We are now at Paradise Village Marina in Nuevo Vallarta. We were here 10 years ago prior to heading off on the Pacific Puddle Jump 2002. Comparing it to Bahia Santa Maria, is like night and day.
Bahia Santa Maria was a large bay with no 'civilization' other than the wooden structures of the fishing camp on the hill overlooking the bay which are not even occupied all year round.
Paradise Village is like a city in itself. There are multiple hotels, condominiums lining the beach side. There are breakwaters on both sides of the entrance to the river where the marina is located. Across from the marina are large private homes with docks as well. They offer 'jungle tours' on a pange that goes up the river. There are signs warning you not to feed the crocodiles. Crocodiles? Affronting the marina are new villas, many of which are for sale. Paradise Village includes a shopping center complete with McDonalds, Subway, Dominos Pizza, Starbucks (this is new since we were here last), a grocery store, several restaurants. shops and a courtyard for eating including a large McDonalds style play structure for kids. Beyond the shopping center is another complex than includes a hospital with emergency room, offices and a casino. In between shopping center and some of the hotels is a small zoo with birds and 3 Bengal Tigers. Two cubs were born recently and there is another large zoo with more tigers in the middle of the golf course. Half way down the marina is the Vallarta Yacht Club. They were just starting the ground preparation for this 10 years ago. The yacht club includes a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, hot tub and shower facilities.
Ten years ago we would wake up to the sound of Simba, the lion, roaring in his cage at the small zoo. One of the villa owners felt that Simba's roaring was disturbing the peace, including their dogs so Simba is gone. Katmandu was always a little intimidated by the roaring.
There are many more hotels and resorts filling in the coast of the bay. Many of the tourists we see are Mexican. Of course the Westin and St. Regis resorts at Punta de Mita are famous for recent visitors such as Charlie Sheen, Lady Gaga and Courtney Cox. The Mexican press denies that Gaddafi's son wished to relocate here from Libya.
It is all a far cry from Bahia Santa Maria.
Adios
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