February 2010 newsletter

Welcome to our February/March edition of the Riviera Partners Realty (RPR) monthly newsletter. It is our intention through our newsletter to bring you, our fellow North Shore & Punta Mita residents, friends, families and visitors up to date with the latest market information, trends, social events, clubs and activities in our region.

Many U.S. and Canadian cities are experiencing the coldest winters in many years and here we are enjoying our warm winter climate, warm Pacific ocean, beautiful sunsets, and for those that venture into the ocean, the enriching experience of whale watching within the Bay of Banderas.

Puerto Vallarta International Airport has recently gone through an impressive expansion (both commercial and the FBO, Aerotron). As a result, it is receiving an increased number of direct and non-stop flights from many major U.S. and Canadian cities, therefore making our Paradise more accessible for a

Our offices are open in the Plaza Ollin 9:00 am to 6:00pm Monday to Friday, & Saturday 10:00 am to 2:00 pm – call us at: +52-329-291-5442 / US&CAN: 1-323-521-3353 / 1-760-298-4413 – RPR web site: www.rivierapartnersmx.com

2010 has begun with an increased feeling here on the ground of optimism, with local indicators suggesting that—while we may not be out of the woods yet with regards to the global economy—we are seeing more people again who have an active interest in understanding what real estate opportunities are available. We have had a marked increase in the number of offers being presented and transactions closing. Our RPR office is scheduled to close four (4) transactions during the month of February (two have already closed as we go to print) and we have several other offers that are either being negotiated and/or accepted. We are seeing several sellers being more aggressive, and as such meeting the dominant buyers market with some great opportunities. While we are in no way suggesting that we are totally over the challenges that the past 12 to 18 months have presented, we are confident that what we are experiencing is the start of better times to come, or at least a positive beginning to 2010.

This is a unique unit within Punta Mita/Hacienda de Mita condominium community, as it fuses together two condos to create an exceptional ocean-view, 6-BR, double-level living space in one of Punta Mita’s most popular residential and rental communities. Notable details of this property include a custom-created grand stairway connecting the two floors, commissioned paintings, a back-lit onyx bar in the upper level, fitness center, a UV water treatment system, professionally designed interior, and a plunge pool. We consider it to be an excellent investment as a private residence or for rental income, s it commands premium rent for its ability to accommodate up to 16 rental occupants. Priced at $2,750,000. View it now at: HdM 702/704.

This property is priced to sell at USD$995,000.00, and the seller is willing to seriously consider any real cash offers. The beautifully designed single-story ground floor condo features approximately 3,927 square feet of indoor and outdoor living space. The large Master suite has a walk-in closet and Jacuzzi tub, plus there are an additional two bedrooms, flex room, and 4.5 bathrooms. The expansive kitchen/dining/living-area extends onto the terrace and offers magnificent views of the garden and Jack Nicklaus Golf Course. View it now at: HdM 605.

This beach/ocean front home site offers expansive views across Banderas Bay and beyond. This property is of a substantial size and therefore will allow for a family home with ample additional areas for landscaped gardens etc. This is the ideal property to build your dream home on the ocean front in the Bay of Banderas. Priced at $1,540,000. View it now at: Las Palmas 22.

This beach/ocean front home site offers expansive views across Banderas Bay and beyond. This property is of a substantial size and therefore will allow for a family home with ample additional areas for landscaped gardens etc. This is the ideal property to build your dream home on the ocean front in the Bay of Banderas. Priced at $1,540,000. View it now at: Pontoquito Home Site 6.

This Autumn model Four Seasons Private Villa offers year round sunset views from its hillside location, and is considered to be the most coveted community address within Punta Mita. It features four full bedrooms, and almost 7,900 SF of indoor-outdoor living space. In addition to the home’s superior craftsmanship, a highlight of ownership is access to the full array of amenities and services of the neighboring Four Seasons Resort. Priced at $3,395,000. View it now at: FSPV 24.

Riviera Partners is pleased to announce availability for rental stays in a selection of Zen Casitas in the Punta Mita community of Porta Fortuna. home to the Playa Fortuna Beach Club and Sufi restaurant. Porta Fortuna is located near the St. Regis Resort and Club Punta Mita Golf Clubhouse. Views from the Porta Fortuna homes look across Banderas Bay to Puerto Vallarta, and across the Punta Mita peninsula to the Marietas Islands.

The stylish, two-story Zen Casitas feature over 3,800 square feet of indoor and outdoor living space including three bedrooms, 3 ½ baths, and spacious dining and living rooms that open onto a large terrace. Terraces feature a private plunge pool, grill and dramatic golf and ocean views. Other notable features of these homes are the large kitchens and Zen patio with a cascading water wall.

The Master Suite and second bedroom (generally accepted as a second Master Bedroom) are located on the upper level, both with direct access to an open sun- or stargazing terrace with a private, handmade Jacuzzi, while a third bedroom is located on the main level.

The unique architecture, comfortable design and chic furnishings of these townhomes make them ideal for those wanting to explore Punta Mita’s real estate opportunities, or for taking a break from the routine to spend some time in Paradise! Rental rates range from $800-900 USD per night for summer season, or $1,000-$1,100 USD per night during winter season. For additional details, or to reserve, please visit our Rental Section.

Celebrate the illuminated night sky of Punta Mita with a special Full Moon Dinner at the St. Regis Sea Breeze restaurant on March 30th. This monthly event is growing in popularity, and is a spectacular way to enjoy the beauty of the full moon, while dining on a sumptuous menu, prepared for the occasion by the St. Regis. Live music sets the mood. Price is $650 MN plus 10% service charge.

