The Visionary Behind the Dream: Cary Mullen’s Journey to Vivo Resorts

The journey to Vivo Resorts began with a distinct vision. Having retired from the demanding world of competitive skiing, Cary Mullen’s next chapter as a developer and investor naturally led him to the irresistible allure of beachfront property. It’s a fundamental truth: barring extraordinary circumstances, the demand for recreational properties on pristine coastlines will always remain robust. And Mexico, despite localized safety concerns in some areas, consistently ranks as a top-tier destination for both retirees and tourists seeking sun, culture, and value. Significantly, Oaxaca, the state home to Vivo Resorts, maintains a reputation as a safe and welcoming region, further cementing its appeal.

Yet, even for a seasoned investor like Mullen, transforming a dream into a tangible reality wasn’t without its challenges. He candidly recalls the early days, selling the promise of paradise from what was essentially “sticks in the sand” on a remote beach. Clients would literally climb into the scoop of a front-end loader to gain a vantage point of the breathtaking ocean views – a testament to the raw potential and the trust Mullen inspired. Derek Jackson, one of Vivo Resorts’ earliest buyers and a resident of British Columbia, remembers the initial skepticism from peers: “Everybody told me I was an idiot to buy here.” However, Jackson, who had previously explored more established destinations like Puerto Vallarta and Cancun for his retirement, saw the unique potential. He secured a two-bedroom condo, now appreciating significantly in value, a deal he acknowledges would be virtually impossible to find in Mexico’s larger, more saturated tourist hubs.

Unlocking Investment Potential: Why Vivo Resorts Appeals to Astute Buyers

Vivo Resorts has cultivated a diverse and discerning clientele, with a significant portion comprising Canadian baby boomers and affluent individuals seeking second or third properties. For many of these owners, Vivo Resorts is not just a vacation home but a smart investment. Recognizing that most do not reside year-round, the resort offers a comprehensive vacation rental management program. This allows owners to effortlessly generate investment income, ensuring their property works for them even when they are not enjoying it themselves. This passive income stream, coupled with the projected appreciation of property values, makes Vivo Resorts a compelling proposition for those looking to expand their real estate portfolio.

A Developer’s Keen Eye: Identifying Emerging Markets and Tremendous Value

Mullen’s personal motivation was to create a place where his parents could enjoy their golden years, while also providing an exciting and fun environment for his own young family. Known for his remarkable ability to spot emerging markets, he embarked on a two-year extensive scouting mission, collaborating with real estate professionals from various countries. His primary objective was “investment timing” – finding “tremendous value in an emerging location.” This meant identifying a destination where luxury beachfront condominiums and private homes could be acquired at prices significantly lower than those found in more mature and developed resort areas. This strategy created immediate affordability for both vacationers and investors, while simultaneously laying the groundwork for substantial future growth opportunities.

Bruce Lunder, a Vivo condo owner from California, wholeheartedly affirms Mullen’s success in this endeavor. Lunder and his wife meticulously “circumvented all of Mexico” before discovering Vivo Resorts. He remarks, “Prices here are much less than in the big ex-pat cities, which are all so developed and expensive.” This sentiment underscores Vivo Resorts’ unique position in the Mexican real estate landscape – offering luxury and prime beachfront access without the premium price tags associated with established, bustling tourist centers. Current pricing for fully furnished condos starts around C$350,000, with villas ranging upwards of $900,000. These values are anticipated to climb as the region garners increasing international attention and realizes its full potential, a trajectory Mullen and industry experts firmly believe is imminent.

The Allure of Puerto Escondido and Oaxaca: An Emerging Gem

The buzz surrounding Vivo Resorts and the broader Puerto Escondido region is palpable. As one resort executive eloquently put it to a group of prospective buyers, “It’s the perfect storm, all getting ready to happen.” This isn’t mere speculation; it’s backed by significant infrastructural developments. Mullen highlights that “billions of dollars” have been allocated for ongoing major improvements to highways and other critical infrastructure in the region. Furthermore, flight volumes into the area have dramatically increased since construction at Vivo Resorts commenced over a decade ago, signaling growing accessibility and popularity.

While the journey to Puerto Escondido can still involve some connecting flights, particularly during the off-peak season (June through October) when direct charters are less frequent, this current accessibility factor actually contributes to Vivo Resorts’ exceptional value proposition. Mullen points out that limited direct flight access is precisely one reason why purchase prices at the resort remain more attractive than in more heavily trafficked and well-established destinations. As accessibility improves, so too will property values, presenting an opportune moment for early investors.

