Chill Weekends

A PathFinder Report

http://www.pathfinderinternational.net

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Introduction

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in Mexico…or Belize…or Uruguay? But making that decision to actually move south of the border just seems a little too frightening. What if you don’t like the country you picked? What if the property you chose isn’t quite what you wanted?

But what if you could get a taster of that new life overseas…if you could make a short trip to the country you are thinking of creating a new life in…check out the property options… stroll around the town… drink cocktails on the beach at sunset and really get a feel for the place before you commit a substantial amount of time and money.

This is where the Pathfinder Chill Weekends can help.

What is a “chill weekend”? A Chill Weekend is nothing more than an opportunity for our valued customers to enjoy a short vacation in exchange for allowing a developer the opportunity to showcase a property or development he is promoting.

No strings, no pressure, no hard sell, just a chance to familiarize yourself with the insandouts of buying a home overseas, and savor the culture, activities, and lifestyle of another country. Chill weekends are offered at a substantial discount by our developer partners…and are sometimes free.

Sound too good to be true? Well, read on.

In this report, I have gathered together details of the best chill weekends being offered by developers in Belize, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Uruguay. Not only will you get valuable information on buying a property in that country, you will also be wined and dined so you can get a full preview of what your new life could be like.

It may be a weekend that will change your life!

Regards,

Margaret Summerfield
Director
PathFinder Ltd.

Note: Because of the very nature of these promotions, spacing is limited and usually requires advanced reservation.

Chill in Belize…

Orchid Bay

Are you dreaming of a better quality of life—to live happier, healthier, and with less stress…to find the perfect weather, where you never again have to shovel snow, scrape ice from your windows, or heat your house. To escape the 9to5 drudgery of a day job… to spend your mornings fishing or snorkeling… to live more luxuriously than you ever could at home, for a fraction of the cost.

So, why just dream about it?

Our friends at Orchid Bay, Belize, have put together an irresistible threeday escape to help you take the first steps to achieving that dream. They’re inviting you to leave behind the 9to5 drudgery and experience this tropical jewel on the western edge of the Caribbean in a way that few tourists ever do.

This threeday tour is designed to provide an insider’s view of Belize’s diverse natural beauty and rich culture…from its jungle interior of rainforests, waterfalls, and Mayan ruins…to the turquoise water and inviting whitesand beaches along its coast.

All you have to do is book a return flight to Belize City and your hosts from Orchid Bay will pick you up from the airport and provide all of your tourrelated transportation, meals, and accommodation for just $299.

There will be plenty of opportunities to savor Belize’s tantalizing beauty and lifestyle, including a pig roast on the beach… a tour of the 2,400yearold Mayan ruins at Cerros…plus you'll have some free time to explore or relax.

There will also be informational sessions on Belize’s law and property ownership, and you’ll have access to an independent attorney, plus be among the first to see the developer’s newest project, Casitas of Orchid Bay Beach Club. This threeday trip will illustrate to you the benefits of buying in Belize and provide an opportunity to try the lifestyle on for size.

And the beauty of this exclusive trip—if you do decide to buy a lot here, the developers at Orchid Bay will reimburse you for the full price of your trip to Paradise. Either way, you get to enjoy a taste of Belize, plus a luxury stay in a stunning, private beach location for only $299, while checking out an amazing ground floor real estate opportunity. This weekend could be the smartest investment you ever make!

This is what Philip M. Hahn, Chief Visionary Officer at Orchid Bay has to say about this beautiful place:

“Next time you stroll down a tropical beach, wouldn’t it be nice not have to worry about the hassles and headaches of the daily grind back home…wouldn’t it be nice if you were already home! "

Orchid Bay is an enchanting waterfront village with 115 acres of protected forests and 1.5 miles of coastline, and is conveniently located just 10 miles from Belize’s Northern Highway, offering easy access to services and activities throughout Southern Mexico and Northern Belize. The Northern Highway extends south to the International Airport in Belize City and north to the Mexican Riviera. Orchid Bay is secluded, but not isolated.

Orchid Bay’s assortment of home designs combine modern elegance with environmentally sensitive features. Home sites are carefully prepared to save as many trees as possible. As a conservation community, 45% of Orchid Bay is set aside as green space. When property setback requirements are added, the total green space is closer to 60%.

The community plan includes sumptuous restaurants, boutique retail shops, and convenient services—all within the central plaza. The Orchid Bay Beach Club will have rental casitas, a restaurant, bar, and swimming pools. An equestrian center and fields are also included in the community design.

Orchid Bay will include exquisite bayfront and bayview homes, village homes, cottage homes, and three story townhouse condominiums. The price of topquality home construction for lot buyers will be as low as $75 to $100 per square foot. With lots running from just $39,000 to $199,000, this equates to total construction costs for an elegant resort home ranging from less than $100,000, upward to $500,000, depending upon the modifications you choose.

Orchid Bay is one of the most idyllic and innovative communities ever conceived… a gentle footprint in the tranquil, tropical nation of Belize.”

To find out more, and to book your weekend at Orchid Bay, email us at info@pathfinderinternational.net.

About Belize…

Belize sets itself apart from its neighbors in several ways—not least of which is the fact that the population speaks English. It makes living and doing business easy. What’s more, Belize is a small, peaceful country where you can beat the bureaucratic beasts by simply walking into the Minister of SoandSo’s office and sitting down to talk things out.

Belize, in many ways, is like a big small town. Its farthinking banking laws have given the nation a distinct advantage when it comes to banking privacy. In an age when accounts in other jurisdictions are under attack, those in Belize remain secure…which is no mean feat.

And Belize’s retiree program offers attractive incentives to foreigners looking to live in Belize—particularly those who are already planning to declare their permanent residency outside the U.S.

