Featured image: ©istockphoto.com / Chinnapong
It’s time to discover these 10 extraordinarily refined places, each with distinctly different waterfront experiences.
THIS ARTICLE ORIGINALLY APPEARED IN THE UH Summer ’21 ISSUE OF UNIQUE HOMES. TO SEE THE DIGITAL VERSION OF THIS STORY, CLICK HERE.
Surrounded by indigenous wildlife and serene waterfalls, a picturesque lagoon weaves throughout a 620-acre property connect four ultra-luxury resorts at Mayakoba.
All photos courtesy of Mayakoba
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Surrounded by indigenous wildlife and serene waterfalls, a picturesque lagoon weaves throughout a 620-acre property connecting four ultra-luxury resorts at Mayakoba — Andaz, Rosewood, Banyan Tree, and Fairmont. A luxurious boat ride uncovers four world-class spas, more than 25 restaurants, and four beach clubs and pools along the Riviera Maya coastline.
Upon entering Mayakoba, I learned that the land is home to more than 260 animal species — including monkeys, iguanas, and tropical fish. Biologists visit the site to ensure that a home for its native animals and plants is not only preserved but enhanced, as the number of species on the land continues to grow and all four resorts have received Rainforest Alliance Certification.
Rosewood Residences
Fairmont Residences
When I was not looking out at the lush lagoon from my private plunge pool at the Rosewood hotel, I was walking or biking to the beach through the man-grove forest on Mayakoba’s 2.5 miles of nature trails. Once at the beach, the crystal waters were perfect for jet skiing, snorkeling, and riding SEABOBs.
“Mayakoba offers experiences for all your senses, and there is a sense of discovery at every turn,” says Kappner Clark, chief marketing officer of RLH Properties, which acquired the property in 2017. “I’ve been to Mayakoba around 20 times this year and there is so much left to explore.”
While all four resorts exude distinct personalities, each private oasis blends seamlessly into nature. The 2- to 4-bedroom villas at Rosewood offer unparalleled luxury. With lagoon or beachfront floor plans available, prices begin at $3.3 million. The residences and penthouses at Fairmont boast lagoon and golf course views. Full-ownership prices begin at $1.5 million, with one-twelfth fractions beginning at $219,000.
El Camaleon
“Our homeowners choose to buy for the ease of owning a turnkey branded Rosewood or Fairmont residence where the hotel manages your property while you’re away. All you have to do is arrive,” says Clark, who notes that homeowners may use the property’s rental program.
A trip to Mayakoba would not have been complete without a visit to El Camaleon, the 18-hole PGA Tour championship golf course that boasts views of the tropical jungle, freshwater canals, and beautiful oceanfront.
And when I wanted a break from relaxing, El Pueblito was perfect. Resembling a Mexican town square with vibrant Mexican colors and traditional architecture, the lively square connects the four resorts, offering boutique shopping, restaurants, and a night bar, as well as a Mission-style chapel.
This editorial originally appeared in Unique Homes Winter 2020.
Courtesy of Explorer Chick.
Women are influencing all facets of the travel industry as they acquire more spending power.
Not only are women earning and spending more in 2019, but they’re traveling differently — from the activities pursued, to the destinations visited, to the companions chosen. And they’re making an impact. Women currently make 70 percent of all travel decisions, according to Bridget Brennan’s “Why She Buys.”
“It’s a really interesting time for women globally — more and more women are getting an education, having careers, managing their own finances and disposable income. As a result, these women are beginning to seek travel experiences that are purely for themselves,” says Lauren Bates, founder
of Wild Terrains — a women-only group travel company that supports female-owned businesses.
Although it’s not the case for all women, more female travelers are breaking away from “stereotypical” female-catered trips. Instead of yoga retreats, spa weekends and relaxing getaways, women are pursuing high-intensity travel experiences, driving the rise of Adventure Travel — travel that typically involves physically challenging outdoor activities.
Seventy-five percent of travelers pursuing nature, adventure, or cultural trips are women between the ages of 20 and 70, according to the Travel Industry Association of America.
“Women have always been a force in the travel industry, but social media has really brought that to light,” says Nicki Bruckmann, founder of Explorer Chick, an adventure travel company for women. “It’s moving from a dream to a reality for many women. Women who may have daydreamed about world travel are seeing that yes, they too can travel the world and have incredible experiences.”
