I’ve done it! After several years of searching I have found my little slice of paradise. AND IT IS PERFECT.
I am now the proud owner of a Moroccan folly on almost 2 acres of jungle, somewhere south of Puerto Vallarta that is only accessible by boat (I don’t own one), or a half hour trek from Boca de Tomatlan. I couldn’t be happier. WooHoo! Let the games begin.
I came across the property because it is located on the trail of a hike from Boca to Las Animas beach that I have been doing for several years. Recent years in particular, have seen a spike of activity along this section of Banderas Bay, several little resorts have popped up ranging from deluxe, (La Troza – http://www.latroza.com/#video ) to laid back (Casitas Maraika – http://www.casitasmaraika.com) and a fabulous restaurant (The Ocean Grill – http://oceangrillpv.com) has opened right next door to me. Despite the fact that all these adventures are only accessible by boat or trail, there is a new energy on this part of the coastline. While secluded, it offers some wonderful opportunities for privacy and fun.
We started looking at properties in Puerto Vallarta that were quite “grand” – infinity pools, air-conditioned gyms, private dining rooms etc. but it never felt quite right. A couple of experiences in 2016 crystalized my vision of the perfect escape. Firstly I went to Africa. With my friend Marta Schneider of (http://www.theafricanqueentravels.com/about.html) I got to experience some of the most elegant Safari camps imaginable as well as more rustic camps with little palapa roofed cabins dotted through the bush. (guess where I was happiest – http://margopolo.club/growing-up/.) I also went to the other end of the earth, Hornby Island to stay with friends whose beach front property has been transformed into summer camp where 3 generations of families and friends pitch tents, laugh, swim, dance and share gourmet dinners under the stars. Simple pleasures.
Luxury means different things to different people and I have always felt the deepest peace with things that are humble. That said, I do need a good mattress, quality sheets (only white) and an element of SOUL. My new property is, for me, a tiny little work of art, mainly because it is SO RIDICULOUS! The theme is Moroccan and every stick of furniture (which I have inherited) has been hand-selected by the previous owner and shipped over….from Morocco, to tiny little Los Colomitos beach, Boca de Tomatlan, Jalisco, Mexico.
The concept delights me.
http://tours.dennismayer.com/public/vtour/display/421919
There is also no greater joy in life than being surrounded by the people I love. With the main lodge (about 6000 sq ft), separate 2brm casita and plans to build little palapa-roofed bungalows dotted through the palm trees, there will be room for families of friends and maybe even some paying guests from time to time.
It is also a project! I LOVE A PROJECT and there is a lot to be done. Beyond tweaking the aesthetics there is boring work to attend to like upgrades to septic and water purification systems, as well as converting the property to solar energy. My chef daughter wants a veggie garden and a chicken coop and maybe even a restaurant!! I want a flower garden to fill the house with tropical blooms. As I embark on this new adventure I am deeply grateful for the support and encouragement from my friends. They know that this is ME.
I will be heading down to start work within a few weeks. Follow my journey here.
“MY” Beach – Los Colomitos (Ocean Grill restaurant in the background)
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