Plus, Belize is just plain beautiful. From its Caribbean shores to its jungle interior, this nation has great natural beauty to recommend it—blue water and deserted beaches, and inland retreats where jaguars and scarlet macaws still live in their natural habitats.

Climate

The climate in Belize is subtropical with a brisk prevailing wind from the Caribbean Sea and an annual mean temperature of 79° F. Summer temperatures usually never exceed 96° F, while winter lows are seldom below 60° F, even at night.

Cost of living

Belize is not the most affordable place to settle in Central America. You’ll likely find prices for some items to be more than what you’re used to paying in the States…but then you will also discover that many services actually cost less.

Monthly living expenses in Belize vary widely, but $3,000 a month is more than adequate for most couples. The more you entertain and travel, of course, the more your costs will climb. It is certainly possible for a couple to live on considerably less than $3,000 a month, but it is all relative to your individual lifestyle.

Bear in mind that prices are generally higher in places like Ambergris Caye or Placencia. Ambergris is an island—and that means everything is imported. You’ll have to pay extra for that transport cost.

On the other hand, if you decide to live in the north of Belize in Corozal you will be able to take advantage of easy shopping trips to nearby Mexico. So while you can enjoy all the benefits of Belize…you can cross the border to buy your goods for less.

Food prices vary greatly from place to place, but savvy expats living in Belize know how to cut costs and eat better than most Americans do. Sandwiches typically cost less than $2, and beer and coffee are about $1. On the other hand, a mediumquality bottle of red wine is likely to be about $15.

Health care

Belize’s health care system isn’t up to American or European standards, but there are doctors or clinics in almost every town who can handle minor ailments and most emergencies. Health care in Belize in general is extremely affordable—just a few dollars for a visit to a doctor’s office and about $15 a day for a hospital stay.

Though you could certainly have a broken bone set or a cold attended to at a local clinic in Ambergris or at a hospital in Belize City, for anything more serious you’d be better off in Mexico or the U.S. There are stateofthe art facilities over the border, and health care in Mexico is inexpensive.

The Belizean government has put a high priority on improving its medical health care facilities, and there is every reason to believe that it will succeed.

Expats in Belize also have the option of returning to the U.S. for health care and, in cases of emergency, to rely on evacuation coverage provided by an international health insurance policy. Evacuation coverage is particularly important because an ambulance flight can easily cost $15,000. If you’re prone to health problems, you should consider this option.

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Chill in Mexico…

Riviera Nayarit

For decades, only locals and hardcore surfers knew about it.

Then, a few intrepid world travelers and expats started discovering its epic beaches, shimmering blue seas, spectacular deep-red sunsets, and sleepy coastal villages... and decided to live there for good.

And in the past few years, some of Hollywood's most prominent “A” listers got in on it, too. Jennifer Aniston, Will Smith, John Travolta, Britney Spears, Robert de Niro, and Elton John have all been spotted gracing its shores.

Where in the world is this place?

It’s called the Riviera Nayarit—a 100-mile stretch of coastline that starts just five miles away from the Puerto Vallarta International Airport.

And as of mid-2008, everything’s all set for the Riviera Nayarit to become Mexico’s Next Great Place:

Over the past two years, the Mexican government has infused over $1.5 billion in infrastructure improvements in the area...

Last year, Mexican tourism officials decided to tack the name “Riviera” to the state name of Nayarit. Within three months of the name change, investors poured more money into the state than in all of 2006. In fact, when one government planned resort went for sale, it sold out in only 20 days...

In 2007, a luxury marina opened near the Riviera Nayarit town of Nuevo Vallarta...

In late 2008, two new golf courses will open on the Riviera Nayarit. Combined with the seven golf courses already open in the area, this will make the Riviera Nayarit one of Mexico’s premiere golf destinations...

Nineteen lodgings with more than 4,000 rooms are slated to open by 2011...

And even though the Riviera Nayarit is about to burst onto the world stage, it’s highly unlikely that it will ever lose its authentic charm. That’s because local real estate developers are going out of their way to retain the area's small-town community “beach vibe.” They’ve seen what can happen in places like Cancun, so they’re pulling out all the stops to avoid that.

Interested in finding out what it's like to live there yourself?

If your answer is “Yes”, then I've got even more good news.

Our friends at Developer Direct have put together a threeday program full of useful information about owning a home in the Riviera Nayarit. It’s called the Riviera ayarit Discovery Weekend...and it will give you the chance to experience—first-hand—what it’s like to live there:

You’ll meet a select group of expats and real estate professionals already living and working in the Riviera Nayarit...you’ll check out a few great places to live...you’ll get all of your questions answered about living in Mexico...

And here’s the best part.

Unlike other conferences and seminars which may cost $1,000 or more, the Riviera Nayarit Discovery Weekend is all FREE.

All you’ve got to do is book your flight...and that’s it.

Everything else is taken care of. Hotel... meals... cocktail parties... even a luxury yacht cruise. No strings attached. Nada.

Here’s how it works. While you’re at the Riviera Nayarit Discovery Weekend, you’re going to spend part of your time taking an up-close look at what we believe are the most appealing properties in the Riviera Nayarit.

And should you fall in love with one of the properties, the real estate professionals at Developer Direct will walk you through the entire purchasing process. Sure... they’d be pleased if you purchased a property. In fact, it’s why they offer the Riviera Nayarit Discovery Weekend for free. They know some people will buy.

However, they also know that the Riviera Nayarit and the properties they'll show you pretty much sell themselves, so they don't have to resort any form of “high pressure” sales tactics.

Far from it, actually. All they do is give you the lowdown on how to live there, show you how much it costs, and sit back, relax, and let you decide what's best for you and your lifestyle.

What kind of properties will you see?

