In spite of the real estate challenges in the U.S. markets the world is still flocking to the Caribbean for values and lifestyle!

It has been amazing to participate in such an exciting real estate market as is happening in the Caribbean Islands!  The stars are aligned regarding the world currency markets plus the experience that people who want a tropical life style are able to find from the Dominican Republic, to the British Virgin Islands, to Aruba, to Belize!  Because of the strength of the Euro, Pound, and the Canadian dollar, Caribbean real estate is looked upon as a real bargain.  And, it is one of the safest places for people to have a second, third or fourth home given the chaos that is in much of the world at this time.  In addition there are direct flights from Chicago eastward, Canada, England and Europe.  These factors are creating a “perfect storm” for real estate purchases.  And…the sellers are loving it, too!  Here is an article I pulled from Internatinal Living written by Don Ediger a month or so ago.  It will tell the “story” of what we are experiencing even better.  His focus is Belize.  Enjoy, and contact me if you want more inforamtion about the exciting Caribbean real estate markets.

By Don Ediger - International Living 

Real Estate prices in Belize are rising, thanks to a surge in demand from Canadians and Europeans, especially the Irish. The phenomenon is apparent all around the country. In Corozal you’re likely to see real estate agents showing property to European clients, and in San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, new Irish residents regularly meet at a local restaurant where they would have been a rare sight only a year ago.

It’s mostly a result of the soaring value of the euro and the Canadian dollar. The euro is currently worth about $1.54, and the Canadian dollar-for many years worth much less than the American dollar-is now trading at just about an even rate. The Belizean currency is tied to the U.S. dollar so that two Belizean dollars are worth one greenback.

A few Canadians and Europeans have always shopped for property here, but their interest and presence in Belize has increased dramatically this past year. It’s easy to see why: the tropical climate and lifestyle in a stable country where English is the official language is attractive. Moreover, Belizean real estate prices are lower than prices in many other English-speaking parts of the Caribbean, such as the Bahamas.

The bargains aren’t hard to find if you know where to look. Some of the best values are in the Corozal area of northern Belize, which is near Mexico and the beautiful Corozal Bay. A three-bedroom house with a view of the water was recently listed at $125,000.

The Cayo District, in the rainforest to the west, is another haunt of bargain-hunters. A new three-bedroom house there was recently for sale for $75,000.

That’s a big contrast from the $150,000 to $350,000 that you could expect to pay for a condo in San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, the elegant island off Belize’s northern coast, or in Placencia, the seaside resort to the south. (South Beach Belize is the exception, where pre-construction Condos start at $139,900 and Private Villas - INCLUDING LOT, at $199,900!) 

Plus, foreign buyers now pay less “stamp tax.” Until recently, Belizeans paid 5% of the price of a property purchase in stamp tax…but most foreigners had to fork over 15% (on all but the first $10,000). Today, the stamp tax is 5% for foreigners and Belizeans alike.

This is the right time to look for real estate in Belize. If you wait, the demand from foreign buyers may continue to push prices up.  Your Caribbean lifestyle reporter remains on duty!  Until next time…Fair Winds!   Comments are always welcome!

This is one of the best articles I have read regarding why the doom and gloom of the U.S. housing market has come to an end - Wall Street Journal.  This will only assist with more real estate sales in the Caribbean in the upcoming months!

By CYRIL MOULLE-BERTEAUX - 
May 6, 2008; Page A23

The dire headlines coming fast and furious in the financial and popular press suggest that the housing crisis is intensifying. Yet it is very likely that April 2008 will mark the bottom of the U.S. housing market. Yes, the housing market is bottoming right now.

How can this be? For starters, a bottom does not mean that prices are about to return to the heady days of 2005. That probably won’t happen for another 15 years. It just means that the trend is no longer getting worse, which is the critical factor.

Most people forget that the current housing bust is nearly three years old. Home sales peaked in July 2005. New home sales are down a staggering 63% from peak levels of 1.4 million. Housing starts have fallen more than 50% and, adjusted for population growth, are back to the trough levels of 1982.

Furthermore, residential construction is close to 15-year lows at 3.8% of GDP; by the fourth quarter of this year, it will probably hit the lowest level ever. So what’s going to stop the housing decline? Very simply, the same thing that caused the bust: affordability.

