punta mita

In response to the ongoing safety challenges that have been facing Mexico the past year, many top real estate and resort developers, title companies, banks, and other companies throughout the country, have formed a coalition to specifically promote living and investing in Mexico. More than 30 organizations have formed the MREC (Mexico Real Estate Coalition.) It's the first time a coalition like this has been created to advocate for the potential buyers and retirees interested, but yet hesitant, about buying and living in Mexico. This includes the high end fractional and Private Residence Club buyers as well as luxury and mid-level second home purchasers.

The Mexico Real Estate Coalition includes Juan Diaz Rivera of Capella Pedregal, Eduardo Sanchez Navarro of Grupo Questro, Andres Rosetto of Punta Mita, Jorge Carerra of Querencia, Horst Schulze (founder of the Ritz Carlton) and Christopher Hill, CEO of Stewart Title, Latin America, among others. Together, the group is taking a proactive stance to educate Americans and others on the benefits of living and for some, retiring in Mexico. The coalition also directly addresses perceptions about Mexico being a dangerous country.

"Recently," Juan Diaz Rivera, founder of Capella Pedregal, and Chairman Of The Mexico Real Estate Coalition, told Luxist, "I flew to Tijuana from Cabo to pick up a new car. I had no problem, even though I had accidentally left some important papers in the car. Then, the same day, I drove to Beverly Hills to meet some friends for lunch. I parked in a parking garage downtown. When I returned from lunch, my passport, travel money and other papers had been stolen. It was such an ironic thing to happen to me, as we at MREC always say that bad things happen everywhere, not just Mexico. And here I am, living proof, and in Beverly Hills!"

We can't get enough of alluring Valentine's Day hotel packages. They make a great excuse to indulge. Should you need a little warmth, the St. Regis Punta Mita's Soak in the Love package offers the perfect weekend indulgence. The hotel is located within Mexico's exclusive beach community along the shores of the Riviera Nayarit.

The indulgence begins at arrival as you sip champagne and receive a mini massage at check in. The evening includes an intimate three-course, candlelit dinner on the beach prepared by award-winning Chef Sylvain Desbois, live music by a Mexican trio and a bottle of chilled champagne hidden in the sand. While out, turndown service will transform the room with flower petals on the bed and scented fragrant candles. The next day couples will then be treated to a unique Valentine's Day 90-minute massage at the renowned Remède Spa, followed by a romantic bath ceremony with aromatic candles, bath salts and flower petals in the private bathing pavilion. To finish off the weekend, an a la carte breakfast will be served in bed, before a late check-out. "Soak in the Love" begins at $555 for two including a two-night stay at The St. Regis Punta Mita, representing more than a 25 percent savings. Valid February 10-15; beach dinner is available February 12-14; subject to availability. For reservations, contact 52 329 291 5800, or visit www.stregis.com/puntamita.

You've doubtlessly heard of -- and perhaps been to -- Puerto Vallarta. Well, just north of there, along central Mexico's Pacific coast, is the state of Nayarit. The coast runs from the tony all-inclusive resorts of Nuevo Vallarta (very near to Puerto Vallarta in the southern part of the state), through the elite and fabulously expensive Punta Mita and up through a series of seaside enclaves catering to all classes of tourists, ending in the sleepy town of San Blas. This coastal region has recently been designated "Riviera Nayarit" and has all the makings of an up-and-coming luxury destination -- and if you're in the market for a vacation home, this area could be your best investment. Let me take you through a couple of the highlights, from the famous polo field in the hipster community to the exclusive resort where the governor likes to stay (no really, he was there when I was, and it wasn't his first time).

Fashion designer Michelle Smith of the Milly line takes resort wear to a whole new level with a line of cabana wear inspired by the Punta Mita vacation destination in Mexico (an area we have visited for an estate of the day). The Punta Mita cabana wear collection features Bougainvillea flower prints because the flower is found around Punta Mita. Smith also used a pattern right off of a pillow that was in the Four Seasons Villa she stayed in. The Milly Punta Mita collection will hit stores this November.