the season promises to be, once again, the best ever.
Peninsula continues to present new options to the community with inaugurations every week of new businesses or additional branches of established ones. Look for the mid-month opening of Thierry Blouet Prime Steak House, an American-style steak house with that oh, so French touch of Thierry himself who is very involved in this new project. It will bring an international flair to the already state-of-the-art waterfront project. Due to my well-deserved vacation, I missed the inauguration of the Peninsula Center which was reportedly very well attended. While the construction on the bridges still continues, Peninsula is presumably queued up for a prime spot in the Vallarta limelight.
Since I also missed a scheduled open house at Vista Bahía II, I touched base with Paco Moreno of Century 21 to view the development on La Pechuga even though he tells me only two remain in inventory. The impeccable design focuses on the 180-degree view of the entire bay, like being “on the bow of a cruise ship,” as Paco says. Details are impressive, such as the spacious terraces open onto the view, imported Stanza bath fixtures, Santos kitchens, marble floors and countertops and an integrated water purification system. When you’re in the kitchen, open the smoothly fitted flat storage slides, they’re definitely top-drawer. Glance over at the large flat-screen TV that swivels so you can see it while you slave over that haute modern stove. Vista Bahía II will provide a deeded parking space while the project will have an equipped gym and heated Infinity pool. Contact Paco Moreno of Century 21 Giovanna at (322) 226-1200 for information and a viewing.
Claudia Garcicrespo also told me about a new downtown listing, Casa dos Peces, with its own pool and Jacuzzi, two bedrooms and four bathrooms, just two blocks away from the Guadalupe Church. The Vallarta-style residence could be converted into a bed&breakfast or restaurant with open living room, dining room and two terraces. The 172.52 square meter lot contains 225 square meters of construction, priced at $698,000 USD. With an open house scheduled for mid-October, contact Claudia of Century 21 Giovanna at (322) 226-1200 for information and details.
Joshua Estrada of Venegas World Star Realty showed me one of the finished homes in Puerta del Sol. The newly built individual homes are three-bedroom three-bath two-level homes with parking for two vehicles. Located just northeast of San Javier Hospital, the development offers 24-hour security and a common area with swimming pool and gardens. Wired for mini-splits, the kitchens are completely fitted next to the open two-level dining and living area. The stairway leading to the railed mezzanine on the second floor is accented by the symmetrical skylight above. Contact Joshua Estrada of Venegas at (322) 222-2111 for information.
In a separate article, read about the induction classes promoted by AMPI Vallarta-Nayarit and sponsored by Prudential California Realty Vallarta Division. Director Tere Kimball told me that AMPI (the local real estate association) finally has an agreement with NAR (National Association of Realtors) that members will automatically join the association at the national level. Perhaps this will provide further encouragement for local realtors who have yet to join AMPI.
November is a difficult month for those who like to be involved in community activities. Not because there aren’t any, but there are activities, events and festivities every day. So the decision is making a choice between what may seem like too much of a good thing. But November is the month when Vallarta like at no other time seems alive and well. Don’t miss the obvious: the best of golf, sailing, fishing, culinary arts, creative arts and the art of film. Carry a calendar with you for those moments when you suddenly have no plans and an appointment falls through the cracks. Jump for the chance of becoming more involved.
