The new JW Marriott Residences in Loreto Mexico will be located along the stunning Sea of Cortez.  Encompassing 800 feet of private beachfront, the Loreto JW will offer 201 whole ownership condos.  The first phase is slated for completion in 2010 and developers will be pursuing LEED certification (green building certification).  Loreto real estate options will include two, three and four bedroom condominiums and rooftop penthouses.  Prices are expected to range from the mid $700,000s to $3 million plus. 

In 2007 the JW Marriott brand was rated number two in the luxury hotel category second only to the Ritz Carlton.  The Loreto JW launch marks the first residential project in Mexico for the JW Marriott.  The property will be spectacular featuring amenities such as: a movie theater, beach club, free form pools, spa grotto, pristine beaches, infinity pools, pool bars, lazy river, aquatic center, arcade, fitness center, adventure center and more. 

Loreto’s unique culture, location and history makes for an ideal vacation home destination. 

For more information about Loreto or Loreto real estate opportunities, please contact Alfredo Cristo.

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Alaska Airlines recently announced the addition of non-stop flight to Loreto, Mexico from Los Angeles.  Beginning November 9th the new service will double the number of seats flown to Loreto on a weekly basis.  Two 144-seat flights run on Sundays and Thursdays and two 70-seat flights go on Tuesdays and Fridays (via Horizon Air).  Loreto is becoming an increasingly popular destination for ecotourism and has been recognized for its commitment to sustainability.  The Loreto visitor’s bureau is excited to partner with Alaska Airlines to add the new service. 

Loreto offers first time and returning visitors natural Sea of Cortez wonders, ecologically responsible tourism opportunities, and the historic charm of the old city.  Loreto is a World Heritage Site and home to the first California mission with a 300 year old history.  Guests will enjoy: kayaking, whale watching, turtle watching, scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, hiking, cave exploration, and just general fun in the sun. 

For more information about Loreto or Loreto real estate opportunities, please contact Alfredo Cristo.

Search for available properties in La Paz, Los Barriles, Loreto, Mulege, Baja Sur - Mexico

The Inn at Loreto Bay located in Baja Sur Mexico recently received bronze status from the prestigious Green Globe Program.  Green Globe recognizes commitment to environmental excellence.  To achieve bronze status the Inn at Loreto Bay has implemented an integrated environmental and social policy committing them to energy and water consumption standards, waste production limits and community involvement.  The Inn received high marks in the following areas during certification:

• energy consumption
• water saving
• waste diversion from landfill
• waste recycling
• community contributions
• paper products
• cleaning products
• pesticides

All work toward bettering the environment and ensuring a sustainable future at this development.  The resort also offers other ‘green’ initiatives for guests such as fluorescent lighting, recycling compactors, zero scape, electric shuttles, and organic menu items.  Guests can also volunteer for local programs such as Animalandia or edible classroom programs at local schools.

The community of Loreto Bay is an 8,000 acre seaside community that is home to the Inn, fitness center, three restaurants, spa, pool bar and golf services.  There will also be approximately 6,000 Baja-style homes available and 1,500 acres of a nature preserve.  Owners and guests will enjoy activities such as kayaking, fishing, snorkeling, golf, scuba diving and more.

Please contact Alfredo for more information about how you can obtain your dream Mexican Baja getaway on the East Cape.

Search for available properties in La Paz, Los Barriles, Loreto, Mulege, Baja Sur - Mexico

Casa Escondida - In The Heart Of Loreto, Mexico
Starting at $350,000-$365,000 USD

• 1,636 sqft to 2,583 sqft
• 2 beds/ 1 and 2 baths
• Ocean View
• Gated community
• One block from the malecon
• Kitchen w/ top of the line appliances
• Common area w/ palapa BBQ and pool

Casa Miramar - $98,000 USD

• 2,605 sqft lot
• 2 beds/1bath
• kitchen
• living/dining area
• back yard
• 2 car garage
• fully-furnished and ready for move in
• Great investment opportunity

Casa Linda - $220,000 USD
*2,580 sq ft of quality construction

Casa Las Flores - $258,000 USD
Similar to Casa Linda with an upgraded pool

•  Fantastic Giganta mountain and Sea of Cortez views
• 2 Beds/2.5 baths 
• Master bed w/ private terrace
• Kitchen
• Living/dining area
• Family room w/ terrace
• Laundry room
• Ceiling fans included
• Appliances included
• Great rooftop terrace w/ wet bar and BBQ
• Walking distance to downtown and Loreto Malecon
• 2-Car garage
• 5,000 liters water cistern
• Irrigation system

Prices are subject to change without notice.

