Chill at Riviera Maya

Chill on the Riviera Maya

Akumal lies in the center of Mexico’s stunning Riviera Maya, which runs from Playa del Carmen to Tulum. It’s close enough (100km) to Cancun’s international airport but far removed from the jaded over-development that has marred Cancun.

The Riviera Maya is a series of crescent-shaped white sand beaches, lapped gently by the turquoise Caribbean. The jungle interior reveals Mayan ruins and exotic wildlife, and the world’s second-longest coral reef—which has attracted divers, snorkelers, and eco-tourists for years—hugs the coastline. This area has become increasingly popular with second-home buyers looking to escape Cancun’s crowds. 

The Opportunity

Gran Bahia Principe is located close to Akumal. It boasts all the amenities you would expect from a quality beach resort. A 27-hole Robert Trent Jones golf course opens later this year, which will be the best along this stretch of the Riviera Maya.

Gran Bahia Principe is owned by Spanish company, Grupo Pinero. They also own Europe’s second biggest travel agency Soltour, which sells and runs 2.5 million vacations every year. Grupo Pinero’s hotels along this stretch of coast have been operating at 88% occupancy for the past 10 years. Gran Bahia Principe has a total of 2,700 rooms. Fortunately 2,700 isn’t enough. They need 3,000.

Benjamin Beja spotted this opportunity and is building 300 condos on the Robert Trent Jones golf course. His Sian Ka’an condos will be built to hotel specs, a block from the new 7,600-square-meter clubhouse. Clubhouse amenities include tennis courts, a spa, and restaurants overlooking the natural cenotes (wells) dotting the golf course. A shuttle bus takes you to and from the beach and main hotel amenities every 10 minutes. Residents and visitors have full use of the entire resorts amenities.

Prices for Sian Ka’an units run from $154,000. Each unit comes with approximately $18,000 worth of furniture and appliances. That works out a long way short of Playa del Carmen’s prices, and with all the amenities of an upscale established resort. In Playa, 35 minutes away, beachfront units cost $4,000 to $5,000 per square meter. Units back from the beach are in the $2,650 to $2,700 per square meter range. Sian Ka'an units start at $1623 per square meter.

The folk at Gran Bahia Principe have agreed to lease the 300 Sian Ka’an units; owners will receive a fixed annual rent of $9,000 to $13,500 depending on the size of their unit.  You won’t have to take care of the expenses during the course of the lease—no maintenance, HOA, administration fees, or property tax. That gives you a net yield of 6% up to 6.5% depending on the unit you opt for.

Rent is paid quarterly, and is fixed and guaranteed by the operator, and not dependant on the occupancy achieved by the operator. They assume the entire risk for filling the unit.

Terms, terms, terms

Benjamin has agreed to pre-release phase 3 to readers. Readers can reserve phase 3 units at the same price as phase 1 units…until phase 3 is officially launched. 

Now, while this all seems tempting—gorgeous area, condos at half the price per square meter of Playa, and a guaranteed rent, we always advise to buy what you see. And we understand that to be seduced by the allure of the Riviera Maya, you need to see it first-hand …To snorkel the jewel-like coral reef…to explore the enchanting Mayan ruins…to soak up the sunshine on a wide, sandy beach.

So Benjamin is offering Sian Ka’an Discovery Weekends. You’ll be met at Cancun airport, and taken to Gran Bahia Principe. Your three-night, four-day trip includes accommodation, food, cocktail receptions, dinner in Playa del Carmen’s finest restaurant, and the chance to learn more about the investment opportunity of Sian Ka’an. You’ll have a whole day to relax, too, or explore the Riviera Maya. 

Join us this December 3rd-5th, 2009. Click here for more details. The trip is free for Real Estate Trend Alert and Publisher's Roundtable members