Mex appeal: topless photos of heidi klum arouse buyers' interest

Heidi Klum talking at an AOL press event in 2012 Photo: Digitas Photos

Topless photos of Heidi Klum on the beaches of Tulum have helped to arouse buyers' inerest in Mexican property, according to agents.

Puerto Morelos real estate may be overlooked by many, but since Heidi Klum shot her “Shine” perfume commercial on a dock in Puerto Morelos years ago, the Rivera Maya has become an increasingly popular destination among both tourists and buyers.

Nude beaches are not legal in Mexico, but locals and tourist alike have come to know these beaches as a topless beach paradise. Last year, the Rivera Maya saw an increase in sales with a record 4,000 sales to US, Canadian and other foreign buyers.

Vanessa Rios, of http://www.playahomesforsale.com/, a Puerto Morelos real estate portal, says buyers and investors looking for a tropical get away, but not the glitzy tourism of Cancun, are choosing Puerto Morelos as their dream destination. Rios says that there has been an increase in demand for Puerto Morelos condos for sale as more tourists are embracing a more relaxed lifestyle. This past year there have been several direct requests asking to be close to the “Desire” resort, which is a clothing optional resort. While its common to see topless sun bathers up and down the beach, “Desire” is completely nude.

Rios says that after the initial shock to first time visitors, mostly from the US and Canada, that people may be topless, they "soon embrace what is really happening".

Untouched by big tourism but seen world-wide in music videos such as Jennifer Lopez “I'm Into You” ft. Lil Wayne, the Rivera Maya beaches, including Puerto Morelos, are 30 minutes from the North and Playa del Carmen 30 minutes to the South. Most properties are almost 75% less than similar properties in the United States. Rios says that Puerto Morelos condos for sale such as a 2 bedroom, 2 bath with ocean-view with a Jacuzzi can be found for $250K.

Due to the lack of availability on beachfront opportunities, some investors familiar with the area may make offers sight unseen as the prices are still half of similar USA beach real estate. Rios recommends that buyers and investors visit first to get familiar with the overall area before making such purchases online. After all, you never know who you might run into.