Punta de Mita, Nayarit, a hidden gem on Mexico’s Pacific coast, is known for its pristine beaches, tranquil environment, and welcoming community. It is here in this coastal paradise, that Matthias and Marbella found their dream home after years of planning and perseverance. Their story of resilience, dedication, and embracing a new lifestyle is not only inspiring but also deeply intertwined with the vibrant culture and art of the region. This blog explores their journey in building their home in Punta de Mita, the challenges they faced, and how Matthias, also known as the artist MABO, continues to leave his mark on the world of art.
The Beginnings: A Health Challenge Sparks a New Adventure
Matthias, originally a pastry chef from Germany, found himself facing a significant health issue that would eventually shape the course of his life. His work, which involved intricate pastry creations, led him to develop a severe allergy to flour dust. This unforeseen obstacle pushed Matthias to reconsider his career and life choices, ultimately leading him on a new journey.
A well-traveled person, Matthias had spent time in various countries around the world and was able to compare different lifestyles. He initially explored Florida for winter getaways, but the long Canadian winters prompted him to look for an alternative. Mexico, with its vibrant culture and proximity to Canada, was the perfect choice.
In 2001, Matthias met Marbella, a Mexican citizen, during a film festival. Marbella shared a deep connection to the area that further solidified Matthias’ desire to build a life in Mexico. Their chance meeting blossomed into a lifelong partnership, and together they began envisioning a future in Punta de Mita.
Culinary Ventures in Canada: From Thailand to Niagara
After immigrating to Canada in 1986, Matthias built a successful career in the culinary world. With his background in pastry and an affinity for Thai cuisine from his time working in Thailand, Matthias opened The Spicy Thai—the first Thai restaurant in the Niagara Region—in 1989, just three years after arriving in Canada. The restaurant quickly gained a following and remains successful to this day, even after Matthias sold it due to his health concerns.
His culinary success didn’t stop there. Matthias also opened a second restaurant and a German pastry café, bringing a touch of European delicacy to the region. After 12 years of thriving in the restaurant business, he sold his ventures to manage his allergies and pursue new opportunities. Today, The Spicy Thai is still a beloved establishment in Niagara, a testament to the solid foundation Matthias built.
Building the Dream: Overcoming Obstacles
Like many who fall in love with the beauty of Mexico, Matthias and Marbella decided to make it their permanent home. Matthias purchased a plot of land in Punta de Mita, a scenic coastal town known for its natural beauty and laid-back vibe. However, their dream of building a home would not be an easy journey.
The house, which started as a modest project, evolved over 20 years into a larger, more complex build than they had initially planned. Financial constraints meant they had to build at their own pace, and after the unexpected passing of Marbella’s father, who was initially going to oversee the construction, they had to step in to manage the project themselves. Working closely with an architect, Matthias and Marbella took on the challenge of supervising the construction process.
In a country where the phrase “mañana” (meaning “tomorrow”) is a common theme in daily life, they quickly learned that delays and changes were part of the building process. While frustrating at times, this cultural norm taught them patience and flexibility. Despite these hurdles, the support and helpfulness of the local community stood out. Local workers and neighbors were always willing to lend a hand, offering both expertise and friendship, even if they lacked professional credentials.
The Home: A Personal Sanctuary, Now Complete and Available for Rent
After two decades of dedication, Matthias and Marbella’s dream home is now complete and stands as a true reflection of their vision. Featuring three bedrooms, an artist studio, and a rooftop terrace that promises to be an oasis of relaxation, the house is as much a personal retreat as it is a functional living space. The couple’s love for art, nature, and community shines through in the design.
Located just a 3-minute walk from the beach, the home is ideal for those seeking both serenity and proximity to the ocean. The rooftop terrace, which offers stunning views and plenty of space for outdoor living, makes the house a perfect getaway for anyone wanting to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Punta de Mita.
It’s important to note that while Matthias and Marbella have poured their hearts into this home, they currently reside primarily in Canada, and their home in Punta de Mita is available for rent through BeachLifeMexico.com/casapacifico. So, rest assured, renters can enjoy the privacy and beauty of the home. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing vacation or a long-term stay, Casa Pacifico offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and location.