Whether it’s supporting women who want to explore the Grand Canyon, cruise along the Nile River or float in the Dead Sea, the travel industry is shifting as it begins to focus on women, and their increasing desire for exploration. A growing number of female-catered travel companies are popping up, curating female-focused group travel experiences.
“A generation ago, women-only travel was an oddity,” says Debra Asberry of Women Traveling Together, a female-
catered travel tour company. “That is no longer true, but it is not widely known that women-only travel exists. Only when a woman starts searching for a travel solution for herself does she discover the myriad of choices out there.”
The growing desire for female-catered travel is closely tied to the type of trips women are pursuing.
“I could only find women’s group trips that were activity-specific, focusing on things like yoga and trekking,” says Bates, of her experience prior to launching her business. “That frustrated me on a personal level, because I’m a more dynamic traveler…. It also frustrated me on a broader level, because I believe globally we tend to market to women in a very one- or two-dimensional way that misses the mark on what women are really craving in terms of experiences.”
West Virginia
Courtesy of Explorer Chick.
Old Havana, Cuba
Courtesy of Damesly.
Dominican Republic
Courtesy of Explorer Chick.
“I often hear (and as was my case as well), that women just don’t have friends or family they can travel with in the way in which they want to travel,” says Bruckmann. “This is especially true for our adventure trips, since the itineraries are more challenging. So, instead of downgrading their vacation or compromising, women are booking group trips that meet their travel needs.”
Plus, these female-led businesses are not simply offering one-of-a-kind travel experiences, they are connecting and empowering women across the globe.
“When you have the non-judgemental support of 10 cheering women as you stand on the edge of a waterfall 35 feet in the air, your fears shrink, your courage grows, and you make that leap,” Bruckmann says. “Women overcome their fears on these trips, which often carries over into their daily lives.”
Kelly Lewis, CEO of Damesly — a boutique tour operator for women, says “it is very rare, in my experience, that women will find us just because they want to go to a specific destination. I think women find us when they need to, because they want to travel and they want to make friends.”
“Wild Terrains exists for women from all walks of life, in all stages of life. We want to give women not only a safe space to explore the world, but also a space to nourish their creativity and build relationships with each other,” Bates adds.
Bruce T. Martin uses photographs as words to create a vivid story about the culture and history of Mayan caves and cenotes of the Yucatan and more.
Photography by Bruce T. Martin
“In 1975, my father gave me a Pentad Spotomatic 35 mm camera, that I still have today,” says Bruce T. Martin, an American Fine Arts photographer. Even early on Martin didn’t pursue other careers or jobs outside of photography. Initially, his interest in cameras and capturing moments sparked when he was studying abroad in Europe 1976 and he’s been studying the art form ever since. Now, Martin explains that he takes a literary approach to his photography. “Images combine like words do in a sentence to tell a story,” he says. “My motivation is to use photography to document our world, explore our perceptions and question our viewpoints. ”
Martin grew up in Chautauqua County in western New York where he studied at Newhouse School of Communications at Syracuse University. His connection to photography continued to grow even building a darkroom in his parent’s basement and later began apprenticing for Irving Penn in New York City. “That experience opened my thinking to a whole new world of possibilities,” says Martin. Although the young photographer already had an affinity to landscape photography, his job at the Chautauqua County Office of Planning and Development led to a deep appreciation for architectural structures. One responsibility of Martin’s new job was to “contact the owners of interesting and important architectural structures in the community to secure permission to photograph their homes and buildings.”
Gruata Milenio, Yucatán 2012
In terms of style, the photographer has “tried to combine the excellence of many photographers such as the technical mastery of Ansel Adams, the unique viewpoints of Andres Kertesz and the eloquence of Irving Penn, to name a few,” says Martin. However, from a technical point of view, Martin describes his approach as direct. “Positioning my camera in a place where I believe will reveal what I feel is most important to the image … then waiting for or creating the lighting that best reveals the detail and color to express the emotion and purpose of the image.”
As an artist, Martin is always working on a number of projects such as a larger portfolio of Boston cityscape and architecture. A series called “Fragment Landscape” is also in the works and involves overlapping images gathered in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. However, there has been one persisting project that Martin has been expanding on since 1987.
