Rumors Are Flying About A New Ultra Resort Showing Up At Lambert Bay.

The Ocean Coast of Tortola, BVI is the newest “In” spot in the Caribbean resort world.

The word on the street in Road Town, Tortola is that there is an ultra luxury resort showing up in Lambert Bay within the next few months. I have already put out my feelers within the real estate world as to who has targeted this hidden jewel in the BVI.

Every week in the sailing community of the BVI, yachts sail by Lambert Bay on their way to Jost Van Dyke or to anchor at Monkey Point on Guana Island – just across the channel from Lambert Bay, Tortola. It is unusual for people visiting the BVI to have discovered Lambert Bay yet. However, there are some very interesting happenings unfolding there; Lambert Beach Resort; some really fun restaurants; one of the most beautiful secret beaches in the Virgin Islands; and apparently much more to come.

What I have learned is that approximately 50 acres of beach front property has been quietly purchased on Lambert Bay by a BIG international resort development company. The rumors are that there will be a ultra resort for approximately 175 people and an additional 25+ mega villas for those people where cost is not an issue. The locals are talking about the project also including one of the most luxurious spas in the Caribbean as part of the project.

Because of being a part of the Caribbean for 30+ years one could imagine that I could find out “the rest of the story”. But as of this posting I am still digging. I have to admit, I have never anchored at Lambert Bay, or even stepped foot on the beach. But, I will assure you that I will stop by there soon and see what I can uncover about these latest rumors.

If you know of what is coming let me know. Until next time…

This weekend, thousands of Virgin Islands residents are expected to head to the beaches armed with garbage bags and gloves…to clean, of course.

V.I. Coastweeks is happening at the same time as the Ocean Conservancy’s 22nd annual International Coastal Cleanup day. In its 12th year, V.I. Coastweeks will continue on until October 6th.

During the last two years, the event has seen local participation shoot up from 674 volunteers in 2005 to 1083 in 2006. Organizers are expecting an even larger turnout this week.

From my previous experiences cleaning up shorelines in the Bay Area, it’s mind-blowing to witness the amount of trash that settles in an area inhabited by wildlife. Needles, plastic containers and wrappers are actually quite harmful to birds and sea creatures. Only last year, the Ocean Conservancy estimates that over a million seabirds and 500,000 marine life died from consuming random debris.

The volunteer effort isn’t just a beatification project. The vitality of the Virgin Islands’ precious wildlife is at stake and it is our duty to clean up the mess we made.

- Joseph Natividad

The “Invisible Children” Are Now “Visible”!

Do you know anything about the Invisible Children in our world?  My son’s girlfriend, Lindsay, just introduced them to me.  Let me explain…

Our family had a week’s holiday on the beach last month before our two oldest boys, Matt and JJ, went back to college, and our youngest daughter, Bryana, began her senior year in high school.  It is always our favorite time of the year together, because we purposefully have no agenda except surfing, eating, reading, napping, and sharing life.  This year our two boys invited their girlfriends to join us which was a wonderful addition to our experience.  Lindsay was one of them that joined us.

Lindsay has a passion for fashion design and is currently studying in the Institute For Fashion Design in Los Angeles.  Whenever I see her she always seems to have a variety of bracelets that she is wearing.  There was one I noticed during our time at the beach last month that caught my eye.  It was much different than any I had seen before.  She said it was made out of thin strips of reeds and handmade by hundreds of displaced children in Uganda that are now employed in the Invisible Children bracelet campaign.  I actually had no idea what she was talking about,  but I wanted to learn more.  So, we went to my computer and logged on to their website.

What began as just curiosity on my part has transformed into a passion of telling everyone I know to visit the website that let me know how I could make a small difference in the midst of a horrible tragedy.  The Invisible Children are the children that are kidnapped in Africa to form the child army that was highlighted in the movie, “Blood Diamond”.  Any of you that saw that movie had to be moved at the story that unfolded on the screen.  The fact is, it is a true story being acted out very day in Africa with children being the victims.

Invisible Children started out as film making project by three young men from Southern California in the Spring of 2003.  What they discovered was a story that disgusted and inspired them – where the children are both the weapons and the victims.  The film they produced,  “Invisible Children – Rough Cut” has now been seen by millions of people.  After viewing it, the overwhelming response is, “How can I help?”