The boom made housing unaffordable for many American families, especially first-time home buyers. During the 1990s and early 2000s, it took 19% of average monthly income to service a conforming mortgage on the average home purchased. By 2005 and 2006, it was absorbing 25% of monthly income. For first time buyers, it went from 29% of income to 37%. That just proved to be too much.

Prices got so high that people who intended to actually live in the houses they purchased (as opposed to speculators) stopped buying. This caused the bubble to burst.

Since then, house prices have fallen 10%-15%, while incomes have kept growing (albeit more slowly recently) and mortgage rates have come down 70 basis points from their highs. As a result, it now takes 19% of monthly income for the average home buyer, and 31% of monthly income for the first-time home buyer, to purchase a house. In other words, homes on average are back to being as affordable as during the best of times in the 1990s. Numerous households that had been priced out of the market can now afford to get in.

The next question is: Even if home sales pick up, how can home prices stop falling with so many houses vacant and unsold? The flip but true answer: because they always do.

In the past five major housing market corrections (and there were some big ones, such as in the early 1980s when home sales also fell by 50%-60% and prices fell 12%-15% in real terms), every time home sales bottomed, the pace of house-price declines halved within one or two months.

The explanation is that by the time home sales stop declining, inventories of unsold homes have usually already started falling in absolute terms and begin to peak out in “months of supply” terms. That’s the case right now: New home inventories peaked at 598,000 homes in July 2006, and stand at 482,000 homes as of the end of March. This inventory is equivalent to 11 months of supply, a 25-year high - but it is similar to 1974, 1982 and 1991 levels, which saw a subsequent slowing in home-price declines within the next six months.

Inventories are declining because construction activity has been falling for such a long time that home completions are now just about undershooting new home sales. In a few months, completions of new homes for sale could be undershooting new home sales by 50,000-100,000 annually.

Inventories will drop even faster to 400,000 - or seven months of supply - by the end of 2008. This shift in inventories will have a significant impact on prices, although house prices won’t stop falling entirely until inventories reach five months of supply sometime in 2009. A five-month supply has historically signaled tightness in the housing market.

Many pundits claim that house prices need to fall another 30% to bring them back in line with where they’ve been historically. This is usually based on an analysis of house prices adjusted for inflation: Real house prices are 30% above their 40-year, inflation-adjusted average, so they must fall 30%. This simplistic analysis is appealing on the surface, but is flawed for a variety of reasons.

Most importantly, it neglects the fact that a great majority of Americans buy their houses with mortgages. And if one buys a house with a mortgage, the most important factor in deciding what to pay for the house is how much of one’s income is required to be able to make the mortgage payments on the house. Today the rate on a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage is 5.7%. Back in 1981, the rate hit 18.5%. Comparing today’s house prices to the 1970s or 1980s, when mortgage rates were stratospheric, is misguided and misleading.

This is all good news for the broader economy. The housing bust has been subtracting a full percentage point from GDP for almost two years now, which is very large for a sector that represents less than 5% of economic activity.

When the rate of house-price declines halves, there will be a wholesale shift in markets’ perceptions. All of a sudden, the expected value of the collateral (i.e. houses) for much of the lending that went on for the past decade will change. Right now, when valuing the collateral, market participants including banks are extrapolating the current pace of house price declines for another two to three years; this has a significant impact on the amount of delinquencies, foreclosures and credit losses that lenders are expected to face.

More home sales and smaller price declines means fewer homeowners will be underwater on their mortgages. They will thus have less incentive to walk away and opt for foreclosure.

A milder house-price decline scenario could lead to increases in the market value of a lot of the securitized mortgages that have been responsible for $300 billion of write-downs in the past year. Even if write-backs do not occur, stabilizing collateral values will have a huge impact on the markets’ perception of risk related to housing, the financial system, and the economy.

We are of course experiencing a serious housing bust, with serious economic consequences that are still unfolding. The odds are that the reverberations will lead to sub-trend growth for a couple of years. Nonetheless, housing led us into this credit crisis and this recession. It is likely to lead us out. And that process is underway, right now.  I welcome your comments about the article and how you believe it will impact Caribbean real estate sales!  Until next time…Fair Winds!

Viva Resorts has just launched three locations in the DR and more to come!

Last month Viva Resorts announced the launch of Viva Residences, a fractional deeded ownership aimed at the worldwide “baby boomer” tourism market starting in the Dominican Republic - Play Dorada, Puerto Plata, and Las Terrenas at the Samana peninsula.  You recall some of my past postings regarding viewing the Dominican Republic as one of the best values in the Caribbean for fractional and full ownership vacation resort living.

