It’s Meaningful to Review All That Has Transpired With Grupo Mariana in Nicaragua

As we move into the final days of 2010, it is meaningful to review all that has transpired as well as look forward to what promises to be a breakthrough time for all of us. It is, of course, important to bear in mind the radical market changes that have affected each of us individually and collectively, and use that revised perspective to acknowledge the positive progress made by Grupo Mariana. An organization with vision and committed leadership should be positioned to weather difficult conditions and even capitalize on opportunities that arise. We believe we have achieved that during 2010.

Be forewarned that this newsletter contains a great deal of information; however, we have always been committed to keeping you informed of developments both inside and outside Grupo Mariana, and are confident you will find this information enlightening and exciting.

An Evolution of Vision

Many of you have watched the vision and mission of Grupo Mariana evolve. What began as a labor of love and belief in the unsurpassed opportunities offered by Nicaragua has led to the creation of a multifaceted organization. The cornerstone of Grupo Mariana’s vision remains investing in Nicaragua’s rich natural assets to provide investment opportunities, while also having a positive and meaningful impact on local communities.

This vision has shifted our core business activities to incorporate social reinvestment as a fundamental component of our mission. All businesses and initiatives under the Grupo Mariana umbrella will originate from and give back to the country of Nicaragua as a core element. While Grupo Mariana’s focus in the past primarily was the development of property for sale, the focus has since evolved to encompass the creation of communities in the largest sense of the word. By this we mean that Grupo Mariana will continue its individual development activities, such as our flagship beachfront community, but with the grander objective of incorporating the building of the community into the economy and life of the surrounding areas and their citizens. We will become a part of the overall community rather than a freestanding presence separated from the world around us.

As an investor, this approach continues to offer you the means to build personal wealth and embrace a unique lifestyle, while also supporting the growth and health of Nicaragua and its people. We are confident that you will find it personally fulfilling as you see the benefits materialize. This makes you a key part of Grupo Mariana’s overriding objective to create a sustainable model of economic and social development for the communities on Nicaragua’ s Pacific Coast through reinvestment in infrastructure, support for local businesses and the creation of job opportunities. We also remain steadfast in the task of sustaining and strengthening the country’s wonderful natural environment.

5% For Futures To Benefit Surrounding Areas

We have laid the groundwork to achieve these business and philanthropic initiatives primarily through the establishment the “5% For Futures” program that is governed by Fundación Grupo Mariana. The goal of this program is to help drive the economic growth and sustainability of the region, thus helping create an attractive area that will foster the sustained growth of tourism activities and economic activity while enhancing your individual lifestyle and potential return on investment. It is estimated that $35 million can be generated over time through the program that will be reinvested in the growth and future economic development of the town of Masachapa, the first community receiving benefits from the program. These funds are planned for the improvement of roads, wastewater facilities and power transmission in the area. The 5% for Futures fund also creates the potential for over 3,000 new jobs in the region.

Furthering this impact, acclaimed film and television actress Barbara Carrera has become the spokesperson for Fundación Grupo Mariana. Carrera, who was born in Nicaragua, returned in 1997 following Hurricane Mitch and became involved in raising funds for those devastated by the natural disaster. Carrera strongly believes the future of a country depends on the success of its youth and has selected Fundación Grupo Mariana as a means to help her country by acting as an ambassador to the world, helping with fundraising and participating in events.

Grupo Mariana Moves Forward Under New Vision

After four years of planning, our beachfront community is moving forward under an evolving vision that recognizes the profound changes in the world’s real estate markets and also the changing interests of individuals seeking an international lifestyle. The revised master plan is centered on unique individual neighborhoods, which integrates a broader selection of residential options to widen the overall appeal. The community now includes low-rise condominiums, town homes and private bungalows in addition to the individual home sites and golf villas featured in the original plan. Still an integral part of Seaside Mariana is the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, and Plumeria, a spa and health club.

This refined blend of community amenities and specially designed areas will provide a true village atmosphere, each with its own unique personality and community spirit. Paseo Mariana will be a vibrant town center full of entertainment, restaurants, hotels and shops. Mariana del Norte will be off the beaten path and will feature beachfront condominiums that will be supported by the amenities of the Laya Boutique Hotel. Little Granada will be a vibrant village atmosphere complete with colonial inspired casitas, while El Madrono will be a collection of luxury villas located on the golf course. La Reserva will be a mountain eco-lodge located on the eastern edge of the community, dedicated to nature and wellness. The Plumeria spa and wellness center is a focal point for the 100+-acre eco-village that will be geared toward creating an oasis for those who desire serenity and communion with nature. And finally, Club Azucar will be the site for oceanfront life at the Wyndham Resort as well as the Ocean View Condominiums and Villas on the mountain, which is the highest point on the property and features rolling hills with views to the ocean.

If you’re reading closely, you certainly noticed the addition of the Wyndham Mariana Resort and Laya Boutique Hotel to the Grupo Mariana community. In June, Grupo Mariana formed a strategic alliance with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts to develop the,330-room Wyndham Mariana Resort & Casino. This beachfront site will feature an oceanfront Wyndham hotel and casino, surrounded by condominiums, casitas and golf villas.

