My name is Anne Dyer. Before Ajijic, I lived in Tulsa, Oklahoma where I worked as an interior designer and owned a well established, interior design and furniture business.

In 1987, I came to Ajijic for a two-month vacation and decided to stay. That happens to a lot of people. It's just that special a place.

Back then, Ajijic was a sleepy little fishing village with lots of Mexican charm; but it was beginning to change. More and more foreigners were discovering Ajijic as a great place to retire: the world's best climate, lower cost of living, and beautiful lake and mountain vistas.

I was sitting in Danny's Restaurant with a friend one morning, cup of coffee in hand, trying to figure out how I could manage to stay in this enchanting place. I glanced out the window and noticed a small strip mall across the street right on the corner.

It looked a bit run-down, but I figured that might make the rent affordable. My idea was to open a design and furniture center in Ajijic. There was nothing like that back then. Foreign homeowners had to drive to Guadalajara (about an hour and a half away at the time) and speak sufficient Spanish or hire a translator to decorate and furnish their homes in the style and quality they were accustomed to.

As soon as we finished our coffee, I headed across the street and sought out the owner of the strip mall. Sr. Gonzalez, who was very pleasant. He had built the mall and run it himself for 20 years. When I inquired about renting one of the locations, he said, "Why don't you buy the whole thing? I'm so tired." So I did.

Plaza La Montana is situated right on the village's main intersection of Colon and the Carretera (or highway). It's just a two block walk down Colon to the village square with its charming gazebo and beautiful gardens fronting the centuries old main church and even older Rosary chapel built around 1540.

Plaza La Montana was the first building on what we now call the highway. There were no other structures for miles on the then dirt road. In short, the building had location, location, location ... and potential.

Calling on my design background, I first used the site as a furniture factory, showroom and design center. The business flourished. Over the years I hired and trained several local people in the furniture and drapery business. We constantly seemed to need more space and kept adding on.

About four years ago, I decided I needed another vacation. You remember what happened last time? Well, true to my history, my vacation turned out to be a door opening to a new life's adventure.

I decided to give the design business to my loyal staff. I gave them all the equipment and stock and helped them get set up in new locations. I'm pleased to say they are doing well on their own and making a fine living for their families.

My new idea was to turn Plaza La Montana into a one-stop-shop for visitors. In 2006, a three-phase renovation plan was set in motion. Casita Montana Bed and Breakfast was added. The whole facade of the Plaza was redone using lots of cantera stone, pillars, moldings and arches to give a Mexican mission look to the landmark building.

Renovation is now finished and in Plaza La Montana we have travel and tour office, sandwich and deli restaurant, liquor store, gift shop, roof top garden, lounge and a beauty / excercise spa. In short, everything our guests need to enjoy their stay in charming Ajijic.

An ideal place to stay if by chance you are planning cosmetic surgery, dental work or laser eye surgery since the prices here are so much less then in The United States or Canada. You can have a vacation and the desired beauty work at the same time and we will take care of you while you are recovering.