New Web site

Here is a new blog again with great news form the otherwise rainy September and October in Nicaragua.

We just launched a new web site: http://www.iguanasurfretreats.com/ specifically targeted to surfers and rental generation. Surf tourism is growing steadily in Nicaragua and we have a superb location only 5 minutes from the best surf in the country. Moreover we have the most luxurious and stylish accommodations in Nicaragua. To this new initiative a myspace site has also been developed. Check out: http://www.myspace.com/surfingnicaragua
Ad us as friends. Also join the facebook group named: iguana surf retreats

Also stay tuned for a new web site: http://www.iguanacondohotel.com/ which will be targeted towards Nicaraguans and International people living in Managua as well as golfers. We are one of the few options these affluent segments have as a high end weekend get away.

These initiatives mark our shift of focus from Development to Property management and rental as our project is near completion. However, there still exists a few incredible investment opportunities in Iguana. Email us for info.

Here are some pictures of professional surfer Jimmy Roth from the Quiksilver team, and some pictures of our real estate. Please come visit. Never buy site unseen.

free two nights stay

This new blog comes to you with great news on progress, some words on the surfing, info on our new special visitor package, and reminder on the upcoming PRO-AM golf tournament.

Great progress in Iguana
-We have seen lots of progress in 2008.
-We have completed the second condo building
-We have completed the first five townhouses
-We have completed the common area with a 20 meter lap pool.
-The rental pool is open, and offers condos, bike rental, car rental, surf board rental, golf, massage, mini bar in condos and great prices and service.
-The restaurant and bar is up and running
-The pizzeria is open
-The third condo building is under construction
-The second townhouse building is under construction
-The beach club is under construction

Surfing
Iguana Beach is widely recognized as the most consistent beach break in Nicaragua. 19 days out of 20 this is the spot to be.

We had the pleasure of seeing Andy Irons, Cory Lopez surfing the Colorado beach break in Iguana Beach. A few days later Timmy Reyes and Damian Hobgood came for a surf before heading to J-Bay. If you are wondering what some of the worlds best surfers are doing in Nicaragua…………well you should come and check it out yourself.

We just had two weeks with great swell, and it won't stop pumping for a long time...

Visitor package for investors
Iguana beach is evolving into a real beach community and the Condos and Townhouses offers incredible value for money.

We invite you to visit and see for yourself how great lifestyle and a profitable real estate investment can go hand in hand. Our special package for qualified potential investors includes:

-Two free night’s accommodation for two persons
-Complimentary green fee
-A relaxing massage pool side
-Paid air fares from anywhere in the US for two persons, rental car and all food in case you choose to invest with us.

Please contact us for booking or further info: info@vamosgroup.com
What better way to see the progress and the investment opportunities than to come visit.


Golf PRO-AM tournament in the beginning of December
The second PRO-AM tournament in Iguana, will take place in the beginning of December. Again this year proceeds will go to Charity. Last year the tournament provided the funds for building the school for all the children in the area.
We will write more information on this blog when it becomes available.

all the best from playa Iguana. Come visit soon..........

Iguana beach

http://www.iguanasurfretreats.com/
http://www.iguanagolfcondos.com/

Dear friends, clients, real estate investors, surfers in search and other developers checking us out.

We are happy to post a new Blog. Finally some might say - well actually we posted one in January, so not a lot of time has passed, but a lot of things have happened. So let;s get started.

The surf is of course good. This is 5th of March evening’s session. Five Latin pro’s got out, and two real estate developers got in, and scored for two hours straight alone.

The waves were big and barrels were ample

Condos phase 2 – completion end of March

The second building is now complete only awaiting the windows. Our supplier has informed us that they will start installing March 15th. That means completion will be end of March with a new round of painting, furniture and appliances installed. We are working on landscaping in front of the building.

Landscaping requires heavy machinery and we like the smell of diesel on days like this.

Landscaping needs a final touch from about 12 gardeners fulltime for 4 days

And there were grass

Out the door, and in the pool

Phase two has a great view over Green 8

Pool and common area - completion end of March

The pool and common area is almost done. The pool is a 20 meter lap pool with two additions; one children’s pool and one bar pool. Total over 25 meters. The common area is a big breathtaking colonial style rancho with an open bar. As always your developer Vamos Group use real solid wood and true original colonial architecture. No short cuts and no fake stuff. The columns are solid almond wood hand carved by Granada craftsmen; the ceiling is sugar cane and traditional clay tile - Tejas. The flooring is the traditional Nicaraguan natural rock floor - Lajas. Even the beers and rum will be Nicaragua brewed. (well we might have a Carlsberg and Snaps on special occasions)
The architecture is the same as the condos, i.e. true colonial with this touch of Scandinavian / contemporary that makes it truly unique.


