The extension of the "free zone" to include the municipality of Caborca has opened up approximately 100 miles of beachfront property to development over the coming years. Already, potential investors and developers of all stripes are dreaming and drawing up plans in an attempt to cash in on what promises to be the new "Gold Coast" on the Sea of Cortez.

One development has already established itself as the leader and has set the standard for developments in this new region. SANTO TOMAS.

Although many were surprised by last December's announcement of the "free zone" expansion, only one developer anticipated the changes that have opened up the area, prepared accordingly and has already delivered. This developer is Grupo Desarrollos Santo Tomas S.A. de C.V. and their first offering is the Las Dunas subdivision in the SANTO TOMAS development.

SANTO TOMAS combines a cohesive vision of a secluded beachside community with modern conveniences and amenities together with the reality of having all required legal, administrative and physical infrastructure in place today. They have all permits from SIUE (the state government's subdivision authority) including their permit to sell. Their Master Bank Trust has been established with one of the country's leading banks, Bancomer. Physically, they have brought in power from the nearest substation 20 miles away with power lines and service sized to electrify the first 500 homes at Santo Tomas. All electric service at the Las Dunas subdivision is provided through underground conduit and the entire electric system is energized by the same power grid that provides electricity to Caborca (a city of 100,000+). The developer has already installed the water system which carries fresh water from wells on the property to every lot in the Las Dunas subdivision. When the faucets are turned on water does flow out.

SANTO TOMAS is not a dream. SANTO TOMAS is a dream come true. It is a reality TODAY.

Santo Tomas' first residential phase, Las Dunas, includes a beachclub and 95 fully improved homesites on majestic, rolling dunes overlooking the sea. 55 of these (including some beachfront) are still available. 85% of the homesites are either beachfront or beachview. Underground electric, water, septic and all roadways are in place and functional.

Other than the beachclub, 2 homes are complete, 4 are under construction with 4 more home starts planned before the end of the year. Home design and construction is provided by Grupo Constructor Santo Tomas S.A. de C.V.. Las Dunas homes are a mix of custom and semi-custom designs placed on 1/4 to 1/2 acre homesites. The next phase, Aldea at Santo Tomas, which will have a small Spanish Colonial village theme, will incorporate a small village center with a number of shops and a luxury boutique hotel and spa into a community of seaside homes within walking distance of the beach and numerous amenities.

SANTO TOMAS is not like Rocky Point or any of the myriad other developments that are popping up along the coast. Nor does it pretend to be. Many visitors to Santo Tomas are reminded of the Rocky Point of yesteryear, albeit with state-of-the-art infrastructure and modern conveniences. Crowds, unruly and uncontrolled behavior, unsafe roadways and the constant need for vigilance do not exist at Santo Tomas. Compared to other developments underway in the Rocky Point and Caborca areas, Santo Tomas rates very well with high-quality, reliable electric and water systems and well designed streets and roads that coexist with the natural, Sonoran Desert environment. This definitely is not a "me too" development.

SANTO TOMAS is family-friendly, fun, pristine, secure, peaceful and inspiring.

SANTO TOMAS is not for everybody, but it may be for you. Follow the signs from Rocky Point along the Caborca highway. Expect a short, one hour drive followed by the surprise reality which is SANTO TOMAS.

For more information, visit the website at www.lasdunas.com or call the toll-free number 1-888-788-6627.