We have been here for just 2 weeks and I have formed more than a few “first impressions”. Simply said, I love the ocean, the weather, the food and the potential of the project.
One can easily see how the project will develop into a thriving self-sustainable community. Of the 1700 lots available on the site more than 1500 have been sold. Some buyers purchased more than one lot, either for breathing room or for return on investment. I am told approximately 100 houses have been built or in process. Many are simply waiting for the exchange to equalize somewhat. There are property management services, a restaurant and plans for a second, bicycle rentals, a grocery store and transportation services. There is also talk of other services like visiting doctors, vets and paraprofessionals. I see a sizable community of residents and visitors once it is full developed.
With the location of the project being a considerable distance from the two adjacent cities. Manta to the north and Puerto Caya to the south it makes it almost a chore to get around. We have been depending on buses to bring us to shopping in Manta. The bus trip is a full hour and is a challenge to endurance. The hours for the return trip being 3pm and if enough passengers 4 pm makes for a short day. If you wanted to stay in Manta longer you would need to get a taxi home at a cost of $25. Not terrible by most standards I know but it adds up. Renting a car is very expensive. They tell me here that owning a car is similar to the states except that the purchase of a car comes with basic insurance.
We are not a prejudiced couple but we have found that with a majority of residents here being French they tend to ignore you once we greet them in English. It is a shame because if you ignore my shortfall of being unilingual I know most of them can speak both. They seem to keep to themselves leaving the English speaking folks to do the same. We both miss out.
I was hoping more of the permanent residents would be more forthcoming on helping newbies learn the ropes and especially contacts for excursions. It is like pulling teeth and ultimately you end up stumbling through it on your own. Even the ones who proclaim to either be property managers or drivers are not as helpful as they should be. We are still struggling trying to hook up for excursions. I will admit we are not as forward as we should be but the impression that you are on your own here leaves a bit of a sour taste.
If I were to offer advice to both the community and the developers it would be to finish what you started. Put up either a virtual or real bulletin board where experienced residents can offer help or advice or where newbies can ask for help or questions. Put lounge chairs along the malecon so those who don’t have their own can sit and watch the sunset. I am sure that will all come at some point but there is really no reason to not be there now. Otherwise how do you attract people to stay.
Other than that we do love being here and don’t resent coming at all. A lot to weigh, however, when deciding to return or invest.