Consider a small eco-project, such as Majahuitas. Compare it to any of the mega-resorts and the correlation is obvious. But examining the effects of a small resort without garbage separation, and a mega-property with separate glass-organic-paper trash containers, its own water plant and waste treatment, and the long-range effects may be more difficult to quantify. Needless to say, all hotels and resorts should practice conscious methods of conservation in respect to water, electricity and energy-saving devices.
One of the early projects with a well-designed environmental impact was the award-winning Sierra del Mar. As the project has grown up and matured, the surroundings are truly illustrative of a residential complex whose focus on respecting the natural environment is obvious. A new project by owner Carlos Osuna is the up and coming Sierra del MarÄîLos Arcos, a beachfront reflection of the same attention to detail as the original, with private villas and condominiums. The South Shore as a low-impact zone offers itself to serious consideration for prime real estate on the coast, as well as in the hills above it. Several options include the well-designed El Paredón, strict criteria for trees, plants and boulders ensuring ecological balance is maintained. The project features private villas on well-mapped lots of irregular shape, with ocean frontage and views.
On the hillside is San Xoaquin, lots marked out on the hilly terrain to maintain not only the natural ecological balance but the view factor so as to respect thy neighbor, an important consideration in this 40-lot acreage. Just behind it is an ecological reserve to guarantee your connection with the surrounding lush vegetation. Sierra de Vallarta Tennis Club & Spa offers security and privacy in the lush jungle foliage backed by river gorges, with all the amenities as well. The community center provides activities such as the tennis courts, swimming pools and spa.
Closer to town is the new Rio Amapas, with golf carts guaranteeing eco-friendly access to this hillside retreat with true indoor/outdoor design in organic materials. Nature trails take you into the natural reserve, while the swimming hole and spa are right on the river itself. High on the hill of Conchas Chinas is the security-conscious complex of Castillos de Vallarta, with a sweeping design that takes advantage of the steep hillside terrain, all six private villas facing the fantastic view of Banderas Bay.
Just off the Hotel Zone with a double-lane entrance at Avenue Rio Amazonas, the Fluvial Vallarta project includes three phases of building to grace the curving Pitillal River, with a running track planned all the way to the beaches of the bay. Old-growth trees are protected in the residential complex with gently-curved streets that offer underground wiring and installations to protect views of mountains, the river, the city and the sea.
Heading north of town, of noteworthy attention are Punta Esmeralda and Real del Mar, both by the same designers, capitalizing not only the hillside facing the bay, but designing with terraces that offer privacy and space. Also in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle is the planned project Serenity, with the highest design quotient yet seen in Banderas Bay, computer-controlled living within a natural setting promising to attract the market segment that continues to work while living in our paradise.
Before heading into Punta de Mita, we continue north to Sayulita and San Pancho, both with projects worthy of mention. Sayulita boasts the new La Colina de la Iguana, a low-density hillside development including private villas, groupings of two and three residences and the interesting addition of bungalows, all with wonderful views of the sea. San Pancho is moving along in the construction of Las Olas, private residences on the sandy seaside backdropped by the lush jungle terrain of the area. Both offer small town living with all advantages and conveniences of the modern age. Further north in the lesser known region toward San Blas is Playa Las Tortugas, a pioneer in its community design by including a living experience within a zone of endangered turtles. Prime in this project is the opportunity to be a pro-active member of the world community in protecting them.
Back to Punta de Mita, it should be mentioned at the outset that the DINE Corporation was awarded recognition by President Vicente Fox within the last year for respect of the environment in the development of the entire Punta Mita project. Consisting of a number of projects, including the established Four Seasons Punta Mita Resort, several more come on board with La Solana, a Rosewood Resort, and St. Regis Resort Punta Mita.
Additional options are the Four Seasons Private Villas, Las Palmas de Punta Mita, Las Terrazas, El Encanto and Porto Fino, the new Deepak Chopra-inspired resort complex. In any of these developments, including several outside the Punta Mita property such as Paradise Coves and Pontoquito, you can be assured that all respect the ecological balance and harmony of this magical area. Punta de Mita is frequently featured in international magazines including GQ, Conde Nast Traveler, the Robb Report, Architectural Digest and TravelAge West.
When you visit or travel throughout our pleasant bay area, consider the effect we have on the environment. As progress inevitably changes the landscape, the growing trend of respect and sensitive treatment of our surroundings is one that we expect you’ll appreciate for yourself and others. Ask your AMPI realtor for more details on environmentally-sensitive projects in Banderas Bay and beyond.
