We’ve posted on this blog on various occasions about Hollywood stars showing up in places like Cancun or Puerto Vallarta. This weekend we got a very nice story from The Mexico Report about the history and current appeal of Mexico for Hollywood. What it boils right down to is that the country is appealing to movie and T.V. stars for the same reasons that Mexico real estate is appealing to us average working Americans (with my comments):
Glee Cast: Kevin McHale, Heather Morris and Vanessa Lengies at Viceroy Zihuatanejo
Mexico has long been a destination of choice for celebrities and those in the entertainment industry. It’s no wonder – with the abundance of picture perfect beaches, private, luxurious accommodations and relaxed yet festive atmosphere – that the ever-bustling entertainment industry is so closely drawn to Mexico.
Iconic movies like Night of the Iguana, which starred Richard Burton, put Puerto Vallarta on the map in the 60’s (Puerto Vallarta real estate was already a favorite expat destination, and this just made it take off that much more!) and because of the making of Twentieth Century Fox’s epic film Titanic in Baja California, Fox Baja Studios was created along with some of the world’s largest stages and filming tanks.
In addition to Titanic, dozens of movies have been filmed at Fox Baja Studios including MGM’s Tomorrow Never Dies, Disney’s Peal Harbor, and Fox’s Master and Commander The Far Side of the World. Hundreds of filmmakers have chosen locations all throughout Mexico to intensify or beautify their films.
The destination of Mexico has been equally synonymous with celebrity getaways as well, whether for a much-needed hiatus or a special occasion celebration, engagement, wedding or anniversary. With the wealth of five star luxury hotels, resorts and villas, world-class gourmet cuisine, celebrity chefs, personalized concierge service, first class amenities and warm Mexican hospitality, Mexico has time and again proven to be the destination of choice for the A-list crowd.
It’s no wonder – in 2012 alone, Mexico boasted the most hotels ever on Condé Nast Traveler’s prestigious Gold List with a staggering 33 properties on the list and more than one-third the total in the Americas.
Mexico also topped the lists of dozens of 2012 travel lists including Frommer’s, Lonely Planet, Moon Travel Guide, Reuters, CNN and Forbes to name a few.
Hollywood celebrities flock to Mexico in droves because of the close proximity as well. Depending on if the flight is a private charter or a commercial air carrier, from Los Angeles, celebs can jaunt to Cabo in a quick two hours; to Puerto Vallarta in three hours, and to Cancun/Riviera Maya in four and a half hours.  Cancun and Riviera Maya are among the top beach destinations in the world. (Great reason to buy Cancun real estate, wouldn’t you say?!)
The Hunger Games star Leven Rambin enjoys time at Viceroy Riviera Maya
Fresh off wrapping from Percy Jackson 2: Sea of Monsters, The Hunger Games starlet Leven Rambin left Hollywood behind over Labor Day and escaped with friends toViceroy Riviera Maya, in Playa del Carmen.  She spent her time jet skiing in the warm Caribbean water that laps the resort’s white-sand beach, dining on “amazing fish tacos†and exploring nearby Mayan ruins. Leven also indulged in a deep-tissue massage at the resort’s Mayan-themed spa.
Modern Family actress Sofia Vergara recently celebrated her 40th birthday in Riviera Maya. Along with boyfriend Nick Loeb and  a group of her closest friends, Vergara explored parts of Yucatan and Quintana Roo, including a visit to the great archeological ruins of Chichen Itza.“Riviera Maya is the closest destination to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World for U.S. travelers, along with access to the largest coral reef in the Americas,†said Director of Public Relations at Fairmont Mayakoba, Paulina Feltrin. “Mexico has been and continues to be a preferred destination for celebrities. The warmth of the Mexican hospitality guarantees a level of service that will make their vacations even more special.â€
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(read the whole story at The Mexico Report)
Again, Hollywood stars are looking for the same things we are – beautiful beaches, warm weather, luxury living, etc. The interesting thing is that they even though they are living in luxury in the U.S., they are still choosing Mexico. Could it be that they’re also looking for better prices? Or perhaps is just that Mexico offers that much more …
TOPMexicoRealEstate.com; Mexico’s Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely
