April 2010 newsletter

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

Riviera Partners Realty continues to be the leader in real estate sales within the Punta Mita resort community, having registered the largest number of transactions of any brokerage office over the past twelve months, representing 78% of the total sales activity. As well, we are experts in the surrounding communities, including Nahui and the North Shore (Riviera Nayarit).

Currently, RPR boasts the largest selection of listed re-sale properties within Punta Mita, resulting from our ten years of experience in the area coupled with unrivaled marketing strength in selling Punta Mita and the surrounding region. With our intimate knowledge and relationships, we are able to be an extremely important component as a buyer’s broker in helping you to make that all important decision of what property will best suit your family’s needs, and/or how best to market, promote and sell your current property. Educated buyers will always want to know how properties within Punta Mita compare to those “outside of the gates”, and no one is better able to assist in offering complete information, highlighting the benefits of the different areas based on the buyer’s personal preferences. For Punta Mita, Nahui and the North Shore, count on us as your trusted resource for objective information and market perspective.

Over the past twelve months—and in a very challenging market—Riviera Partners has closed close to $19,000,000 in property sales, representing 14 individual transactions. In 65% of these transactions, our office represented both the listing and purchasing client, underscoring our ability to successfully bring buyers and sellers together. The transactions ranged from $650,000 USD to $3,450,000, demonstrating a range of prices in the high-end market, with the average transaction just above the “sweet spot” of $1 million dollars.

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

Nahui: We are excited to announce our new office located on the beach at Nahui. It is open Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm, Saturdays 10am to 4pm, and Sundays from 11am to 4pm. Come by and visit our onsite sales team managed by Dan Johnson (DJ) offering over 20 years of sales and marketing experience in the area. www.rivierapartnersmx.com / www.nahuivillage.com / +52.329.291.7010

We have seen a continuation in the strengthening of the market through late February and throughout March with more offers being made, accepted and a high percentage of those offers on our RPR listings being agreed and accepted by the sellers. We currently have three new transactions with money in escrow and closings planned for mid- to late April. We are continuing to successfully market and promote our RPR listings to the general market, and our close relationships with the local brokerage community allows us to ensure that all of our local brokerage neighbors have all the information they need to promote and sell our listings to their clients. We are a proud member of AMPI, and of the region’s Multiple Listing Service. While we are conscious that the traditional “low season” is now only a couple of months away, our perception is that with the slight upturn in the market and the gained confidence in our local area that we will continue to see activity into the summer months followed by an increase in activity once the coming 2010/2011 season approaches.

Riviera Partners is proud to offer the largest selection of existing Four Seasons Private Villas offered for sale. These legacy homes are among the favored residences within Punta Mita, offering a coveted hillside location overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the Bay of Banderas, complemented by renowned Four Seasons service, as well as access to the Four Seasons Resort amenities. With a range of luxurious four-bedroom villas priced from $3 million, one is certain to match your lifestyle.

Distinguished by private infinity edge plunge pools, gourmet kitchens, spacious covered terraces and patio areas, and inviting four-bedroom designs, these villas radiate Four Seasons quality and detailing. A five-minute stroll or short shuttle ride from Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, Four Seasons Private Villas provides owners convenient access to the resort and all its amenities.

As a Four Seasons Private Villas owner you’re invited to enjoy hospitality considerations traditionally reserved only for guests of Four Seasons, including the attentive services of Four Seasons staff and access to acclaimed amenities.  

Prices for available Four Seasons Private Villas range from USD$3,000,000 to $4,250,000. View the available homes at: Properties for Sale.

Las Palmas Villa number 17, Ola model, has now been reduced to USD$1,075,000.00 with the intent to sell in the coming months. Las Palmas is a proven community within Punta Mita and there are many benefits to owning within this community.