We think it is a very beautiful pool and common area.

Now with palm trees “Miami”

Sitting in the bar pool

Over 25 meters in total with a children’s section and the bar pool.

This may be the biggest pool on the Pacific Coast, it is definitively one of the nicest.

Iguana beach keeps getting publicity – Cory Lopez and Chris Ward visits Iguana

As you might know (or read in our latest blog) Transworld Surf in their December 2007 volume named our coast the 5th best place to live and surf.
Well then Surfer magazine runs a story on Cory Lopez and Chris Ward scoring in Nicaragua. They were looking for a perfect spot to hang out, where they could get waves without driving or boating. You guessed it…..They stayed in Iguana, and yes, they scored big time. Check out the story on the net: http://www.surfermag.com/photos/flash/nicaragua-grant2/

The LA TIMES ran a story on Nicaragua as well:
“Nicaragua is reportedly the safest of all Central American countries today, according to a study by INCAE, the Harvard Business School affiliate in Managua, and strongly encourages tourism and foreign investment. Moreover, with prices along its Pacific Riviera one-fifth of those in already discovered Costa Rica, a 45-minute drive to the south, local experts claim that the second-home market is now mirroring the first wave of Costa Rican real estate investments by North Americans 20 years ago” LA TIMES

We can see Costa Rica from Iguana Beach, and our feet are happy planted in the white sand. More security, more privacy, more surf, more value for money. Nicaragua is simply put a great place to visit, invest and live.

Easter week in Nicaragua
Easter week (semana santa) is something special in Nicaragua. It is the biggest holiday and all Nicaraguans runs to the water. Beaches gets packed, rivers gets flooded and lakes are filled up with people. Well – in Iguana it is a little different. It does fill up, but with 1.5 miles of private beach, the approximately 35 families who will stay here still allows for more than 200 feet of beach pr family.
All our condos will be rented out during this week, and prices are raised to 310, 240 and 180 usd pr night, so it is safe to say it is the affluent Nicaraguans or foreigners living in Managua who visit us. Great value for this segment who needs a luxury place to relax with their family, and great rental income for our owners.

Your Developer Vamos Group
I feel like ending this blog with telling you a bit about who we are.

Vamos Group is a Danish / Nicaraguan development firm owned and managed by three Danish partners; Erik Struve, Soeren Hasholt, and Olli Fischer. We came to Nicaragua four years ago, and three years ago we bought land in Playa Iguana and started developing our dream.

We left some good lives in Denmark, to get more surf, golf and start our own business. And what a great move, - no regrets - we live, surf and work in Iguana. We are out of the rat race, and delivering true value to our clients and friends, while having a great time.

Honesty, friendship and trust are part of our Danish in heritage and we want take that with us everywhere we go. Many of our clients tell us it shows.

Quality, craftsmanship and design are something we grew up with – we literally grew up sitting in some of the world most famous chair design classics. Of course we didn’t care about that, but now it makes a difference.

That deeply rooted understanding for quality and connection to design is something we also bring with us. That is why we have free laying solid almond wood beams in our ceilings, and not steal hidden under gypsum, and that is why we paint our walls broken white and not pink or yellow. That is why our furniture is Danish Design, simple and contemporary and skillfully handcrafted in Nicaragua out of solid cedar by local craftsmen. We might be some of the first to combine traditional colonial architecture with a modern contemporary interior; at least we feel we hit a very special look and feel.

Working inside Iguana together with professional people with more than 25 years experience has taught us a lot, and we take in new learning’s, and making it count for our clients. Looking around the Nicaraguan real estate industry we are reminded that we and Iguana as a whole indeed are top performers, and we want to be much better.

Our dream of combining business with pleasure, being able to enjoy surf, and golf and make some good investments, is basically the same we are offering our clients now. We hope you come down to visit. Life here is good and we enjoy the simple things in life.

After a hard day of pool construction it’s nice to remember why this place is so special. Your developer cutting back to check why…………A little surf on March 5th by ourselves.

Vamos Group by appointment to the Royal Danish Court
We had the pleasure of meeting the Royal Highness Prince Henrik of Denmark who visited Nicaragua last week. We were allowed 5 minutes of private talk where we told him about our project. He promised to visit us next time. So we now label our project “by appointment to the Royal Danish Court“ No pictures were allowed so you will have to imagine the Vamos Group in suits.

http://www.iguanagolfcondos.com/
http://www.iguanasurfretreats.com/

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
We wish a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our friends and readers.
May you enjoy the holidays with friends and family and have a happy, prosperous and fun 2008.