“I have been working on a project on the Maya of Central America, using historical documents, academic research, and current events in conjunction with my photography and recordings from the field,” according to Martin. The first phase of the project resulted in the book and exhibit, “Look Close See Far, A Cultural Portrait of Maya”, and has now progressed into the next component. “Seeking Sacred Landscapes, Maya Caves and Cenotes of the Yucatan”. Martin describes the project as, “beautiful, mysterious, and compelling.”
The series “Seeking Sacred Landscapes” is a combination of images of the Yucatan’s caves and cenotes with archeological, historical, and environmental essays by established authorities, according to the experienced photographer. Martin’s images compel you to look closer at the detail that has formed over the years within nature.
It’s hard to imagine what being in those types of caves would be like, but Martin describes it as a time full of anticipation. “Knowing that I will experience and learn something new each time fills my mind as I begin the descent into these underground chambers.” This experience has been building over the years. When the project first began Martin became interested in many of the Mayan’s core mythology concepts, which later led to his deeper understanding of the culture. “Harmony in life is a daily struggle. With the rapid development of recent years, many contrasting and violent viewpoints have been introduced, so that the Maya and their environment are being overwhelmed,” says Martin. “Surviving these disruptive influences and maintaining their cultural dignity is the challenge for an uncertain future that the Maya now face.”
The series “Seeking Sacred Landscapes” is a combination of images of the Yucatan’s caves and cenotes with archeological, historical, and environmental essays by established authorities, according to the experienced photographer. Martin’s images compel you to look closer at the detail that has formed over the years within nature.
It’s hard to imagine what being in those types of caves would be like, but Martin describes it as a time full of anticipation. “Knowing that I will experience and learn something new each time fills my mind as I begin the descent into these underground chambers.” This experience has been building over the years. When the project first began Martin became interested in many of the Mayan’s core mythology concepts, which later led to his deeper understanding of the culture. “Harmony in life is a daily struggle. With the rapid development of recent years, many contrasting and violent viewpoints have been introduced, so that the Maya and their environment are being overwhelmed,” says Martin. “Surviving these disruptive influences and maintaining their cultural dignity is the challenge for an uncertain future that the Maya now face.”
Through images that help to shape and tell a story, Martin is hoping that the series “Seeking Sacred Landscapes” will attract some attention to these struggles. “With a greater awareness of their issues, a more productive dialogue on the Maya and their land can begin, which will promote cultural diversity, protect their environment and respect for their fading traditions.”
Each part of Martin’s experience pushes him further and enhances his ability as an artist. A journey from architectural to landscape photography has proved there is more than what originally meets the eye, which can be seen in the details of his photos. According to Martin, “Each of these naturally-occurring, organic caverns and cenotes are unique yet similar architectural spaces that overwhelm your perceptions and preconceived notions of the world we live in.”
Cenote Ik kil, Yucatán, 2016.
For similiar content, try these articles, Embrace the Charm of Mexico City, Aman Resorts International to Debut First Destination in Mexico in 2020, Adventure Photographer seeking Ultimate Storytellers, Travel Designers.
This editorial originally appeared in The High End Spring 2019.
Upon entering Puerta Cortés — a 500-plus-acre property in La Paz, Baja California, I was immediately intrigued by its essentially untouched landscape and its proximity to the marvelous Sea of Cortez.
Puerta Cortés, is surrounded by the world’s richest body of water — home to rare sea life such as whale sharks, dolphins, grey whales, humpbacks, orcas, sea lions and more. Nearly 40 percent of the world’s sea life is represented in the Sea of Cortez, making it a prime destination for snorkeling, scuba diving, and sea life exploration.
With seven marinas, Puerta Cortés demanded that I spent a day out on the water to discover Isla Espiritu Santo, swim with whale sharks, and explore sea lions habitats. I followed my day-long boating excursion with an ocean-view dinner as the sun set on the water.
Vista Mar
El Cortés Golf Club
Only two hours from Cabo San Lucas, La Paz offers an experience that heavily contrasts the bustle of a major city. Downtown La Paz offers an authentic Mexican city experience, while Puerta Cortés exudes an unparalleled feeling of privacy, serenity and comfort.
“I love the fact that even though you are in the city, you have this feeling that you are not really in a city,” says President of Ascendancy Antonio Davila, who admires the small town feel of La Paz.
