The lush 1,400 acre resort with palms towering over the red tile roof of the white hacienda brings to mind postcards of a tropical getaway. The seven-mile long waterway meandering through the resort enhances the tranquility and beauty of the destination. Among the amenities at this hidden gem are two 18-hole championship golf courses, fine dining restaurants, a lagoon-style pool with a waterfall and swim-up bar, and guest rooms in secluded villas surrounded by tropical landscaping.
Valley residents and travelers have slightly different views of this storied property, Rancho Viejo Resort & Country Club. But both those views are destined to change as Rancho Viejo goes deeper into a major two-year makeover.
In December 2011, two Valley families, the Arguelles and Lawlers, purchased the golfing paradise and resort which since 1978 had been operated by the Trapp family.
“We all loved the property. Honestly, it’s beautiful. We felt it had so much potential that hadn’t been tapped. We knew the Valley had a void when it came to a country club resort,” said Xavier Montemayor. He is president of Rancho Viejo Resort & Country Club, a member of the Arguelles family, and experienced in finance.
The new investors had been members of the Rancho Viejo Country Club since its beginning and believed that tender, loving care could return it to its former stature.
“We wanted to bring it back. Things are a little quirky here, like your great-grandmother’s house, but that’s what gives it personality and charm. We locals have forgotten how pretty this area is,” Montemayor said.
The new owners’ two-year plan of capital improvements and renovations aimed to stay true to the resort’s spirit, building on its ‘good bones’ and mature landscaping. They turned away architects who wanted to raze the existing buildings and put in new structures similar to what every other resort has.
Remodeling began at the clubhouse, the heart and soul of the resort, but it is no easy task to keep your current customers and members happy in the midst of a makeover.
“We can’t close to redo things, so we have to move step by step,” Montemayor said.
For more of this story by Eileen Mattei, pick up a copy of the April edition of Valley Business Report, on news stands now, or visit the “Current & Past Issues” tab on this Web site.