One property I know you’ll be checking out is called the Alamar. It’s a luxury condominium that’s got just about everything you’d ever want in a second home or retirement home: expansive panoramic ocean views...an enormous beach club... a gym and wellness center... Wi-Fi internet access... jogging trails... tennis courts... multiple pools... and a whole lot more.

Prices start at only $229,000 for a two-bedroom oceanview condominium... with payments as low as $1,500 a month.

You’ll find out much more about the Alamar... and several other properties in person... during your three days at the Riviera Nayarit Discovery Weekend.

Discover the charming seaside town of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle

When you’re not finding out about the Riviera Nayarit’s best properties, you’ll have plenty of time to experience the Riviera Nayarit’s rich culture and beauty.

You’ll be staying at the Hotel Villa del Palmar Flamingos—just a 15-minute drive from Puerto Vallarta's international airport. The Hotel Villa del Palmar Flamingos is in the charming seaside town of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle—right on the Playa Flamingo—one of the Riviera Nayarit’s most beautiful beaches.

Walk barefoot on the Playa Flamingo and watch the surfers ride the powerful waves... take in a gorgeous Pacific Ocean sunset... stroll through town on the lushly planted sidewalks and the cobblestone streets and buy a few native Huichol handicrafts as souvenirs... and start imagining what it would be like to actually live there (and who knows, you might just spot an “A” lister or two yourself)...

It’s a great way to spend a weekend... and it’s a weekend that could change your life forever.

And it’s all free.

For further details on how you can discover Mexico’s Next Great Place, contact us: email: info@pathfinderinternational.net; website: www.pathfinderinternational.net.

Go Back

You’ve always dreamed Paradise would be like this…

I’d like to offer you a spot on a Pathfinder “Chill Weekend” that is so heaped in luxury and pampering, it may just change your idea of what a perfect tropical lifestyle ought to be.

Picture yourself soaking up the brilliant sun on a wide, sandy beach…taking a refreshing dip in the clear Caribbean water…lazing in a hammock beneath the shade of a palm tree and feeling the gentle caress of the sea breeze on your face…or pampering yourself with a soothing spa treatment…

Then kicking back in your own deluxe, two bedroom, sea view condo…or wandering around the first rate restaurants, upscale shops, or the many sightseeing and entertainment diversions nearby.

Such effortless self-indulgence could easily become quite catching…

That’s exactly the kind of enviable, “paradisechic” lifestyle you can sample for three days when you attend the discovery weekend we’ve arranged for you with our friends at Encanto Resorts in Playa del Carmen on Mexico’s stunning Riviera Maya.

A 100mile stretch of pristine Caribbean beaches…
without the crowds and “spring break” mentality

The Riviera Maya spans nearly 100 miles of Caribbean coast just south of Cancún along Mexico’s Yucatán peninsula. Its seemingly endless stretch of pristine beaches is protected by the world’s second longest coral reef system…the inviting turquoise water of the Caribbean gently caresses the shore…and, inland, the thick jungle hides dramatic caverns, scores of exotic species of birds and plants, and ancient Mayan ruins.

The Riviera Maya has long been a favorite haunt of scuba divers, intrepid travelers, and ecotourists looking to escape the cruiseship crowds and throngs of vacationers that flock to Cancún yearround.

It has also become an increasingly popular—and quieter—alternative to Cancún for secondhome owners and expats wanting to savor a resort lifestyle in this paradise…

If you’re considering a new vacation home in the sun you can easily get away to…or you’re ready to make a permanent move to paradise…you’ll want to check out the Riviera Maya first

To really understand the allure of the Riviera Maya…and the tantalizing lifestyle there…you need to check it out firsthand…

Hit the beach for an afternoon. Do a bit of snorkeling over the rainbowcolored coral reefs. Sample one of the local seafood specialties at a beachside restaurant. Maybe spend a morning playing a round of golf on one of the nearby championship courses, or exploring vinedraped Mayan ruins in the jungle. You get the idea.

That’s the real beauty of the Encanto Resorts Discovery Tour. You spend three relaxing days experiencing all the culture and adventure the Riviera Maya has to offer…while your hosts pamper you with their warm hospitality and an ample taste of the luxurious resort lifestyle.

You’ll also pick up a lot of useful information about owning a home here. And, if you’re ready to do some serious property shopping—for that beach getaway you’ve always dreamed of, or for your personal piece of paradise to put down permanent roots in— you’ll also be taking a closeup look at several firstrate properties, in the best locations available, and each with unparalleled amenities and luxuries.

Let me be clear, though. This weekend is all about relaxing, having fun, and soaking up the charm and lifestyle of the Riviera Maya. Don’t think that once you get here you’ll be subjected to highpressure selling tactics. You won’t. If you don’t like what you see…no problem. Just continue to kickback and enjoy your weekend on the Rivera Maya.

Lifestyle choices for the pampered tropical dreamer

Now, even though this weekend is designed as a noobligation, nopressuretobuy, relaxing event, I do have to warn you…

Once you’ve experienced a pampered lifestyle in a location as unique and beautiful as the Riviera Maya, those three days are very likely not going to seem like enough. As you’re getting on the plane to return home, don’t be surprised if you regret that you cannot stay for a week or two…or for a lifetime.

For starters, you’ll be staying in Playa del Carmen, the vibrant town midway down the Riviera Maya (44 miles south of Cancún) known for its openair markets, artisan shops, and (along its bustling “Fifth Avenue”) highend shopping, restaurants, and nightlife.

Once just a little fishing village, Playa del Carmen is now one of the fastest growing coastal towns in Mexico, and is considered by many to be one of the smartest real estate investments in the Caribbean right now. From Playa (as it is known locally) a direct ferry to Cozumel affords you local access to some of the world’s best scuba diving.

