Bella Vida Voice – September 2026

A Note from Our Executive Director

At Bella Vida, we believe that senior living should be about having more choices – not fewer. That philosophy is reflected in our Flex Dollar program, which gives residents added flexibility to enjoy the community in the ways that are most meaningful to them.

Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, Flex Dollars allow residents to choose how they want to enhance their Bella Vida experience. Whether it means enjoying an additional meal or taking advantage of select services and amenities, residents have the freedom to use their Flex Dollars according to their individual interests and preferences.

Each resident receives $520 in Flex Dollars every month. This amount is calculated based on the value of 20 meals per month at an average of $26 per meal. Our menu will include a variety of choices both above and below that $26 threshold, allowing residents to decide how they want to use their monthly benefit.

Prefer to stretch your meal benefit? Choosing more economical options – including many selections available at the Bistro – could allow you to enjoy more meals in a month. Want to occasionally indulge in something a little more special? You can use your Flex Dollars toward premium menu selections that cost more than the typical daily meal. It’s all about having choices. And meals are just the beginning. Flex Dollars can also be used for a variety of additional services, including:

• Additional housekeeping beyond the weekly housekeeping visit

• Maintenance labor for projects outside of normal repairs

• Additional transportation outside our regular hours or service area

• Personal training

• Guest suite rentals

Residents can even choose to opt out of housekeeping altogether and receive an additional $200 per month in Flex Dollars.

Ultimately, the Flex Dollar program is designed around a simple idea: your lifestyle should be yours to customize. It’s one more way Bella Vida puts choice and independence at the heart of daily life.

As we get closer and closer to Bella Vida becoming your home, you’ll hear me talk more about the different steps that happen along the way to move-in day. And with that comes a few terms that may be new to some of you! One of those is a “soft closing.”

Many of our closings have already begun, but because Bella Vida is not officially open yet, we aren’t able to complete a traditional closing just yet. Instead, we’ve been holding what we call soft closings.

A soft closing is essentially a head start on your closing paperwork. We take care of the paperwork and signatures ahead of time, so when your home is officially available, there is only one big thing left to do: pay your entry fee and get those keys!

A soft closing does not start your monthly service fees or your benefits, and your entry fee is not due until your keys are ready for you. It simply allows us to take care of the paperwork in advance and save you time on the day you’ve been waiting for.

And then comes one of my favorite parts – for those who complete a soft closing, we celebrate with a Key Pick-Up Party! It’s a chance to celebrate this milestone together, hand over those very important keys and recognize that all of the planning, waiting and dreaming is finally becoming a reality. This has become one of my favorite traditions, first at The Outlook and now here at Bella Vida. There is just something special about watching the community come to life and seeing our future neighbors finally get the keys to their homes.

We are getting so close, and I am really happy that we are closing in on the day Bella Vida officially becomes your home.

See the latest August 2026 market stats, including home prices, sales, inventory and more, from the San Antonio Board of REALTORS®.

After more than 32 years in the same home, Mary is looking forward to a new chapter at Bella Vida.

Mary spent her career caring for others, and now she’s ready to enjoy a simpler life with more opportunities for connection, while remaining close to the home and community she knows so well.

“I want to live in a safe environment, close to the home I’ve lived in for over 32 years,” Mary says. “My doctors will be close by, and I will have the opportunity to socialize with peers.”

She’s already getting to know some of her future neighbors, too. Mary has attended several VIP events, including Bagels with Brooks and Behind the Scenes, and has made connections through Threads of Love, including with fellow retired pediatricians.

As she looks ahead to moving in, Mary is most excited about meeting more retirees and having amenities like an exercise room right where she lives. She’s looking forward most to a simple life, good connections and a new community to call home.

Villa Town Hall

Our Villa Town Hall brought future villa residents together for two sessions on August 28, offering an opportunity to hear the latest updates and get ready for what’s ahead. The Bella Vida team shared updates on construction progress and anticipated timelines, along with important information about the paperwork required to prepare for the community’s opening. With two sessions available throughout the day, residents had the opportunity to ask questions, stay informed and take a step closer to making Bella Vida home.

Our first Phased Apartment Social brought VIPs together for an afternoon of conversation, connection and a closer look at life at Bella Vida. With a full house, we created a double-length table in the center of the room so everyone could comfortably gather and enjoy the catered event together. To help spark conversations, guests shared their favorite movies on their nametags, giving everyone an easy way to find common interests and get to know one another.

Save the Date for These Upcoming Events

Mark your calendars for these exciting events exclusively for our Bella Vida VIPs. Stay tuned for invitations with more details on each event coming soon to your inbox or mailbox!

VIPs who have reserved an apartment home in Phase 1 on any floor (the orange side of the diagram above) are invited to get an exclusive look at the exciting progress taking place across the community during Bella Vida’s newly reimagined Behind the Scenes event. During this special event, our team will share the latest construction updates, new photos of the community, projected move-in timelines, and exciting news about recent hires and future plans. It’s a wonderful opportunity to stay informed, ask questions, and see how Bella Vida is coming to life.

Linda Sides, Bella Vida VIP, is bringing together fellow makers for a day of creativity and company! Bring whatever project you’re working on – sewing, crochet, knitting, embroidery, hand stitching, or machine work. Bring your sewing supplies and connect with others who share the same passion!

Reserve your chair and get further details by texting Linda at 210-241-6064. Lunch will be provided.

Calling all single VIPs! Join us for a fun afternoon of mingling, drinks and good conversation with other future Bella Vida residents. It’s a chance to connect with fellow singles, catch up with friends and get the latest updates on your soon-to-be home.