The launch of this venture was highlighted in DominicanToday, and Viva Resorts will also include Mexico, Bahamas and Brazil, besides the Caribbean.  Their architect, Antonio Imbert has designed Viva Residences in Las Terrenas, with about 70 villas and apartments in front of the sea, clubhouse, gym area. The construction is scheduled to begin this month - May.At Santo Domingo’s Hotel Embajador, Viva Wyndham Resorts president Ettore Colussi said the offer will also include several restaurants, a modern spa, and a swimming pool which wraps internally around the project. 

He said all the units have balcony or terrace, water heating system and a modern kitchen totally equipped with household appliances. Some of the properties have Jacuzzi or swimming pool and a private gazebo.Mr. Colussi said these properties have swimming pools and Jacuzzis, discothèque, spa and gym, boutique, stores, casino, the complex’s golf course and the hotel’s services.  In all developments buyers will get deed of property, ordinary and extra maintenance for gardens and other areas, security services, private beach club, receptionist and manager, 24 hour water and electric, the possibility of renting and/or interchanging the units through a specialized rental network.  

The Viva Resort management at Las Terrenas said, “We don’t know if it’s the perfect white sand beaches, the crystal clear waters, the palm trees or the fun atmosphere, but guests keep telling us that the Viva Residences embodies their lifelong vision of a Caribbean vacation spot.” Prices will be announced in the next month.  As soon as I get the info I will pass it on.  And, if you find out more info let me know.  I look forward to having all of us learn more about these Caribbean residence opportunities.  Until next time…I remain your Caribbean lifestyle detective.

In spite of the credit woes of major world markets, the Caribbean condo / fractional ownership markets continue to expand!

The news last Friday from the Wall Street Journal and the National Association of Realtors is the second home purchases last year represented almost a third of all home puchases, and the focus on those purchases were in the condo / fractional markets!  If you have been following my postings, you know my belief that the trend in Caribbean real estate is in the fractional deeded ownership world.  And, the great majority of those purchases are in the condo products.  There are seveal factors leading to this thriving segment of the real estate markets in the Caribbean.

1. Easy access of the purchase because of pricing and financing.  Many of the homes and villas in the Caribbean have priced themselves out of the reach of most consumers.
2. Location, location, location!!!  Developer of the condos and fractionals realize the intense interest in owning something in Paradise, so they are building them on a beach setting in the most beautiful part of the world.
3. NO maintenance other than making sure you care for the interior of the condo.  All outside maintenance and management is included in the price.
4. With the fractional condos, the product has created such an easy access appeal to consumers all over the world, that even the major luxury resort builders are recognizing the profitability for them to create and expand the product.
5. The incredible value of the world currency compared to the U.S. dollar.  Wouldn’t like to have your currency in Euros today - $1.61 per Euro?

If you are in the shoes of the developers, they are able to leverage their investment in the development and buildout of the condo / fractional markets because they are able to sell them at a higher per square foot price than with a single home.  For example the fractional market pricing allows developers to sometimes be able to triple their square foot price because the purchaser is willing to pay a premium so they do not have to own the condo by themselves.

Check out what the Ritz Carlton Residence Club is doing in the Dominican Republic if you want to notice the health of this aspect of the real estate markets in the Caribbean.  They announced last month THE largest Residence Club in their history of resort development in the Cana beach region.  From all reports, it appears to be their most luxurious project so far.  I have not reviewed the annual financial reports of the Marriott Corporation, but I would venture to guess the Residence Club division of the company is their #1 profit center.  So, where are the DEALS?  Here are just a few that I am very excited about for those who ask me this question from time to time;

1. Turks & Caicos - L’Emeraude Resort
2. Belize - South Beach Belize
3. Dominican Republic - Los Altos Residence Club
4. St. Lucia - Le Paradise Beach Resort
5. Bermuda - The Reef Club
6. St. Maarten - Pelican Marina Residence Resort
7. Cayman Islands - The Waterford Private Residence Club
8. St. Thomas, USVI - Ritz Carlton Residence Club

There are several other favorites, too.  If you want my expanded list, contact me and I will share it with you.  For those who are interested in condo / fractional real estate ownership, this is the time to purchase!  I have never seen anything like it in the Caribbean before.  Until next time…your Caribbean lifestyle detective remains on duty!