And the properties you’ll be viewing are no less luxurious than the deluxe accommodations you’ll enjoy during your threeday weekend. You’ll see luxury resort residences in the heart of Playa del Carmen, with twoand threebedroom condominiums and a rooftop solarium that will allow you to enjoy amazing views of the Caribbean Sea and Cozumel Island… A trendy condominium complex a block away from the shops and restaurants of Fifth Avenue and on one of Playa’s best beaches… A perfect “getaway home” in a unique condo complex, right on the edge of the beach, built around the only privatelyowned, official operating lighthouse in the world.

For three days you can sample upscale, Caribbean living on the Riviera Maya and discover the most unique and luxurious choices for turning your dream of paradise into a reality there.

The cost of this threeday escape is only $490—that price includes transfers, a cocktail presentation, and threenights stay in a deluxe, twobedroom unit…where you can bring up to four people with you.

You’ll also receive a special discount on most activities such as sightseeing tours, water sports, nature and water parks, and theme parties, as you spend many leisurely hours exploring the beauty and recreational activities of the Riviera Maya.

And, though you’ll be under no pressure to buy while you’re here, if you decide one of the Encanto resort properties is your personal piece of paradise, your hosts will pick up all of your expenses for this discovery weekend.

• A welcome cocktail reception in the Rooftop Bar of the Encanto Hotel.
• A tour of downtown Playa del Carmen and dinner at La Parilla on Playa’s vibrant Fifth Avenue.
• Presentations on living and owning a home in Mexico.
• A tour of some of the choicest developments in and around Playa del Carmen.
• Breakfast with the developers of the projects you’ve toured…a good opportunity to get your questions answered about any of the developments that might have caught your eye.

If you’re a tropical dreamer looking for an upscale lifestyle in one of the world’s most unique tropical paradises, then the Riviera Maya…and this special threeday sample of that enviable lifestyle…are for you.

Note: This Discovery Weekend is limited to a small group, so email us at info@pathfinderinternational.net for further information and to book this amazing threeday discovery weekend.

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Puerto Vallarta

I’d like to offer you an invitation to sample a bit of the enviable lifestyle expats and vacation-home owners are living right now in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Think of it as a mini-escape to Paradise…three days in this beach-lover's nirvana and you’ll surrender to the dreamer inside you.

This picturesque stretch of Mexico’s Pacific coast wraps around the dark blue waters of Banderas Bay. Expect plenty of warm sunshine when you arrive and some of the world’s best beaches to enjoy it on.

Vallarta is a magical place. Sipping a drink under the shade of palm trees, their fronds swaying in the gentle sea breeze… exploring secluded inlets and sleepy fishing villages along the coast, or the forested foothills of the towering Sierra Madre mountains… strolling the cobblestone street of the esplanade dotted with tiny shops, galleries, and cafes… sailing, fishing, or scuba diving out on the sun-dappled bay… savoring locally inspired seafood at a funky seaside palapa…

And capping your day with a romantic walk along the beach at sunset…before Puerto Vallarta’s
vibrant nightlife beckons with its elegant restaurants and festive nightlife.

It’s a pretty easy lifestyle to settle into for three days… or for a lifetime.

In fact, don’t be surprised if you get a serious urge to do a bit of property shopping here yourself.

Our friends at Mexico Alive…and your hosts for these three days…have put together a program full of useful information about owning a home in Mexico and gives you a chance to take an up close look at a few of the most appealing properties in the Puerto Vallarta area.

No sitting through hard sell sessions. No high pressure tactics. The focus of these three days is for you to become familiar with the ins and outs of buying a home in Mexico and also to savor the culture, activities, beauty, and lifestyle in Puerto Vallarta… not to see how fast you can pull your checkbook from your pocket.

But if, as I suspect, this taste of Puerto Vallarta teases the dreamer inside you… has you beginning to think how nice it would be to own a vacation home or even start a new lifestyle here… then this weekend is also an excellent opportunity to get some of your questions answered and to get a feel for what kind of real estate is available in Puerto Vallarta.

The program will include:

• A welcome cocktail reception.
• A guided tour of beautiful Puerto Vallarta.
• A private beach party alongside the tranquil evening waters of Banderas Bay.
• A chance to learn more about the real estate market, business culture, and economic conditions in Mexico…with ample time for any questions you might have.
• A boat ride out on the clear, deep blue water of Banderas Bay… a chance to just kickback for an afternoon of relaxation.
• A Mexican Fiesta for you at your hotel… including dinner and a festive show.
• Informative sessions where you’ll be able to find out more about mortgages, financing, and closing processes.

If you’re interested in purchasing a home in Mexico, the Puerto Vallarta Discovery Weekend by Mexico Alive will be the most fun and information packed weekend you will ever experience and is priced at just $185. Your trip includes food, lodging, and entertainment.

Contact us at info@pathfinderinternational.net to reserve your place for this no strings attached, three-day escape to enchanting Puerto Vallarta…and discover how easy it is to pamper the dreamer inside you.

About Mexico…

There is only one place in the world where you can enjoy an affordable overseas lifestyle, live right on the beach for pennies on the dollar, yet remain within minutes of the U.S. by car…

With its moonlit fiestas, languid white sand beaches, ancient colonial towns set in the rugged Sierras, and Mayan pyramids rising from the misty Yucatan jungle, it’s no wonder so many people are starting new lives in Mexico.

A move to Mexico means you can still enjoy the amenities you were accustomed to north of the border, including cable TV, highspeed Internet, and modern home appliances. And if you prefer, you can even bring all of your favorite things with you without paying import taxes.

Goods and services cost less, so you can afford the kinds of luxuries only the very wealthy enjoy up north: a maid, a cook, and a gardener for example. In your retirement here, you’ll have the time to volunteer at the local school, golf in the mornings, relax on the beach…and savor life.

Whether your vision of the ideal lifestyle overseas involves shopping, fishing, sunbathing, diving, biking, mountain climbing, parasailing, collecting crafts, visiting archeological sites, partying, going to concerts, attending the theater, or fine dining, in Mexico you can engage in all of these activities, and more.