This three-bedroom villa features 3,777 square feet of luxurious indoor/outdoor living areas, and it located in the heart of this community which is bordered by the fairways of the Pacifico Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course at the Punta Mita Golf Club. The single level, 3-bedroom, 3-bath design features a combination living/dining room that opens onto a partially covered expansive terrace, with outdoor dining area and private plunge pool. The primary master suite offers a separate, private terrace, as well as a walk-in closet and large bath with outdoor shower and patio. The second bedroom, also with walk-in closet and private bath, opens up to the main terrace. Just off the large central patio, which showcases a stunning water feature, is a gourmet kitchen and laundry as well as a guest bath and additional bedroom. Throughout the villa is fine stone flooring, and adjacent is an enclosed garage with space for a large luxury car, golf cart, and storage. View it now at: Las Palmas 17.

This Zen Casita is an exceptional value, offered at USD$1,850,000. It is located in the Punta Mita community of Porta Fortuna, home to the Playa Fortuna Beach Club and Sufi restaurant. Porta Fortuna is near the St. Regis Resort and Club Punta Mita Golf Clubhouse. Views look across Banderas Bay to Puerto Vallarta, and across the Punta Mita peninsula to the Marietas Islands.

The stylish, two-story Zen Casita features 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. The terrace features a private plunge pool, Viking® grill and dramatic golf and ocean views. Other notable features include the large kitchen, Zen patio with a cascading water wall, outdoor shower, marble floors, solid handmade wood doors and closets, tropical wood decks and pergolas, and double glass energy efficient pvc doors and windows with wood finish. 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. View it now at: Porta Fortuna X6.

Now available through Riviera Partners are unique ownership opportunities in the Four Seasons Residence Club Punta Mita, a small, sought-after collection of fractional, luxury vacation homes.

The ocean-view villas of Four Seasons Residence Club Punta Mita blend sophisticated Mexican style with the exceptional standards of Four Seasons. Spacious interiors feature rich wood detailing and stone flooring in intricate mosaic and pebble patterns, while the expansive private terrace features an infinity-edge plunge pool. Each villa is fully furnished and luxuriously appointed in the most sophisticated Mexican style. Floor plans highlight outdoor living and ocean views. Riviera Partners currently has available ownership options in two-bedroom, three-bedroom, and four-bedroom Penthouse villas.

An attractive method of vacation home ownership, fractional ownership has become increasingly popular in the luxury market. Ideal for busy professionals and families looking to maximize their vacation time, fractional ownership is attracting individuals who want to own exclusive properties of the highest quality and service, while paying only for the time they plan to use. As an owner, you can transfer or sell your interest as you would with real estate ownership. Only 12 interests are sold in each villa, meaning each owner at Four Seasons Residence Club Punta Mita has greater flexibility and options when requesting their vacation dates each year. Owners also enjoy exchange privileges, providing access to other Four Seasons Residence Club locations.. View these available units now at: Properties for Sale.

This single-story 3-bedroom, 4-bathroom condominium residence offers 4,374 square feet of indoor and outdoor living space, together with spectacular golf and partial ocean views, within the El Encanto community. Occupying a coveted setting overlooking the Bay of Banderas and offering a unique view of three fairways from both Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf courses, El Encanto is an extraordinary residential enclave of waterfront and golf view residences. This particular condominium residence is a preferred ground level location, offering direct golf course views. Notable details include top grade red cedar hardwood paneled doors, a heated infinity-edge soaking pool on the large terrace, fine marble flooring with “pebble carpet” design in selected areas, and terraces off of every bedroom. The Master Suite features an ample sitting area, walk-in closet, burnt red travertine marble countertops, his & her sinks, and a soaking tub. You’re bound to gather on the large, partially covered terrace that joins the spacious living/dining and kitchen areas with the pool area. The residence is designed to encourage outdoor living. El Encanto Flat #301 is priced at $1,250,000. View it now at: El Encanto Flat 301.

