Nuevo Vallarta Update
March 19, 2015
Rained the past several days. An upstream dam is allowing water to drain, which increases the dramatic flows through the Ameca River to its mouth and entrance to Bahia de Banderas, which is where the Punta pools and Grand Luxxe beach are located.Today, the flows through the river are heavy. Two weeks ago, that was not the case. Following is an update from a fellow Aimfair member who wanted to share their thoughts, experiences and photos. The one constant continues to be present: Change.....Enjoy!
Our recent visit, Feb. 27-Mar. 13, started out about the same as always. We are GL Villa owners, but we could not get a Villa, but had a 2BR Master Suite in Tower II. We are Charter members with the statement "At all resorts that have ocean view units, those units will be offered to Charter Holders prior to being offered to any other Certificate Holders", but ended with a view of the Plaza and part of the golf course under construction. The "presentation update" was the usual high pressure, but this time even more so. Considered very rude and maybe because we did not buy.
A lot of talk while around the pool (pool talk) and on the shuttles indicates we have a lot of unhappy members because they could not get into rooms for their category of membership. From Punta members to Grand Bliss. Do not know all of the details. Friends traveling with us (not members) were surprised at some of the stories they heard. One gentleman at the Pro Shop who is a Mayan Palace member was relating to people that the Mayan members had won a class action law suit because there were not enough units for all of their members. That is when changes were apparently made to the Mayan Palace tower in Nuevo. (You know how rumors go.). Next update for us will be several days into the visit so have ideas from owners...one gentleman said he paid to be to be downgraded (tongue in cheek). Never has gotten into Spa for last two years, even one Punta member has had same problem for the same amount of time.
New subject: They will be charging additional fees to play the new golf courses, even if your golf is included in your contact so they tell us.
Now let's talk about the positives:
- Azur restaurant at the Plaza is impressive-after one very nice experience.
- The Plaza is it's usual beautiful facility.
- The Pro Shop was moved to Tower 5, Residence Tower, and one par three hole has been opened. Rest of course maybe in 3-4 months.
- The grounds are as beautiful as ever.
- Many changes in the check-in area with increased luggage cart storage, etc.
- Plus many other smaller construction projects.
- The shuttle service was impressive with no long waits.
- The sales rep said the top floor (The Plaza) was (is) going to be turned into a "Mexican Market". They were moving huge I-beams into the upper floor.
- Old Pro Shop is going to be a "Mexican Cantina".
- He also said they were adding a par 3 course with one of the holes being on the island in the middle of the property that has the walks on it. This one is hard to believe, but only time will tell.
- Speaking of golf, this subject was also causing many negative comments as members could not get tee times. For those of us that did, the playing time was acceptable, but the course was crowded.
- The Spa (Spatium) opened a "garden area" which is very impressive. This spa is for Grand Luxxe members only. It opened about 2 weeks ago.
Spatium Garden Area.JPG
Spatium Garden Area 3-15-15 (2).JPG
Spatium Garden Area 3-15-15 (03).JPG
- They are "building 10 more Luxxe towers along the river to be completed in 2018". Here is a photo of Tower Five so far:
Tower Five - Newly Named 3-15-15.jpg
We felt food prices are on the high side at property restaurants and many, many people go off property for meals. The usual local places are still good.
We were on the 5th floor. It looks like the area in front of Towers 3 and 4 will be part of the golf course and will be flooded. The black liner is in place and some of the cart paths and bridges are in place.
SPA Tower North View 3-15-15 (02).JPG
SPA Tower North View 3-15-15.JPG
The 18th hole is the new one and is a short par 3. Sand all along the right side between the green and the small pond where the crocodile lives.
This guy is sunning himself after eating my ball.
The 10th hole is a short par 5 now. No word on the 19th hole..
I have not mentioned the "theme park" plans as I was not sure of my notes so bare with me. It is being planned along the lines of Disney and Cirque du Soleil. They said Cirque had 5 million members worldwide and they want to access that membership. Expect the park to be done in "5 years". On the highway into the city, an interchange was being completed that is supposedly an entrance to Mayan Palace property. Before you cross the Ameca River. I have probably left out a lot of facts-or fiction.
Hopefully we have not bored you and you find the information of some value. If you have been there recently, we hope you have received the same information.
Great update! Thank you for sharing with us. We definitely learned something new. Wonder what the Mexican Market will offer. Also, when will the Cantina open? Sounds as though the property is expanding its Sports Bar and adult watering hole options. Should be fun watching the new venues open and expand.