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Casa Marea Alta y Baja Photographs by Dave Marlow and John Youden spring-summer/1999 Puerto Vallarta's Conchas Chinas "colony" where the Sierra mountains plunge downward into the cool serenity of the Bay of Banderas, is often called the "jewel of Vallarta." It is no euphemism: this gorgeous setting is rapidly becoming an international destination for those who seek magnificent retreats by the sea. Here million-dollar villas shine under the sun like veritable precious stones. The two newest gems in Conchas Chinas are the work of designer Peter Bowman and developer Nick Coates. The two newest gems in Conchas Chinas are the work of designer Peter Bowman and developer Nick Coates. Villas Marea Alta (High Tide) and Marea Baja (Low Tide) sit one above another, terraced into a hillside as it rises above the beach. Nick and Peter refer to their project as an "environmental sculpture," a living work of art where one can retreat in peace from the world outside, surrounded by design elements that both soothe and stimulate. Each villa is a completely self-contained unit. Marea Alta, with 6,000 sq ft, offers three spacious bedrooms, a smaller fourth bedroom which can be used as a fitness center or office, three and a half baths and a gourmet kitchen. There is also a separate one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment. Marea Baja, at nearly 5,000 sq ft, is a three-bedroom, three 1/2-bath, beachfront villa similarly appointed as Marea Alta. Living and dining areas are separated by a see-through fireplace with a stunning hammered-steel chimney. Both homes have staff quarters with independent entrances and fully equipped laundries. From Marea Alta the domes covering the vaulted ceilings below remind one of a Mediterranean seashore village. Viewed from the ocean, Las Mareas appear like two small Colonial casitas with upstairs balconies, an inspiration of conceptual architect Francisco Hanhausen. Marea Alta and Marea Baja join in a courtyard enhanced by a hand-carved stone fountain. Here, a glass-walled elevator descends through undulating palms and offers incredible vistas of waves breaking on the beach below. Both villas feature crescent-shaped terraces finished in Mexican tile, graceful walls textured in a rich terracotta-colored stucco and infinity pools that blend harmoniously with the striking blues of the ocean and sky. The elevator also provides beach access for the upper villa. The villa interiors combine a wide array of material comforts, optimum efficiency and exquisite taste in design. There's no shyness in the use of color - a room may be French blue; a bathroom, deep green or bright yellow; an armoire, turquoise. Visual delights and surprises abound. Furnishings are an eclectic mix of pieces from Mexico, Central America and Indonesia. Colorful textiles from Guatemala, pottery from Michoacán, brass mirrors and antique wardrobes from San Miguel de Allende have all found their places. In unexpected niches, hand-carved stone fountains and antique wooden statues elicit an "ah!" from visitors. Many of the furnishings and accessories have been designed by Peter Bowman and executed by talented Mexican artisans whose workmanship he highly appreciates. At night, the custom lighting enhances the dramatic effect of the villas as art pieces, while daylight brightens the interiors through skylights. Another dimension to the spectacular nature of these two villas lies in the choices made for materials and appointments. Copper gutters, stainless-steel appliances, limestone and honed-marble kitchen counter tops, Baldwin bronze doorknobs and custom-made hardware on the antique doors and cabinets were selected for their beauty, low maintenance and suitability to the climate of Puerto Vallarta. Air-conditioning systems in all bedrooms and kitchens are absolutely silent, and all water for the villas is purified with state-of-the-art equipment. The magnificent Villas Mareas are for sale by the developers, but can be rented until the fortunate first owners take possession. For over thirty years, Nick Coates has been developing prestigious projects in Aspen, Colorado. Over the last 12 years, he and his wife, interior designer Betty Coates, have developed some of the most spectacular homes in Puerto Vallarta, ten of them in collaboration with Peter and Tari Bowman. They are currently putting the finishing touches on a project in San Miguel de Allende. For more information regarding the sale or rental of either Casa Marea Alta or Baja: Tel: (322) 2-5121 or, Email: bcprop@pvnet.com.mx For more information about purchasing this property click here.

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