It wasn’t that long ago that golf travel in Mexico meant one thing: Cabo and its two premier courses, Palmilla and Cabo del Sol. While these standard bearers are still must-play courses, they are no longer the only game in town and Cabo is not the only town in the game. With names like Norman, Trent Jones Jr., Nicklaus and Fazio leading the way, the golf boom has hit Mexico with a Category V vengeance.

But it’s not just the golf traveler who is benefiting. There has been a rapid growth on the real estate front and Americans are flocking to purchase property south of the border. The reasons behind this trend are many – the strength of the dollar vs the peso, the easing of the governmental purchase restrictions, the exotic local – but it really comes down to one factor: Lifestyle. That special Mexico mystic that has lured visitors for years to Cabo, Puerto Vallarta and La Paz, now captures them when they are deciding where to buy real estate. Whether it is a primary, secondary (and beyond) or retirement home, Mexico has become a big player on the real estate scene.

Here is a look at three destinations with the most growth and selected properties...

CABO 

Hacienda Del Mar – An historic resort becomes a premier community
Imiliving.com, 800-969-2578
   
When the Koll Company, Starwood Capital and Del Mar Development came together to buy the famous Hacienda Resort, insiders knew that something special was around the corner. And right they were. Located on the tip of the Baja Peninsula, adjacent to downtown Cabo and the marina, this 22 acre resort is being transformed into a private gated community that offers owners and guests the best of both worlds.

Cabo San Lucas is just walking distance away and abounds with great cuisine, nightlife and recreation. Or you can head the other direction and saunter over to The Office for a little Cabo M&M – mariachi and margaritas. The choices outside the walls of Hacienda Del Mar are many but it may be hard to pull yourself away from all that community has in store for its membersÉthe fun factor here will be off the charts.

The resort is located on Cabo’s most “swimable” beach and Hacienda is taking full advantage of that with a beach club, seaside palapas bar and activities center not to mention an ocean of bathtub-warm water at the ready. Back inside the property, there will be a full service spa with a movement studio and a fitness facility, a variety of pools and gourmet and casual dining. If you want to be a little more adventurous and try your hand at scuba diving, fishing or any of the other recreational aspects Cabo has to offer, just contact the property concierge and they’ll make those arrangements.

While you might not ever be inside, once you are, you won’t be disappointed. The development, which gently slopes to the ocean, is being designed with a “village” feel to create a true sense of community. A total of 243 full ownership villas are planned with one, two, three and four bedroom layouts and prices starting at $750,000. All of the villas have ocean or marina views, are no more than 100 yards to the beach and have access to a complement of property management services. There are also a limited number of premier resort residences available.

The mantra of real estate is location, location, location and Hacienda Del Mar provides all of that and more. For those looking to combine the access to downtown Cabo, the elements of fine living and great beachfront living, this is the place for you.

Querencia:  Cabo’s First Private Golf and Residential Community
loscabosquerencia.com, 888-236-2229

When Tom Fazio was first approached by Querencia to design their course, he was a little apprehensive.  It was a long way from his North Carolina office and he hadn’t done many international courses.   Any hesitation he had though was quickly quelled when he saw the site and heard what the developers had in mind for him. 

Querencia, which means a place to return to feel safe, strong and at home, is an 1,800-acre development located 2 miles south of San Jose Del Cabo.  The focal point of Querencia is the Fazio course.  Fazio fans know his designs to be fun and challenging and this one could be the poster child of this philosophy.  Unlike most area courses, Querencia has noticeable elevation changes as the course climbs up and back down the local peaks as it weaves its way through the desert setting.  With pretty lenient fairways and five sets of tees, the tips play at a stern 7,070 yards, there is a challenge for all levels of golfers – just ask Sergio Garcia and Phil Mickelson who battled here in 2001 for Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf.       

While it’s great to reminisce, but the future looks very bright and busy as well:

- Scheduled for completion this fall, is the Club Village which will be a great addition to the development and will no doubt quickly become the social vortex for all members and residents. 

- If the beach scene is more your style, Querencia has that covered as well as they’ve just acquired 15,000 square feet of beachfront property, adjacent to the iconic Cabo Surf Hotel.  On the planning block is an outdoor bar and dining area, pool, spa and private cabanas – oh and of course, the ocean.