There stated mission is, “The Invisible Children Organization improves the quality of life for war-affected children by providing access to quality education, enhanced learning environments, and innovative economic opportunities for their local communities.”

Check out their website and see if it doesn’t change something inside of you, too.  Let me know what you discover.  Until next time….

Sahara Sand In The Virgin Islands Each Year???

Come on…do you really expect me to believe that the Sahara Desert delivers sand to the Virgin Islands each year? Yes, it is TRUE!

When I first discovered sailing in the Virgin Islands it was August of 1975. I was amazed at the sunsets because they were so colorful and the sky was such an unusual color during the day. What an “old salt” told me was it was Sahara sand blowing in from Africa. I was sure he was pulling my leg, but the fact is he was correct.

Several times each Summer the Sahara dust clouds show up in the Virgin Islands. It might turn the skies a milky color and leave a light coating of brown dust on your car. Usually, these dust clouds are too diluted to cause any health hazards, but if concentrated enough they sometimes raise the air quality index into the unhealthy range.

These clouds start in Africa when tropical waves lift the sand from the Sahara to about 10,000 feet or more. The dust then drifts west on a dry tropical wave, as opposed to a moist tropical wave – the moist ones can spin into hurricanes. These Sahara dust clouds can be HUGE – 3,000 miles from west to east, and 2,000 miles from north to south, or almost as big as the United States! Now that is a BIG cloud! It moves in the jet streams about 350 miles per day.

Because the Sahara dust carries some bad particles, it can cause harm to coral reefs. These bad particles include fungi, spores, and bacteria. Plus, there are times when these clouds carry an entire desert locust cloud from Africa to the Virgin Islands!

Here is the good news of these annual Sahara dust clouds. When they are particularly large and dense they hamper hurricanes from forming. This is one of those years. Even though this year is predicted to have a high count of hurricanes, what is being watched is to see the effect of the Sahara dust clouds on lower the number of hurricanes expected.

Let me know what your experience has been with the Sahara dust clouds in the Caribbean. Until next time…

Dominican Republic Is Becoming The “Chic” Caribbean
Have you visited this undiscovered Caribbean “jewel” yet?

The first words that came out of my mouth when I stepped onto the beach at Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic was - WOW! My past impressions of the Dominican Republic – DR to the people in the know, was an island with two countries, one of which seems to be generally in turmoil most of the time – Haiti. The only other information I had about the island is that most of my cigars are made here by the Arturo Fuente’s family – my personal opinion is they are some of the best cigars in the world.

Again, this Old Dog was wrong – my wife reminding me daily of my confusion and misconceptions regarding many topics. The best way I can describe the DR I am discovering is, AMAZING! As you know, I love to discover unspoiled beaches, new sailing grounds, diving and snorkeling sites, and, of course, an unforgettable bar or two. It is all here to be discovered in the DR!!! There are five or six distinct regions in the DR. The one I am exploring is the Northeast coast – the region of the best windsurfing and kite sailing in the Caribbean.

The first DR beach I dug my toes into was Las Terrenas, right on the Samana peninsula. As I mentioned, it was a WOW! moment for me. As I explored the area I stumbled onto an construction site right on the water and started asking questions. Even though the DR is highly influenced by it’s history with France, there was no problem finding someone to speak English. What I had stumbled upon was Jardins de Coson – a luxury fractional ownership resort right on the beach! Check out the link.

I had no idea that the some of the best beaches in the world are on the DR! Conde Nast Traveler has rated Playa Rincon as one of the top ten in the world! It was only a short goat ride from Las Galeras to this unforgettable, unspoiled paradise of a beach. The DR is known for it’s mash potato white sand that is always a pleasure to walk on because it is never hot because of being made from coral. This three mile long beach is surrounded by coconut palms and almond trees, not to mention the 2,000 foot mountain on one end of it.

The Dominican Republic is a country and an unforgettable Caribbean experience all wrapped into one package. It will take me months to discover it all, so I will just hang out in the Las Terrenas area and find a new rum drink to add to my 30+ year journal. ( I snuck into the bar at the Viva Wyndham Samana all inclusive resort and had my old favorite – a Navy grog.)

