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Re: belaire golf resort and spa (by Carolyn T.):
Hi all! In light of all that is happening and has happened with Belair, I want to share a letter that I wrote several years ago to quell the rumors on a Belair “owners” website. We bought in the month the ”operation” began.-January 2007 contract numbers 280 and 286. The ink wasn't even dry on the contracts but we could see ourselves basking in the sun, looking at the alligators, and cooling off in our little dipping pools. We were “wined and dined” by Antonio. And heard his life story-his father's Las Vegas casino connections, Antonio making trips with cash to Luxembourg, his beauty queen wife, his mother-in-law insisting their son Jonathan have the mother’s maiden name Tomasello, Antonio making sure their daughter Bridget moved to the United States to have her illegitimate son, Elvis, so that his Mexican father would have no legitimate claim to him, Antonio's plastic surgery after losing so much weight by having his stomach tied off-or whatever they call it, his magnificent home in PV, the hospital he built in PV, the new home he had built in El Tigre in NV because he felt he needed a home in the gated community, the designer clothes and the $500,000 Patek Philippe watch-on and on and on. And then his heart attack etc.
I want to “make your day” and make you laugh until you fall off your chair. Here's the letter! I can't believe I wrote it!!! January 30, 2009 Dear Fellow Belaire Resort owners, When we arrived in PV on January 12 we knew we had to see what was or was not happening at the Belaire. We had not been in PV since January 2008. We were really concerned about many issues because of what we read on certain blogs, what did Not seem to be changing on the Belaire website camera, construction progress, validity of our investment, possible Belaire bankruptcy, lawsuits, employee turnover, completion of construction, lack of response from customer service, etc. Then to top it off, we went on a Grand Mayan (we were staying there in NV) presentation (to get the 10% off) and were told the Belaire was a HUGE SCAM and that all the resorts were trying to shut them down. Off we went to get-we hoped- the truth! We did not want to meet with a sales rep. so we spoke to Antonio Copela by phone. He was in Mexico City seeing about getting the Belaire steel girders more quickly. He arranged for us to talk to Paul Diaz, Verification Loan Officer. Ultimately we returned 3 times for long discussions-several hours each- with Paul Diaz, Sergio Joya, Customer Service, Antonio Copela, his son Jonathan Tomasello, Gabriele, corporate attorney, and John Anthony, the head of the Travel Department in Arizona. They did not shy away from any questions or concerns. So all that you will now read is what we understand to be the situation as a result of these discussions. Our Investment: By Mexican law all land and construction costs must be funded by the developer prior to pre-construction sales. Our preconstruction investment dollars are being used for purchase and development of future resorts, i.e. in NV, Cancun and Miramar, boutique residence club nestled in Conchas Chinas hills 10 min south of PV center/Malecon(we visited Miramar with Sergio. Work there is progressing rapidly and Miramar is scheduled to open approximately March 1. What a fabulous view of Banderas Bay!!!!!!!!!). Construction Delay: 14 month delay caused by in 2007 the unanticipated depth of bedrock upon which footings & foundation must rest. And in 2008 the PV government needing some “encouragement” to grant a permit to allow the Belaire to be 10 stories and inability of IDOM the Spanish contractor to fulfill its contract. Presently Antonio is personally supervising the construction and shipments of the steel piers from the supplier in Leon. In the 3 weeks we have been here we have seen several shipments of steel and their immediate placement. The site is small so there really can not be any storage. From our knowledge of construction it is feasible that within 3 months 3 floors will be completed with the placement of utilities, duct work, waste system etc. The present model building will be destroyed and sales office, model etc. will be moved to tower 1 and work will begin on the pool. Completion is expected by end of Dec 2009-if all stays on schedule with no unexpected delays. Floor plan: The placement of the towers has changed slightly (Go to website). The units will have only minor positive changes to model on site. Furniture has already been purchased and is in storage. Employee turnover: We all have had issues with getting responses to questions etc. We believe that those who were let go or left were unable to perform up to expectations!!!!! Lawsuits: It was reported on one blogs that there was a lawsuit filed by IDOM the Spanish contractor. According to Antonio no lawsuits have been filed against Belaire. Financial issues: Some people have not completed payments due to health or personal financial difficulties and not because of issues with Belaire. Usage of Weeks at Belaire: It is our understanding that as of May members can request weeks at Belaire for 2010. If Belaire is not completed then Miramar & other resorts will be made available. The Luxury Experience website will allow you to find resorts for 2009. Belaire Private Residence Club: By definition a “Private Residence Club” is a resort of extremely high quality. Only 70% of the units can be sold. The developer must keep 30% so that units are always available to members. Upon completion of Tower 1 upscale resort exchange companies like The Registry Collection will come onsite to judge the quality of Belaire Resort facilities and amenities and then offer alternative very upscale exchanges.
Our 3 weeks in PV has been very productive, fruitful and positive because after our investigation we feel assured that Belaire will be the fabulous resort that we all want it to be. We are most happy to share this information with fellow members and owners.