El Cortés Golf Club, boasting sweeping views of the Sea of Cortez from 17 of its 18 holes, is accompanied by a cliffside Clubhouse with views unlike any other. The perfect destination for a Mexican-style breakfast, the Clubhouse evokes a peaceful atmosphere — complete with a calming morning breeze coming off the sea, views of the course’s lush greenery and the crystal blue Sea of Cortez, and an assortment of growing cacti to complete the mountainous desert landscape.
Las Colinas
After spending a morning at the golf course, I headed to Blue Cortés — the signature beach club at Puerta Cortés — to enjoy an afternoon soaking in the sun, relaxing in the infinity pool, and indulging in fine international cuisine while poolside.
Located only two hours from Cabo San Lucas, La Paz offers an experience that heavily contrasts the bustle of a major city. Downtown La Paz offers an authentic Mexican city experience, while Puerta Cortés exudes an unparalleled feeling of privacy, serenity and comfort.
“I love the fact that even though you are in the city, you have this feeling that you are not really in a city,” says President of Ascendancy Antonio Davila, who admires the authentic, comfortable and small town feel of La Paz.
When Davila visited the property with his wife six years ago, he immediately fell in love with the serene landscape of La Paz.
“My wife and I were amazed by the fact that La Paz wasn’t better known, because we just found it to be the most beautiful place we’d ever seen,” he says. “I was mesmerized by its beauty, spectacular scenery and extraordinary amenities.”
Last year, Ascendancy — a Mexican-based family office and asset management firm — purchased the property and launched a $5 million renovation, which should be complete within the next 12 to 18 months.
Currently the property offers two residential options — Las Colinas and Vista Mar, and Ascendancy is negotiating the construction of two, five-star hotels. The property will also soon sell cliffside, ocean-view lots. Other upgrades will include additional restaurants, an expanded on-site market, and a complete face lift for the beachfront.
“Puerta Cortés is an exclusive hideaway for those seeking unparalleled, coastal living and adventure in one of the most privileged locations in the world. I have met so many well-traveled visitors and residents who have seen and experienced some of the most incredible destinations in the world and have decided Puerta Cortés is where they want to be,” Davila says.
The biggest draw of Puerta Cortes “to me is the gateway to the Sea of Cortez, its beautiful colors and wonderful sea life.” Davila says his favorite thing about living in La Paz is “being about to go out on the water with my family and experience all of the beautiful sea life. I love the quality of life that my family gets living here.”
Photos courtesy Puerta Cortés
This editorial appeared in the Unique Homes Ultimate ’19 Issue.
Consistently ranked among the world’s top places to visit, Mexico City is a global capital welcoming more than 12.5 million visitors each year with its renowned cuisine, vibrant culture, rich history, unique neighborhoods and modern-day travel offerings.
Over the years, the city has become a sprawling metropolis bursting with a vibrant personality blending old and new. Each of the distinct neighborhoods, or “colonias,” attracts tourists from all over the world to experience their unique culture.
The Roma neighborhood is home to Mexico City’s trendy creative class. Bursting with colors, the streets are filled with restaurants, galleries, bars, foodies, artists and eclectic bed and breakfasts. The neighborhood is the namesake and filming location for Alfonso Cuaron’s internationally acclaimed movie, “Roma,” which won three Academy Awards in 2019.
Located just a few blocks from the house where “Roma” was filmed, Ignacia Guest House is an ideal bed and breakfast for the visitor who wants to embrace the art and culture of the city. Blending history, Mexican artisan tradition and the city’s contemporary culture, Ignacia Guest House opened its doors in February 2017. The name is derived from the housekeeper who looked after this 1913 casona for over 70 years, Ignacia.
The bed and breakfast allows visitors to immerse themselves in the city’s culture. Each morning, the guest house’s chefs make a trip to the local market to purchase organic, local ingredients for the day. The design of the house itself also proves to blend a contemporary design and a reflection of the city’s timeless culture. With its chromatic color palette and unique interior furniture, the bed and breakfast creates a contemporary living space without losing the charm of the city’s culture.
The Ignacia Guest House is a quintessential example of a spot where visitors can expose themselves to the beauty of Mexico City and all it has to offer to tourists from around the world.
