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the sunseeker Your Vacation Home since 1983!
A publication for members of WIVC
Spring 2021 Edition
Meet Sandra Jane García Rodríguez
WIVC’s new Puerto Vallarta Resort Manager
Sandra is a true “Hidrocálida” as she was born and raised in Aguascalientes, a magnificent Colonial city in north-
central Mexico where, in 2011, she obtained her degree in Organiza onal Communica ons at the Universidad Autónoma
de Aguascalientes.
Shortly a er gradua ng she went to Cancún to look for her first job, landing a posi on with WIVC at the Coral Mar as
Administra ve Assistant. She refers to her two years there, under the able tutelage of Resort Manager Adelina Marcial
Mar nez, as instrumental in honing her skills in autonomy, organiza onal capacity, teamwork and leadership, which
guides her to this day.
In 2014 she moved to Puerto Aventuras where she worked for the 423-room
Catalonia Riviera Maya Hotel in charge of front-desk communica ons.
In 2015 she relocated to Playa Del Carmen to run the Department of Human
Resources for Ah Cacao SA de CV — a regional coffee house chain, where she
worked un l 2020 when the company temporarily closed as a consequence of
pandemic lockdowns.
In late August 2020 she was hired to run the three resorts in Puerto Vallarta —
certainly, a challenging job. She showed lots of “spunk” by jumping in her car and
taking a solo seven-hour drive to Puerto Vallarta to do her training with the re ring
manager, Sergio Cresta Solari. Sandra assumed the role of Resort Manger in
October 2020.
In December, her husband Aldo — bringing with him their two dogs — joined her
and resumed his real estate career working for a local brokerage.
Sandra is a kind, joyful, determined, driven individual, who is thrilled to be back in
the WIVC family where she is “most happy” as she puts it.
We too, are happy to have her back and enthusias cally welcome her!
Meet Carmen Ive e Mendieta Radilla
WIVC’s New Acapulco Resort Manager
Ive e is a true local “Acapulqueña”, as she was born and raised in Acapulco, where she obtained her bachelor’s degree
in Communica ons and Public Rela ons from the Universidad Americana de Acapulco.
From early childhood she was immersed in the avia on industry as her father was an aircra dispatcher at the Acapulco
Interna onal Airport for 25 years and her mother worked for Aeromexico for 38
years. At 18 she got her first job, with American Airlines, and by the me she was
27 she landed a posi on with Aeromexico as a supervisor where she worked for
nine years. She took that opportunity to expand her horizons and enrich her skill
set by traveling to France, England, Brazil, Costa Rica, the United States, and of
course throughout her own beloved Mexico.
Ive e has a 13-year-old son, a loving mu called Zuma, who came from Cabo
San Lucas four years ago and a turtle called Tuga, who’s been in the family for the
be er part of 10 years. She is an extremely posi ve individual, with a
commanding presence and an affable demeanor. She loves the movies, the beach,
Mexican food, (who doesn’t?) music, and has a zest for life. She is truly a people’s
person – a quality which will serve her well in the years to come.
Ive e completed her training with the re ring Resort Manager, Rosy Torres,
from mid-November through January 2021 when she assumed her posi on as
Resort Manager.
Welcome back Vicky!
To the delight of our members and guests, Maria Victoria (Vicky) Torres Molina
is back at the Mar Azul — as she does each winter — exhibi ng her extraordinary
collec on of silver jewelry in her tasteful stand in the lobby. Mind you, this is no
ordinary jewelry stand. The silver is real and her prices are reasonable. Each year,
Vicky travels to world-famous Taxco, Mexico’s “silver capital” to handpick each
piece, which must meet her high standard of beauty, uniqueness, and quality. She
also imports some exo c pieces from Bali, Indonesia.
A er more than 25 years, she has come to know what many members want and
like. She has a story for almost every piece of jewelry she has sold — just ask
her. Need a gi to take back home for that someone special or you just want to
pamper yourself? — check out Vicky’s collec on — she will have something to
intrigue you!
ALOHA to two outstanding WIVC Resort Managers!
Sergio Cresta Solari, who re red in October 2020 a er 17 years running the
three resorts in Puerto Vallarta and Rosa Maria (Rosy) Torres Molina, who re red
in January 2021 a er 30 years running the 10-story Mar Azul in Acapulco.
Words of accolade are inadequate to convey the degree of respect and
admira on we have for these outstanding individuals.
From diverse backgrounds: Sergio, from Genoa, Italy; Rosy, from Acapulco,
Mexico, albeit with completely different managerial styles, they have much in
common when it comes to management skills — each leaving their indelible mark
of excellence and high standards as sterling examples for those who follow.