The past year has been a tough one for the real estate industry globally. Home markets (being the US or Europe) have stagnated or are in crisis. Mortgage collapse and a busted bobble are bringing things in balance again. Foreign markets, for second home, vacation home or investments have frozen over, and many speculators are caught with handfuls of pre-construction units in some part of the world, they have no connection to or desire to get to know.

In a year like that, I am even happier that I am not in the real estate business but in the business of lifestyle.

Here in Iguana all our clients are people who love this place and want to spend time here. Yes, we are developing condos and houses, but we are delivering more, we are delivering lifestyle and quality of life for surfers, golfers, birdwatchers, artists, designers, investment bankers, environmental engineers, massage therapists, restaurant owners, CEO’s, retirees and even college students (that’s how good we are priced) and many others.

As developers of true tangible value we are not affected by the global real estate crisis, and neither are our clients and friends. We are here for a reason and for the long term. Rental income will generate an attractive return on investment, while we can enjoy, participate and give back to this amazing country, the people and the waves whenever we desire.

Here is a real estate developer who claims he’s in another industry – delivering lifestyle to his clients…... Ridiculous statement or a dream come true? Anyway December is low season for surfers so here I am all alone working on my own lifestyle the 5th of December.

PRO - AM golf tournament
December 1st was a big day in Iguana. The first PRO-AM golf tournament took place, and it might have been the first open golf tournament in this country.

The proceeds form the tournament all went to the local public school in Iguana. It was amazing to see Pro’s from the US, golfers from Costa Rica and Nicaragua get together, play, and have fun, and all making a difference for the local kids. These kids can start in their newly built school February 2008. So let’s make sure to give a special thanks to Ulrik Oldenburg the project Director of Hacienda Iguana, and Jose the golf course Director for making this event

Here Ulrik is honoring the golf course developer and designer Niels Oldenburg. The condo phase two building in the background

Ten teams participated in a scramble tournament over total of 20 holes. Five pro’s attended and each team was joined by a pro on 10 holes. A great thanks to the Pro’s who came down to support and actually cancelled other commitments.

And as a surprise to many, we - Vamos Group, developers of the condos and townhouses in Iguana - won the event with a score of six under par. On the first ten holes the Vamos Group team was aided by pro Greg Hayes (who is also the happy owner of a golf condo in Iguana)

Vamos Group Golf Team. From the left: Thomas Nielsen (QC manager), Humberto Sanchez, Soeren and Olli. (not counting the beautiful women)

Soeren Hasholt was one of the key players for Vamos Group


Be careful pushing out a golf cart stuck in the mud. Spirits were high and everybody had fun.

After the tournament there was party at Don Eloy’s bar and restaurant

See more photos from the tournament from Tony Roberts at:
http://www.nicashots.com/gallery/3922176#227659722


Christmas is BEACH time

Perhaps the best time to visit Nicaragua is December.

With generally smaller waves in December and January the beach is family friendly

And this little girl thinks it’s the best beach ever

This unidentified surfer throws big spray in the beginning of December

Vamos Group’s new QC manager Thomas, is just starting to surf, and here he catches one of his first waves. December – February is a great time for beginners and intermediate surfers.

Would you like to visit?

Condos phase two
The phase two condo building is now all painted, polished and finished off. Now we are ready for the installation of accessories, such as fans, toilets, water heaters, water, sinks, windows and doors. We keep you updated. In January we start on the pool, and rancho area in between the two condo buildings.

Phase two looks amazing and is soon ready for occupation and rental.

Townhouses
Less than ten minutes walk from the beach, and in front of the big lake and the tee off #1 are the five townhouses located. Landscaping both in front and back is well under way, and illuminates the beautiful buildings even more. There is only ONE more townhouse left at the old price in phase two, so if you want the best turn key product on the Nicarguan market at 117 usd/sq ft act now.

The view is even better through quality aluminum windows from Germany. No other developer in the world would install windows and sliding doors in this quality and still sell the unit at 117 USD/sq ft. In fact, in Nicaragua no other developer would probably use windows like this at all. Vamos Group develops quality and value for money in a superb location.

Come visit Iguana, rent a condo, check out the place and you might just want to make this place your second home. We live where we work, so you know we are passionate about what we do.

Vamos Group partner Erik Struve made Iguana his second home.

http://www.iguanasurfretreats.com/
http://www.iguanagolfcondos.com/

DEAR FRIENDS,

SUNSHINE @ IGUANA

The sun shines in Iguana
After a very rainy October (the rainiest wet season in 25 years) the sun shines again, and we are happy to send out a new blog. It has not been long since the last blog, but we do have a bunch of things to write. So let’s get started.