Photos courtesy of Jaime Navarro
Susurros del Corazón, the latest addition to the Auberge Resorts Collection portfolio, has broken ground as Punta de Mita’s newest luxury boutique resort, and has commenced sales for a limited number of the 30 beachfront residences.
Located on 33 lush, rolling acres overlooking the Bay of Banderas on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, the community will celebrate the boho-chic culture of Mexico’s quaint coastal surf towns while having an attractive contemporary design and providing the highest comforts and upscale services.
Translated as ‘whispers of the heart,’ Susurros del Corazón is perched on a bluff surrounded by tropical jungle and extends down to the pristine white sand beach below, offering Punta de Mita buyers a rare opportunity to own a beachfront residence with direct access to the water. Each of the 30 homes — ranging from three-bedroom Beach Casitas with 5,580 square feet of interior and exterior living space to a six-bedroom Presidential Villa with over 19,000 total interior and exterior square feet — will be perfectly poised at the water’s edge with floor-to-ceiling windows that maximize the epic views. Offering a clean, contemporary design, the residences will also give a nod to Mexican heritage through handcrafted finishes, artisanal wall coverings, and local artwork.
Open, airy living spaces will seamlessly extend from the indoors out, creating an environment that exists in perfect harmony with its natural, untouched surroundings. Featuring custom finishes and the finest fixtures, residences will have Wolf® and Sub-Zero® appliances, beautiful bathrooms with freestanding tubs and double shower heads, and expansive outdoor living spaces with bars, private pools and Jacuzzi® hot tubs.
“Punta de Mita is such a special place. We wanted to bring something totally unique to this area and the new Auberge Resort hotel suites and stunning oceanfront villas deliver on our vision,” says Mark Cooley a partner at SV Capital Partners, developers of the resort and residences. “It is very important for us to preserve the natural beauty of the land, and we are being conscious in the development to create a community that is in harmony with its surroundings. The entire ethos of this property is to combine a rustic simplicity that feels very authentic with the world-class amenities you’d expect from an Auberge resort.”
Upon opening in late 2020, Susurros del Corazón will comprise 59 hotel guest suites, four distinct culinary concepts, a 3,000-square-foot fitness center and yoga studio, kids’ club with daily activities and 4,600-square-feet of event space, including an outdoor patio and a spacious event lawn, offering an idyllic setting for picturesque gatherings. Tucked among lush gardens, an Auberge Spa will feature 11 treatment rooms and a variety of treatments inspired by the rich heritage and healing properties of the surrounding Riviera Nayarit region.
Dining at Susurros will further establish Auberge Resorts Collection’s reputation for award-winning culinary offerings. The resort’s signature restaurant will connect interior and exterior spaces and capitalize on the breathtaking ocean views, while guests enjoy locally-sourced meals utilizing traditional, seasonal ingredients and sip expertly crafted artisan cocktails. Outdoors, a casual open-air venue will invite guests and owners, day and night, to gather under large shade trees and a sun-punched trellis for a jungle-inspired dining experience.
The resort is centered around three scallop-shaped pools that will cascade down to the beach, where clear blue waters invite surfing, snorkeling and fishing against the backdrop of the volcanic Marietas Islands, a protected wildlife refuge. The resort’s private beach spans 1,850 linear feet of pristine sand, perfect for swimming and paddle boarding.
“Susurros del Corazón will be an entirely new experience in Punta de Mita; one that embraces a laid-back beach spirit and perfectly balances luxury and approachability,” says Craig Reid, chief executive officer of Auberge Resorts Collection. “We could not be happier to partner with SV Capital on another exceptional resort and residence project. The groundbreaking is an exciting milestone moment in the journey of bringing this vision to life.”
Photos courtesy of Susurros del Corazón.
Every year we select locations to highlight as Markets to Watch. This year change is underway and we take a look at some top performers, others that are beginning to transition, and a handful of under-the-radar locations that are emerging.
Austin, Texas
On track for another record with sales up more than 3 percent, Austin’s luxury patina shines ever brighter. In October, the medium home value in Barton Creek increased to $1.02 million, making it the city’s first million-dollar neighborhood. Austin’s charms include no income tax to win over newcomers, but music and tech might be tops.
Bozeman, Montana
Bozeman might seem like a sleeper on this list, but with ranches, the Yellowstone Club and Big Sky country it’s an under-the-radar hangout for demi-billionaires and billionaires.
