Posting Date
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Review
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Subject
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Member Reviews
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Today's Subject
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Your Comments
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Topic of This Travel Tip
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Aimfair Vacations Member News
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Gallery ID
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2021-09-29
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Possible Scam - The Brokerage Exchange, Homer, LA. Cold call saying they had an investor to buy our Vidanta Estates property for $1.2 million +. All they needed from us was the title page (w/ owners name, address and description of the property 'owned') and the page with the Assignment Clause. They would review to ensure that we could actually transfer the property and then make a final offer. If we agreed, then they would put a deposit into an escrow account with a Mexican Bank. All we had to do was pay the transfer fees directly to Vidanta, who would then give us a 'paper' that we could send to The Brokerage Exchange. Once they received Vidanta's acknowledgement of the paid transfer fee, they would deposit the rest of the sales price into the escrow account and provide paperwork to complete the sales process. Not the typical scam, at least in my experience. The BS flag went up when they said that they would pay me $1.2 million upon the sale completion; not over time, not in scheduled payments, but all at once! Who trades $1.2 mil in today's dollars for essentially the future value of the right to rent a few weeks each year? Anybody else heard of this?
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T - Possible Scams
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2021-09-27
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Why is saying "No" so hard?
An article in Kiplingers Newsletter asks that question. Although it was presented in a general way, the question was also raised in the context of a Timeshare sales presentaion. The answers are interesting, especially in light of the fact that Timeshare Sales personnel have lots of Grit. The answer becomes increase your Grit to prepare to say "No".
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Current News
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144
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2021-09-27
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Why is saying "No" so hard?
An article in Kiplingers Newsletter asks that question. Although it was presented in a general way, the question was also raised in the context of a Timeshare sales presentaion. The answers are interesting, especially in light of the fact that Timeshare Sales personnel have lots of Grit. The answer becomes increase your Grit to prepare to say "No".
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Timesharing
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144
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2021-09-24
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Joy's Recommendations for Estates Owners/Guests
Joy is a member of a private Facebook group called The Estates by Vidanta. She just returned from a stay in the Estates with a group and has posted recommendations for all of us to follow. Very good advice and very good information we all who are Estates contract owners. Enjoy, and thank you Joy!....
Please subscribe to view this article.
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Current News
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762
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2021-09-18
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Fastest Exit - Scam or Real?
Fastest Exit recently sent a letter and also cold called us in March or April - 2020. The pitch: Send us your contract info to bring action against Vidanta. How did the caller get our name, address and phone number? Vidanta? Regardless, we passed. - 9/13/21....
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Current News
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412
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2021-09-18
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Fastest Exit - Scam or Real?
Fastest Exit recently sent a letter and also cold called us in March or April - 2020. The pitch: Send us your contract info to bring action against Vidanta. How did the caller get our name, address and phone number? Vidanta? Regardless, we passed.....
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T - Possible Scams
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412
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2021-09-10
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Aimfair Member's Advice on Due Diligence - Cold Callers
We are all getting called by people we don't know asking us if we want to rent or sell our Vidanta contracts. Of course, we all want to get out what we put in. Some of us are more motivated than others. The advice provided by this experienced and long time Aimfair member is what you need to heed in order to avoid your desire to rent or sell overwhelming your caution. Stay vigilant....
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T - Possible Scams
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412
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2021-09-05
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Update - Hurricane Nora Damage and Estates
Hurricane Nora passed by Puerto Vallarta while Bob and his family were staying in the Estates. When rains came, the family was moved to the Residence Tower. Bob provided more photos of the area and the impact of Nora on Vidanta's property. Also, Estates Restaurant looks attractive so far. Interesting....Stay tuned....
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Current News
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758
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2021-09-04
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Hurricane Nora Damage to Puerto Vallarta
Not only did Puerto Vallarta get pummeled by rain, it also was hit by rising waters in the 7 rivers that pass through the city to the ocean. Streets were flooded, bridges were destroyed, roads collapsed, and structures fell into the rivers. You will see how much damage was done. Stay tuned....
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Current News
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759
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2021-08-23
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Ribbon Cutting Ceremony - Sky Dream Parks
The Parks were officially named the Sky Dream Parks in an August ribbon cutting ceremony that took place in Station #1 at the beachside station. About a dozen people took part in the ceremony. You can see the progress being made by comparing videos recorded in October, 2020 and April, 2021 video. Stay tuned....
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News From Vidanta
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757
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2021-08-23
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Ribbon Cutting Ceremony - Sky Dream Parks
The Parks were officially named the Sky Dream Parks in an August ribbon cutting ceremony that took place in Station #1 at the beachside station. About a dozen people took part in the ceremony. You can see the progress being made by comparing videos recorded in October, 2020 and April, 2021 video. Stay tuned....
Please subscribe to view this article.
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Current News
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757
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2021-08-22
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What is a Timeshare - Another great review
The timeshare industry has grown over the past 20 years, and the contracts offered have grown in complexity. Vidanta contracts are unique, and the differences are described in this article. Monica Fish is the author. Her perspective is fresh. Enjoy!