Let me know what you have discovered in the DR. I am looking for my next unspoiled paradise. Until next time….

How to get the biggest bang for your real estate buck in the Virgin Islands.

If you checked out my post on September 5, 2007 I wrote about why buying real estate in the Virgin Islands during hurricane season might be a GOOD idea. Well, I have had further discussions with my friend, Chris, who is selling real estate in St. Thomas and I have suggested that he target market the Buyers from the U.S. with an idea of how to organize a “low ball” offer strategy for Virgin Island real estate.

Here goes…I pulled up a condo in Cowpet Bay, St. Thomas in the Nazareth section of Red Hook and used it as a testing site. It is a 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo right on the water with spectacular views of Cowpet Bay. It is priced at $595,000 and has been on the market for over 65 days. So, I decided to use this condo as a test site for my theory of why it makes sense to buy Virgin Island real estate during Hurricane season – July through October. Here are my simple strategies. ( In fact, these could be used anywhere to see if a “low ball” offer has a chance of being accepted.)

• Do your homework regarding the what the price is of similar properties that have sold in the last two months. Notice any downward trends during this two month period, because as hurricane season progresses, home prices seem to decline. ( I should mention that to get this information you will need to contact a Realtor to assist you.)
• Notice what the length of time the properties that actually sold were on the market. If the property you are considering has been on the market longer than the ones that have sold in the last two months you can make an assumption that there is flexibility in the listed price.
• What is the price per square foot of similar condos that have sold in the last two months in the Cowpet Bay area? The more you can pinpoint where the property is the more accurate this number will be. How does this number match up with the price per square foot of the condo you are considering to purchase in Cowpet Bay?
• What are the terms and conditions you can structure in your offer that will make it very attractive to the owner to consider given that you are asking him/her to sell it for a much reduced price for the listed price? For example, can you close escrow quickly – less than 30 days? Are you comfortable accepting the property in an “as-is” condition? Are you able to provide the seller with a non-contingent financing feature – this means you already have all of your financing arrangements completed.
• Present your homework findings in writing to the seller regarding what you and your Realtor have discovered – pricing, days on the market, price per square foot, etc.

If I was representing the Buyer, I would have a very compelling presentation to the Seller’s Realtor as to why this offer made sense and why the Seller should accept it immediately. (My homework concluded that the price this condo may sell at is around $525,000 given a strategy with the outline of the above terms.) This has been a strategy that has been very effective in Buyer’s Markets. Take a moment and consider it as a game plan for you to use anywhere with your real estate purchases. ( Note: Several years ago in a Seller’s Market, this strategy did not have a chance of working because properties sold within days instead of months, for more than what the asking price was.)

Let me know how this strategy works for you on your next purchase. Until next time…

Last week Inman News – I call them the CNN of real estate news,  discovered the young man that has been a weekly contributor for the last two months to our Caribbean blog site.  Joseph Natividad was introduced to me by my good friend and Realtor,  John Harper as a possible resource for me to consider as a contributing member of our Caribbean blog crew.  After meeting with Joseph I spoke with John and let him know that my first impression was that I was dealing with a very young person,  and I wasn’t sure what he could contribute to my Caribbean project. John suggested I get over my preconceived ideas about youth compared to Old Dogs and give him a shot.  We did and the rest is history.

Joseph has been focusing his blog contributions to the news and cultural happenings in the Caribbean.  And he has more than exceeded any of my expectations.  Below is a small excerpt from the Inman News article about Joseph.

Here is this really bright kid,” Harper said. “I know he’s sharp. It occurred to me that if he launches his own blog and he treats it as the number one business resource in his life, in a year he should be able to monetize that blog and probably pay his way through college by monetizing that.”

Harper’s real estate team launched a blog in late 2006, and that site had grown from about 350 unique visitors per month in December 2006 to about 3,000 by April 2007. Walberg, who launched his Caribbean Islands Realty blog just two months ago, said he has been “blown away” by its quick success.

“I am 60 years old and even though I’m an Old Dog I can still learn new tricks,” Walberg said. “There are lots of people who are just not understanding the power of blogging.” Walberg said he was impressed with Harper’s blogging success, and that led him to pursue his own blog. Finding time to blog can be challenging, though, and Harper introduced Natividad as a possible blog contributor.I could not believe — my first meeting I thought I was dealing with a kid — I am dealing with a kid,” and he said he has been impressed by his work. “I tip my hat to him regarding many of the things he is uncovering.”