Your developer Søren getting some of very little sunshine in October. Yes, there were rain and onshore, but we also had the waves to ourselves.

New web site (domain name)

The new domain name: www.iguanasurfretreats.com is now functioning and the web page has new pictures and updated info. The new domain name, signals a stronger commitment to the surfer segment. The page is still not 100% done and will be continuously improved and updated, but please check it out.
A surfers dream
In each blog we feature one of our friends, surfer and condo owners.
This time I will write about Robert Towner, who is about the nicest and most mellow guy you could ever imagine. Robert Towner has been an artist for over 30 years, and his clients include Disney, Universal Studios and Surfer Magazine. Surf art is closets to his heart, and listen to what he has to say about Iguana.
“Artistically, my goal is not to just do a painting of the place, but to capture it's spirit.
Nicaragua's beaches are, in my opinion, some of the earth's rarest jewels.”

Yes, we understand what you mean when you say capture the spirit. This painting is of course from Witches Rock, which is rewarded with almost as consistent off shore winds as Iguana. Did you know that you can drive to Witches Rock from Iguana in about 4 hours.
After Bob spent some time in Iguana surfing he invested in a condo with two of his friends, and made this painting of the condos.

Thanks Bob, and we are happy to see phase two completed. We are very happy to have Bob as a client and friend. Also we are thrilled that Bob has agreed to make a couple of art pieces which will be for sale in Iguana, as prints and t-shirts

Mr. Towner capturing the spirit back home in California. We are looking forward to having your art pieces for sale in Iguana.

Nicaragua keeps getting publicity – 5th best place to live and surf
Surfer Magazine December volume features an article on the 10 best places to live and surf. It should come as no surprise that Sydney, Bali and Hossegor is on the list, but the fact that San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua is number 5 must have been a surprise to many people.

Transworld Surf December volume rates San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua as #5 surf mecca to live and surf.

It also came as a surprise to us, because who wants to live in a town where there are no waves? The Magazine is of coursed referring to the Rivas area as a whole, and San Juan Del Sur is the biggest beach town in the area. Again Nicaragua gets publicity and receives credit for what an amazing place it is to live, surf and invest.

However the fact is, I would not live in San Juan Del Sur, the one hour drive to Iguana each day would be tiresome…...

Iguana is number 1 on our list for places to live and surf, and it could be yours too.


Surf & Investment seminar – March 8th and 9th, 2008
March 8th and 9th, 2008 Vamos Group and Iguana Condo Development will host a Surf & Investment seminar at Iguana Beach. This will be the one event to participate in if you consider investing in property in Nicaragua and you surf.

We are happy to confirm the key speaker of the event will be Raul Calvet, President of Calvet & Asociados. His consultancy firm is specialized in tourism and real estate and have help investments of hundreds of millions of Dollars in Nicaragua over the last years. Mr. Calvet is widely recognized as the country’s leading expert in tourism and real estate. Just recently he gave a speech to the UN in Washington, and he will be the key resource on investment for the seminar.

Colwell banker Nicaragua – a leading real estate broker in Nicaragua will be at the seminar. Ashley from Coldwell banker Nicaragua is a US attorney, real estate agent and surfer, who can save you a lot of trouble.

Also participating is NSR – Nicaragua Surf Report - the very well known surf reporters in Nicaragua, who seem to live the life everybody else wants to. Nobody knows the surf in Nicaragua like these guys, and they have seen what moves in real estate.

Pro Surf Photographer Tony Roberts is also attending and he will be shooting pictures at all surf sessions.

The weekend package also includes
Airport transport
Three nights in a private room with private bath.
All meals from Friday night to Monday morning (not drinks)
Iguana property tour

And the price of seminar is only 850 USD.
Furthermore you can look forward to special offers and discount only available to attendees.

You are welcome to prolong your stay either before or after the seminar. 20% discount on condo rentals for attendees. We can help with car rental and other practical questions.

Email us for the full program at info@vamosgroup.com

Iguana Golf Pro-Am tournament

The countdown is started to the PRO-AM tournament, which takes place the 1st of December. Your developer Vamos Group will attend with a team, and we will report in the next blog how this first ever golf tournament in on the pacific coast of Nicaragua went.

If you want to participate or just visit please sign up ASAP via info@vamosgroup.com
There are still some slots open.

If you enjoy golf, you should come and see this place. Golfing with monkeys and green parrots around, and the sound of the waves is something special. It is not often one have the chance to play the first course in a country, and be a true first mover.

