Month: July 2020

Yelapa: the Perfect Tropical Escape!

Yelapa is a beautiful little fishing village situated on the very southern end of the Bay of Banderas. Visiting this tiny seaside town is like stepping back into simpler times. If you’re up for the adventure of getting to a remote village, you will love the experience of visiting Yelapa.

How to get there…

Yelapa is not accessible by car, although there are small roads in the town that ATVs use. The vast majority of residents and visitors come in and out of the village by boat. You can also arrive mountain biking via El Tuito. The most common way to get there is by taking a bus/car to Boca de Tomatlan (25 minutes south of PV), then jumping into a taxi boat for another 35 minutes. It is definitely part of the adventure!

yelapa panga boat

What to do in Yelapa…

Relax is the number one “thing to do” on most people’s list when visiting this sleepy, tropical oasis. There isn’t a lot to do here. Lounge by the beach, meander through the colorful town, walk to the waterfall! If you are staying in Yelapa for a longer period of time, then you may want to explore neighboring communities like Chimo and Pizota for a taste of even smaller town life. Fishing is a fantastic way to spend a day as well. And for those adrenaline junkies out there, there is hang gliding and parasailing as well! But most people are happy to laze the day away at a beachfront restaurant and taking in some Vitamin Sea.

yelapa waterfall

Have you ever been to Yelapa? What do you enjoy most about this magical place? I would love to hear from you in the comments below! -Christina

Looking for you own tropical vacation or retirement home? Please visit my website www.vallartaluxurylifestyles.com to begin your journey.

 

Casa Brisa Marina: La Cruz de Huanacaxtle

 

Casa Brisa Marina is a luxurious custom-built home in a beachfront gated community with amazing amenities that will make you fall in love! This gorgeous house is nestled in the exclusive B Nayar development which is one of the newest developments on the North Shore and has some of the best quality infrastructure and wide streets.

casa brisa marina

This is a custom-built home that enjoys a great open floor plan. Marble floors, exotic Parota and oak hardwoods all over the house and façade, granite counters, custom windows, and doors are just some of the features of this unique and elegant home. The lovely open dining and living rooms open directly to the landscaped terrace, the spacious, open kitchen includes granite counters with an island that integrates oven and gas cooktop.

casa brisa marina

The spectacular outdoor roof-top terrace features modern iron beams covered dining and has lovely ocean and mountain views an ”infinity-edge” pool and sundeck.

There are spacious guest bedrooms with a terrace. There is a den that can be used as a T.V. area.

Technical features:

Water heater can heat 90 gallons for simultaneous use. The pumping system with frequency inverter and 10,000-liter tank. Silent submersible pump. 423 ft3 private pool with LED lighting in different colors, jet and filter pumps can be managed by the use of an app, also turn the heater on and off, there are manual controls as well. CCTV Camera (5 cameras in total). Intercom features video, voice, and talk to your guests at the front door, and buzz them in using your smartphone! A camera with a motion sensor will show on your phone when someone rings the bell as well. On-wall speakers through the house, living and dining rooms, kitchen, rooftop, and main bedroom and bathroom. Electronic Keyless door lock in main access door, allow access to your guest from your smartphone, change and create new access codes. by GOOGLE, NEST, and YALE. Aluminum windows with 9mm tempered glass. Smooth polished wall finish. LED lighting through the entire house installed and designed. 5 a/c units (mini splits) are included.

What do you think of Casa Brisa Marina? I would love to hear from you in the comments below! -Christina

Looking to start your homeowner journey in Mexico? Check out my website www.vallartaluxurylifestyles.com for more beautiful homes across the Bay.

Moncao PH hits the Market!

Moncao PH is the Swanson-Larson Team’s newest listing. This beautiful 2 bedroom, 2 bath condominium is notable for its incredible mountain views. Open up the sliding glass doors on either side of the living area, and you get one of the best cross breezes I have ever felt! The space is large and open, perfect for entertaining or relaxing.

Moncao Penthouse is located at Moncao 108 in the up-and-coming neighborhood of Residencial Lisboa. Located just 10 minutes northeast of Puerto Vallarta’s Hotel Zone, this is the perfect neighborhood for people looking to be out of the hustle and bustle of downtown, yet still close to all the highilghts of PV. The neighborhood is a quiet mix of small condo buildings and custom homes. The streets are nice and wide with plenty of parking. There are parks, and green areas as well. There is even a Malibu Cafe (one of my favorites!) opening up at the entrance to the neighborhood.

