Engel & Völkers Snell Real Estate and Vanessa Fukunaga receive dual honours

Engel & Völkers Snell Real Estate and its CEO, Vanessa Fukunaga, have received dual recognition at The European Global Lifestyle Awards 2025, highlighting their leadership in Mexico’s luxury property market and growing international influence, reports John E. Kaye

Engel & Völkers Snell Real Estate has been named Most Trusted Name in Luxury Real Estate – Mexico at The European Global Lifestyle Awards 2025. Its owner, president and chief executive, Vanessa Fukunaga, was also recognised individually, receiving the Luxury Real Estate Powerhouse title for 2025.

The European awards, now in their 15th year, recognise leadership, innovation, and long-term impact across a range of international business and lifestyle sectors. Winners were selected by a judging panel in combination with a public vote.

This year’s panel praised Engel & Völkers Snell Real Estate for its role in shaping the property landscape in Los Cabos, one of Latin America’s fastest-growing luxury markets, and cited Fukunaga’s influence in positioning the firm as a gateway for international investment.

Founded nearly three decades ago, the firm operates exclusively in the Los Cabos region and is widely regarded as a market leader in high-end property sales. The company has built its reputation on cross-border expertise, tailored service, and an emphasis on strategic marketing. Clients include a growing number of European and North American buyers seeking lifestyle-driven investments in the Mexican Pacific corridor.

Fukunaga, whose work spans real estate, media and branding, has led the firm since 2012, following the acquisition of full ownership. Under her direction, the brokerage has expanded its international reach while maintaining a strong local presence.

Jon Kirk, The European’s managing editor, said: “Our judges were unanimous in their view that Engel &Völkers Snell Real Estate has set a benchmark for what international buyers expect in a luxury market. Fukunaga’s personal leadership, meanwhile, reflects a thorough understanding of both global markets and local dynamics.”

The honours follow a string of awards for Engel & Völkers Snell and its CEO. In the past 12 months, the firm has been named Best Luxury Brokerage by Luxuri Awards, and Masters of Luxury by Robb Report. Fukunaga was also selected as Female Executive of the Year (Titan Women in Business Awards), and as one of the Most Inspiring Women Leaders To Follow in 2024 by Success Knocks Magazine.

The company is headquartered in San José del Cabo and serves a client base that spans North America, Europe, and Latin America. 

Speaking yesterday, Fukunaga described the latest recognition as a professional milestone and a reflection of her team’s sustained performance. “To be recognised by The European in both categories is an extraordinary honour. This is a reflection of our team’s dedicated pursuit of excellence, and a personal milestone that fuels my commitment to elevate the luxury real estate experience for clients worldwide,” she added.

An in-depth interview with Fukunaga by The European can be found here.

Los Cabos has emerged as a leading destination for luxury real estate, tourism, and second-home investment. Known for its natural coastline, modern infrastructure, and stable economy, the region attracts both lifestyle buyers and international developers.

At the 2025 TravelAge West Wave Awards, it was named Favourite Destination for Three-Night Stays and earned the highest client satisfaction rating in Mexico. Separately, the 2025 Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards recognised 30 local hotels and resorts, 13 of which received five-star status, further reinforcing the area’s appeal among high-end travellers.

Direct air links from Europe continue to support demand. The seasonal route between Frankfurt and Los Cabos, reintroduced in 2024, has now entered its second year. Local authorities have also stepped up promotion of branded residences and lifestyle-led developments aimed at overseas buyers.



Main image: The Engel & Völkers Snell Real Estate team celebrates dual wins at The European Global Lifestyle Awards 2025, recognising the firm’s leadership in Mexico’s luxury property market. Credit: Supplied.