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Timesharing
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689
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2021-08-22
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What is a Timeshare - Another great review
The timeshare industry has grown over the past 20 years, and the contracts offered have grown in complexity. Vidanta contracts are unique, and the differences are described in this article. Monica Fish is the author. Her perspective is fresh. Enjoy!
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Current News
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689
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2021-08-10
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US Sends 8.5 Million Doses of Vaccine to Mexico
Mexico's population is not fully or even close to fully vaccinated. Estimates are 57% of the adult population has been vaccinated. Overall, vaccination rate is 22% of the Mexico population according to the New York Times. Jalisco and Nayarit are now Red......
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Current News
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2021-07-29
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Intamin Parachute Ride Tower - Visible from Highway 200
The parachute ride manufactured by Intamin Entertainment can be seen from Highway 200 in Nuevo Vallarta. The circular structure next to Kingdom of the Sun I tower looks like a theater. Will the relationship between Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberté open the door to a Vidanta series of dinner shows? Stay tuned....
Please subscribe to view this article.
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Current News
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755
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2021-07-26
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Park I Photo Update
CR and his family had a wonderful time in Nuevo Vallarta. He took many photos and shared with us. This group shows construction progress in Park I. In addition to construction underway, his photos show the immensity of the Park. Stay tune...
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Current News
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755
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2021-07-22
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UK Couple Plead Guilty - Impersonating Solicitors
This couple promised timeshare owners to bring legal actions against timeshare developers for making false promises and perpetuating lies. They collected over $500,000 before they were caught and brought to justice. This is a great example of how scams are becoming more sophisticated. Be very careful. Ask questions and conduct due diligence before sending money ....
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T - Possible Scams
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412
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2021-07-16
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Maverick Abstract Inc. - Great Story
An Aimfair member shared his adventure with Maverick Abstract Inc and its alleged employees and related individuals. What he learned by conducting his own, brief due diligence uncovers clear evidence of big Flags. Remember, do your due diligence and don't send money to people you don't know.
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T - Possible Scams
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412
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2021-07-03
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Tourism Activity in Puerto Vallarta is on the rise
Hotels and restaurants in Puerto Vallarta are increasing capacity in response to easing government restrictions. Travel traffic from Canada and US is more active. Government restrictions are easing. A major draw to the area is Vidanta World. Construction is progressing. Cirque du Soleil to open in future phases of Park openings. Stay tuned.....
Please subscribe to view this article.
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The Parks
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752
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2021-07-03
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Tourism Activity in Puerto Vallarta is on the rise
Hotels and restaurants in Puerto Vallarta are increasing capacity in response to easing government restrictions. Travel traffic from Canada and US is more active. Government restrictions are easing. A major draw to the area is Vidanta World. Construction is progressing. Cirque du Soleil to open in future phases of Park openings. Stay tuned.....
Please subscribe to view this article.
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Current News
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752
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2021-07-01
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Spent two delightful weeks at NV in early June, first week in the Residence and second week in 4BR Estates. We had four-generation family the first week, two, the second week. Again we were "wow'ed". We had been some of the last "out the door on March 20, 2020. The Beachland transformation was dramatic. It was nice to see familiar faces - at least eyes above masks - and cheerful spirits. Staff are fully masked and well trained for hygiene. The vast majority of guests were comfortably vaccinated. The covid test required for US return was handled well as 3rd-party service in the convention center area, provided by a local hospital. We rode the gondola several times, including over the Park with our friendly "sales" tenders. It is sharp. The first park ride (parachute) was beginning assembly while were were there. The infrastructure is substantial. The evolution of earthworks has been amazing the last few years. My wife and I happened on a private dinner showing of "Le Petite Chef". Awesome, not cheap, but awesome. The staff took great delight in our delight. I assume some folks just don't get it - my father wouldn't have.
Now for the Estates -
Service was indeed "over the top". The butlers are indeed trained and certified on site by delegates from the British Butler Institute. They smartly are on call at any time via the WhatsApp phone app. A group is formed for each unit, and requests for info, reservations, transportation etc. are communicated directly to the butler by anyone in the group - even to the summoning of transportation from a particular point at a particular meeting time. Nice. Reality did creep in when there were just too many simultaneous requests and cart flat tires occurred, but best smart efforts were always deployed. We had fun helping the our butler and concierge commission their new afternoon tea service set brought to our room. Our butler, Anika, was smooth, gracious, efficient and effective.
The 4 BR Estates units are 2-story - glorious visually indeed, but the stairs are not built to any US building code and kitchen and room storage space is less than in the Residence. "Clearly designed by a man" I heard some of my party say. Since the number of Estates buildings had to be reduced compared to initial plans, that and the mobility issue feedback drove the change to the Empire Estates design. This created 18 4 BR units for each of two planned pods, while there are only 6 in the initial pod. (Curiously note that the existing occupied pod is labeled #3.) We were shown plans for 2 BR Empire Estates units. I'm unclear where they are located.
