I bet many people have never heard of Loreto, Mexico (also known as Concho).  If you are a fan of the ABC reality TV show “The Bachelor”, you might know that Loreto was the setting for the 7th season finale.

Loreta is located on the south east coast on the peninsula south of San Diego, California, on the coast of the Sea of Cortez, about 350 km (220 miles) north of the state capital, La Paz.  Baja is similar to the Florida Peninsula of the west coast.

The Baja peninsula is surrounded by the Sierra Giganta (mountains of the giants), one of the most rugged and spectacular parts of the peninsula.  You can easily visit the nearby islands of Coronado, Carmen, Danzante, and Monserat from Baja.

Loreto is where the dessert meets the bay!

There are several beaches to enjoy in the Loreto area: Nopolo, Juncalito, Ensenada Blanca, Aqua Verde & San Bruno.

The climate in Loreto is almost perfect with an average of 360 days of sunshine a year and an annual mean temperature of 24ºC (76 °F).   The temperatures are hot from June through October. The summer days have highs around 34 °C (93 °F) with high humidity.  In the spring months, the temperatures are moderate.  The autumn and winter months are usually windy.  From January to March, the winds blow from the NW  during the night and the North during the day.  The rest of the year, the winds blow usually from the West. Loreto’s yearly precipitation is low.   Occasional short-lived rainfalls, typically occur in August and September.

The temperatures and winds are important for the fishing buffs.   Many tourists enjoy fishing in “pangas” for “dorado” (Mahi-mahi or Dolphin Fish).  Local restaurants will even prepare the daily catch of the tourists.

Loreto offers some of the best kayaking, diving, snorkeling and fishing in the Sea of Cortez and the North Pacific.  I suggest you visit the quaint mountain villages, the beautiful white sandy beaches, see ancient cave paintings, or just sit by the pool or beach and relax.

There is a championship 18 hole golf course nearby, along with a tennis club with 10 courts, many restaurants and shopping facilities.

Loreto has an excellent museum alongside the historic, but still active, parish.

Loreto has an international airport and is serviced daily by Aero California from Los Angeles. Loreto is connected by Trans Peninsular Highway 1 that runs from San Diego to the tip of the peninsula.

The small fishing village of Loreto is soon to cash in on the next big tourism boom.  There is a  new mid-rise condominium project in the works right now.  A personal friend of mine is the developer and has been keeping me posted on the project.  The formal launch date is in February 2009.   It’s a name brand that you will recognize. This project will encompass approx 800 feet of private beachfront shoreline and will offer 201 whole-ownership condominiums.   First phase completion is slated for 2010.

The mid-rise buildings (4 to 6 stories) will provide views of spectacular ocean sunrises, pools and other recreation amenities.  The buildings are arranged in a manner that allows 70 degree ocean views from nearly every home, and mountain views from most.  There will be ample covered parking conveniently located throughout the community, in addition to private garages with storage that are an available option.

Yup, Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico is soon to cash in on the boom!

Before traveling to Mexico – click on the link below for some “Good to Know” important travel tips.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/spring_break_mexico/spring_break_mexico_2812.html

For more information on Loreto click here to visit Professor Beach’s  website,

The Worlds Best Beachtowns

Did you know that Cozumel is an island in the Caribbean Sea?  In fact, it is Mexico’s largest island.  It is located off the eastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, opposite the Playa del Carmen, and close to the Yucatan Channel.  Cozumel is a very popular tourist destination and is known throughout the world for it’s scuba diving and snorkeling.  Some of the most spectacular coral reefs are found in Cozumel.

The island of Cozumel is approx 30 miles (48 km) going north & south and approx 10 miles (16 km ) going east & west.   It’s the largest Atlantic island of Mexico.   It’s approx 12 miles (20 kms) from the mainland, and approx 36 miles (60 km) south of Cancun, Mexico.

With the tropical climate of Cozumel, the weather can change from one day to the next.  It is warm year round with an average temperature of 81 F (27 C).  Heavy rains start in June and go on through October.  Even if it rains every day, the usual duration of a shower is short.  Humidity is naturally high during the rainy season.

The west side of Cozumel is calm – ideal for swimming, diving or just relaxing in the sun.  This part of the island is also the most developed with banks, markets, shops, restaurants and hotels.  The east side of the island is more secluded, with very few people living there and little activity.  There are some calm beaches with clear emerald green water.  There are at least 20 live reefs so close to the shore,  it makes snorkeling and diving a must. The island also has it’s share of Mayan ruins hidden in the jungles that can be explored by car, bike or foot.

The area’s diving and snorkeling are legendary.  Following a 1961 documentary by Jacques Cousteau, Cozumel earned a worldwide following of divers who ranked it one of the top five scuba diving and snorkeling sites on the planet.  The island’s surrounding waters are filled with undersea life, colorful reefs, and the wrecked hulls of Spanish galleons.  The area’s marine life & reef structures attract more than 75,000 divers from all over the world, every year.   With over 30 kms of reefs & water visibility up to 200 feet and over 200 species of tropical fish, Cozumel is considered by many to be the best.  It’s very easy to find dive shops – they are everywhere!