Beyond Investment: A Lifestyle Rich in Authenticity and Natural Beauty

Mullen’s criteria for Vivo Resorts’ location extended far beyond financial metrics. He sought a place of profound natural beauty, boasting consistently perfect weather – a true “snowbird’s paradise” – and steeped in authentic culture and cuisine. These elements are vividly present in the Oaxaca region. The Pacific Ocean waters are consistently warm and inviting. The local culinary scene delights with specialties like mole sauce, an intense and earthy local delicacy. Roadside stands burst with vibrant oranges and succulent mangoes. The bustling local markets are a feast for the senses, with colorful fruits and flowers as brilliant as tropical birds. And if you happen to visit around the Day of the Dead, you might even encounter barefoot children in playful skeleton costumes, a charming glimpse into rich local traditions. It’s an immersive experience that caters to those seeking genuine connection with their surroundings.

Yet, while embracing authenticity, Vivo Resorts also thoughtfully addresses modern comforts. For instance, the resort maintains its own water aquifer and purification system, ensuring guests and residents enjoy pristine, safe drinking water – a welcome safeguard against common traveler’s ailments. Mullen aptly summarizes the Vivo Resorts experience: “It’s heaven, unless you have to have golf, or Oscar de la Renta and Big Macs. Chains and things aren’t here yet…We cater to people who are successful but not pretentious, willing to take the road less travelled.” This speaks volumes about the community’s ethos – a place for those who appreciate understated luxury, natural beauty, and a connection to local culture, rather than the commercialized offerings of typical tourist traps.

The Vivo Resorts Experience: Luxury Amenities and Community Living

The sense of community at Vivo Resorts is a significant draw, fostered by its thoughtfully designed amenities. A recent and highly anticipated addition is the multi-million-dollar clubhouse, which has rapidly become the social heart of the resort. This impressive facility offers an upscale open-air restaurant and bar, providing exquisite dining and relaxation options. For wellness enthusiasts, there’s a state-of-the-art spa and fitness center. The clubhouse also features versatile event spaces, perfect for gatherings and celebrations, alongside well-maintained tennis and pickleball courts for active recreation. These facilities are designed not just for individual enjoyment but to encourage interaction and build a strong, friendly community among residents and guests.

Sustainable Growth and a Secure Business Model

Spanning an impressive 75 acres along a seemingly endless stretch of unspoiled beach, Vivo Resorts’ master plan is both ambitious and meticulously conceived. Upon final build-out, the community is projected to encompass 114 private homes and over 400 condominiums. While there remains considerable progress to be made, the ongoing development is a testament to the long-term vision and commitment. In fact, there are already plans for new developments further along the beach, indicating the sustained growth and increasing demand in the area.

For potential buyers interested in experiencing this unique paradise firsthand, Vivo Resorts offers reduced-rate “discovery tours.” These curated visits provide an invaluable opportunity to explore the properties, experience the amenities, and immerse oneself in the distinct Vivo lifestyle before making a commitment. This transparency and direct experience are central to the resort’s approach.

A cornerstone of Vivo Resorts’ operational philosophy is its robust, non-leveraged, cash-only business model. This means that funding for construction is secured through buyer deposits, and new project phases are only initiated once a pre-target sales threshold of approximately 75 percent is reached. While this approach might mean buyers occasionally wait a little longer for their units to be completed, Mullen emphasizes its inherent safety and stability compared to other, more speculative development models. This financially conservative strategy provides peace of mind for investors, knowing their investment is backed by a secure and responsible development process.

Opportunities for Real Estate Professionals: Partnering with Vivo Resorts

Vivo Resorts actively welcomes collaboration with external real estate professionals. While currently 99 percent of buyers utilize the resort’s dedicated in-house sales team, Mullen views this as a significant missed opportunity for independent Realtors to expand their services and assist clients in exploring exceptional investment and recreational property options abroad. He underscores the potential for Realtors to diversify their portfolios and offer their clients unique beachfront opportunities in a rapidly appreciating market.

To facilitate these partnerships, Vivo Resorts has established a clear and supportive Realtor program. Mullen explains, “If Realtors have an interested client, they can register the customer with us, and then have our associate handle things or do it themselves.” This flexible arrangement allows external Realtors to either manage the sales process directly or leverage the expertise of Vivo’s experienced sales associates, ensuring a smooth and efficient transaction for their clients. It’s an invitation for real estate agents to connect their discerning clients with a truly unparalleled property investment and lifestyle opportunity on the Mexican Pacific Coast.

And for those fortunate enough to become part of the Vivo Resorts community – or even just visiting – a valuable insider tip from the resort regulars interviewed for this article: the beer is exceptionally affordable during happy hour. A small, delightful detail that perfectly encapsulates the relaxed, value-driven, and utterly enjoyable atmosphere of Vivo Resorts.