Brooklyn, New York
No longer second best! Buyers are making Brooklyn a first choice. Median prices in the most expensive neighborhoods hit the $1 million mark. Israelis, Chinese and Western Europeans also gravitate here. It’s no surprise this New York City borough is No. 2 on Urban Land Institute’s Markets to Watch.
©istockphoto.com/Auseklis
Chicago, Illinois
By August, the Chicago area recorded as many luxury sales as in all of 2016 or 2017. Sales of $1 million-and-up properties set a record in the third quarter with a 19-percent increase over 2017. According to RE/MAX, luxury is booming in the west loop area. Upscale suburbs trail the city. Lots of new condos and stunning new buildings open doors to more urban opportunities in a market that hangs in the balance.
Dallas, Texas
Few cities have charted a post-recession course as strong as Dallas and the city remains Urban Land Institute’s No. 1 location for overall real estate prospects in 2019. But the dramatic post-recession price increases are over, say economists. Moderating prices and adjusting inventories are positive indicators that that a move back to a normal market is underway.
© istockphoto.com/Kanonsky
Denver, Colorado
Real estate’s Rocky Mountain high isn’t over yet. Denver continues to rank in the top group on many lists. In the upscale bracket, a shift toward balance is underway with the inventory of $1 million-plus homes at about seven months. Year-over-year prices are up on average 9.29 percent. Boulder remains a sweet spot for luxury, ranking 10th among cities and towns with at least 10 neighborhoods considered million-dollar.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Projections call for appreciation as high as 10 percent this year. Nevada was the fastest growing state, with new platinum communities; forward-looking, innovative architecture; and spectacular views capturing the attention of buyers looking for lifestyle and tax relief.
Hilton Head, South Carolina
Coastal South Carolina and Georgia are ground zero for demographic shifts and the growing ability among the affluent to live wherever they want — a trend just taking off. New developments including Palmetto Bluff add to demand for the Hilton Head region.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Moving toward balance. A long-awaited uptick in homes on the market is one of several hints of a market shift. Median prices reached a record high this fall, and homes still sell quickly. Still the inventory of homes for sale is one of the lowest in the country. Upper tier and move-up brackets are less competitive.
Northern Virginia
D.C. continues to be in the top group on watch lists but Amazon’s recent announcement makes real estate in Northern Virginia much more interesting. What the prospect portends for current homeowners is uncertain, but sure to make this a market to watch in 2019.
Park City, Utah
No longer just a ski hangout, this Salt Lake neighbor is luxury’s newest player. The most desirable neighborhoods see a shortfall of inventory. Land prices increased by 25 percent with the highest number of sales occurring at Promontory. Opportunities abound: new projects at The Canyons, a large expansion of Deer Valley, a $4 billion renovation of the Salt Lake airport and a bid for the 2030 Olympics.
Wikimedia Commons / Don Lavange
Portland, Maine
Beaches and skiing, does it get any better than that? Hipsters meet old money here. Ranked among the top 20 for entrepreneurs, the city has a growing tech industry and one of the best foodie scenes in the Northeast. Look for more new construction. Prices will continue to ease upward as more people discover this hidden gem.
© istockphoto.com/DougLemke
Santa Barbara, California
Opportunities for buyers in many California locales continue to increase as markets shift. Median prices in Santa Barbara in November were down more than 25 percent, which is good news for buyers. The area remains a prized luxury refuge and lower prices open the door for newcomers to enjoy one of the most unique locations in the U.S.
Sarasota, Florida
The city’s iconic waterfront is being reimagined with a vision to increase cultural programming and urban amenities. Median prices have been increasing steadily, up 25 percent since 2014. New construction means more inventory with more on the horizon. Agents report steady and growing interest in individuals from high tax states.
© istockphoto.com/KarolinaBorowski
Seattle, Washington
Happier times are ahead for buyers in Seattle with active listings up by 41 percent. Even though inventories are still slim, it’s a good indication the frenzy is over. Closed sales in November were down 28 percent. Homes continue to appreciate but the increase has slowed to 5 percent. For buyers and sellers this is definitely a market to watch. The city still is in top groups in many rankings, but the frenzy is over.