For non divers, the island has something for everyone.  Sightseeing includes some archaeological sites.  You won’t want to miss the shopping & dining in the village of San Miguel de Cozumel.   Nature lovers come to Cozumel to see giant see turtles laying their eggs from May to September and to view the island’s variety of exotic migratory bird life.

Fishing is also a major sport in Cozumel.  Species like dorado and barracudas can be caught.  It’s easy to find charter boats.  Other water activities include sailing, water ski & windsurfing.

According to Mayan legends, the home to Goddess Ixchel, the islanders built temples to honor her, the goddess of love & fertility.  In return, Goddess Ixchel sent the swallow, her favorite bird, as a gesture of gratitude, thus the name of “The Island of the Swallows”.

Before traveling to Mexico – click on the link below for some “Good to Know” important travel tips.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/spring_break_mexico/spring_break_mexico_2812.html

Click here for more information on Cozumel and visit Professor Beach’s website

There you will find maps, airport information and other good stuff!

Not much… just what his friend told him.  I was sitting in the barber chair a few weeks ago talking about beach towns & my barber mentioned his friend who had just returned from Alicante, Spain.  I had never heard of it so I just had to check it out.  Alicante is a beachtown in the southeastern part of Spain.  It is also an historic Mediterranean port – complete with a castle!

The heart and soul of Alicante is the grand La Explanada de España.  I’d love to take a stroll on the beautiful marble tiles that actually depict the waves of the Mediterranean Sea.  There are four rows of palm trees bordering the marble walk that offer shade even in the heat of summer. This elegant boulevard is rich with its red, black and cream tiles – all 6.6 million of them!  They say it is a sight to behold!

I would also love to visit the Alicante Marina & El Puerto Complex for a touch of luxury.  This is where you can mix with rich and famous while dining or shopping.

The Santa Barbara Castle sounds like something I would really love to visit.  This castle sits high on the Benacantil Mountain & overlooks Alicante City and the beach.  From what I have read, the views from the castle are amazing – definitely a photo opportunity for sure.  They say that Santa Barbara Castle is an excellent place to visit at anytime of the year.  In the height of summer it’s a perfect place to catch the sea breeze, while in the cooler months the walk up to the castle through the parks and pine wood allows you time to reflect on the difficulties of trying to capture this castle – let alone building it.

There is so much to do here!  Alicante has a large array of gardens, parks, plazas and promenades to visit.  Park activities are offered all year round.  If you are interested in museums and history, there are many museums to visit in Alicante.

The summer months are of the best to experience water sports.   Wind surfing, water skiing, jet skiing, para-gliding, scuba diving, boat rides are all fun water activites.  Just walking the beach or catching some sun rays will make you come alive.  Beaches are aplenty in Alicante.  Visit them all!

• Playa del Postiguet
• Playa del Coco
• Playa de la Albufereta
• Playa de la Almadraba
• Cabo de las Huertas
• Playa de San Juan

Check it out on the Google Map Link

Here are some Wikipedia Facts

Chamber of Commerce

Alicante Airport Link

I found this great link to tell you all about  Alicante and what to do there.   http://www.alicante-spotlight.com/guide.htm

I have never been to Alicante but it sounds like a great place to visit.  I am so glad my barber mentioned it.  Please send me an email me if you have been there – I’d love to hear your story. click here to Email me.

Patong Beach is a beach on Phuket’s west coast, and to the town adjoining it. It is the main tourist resort in Phuket.  If you are looking for some exciting nightlife and cheap shopping on the island, this is the place to visit.  Patong Beach became popular with western tourists, especially Europeans, in the late 1980s.  Numerous large hotels and chain hotels are located in Patong.

Patong Beach is the most popular & well-developed beach on Phuket Island.  Long recognized as one of the world’s Top 10 diving sites, Phuket is now Thailand’s most important tourist destination, offering a variety of beaches, attractions and exciting night life.  Koh Phuket is Thailand’s largest Island.   It is 50 km long north to south and 21 km wide and joined to the mainland by Sarasin bridge.

Phuket Island was assumed by geologists to be once part of the mainland in the form of a cape sticking out into the Andaman Sea but millions of years later the cape was gradually eroded by natural forces and finally detached from the main land.

Phuket Island has 17 sandy beaches.  Click here for the  Patong Beach Guide

The Seafood Festival in May is designed to promote seafood, this festival that happens all over Phuket is also a celebration of the cornucopia of indigenous fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices available in such abundance here. Your mouth will water at the sight of stalls laden with red snapper, rainbow runner, lobster, prawns, mussels, baby clams, squid, octopus and crab. Your taste buds will tingle, especially at Patong beach as you indulge in a freshly squeezed mango juice, an ice cream or sorbet made with passion fruit, papaya or coconut… sheer heaven!

