Real Estate – Beach Homes

Less than 35 minutes from Mérida lies another world – La Costa Esmeralda – the Emerald Coast. The north coast of Yucatán on the Gulf of Mexico stretches about 120 kilometers – from Chuburna, west of Progreso, to the end of the road, at Dzilam de Bravo.

Featuring some of the cleanest waters in Mexico, the Gulf provides beautiful scenery, varied birdlife, fishing, boat trips, and refreshing breezes. To the south, the mangrove ecosystem in the lagoons hosts flamingoes, pelicans, herons, and many other species of aquatic birds. Mangrove trips are available, by flat boats or kayak, and bone fishing facilities are starting up. Many areas, such as the Dzilam de Bravo Ecological Reserve, are protected, insuring their unspoiled continuance.

The thriving port town of Progreso is a one-stop shopping center for the coast – a local market, a Walmart subsidiary, small hardware stores, etc. will provide most of your daily needs. The town is booming, with condo developments, a new highway to Mérida, and a decent hospital.

But it is the beachfront communities and sleepy fishing villages that are the draw for homeowners here. The quiet lifestyle, where everything closes up by 9 pm, is not for all – but for those seeking tranquility, it’s heaven. Sitting on your beachfront terrace, watching the pulpo (octopus) boats go by with their bamboo rigging, is a pleasant way to pass a peaceful hour or three!

There is a wide range of homes available on the coast. In the towns themselves, smaller, more traditonal Mexican homes of stone, or concrete block and stucco, provide a simple lifestyle. Often used as second homes by Meridanos, they can be rented by the week or month, and are a great escape from the summer heat of the city.

Condo and villa developments are springing up, featuring modern architecture and all the amenities we expect in the US and Canada. Usually, between 2 to 4 bedrooms, the complexes often include swimming pools, maid service, and landscaped gardens.

The luxurious beachfront homes are marvels of design and architecture. Large windows look out upon the waves, tile throughout gives a cool, and easily swept, flooring, and the white exteriors – reflecting the bright sunshine – stand in contrast to the blue skies and green foliage. The open floor plans allow cross ventilation, and furnishings are often built-in to create a fuss-free, minimalist environment.

Beachfront homeowners often opt for furnishings made of natural materials. Local hardwoods, pine, natural fibers, pebbles, and shells are contrasted with bright Mexican fabrics and the ubiquitous hammocks.

Of course, it is the Gulf that is the greatest outdoor feature, but to complement the sand and surf, many homes have swimming pools, natural rock fountains, deep, shady terraces, and barbeques for the catch of the day.