- Querencia just announced that they will be building a second course designed by Gil Hanse that will open in 2009

Golf memberships are available but for those planning to make their stay at Querencia more permanent, there are a number of housing options available.  There are 4,000 – 4,900 square foot Club Villas located near the Village, individual homesites and three bedroom Las Caba–as condos. 

CABO (cont.)

Mision La Serena: Historic ties and modern amenities
misionlaserena.com, 1-866-341-1190

The history of the San Jose Del Cabo area is something out of a Johnny Depp movie – missionaries, Indians, pirates and the Mexican-American war all had historic significance in shaping the area. The next force of change came with rod and reel as sports fisherman flocked to the area in droves beginning in the 1960s. While many modern projects have taken place since then, the original flavor and essence of the town still remains.

Enter Mission La Serena which continues this movement. Located a five minute drive from downtown San Jose, Mision La Serena is a fractional ownership development that blends 18^th Century Spanish Mission-style with 21^st modern conveniences. Situated in the Puerto Los Cabos complex, Mision La Serena flows over 7.5 acres and will feature 12 low-rise buildings with 75 two and three bedroom units. Prices for the units start at $200,000 with ownership lengths varying from three to twelve weeks. Units come fully furnished and are superbly appointed and decorated. Be sure to bring your binoculars as there are jaw dropping views from each unit as well as from the rooftop social area and whale watching deck.

Speaking of the great outdoors, you’ll no doubt be here quite a lot as the recreation options abound. Let’s start with the golf. Two highly anticipated courses are in the midst of being developed and represent the first time Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman designs will be at the same complex. Adding to the uniqueness is the fact that nine holes from each course will open first so your 18 hole round will be a chance to play Bear and Shark. Off the links, you’ll find a beach club, spa and fitness facility, pools and a lifestyle and kids concierge. The fisherman will be happy to hear that their history is not forgotten as a 400 slip marina, the only one in the area, is scheduled for completion in Fall 2008 and will include a yacht club.

The area’s history is quite colorful and Mision La Serena has been able to honor that and at the same time provide a bright future for its residents.

Sol Melia Resorts: Great and varied experiences
solmelia.com, 888/95-melia

Where to stay in Cabo is a tough choiceÉthere are many great resorts to choose from. The decision often is dictated by who is coming on the trip and what you want out of your adventure. The good news is that no matter what type of vacation you have in mind, Cabo has a hotel for you. Sol Melia has two developments in Cabo which illustrate this to a tee.

Sol Melia recently launched a new division called ME and the its new property ME Cabo brings a hip and elegant entry to areaÉ think Studio 54 meets The Ritz-Carlton.

Located near downtown Cabo San Lucas, the ME offers an edgy yet chic resort with well-appointed rooms, great amenities and a wonderful beach location. But there a couple of features that really set it apart from the competition. The first is The Level, an adult-oriented floor with a variety of suites. The Level guests will have access to special VIP services and their own Living Room for mixing and mingling. The other delineating feature is the Passion Club Restaurant and Lounge. Often time you have to head into town as many of the resorts roll up the carpets at night. Not so at the ME where the Passion Club provides its guests great reason to stay and enjoy all that the resort has to offer after the sun sets.

The Melia Cabo Real is a more traditional choice and one that families might want to opt for. Located adjacent to the Cabo Real Golf Course, 5 minutes from San Jose, the Melia Cabo Real is an all-inclusive resort that provides guests a wonderful experience. The property has a terrific beach location and is packed with amenities for kids and adults alike. There are a number of restaurants and bars to choose from as well as more recreational activities than any cruise director could imagine. And the best news is that its included in the lodging package so you don’t have to worry about carry that cumbersome wallet. So as they say, you can drink and be merry in paradise.

Selecting the right resort for your party is a big part of enjoying the voyage. The good news is that whatever you are looking for, Cabo has it now for youÉas guests at Sol’s ME and Melia can attest.

