Canadians in Cabo: Craig and Lori Harrison

Casa Contenta Cabo San Lucas

Craig and Lori Harrison moved to Mexico approximately 14 years ago and have been living the reality in Cabo San Lucas ever since. With a gorgeous B&B and a house full of entertaining animals, Craig and Lori have crafted for themselves a profitable, comfortable life on the southern most tip of Baja California Sur.

Craig and Lori are an eclectic mix of South Africa and Canada, who have traveled extensively throughout the world since the late 1960’s. Lori is a born & bred Canadian-gal, who established herself as a clothier of some note in Vancouver, BC. Craig is a dashing CPA (CPA – Ernst), born & educated in South Africa, immigrating to Canada in his mid-20’s.  Gaining Canadian citizenship, Craig lived in Vancouver for 17 years, building one of Western Canada’s premier import wine businesses. After picking up the importation rights for Corona to Western Canada, they made their first investments in Cabo in the 1980’s in condos, for personal use and rental.   And that is when the “love-affair” with paradise began.
Why did you consider Mexico? In that late 1990’s – after vacationing to and investing in Mexico for 15 years, and having traveled extensively for 30 years to Europe, all over the US, Asia and Africa, we decided to move to Cabo permanently, establishing both a vacation rental business and a B&B Vacation Villa. In our Casa Contenta Bed & Breakfast / Vacation Villa, we have sought to bring together a compilation of “the very best” to pamper the heart and please the soul in our home.

Medano Beach Cabo San Lucas

CRAIG HARRISON: “My extensive experience in the wine industry told me that the old adage ‘Life’s too short to drink cheap wine’ holds true in vacationing as well. Like a fine vintage claret, our Bed & Breakfast offers something unique for the discerning traveler, looking for quiet, relaxed luxury – far enough from the madding crowd, but sufficiently close to drop in and partake when the desire is there.”
LORI HARRISON: “In my travels throughout the world, I have at times been fortunate enough to encounter a rare magical oasis. Since coming to live in Cabo San Lucas, this most beautiful and unique desert-ocean environ, my desire has been to recreate this type of experience for our guests.”
Where did you do your research? Personally, and on the ground – having invested in Canada, Hawaii and Cabo for over 30 years, we knew that “one-day”, we would settle in Cabo San Lucas.
What issues most concerned you about Mexico?
Crime, economics and stability
What confirmed your choice to make Mexico your home? This is about the safest place, that I have ever vacationed in and now lived  in – on earth. Don’t believe for one minute, the B.S that you hear, read and see on the North American media. We have near full-employment, virtually no crime, and other than recreational drugs for tourists [which the authorities take a dim view of], no drug-trading, no gangs . We leave cars and houses unlocked. Mexico is one of the top-preforming economies in the world in the last decade, a key partner under GATT and FTA, a Member of the G20 [12th largest economy in the world] and host of next years G20 Heads of State.
What challenges have you faced since moving?
In the early days, getting the things we used to take for granted “in civilization”. However, since the opening of the movie theaters, Costco, Walmart, the Home and Office Depots, Starbucks, and 12 absolutely world class golf courses – we miss nothing, especially not the rain!  Medical services were almost non-existent in the 1990’s but that has all changed now with the huge influx of Canadian and US-Retirees and “very affordable” American style Health Insurance plans available here.
What would you have changed in your process? We would’ve moved earlier, when we were younger, but have virtually no regrets.

Pool time!

What are your average monthly expenses?
There are no large expenses really, our 12,000 sq. ft villa is levied property taxes of less than $1000 per annum, we have a comprehensive Medial Insurance Policy for both of us, for less than $4,000 per annum, [$5M annual maximum claim], restaurants are likely the most expensive forays, to the very chic and ritzy establishments, of which there are many, but there also very-very affordable, excellent quality food-options. Given our home is taken care of, maids, gardeners, car insurance, satellite TV, phone-internet etc., water, electricity and all insurances, cars probably cost us about $3000 per month.
Do you experience crime? Corruption? Fraud?
There is some [bureaucratic] corruption, but we seldom if ever have experienced it first-hand, the authorities frown upon it, and are trying to clamp down on it.    Crime, virtually none.   There is a pretty good sense of rule of law here.
Can you offer any advice to those thinking of moving?
“Come on down” – experience it. We own rental condos and a B&B, come stay with us, we’ll give you a deal. If you like it, buy something, the world is littered with people who live their lives dreaming about doing something, but out of fear, they never take that first step, you’ll never know, if you don’t follow your dreams or as Goethe mostly aptly said:
“Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, & magic in it. Begin it now.”
What are some great reasons for living in CABO?
Weather is the best in the world. Crime, at least in Cabo, is so low, it’s laughable when compared with any major North American City. Economy [and jobs] is excellent, this is the “land of opportunity” for those wanting to establish a business, it’s “frontier” mentality, and virtually “no bureaucracy” to deal with. Cost of Living is so low. Mexicans are about the friendliest, kindest local-people that we’ve ever experienced in our travels.  Its proximity to the US and Canada make it a perfect “exotic” destination – yet easily accessible for family to visit from or to visit.

Visit Craig and Lori’s website for their property rentals and real estate business at http://www.thecaboharrisons.com/