Please contact Alfredo for more information about how you can obtain your dream Mexican Baja getaway on the East Cape.  

Search for available properties in La Paz, Los Barriles, Loreto, Mulege, Baja Sur - Mexico

The developers of Casa Escondida in Loreto Mexico orginally moved here to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the mountains and the Sea of Cortez and to learn the language, but ultimately ended up staying because Loreto and its people welcomed them with open arms. Here’s their story:

My wife (Laurie) and I moved to Loreto in November 2005, nearly 3 years ago. We had visited the area, loved the natural beauty of the mountains and Sea of Cortez, and had been watching for an opportunity to buy. We also loved the idea of living in Mexico, and wanted to learn to speak Spanish more fluently. We ended up “killing two birds with one stone”. I landed a job with Loreto Bay Company as Director of Commercial Construction, because I loved the idea of being involved in “The Largest Sustainable Development on the Planet”, and also because it put us in Loreto.

Casa Escondida

The Loreto Bay job did not work out very well. Lots of reasons, but after just 7 months I decided to leave the company. Regardless of the bad employment experience, we had found we love living in Mexico, and especially in Loreto. Laurie and I had saved a bit of money, and we decided to stay and start our own small development company building spec homes in Loreto. It has been a real adventure, and proves that anyone can be successful anywhere if they make the commitment and are willing to work hard.

Our business has grown. We now have a development company (Casa Escondida S. de R.L. de C.V.), currently building (4) homes, and with another property in San Juanico on the Pacific side ready for development. The problem with construction and development is that money comes in big “spurts”, and it is difficult to sustain momentum without regular cash infusion. In order to have a little “cash flow machine”, we created another company (The Construction Coach, S. de R.L. de C.V.) doing special construction inspections and various types of construction consulting.

I can honestly say two major things about our experience:

1. We Love Loreto – The whole experience has been non-stop mental stimulation. We had to learn to speak Spanish. We have learned social customs, and a bit about the Mexican business law. We had to learn about real estate in Mexico, hiring and paying Mexican workers, paying personal/business/property taxes, and much more. In just 3 years, we have evolved into “real expatriates”. It has not always been easy, but that is the fun of it. The best part of all is the people we have met in Loreto. We now have many Mexican friends, and also a community of expats with whom to share time and fun. It is a very social life in Mexico, and in all my life of moving from place to place, I have never loved a place so much as Loreto, Baja Sur.

2. We Are Invested in a Good Place – It is a bit scary moving significant assets to a new country, but people get used to it. It really is no different than owning in the US or Canada. Particularly now, with the economic melt-down in the US and the likelihood of a long recession, we feel our money is in a very good place. In many ways, the Mexican economy is more fundamentally sound than the US economy. The area around Loreto is one of a small handful of places on earth where the mountains meet the Sea in spectacular fashion. We are very comfortable and confident that in the long term and from the perspective of return on investment, we are much better off having our money here in REAL PROPERTY than in the stock market, or bonds, or even in US real estate. Things change over time, but right now, this is a very good place to be.

Take a look at what’s available in Casa Escondida!

Please contact Alfredo for more information about how you can obtain your dream Mexican Baja getaway on the East Cape.

Search for available properties in La Paz, Los Barriles, Loreto, Mulege, Baja Sur - Mexico

Purchasing a home in Mexico might seem like a dream.  Most people would be surprised to know that it’s actually easier than they think.  The most important challenge to overcome is finding the right person to help you with the process.  Mexican properties often need to be purchased using a legally created Trust so you’ll want to have someone on your team that knows the ins and outs of Mexican real estate law.  This can make or break your experience. 

Alfredo Cristo is a Broker/Owner at RE/MAX Baja Sur (with three Baja locations) and a seasoned real estate attorney (who also has Wisconsin roots).  His experience in both realms makes him an invaluable asset in buying Mexican real estate.  Having someone like Alfredo to help you with your real estate purchase makes buying Mexican property simple and hassle-free.