Climate and landscape

Mexico is such a diverse nation that everybody can find exactly what they want here. You don’t have to choose between water and mountain views; you can have both. And because of the geographic diversity, you can also choose what climate you want to enjoy during your Mexican retirement: from hot and dry in the north, to hot and humid in the south, to springlike temperatures all year round in the Colonial Highlands.

Cost of living

The key to smart shopping in Mexico is local shopping. You’ll pay about 50 cents per kilo (that’s about 2.2 pounds) for fresh fruit like mangos, oranges, or pears. A kilo of avocados sells for about $1.55—which is roughly what you’d pay for one avocado in the U.S.

While it is true that you can find just about any U.S. product you’re used to having— from Campbell’s Soup to Tide—it’s also true that you’ll probably pay more for the convenience of a brand name. But if you shop at the local produce markets and the stores where locals buy, you’re sure to pay less for your goods.

Senior citizens’ benefits program

Foreigners who hold a valid residency visa for Mexico can now take part in Mexico’s senior citizens’ benefits program.

The program, for adults aged 60 and over, offers discounts on a wide range of services. These include discounts on health related services (hospitals, doctors’ visits, lab tests, medical devices, pharmacies, and dental work); cultural activities; travel related costs, including airline tickets, buses, car rentals and purchase, and hotel accommodation. Discounts can range up to 50% off the full price of a given good or service.

Health care

Health care in Mexico is first rate. Private clinics and hospitals are staffed by expert physicians (many of whom trained in the U.S., Europe, or in Mexico’s own world renowned teaching hospitals), and medical care and prescription drugs will cost you only a fraction of what you would pay in the U.S.

Every midsize to large city in Mexico has at least one first rate hospital. And a big plus is that the cost of health care in Mexico is generally onehalf or less of what you might expect to pay in the U.S.

Prescription drugs manufactured in Mexico cost, on average, about 50% less than the same drugs cost in the U.S.

Of course, the costs of medical care will vary by physician, hospital, and your condition. On average, an office visit with a doctor—specialists included—will cost 250 to 300 pesos (about $30). A house call (which doctors in Mexico still make) will cost about the same. Lab tests will cost about a third of what they cost in the U.S. A CAT scan often costs about 25% of U.S. prices. An overnight stay in a private hospital room costs about 350 pesos ($35). A visit to a dentist for teeth cleaning costs about 200 pesos ($20).

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Chill in Nicaragua…

The same magical stretch of Pacific Riviera that has prices in Costa Rica marked at a premium.

Rancho Santana

Daniel Ortega, the former Marxist we love to hate, responsible for the best ocean view deal I’ve seen in ages along Nicaragua’s stunning Pacific coast? True, albeit indirectly.

Let me explain…

When Ortega was elected president of Nicaragua in November 2006, fears of his left leaning politics gave a lot of would be buyers a serious case of the jitters…sending them to the wings to wait and watch which way the wind would blow in Nicaragua.

Their knee-jerk reaction, it turns out, could be your second-chance at a ground-floor real estate deal in Nicaragua…for the simple reason that those doom-and-gloom forecasts just haven’t played out. On the contrary, Ortega has been won over to capitalism and is openly embracing tourism and foreign investment.

According to the Latin Business Chronicle, a U.S.-based publication, Nicaragua's current competitive business environment and strong integration with global markets bode well for the country’s future. Nicaraguan exports continue to rise and tourism has surpassed coffee exportation as the country's leading revenue source.

Nicaragua’s Law 306 (enacted in September 1999) is the most attractive—and most aggressive—tourism-incentive law in Latin America. Law 306 is sweeping in scope and offers hard-to-beat benefits for entrepreneurs who take advantage of the program. For one… if your business qualifies, you pay no income or real estate taxes for up to 10 years, and you can bring in (or buy locally) all the supplies you need—from furniture and boats to linens and cash registers—tax-free.

And the World Bank feels so positive about current prospects in Nicaragua, it is helping the country buy back more than $1.3 billion of its foreign commercial debt at 4.5 cents on the dollar.

Even the mainstream media is jumping on the Nicaragua bandwagon…

US News and World Report recently named Nicaragua one of the top 10 retirement destinations in the world. An MSNBC report called it “the world’s bestkept retirement secret.”

And late last summer, the New York Times Travel Section heralded “The Rediscovery of icaragua, a staggeringly beautiful country…emerging as an idyllic vacation spot.

The reality is, almost two years later, those fears of Ortega’s politics don’t appear to hold any substantive ground.

The mainstream media are looking again to this country’s unspoiled coastline, majestic scenery, and colonial cities. As we have seen before it is only a short matter of time now before buyers and investors will follow. The tide is just starting to turn again for Nicaragua’s boom.

Developers sat tight during the flattened real estate market following Ortega’s election, but the tide is turning, and they’re now putting their prime real estate back on the market. They are relaunching at low prices but will quickly ratchet them back up as interest returns, which given the media interest already there, won’t be long.

This situation has created a unique second chance for you to pick up a piece of real estate along Nicaragua’s stunning Pacific coast at a preOrtega, groundfloor price. It is like turning back the calendar a decade in Nicaragua...

Your Invitation to Rancho Santana

The developers of Rancho Santana, are once again opening up opportunities to buy into the “Grand Dame” of oceanfront communities along Nicaragua’s Riviera Pacifica. This is an established community built on prime coastal real estate with five expansive private beaches. And here, oceanview lots are currently still available at only $47,000.

If you’ve ever priced property elsewhere along Central America’s Pacific coast, you’ll know that ground floor deals on oceanview properties, like this one, just don’t exist anymore.

The developers at Rancho Santana have just announced the release of 27 oneto threeacre oceanand valleyview lots in this firstclass development—with prices starting at only $47,000.

