Have you ever wondered why people enjoy taking in beautiful views so much? It goes without saying that the majority of people find peace and contentment when they are looking at a breathtaking vista such as an ocean view or tree filled mountain. Want to learn more about how beautiful views make us feel, and why these special vistas are so valuable. Lush and Novel Views It turns out that we humans are actually programmed to enjoy two types of scenery which include lush views and novel views. Lush views include sights we see in nature such as a tropical garden or jungle, crystal clear ocean and beach view or a tranquil snow filled mountain top. Novel views are vistas which are new and interesting sights we have not seen before such as an exciting new city we are visiting for the first time. We actually experience a slight positive mental sensation when we see either of these two different types of scenery. In addition, if you are lucky enough to be surrounded by …
With the Day of the Dead just around the corner, there are bound to be lots of interesting cultural events and celebrations in Puerto Vallarta. Día de Los Muertos in Spanish, the Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday celebrated throughout Mexico, in particular the Central and South regions, and also celebrated by people of Mexican heritage wherever they may be living. The multi-day holiday begins on October 31st and culminates on November 2nd. The celebrations are centered around family gatherings that honor and remember friends and family members who have passed away. The creation of altars and displays are believed to help support them on their spiritual journey in the beyond. Día De Los Muertos History Many people may not realize it, but Día De Los Muertos actually took place during the summer prior to the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century. Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico stem from ancient pre-Columbian traditions. Rituals honoring the deaths of ancestors have been observed by these civilizations for as long as 2,500–3,000 …
We all can recognize a luxurious home when we see one. Whether it is a private villa or a modern penthouse skyscraper, there are many types of luxury homes that are sure to impress. The unifying key to luxury is having amenities and features that make the owner feel pampered and spoiled in their own home. There is no need to go on vacation or stay in a hotel when you are lucky enough to live in a well appointed and decadent residence. What are some common features of luxury homes that are found in these high end abodes? Here are 5 must haves for luxury homes if you want to be in the know, and how the private beachfront residences at Garza Blanca in Puerto Vallarta deliver on these coveted features and so much more. Open Floor Plans One of the most popular features of a luxury home is an open floor plan with ample space. Gone are the days when homes had small rooms that were separated from one another making it difficult …
While many people enjoy the year round warm and tropical weather that Puerto Vallarta is famous for, sometimes the heat can be a little intense. During summer and fall months, the regular rain storms can be refreshing, but can also bring about an increase in humidity that can slow you down a bit. Curious how you can keep your cool in a tropical climate until the cooler weather arrives later this year? Here are 7 tips that will help you stay cool in a tropical paradise like Puerto Vallarta. Tip 1: Handheld Fans A great solution to keep your cool is to use a small battery operated handheld fan. These fans do all the work for you so you won’t end up working up a major sweat fanning in an attempt to get cool. A smaller version of a standard box fan, the handheld fans run on batteries so no electrical connection is needed. It’s very convenient because you can take the fan with you wherever you go to cool down quickly. Tip 2: Bed …
While everyone has heard of the late actress Elizabeth Taylor, did you know that she fell in love with Puerto Vallarta and even lived in the area for many years? During the l1960’s, Elizabeth Taylor filmed a movie in Puerto Vallarta called Night of the Iguana. At that time, she was charmed by the local people, the spectacular Banderas Bay, and the beautiful lush vegetation that Puerto Vallarta is known for. Consequently, she ended up owning a home in the Gringo Gulch area of Puerto Vallarta where she resided for many years. Today, her former home is now a boutique hotel and fine dining restaurant so you can see how she lived. Continue reading below to learn more about the elegant and regal Casa Kimberly, so you can make sure to stop in during your next visit to Puerto Vallarta. Casa Kimberly History The romantic love story of Elizabeth Taylor’s romance with Puerto Vallarta at Casa Kimberly begins in 1962 when actor Richard Burton arrived in the area to film John Huston’s classic, The Night …
Are you a golf fanatic and also love sunny and beautiful Puerto Vallarta? In addition to Puerto Vallarta’s fabulous year round weather, there are also tons of entertaining activities for locals and visitors alike to enjoy. From water activities including kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, there are also tons of activities to enjoy on dry land. Do you love golf and want to know more about the best golf courses in the area? The Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay region extends about 29 miles northwest to Punta Mita and boasts over 10 premium golf courses that include oceanfront, jungle and urban terrain. Read below to learn of the top 5 golfing ranges in Puerto Vallarta so you can schedule a tee time and practice your golf swing in paradise. Marina Vallarta Golf Club Marina Vallarta Golf Club is an 18-hole course designed by Joe Finger, a famous American architect. Located in the marina area of Puerto Vallarta, the Marina Vallarta Golf course is an exciting course that combines a tropical ambiance with amazing views of …
Have you ever sat and thought about where the heart of your home is? For most people, the resounding answer is the kitchen. A place where you can whip up a delicious family meal, or relax with a nice glass of wine, the kitchen has long been the gathering place that brings people together. One of the most important, if not most important, features in a home, have you ever considered that the design and the quality of your kitchen should be of the utmost importance? After all, when you factor in the notion that you spend a majority of your time in the kitchen, make sure your kitchen is dressed to impress. Read below to learn more about the importance a kitchen brings to a home, and why the kitchen’s are perfectly equipped and designed at the luxurious Garza Blanca’s private oceanfront residences. The History of the Kitchen In the past, kitchens were mainly focused on function alone. It was a simply place to prepare meals, and was usually a small room completely separated …
Do you find yourself getting serious about investing in Puerto Vallarta real estate and want to educate yourself? Thanks to its great year round weather, beautiful beaches and bay, and endless restaurant and shopping options, Puerto Vallarta real estate is becoming a hot ticket item for individuals wanting to own property in Mexico. Continue reading below to learn more about the real estate process and some tips for buying Puerto Vallarta real estate. Yes! Foreigners Can Own Puerto Vallarta Real Estate This question has often confused many foreigners that believed that they could not own land in Mexico close to the ocean. Although it is true that the Mexican Constitution stipulates that foreigners cannot directly own land within 100 kilometers to the border, or 50 kilometers along the coastline, there is a legal work around that is a simple process. By establishing a bank trust, also known as a Fideicomiso in Spanish, non-Mexican citizens can own Puerto Vallarta real estate. Similar to the process of obtaining a title, you have to create the trust …