Alfredo recently helped a couple purchase their dream home in Loreto (pictured above), here’s what they had to say about his services:

Dear Alfredo,

We want to thank you for all that you have done for us.  When we bought our dream home in Loreto, Mexico everyone told us we were crazy.  You and your staff have made the process WONDERFUL!

Thank you so much for helping us pick the perfect piece of property.
After that, you built us a wonderful, beautiful Mexican home.  It was better than we ever expected!  You made sure everything was perfect!  The quality was much higher than we imagined!

We also cannot believe how helpful you all have been after the building and sale were complete.  You are always there to watch our home, help us with immigration and paperwork and guide us through the Mexican rules and laws.  The rides to and from the airport are greatly appreciated!

We will always be thankful for you!

Thank you again and again,
Rosie and Ken Huff

Please contact Alfredo for more information about how you can obtain your dream Mexican Baja getaway on the East Cape.  

Search for available properties in La Paz, Los Barriles, Loreto, Mulege, Baja Sur - Mexico

One of Loreto Mexico’s many wonders is the Bay of Loreto National Marine Park.  Whether diving, camping, fishing, snorkeling, hiking, biking or just watching wildlife - the marine park has something for everyone.  The conservancy is approximately 800 square miles and contains five islands: Coronado, Del Carmen, Danzante, Montserrate and Santa Catalina.  It is the largest marine sanctuary in all of Mexico.

If you’d like to visit our beautiful Loreto marine park, the following regulations offer a helpful guide:

1. Make sure you register entrance at the administration of the Marine Park.  If you’re going on an adventure be sure to use the services of an authorized company.  They will have an ID card from SEMARNAP signifying they are allowed to offer tourist services.
2. Horses and motorized vehicles are only allowed on designated routes   (beach access is not allowed)
3. Jet skis must stay 200 meters off shore and 250 meters from swimmers.  They are not allowed around the islands.
4. Pets are not allowed on the islands
5. Respect the local flora and fauna, use established trails.
6. All waste must be carried out, "pack it in, pack it out"
7. Divers are not allowed to use spear guns and should dry not to disturb the natural habitat.  You must maintain a distance of 5 meters from any marine life while under water.  Vessels are required to keep a distance of 50 meters. 
8. Fishing licenses are required for everyone in a boat regardless of whether or not they are fishing.  Licenses allow the capture of finfish only - do not exceed the limit issued with the license. 
9. Catch and release is encouraged
10. Fileting is not permitted aboard a vessel or on the islands - only on the coastal areas of Loreto
11. If you plan to take your catch home with you, you’ll need a copy of your license as well as a "sport fishing report"

We encourage you to enjoy the beautiful marine sanctuary of Loreto!  Please just be respectful of our unique ecosystem.  The locals here have worked very hard to create a harmonious existence with Loreto’s special nature preserve.

For more information about Loreto, Mexico please contact Alfredo Cristo

Search for available properties in La Paz, Los Barriles, Loreto, Mulege, Baja Sur - Mexico 

Are you a fan of big sport fishing?  According to Loreto, Mexico Locals the fish are practically jumping into the boat from Loreto Bay these days.  Both Durado and Marlin are plentyful right now near the shoreline so you don’t have to spend hours searching for their hideouts.  Did you know Loreto Bay is actually a marine park?  The park covers an area of the Sea of Cortez ranging from Isla Coronado at the north end to Isla Catalana in the south.  The Loreto Bay Marine Park is on the United Nation’s list of protected heritage sites.  It’s a pretty special place.  Whales, dolphins, sea lions and all kinds of other marine life thrive in this spectacular environment where locals and visitors exist in harmony with nature.  Fisherman in the area do their part to help preserve the environment of Loreto Bay - they are only allowed to take 2 dorado or 2 marlin from the park. 

Last week Alfredo Cristo and Daniel Sanchez of the RE/MAX BajaSur Team took client, James Perry, out for a day of fishing.  James recently purchased a home in Loreto partly to enjoy these natural wonders.  The guys had tons of fun, caught lots of fish and enjoyed many beautiful vistas from the boat.  Take a look!