With just over 1,000 members from 60 countries, this is THE organization to find and market your luxury properties!

Last week at the Grand Del Mar in San Diego, California, the Who’s Who In Luxury Real Estate produced their Spring Conference where they highlighted the latest technology to be used by both the Broker/Realtors and the consumers in the global real estate markets.  Jim Walberg and Ann Marie Nugent were part of this exclusive group of 240 participants from all over the world sharing their best practices in serving the needs of their international clientele.  One of the important breakout sessions I attended was facilitated by Pat Hoferkamp - President of Burgdorff Realtors headquartered in New Jersey.  She presented the mission / vision of her company and reviewed the best practices they use in creating a luxury experience for both their Realtors and their customers.  It was worth every moment of the session.  An added feature of the conference was having Ben Stein as the keynote speaker on Thursday night. ( You know, the world famous writer, director, and actor.  His comments about the importance of owning real estate was actually compelling to the point of him getting a standing ovation.  In addition, he was darn funny.)

Who’s Who In Luxury Real Estate was founded by John Brian Losh almost 20 years ago.  He had a vision of gathering the best Broker / Realtors in the world into one organization in order to create a synergy in the luxury real estate markets worldwide.  Each selected member has been recognized as a leader in the marketing of distinctive and luxury properties, committed to high performance, professionalism and quality service.  The members are truly the “Who’s Who In Luxury Real Estate!  Not only has Mr. Losh succeeded, but today it is the dominant luxury real estate network in the world!

Mr. Losh commented, “As I interview brokers and work with organizations through my consulting services, I continue to be profoundly impressed by the quality and integrity of the people represented in Luxury Real Estate. I am pleased to see a steady increase in the use of our logo in print advertising, and our 50% growth over the past year. Each year we set high goals and work diligently to improve the network in every way.  I am confident that doing business with any one of our Broker/Realtors would be a delightful and rewarding experience.”

He also said, “Each year I travel to all sections of the United States; the villages of New England, the resorts and cities of the East Coast, the great state of Texas and the Gulf, the deserts of the Southwest, the grandeur of the Rockies and America’s heartland, and this year to Europe and Asia. As a result of this effort, we have added many excellent firms from all over the world.”

By the way, the Grand Del Mar has created a breathtaking resort!  It is San Diego’s newest 5- star resort destination. From its Tom Fazio-designed golf course and The Villas, to a luxurious spa and award-winning dining, The Grand Del Mar delivers a world-class resort experience.  This is a must resort for those seeking the BEST level of service and amenities I have found in California.  I promise you will be hearing more about the developments of the Luxury Real Estate’s world wide expansion of members and luxury property opportunities.  Until then…

The Westin St. John has announced its newest phase of fractional villas, and the Ritz continues it’s gorgeous expansion, too!

Our offices are just across the bay from St. John, at Red Hook, St. Thomas. So, we are fortunate to be able to catch the St. John Ferry from American Yacht Harbor any day we want to visit this treasure of a National Park.  On St. John, the Westin St. John Resort & Villas is opening their newest opportunity of fractional ownership with the Bay Vista phase overlooking Great Cruz Bay, and is expanding the ownership opportunities at one of the most popular resorts in the Caribbean. ( You do remember my other top Caribbean Islands from past postings, don’t you? )

This newest phase includes 54 units - 22 two-bedroom, eight two-bedroom lofts, and 24 three-bedrooms. Some of the highlights of the Westin - St. John are; a beautiful pool overlooking the Caribbean with a really fun pool bar; waterslide and Jacuzzi; a fabulous spa facility; a kids club; grocery store/market; tennis facilities; plus, several great restaurants. The actual condos have; stunning views of the Caribbean; a washer/dryer; balcony; flat screen TV, DVD, Hi-speed wireless internet; oven; microwave; and a dishwasher.

“St. John is one of our most popular destinations in the Caribbean, and this resort is considered one of the most beautiful mixed-use resorts in the region,” said Sergio Rivera, president, real estate development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. “This resort has among the strongest demand for owners, and we are excited to add another 54 luxury villas in this spectacular setting.”  The plan is for them to add an additional 1,600 new villas at their U.S., Hawaii, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Starwood Vacation Ownership will have more than 6,000 villas in total upon the final completion of the announced resorts.In addition to what the Westin St. John is doing with their expansion, the Ritz Carlton Residence Club at Red Hook, St. Thomas is also in the midst of expanding their 5-star Residence resort on one of the many beautiful Caribbean beaches.  Remember, deeded fractional ownership of a Club Residence can cost millions of dollars less than owning a traditional second home directly on the beach.