The real estate market in Nicaragua is full of pre-construction products, marketing promises and dreams of big cities and development projects. We hope very much for more golf courses in Nicaragua, but until then, come visit Iguana, stay in the only golf condos in the country, play golf and see the place and conditions before you invest.

Your developer Soeren looks in excellent shape a week before the tournament.

Beach club construction

The new beach club has broken ground, and the platform of compacted select material is done. Now we await the foundation. We keep you posted on progress.

The club house will sit right in front of the beach and the Colorado surf break. What a view!!!. We can’t wait for an after session cold Tona.

Tona is the local beer marketing to the local cowboys as opposed to Victoria with is the local beer for the young, beautiful and rich – I guess I should come back on the next blog explaining the rich culture of beer and rum in this country – stay tuned for the next blog).

Colorado surf break, the view from the club house - Photo Tony Roberts.

Surf photography in Iguana
Vamos Group has made an agreement with Tony Robert on surf photography in Iguana.

That means all our clients and guests have access to one of the most experienced and influential surf photographers around. He was a senior staff photographer for Surfing magazine in the 90's, was principle photographer on the Quiksilver Crossing for three years and is presently based here at Playa Iguana… It is impressive that Iguana is where he wants to live and surf considering how many surf destinations Tony has experienced. Take advantage of this opportunity and reserve your dates in advance.
Check out: www.tonyrobertsphoto.com

We all know how it works. You and your buddies get to the surf, its epic, and nobody wants to stay in and shoot pictures. And even if someone wants to, they usually don’t have 800 mm zoom lens, digital camera, a tri pod or skills. So even if you rip, you turn out to be an unrecognizable dot in the ocean. Make your surf trip last longer, and get that killer shot on your desktop.

If you would like to book Tony to shoot your surf sessions, let us know when making your reservation.

Photographer Tony Roberts makes it look like your developer Olli goes even faster

Photographer Tony Roberts catches your developer Soeren from a cool angle.

The only thing better than living at the beach is living at the beach with a pro surf photographer shooting digital pictures.

Nature in Iguana

The last couple of weeks I have walked around Iguana each afternoon with my wife and 16 month old daughter. I wish I had done that before.

Until now I have been focusing on the beach, which is one of most beautiful beaches in Nicaragua. Here I enjoy the pelicans, and three days ago while running along the beach at low tide, I a saw a group of dolphins passing - amazing. Also giant sea turtles visit our beach. If you have never seen a sea turtle, come down for sea turtle watching; let me get back to you next blog when the best time is. So the beach is where I have been walking, surfing and spending most of my time.

Walking inside the property I have now seen a new side of the amazing nature in Iguana. Each afternoon we see hundreds of green parrots in the trees. The howler monkeys are also very active in the afternoons, and my daughter’s second spoken word turned out to be “abe” which means monkey in Danish. It made me proud, happy, and slightly envious that she is to grow up in Iguana. Finally the green landscape, trees, and afternoon lighting make afternoon walks on the property an addictive activity.

A bull grazing in the eucalyptus forest.

Rental
Remember there is no better way than come down and see for yourself. Rentals are open, and they start at 140 USD/night one bedroom, 160 USD/night for two bedrooms, and 180 USD/night for three bedrooms.

Capturing the spirit of Iguana Beach.

See you soon in Iguana
Olli, Soeren, Erik and Ferdie

http://www.iguanagolfcondos.com/

Life is good in Iguana
We are happy to send out a bunch of good news in the blog. Since June a lot of things have happened in Iguana, and life here continues to be good.

We simply live our dream in Iguana; surf with top pros, and play our nine holes of golf every single day. We have delivered our condos and townhouses and continue to do, and are now reaping the benefits – a quality lifestyle – just like we dreamed it 4 years ago.




A dream comes true……

Well in between swells and golfing we do work like crazy. We have to, especially here in Nicaragua where the Nicaraguan factor always delays things. So here is some of the stuff we have been doing.

New web site (domain name)
With an increase of interest from surfers we have changed our name to: Iguana Surf Retreats and the domain name will be: http://www.iguanasurfretreats.com/
This domain should be working within a week, and the webpage will be updated bit by bit, and should soon include rental info, more pictures, more frequent surf and golf info.

Iguana Surf Condos ph2 completes grey work
Finally the phase 2 of the Condos reached grey work completion, and it looks great. Check out the pictures.