The importance of the Wyndham partnership cannot be overstated. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is the world’s largest hotel company with over 7,000 hotels and 583,000 rooms. Wyndham has branded properties in 65 countries on 6 different continents. Wyndham also has the largest hotel loyalty program in the world, with over 7.5 million active members. A relationship with a company of this magnitude not only will affect positively the owners and investors of Seaside Mariana, but will have a lasting impact on the country of Nicaragua.

Laya Boutique Hotel and Bungalows is a new component under the Grupo Mariana umbrella, and is a completely unique hospitality offering within the country of Nicaragua. A relaxed, eco-conscious hideaway for those looking for a private beachfront experience, Laya will offer boutique hotel suites and 14 beachfront bungalows stretched along the Pacific Ocean and Seaside Mariana’s golf course. With thatched roofs and expansive ocean views, Laya’s bungalows feature unique appointments and water-themed décor.

Laya, which means “liquid” in Nicaragua’s native Miskito language, offers travelers and couples a private “off the beaten path” spa destination and experience. Laya’s first location is within the Mariana del Norte neighborhood. The Bungalows at Laya soon will be available for sale, with a private launch webinar scheduled for January 18, 2011.

The last six months also saw joint venture funding secured for the Mariana del Norte oceanfront condominiums. An escrow agreement was created that provides 100% of the construction dollars to complete the first condo building in Phase 1. In the current business environment, this is a reassuring feat that demonstrates the viability of our vision. The Mariana del Norte condominium architectural plans are complete, and include three four-story, 16-unit condo buildings. The floor plans and renderings also are complete for both the hotel bungalows and the beach club.

In addition, pre-approved leveraged funding from Bank Banpro will provide funding not only for all Phase 1 infrastructure, but also construction of the Wyndham hotel and the golf course. Pre-construction already has begun with land clearing and extensive site staking of all roads and home sites in Phase 1. Civil engineering plans are underway for communication, three-phase power, potable water and roads. Trees have been cleared for the upcoming roadwork. The construction of the golf course is underway with routing, centerlines, soil tests, water tests and grading plans complete. Planning of the Wyndham site, which will be in the center of the project, is ahead of schedule with the land plan complete and defining the construction phasing strategy.

Investors continue to embrace our vision, as witnessed by the fact that over 45 home sites closed in 2010 alone. A new sales center opened in Masachapa, and the Maverick Investors Group, a sales and marketing company, became the sales broker of choice for the project. A political risk insurance policy is pending from AON Insurance Company, which is the first such real estate policy to be issued in the country and provides investors with another layer of security for their investment. It also is noteworthy that Seaside Mariana is the only development in Nicaragua to have fulfilled the extensive requirements for the SEC, Canadian Disclosure processes and pending HUD registration.

The environmental permit was issued by INEFOR, and the coastal highway relocations were approved by the Ministry of Transportation and the Attorney General’s office, bringing Seaside Mariana even closer to fruition.

Also of note, the last six months saw the creation of a rental program to be managed by Kemper Sports Management, the third largest US-based golf and hospitality Management Company. This program will enable owners to earn a return on their investments when not on site. Seaside Mariana also has finished an 18-month process to complete the registration of the Home Owners Association on all 923 acres, with all covenants and restrictions.

Isla Mariana Clears Hurdles

This is not the only Grupo Mariana community moving forward with vigor. The island retreat, Isla Mariana, finally has cleared all hurdles and received all necessary permits to begin construction. The master plan for Isla Mariana has been completely revised and now features a community marina and a 16-room boutique hotel under the Laya Boutique Hotel brand. The hotel design is underway and the bungalow plans are complete.

Isla Mariana is unique in the resort industry in Nicaragua, with an off-the-beaten path location featuring 10.5 kilometers of pristine beach. Isla Mariana is located just 30 minutes from the colonial city of Leon on Nicaragua’s northern Pacific Coast, and is surrounded by the Juan Venado Nature Reserve as well as the unique Salinas Grandes area where salts are pulled directly from the sea. Isla Mariana is dedicated to preserving and promoting Nicaragua’s natural resources and efforts will be made to classify the nearby salt fields as an eco-preserve.

Setting the Stage for Great Things

As you can readily see, 2010 has turned out to be a very productive year for Grupo Mariana, and we are more confident than ever of the strength and vitality of our vision. In addition to the projects featured here, several new projects have entered the planning stages, focusing on active lifestyle developments for retirees and green initiatives. You’ll receive detailed information on these soon.

As always, we welcome your questions, comments and suggestions, so don’t hesitate to contact us at any time. And, of course, we hope you will visit us and Nicaragua whenever possible.

About Grupo Mariana

When you’re interested in receive further details about an early investment opportunity in Nicaragua, we can give you even more excellent reasons to explore a new life in Nicaragua, whether you’re interested in vacationing, retiring, starting a new business or investing in the lucrative opportunities that abound.

We are very excited about the future of our growing resort and would love to help you learn more about Nicaragua’s Pacific Coast.

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