Riviera Partners is pleased to announce availability for rental stays in the exquisite Casa El Destino, an estate residence located in the La Punta enclave within the gated Punta Mita resort. Views from the home encompass Banderas Bay, the Marietas Islands, and the skyline of Puerto Vallarta in the distance. The residence offers seven exquisitely designed bedroom suites, each individually designed and with a spacious bathroom, ample closets and private garden terraces. Generous living areas include the Grand Palapa with casual seating and dining areas fronting a sensuously curved ocean front infinity swimming pool. The cozy indoor living/media room with adjoining wt bar invites get-togethers with friends, as does the ample formal dining room, with its inspired Mexican decor. For more informal dining, gather around a granite-covered island in the midst of the Talavera-tiled colonial kitchen. The gourmet kitchen is equipped with all top-end, commercial-grade appliances and separated cooled pantry. Notable details of the home include hand-carved antique Mexican wooden doors, air-conditioning throughout, and a 4-car enclosed garage. This exquisite estate residence was completed in 2008, and includes access to the private Club Punta Mita, with its two Jack Nicklaus Signature golf courses, 8-count Tennis Club (managed by Four Seasons Resorts), and the private Residents` Beach Club.

Rental rates start at $6,000 USD per night (plus 16% tax) for stays through November 2010. For additional details, or to reserve, please visit: Casa El Destino.

This lovely, 4-bedroom villa enjoys a prime location looking down the 7th fairway of the Pacifico golf course to the Bay of Banderas in the intimate enclave of homes, La Serenata. The residence features an expansive outdoor terrace with large heated swimming pool, Jacuzzi and outdoor grill, adjacent to its exterior dining area. Inside, the Great Room combines living and dining areas that open up to the outdoor living space. Upstairs, an oversized Master Suite features a sitting area, Jacuzzi tub in the Master Bath, and ocean views. The additional Guest Rooms also feature ocean views. Summer Special – Book 5 nights at $1,000 per night, and receive the 6th night free (rate is + 16% IVA). View it now at: La Serenata 1.

Four Seasons Launches Punta Mita Wine Society-Exclusive to Punta Mita Owners!

The Land of Tequila and Beer is making room for another quality libation: fine Mexican wines. The new Four Seasons exclusive Wine Society is a new way for Punta Mita owners to access the fruit of Mexico’s vines, which were first planted by Spanish explorers hundreds of years ago. Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita is proud to share their vast knowledge and open their cellars with a diverse collection of Mexican wines, which are now available for the first time to the peninsula’s residents.

No longer is there a need to tr ansport your wines from your home cities or search the bay endlessly for fine native vintages. As part of the Punta Mita Society, Four Seasons will bring the best labels right to your door.

Membership in the Wine Society takes the guesswork out of identifying the best Mexican wines with the additional access to Four Seasons Sommelier Raymundo Vazquez and other well-informed industry experts. Let Four Seasons do the work from sourcing, delivering and hosting social events and tastings that bring wine enthusiasts face to face with vintners, sommeliers and chefs.

As Mexico experiences a revival in viticulture, come join the club! As a member of the Punta Mita Wine Society, you will enjoy time and exchange tips with like-minded connoisseurs while you stock your cellars with the country’s best bottles.

Every three months, Four Seasons and a panel of regional experts will choose wines to be featured for the quarter. The wines will represent boutique selections that are not normally available to the public.

Throughout the year, wine dinners with vintners will be offered allowing members to meet and greet in a fun setting. In addition to learning about the great selections of Mexico, you will be supporting the cultivation of this burgeoning new domestic wine trade, which promises the sustainability of winemaking across the country. 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.

For additional details, or to become a member, contact Miguel Carvahlo, Four Seasons Director of Food & Beverage at miguel.carvahlo@fourseasons.com

Four Seasons Welcomes New General Manager Michele Grosso

A 20-year industry veteran, Mr. Grosso joins the Four Seasons Punta Mita Resort from The Ritz-Carlton Chicago (a Four Seasons Hotel), where he held the position of General Manager. Prior to Chicago, he was based in Europe as Hotel Manager for Four Seasons Hotel Prague. Mr. Grosso first joined Four Seasons 17 years ago, and has since been part of Four Seasons hotels in London, Milan, Singapore, Toronto, and Aviara.

