Recently, I visited an impressive hacienda in not-too-distant La Peñita de Jaltemba, a small coastal town about 30 minutes north of San Francisco, Nayarit, in the foothills of the Sierra Vallejo range heading toward Compostela. The full city block on original swampland that once even contained an outdoor butchery was purchased about five years ago. Now, with acres of lawns and gardens, rows of Royal Cuban palms and dozens of citrus trees potted in blue and white ceramic pots, Hacienda La Peñita has come into its own. Future plans include a swimming pool and additional guest rooms, as well as a gracious expanded living room for entertaining.
La Peñita was the oldest settlement in the area, but it was sometime in the “70s that the state of Nayarit and municipality of Bahía de Banderas initiated a program to invest in the township that includes La Peñita, Guayabitos and Los Ayala. In addition to all-inclusive properties, the majority of the approximately 3,200 rooms are bungalows and small hotels. Some very good restaurants are located here, such as Vista Guayabitos, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with an amazing view over the entire “bay.”
It’s not really a bay, even though the impression is similar to Banderas Bay with the sandy, curved coastline. A coral island is located just off the coast, Isla del Coral, with a 100-meter beach and the abandoned site of a restaurant populated by birds. Beaches along this stretch of the coast are pleasant, with such a calm sea that Guayabitos has been called the “largest swimming pool in the world.” Even though Guayabitos Beach is only about three and a half kilometers long, several other beaches continue both north and south. Activities include the annual turtle release, boat trips, golf, fishing, whale-watching, snorkeling and diving.
In our home waters of Banderas Bay, activity continues as the hillside of Amapas opens up to another access road from Carr. 200 Sur. Traffic is hazardous at times when the occasional thunderstorm hits the coast, so continue to drive this route carefully. Speaking of driving, it was just announced that once again the transit authorities will be fining drivers $80 pesos for using cell phones while operating a vehicle. If you don’t have a “free-hands” adaptor, pull off the road to be safe.
Bambú, a project in Conchas Chinas represented by Ray Dion of Coldwell Banker La Costa, opened the viewing patio to promote the single-floor private residences inspired by architect Luis Barragán. One of the few lots remaining in lower Upper Conchas Chinas, Bambú offers luxurious condominiums with very easy access from both entrances to Conchas Chinas. Priced from $565,000 to $1,450,000 USD, reservations for these state-of-the-art homes are being taken at (322) 223-0055.
For my special feature on local hardworking brokers and realtors, I spoke with Robert Bertrand of Coldwell Banker at the very homey Plaza Mar complex next to Plaza Lázaro Cárdenas. Representing the clean, furnished Plaza Mar 204, Robert showed the two-bedroom, two-bath condo just above the southern end of the Malecón. The wrap-around terrace offers views of the sea while shaded by the tall palm trees. The building features a rooftop terrace with swimming pool, providing spectacular views of the city, mountains and sea. Going for $560,000 USD, see www.cblacosta.com or contact Robert Bertrand at (322) 223-0055.
Paradise Properties’ Steve Cross showed a condominium recently on the market in the Monte Lagos building on Jacarandas off Basilio Badillo. The one-bedroom, two-bath unit features a large tiled Jacuzzi-style bath in back, with a dipping pool surrounded by plants on the front balcony offering a view of the bay and Gringo Gulch hillside. Within easy walking distance to anywhere in the South Side, the apartment is offered by Steve and his associate Kelsey Magness at $179,000 USD, (322) 224-5416.
Chris and Rita Haines adopted baby Joaquin Casey Haines recently, as G3MX grows in a bounty year. Their office has moved across the street, too, now more easily accessible.
The Vallarta Yacht Club reopens its doors October 2 with another season full of activities for those not water-challenged. It’s located near Paradise Plaza, just above the water taxi landing for day-trippers to Puerto Vallarta from Nuevo with connections to South Shore points. Word is also out that more businesses will be opening in the Peninsula Plaza soon.
And then comes November. Just in case you forgot or haven’t noticed, the month is once again replete with activities. Starting out with Todos los Santos and Día de los Muertos on November 1 and 2, the month immediately hits high gear with the opening of the polo season in San Pancho and Careyes.
Before the end of the first week, the Copa Vallarta (golf) and Half Marathon (run) are followed by the Adidas Cup (golf). Then there’s the Rally to Paradise, the final leg of the Baja Ha-Ha, with the sailors’ community venturing across the blue from San Francisco. The Gourmet Festival, November 9 - 19, is in its twelfth year and better than ever. But, hey, the Sailfish and Marlin International Tournament, November 16 - 19, is in its fifty-first year and still growing. And finally, the Vallarta Film Festival, November 29 - December 3, crosses the river for its fourth season of stars in the skies.