Phase two has reached grey work completion

All concrete work in kitchens and baths is done

Tile flooring is being installed






















Gypsum ceiling is being installed

Traditional roof tiles “tejas” have arrived and are being installed




















All piping for air conditioning is done. All electricity work is done. All water piping is done and tested. Air conditioning units, doors and windows are all ordered.

The views over golf course and over phase 1

Iguana Surf Homes customized for surfers
We have moved into the townhouses, now also called Iguana Surf Homes, and it was worth the wait. In the construction process we have done some changes, and added some sq ft and value to the homes. Now all homes have a large private entry porch, great for laying down the surf boards or the golf clubs or for a night drink and BBQ. Also all homes have an enclosed outdoor area with a shower, rinse off area, outdoor sink, and room for board storage. You can say we customized the homes for surfers as we saw what the need was.

We invite everyone down to check out these new homes, which at 175.500 USD should easily be the best turn key product on the market. Remember you get 1500 sq ft in front of the only coastal golf course in Nicaragua, and you are 5 minutes from the best surf. No wonder we live here ourselves.

The Iguana Surf Homes – 5 minutes from the best surf, right in front of the big lake

And the view from the master bedroom is real nice….

A surfers dream

Mike Parise has helped thousands of surfers find waves. He is the author of the legendary (some call it the bible) The Surfer's Guide to Costa Rica & SW Nicaragua.

Mike has for over twenty years gone on surf trips with his buddies, mostly to Costa Rica and Mexico. Three years ago he came to Nicaragua, traveled around and found the Colorado break in Iguana. He quickly saw the potential in this wave and in the area, and was one of the very first to buy a Condo with us. Mike comes down 2-3 times a year to surf, relax, and get out of the corporate routine. Most often he comes with his two buddies, artist Robert Towner and banker Arnold Onaga.

“I've seen a lot of real estate development in Costa Rica, Mexico and now Nicaragua. But Iguana is the first development I've seen where I wanted to invest my own money."

Helping thousands of surfers find their paradise spot, we are truly proud that he chooses to invest with us, and he shares our enthusiasm for this place and the waves here.

You can check out Mike’s Nicaragua Surf Condo webpage: www.surfingtravel.com/nicaraguasurfcondos.html.
Make sure you get the surf guide if you are planning to surf in Costa Rica or Nicaragua.

Wedding in Iguana

July 7th 2007 Iguana was an even more special place than it is usual. Erik Struve – partner in Vamos Group and Iguana Condo Development – got married to his Anna Isa, and the ceremony and party took place in Iguana.

Who doesn’t want to get married here? Iguana Beach sunset

More than 60 people from Nicaragua, Denmark and the US witnessed Mother Nature blessing the happy couple by displaying a rainbow during the ceremony. Did anyone say spectacular…

Top Pro’s surf Iguana and Nicaragua keeps getting publicity
Again we had the pleasure of being visited by some top pro surfers. This time Cory Lopez and Fred P. Jr. came to Iguana and showed everybody how to surf Nicaragua’s best beach break - Colorado. Rumor has it, that the trip will be featured in Surfer Magazine. We are looking forward to the article and pictures.

This place is getting more and more attention, which is great for investment. And we still surf alone most of the time, so we have room for a couple of guys more.

The reach of Nicaragua is often greater than we imagine. The fashion magazine Elle (the UK version) ran an article on Nicaragua as the “hot new surf spot”…

We hope that means we get more European models over here…..

Surf & Investment seminar – March 2008
In March 2008 Vamos Group and Iguana Condo Development will host a Surf & Investment seminar at Iguana Beach. This will be the one event to participate in if you consider investing in property in Nicaragua and you surf.

Over one weekend you will talk to realtors, investment consultants, lawyers and developers to get the inside track on investing. And the great thing is that the event will be casual and follow the tide and swell, so you get a lot of surf in. We will also have a pro surf-photographer in place, so you are likely to take home surf shots of yourself. Furthermore you can look forward to special offers and discount only available to attendees.

Email us for more info on this must do event, at info@vamosgroup.com

New PDF brochure
Please check out the new PDF brochure. You can download it from the web page.
http://www.iguanasurfretreats.com/ look at the link at the down right corner of the front page.
It should be uploaded within a week.

Iguana Golf Academy & and Pro Am tournament
Greg Hayes is a pro golfer on the Sunbelt senior tour and run his own golf retail stores in the US. Greg was one of the very first to buy a condo from us, he simply had to be part of the first golf course on the Pacific Coast of Nicaragua. Greg has turned into a good friend and a great asset for Iguana.

