I've always been a firm believer in "The Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon," which means you are six…read moreconnections away from anyone in the world. Well, now I'm one degree from Nicolas Cage, whose real name is Nicolas Coppola, who changed his surname after his first role to avoid favoritism when starting his acting career. The reason for this one-degree connection is Rob, the "head green thumb" at Vivero Playas, the premier nursery in Baja California. Vivero Playas, family-run for 25 years, has an inconspicuous sign and entrance that leads to an Alice in Wonderland adventure in plantlife. Even the owners have majestic names like Iliada and her son Ulysses. Having moved to Playas de Tijuana in May and growing up with one of the Master Green thumbs of all time, my Mother Joyce, I yearned for some greenery to complement the ocean views at Olas Magicas. I had visited some of the more rustic, lot-like viveros and then stumbled upon Vivero Playas, whose trails wander through indoor and outdoor options, much of which is grown onsite. But if you walk too quickly, you'd miss the turtle farm and Bonsai trees. So you might want a guide, and Ulysees is appropriately named to lead your odyssey.
So why did this place make the CieloLifeStyle.mx Select List?
Onto the review, which breaks down the different components of the Gringo Experience Score (GX Score™). This measurement methodology evaluates the various parts of the experience, which are called "Elements" or Experiential Drivers, and then weights them based on their importance, or "Impact" to the average American's (Gringo's) Satisfaction, and calculates an overall GX score based on a 100 point scale. For more information on the definitions of each Experiential Driver and Micro Driver, including the GX Impact of each Driver, visit www.kish-llc.com
GX Driver - Product
Score - 98
GX Impact - 2.0
The plant and assortment are amazing. The wood pots are artisanal, varied, and offer many choices. They also offer baby turtles, and unique fixtures for your home and garden.
GX Driver - Ambiance
Score - 95
GX Impact - 3.0
Wandering through Vivero Playas is story-like. You can get lost as you cross the moat. The fragrance of the stream below the bridge is the sole degradation here that prevented a higher score.
GX Driver - Convenience
Score - 87
GX Impact - 3.0
Located on an access road next to Avendia Ensenda at the entrance of Playas, Vivero is quite convenient for locals on there way in, or others headed down the Ensenada Cuota just a mile away. Parking is on the street out front and easy to navigate. For those coming from the US, its 8 minutes from the San Ysidro crossing.
GX Drive - Price
Score - 90
GX Impact - 1.5
Prices are fair compared to other Viveros. For Americans, the Dollar Purchasing Power is around 3X. For example, a wooden pot that costs $45 in the US will cost $15 at Vivero Playas.
GX Driver - Service
Score - 82
GX Impact - 2.0
Preventing this score from being 90 were two things. First, they are lightly-staffed with one-on-one expertise. So, when its peak hours, patience is needed, a struggle for American Consumers in today's on-demand culture. Also, their delivery service is under-equipped and understaffed. If you're going to offer it, make sure this last-mile delivery is a white glove experience as its the last impression you'll have on your customer.
GX Driver - Communication
Score - 95
GX Impact - 1.5
Fully proficient and bilingual. Frequent texting and updates on order pricing and status. Nice work here.
COVID Readiness
Score - 90
GX Impact - 4.0
While I don't recall having a temperature scan at the entrance, all staff wore masks, and those interacting with clients wore plastic shields as well. Hand gel is available and signage describing COVID protocols was clear and visible. Delivery options need to improve to accommodate COVID demand.
Overall GX Score: 90.8
Overall, Vivero Playas is highly recommended and on Cielo LifeStyle's Select List. They set a high bar for others to match. Check them out and disfrutelo!
