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FeedBuying in Baja
For San Diegans interested in buying abroad, Mexico’s Baja California peninsula is often at the top of the list. It’s warm, exotic, safe and offers modern-day luxuries. With a location directly south of San Diego, it is unbeatably convenient. Plus, a purchase on the peninsula gives buyers access to the slower-paced Mexican lifestyle, as well as a host of activities such as fishing, surfing and diving. And buyers can own a state-of-the-art, luxury home right on the beach——and inevitably get more for their money than they would on Southern California’s coast.
Buyers also have access to a number of luxury developments that meet U.S. construction standards. Still, not all developments are the same. Some buyers prefer a home in a gated community, while others prefer a condo in a resort. Some buyers choose full ownership, while others choose fractional ownership. And some want to be located just across the border in northern Baja, which is an easy drive from San Diego, while others prefer Baja California Sur, which requires a short plane ride. But one thing is for sure: With so many choices and opportunities, the possibilities are endless.
Here we have reviewed some of those possibilities, focusing on the best Baja has to offer.
TRUMP OCEAN RESORT BAJA MEXICO
The TRUMP Ocean Resort Baja Mexico offers spectacular views, since every suite faces the ocean at the luxury condominium-hotel.
Located just 30 minutes from downtown San Diego, the 526-unit, three-tower oceanfront resort will include an owner’s concierge, bars, a café, an upscale restaurant, an infinityedge resort pool, lap and family pools, a fitness center, tennis courts and walking trails. Owners will also have access to room service, a spa and maid service. “It’s a bit like having a staff of 300,” says Brendan Mann, director of sales for TRUMP Ocean Resort Baja. And when not on-site, owners know that their property is looked after.
Owners can also enter into a rental management agreement, in which the property is rented and revenue is split between the owner and the property. However, since the units are fully furnished and designer-decorated, a visitor will not even know that the suite has an individual owner, Mann says.
“[Buying at the resort is perfect for] people who are looking for easy access to revenue and a high level of service and amenities,” says Mann.
Prices for studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom residences start in the mid-$200,000s and will range from 532 square feet to more than 2,200 square feet, including both indoor and outdoor space.
Construction of the first tower is scheduled to be completed in early 2009, and the resort is slated to be completed within four years.
PORTO HUSSONG
Porto Hussong is a tropical beach resort with a 250-slip marina that can accommodate yachts up to 200 feet in length—making it the largest mega-yacht marina on the west coast of the Americas.
Located just an hour’s drive south of Tijuana, Porto Hussong is on the edge of Todos Santos Bay. The 16- acre resort will have 450 private oceanfront residential condominiums, a 46-suite hotel, private villas, upscale boutiques, cafés and restaurants. Prices range from $700,000 to $1.1 million, and floor plans include two- and three-bedroom units.
“You’d be spending five times [the amount you’ll pay here] for access to the same view and same coast in San Diego,” says Doug Bowers, director of marketing for Meridian Development Group, the development company for Porto Hussong.
Porto Hussong also offers onetenth fractional purchase options, starting at $230,000. Deeded fractional ownership opportunities include global exchange privileges and access to a 74-foot yacht.
Developed in conjunction with the famed Hussong family of Ensenada, the first phase of condos is slated to be completed in early 2009.
MISION LA SERENA
Misión la Serena offers all of the amenities of a very high-end hotel, and you can’t beat the location, says Charlie Gardenhire, director of marketing. “It’s on the ocean, close to the airport, and there is easy access to golf,” he says. “And you can pick and choose your price point.”
Set on the Sea of Cortéz, Misión la Serena is a deeded fractional ownership resort in San José del Cabo. Amenities include a three-tiered oceanfront infinity pool, a private beach club, a spa and fitness center and five-star hotel services. Even children have their own concierge services.
With 75 residences on nearly 10 acres of beachfront property, Misión la Serena is located within the master-planned development of Puerto Los Cabos, which includes a 500+-slip marina and fishermen’s village, two signature golf courses, luxury hotels and a world-class spa and sport club.
Fractional ownership is appealing to many buyers who have already owned second homes, explains Gardenhire. “They owned a home and realized that it was sort of a hassle,” he says. “They had to maintain it and pay taxes and spend a few days opening and closing the house.” Misión la Serena offers a different option. Owners make a reservation and are picked up at the airport. Once at the house, it’s stocked with their food, and a car is waiting for them.
Scheduled for completion by early 2009, Misión la Serena fractional ownerships start at less than $200,000.
EL ENCANTO DE LA LAGUNA
El Encanto de la Laguna “is a tightknit, completely self-enclosed community,” says Rick Wesselink, developer of the resort. “It’s an oasis: When people come within the gates, it becomes a lush garden. They feel that they’ve arrived at home.”
It may feel like home, but the services are more than most enjoy at home. The concierge, for instance, meets all of an owner’s needs. Heading to the beach? The concierge will ensure that tents, chairs and maybe even a game of volleyball are waiting. Already at the beach? With one call, food will be delivered to the designated spot. Other amenities include 24-hour, guard-gated security; a fitness center; business center; wine cellar; and cigar humidor.
“You can live right on the beach, 50 yards from the surf, and buy a 3,500- square-foot, air-conditioned home, with an infinity pool and lush landscaping, for $3.5 million,” Wesselink says. “It’s just not available [in Southern California] anymore. If I can increase my wealth and enjoy myself, that’s hard to beat. And that’s what this offers.”
The development, which is only a few miles from San José del Cabo, includes approximately 38 homes, ranging from about 3,200 square feet to 4,000 square feet—each with its own pool—and more than 40 condominiums, which range from approximately 1,600 square feet to 3,200 square feet.
EL DORADO
Spread across 520 secluded acres, El Dorado is a private golf and beach club community in Los Cabos.
Residence options include custom estate lots, as well as finished villas and casita units. The two- to five-bedroom villas and casitas, ranging from 1,900 to 7,000 interior square feet, have been crafted by a team of architects under the direct supervision of the Discovery Land Company.
While owners are away from home, the club looks after their property. And prior to an owner’s return, the club will arrange to have the home cleaned, the refrigerator stocked, the climate control system adjusted and fresh linens placed on the beds.
During a stay at El Dorado, the club’s personal concierge service will assist owners with chores such as grocery shopping, dry cleaning, housekeeping and maintenance needs. Other amenities include use of a private Jack Nicklaus golf course, a state-of-the-art clubhouse and a spa modeled after the finest in the world.
“Our credibility, created by our well-established track record of high-quality projects and high-quality service, brings a sense of security and long-term value,” says Michael S. Meldman, chairman and CEO of Discovery Land Company, the developers of El Dorado. “This, combined with the aesthetics and physical beauty of the site, makes El Dorado one of the best in the Discovery Land Company portfolio.”
While many parts of the development are done, overall completion of the facilities is scheduled for 2009. Pricing for ownership ranges from about $1.7 million to $10 million or more.
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