The Helium Report: Icon Vallarta
 Kristen King - The Helium Report
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| | For more information, visit IconVallarta.com or call (877) 295-4266 in the United States. | | |
On Mexico’s west coast, Puerto Vallarta is nestled on a bay that is home to long stretches of white sand and an increasing number of luxury developments. While Cabo San Lucas, the so-called Mayan Riviera on the country’s Yucatan Peninsula, and the Pacific-side Punta Mita have attracted the biggest number of high-end developers, Puerto Vallarta is now seeing more luxury real estate options land on its shores. Icon Vallarta, a $200 million luxury development from high-rise condo giant Related International just broke ground last fall.
What’s for Sale
Icon Vallarta, a 343-unit development, is made up of three 26-story towers and seven two-bedroom oceanfront villas with private rooftop swimming pools and decks. The full-ownership condominiums are available in one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans. The private villas range from 1,200 sq. ft. to 3,000 sq. ft. Prices start in the low $200,000 and go up to $1 million. The 130 units in the first tower sold out in less than a week, and the development is now selling condos in the second tower.
What You Get
All units have ten foot ceilings, floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to spacious outdoor living areas, and ocean and mountain views. The decor is modern with a playful edge, a reflection no doubt, of the Philip Starck-led design firm behind interior finishes. Some units also have private elevators.
The resort, a nearly four-acre coastal block with 1,000 feet of beach, will have a 400-foot-long infinity-edged pool divided into three separate swimming and wading areas. There will also be a bistro and bar, and lush landscaping dotted with Mexican art sculptures. Owners will not only have access to the requisite second home concierge services, like pre-arrival refrigerator stocking and personal chef-prepared dinners, but also extra amenities like translation services and pet care. The resort will also have a full gym and spa overlooking the ocean, and a 20-seat theatre. A beachside club will rent out jet skis and kayaks.
The Helium Report Take
When it comes to the newest luxury real estate in Mexico, Puerto Vallarta has been decidedly low on the radar screen. It has never had that five-star only edge, as the beach scape is dotted with a slew of more affordable hotels. Very few destination clubs have properties in the area. Exclusive Resorts has 20 homes about a half hour’s drive outside of Puerto Vallarta, while High Country has a two bedroom residence not far from the downtown area.
Puerto Vallarta’s second-rate status is somewhat surprising, as the destination is easily reached from the U.S., with direct flights from Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston and Denver, among other cities. The fact that other Mexican beach destinations have outshined Puerto Vallarta on the development front may be good news for buyers looking for less expensive, but still luxurious, beachfront residences. |
Vallarta Weddings
Puerto Vallarta Real Estate | February 2008 
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