Wikimedia Commons / Jeff Gunn
Toronto, Canada
Canadian Baby Boomers and Millennials came together and turned up the heat on the luxury condos in 2018; single-family home sales decreased by as much as 44 percent. While the foreign buyers tax has reduced sales to overseas buyers, it’s also opening new opportunities for locals. Local buyers will continue to drive demand for condos here.
Resort Markets
Luxury’s top performers in 2018. Not only are residences in demand, but new resorts are raising the bar for luxury and reinvigorating current markets. New developments in Turks and Caicos, including the ultra-indulgent Gansevoort Villas, turn up the heat on interest in the Caribbean. Easy reach from the U.S. and private enclaves generate new interest in the Bahamas. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico is seeing new resorts and other regions along the Sea of Cortez are seeing new development. Mandarina in Nyarit is the site of One & Only’s first collection of private homes. Owning a private island continues to be an ultimate purchase and the Bahamas is ground zero.
Thanks to:
Austin Board of Realtors
Michael Saunders, Founder and CEO Michael Saunders & Company
Anthony Hitt, President and CEO, Engel & Völkers Americas
Aleksandra Scepanovic, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Ideal Properties Group
National Association of Realtors
Northwest Multiple Listing Service, Kirkland, Washington
RE/MAX Canada
Trulia
Zillow
This story originally appeared in the Winter 2019 issue of Unique Homes Magazine.
Consistently ranked among the top places to visit, Mexico City is a world capital welcoming more than 12.5 million visitors each year who come for its renowned cuisine, vibrant culture, rich history, unique neighborhoods and modern-day travel offerings. For an insider’s view of Mexico City’s food scene, Rocio Vazquez Landeta, founder of Eat Like a Local Mexico City, helps navigate travelers through the city’s neighborhoods to hidden culinary gems through her expert food tours, three of which will newly debut in 2019.
Born and raised in Mexico City, Landeta is a world traveler and food researcher, as well the owner of one of the first food blogs in Mexico, sin Mantel. After studying Mexican cuisine and culture at the Mexican Gastronomy School, she founded the company to take travelers through the streets of the vibrant Mexico City to taste, explore and connect with Mexico City’s food scene, markets, restaurants and people. “Food is an amazing tool because it is one of the few things that you can experience with all your senses. Through the food, we help travelers connect with the people behind the food. Through the food we create stories and we explain our roots and history.”
Discovering all the great places that only locals know, Eat Like a Local Mexico City’s food journeys showcase cutting-edge restaurants along with secret food stalls and street food that offer the most authentic Mexican cuisine.
The Mexico City Foodie Immersion tour covers all aspects of Mexican food. The 4.5-hour experience begins at a small coffee shop where travelers learn about the coffee culture in the city. With coffee in hand, the tour explores street food delicacies including Mixiotes, basket tacos, and rotisserie chicken. The journey continues to the subway to explore a traditional market with an array of carnitas, corn, tostadas, fruit and chorizo. Travelers then visit La Merced, the second biggest market in the city for candy tasting, pineapple juice, fish tacos and a visit to a local woman’s house for a homemade meal. The tour comes to an end at a hip, modern lounge for authentic cocktails.
For the adventurous eaters, the Street Food at Night and Hidden Neighborhoods tour explores three hidden neighborhoods in Mexico City, San Rafael, Guerrero, Santa María la Ribera, and introduces foodies to eyeball and brains tacos. For the conservative eaters, enjoy al pastor or brisket tacos. Mole is the highlight of this tour and the group will eat traditional homemade black and yellow moles; taste mezcal, tejate, tepache, and other traditional Mexican drinks; and eat birria, chiles rellenos and churros. Finish the evening tour walking around the historic center and learn about Aztec legends while visiting the famous tile house.
However authentic the experiences are, Landeta’s passion for these tours extends further than the plate. “The food in Mexico City is of course is amazing, but our tours are more about getting to know the people behind the food,” she says, from hanging out with the locals, being hugged by the kids at the market and more. “Everybody says that they absolutely love the food, but what makes Eat Like a Local special is the people working with us — the guides, the vendors, the kids and the chefs.”
Eat Like a Local Mexico City is also the only Mexican-founded food tour agency that actively promotes economic growth and creates opportunities for families within the traditional markets. All of Eat Like a Local’s food tours support the local community. For example, the Mexico City Foodie Immersion tour supports the 80 IQ program, a program where 12 children at the La Merced Market learn English, receive monthly mentorship, participate in recreational activities and also, work as guides during the weekends. The Mexican Wine and Pulque Journey supports single mothers from La Merced Market through lending business advice and exposure, participation in pop-up events and mentorship. The Street Food at Night and Hidden Neighborhoods tour donates food and meals to homeless people as well.