For the avid sports fishing enthusiast, Loreto Mexico is the perfect place to call home.  Alfredo recently listed a beautiful new real estate property in Loreto called Casa Linda.  This wonderful Loreto real estate opportunity offers convenience and amenity for those wishing to experience life south of the border.  This gogeous two bedroom home offers stunning views to the Giganta Mountains and the Sea of Cortez.  It is within walking distance to downtown Loreto and the Malecon.  A perfect place to call home. 

To find out more about this wonderful Loreto Mexico real estate opportunity, please contact Alfredo Cristo.

Search for available properties in La Paz, Los Barriles, Loreto, Mulege, Baja Sur - Mexico

Loreto Mexico holds the history of Baja Calfornia in its ancient roots.  Founded in 1697 as a Jesuit mission camp, Loreto was later taken over by the Franciscans and named the administrative capital of the entire territory of Calfornia.  It held this position for some 130 years  before a hurricane devastated the area in 1829.  Today Loreto is thriving in a new renaissance spurred on by growth, tourism and real estate.  This once sleepy town has been energized by the development seen throughout the entire southern tip of Baja California.  Now boasting its own international airport, Loreto is fast becoming a formidable competitor to the well know tip of the Baja - Cabo San Lucas.  Loreto holds a certain attraction and charm for many because it has yet to truly be discovered.  The beautiful and protected waters of the Sea of Cortez are like no other and Loreto provides the perfect gateway.

Many tout Loreto as the "anti-Cabo" - the beaches are not yet littered with timeshares or high pressure vendors, developments are mainly low-rise and the attitude is still a happy level of "low-key".  Although the charm and deep history will never leave the area, the development picture is likely to change with time.  Planned resort communities with tourist facilities are becoming increasingly popular with North Americans.  Although the change has been a long time coming, many believe the tidal wave of growth is right around the corner.       

The original mission church still stands in town today with the inscription over the door, "The head and mother church of the missions of upper and lower California" calling to the importance of a time long passed.  The future however looks bright.  Come find your dream home in Loreto - what are you waiting for?

The Casa Linda is a beautiful property for sale within walking distance to downtown Loreto and the Malecon.  This new home offers stunning views to the Giganta Mountains and the Sea of Cortez.  2 Bedrooms, 2 baths and 2,098 sqft of living space provide plenty of room for family fun and entertainment.  The master bedroom and living room both offer lovely terraces and the rooftop provides a great entertaining terrace with wet bar, BBQ and excellent views!  The kitchen, living and dining areas are all comfortable with ceiling fans to promote air flow.  This property is also equipped with a 5,000 liter cistern, a 2-car garage and an irrigation system.  Now offered at $220,000 including buyer closing costs.  Contact Alfredo Cristo today for more information.

Don’t wait - now is the time to find out about Loreto!

Search for available properties in La Paz, Los Barriles, Loreto, Mulege, Baja Sur - Mexico

Do you love visting Cabo but get put off by the increasing and massive amounts of new development in the area?  Perhaps it’s time to explore some other areas of the Baja!  Whether by car from San Jose del Cabo or by air directly to Loreto, the Baja’s East Cape (Los Barilles, La Paz, Loreto) has much to offer.  Loreto boasts tranquil blue seashore and diverse eco-systems like nothing you’ve ever experienced during your Cabo trips.

Loreto is North of La Paz on the Sea of Cortez side of the Baja.  There is an international airport here, so you can fly directly.  This special area is home to about 250 km of Sea of Cortez coastline and 14 nearby islands.  It is also surrounded by the Sierra La Giganta mountain range - one of the tallest ranges in the Baja.  The combination of mountains, desert and sea create unique and diverse eco-system rarely found in other regions.  Plant, animal and aquatic life in Loreto are absolutely spectacular. 

There are many, many activities for families visiting Loreto to enjoy.  Sportfishing here in the rich and calm waters of the protected Sea of Cortez is legendary.  However you’ll also enjoy other outdoor activities such as: snorkeling, swimming, diving, golf, horseback riding, sea kayaking, sailing, hiking, biking and more.  Typical marine life in and around the islands includes sea lions, whales, dolphins, turtles and a number of exotic birds and tropical fish.  The area is also steeped in local history - a trip to the mountains will bring explorers to ancient missions.

If you love the Baja and are ready to try some new adventures, consider visiting Loreto!

For more information about the beautiful areas in and around Loreto, please contact Alfredo Cristo.