He is getting more and more involved in the golf course, and now he is starting the Iguana Golf Academy which will offer lessons all year around. Also the first annual Iguana Pro-Am tournament is set to Friday November 30th and Saturday December 1st.
2 shot gun starts-texas scramble, followed by golf clinic and trick shot show by PGA champions tour member – Steve Thomas & Sunbelt senior tour members – Greg Hays, Javier Sanchez & Derre Owsley. Awards ceremony & diner to follow at Don Eloy’s bar & restaurant.

We will post pictures and write about the tournament on the blog.


Don Eloy’s bar and restaurant opens
Don Eloy’s bar and restaurant is open. Owners Jim and Heike have named the restaurant after the legendary care taker of Iguana – Don Eloy, which adds even more to the character to the very nice place. A large drink card and the bartender Dexter’s skills are the main attraction now, but the food is good and inexpensive and the menu will slowly be expanded.

We are happy that Iguana finally has it’s own bar and restaurant. Now we have no reason ever to leave this place…..

Hacienda Iguana News
The school for the local community is done, and it’s suppose to open when school starts in February. What a great initiative, and we will post pictures from the first day of school at Iguana.

Beach club is to start construction at the end of rainy season. We can’t wait until getting a cold beer and a dip in the pool while watching Colorado pumping. (the beach club house will be situated in front of the Colorado beach break)

The surf at Iguana beach is world-class
And talking about surfing and the Colorado wave, I feel like ending this blog with some valuable info to anyone who doesn’t know this place.

The surf is world-class and the surf dream is alive and within reach . Owning a place where you and your buddies can enjoy life, surf and treasure the simple things in life is a dream most of us Surfers can relate to. In Iguana this dream is coming true for a select few.

Consistent swell, prevailing off shore winds, warm water, no crowds, and private access to three breaks makes this beach a true paradise for us surfers.

The Colorado beach break is a hollow barreling wave, widely recognized as the best and most consistent break in the country. The Panga Drops A-frame reef is a longboarders dream, mellow take off, long rides, and it will hold any size. The third break is still a secrete spot.

Iguana beach is a mile long white sand beach perfectly exposed to the pacific swells. It is a unique place of luxury and privacy, beautiful nature and abundant wildlife. It is surrounded by isolated beaches, lush forest, rivers and hills. A paradise your non surfing significant other also will love.

In the middle of it all is the Iguana Surf Retreats; condos and homes specifically built with surfers in mind.

Your developer doing research. Photo credit: Tony Roberts (who also can shoot you surf when you visit us – stay tuned for next blog to hear more about Tony Roberts surf photography in iguana)

See you soon in Iguana
Olli, Soeren, Erik and Ferdie

news from Iguana

Iguana Beach and Golf resort in short

1. First and only completed golf course on the pacific coast of the country.
   
2. The best and most consistent surfing in Nicaragua - only a surfer knows.
   
3. Visionary development, - we completed the first beach condos, first golf condos, first townhouse, and first golf course in the country
   
4. Still best prices starting at 102 USD/sq ft of luxury living - dare to compare – Iguana is the most attractive investment in Nicaragua.


5. People live and enjoy the amenities in Iguana – it is not just a marketing promise of a future community
   

First golf course in Nicaragua
If anybody is in doubt, let us just remind you – the first golf course on the pacific coast of Nicaragua is fully playable. It is a challenging competitive length 9 hole course, with beautiful trees, fairways and water features. Playing golf with howler monkeys and the sound of the ocean is a special thing. Come try it. The pro shop is fully functioning with golf carts, clubs etc. for rent.

Phase one Condos completion
The phase one of the golf condos is now fully operational. It took us some additional months to finish them up, get in electricity, but the wait has been worth it. Without exception the clients and people who visits loves these condos. The combination of traditional Colonial architecture, modern materials, and Danish design sweeps everybody of their feet.

Rental is now open
Our rental pool is now open, which means you can now stay at a golf condo in Iguana. What better way to see and test the units, and see the place. You are 400 meters from the beach and surf, and of course you are in the middle of the golf course.

For further info and pricing please contact our new rental manager Jenniffer Prado at: jenniffer@iguanagolfcondos.com

or call our US numbers (IP phone): 626 407 4250, or 786 738 6059

or call Nicaragua: + 505 888 1089, or +505 276 6456


Iguana beach attracts some of the world’s best surfers
We had the pleasure of being visited by Timmy Reyes who after his super finish as 11th on the WCT in 2006 has been out with a knee injury. Timmy spent a week in Iguana body surfing and relaxing as part of his rehabilitation. He will be back surfing in Iguana later this summer, and he will be back on the WCT next year. Timmy enjoyed his stay here together with his girlfriend Taylor, his buddy and photographer Cory Hansen and his girlfriend Lizzie. We can’t wait to have you guys back.