We are thankful for their
loyal service and friendship
(yes, friendship) over the years
and wish them love, health,
and happiness in their well-
deserved re rement.
Rosy hands over the reins to Ive e
Sergio welcomes Sandra to Puerto Vallarta
Farewell to Director Jorge Gu érrez y García!
Jorge’s demise early this year le a vacuum in our hearts and a sense of
irreplaceable loss. A er an associa on with WIVC that lasted 38 years, Jorge
le a legacy of unmatched achievements which will forever be etched in our
history. An advisor, a mentor, an unforge able friend — a friendship which
transcends me and death.
We’ll miss you, old friend. We’ll always love you.
Whale watching in Puerto Vallarta!
By WIVC hostess Karla Rúbio Rodriguez
Can you imagine being on your balcony enjoying the gorgeous ocean views and suddenly you see a splash out there?
What is it? Well, if you are visi ng us during the months of December to March you might be witnessing one of the most
wonderful experiences you will ever have — a
humpback whale jumping.
It is during December that whale watching
season begins in Puerto Vallarta, but the months of
January and February bring about the best me to
whale watch here. This is when hundreds of humpback
whales migrate from Alaska to the Puerto Vallarta area
to mate and give birth. They love to frolic in the warm
waters of our great Banderas Bay.
Being at Casa de la Playa or Conchas Chinas
affords us the opportunity to witness the beauty of
these, gigan c, lovely creatures in the wild. If we are
lucky, we can see them from the resorts. Some mes
they are far away (and you realize there are some
whales because you can see boats milling around), and
some mes they are really close to shore.
A few days ago, there were two whales close to
shore, (off the beach at Casa de la Playa) feeding from a
shoal of small fish (perhaps sardines). I was so excited to
see them, (I took these photos from the first-floor
balcony) as did some of our guests who had the
opportunity to witness this with me (and this is not the
first me this happened). Also, from Conchas Chinas you
can see them jumping and splashing out there. It’s so
beau ful! This is the kind of event that renews our faith
in good things.
Whale Facts Whale Watching Tours
Adult whales are approximately the size of a school There are several tour companies offering tours for
bus and can weigh anywhere between 25 to 35 everyone depending on your preference. Most tours depart
metric tons.
from Marina Vallarta at various mes of the day. As you
They hunt and feed in the summer months and
then fast during ma ng season living off the blub- depart from shore, you’ll certainly enjoy the insanely
ber reserves so they can focus on migra on and beau ful surroundings of mountain escapes and ocean
ma ng. expanses as well as an abundance of fascina ng marine
Humpbacks have no teeth, so they consume krill, wildlife. It is recommended you wear a hat, bring a camera,
plankton, and small fish. biodegradable sunscreen and a light sweater. Most tour
They require around 1.5 tons of food every day. To
companies include light snacks and drinks in the cket
find that much food each day they have a diverse
repertoire of feeding methods, including the price.
“bubble net" technique. So, put on a smile, your hat, and get ready for one of
the most wonderful experiences of your life!
Don’t delay — sign, date and mail or email your proxy card today!
Join Annual Members’ Meeting online on April 10, 2021.
Hurricane Delta arrives at Coral Mar October 7, 2020
Retaining wall reconstruc on work in progress. Newly completed retaining wall
At the end of September, the painstaking work
to repair the stairways on buildings 1, 3, 4 and 5
was completed. Then, in early October, here
comes Hurricane Delta to make a real mess of
things: causing severe damage to our retaining
wall, breaking windows, uproo ng five palm trees,
blowing away several “palapitas” and messing up
the roof of the main palapa which is home to Los
Chefs Restaurant. Members were safely
evacuated to a storm shelter and fortunately no
one suffered any injuries. We dodged a bullet —
again.
Kudos to Resort Manager Adelina Marcial
Mar nez and her crew for the efficient handling of
this emergency.
Work on stairways completed on schedule
FOR MEMBERS ONLY Ready to Fly?
LOCAL Eat-Play-Shop-Travel Discounts Before you embark on your trip, domestic
Whether you are traveling for work or pleasure, WIVC Plus or international, authorities are requiring
Rewards is available throughout the United States. Enjoy that all travelers provide a negative COVID-
special pricing on car rentals, theme parks, cruises, golfing, 19 test taken within three days before
departure — even if you’ve been vaccinated.
restaurants and more!
To avoid delays, be sure that your name,
Download the My Deals app and Sign Up today!* gender and birth date on the test results
*Enter Program ID: 202265 and your email. Complete registra on match that of your driver’s license and
form using your 5-digit membership number as your Member ID. passport. Be sure to check before you travel
for any changes in requirements.
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