PUERTO VALLARTA

Puerto Vallarta is located on the western side of the Mexico mainland and provides a mix resort, recreation and tradition. For many, their first exposure to Puerto Vallarta came when John Houston decided to direct “Night of the Iguana” here and stories filtered back to the states around the tumultuous relationship between its stars Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Since then, the area has grown quite a bit but much of the downtown culture and essence remains the same as when Dick and Liz were here.

Luma: For the active adult who is young at heart
Lumaliving.com, 866-554-5862

Thirty years ago, retirement was much different than it is today. Back then, inactivity was the norm. Today, it is all about living and Luma is all about providing the lifestyle for these active adults. Luma is being developed by Front Porch, California’s leading active adult developer, and represents their first international foray. Their experience in the states is evident as they’ve created a gem hereÉwith kudos to mother nature.

Located on the Bay of Banderas, Luma’s oceanfront condo complex will feature 264 units designed in a contemporary Mexican architectural style. The appeal of the highrise design will certainly be evident with the floor-to-ceiling windows and wrap around verandas that afford stunning ocean views. Prices for this paradise range from $446,000 to $1,750,000 with floor plans from one to three bedrooms (penthouses are also available).

We mentioned activeÉwell that could be an understatement. Luma is located within Paradise Village and owners can purchase social and or golf memberships to take advantage of all that is offered here (daily fee options are also available). For golfers, the El Tigre Golf Club, designed by Robert Van Hagge, will be of prime importance. In addition there is a sports complex with a fitness facility and racquet club.

Back on the Luma campus, you’ll find the Wellness Center which is geared to keeping the mind, body and spirit alive and well. Designed by a physician who specializes in resort medicine, the Wellness Center will feature a fitness center, personal training, yoga and pilates room, meditation gardens, a fitness walking path and an on-site clinic staffed with American trained medical personnel. This alone will no doubt give residents a little more peace of mind. We haven’t even mentioned the ocean and all of the activities associated with it. Suffice it to say, if you are looking for an active place to start your second life, Luma is perfect for you.

Luma combines the best of many worlds. Residents can take advantage of all that Luma has to offer, all the aspects of Paradise Village and is only a short drive away from downtown Puerto Vallarta and the culture that awaits there. For those that aren’t yet at the 50 year age requirement, this may be the first time you wished you were older and could come experience Luma as well.

LA PAZ

Many are surprised to find out that the capital of Baja California Sur is La Paz, often considered the understudy to headlining Cabo. While Cabo boasts the glitz and glamour, La Paz has maintained its small town charm and authentic feel. There are a number of projects on the books but La Paz will never be Cabo and for those who are captivated by the town’s quaint flavor, this is just fine with them.

CostaBaja: A marina and golf paradise
costabajaresortandmarina.com, 866-651-5077

La Paz’s first big project is CostaBaja, a resort and residential development located just north of town. The marina was the primary draw here and for the nautically inclined, an ideal place to drop anchor with its full array of services. Fret not land lubbers as there is something for you in the not-too-distant-future as Gary Player will be designing his first Mexico golf course at CostaBaja.

“The Black Knight” is known as the world’s most traveled athlete logging over 13 million air miles. All this travel has given him great perspective for his golf courses and CostaBaja’s topography will play into his design-philosophy wheelhouse. Player says, “as a course architect, one of my prime concerns is always to create beauty and harmony and a playable course.” The site CostaBaja turned over to him swoops up from the marina affording panoramic ocean views but the surroundings are pure desert -- which is somewhat shocking as the ocean is just a pured 7-iron away. Player strives to make his courses challenging but fair for golfers of all levels and to take advantage of what the land provides him. “A golfer must not only see all the hazards, but also enjoy the various vistas that the topography offers.”

CostaBaja has been built in phases with the company focusing on the aforementioned marina first. The marina itself has 250 slips and can accommodate large size boats making this an ideal stop, and stay, for the boating crowd. A prime focus of the marina is the Village which is the hub of the development with a variety of restaurants, bars and services. On the lodging front, there are a variety of options on both the travel and purchase sides. There is the Fiesta Inn as well as the Vista Mar Residences that will have both condos and casitas. A luxurious private beach club recently opened and the spa is in the works .

Visitors to La Paz certainly know what a special place it is and CostaBaja is a fine complement to the area. Be your passion boating, golfing or both, CostaBaja just may be the best catch around.