Moncao PH is a brand new condo in a boutique 3 unit building. Never been lived in and with brand new professionally styled furniture, this is a fantastic deal.

Moncao 108 Puerto Vallarta

What do you think about Moncao PH? I would love to hear from you in the comments below! -Christina

Looking for a retirement or vacation home in beautiful Puerto Vallarta? Check out my website www.vallartaluxurylifestyles.com to start your journey!

Serena Condominiums Los Muertos Beach

As downtown Puerto Vallarta continues to evolve into a cultural and entertainment hotspot, we see more and more interest in living in this unique area. Living in Old Town is an especially popular choice as the beach and jungle are the backdrop to incredible dining, theater, art galleries, neighborhood markets, and so much more. Yes, there is development happening, but the streets are still charming with local vendors who know your name and always offer a smile.

The newest condominium project in iconic Old Town PV will be called Serena. This building will be located on the southern end of popular Los Muertos Beach. Unique because of its oceanfront location, Serena will bring elegance to the beach.

The development is just starting to break ground. Delivery is scheduled to be in early 2023. Pre construction projects are a fantastic way to finance a home that will be brand new and gain value. Pre-construction prices often come with a 25% discount and flexible payment plans that allow buyers to tailor a schedule that fits their timeline.

Have you heard of Serena condos in Puerto Vallarta? Would you want to live on Los Muertos Beach? I would love to hear from you in the comments below! -Christina

Looking for your dream home in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico? Check out my website www.vallartaluxurylifestyles.com to start your journey!

 

Single Story For Sale in La Floresta, Puerto Vallarta

Photo Link
Gorgeous Mountain Views

•  1422.56 sqft , 2 bath , 2 bdrm single story – FOR SALE  USD144,000 . Brand New Home and Furnishings!

in La Floresta, Puerto Vallarta

Settled in the quiet neighborhood of Residencial Lisboa, Moncao PH is a bright and contemporary condo, just 10 minutes north of PV’s Hotel Zone. The neighborhood is a mix of small condos and houses offering a residential tranquility that is sure to be enjoyed. This third level penthouse enjoys floor to ceiling windows and a spectacular open-floorplan. Views of the Sierra Madre mountains and colorful neighborhood can be enjoyed from the ample private terrace, perfect for entertaining. It offers an incredibly spacious living area in and is complete with walk-in and built-in closets in both bedrooms. Modern granite countertops in the kitchen and bathroom give this home a chic and stylish feel. Off-street parking and gated entry system in a small, secure gated complex. Brand new unit and new furnishings! Sold as pictured.

Property information

HGTV MEXICO LIFE- My episode!

I am so excited to announce that I will be featured on this week’s episode of the HGTV Mexico Life series!! The episode is called “Finding Peace in Puerto Vallarta” (great title!) and it will air this Sunday, July 19th at 6:30 pm PST or 8:30 PM PV time. There wil be a replay Monday, July 20th at 10:30 am PST.

I filmed this episode nearly a year ago, so it is very exciting to finally see it ready to air! I don’t want to give anything away, but I had such a great time with some super fun and lovely clients. The houses we viewed were all incredible, but I truly love the one that they ended up choosing! Tune in this weekend to HGTV Mexico Life to get a taste of PV in case you are missing your happy place.

Are you a fan of the HGTV Mexico Life series? If so, tune in this Sunday at 6:30 pm PST to see my episode in gorgeous Puerto Vallarta! -Christina

Ready to live the Mexico Life yourself? Visit my website www.vallartaluxurylifestyles.com to start your journey.

Covid-19 Update July 2020

It has now been a bit more than four months since Puerto Vallarta has begun its active fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. I think we are all due for another update. The state government of Jalisco has issued new warnings as well as put in place a very specific response plan if our cases continue to grow.  The “emergency button” plan will be activated if two statistics hit a certain number.

  1. Hospital Bed Saturation– Currently, Jalisco hospitals are at 26% saturation. If the number climbs to 50%, this will give state government a major red flag to initiate a lockdown.
  2. Weekly Case Numbers- If new weekly cases reach 400 people per million of the population AND hospital occupance reaches 50%, then the “emergency button” will be hit. Last week, we saw an increase of  219 cases per million.