That’s a sensational bargain (almost a steal, really) when you consider that just 50 miles to the south in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, similar oceanview properties are a premium commodity…selling for as much as $575,000 and upward.

Don’t think for a moment, though, the lower prices here mean you have to settle for less. Rancho Santana is a growing, thriving place. Visit anytime, and you won’t want for dinner company. With over 300 lots already purchased, 26 homes and 17 casitas dotting the lush landscape, and an additional eight homes currently under construction, a very established community is in place.

Homeowners are fully enjoying their investment. At any given time, you’ll see residents carrying their surfboards back from one of the pristine beaches, relaxing poolside, enjoying a finedining experience in the oceanside restaurant, or sipping a cool drink at the new seaside bar.

The more adventurous take off in groups hiking, biking, or on horseback (there’s a fullystaffed community stable with horses onsite). They sojourn the surrounding hills, or explore the more than 3,000 acre reserve, the surrounding villages, or the dramatic cliffs above the ocean. There is also a health spa, and tennis and basketball courts, among other amenities.

And it’s hightech to boot…wireless Internet, a cell phone tower on the property, direct TV, and a DVD player in the lounge with a library of DVD’s to choose from. There’s also a workout center…a Spanishlanguage instructor on call…bicycles…a nature trail. Every comfort and convenience you could hope for…and every pleasant distraction and entertainment you could imagine.

Rancho Santana has been developed as an exclusive, private retreat with firstclass amenities.

A word of warning…Rancho Santana is not for everyone

If you are looking for amusement park rides, boardwalks, tshirt shops, and wild nightlife, you’re not going to be happy here.

If, on the other hand, you enjoy wideopen spaces and want to join a group of likeminded people in one of the most upscale communities along the beautiful Pacific Coast, Rancho Santana could be for you. A quiet, peaceful, affordable retreat to escape the fast pace and stress back home for a few weeks or months a year… or for a lifetime.

Rancho Santana really is a nobrainer…

You’re buying property in a firstrate community that’s already up and running… and doing so in a worldclass manner. What's even better is that prices are competitive, particularly right now—and homeowner's fees are by far the lowest of any in the area, greatly reducing your overall cost of ownership. Rancho Santana made sense as a valuebuy 10 years ago and with oceanview estate lot prices starting at only $47,000, it makes even better sense today.

But you won’t want to sit on this incredible offer for very long.

As word gets out that Ortega’s presidency has not brought development in Nicaragua to a standstill, buyers and investors are going to be taking another serious look at this enchanting country. And values will soar again.

These newly released estate lots with their inspiring views—at prices that we thought were consigned to the history books for this standard of community—means that Rancho Santana definitely merits a serious look.

But you need to act now …

And to make this deal a little sweeter… the developers of Rancho Santana have an offer that’s hard to resist. If you’d like to come down to see Rancho Santana for yourself, they will organize and pay for your airport transfer along with two night’s accommodation with breakfast.

And if you do decide to buy a lot here, they will reimburse you up to $1,000 on your airfare costs!

If you’d like to see Rancho Santana and all it has to offer for yourself, contact us at info@pathfinderinternational.net or visit our website www.pathfinderinternational.net.

About Nicaragua…

Nicaragua is one of the most beautiful countries in the Americas. It boasts a dramatic Pacific coastline; long, gentle Caribbean beaches; and volcanoes and freshwater lakes that dot the hilly inland.

Colonial cities like Granada and León offer visitors a taste of days gone by. And Managua is rapidly becoming a real First-World city with topnotch theaters and a range of international restaurants. The sprawling Nicaraguan capital was named this year’s cultural capital of IberoAmerica, a prestigious competition between 40 countries.

The country’s most famous beach spot has long been Montelimar, one of the largest tourist resort complexes in Central America with miles of private beaches. Newer and even bigger resorts are being developed nearby, including Nicaragua’s first five-star oceanfront hotel at Gran Pacifica. Farther south is the popular town of San Juan del Sur, where cruise ships dock regularly and some of the best surfing in Central America awaits. This charming beach town, with world-class restaurants and idyllic hilltop homes, is quickly becoming a hotspot for North American expats.

Nicaragua is virtually unknown—and usually misunderstood—by most people, which is why forward-thinking investors can find some of the best real estate deals on Earth in this country. For the record, Nicaragua’s civil war ended 17 years ago and despite the reelection of former revolutionary leader Daniel Ortega, foreign investment is up, tourism continues to rise, and private property is respected. The U.S. continues to be a major financial supporter of Nicaragua, as well as its leading business partner. The Ortega administration can count on a wide-range of different governments for help, which has eliminated energy shortages and improved social programs for the poor. Many of Nicaragua’s potholed roads have now been paved, making travel far easier than it was just last year.

In the past, Nicaragua has suffered from a serious case of bad press. But today, although critics still find fault with Ortega, the country is mostly making headlines as the latest tourist hotspot, with glowing reviews in major newspapers and popular guidebooks. Nicaragua is a nation at peace and one of the safest countries in Central America. Its government is democratically elected, and new president Daniel Ortega has said that he is committed to a freemarket economy, and is eager to attract foreign investors. Recent converts include the famous golfer Jack Nicklaus, who is designing a new course, and Marriot International, which will soon start construction on a worldclass resort.

Climate

Nicaragua has a predominantly tropical climate, alternating between two seasons: rainy and dry (winter and summer). This is the result of its geographic location, between 11 and 15 degrees latitude north, and the humidity from both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, which give it fairly stable seasons.

In the Central Region, the rainy season lasts from May to October. The dry season occurs from November through April. During December the weather is more temperate. The warmest months are March, April, and May.

The climate of the Atlantic coast has been classified as having the highest temperature and humidity. The temperature in this region corresponds to that in tropical jungles and ranges above 89° F.