Also at the St. Regis, their Remède Spa is featuring a March special—the Remède Escape. Relax in the sumptuous spa setting and revitalize body and mind with an Aroma Polish Ritual, Remède Customized Massage and Remède Customized Facial. The complete package is priced at $438 USD.

For additional information on these specials, contact the St. Regis Concierge at (+52) 329/291-5845, or email angelina.garcia@stregis.com.

To book your stay at The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort, contact the resort at toll-free US: 877/250-8871, or (+52) 329/291-5858, or visit stregis.com/puntamita. .

Starting on February 27th through March 15th the Riviera Nayarit Marina La Cruz is hosting the largest International Sailing event in Mexican Nautical history. The first week of the Regattas is for the Ocean Class & Kite Surfing Fleets and also the Optimist fleet for the Juniors. The second week is for the J24 & Windsurfing Fleets. 28 Countries are expected to participate with in excess of 2,400 competitors/sailors entering this historic nautical event here in the Riviera Nayarit. March 11th to 15th is the Latin America Boat Show in the Marina La Cruz. There will be some world class sailing taking place with fun events throughout the calendar. For additional information and the complete schedule, visit: mexorc.com .

The Punta de Mita Foundation has announced the start of their Highway Trash Pick-up Program, effective Monday, February 15th. Following the initial week of effort, the results were impressive and immediate. The highway running from La Cruz to Punta Mita/Litibu is looking as it should—bordered simply by nature and without the distraction and disruption of discarded waste. The Foundation says it is still in the process of learning and measuring the impact, but will be preparing a detailed report at the conclusion of the first month of the program.

This program is now a budgeted, contracted, daily effort, which the Foundation is coordinating. The Punta de Mita Foundation depends solely on contributions, and this is one project of theirs that registers an immediate aesthetic and ecological benefit. Congratulations to Foundation Executive Director Paloma Auerbach and her team – as well as to the valued benefactors – who are making this effort possible. For additional information, or to make a donation to the Foundation, please contact Paloma at (cell) 322.169.6414, or paloma@puntademitafoundation.org.

Surf Club: We are meeting every Friday at 4:30pm at Plaza Ollin (Boca Deli) for our Punta Mita Surf Club. We will then head over to the Residents’ Beach Club in Punta Mita to meet a panga that will depart at 5pm (weather and waves permitting), and head out together to the best break that day. We share the small expense of a tip for our captain). Should the waves be too large at the Beach Club we will meet the panga in the village to facilitate our departure and arrival. Come join us one of these Fridays, no matter if you are a beginner (we do not currently have an instructor), intermediate, or advanced surfer. Our idea is to share in another spectacular sunset surf session and meet more people in our community that share the same passion for catching a few waves! For more information contact me directly: Office: 329.291.5442 / Cell: 322.105.0243 / Jonathon@rivierapartnersmx.com.

Sailing Club: The sailing season is upon us, so let me know should you have any interest in joining us for a sail from time to time. For those that would like to try their hand at entering a regatta or two and crewing on a boat please ask me for this year’s Regatta schedule. For more information contact me directly: 329.291.5442 / 322.105.0243 / Jonathon@rivierapartnersmx.com.

Tennis: Monday evenings at 4:30pm, Punta Mita residents and friends can enjoy an hour of fun play and tips from our resident pro Alex

Tuesday evening from 7:00 to 9:00pm offers another opportunity to enjoy fun games of singles and doubles with fellow tennis players. These evenings are great fun and offer another opportunity to meet and get to know other tennis players in our local community

Fishing and Spearfishing: So far the highlight of the 2010 winter season has been the spectacular tuna fishing taking place about 35 miles offshore the Punta de Mita area, between El Banco and the first of the Marias Islands. For the past month, this area became a major feeding ground for yellow-fin tunas up to 100 lbs in size, as well as mahi–mahi. What has caused this is an abundance of schools of tiny sardines moving very slowly through the area--sardines being one of the tuna’s favorite foods. We’ve experienced some amazing days recently with up to 8 tunas on board, all in the 80-100lbs range.

We are now closing in on the final weeks of the peak whale-watching season, with many Humpback whales in the area. The calves are getting stronger and so are getting ready to migrate north. There is still time to see amazing action with these magnificent whales – jumping, slapping their tails and breaching the ocean as they land on the surface of the water, sending spumes of water meters into the air at times

For more information on whale watching, scuba, fishing and other tours please contact Nicolas & Sebastian Melani – Punta Mita Expeditions – www.puntamitaexpeditions.com / nicolas@puntamitaexpeditions.com / Sebastian@puntamitaexpeditions.com; 329-291-6649.

Plaza Ollin is located on Ave. de las Redes approximately just 100 meters from the second entrance (Village entrance) into the Punta Mita community, on the main street accessing the beach front restaurants and beach areas.

	Plaza Ollin – Punta de Mita’s premier shopping plaza, offering high-end boutique stores and deli. www.plazaollin.com / 329.291.5442 / US & Can: 1.760.298.4413 / (+52.329).291.5442
	Riviera Partners Realty – Offering the most complete knowledge, experience and unparalleled professionalism in Punta Mita and the Northern Bay of Banderas. Real Estate and High end luxury rentals. www.rivierapartnersmx.com / info@rivierapartnersmx.com 329.291.5442 / 329.291.5402 / US & CAN 323.521.3353 / 760.298.4413
	Mar de Sueños – by appointment 322-135-6053 info@mardesuenos.com / www.mardesuenos.net / 329.291.5457
	The Linen Club – Also located in Galerias Vallarta (the new mall as you enter Puerto Vallarta) linen.club@hotmail.com / 329.291.5496 / 322.221.0814
	Boca Deli – Now serving an expanded menu for breakfast and lunch, and box lunches for those days at the beach or on tours! bocadeli@prodigy.net.mx / 329.291.5012