Ritz-Carlton Club Membership prices currently range from $144,000 to $530,000 per interest, based on location and residence type. The Ritz Residence Clubs truly deliver one of the best second home experiences you could ever imagine. We have stayed at the one on St. Thomas many times and we always feel very pampered before or after a sailing adventure.  Also, they have Clubs in the U.S., and Hawaii.  So, contact us regarding either of these fractional deeded ownership opportunities - St. John Westin, and St. Thomas Ritz Carlton.  And, don’t forget your sun screen.  It is around 85 degrees down here everyday. Until next time… I am off to Barbados to check out the Crane Resort.  I will report back.

South Beach - Belize is perfectly positioned for the explosion happening with European investors in the Caribbean!

Article By Poyel Nelson:  “The headline on the International Living Magazine in December 2007 is straight forward: ‘Belize: Buy Before The Europeans!’ (Remember my last posting about South Beach - Belize?) Amongst the financial crises triggered by the real estate market woos in the US caution is advisable over such a bullish statement. So, what are the reasons for such a headline?

“Direct flights from Europe to Belize City will be launched by late 2008. This is major news for Belize and its real estate market. Europeans, armed with their strong currency, will most likely start to travel to this English speaking country in greater numbers. Transit though the U.S will no longer be required for European visitors. They will come for the classic Caribbean experience, the world class diving, the jungles and rainforests, the Mayan ruins, the waterfalls and rivers. And some will want to stay or retire here; hence real estate dollars are likely to follow close behind.

“We could observe this effect of new flight routes on real estate markets before. Wherever Ryanair (Ryaniar is a major European low cost airline) has started flying, the Irish and the British have followed and real estate markets have prospered. This is now called the ‘Ryanair effect’.  Rumor has it that direct flights to Belize from Canada might also start soon. Real estate is all about timing and right now could be the time to focus in on this stunning country in the Caribbean. Property prices are still well below regional benchmarks. Let’s look at some of Belize’s characteristics to further elaborate whether the above proposed demand really is valid:

“The Belize River flows through the middle of the country. With a Caribbean coastline, the Belize Barrier Reef and the Maya Mountains, there is a diverse countryside with plenty of outdoor recreation. The longest living barrier reef in the western hemisphere, and the second longest in the world, attracts divers from all around the world to Belize. This Central American country is a former British Colony also known as British Honduras and has adopted English as native language. It is considered one of the most stable Caribbean governments with a Parliament as their ruling body. Retirees in Belize can apply for a special status that provides tax breaks on retirement income and extends easy import of household items and furnishings.

“Belize has the lowest population density in the Central American Region, and one of the lowest in the world. There is room for many people in Belize.  Adding to Belize’s attractions is the cultural and ethnic diversity. There appears to be almost no friction between the harmoniously blended cultures and races. Belize is home to a wide range of ethnicities including Mennonites, Chinese, Mayan, Spanish, Lebanese, and East Indian. Culture, economy and geography make Belize a desirable place to live. With this Caribbean country becoming more accessible through air travel it seems to be positioned well for significant growth in its economy, in general travel, and eventually, its real estate market.

Poyel Nelson certainly supports our interest in South Beach Belize.  Remember, pre-construction prices are well below regional markets with lots starting at USD$99,950 to USD$6,913,000 for 36-unit boutique hotel/restaurants. This may be the project to act upon NOW. I will keep you posted as I continue my real estate detective work in the Caribbean.  Contact me anytime.  Until next time…

Remember, Belize is part a vital part of the Caribbean tourist industry, and it is breathtaking!

In the SCUBA diving community, Belize is world renown for its dazzling array diving opportunities along the second largest reef in the world.  In the resort community, Belize is one of the true bargains in the Caribbean because of it’s white coral sand beaches, fabulous five-star resorts, and 365 days a year of Tropical climate! It is also the only English speaking country in Central America. It was originally one of the British Crown Colonies in the Caribbean.

he BIG deal that is unfolding in Belize is the recreation of South Beach, Florida’s art deco era in the 1950’s. South Beach Belize on Ambergris Caye is where it is happening.  This is an 800+ acre planned development on the southern tip of Ambergris Caye. One of my real estate friends is leading the marketing efforts for this project that is just breaking ground - Dr. Tom McPeak. Here is his latest report as to why all of us should take a moment and check it out.