Cost of living

You can hire a maid who will cook, clean, and do your laundry for less than $120 per month; spend just $25 on a wonderful meal of local delicacies, complete with wine and dessert; and take advantage of U.S.trained medical professionals who charge $35 for a visit and will even make house calls.

Nicaragua’s Retiree Benefit Program

Nicaragua’s retirement laws were based upon the retiree benefits offered to many in Costa Rica during the 1980s.

Under Decree No. 628, the “Law of Resident Pensioners and Retirees,” you’re eligible for benefits if you are over 45 years of age and have a monthly income of at least $400 or the equivalent in another currency. (Add an additional $100 for each dependent family member living with you in Nicaragua.)

The benefits for those retiring in Nicaragua come mostly in the form of tax incentives. As a foreign retiree, you’re entitled to:

• Pay no taxes on any outofcountry earnings.
• Bring up to $10,000 worth of household goods for your own home into Nicaragua duty free.
• Import one automobile for personal or general use and pay no import tax or protective tariff. You can sell the automobile after five years, with an exemption from consumer sales tax.
• Import an additional vehicle every five years under the same duty exemptions.

Health care

Several hospitals and private clinics in Managua and Granada provide highquality health care at very affordable prices. It costs just $30 for a doctor’s visit. A house call is only $35…and house calls are routine. A CAT scan costs $100, an Xray $17. Some drugs manufactured in Europe, which are not yet approved for distribution in the U.S., are available here.

Resident expatriates do warn, however, that some of the hightech equipment you’d expect to find in U.S. hospitals aren’t available in Managua. So they advise you to purchase MedEvac insurance (which costs about $250 a year) to ensure that in case of an emergency you’ll be airlifted by jet to Houston or Miami from Nicaragua.

Dental care, likewise, is affordable and first rate in Nicaragua. A laser cleaning by a U.S.trained dentist costs $17. And a crown is a little over $100.

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Chill in Uruguay…

SugarLoaf Ocean Club and Spa

I just got an email from David James, a developer in Uruguay. Before I tell you the exciting news he wants me to pass on, first I’ll allow Lee Harrison, Uruguay expert and resident, tell you all about David’s new development:

“When I first came to Uruguay a few years ago, while living in Ecuador, I had expected to enjoy a ThirdWorld adventure. But what I found was a side of Latin America that I didn’t know existed.

Uruguay turned out to be an honest, First World country with a high standard of living, a great infrastructure, and a stable government. Yet it still had a relaxed pace of life, a nonviolent, Europeanstyle culture, and the low cost of living that I’d grown accustomed to elsewhere in the region.

I found this blend irresistible, and now Uruguay is home.

Not long ago I ran into David James, a friend and experienced developer I’ve known for a couple of years. He happened to be sitting at a sidewalk café in Montevideo, drinking an espresso and reading the morning paper. I’ve followed the progress of his leading-edge projects in Latin America, and it was a pleasant surprise to run into him in Uruguay.

His latest project, Sugar Loaf Ocean Club and Spa, really got my attention, because it is the first of its kind in Uruguay. the perfect weather, where you never again have to shovel snow, scrape ice from your windows, or heat your house. To escape the 9to5 drudgery of a day job… to spend your mornings fishing or snorkeling… to live more luxuriously than you ever could at home, for a fraction of the cost.

You'll enjoy an unbeatable location in South America’s premier destination

Sugar Loaf Ocean Club and Spa, is situated in Piriápolis and is perfect for those who want to be close to the major attractions of Uruguay, yet prefer the peace, tranquility, and comfort of a private, luxurious community in the countryside.

Two international airports are close by, with Montevideo’s 45 minutes away, and Punta del Este is just 15 minutes away. Brazil is about three hours distant by car on Uruguay’s well maintained, highspeed highway system. Buenos Aires can be reached via a 25minute flight, or a relaxing ferry ride.

As a homeowner in Sugar Loaf, you’ll enjoy the best of all worlds: you’re in a modern luxury community in Piriápolis, a picturesque, smalltown beach resort; you’ve got Punta del Este at your doorstep, Montevideo less than an hour away, and an international airport within a 15minute drive. That’s what I call convenient.

You'll find nothing like Sugar Loaf Ocean Club and Spa, anywhere else in Uruguay

I’ve traveled extensively throughout Uruguay since 2004, and this project is unique in my experience. In fact, it is the first project designed with the standards and expectations of the North American expat in mind. Let me explain…

Most Latin American resort developments are relatively high-density. But Sugar Loaf Ocean Club and Spa is a large property of 75 acres, so you won’t feel hemmed in; it has the spaciousness that North Americans are accustomed to. The surrounding area is mostly pines, rolling hills, and pasture land, so the entire ambiance is one of peace and nature.

Most properties on the Uruguayan coast are vacation homes that provide basic accommodation. They’re great for use as a weekend retreat by people in nearby Montevideo, but not really suited for those who come from another continent to retire or spend months in residence. Sugar Loaf Ocean Club and Spa will have the comforts, amenities, and most importantly, the standards that you expect in a luxury home.

The Enchanted Rock Spa at Sugar Loaf will cater to every desire of the body, mind, and spirit. You can relax not only with a variety of soothing massages, but with aromatherapy, yoga or meditation as well. The gymnasium, Jacuzzi, stables and tennis courts will provide you with even more ways to enjoy your exclusive environment.

If you need to conduct business, you’ll find the planned modern business center and conference room to be well-equipped and convenient. Wireless Internet service will be available throughout the community, and all utilities will be underground to preserve the harmony with nature.

The onsite restaurant, El Alquimista, will offer a changing menu of fresh fish, local Angus beef and a superb selection of Uruguayan and Argentinean wines.