Life in Mexico: Living “The Mexican Way”
Matthias and Marbella’s experience highlights the many benefits of life in Mexico, especially for those looking to retire or semi-retire. Matthias often emphasizes the affordability of living in Mexico, from low property taxes to inexpensive healthcare. For example, Matthias cites a 600-peso dental checkup, a fraction of the cost one would pay in many other countries. Local markets and restaurants offer affordable, fresh food, allowing them to embrace “the Mexican way” by shopping locally and immersing themselves in the culture.
For anyone considering a move to Mexico, Matthias advises buying an existing home or condo rather than building, unless you have deep local connections and the patience to manage the process. The couple’s experience, though rewarding, was filled with challenges that may be daunting to those unfamiliar with Mexican construction practices.
The Art of MABO: From Pastry Chef to Acclaimed Artist
In addition to his culinary expertise, Matthias is also known by his artistic moniker, MABO. With a rich family history of painters and artists, Matthias has always had a creative side. His transition from food artistry—where he mastered the intricate skill of butter sculptures and carved ice—to visual arts was a natural evolution of his creative spirit.
Since the 1970s, Matthias has been painting, and his works have been exhibited across Europe, Canada, and the United States. Specializing in non-objective mixed media and Abstract Expressionism, MABO’s work is distinguished by its fluidity, vibrant use of color, and bold experimentation with different media. His style, while rooted in Abstract Expressionism, incorporates elements of surrealism, pointillism, and action painting, creating a unique identity that is immediately recognizable.
Over the years, MABO has created thousands of pieces, ranging from large-scale murals to intricate canvases. His art has been acquired by private collectors around the world, and his influence continues to grow. What makes MABO’s work even more special is its connection to his life experiences—his pieces reflect the emotional depth and rich cultural journey he has experienced since moving to Mexico.
A Home Filled with Art
MABO’s influence extends beyond just his canvas. His home in Punta de Mita is not only a personal sanctuary but also an artistic space, filled with his own works and unique furnishings. Visitors to their home are treated to a visual feast of parota wood furniture, vibrant paintings, and other custom elements that reflect both his artistic vision and his deep connection to his surroundings.
His artist studio within the house is where he continues to create, inspired by the beauty of the natural world around him. This space has allowed Matthias to thrive as both an artist and a homeowner, combining his passions in a way that few are able to achieve.
MABO's artwork can be found here: https://www.mabo-art.com/
Embracing the Journey
Matthias and Marbella’s journey in Punta de Mita is a testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, and the willingness to embrace a new way of life. Their story is one of resilience—from navigating the challenges of building a home in a foreign country to thriving in the art world. Through it all, they have found their place in Mexico, surrounded by a supportive community and the stunning natural beauty of the Pacific coast.
For those dreaming of a life in Mexico, their story offers a blueprint for success: patience, adaptability, and a deep respect for the local culture. As Matthias continues to create new works under the name MABO, his legacy as both an artist and an immigrant chasing his dreams in Mexico only grows stronger.
If you’re looking to experience this stunning home firsthand, you can now rent their fully completed home, Casa Pacifico, at BeachLifeMexico.com/casapacifico.
1. What inspired Matthias and Marbella to move to Mexico?
Matthias, facing health challenges, sought a healthier lifestyle, and both were drawn to Mexico’s culture and affordability.
2. How long did it take Matthias and Marbella to build their home?
It took over 20 years due to financial constraints and the complexity of building in a foreign country.
3. What challenges did Matthias and Marbella face during construction?
They experienced delays due to cultural differences, supervision difficulties, and the loss of their original project manager.
4. What is MABO’s artistic style?
MABO’s style is mainly Abstract Expressionism, with influences from surrealism, pointillism, and action painting.
5. Where can you rent Matthias and Marbella’s home in Punta de Mita?
Their fully completed home, Casa Pacifico, is available for rent through BeachLifeMexico.com/casapacifico.
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