MEXICO OFF PISTE IN
Never mind the mega resorts of Cancun and Acapulco, for an affordable beach home in authentic Mexico, why not try “hidden” Puerto Escondido, says Liz Rowlinson
T
ourism is booming in Mexico with currently 22.4 million visitors a year heading for the home of big hats, tequila
and those great Mayan civilisations. It’s a huge market for North American “snowbirds” who jump on a plane for the short hop south for some winter sun. Although the mega-resorts of Cancun, Cozumel and Acapulco are easiest to reach – whether you’re fl ying in from the US or the UK – it might just be worth looking away from the tourist trail if you seek an affordable investment in this vibrant country. A so-called hidden gem – in fact it’s name translates as “hidden port” – at the southern tip of the country is the bohemian resort of Puerto Esconido, in the state of Oaxaca. It may not be as fashionable with wealthy jet-set as the Baja Peninsula and Los Cabos higher up the Pacifi c coastline but it is well- known as a surfi ng destination and as such has developed into a laid-back resort popular with both back-packers as well as Mexican families. It’s also got a growing expat community from Canada, the US and the UK, according to Chuck Ashton of Vivo Resorts, who have begun marketing properties in the area. “Surfers have loved it for decades but
the rest of us are slowly catching on,” says Ashton, a Canadian. “The area is poised to become a bonafi de international tourist destination with state and federal investment improving the infrastructure. New roads, motorways and a new hospital are all part of this.” Big draws to Puerto, as it’s called
by the locals, is a near-perfect climate, plentiful wide-open beaches and a typically warm Mexican hospitality. According to Ashton it lacks the crime associated with big cities and areas close to the US border, while the very low cost of living makes it attractive to retirees. Ashton’s Vivo Resorts is Puerto’s
newest residential community and the fi rst to offer beach-front condos (apartments) and resort-style amenities. Created by the Canadian developer Cary Mullen – a World Cup ski champion – the development is located on a pristine beach known as Playa Palmarito and offers one- to four- bedroom beachfront condos with an entry price of CAN$164,000 (£104k). There’s a managed rentals scheme
if you can’t always make the ten-hour fl ight to Mexico City/connecting one to Puerto - personally.
www.vivoresorts.com
10 REASONS TO BUY IN MEXICO
• The climate. Wonderfully diverse but warm, with the Mexican Caribbean (Costa Maya) around 82 degrees year-round.
• The low cost of living. You can live on a fi fth of the cost in the UK.
• Dynamic cities. Mexico is the world’s second largest; Monterey and Guadalajara are next best in Mexico.
• The beaches. Miles and miles of them on Pacifi c, Caribbean and Mexican Gulf coastlines.
• Excellent medical facilities. Medical tourism is on the up!
• The food. It’s much more than refried beans and chilli con carne and very fashionable right now.
• It’s well-connected to the US and the UK with plenty of fl ights. • The people. Friendly and amongst the most easy-going around.
• Property prices that are still on the up and lower than the Caribbean.
• The lost civilizations and the colourful culture. ALSO FOR SALE IN MEXICO
Where: Costa Maya Price: from $128,000 (£81k)
Plots of land on the Caribbean coast with bespoke villas at $100- plus per square metre.
www.bocadelmarmex.com
Where: Loreto Price: $790,000 (£499k)
Three-bedroom La Lobera villa at Loreto with private terracing, garaging and high-spec fi nish.
www.homex.com.mex
FOR MORE MEXICO PROPERTIES GO TO
www.aplaceinthesun.com/mexico
aplaceinthesun.com 63
MEXICO
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