New mecca for baby boomers: Ecuador, South America

Shifra Armon nfo@agoldenspa.com

Standing there in the bright mid morning, I could not take my eyes off her. Elegant woman at her sixties, cheerfully scanning the vendors posts. I followed her with my camera trying to capture that vibrant spirit she spread while humming through the colorful Indian market. I approached her at one of the market’s stands, as she was completely taken by a rare handmade Indian quilt, "what a unique piece" I said aloud, yes she replied, the colors, the density, the ancestral motives, just perfect. Laughingly she continued, “I am Edna” I can see you enjoy the market as much as I do. Edna, a history professor and her husband Amos a Civil Engineer arrived to Ecuador South America from Philadelphia a week earlier on a long due vacation and a search mission. "Well," she replied to the unasked question about the mission, "both our children are married and moved out of Philadelphia. Suddenly there was no comfort in our life without family and soon enough the retirement issue was raised at both our work places. Facing a new stage was comprehensive but utterly uneasy. We began checking our options and realized we are part of the “Baby Boomers” generation that will eventually be on the same crossroad as we are. The revelation came with a massive flow of Internet information that helped us narrow down our future path. The main decision we took was to continue living in our home, with possible remodeling, and look for a second home as a part-time stay during rough weather. The idea of International living became dear to our hearts. The adventure, the mystery, the limitless possibilities, the new and exciting beginnings that may lie there for us captured our minds, and here we are on our mission to search for the ideal home in the perfect place."

Ecuador’s Andes highland became the chosen setting for Edna and Amos after a thorough search for possible locations in Latin America. A few primary factors took place in that decision: The distance –about three hours flight from Miami; the climate –spring weather year round 50-70 ° F; security -Ecuador and the Andean highland are safe for travel and living; cost of living –attractive affordable costs; quality of life –pure natural comfortable way of living. Moreover: simplicity of establishing in Ecuador –foreigners are very welcome in Ecuador as they can purchase homes, invest, and run any business without limitations, and may obtain full ownership titles; -accessibility of daily necessities -blessed with tropical, subtropical and jungle regions, Ecuador provides all kind of fruits and vegetables in abundance. Due to massive transportation, the fresh products are available daily in the markets around the country. Large supermarket chains carry a wealth of local and imported groceries and general articles. Last but most important, the Healthcare factor –an extensive modern healthcare infrastructure is available throughout Ecuador-. Hospitals and clinics count with up-to-date articulate medicine, trained doctors, technology, and equipment. Good Health Insurance companies offer a variety of cost effective and reliable programs. Finally, the unique location in the core of the Andes Highlands eco-folklore attractions, the serenity of the place, the peaceful and friendly nature of the Ecuadorians seemed to have made the decision-making for Edna and Amos almost effortless. That afternoon when we said our goodbyes, I felt that I witnessed the wellbeing and the unique experience that Ecuador has to offer counterbalanced by a warm human response. It was my husband, really, thanks to the encounter with Edna, who first suggested the idea of constructing an elite community that can fulfill even the unexpressed wishes and needs of such active, healthier, younger than ever-retired “Baby Boomer” generation. Evidently, immigration to our Andes Mountain region became a mainstream trend. Forty to fifty families come to settle here each year in an unorganized fashion. Imagine how the finest services in an exclusive community will enhance their lives. A community extended well beyond a place to live! I grasped his vision: an inclusive picture perfect countryside neighborhood right in our backyard, or better described, part of our Five Stars hotel. Swept away by the idea we sketched the mission: we want to grant the greater service existing, including new technologies and utmost activities, but not at the expense of old-fashioned truth hospitality. Instead we envision the kind of “high tech/high human” community that provides new beginnings and a reality that exceeds expectations, rather than sinking into a comfortable game board community. We then laid out the natural resources and tangible assets we can count on to support such a project:

• The exceptional setting of our resort in a bucolic countryside spotted with lakes and cascades in the midst of stunning natural beauty between the Cotacachi and Imbabura 16,200 feet volcanoes.

• The place draws about 1,000,000 tourists a year providing a year long vacation environment although it maintains its quiet pastoral nature.

• The most famous of South America’s colorful Indian markets situated minutes away. A sanctuary for shoppers and folklore lovers:

• Otavalo – Tapestry Weaving, wool knit and Ponchos Market

• San Antonio – Wood Carving Market

• Cotacachi - Leather goods Market

• An international car racetrack surrounding a volcano lagoon crater is nearby. This and the many folkloric colorful festivities attract travelers from all over the world.

• The ultimate adventure scenery, for outdoor activities supported by spring weather year round.

• Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands are heaven made for tourists. Ecuador’s population is 13,000,000 people which form a rare combination of the Spanish and native cultural heritages. UNESCO declared the capital Quito as “A Treasure of Humanity". The singular topography of diverse climatic zones and a prolific population of vegetation and animal species converted Ecuador into a world fauna and flora treasure. Baron Friedrich von Humboldt wrote, “A journey in Ecuador could compare with a journey from the Equatorial Line down almost to the South Pole.”

• Unique demographics that provide fascinating anthropological knowledge and volunteering work that can really make a difference with the indigenous communities in the area.

• Our Five Star spa resort that provides the entire necessary infrastructure and the ample grounds for the secure and exclusive community’s home units. Please visit our website: www.agoldenspa.com

• Our outstanding spa facilities are capable to provide an ongoing health prevention program.

• Excellent added value of the homeowners' property.

As we continued underlining the resources capital, an inimitable program to create on our ample grounds, easily and cost effective, came in to life. In view of the fact that 76 millions American Baby Boomers are about to retire and look for opportunities in South America because of costs and quality of life, we believe that a Food and Health controlled-Spa and a socially active Community blend, is a combination which fits the Boomer’s generation. We therefore offer the exclusive community for people tired of daily house chores but eager to embark on new adventures and beginnings. Imagine no household hassle, no supermarket lines, no daily cooking, or eating unhealthy restaurant food. A trained professional personal will carry out all these tasks. Working for your wellbeing, they will watch over your house, your food, your health, and organize infinite inspiring activities. So that you can blow, glass figurines or maybe start folklore goods export business with your grand children. Discover life at exactly the right age; Join our exclusive ECO Community Experience new jubilation Collect new friends Observe new cultures Program Guide Line For A 50 Home Unit Community:

• The Community will follow the same guidelines and have the same high standard of property management that Americans are accustomed.

• A full ownership legal title issued for each homeowner.

• Monthly Fee For a healthier and stress-free "good night sleep life" includes:

1) Fire and earthquake insurance for the buildings

2) Landscaping and maintenance for all common and private areas

3) 24-hour security guards and free parking

4) All housekeeping, cleaning, laundry and ironing needed

5) Three nutrition controlled meals a day in the hotel’s restaurants. Meals controlled by magnetic personal card that will order your servings according to your health condition.

6) A Full time monthly activity organized plan: Fun and entertainment, seminars and learning, Weight loss program, health seminars, art and handicraft with local artists, social, expedition in Ecuador and Latin America, volunteering…

7) Free very unique Spa facilities (Please check our website) To Help Us Put Together That Project We Seek:

• Organizer(s) to promote the community project and select a group of 50 couples/individuals to participate in the exclusive overseas community.

• Investor(s) to construct 50 deluxe housing units (the design of the units is ready) on the hotel grounds and ready infrastructure. The investor(s) will manage the community using the existing hotel facilities and operate the hotel.

If you are interested to partake in this unique program please contact us: info@agoldenspa.com

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