The most spectacular aspect however is the view. Located at one of the country’s high points, the property enjoys a full 180degree view to the front, and a view of the rolling hills to the back, including the famous Sugar Loaf, which abuts the property.

You can pick the luxury getaway that's right
for your taste and budget

Sugar Loaf Ocean Club and Spa is offering luxury villas, with models of two, three, and four bedrooms on lots of a quarter to half an acre, each with a dazzling ocean view. The two-bedroom model starts at $259,900, and goes up to $334,900 depending on the elevation and its corresponding ocean vista. The three-bedroom home starts at $374,900 and goes to $449,900 at its high end.

But at the pinnacle of Sugar Loaf Ocean Club and Spa you’ll find the ultimate offering. Looking out from the highest point of the property, you’ll find the precious half-acre lots, available with top-of-the-line, spacious, luxury villas. With four bedrooms and five baths, these will offer every amenity you could want, from a Uruguayan barbeque pit to an infinity swimming pool that melts into the sea—not to mention the staggering 360degree view of the ocean to the front and the hills to the rear. For those who want the very best, only two of these packages are available, costing $799,900.

If desired, the administration will be able to assist with the up keep of your home when you’re not in residence. Maintenance and gardening services will also be available while you’re away.”

David’s Invitation

Here’s David's original email:

“If you visit Sugar Loaf Ocean Club & Spa, we will take care of your accommodations for seven nights in a beautiful apartment in the old colonial city of Montevideo. The apartment is superbly located near historical sites, the Sarandi pedestrian walkway, restaurants, and the famous Teatro Solis. Advance reservations are required.”

To encourage visitors to his Ocean Club and Spa, David is willing to comp seven nights accommodation in Montevideo’s Old Town to anyone who drops by the club.

I should point out that I’ve met David several times, and think he’s a charming guy. Please don’t think that once you get to his Ocean Club, you’ll be subjected to high-pressure selling tactics. You won’t. David lets the views and the prices speak for themselves. If you don’t like what you see...no problem.

Note: These free weeks are limited to a small group of readers...so if you’re interested, please let us know by emailing us info@pathfinderinternational.net or checking out our website www.pathfinderinternational.net.

About Uruguay…

Uruguay is a country with a modern FirstWorld infrastructure, excellent highways, drinkable water, good communications, and stunning beaches. During high season, it is fun and lively. During low season, it is quiet and peaceful. Prices—for just about everything—are excellent.

Wherever you go, the friendly people will charm you, the natural beauty will seduce you, and the remarkably affordable cost of living will entice you to stay. As is true in any country, real estate in some areas is more affordable than in others.

First-World infrastructure and Third-World prices

Wedged between Brazil and Argentina, Uruguay has the lowest poverty level in Latin America, the highest life expectancy, and (as of 2007) the second lowest level of corruption. The country is something of a paradox. South America’s second-smallest country—about the size of Missouri—it looks and feels like Europe, but the prices are Third-World. If extensive infrastructure, ease of access, and an established expatriate community are retirement necessities for you… you can have all that in Uruguay.

The capital city of Montevideo is like an old-world European city with its kept buildings, fine restaurants, and international ambiance. This is in contrast with Punta del Este, a world-class beach resort that has been the playground of rich Europeans for years. In between you’ll find colonial cities, miles of rolling pampas where gauchos still manage their herds, and long stretches of near-empty beaches. The roads are good, too. The 210mile stretch of coastline between the Brazilian border and the Uruguayan capital of Montevideo is among the finest in South America, with endless white-sand beaches, lonely stretches of highway where the woods go right to the water, wildlife preserves, and dazzling resorts.

Due to its economic, social, and political stability, as well as its democratic tradition, high level of safety, and outstanding natural beauty, Uruguay is an excellent retirement haven. Many foreigners have already begun to take advantage of the ease of investment, superior quality of life, perfect weather, and numerous investment opportunities in real estate, farming, and the tourism industry. Infrastructure has been modernized and improved (ports, airports, telecommunications, road networks, etc.) making Uruguay, with its strategic location between Argentina and Brazil, the perfect base for exploring the rest of South America.

Climate

Uruguay is situated in the temperate zone of the tropic of Capricorn, and boasts warm summers and crisp winters, with no extreme temperatures. Because of its mild climate, the country can be enjoyed throughout the year. The economy is based on agriculture, cattle farming, and mining, as well as the production of hydroelectric energy and the development of tourism.

Health care

Medical care in Uruguay is generally adequate for routine complaints. However, the 150yearold British Hospital in Montevideo is well known for its topquality care, personalized attention, comfortable rooms, and good catering. Many of the 680 staff members speak English, and most of the 250 doctors working at the hospital (including 70 fulltime doctors) trained in the U.S., Europe, or Canada. The hospital has 85 rooms (most of them private), four birthing rooms, two intensive care units, five operating rooms, and outpatient care for a wide range of medical conditions. The hospital functions on a membership scheme, although nonmembers are welcome. Anyone who wishes to join must undergo a thorough medical examination to ensure they are not suffering from any dangerous or chronic conditions. Membership entitles you to free hospitalization, whereas a nonmember would have to pay a $2,500 deposit for hospitalization, and about $430 per day for the room.

Medical analysis and visits to a GP or specialist for members cost between $5 and $14; nonmembers pay between $70 and $100 for the same service. The hospital is linked to most international insurance schemes.

Generally, you can get an appointment to see a GP within a day, and you will rarely have to wait more than a week to see a specialist. The British Hospital is by far the best option for medical care in Montevideo, so it is worth checking that your insurance company has links to it.

The membership scheme works on a sliding scale according to your age. If you are between 30 and 39, the membership fee will cost about $75 a month; if you’re between 55 and 60, the fee is about $115.

For members between the ages of 60 and 65, there is an additional joining fee of $240. The hospital does not accept new members aged over 65.

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