In the case that the state enters this new lockdown phase, we will se sweeping closings of both non-essential and previously essential business for 14 days.

Please stay safe everyone!!

I hope you found this update helpful. How are you faring during this new stage of the Covid-19 pandemic? I would love to hear from you in the comments below! -Christina

Our real estate market has stayed incredible active throughout these months. Are you looking for your dream home in Puerto Vallarta? Check out my website www.vallartaluxurylifestyles.com to start your journey.

Sea Lion in San Pancho

This past week, a sea lion made its way to the shores of San Pancho, Nayarit. San Pancho is a popular beach 1.5 hours north of downtown PV. Pictures of the animal went viral and inspired smiles across the faces of residents and tourists.

But if you dig a little deeper, you will find that it is quite a rare and historic event to see a sea lion in these parts.

Sea lions typically live in sub-arctic zones where the water is colder. However, it is possible to see them in tropical waters as well. The only ocean they do not reside in is the Atlantic. Sea lions live in the “Sunlight Zone” meaning they need clear water to be able to see the fish they hunt.

sea lion habitat worldwide
©2013 Ann F Brundige-Pacific-Centric world map with land in pale yellow, blue water, sea lions range marked in green, and photo of sea lion baby superimposed on left atop Indonesia

 

San Pancho locals report this week’s sighting as a historic event since it is the first time a sea lion has ever been seen on its shores. This specific sea lion is a female and is guessed to be quite old as evidenced by the scars on her body. Local biologists came and taped off the area around her so that she will not be bothered by beachgoers.

Living in Puerto Vallarta, we are lucky to be up close and personal with amazing wildlife. Living here teaches all of us the importance of respecting nature and gives us the opportunity to learn more about our co-habitants here on Earth!

Have you ever seen a wild sea lion? I would love to hear from you in the comments below! -Christina

Looking to own your dream home in beautiful Mexico? Stop by my website www.vallartaluxurylifestyles.com to start your journey!

 

Palo Maria Waterfall

After having lived in Puerto Vallarta for more than a decade, you still find yourself discovering new, ,amazing places. This was the case for me last Sunday when I finally got to check out the incredible Palo Maria river south of PV. This is a truly beautiful place with gigantic, ancient trees that provide a shady hiking experience throughout the day. There are waterfalls and beautiful small pools all along the way. Reason number 4,593 that I love living in this beautiful city!

How to get there

From Puerto Vallarta’s Romantic Zone, head south on Highway 200. You will drive past Amapas, Conchas Chinas, and Playa Punta Negra. Soon you will approach the Garza Blanca hotel zone. Park under the big trees on the side of the road. There is a little bridge which the river passes under. This is where you will begin your hike!

What to expect

This hike starts off mellow, but can be considered advanced/expert depending on how far you climb up river. The vast majority of visitors to Palo Maria finish their hike at the first waterfall. This section is flat, but does require scrambling over rocks as you walk through the river bed. You will also cross the river various times. Depending on the time of year, you will or won’t get your shoes wet. I went this last Sunday on July 5th and was able to reach the waterfall without getting my sneakers wet, meaning the river was not big at all!

Swimming and Waterfalls

There are great little pools right from the start of this hike. If you only wanted to walk a few minutes, you could pick one of the first pools to hang out at, and be very happy! However, for the more adventurous types, there is a series of waterfalls to be explored. The first waterfall is deep and great for cliff jumping. Many visitors are surprised to see black hoses hanging from the falls. These hoses are piping water to homes down river. To continue to the next waterfall, you must scale a very steep rock face. There are cables to hold on to, but it is definitely not for the faint of heart. Proceed with caution , this is definitely advanced/expert territory after the first waterfall. Also, please be warned that mornings are typically safer times to enjoy the rivers in Puerto Vallarta, especially in the Summer. Afternoon rainstorms can create flash floods. Be safe and have fun!!!

Have you ever been to Palo Maria? I would love to hear from you in the comments below! -Christina

Looking for your dream home in beautiful Puerto Vallarta? Visit my website www.vallartaluxurylifestyles.com to start your journey.