From Dr.McPeak:  Have you noticed how private island resorts and private island ownership are experiencing global rise in popularity? With the world currency buying any USD properties at bargain basement prices, they are following the sun, and Belize is one of the top five destinations in the Caribbean they are focused upon.  We are very fortunate to be a part of the most exciting resort opportunity in the history of Belize.  South Beach Belize is approximately 800 acres on the southern end of 25-mile long Ambergris Caye.  Archeological evidence indicates it may have been inhabited at one time by 10,000 Maya people, and was important as a mixed fishing and trading center.   Today Ambergris Caye has a population of about 8,000 with 7,000 living in San Pedro, just 3.5 miles north of South Beach Belize.  It has become internationally known as a salt water sport fishing destination, in addition to diving and snorkeling.  South Beach Belize on Ambergris Caye is just an additional 17 minutes flight via either of two local airlines, or 75 minutes via water taxi.  As the crow flies, it is about 29 miles from Belize City to Ambergris Caye.  What is being discovered with the buyers of Caribbean real estate is their in wanting exclusivity and privacy, and they are willing to pay for it.  This is one of the many reasons the world is coming to South Beach Belize.

The blue Caribbean Sea, sandy beaches, and waving palms are as beautiful on Ambergris Caye as any other Caribbean country destinations that cost two to three times as much for a 5-star resort, or purchasing real estate.  It is also located on the second largest barrier reef system in the world.  That is why South Beach Belize on Ambergris Caye might be one of the most intelligent places to buy TODAY.  The real estate opportunities are extensive and very affordable:  Lots for any size Villa you want to build (hold for investment until ready to build),   Condos starting at $139,900, six models of Villas starting at $199,900 INCLUDING THE LOT, or even a complete turn-key Boutique Hotel (thirty hotels are planned in the style of South Beach Miami) for just under $7 million USD each.  You own and manage the hotel and gain the revenue from all aspects of the hotel and restaurant/bar that is a part of the package.  There is even an opportunity to be considered as one of the partners in the development of the elegant Casino that will be built as part of this planned luxury community. The development team at South Beach Belize is standing ready to be a resource for having your Tropical dreams come true - as a second home, or for full time living.  Caribbean Islands Realty and Jim Walberg are standing ready to serve any off your inquiries or purchases of this unique and special real estate opportunity.  Contact him today for more information!

If you want the best vacation experience of your life, book a crewed chartered sailing adventure in the Caribbean

You will recall that I have been sailing in the Caribbean for over 30 years. Because of those years of sailing I have met some of the most unfogettable people I know - Dougy the head of cabbies at Beef Island Airport; Foxy the owner of Foxy’s on Jost Van Dyke; Mick the bartender at Soggy Dollar Bar; Liz the owner of Duffy’s Love Shack; a Danish couple who had been sailing for over five years with two of their three kids being born on their boat; Baby Bull Rhymer who ripped me off at Cane Garden Bay; Captain Whitey of the catamaran Tamarin; Ustis from Dominica who is the best dancer I have ever met. (He enjoyed dancing with each of our women guests at Quito Rymers; Quito Rhymers, the famous Caribbean “Jimmy Buffet”; Dick at CharterPort; and hundreds more!!! And…whenever and wherever I am sailing in the Caribbean it is always unforgettable!

You also recall that my last ”crew” was made up of seven guests who had never sailed in the Caribbean, nor had they been on a crewed chartered yacht.  Each of them are world travelers and they said it was the BEST adventure they had ever had!  The catamaran’s are currently my favorite choice if you have a group of guests who are unfamiliar with the sailing scene.  However, when I want the pure pleasure of sailing my preferrence is the traditional mono-hull. Our sailing adventure last month was again on “Double Feature”, the Lagoon 57 crewed by Captain Jonny and 1st Mate/Chef Kelly.  My mono-hull of choice this year is Three Moons - an Irwin 72 crewed by Captain Randy, Chef Shelley, and 1st Mate Katy. They also deliver an amazing experience for each of their guests aboard Three Moons.

