Gerry Burchard, developer of Villas de Oro, has been a financial advisor and asset manager for more than 25 years. Burchard first journeyed to Baja when a client asked for his help in acquiring land in Todos Santos, north of Cabo San Lucas. Burchard, the founder and CEO of Round Hill Securities, a $3-billion asset-management firm based in San Francisco, flew down to Los Cabos to take a look. He liked the growth potential of southern Baja so much that he purchased property for himself.

Soon, Baja became his favorite vacation spot; the stately elegance of Hotel Palmilla held a special attraction for him. In 1999, he began purchasing oceanfront property. Soon afterward, he became involved in developing Palmilla's Jack Nicklaus golf course and Villas de Oro. In short, Gerry Burchard had begun to bring his vision to life.

"I took a look at the completed Phase I and I liked the project; this is where I would live," says Burchard. "This is the right product at the right price. Villas de Oro is a virtual hub—golf, the ocean, the world-class One&only Palmilla Hotel and a shopping village. And it's all within walking distance. Villas de Oro just makes good sense for the buyer and developer."

With expansion plans underway, Burchard's long-term plan for Villas de Oro—as owner and devloper—is becoming a reality. He now splits his time between his home in nothern California and Los Cabos. Although he's a 16 handicapper, Burchard finds little free time for golf these days.