In the end, everything comes back to the heart and home for Landeta. “Every dish has a soul, each cook creates dishes with his hands but also with his heart. Eat Like a Local creates a love affair with the food, but also with the people,” she says.
The Mexican Wine and Pulque Journey is hosted by Sara Garza, a sociologist who grew up in the Roma neighborhood. Guests explore Garza’s favorite spots including the traditional places she grew up eating at, as well as new, trendy hotspots. Starting at Eno, Enrique Olvera´s famous deli, taste green pozole, pastor tacos, Mexican-Argentinian tacos and more. Travelers will learn about Pulque, the pre-Hispanic drink made from the agave plant. End the afternoon at a winemaker´s shop where the group tastes four different Mexican wines paired with Mexican craft cheese. The tour unveils the hidden history behind the wineries and guests will learn about the Mexican wine world with an expert.
All photos courtesy Eat Like a Local Mexico City.
Driving along a pathway of cacti and palm trees, I was soon greeted by the scent of saltwater, the sound of waves crashing against the mountainous rocks, and the breathtaking views of the infinity pool overlooking Santa Maria Bay.
Perched atop a mountain, I looked across the vista — at guests relaxing by the 20,000-square-foot pool at Montage Los Cabos and residents enjoying the Mexican-style beach club at Maravilla Los Cabos, yet there was still much more to see.
Sited along the Golden Corridor between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas in southern Baja, Mexico, Twin Dolphin is a 1,400-acre master-planned community being developed by Ohana Real Estate Investors. The expansive project includes Montage Los Cabos, a five-star resort hotel and residences, Maravilla Los Cabos, a private residential community, and a Fred Couples Signature Golf Course.
Upon entering Montage, I was immediately amazed by the azure waters of Santa Maria Bay. Whether it’s from the hotel or residences, each room overlooks the water — from the one-bedroom suite and beachfront presidential suite to each of the 52 residences.
“The location of Twin Dolphin is extremely special,” notes Neil Johnson, managing director of residential real estate for Ohana Real Estate Investors. “There is a natural topography of the land, which slopes up from sea-level making it optimal for development, because it allows everyone to have an ocean view.”
With two-bedroom prices starting at $2.7 million and three-bedrooms starting at $3.2 million, each residence at Montage comes fully furnished. Also featuring 122 guestrooms, Montage features luxury amenities such as a full-service Spa Montage, Montage’s signature Paintbox children’s program and access to one of the only swimmable beaches in Cabo.
For those looking for a more secluded experience, there is Maravilla…
The Maravilla exudes a sense of privacy perfect for the entire family. From coastal-style villas and townhomes to customizable homes and homesites, prices begin at $3 million. Reminiscent of the land’s natural beauty, both developments embrace contemporary design. “We wanted to showcase the true sense of Cabo and its natural desert surroundings. The minimal and contemporary aesthetic truly underscores the authenticity of the destination,” Johnson notes.
In addition to access to amenities at Montage Los Cabos, residents at Maravilla may exclusively enjoy the 60,000-square-foot clubhouse with two restaurants, three-level infinity pool with a water slide, full-service spa, outdoor amphitheater, community park, and much more.
Despite the incredible landscape, immaculately designed homes and luxurious amenities, the biggest appeal of Maravita has to be its sense of community. “Our goal was to create a private residential community that is exceedingly focused on families,” Johnson says. “It’s been incredible to create a destination where the parents don’t want to leave, but more importantly the kids don’t want to leave.”
Both developments also offer out-of-this-world, beachfront dining options with deliciously curated drink menus — for lunch, enjoy authentic fish tacos with a local artisanal beer, or treat yourself to freshly-caught lobster with a beach-inspired cocktail for dinner.
When I wasn’t gazing out at Santa Maria Bay during meals, relaxing by one of the many ocean-view pools or indulging in a wellness treatment at Spa Montage, there was no shortage of adventurous activities to explore — from discovering exotic marine animals and vegetation while snorkeling to touring the Baja Outback atop a camel’s back.
The Residences at Montage