The reason why it is called an adventure is because you have no idea what will unfold between the moment of your launch and the moment you drop anchor at your final desitnation of the voyage. All of the STUFF that happens in between is the reason why I can’t wait to launch on any sailing adventure. I eat up the STUFF in between! Some of the ”moments” that happen are unforgettable.  Some of those ”moments” are hopefully forgotten quickly. ( Remember my comments months ago about dancing with a goat at Foxy’s?) Well, last month I ended up at The Last Resort with my guests and was swept away with the music and the rum that ended up having me as the back-up singer for the BAND! Most of the moments that need to be forgotten usually happen late at night after some Meyer’s Dark Rum and Caribe beer chasers. With that combination, anything can happen…and usually does.

Back to sailing…that is the real deal in the Caribbean. I am at my “spiritual center” when I am under sail, and with any job that is assigned to me. I have captained my share of sailboats, but I have also been the chef on many boat deliveries, and even been as lowly as a 4th Mate whose job is typically clearing out a clogged head - one of the worst jobs on the boat.  There is nothing like the feeling of the helm in your hands as you steer your course to your next anchorage. The expected activities during any voyage includes; SCUBA, snorkeling, water skiing, wake boarding, kayaking, daily gourmet moments, great beverages because thirst is a dangerous thing, reading, napping, sunning with various degrees of clothing, and even the occasional squals.  Are you getting a better idea as to why I can’t wait to step aboard my next sailboat going to who knows where? Contact me and I promise to set up this type of experience for you, your family and friends.  I am such a fan of this experience that I secured by charter yacht brokerage license in 1997 and I have arranged hundreds of sailing adventures.  Until next time.  Fair winds.

  Le Paradise Beach Resort - St. Lucia, and Los Altos Residence Club - Dominican Republic are awesome fractional residence choices!!!

So, I am back on the road looking for more fractional ownership and real estate opportunities in the Caribbean.  Two that just showed up on the radar are Le Paradise Beach Resort in St. Lucia and the Los Altos Residence Club in the Dominican Republic.  If you recall from past postings, St. Lucia was named as one of the “Top Five Places To See In Your Life Time” by O Magazine.

The Le Paradise Beach Resort is a ¼ fractional ownership condominium opportunity.  WOW! They are creating a five-star luxury community on St. Lucia with a completion date of this $1 billion development in December 2008 for Phase One.  It will also include a Greg Norman Signature Golf course, a yacht marina - which I obviously will love.  In addition they are building an International shopping village, a gorgeous European spa and fitness center.  Le Paradis Resort has miles of private beaches, great diving spots, plus sport fishing - all as part of this luxury community.

Each quarter-share fractional condo is a spacious 2-bedroom / 2-bath residence including a gourmet kitchen, designer interiors, plasma televisions, high speed internet, central security and life safety systems and Westin beds. The architecture will be reminiscent of the island’s colonial past with a mix of Anglo-French Caribbean tones.  Those that are wise enough to purchase any of the condos in Phase One will also have their golf initiation membership cost waived, plus they will receive two years of golf dues paid.  Amazingly, the St. Lucia government has issued a 10-year property tax waiver for this project’s Buyers!!!  The developers are pulling out all the stops to entice you to check it out.  The prices are yet to be published but full ownership of these luxury condos ranges from $450,000 to $1,300,000!

Los Altos Private Residence Club is a part of the Casa de Campo ocean front 7,000 acre, world class resort.  Casa de Campo won the “#1 Family Friendly Resort In The Caribbean” from Travel & Leisure, and “#1 Golf Course In The Caribbean” from the same magazine. The residence club consists of 116 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom luxury condominiums. I discovered that it has already become the fastest selling Private Residence Club in the Dominican Republic! They have been open for business since December 2007! Don’t wait to check it out.

Los Altos Private Residence Club enjoys the amenities of this world class resort; beaches, sailing, golf, tennis, equestrian facilities, spa and massage facilities, poolside lounges, deep sea fishing, and much more! Each of the residences are decorated with an Asian-style influence with wood, stone, metal and water treatments.  They have soaring 10 foot ceilings, and 20 foot vaulted ceilings in the penthouses, plus the oversized terraces with breathtaking views.  These fractional condos start at around $200,000 for a 1/8 fractional ownership! So, these are the two latest discoveries I am bringing to you.  For more information, email me or leave a comment. I will get back to you.  Until next time…I continue to be on duty as I comb the Caribbean for the best real estate opportunities in Paradise.