Though opening only after we left, we got a brief tour through the Estates pool area. There are two pools, one clearly aimed at families with (or tolerant to) small children, the other with adjoining bar. The area was spacious and elegant, clearly intended for quiet lingering. (No tequila volleyball here.) The Estates gym and spa facilities were under construction, a full restaurant spot had a roof, but apparently the theming was yet indefinite, no work underway there.
The new two-way bridge over the river was under active construction with work proceeding on the approach pillars. Cart traffic was - interesting - with no services available across the river. Drivers were super and friendly. I heard they anticipate a staff of 80 Bellboys/drivers when the Estates is built out.
If you can find a recent enough satellite image of the area, you'll see other smaller rectangular lodging structures under construction between the Estates and the airport. This was announced in April as the Imperial Jungle Aqua, Mayan Palace-comparable accommodations aimed to support the "coming" new water park - similar to Jungle Aqua Experience now operating at RM. This is on Jalisco property, not Nayarit.
We found the food quality as good or better than ever. Lack of full occupancy had most restaurants closed a couple days a week. Everybody is eager for the time that Canadians get the green light to travel, and also for the Mexicans to have ready access to covid vaccines.
We understand that we have bought into dreams crafted and managed by others. We also saw fresh evidence of deep-rooted integrity as a corporate value, which gives me some basis for anticipating further dream realization in the future.
I've many photos that I'll offer to Bob as postable.
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Member Reviews
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2021-06-14
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The newest very convincing group to reach out to Vida Vacation members is Fastest Exit, a company that claims to be working with the Mexican Federal Government and the Department of Tourism, depending on who you talk to, with the goal of recovering money spent by Vidanta Members who were victims of misrepresentations. The caller claimed we were flagged as members who did not receive what we thought we purchased. The caller knew the contract number of our most recent purchase and they knew there were promises made that did not appear in our documentation. Turns out that is true. How this person got access to our personal information and knowledge of promises not kept so quickly after our upgrade is the subject for another discussion.
The issue is Vidanta members are paying this company money for services that cannot be backed up. The carrot is getting a full refund of recent payments we made because Vidanta failed to provide what we thought we were buying. Provide the company with contract details and pay them money, and they will do the rest.
We are not alone. Many Vidanta members have been contacted by this company and at least one has "Hired" the company to pursue action against Vidanta. Following are some of their comments:Below is a recent conversation with another Vidanta member about Fastest Exit.
It is really unfortunate that Vidanta has put itself and members in such a position that causes a total lack of trust and confidence in the Vidanta organization.
It not only affects how members feel about their membership purchase(s) but also puts the viability of the organization in question. New memberships help Vidanta continue with its growth plans and in providing current members with services that they were promised.....Vidanta needs to do a better job in delivering on its promises and treating is membership better.....Will Vidanta change? Not likely but maybe such negative PR pushers like Fastest Exit will encourage the owners of Vidanta to review its practices and take better care of their members.....Our last upgrade (January 2020 -the fourth time) did not go very well at all. It was the most high pressure sales process we went through....It is good to be on aimfair – we wish would have joined earlier that we did.
...After paying Fastest Exit, we did more research and did not feel comfortable moving forward with their program. We emailed and requested a full refund of monies paid. Of course, they were not happy with that. They threatened that we would be put on "their list" and would not work with us in the future should we change our mind. Our biggest concern - even though they have an A rating with the Better Business Bureau, is that we couldn't really find any reviews - positive or negative - about them.
We too received a call from Fastest Exit about our purchase with Vidanta. They claim our contracts are fraudulent and that they will work with us to cancel the contracts and get our money back (less their fees). We called Vidanta and went over exactly what we signed up for and it certainly sounds legit.
We told Fastest Exit we did not want to move forward with them and that we wanted a full refund of monies we approved by them. Very threatening that if we did not move forward with them, they would need to record us and they would not work with us in the future. Why work with Fastest Exit? They do not have a physical office, even though they provide a box number in AZ.
If you get contacted by this group, ask for names of other Vidanta Members who have hired Fastest Exit to work on their behalf. Ask to talk directly with them and ask about performance. A Class Action suit does not start on its own. Chances are there are none. Bottom line - don't be tempted. Money spent is money lost.
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Member Reviews
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2021-06-03
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Hola - in response to your question about the cost of quarantining in the event of a positive covid test - yes you are charged a reduced rate, and the unit is likely to be in Tower Six where covid tests are administered. Evidently the cost is not unreasonable, otherwise we would have heard about it.
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Member Reviews
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2021-05-21
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Estates Empire Suites - Four Bedrooms on one floor
A new Estates floor plan has appeared. It may be called the Estates Empire Suite. It is a single floor, four bedroom suite that appears to be smaller than it's two floor cousin and more elegantly appointed. Of course, this observation is based upon renderings, and the final product may be different. Regardless, progress! Stay tuned ....
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Current News
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Estates
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751
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2021-05-16
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VidantaWorld - Three "Dream Parks" in Nuevo Vallarta
Grupo Vidanta announced that it is now a Tourism Development Company. It's first offering is VidantaWorld. Through VidantaWorld, three "Dream Parks" are under development. Park I is the west side of Highway 200. New hotels and entertainment venues are under development there now. More to come....Stay tuned....
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Current News
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The Parks
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