By Carol Billups, Los Cabos Magazine – Issue #11

El Encanto de La Laguna
At the edge of the East Cape and within an easy distance of San José’s downtown and services, El Encanto de La Laguna is constructing luxury beachfront condominiums and seaside villas. Construction is underway on villas and condos and the paving of the beach road from Buzzard’s Bar and Grill to their entrance. Prices in the $2 million U.S. range, along with the nearby Fundadores section of Puerto Los Cabos, are showing that the East Cape is going up-market. A model villa is open, and El Encanto de La Laguna is worth an outing for those seeking luxury in a serene setting. Tel: +52 (624) 105-8858 | sales@elencantoloscabos.net

El Pedregal
In a trend sure to be copied by other beachfront developments, a desalinization plant is being built to provide water for the gated community of Pedregal in Cabo San Lucas. A joint project of the Díaz Rivera family who founded and continue to develop Pedregal, the homeowners association, and the adjacent Capella Pedregal hotel and resort, the desalinization plant will take much strain off the existing water supply. At the Fall 2007 Homeowners Association General Assembly, it was announced that the test wells were successful in generating sufficient quantities of water. The plant is scheduled to begin delivering water by early 2008. Also in Pedregal, two new condominium projects have broken ground and have already sold out. Two more projects are in the planning phase; a town home project is also planned.

Punta Ballena
Work has begun on a new building in the Estrellas luxury condominiums. Eight four-bedroom suites are planned at prices ranging from $1.4 to $2.1 million dollars.

Punta Vista
Finally! A mid-range community has been announced on the Tourist Corridor. Punta Vista will have 39 homes, all featuring to-die-for views of Cabo San Lucas Bay. These freestanding homes, offered in four floor plans, feature top of the line finishings and many will have private pools. At 3,100 to 3,700 square feet, homes have reverse floor plan options, meaning you can put the living room on the first floor or above to enhance the view. Amenities include a fitness center, two large entertainment palapas, and security; plus, each home has a private Jacuzzi. Expected delivery date on the first homes is summer 2007, priced from the mid-$400,000s to the low $600,000s.

Tortuga Bay
Tortuga Bay offers luxury beachfront living in San José’s hotel zone within walking distance of downtown. These full-ownership condominiums are under construction and expected to be delivered to their lucky owners in late 2007. In addition to a great location, incredible views, and concierge services, Tortuga Bay offers cascading seaside pools, heated spas, lighted tennis courts, an elite fitness center and first-class amenities. Each condominium will feature high ceilings, sliding pocket doors, and travertine marble flooring throughout. Kitchens have granite countertops and professional grade appliances, including Viking ranges. All homes in Tortuga Bay feature extra large verandas to maximize indoor-outdoor living. In the master suite, baths will feature tumbled marble and dual vanities. No prices yet for Phase II units at press time; the few remaining in Phase I start at $775,000; with penthouses from $1.85 million to $2.5 million.

Villas Del Oro
A community of town homes and condominiums in prestigious Palmilla, Villas Del Oro has announced the start of construction on Phase III. These Mediterranean style homes feature glass pocket doors, granite counters, travertine marble floors, solid wood cabinetry, and central air. Two and three-bedroom condominiums and three-bedroom townhomes are priced from $725,000 for two bedrooms and $850,000 for three-bedroom units. The two-story three-bedroom townhomes are offered at $750,000. All units include membership in the Palmilla golf club; construction is underway for a new state-of-the-art member only tennis and fitness club, which will be complimentary for purchasers of new homes at Villas Del Oro. The clubhouse will feature tennis courts, pool, lap pool, spa and gym, all built to Palmilla quality. Phase III homes will feature views of the fairway and bay and are expected to be ready for occupancy in late 2007.

El Zalate Beachfront Condominiums
The final phase of El Zalate is under construction—18 luxurious full ownership oceanfront condominiums in San José del Cabo at Km. 29, between the WorldMark and Playa del Sol resorts. Marketed by Dream Homes of Cabo, the one to three-bedroom 1,400 to 2,100 square foot condos are selling quickly at preconstruction prices from $485,000 to $850,000 U.S. Garages are also available. El Zalate’s financing options, interest rates, full title insurance, and discounts of up to 10% in choices of payment programs make purchasing at El Zalate very attractive. Finishings will include granite countertops, travertine marble floor finishes, tumbled marble bathroom designs, large terraces, pocket doors, gas appliances, wireless Internet, and a water filtration system. Stunning views of Palmilla Point and Punta Gorda compliment two swimming pools, a large Jacuzzi, a private beachfront lounge area, a gym, and 24-hour security. El Zalate’s commercial plaza features a restaurant, 24-hour medical clinic, a pharmacy, Day Spa, furniture sales and interior design services, property management, vacation rental and real estate services.

Local Architect Honored
Carlos Montero of Cabo San Lucas was selected by Architectural Digest Magazine as one of México’s top three architects. The award is announced in the January 2007 issue. His Casa Rincon del Sol will be featured in the article. Mr. Montero will also be interviewed in the next issue of Los Cabos Magazine. Congratulations Arquitecto Montero!

By Carol Billups