Click on these links for more information

Welcome to Patong Beach and Phuket

Phuket Tourist Information

Professor Beach’s Worlds Best Beachtowns Website where you will find airport information, chamber of commerce info, photos and more!

If you read my post about Cap Haiten, Haiti, this post is about my 2nd trip to Haiti.   I was there in June.  Frank McKinney and our group toured food distribution centers and the housing projects that some of my associates and I helped build. Just click on the link to see my photo essay.  There are many photos. As a result, the web page may load slowly
My Haiti Trip 2008/

Doug with Cancun – Playa del Carmen (just South of Cancun) Real Estate Broker friend. We were touring available beachfront projects in Cancun.

Bay View Grand Condo Project on the beach in the Cancun Hotel District. Miami style projects with much lower Mexico style prices. Primary issue is a lack of financing for foreigners.

South Florida style condo projects on the beach in Cancun.

Fantastic waterfront views from completed condo project in the hotel zone in Cancun. Walking distance to the nightlife of Cancun.

True “pre-construction” Mayan Ruins near Tulum.

Doug at Mayan Pre-Construction.  I tried to sell condos that day but no takers as it didn’t look like the developer was going to finish the project.

If you would like to see more information about Cancun, Mexico, click here to visit Professor Beach’s website, The Worlds Best Beachtowns. Here you will find airport info, photos, maps and more!

Click on link below if you are planning a trip to Mexico for some important “Good to Know” information.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/spring_break_mexico/spring_break_mexico_2812.html

I was fortunate to visit China & the Great Wall of China in December of 2007.  I learned that China has the fifth most millionaire households of any nation. China ranks behind The United States, Japan, United Kingdom and Germany. Personal wealth in China has been booming and creating a quickly emerging economy. We sure don’t read that in our media.

The China Real Estate Market something to watch. Although there are currently restrictions on foreign real estate purchases I’m going to keep my eye on that market. I met a man in the First Class section on our flight home from Shanghai. He’s a modern day Taipan. He’s from California but has multiple businesses in China and has been investing in Real Estate there for years. He tells me has made a fortune in the Chinese Real Estate Market.

I visited China with fellow members of an International Internet Business Master Mind Group.  All of us do business on the Internet and are looking Internationally to grow our businesses.  We were pleasantly shocked and amazed at the high level of commerce and entrepreneurship we witnessed. In Shanghai and Beijing I stood in shopping districts that rivaled Times Square in NY (actually they were nicer as the streets were blocked to vehicle traffic). Restored Historic buildings full of brand name products from around the world. The food we ate and the sites we saw were amazing. We even attended the Miss World Beauty Pageant in Sanya China on the South China Sea.

One of my lifetime goals was to see the Great Wall of China – I met this goal on this visit & climbed to the top.  What an awesome feeling & sight.  After all these months, I have to keep pinching myself to make sure I was not dreaming this part of my trip.

To see my photo journal from my trip, just click on this link
My China Trip

To see what Profressor Beach has to say, visit this new website:  Worlds Best Beachtowns to get info on Hainan, China

Would you believe one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere is only 3 hours by plane from Fort Lauderdale, Florida?

I couldn’t believe it either until I saw it on February 22, 2007. We hadn’t flown to Africa or India or Pakistan. We were in the Caribbean. You know – lifestyles of the Rich and Famous playground.

I spent the day with my good friends Frank McKinney and Mark Evans in Cap Haitian, Haiti. Frank and Mark are both best selling authors in the Real Estate Field. Frank builds some of the worlds most expensive spec homes (mansions) in Palm Beach Florida. Frank chartered a plane and flew a delegation of his charity donors to Cap Haitian, Haiti. We witnessed the contrast between despair and great hope that this poor country holds. We took part in the dedication of the second village that Franks Caring House Project Foundation has built in Haiti.

Words cannot describe what we saw, smelled and experienced that day!

I have been involved in the construction of these self sustaining villages that take orphaned children and families out of the dumps (a real garbage dump in a big swamp) and move them into safe and sanitary housing where they are educated, are fed while watching over them in regards to  their health and welfare. Additional information on Frank McKinney’s website  www.frank-mckinney.com with a recorded message from him (turn up your sound). Also check out his Multi-Million $$ homes that he builds. Frank often considers himself a modern day Robin Hood. Selling these incredible Mansions to the Rich so that he can build homes for the homeless in the poorest locations in the world. His current project is a $135 Million Dollar Spec Home on the beach just south of Palm Beach.

See for yourself what we witnessed that day in Cap Haitian, Haiti and to view a photo essay from our trip, just click on this link
My Haiti Trip 2007

I was invited to visit Japan last April. I had never been there before so I was really excited. I met many interesting people and took many photos. Click on the link to see my photo essay from my visit…

My Trip to Japan 2007

Click on each link below to visit Professor Beachs’s Worlds Best Beachtowns Website.  Here you will find airport links, maps, photos and more!

Click here for information about Okinawa

Click here for information about Tokyo

Click here for information about Hokkaido