The Hurly grommet crew spent a week in Iguana, ripping up the place. The crew included three national champions, and we all got a good look into what the future brings. It looks good and includes waves in Iguana we might reveal.

January and February, we were surfing panga drops all the time. It was consistently shoulder to head high and long nice walls. Then the SW swells started to pound us, and March, April and first part of May was just insane. Perfect waves everyday at Colorados with barrels both right and left. Then came the rain and tropical activity and made it onshore and choppy for a while. It seems we are almost back to normal now, with a couple of feet overhead and off shore today. We love this place.

Colorados in April, firing with strong off shores

Hacienda Iguana and general news
The new clubhouse should be breaking ground within two months. It is located on the south end of the beach next to river and in front of the Colorado surf break. Ulrik says it’s going to be NICE. We can’t wait to sit and hang out after a barreling session at Colorado’s.

The commercial center is moving along quite nicely, and we can’t wait until getting a restaurant in Iguana. The name of the restaurant and bar is Don Eloys, named after the legendary caretaker of Iguana – great call.

Hacienda Iguana is building a school for all the local kids around the community. Good move and great community responsibility.

We have cellular signal from Enitel now in Iguana. Make sure your phone can work on the 850 frequency band.

Erik, Soeren and Olli

Nicaraguan Elections

So it happened, Ortega has been elected as the New Nicaraguan president.

What will happen?

Our analysis of the situation concludes that we will see no significant changes.
Of course we will experience a drop in sales and investments until the market feels confident in the new government.

Luckily Ortega and his team have been very fast to communicate that foreign investors are needed and welcome, and the US rhetoric has softened. These are very positive indications and we hope to see the same in the next two months until Ortega takes office in January.

Vamos Group
..has now released the 3rd phase of the Iguana Surf/Golf Townhouse development for sale. [15-Aug-2006]

We expect to begin construction of the 3rd phase (5 units) in January or February 2007.

The Townhouses will be ready in August 2007.
The design and style will be equal to phase one & two - highest quality, luxury Townhouses.

Please contact us for information on price & availability.
mailto:info@iguanagolfcondos.com

Dear friends of Iguana

Surf
The surf has been HUGE (check photo from the Colorado break in Iguana, taken by NSR)

Colorado has been make able, and threw some very serious left barrels at everybody who were up for it.Panga Drops was looking most like a tow-in wave. If you were lucky enough to paddle in, you could count on a “mellow” double or triple overhead take off. Some guys made it more than 500 meters into the beach going right.

Now the low pressure located about 170 miles south of Zihuatanejo Mexico is giving us rain and on shore. But I think everyone could use a break.

Golf
Four holes are now playable. The grass is being laid up on the next holes, and there is some truly unique holes, e.g. the par five with an elevated green, is looking – well, exceptionally unique.

Construction
The construction is flying. We are ready fill the third floor on the first building. We are still aiming for Christmas for completion.
The second building foundation is in, and the townhouses should see first floor within two weeks. The townhouses are done in November.

We are proud of the progress, and several lot owners in Iguana, is contracting us for their custom homes.

What to look for
Sign up for our colorful newsletter (to make sure you get it, please email to: (ferdie@iguanagolfcondos.com). Next version of the newsletter with photos, in depth updates, and some industry news should be out beginning of July.

Look out for an updated webpage, within days. Add another couple of weeks, and you can log in for daily surf, golf, lifestyle and construction updates.http://www.iguanagolfcondos.com --> New version out in days!!

Sales & opportunities
We see a lot of traffic right now.
Only two units left in phase two, and we have opened phase three, where top floor seems to be going fast.From phase three you walk straight onto the pool and common area, ground level is therefore superb for rental business.

Second and third floor you have a great view over the pool and onto the golf.
All 5 minutes walk from the best beach in Nicaragua.
There are still townhouses left at incredible 116 usd/sq ft.

Another five townhouses will be launched in the fall; price level is estimated to 130-150 usd/sq ft

You are always welcome to call or email if you have any questions;info@iguanagolfcondos.com

Cheers!

Vamos Group post Iguana news on this Blog

Welcome to Vamos Group's Iguana news-blog!

We have moved our blog to our own site (removed it from blogger.com) and reposted the news.

Vamos Group post news about what is going on in Iguana Golf & Beach Resort - Nicaragua.
About every month or more frequent we write in our blog.

We write what we feel like - it can be a story about a sea turtle who came by to visit, or a story about an ambassador who came by to visit. It can also be a great photo or maybe something else. Check it out, and see what’s going on in Paradise.