“Michele brings a depth and breadth of global hospitality expertise to his role as General Manager at Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita,” said Christian Clerc, Regional Vice President and General Manager, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts. “He is a citizen of the world, a connoisseur of fine food, and a seasoned hotelier who will help take the company’s Punta Mita Resort into its second decade of product innovation and superior guest service.”

Former General Manager Alper Oztok Takes the Helm at Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis as General Manager.

Four Seasons Alights on Twitter

For fresh Resort news and happenings, Cultural Center art exhibitions and trivia, special events, fun facts and more, you are invited to follow Four Seasons Punta Mita on Twitter: http://twitter.com/FSPuntaMita

Quotable tweet:  "The only reason I would leave this place is so I can come back as a guest." Nancy Chacon, Director of Rooms.

For additional information on Four Seasons Punta Mita, or to book a stay at the Resort, visit fourseasons.com/puntamita, or call the resort directly at: 1 (866) 280-9490, or (+52) 329/291-6000

Punta Mita Foundation Update: For 2010, the PMF is committed to continuing with those programs that were initiated last year (2009) as well as the foundation’s support for selected local non-profit organizations. The PMF is also planning to expand efforts by developing the projects that the community has identified as a priority for them. These include a Boat Access ramp for fishermen and tour operators, to be better able to react under any emergency situation, school dining areas to provide children with a clean and safe area where they can have their meals, ocean cleaning, highway trash pick ups, and special support to the kindergarten at El Corral where only one teacher is available to workl with 35 children between the ages of 4-6.

For more detailed information on the aforementioned and a complete explanation of all of the PMF’s activites visit the official PMF web site at: puntademitafoundation.org .

Punta Mita Surf Club: We are meeting every Friday at 5:00pm at Plaza Ollin (Boca Deli) for our Punta Mita Surf Club. We then head over to the Residents’ Beach Club in Punta Mita to meet a panga that departs at 5:15pm (weather and waves permitting), and head out together to the best break for that day (there is no cost for the panga/surf adventure except to cooperate with a tip for our captain). Should the waves be too large at the Punta Mita 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 us directly: Office: 329.291.5442 / Cell: 322.105.0243 / Jonathon@rivierapartnersmx.com or wally@rivierapartnersmx.com.

Punta Mita 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 and crewing on a boat please let me know and I will send you this year’s Regatta schedule. For more information contact me directly: 329.291.5442 / 322.105.0243 / Jonathon@rivierapartnersmx.com.

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

Fishing: The month started great for tuna fishing with some catches up to 150lbs plus which are not usual during this time of the year about 40 miles out to sea from Punta Mita. The humpback whales were performing amazing shows during their last few weeks in the bay before starting the migration up north. The highlight of the month was spearfishing again, with several wahoos caught up to 60 lbs. We had an incredible catch of a 550lbs blue marlin after 3 hours of chasing and fighting the fish in the water, it did several runs directly at us, marlins are very aggressive fish mostly after you spear them, but the fish offer a once in a life time experience for our clients and our crew as well. For more information on whale watching, scuba, fishing and other tours contact Nicolas & Sebastian Melani at 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 selection of Real Estate opportunities within Punta Mita, Nahui and the North Shore (Riviera Nayarit); RPR has the largest selection of currently listed re-sale properties within Punta Mita. With our intimate knowledge and relationships we are able to be an extremely important component as a buyer’s broker, our knowledge and experience within Punta Mita is unmatched. For Punta Mita, Nahui and the North Shore; 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 – Offering an exceptional selection of designer clothing for men and women; there is a wide selection of items being offered at this time (April/May) with a 30% discount (while stock lasts). 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). Offering a complete selection of linens, towels, and much more for the home - linen.club@hotmail.com / 329.291.5496 / 322.221.0814
	Boca Deli – The Village meeting place; our Boca Deli here at Plaza Ollin is now serving full breakfast and lunch menu’s and also offers box lunches for those days at the beach or on tours! bocadeli@prodigy.net.mx / 329.291.5012