Joseph said, “I can’t believe the fun I’m having learning about a part of the world that I didn’t know anything about. ”

Within a couple of months the site has led to some surprising business opportunities, including the opportunity to be an exclusive marketing partner for some new developments in the Virgin Islands, Walberg said. “To gain this position in two months has just floored me. I’m in an area of nonstop learning now.” Walberg expects the blogging effort to leapfrog into online video to promote the islands. “It has opened up so many fun ideas and doors in how to participate in the worldwide real estate market.”

I welcome your comments about young people that you may be working with that are supporting your blog sites.  Until next time….

The new Urman Fredericks Marine Terminal at Red Hook is opening soon. On September 25th at 2 PM, the public is invited to view a ribbon-cutting ceremony held by the V.I. Port Authority. The building will be available to passengers later that day.

The $10 million project will house restaurants, bars, restrooms, outdoor seating as well as newsstands. Among the new amenities that previously troubled the previous terminal’s location is a larger parking lot that is capable of holding 130 vehicles. Visitors and locals shouldn’t have to experience the lot to reach over-capacity too often from now on.

During the next few weeks, tenants will begin to move in and temporary ticket booths will be moved out in preparation for the terminal’s grand opening. A new dock will be capable of handling four passenger ferries while using a 1600 sq. ft. cargo-storage-warehouse.

The new Red Hook Terminal is said to have been laid out to have a “very open, spacious” feel. Although it is not as sprawling as the Yacht Haven Grande or the Crown Bay Carnival Center, the new 8000 sq. ft. terminal is modern and practical for the island community.

- Joseph Natividad

 image courtesy of vi.akcsystems.com

Dolphin Cove Resort is finally approved!

The first new resort community in the US Virgin Islands to be approved for development in the last 17 years has finally crossed their last hurdle before ground breaking begins!!! Dolphin Cove is an amazing gated destination community that will have approximately 72 villas and 46 luxury condos. The Villas at Dolphin Cove will offer several exceptional floor plans with expansive decks to take advantage of the stunning views. The Condo at Dolphin Cove will feature townhouses and single level plans with spacious living areas, private decks and gourmet kitchens.

The Dolphin House, the 5-star restaurant on the edge of the Caribbean, will be a historic “rebuild” of the home scientists used to train dolphins to find ocean mines during WW II. The location of Dolphin House provides one of the most spectacular views of Nazareth Bay and St. Croix you will ever see from St. Thomas.

The gated community of Dolphin Cove will feature two beaches, tennis courts, fresh and salt water swimming pools, a myriad of hiking trails, restaurant, and fitness center. Water sport amenities will be available at the beach that is next to the original dolphin training center. Dolphin Cove will also be a self-sufficient community, offering its own security, water treatment plant and standby generators.

The lead person on this long anticipated project is Dave Marriner. Of all things, Dave has a very successful real estate company at Lake Tahoe, California specializing in lake front homes. His place in real estate was made with Taylor-Woodrow with the development of Newport Beach, California. Dave has always been a visionary. During a charter sailing vacation with his family he stumbled on this project with the help of Captain Mike Lampe, the former skipper of the yacht Southern Comfort. The rest became history as Dave made some phone calls to several of his key developer contacts in the U. S. and they purchased the property with the bet they could take the project through all of the steps required when building out a project like Dolphin Cove in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

If you want more information about the timing of this project regarding occupancy and pricing, let me know. From my time in the Virgin Islands, I believe Dolphin Cove will be looked upon as a real Caribbean jewel.

One of the multitude of objectives while in the Caribbean is to discover hundreds of the cocktails that have been invented here. For example, have you tasted a; Black Velvet; Cha Cha; Soppys; Guava Colada; Deadly Denise; or a Wham! ??? Well, you may have discovered a new hobby worth exploring.

At last year’s St. Thomas Charter Boat Show, hosted by the Virgin Island Charter League, I had the pleasure of re-connecting with Captain Jan Robinson of the yacht Vanity. She is a native of New Zealand and has cruised the Caribbean for more than 20 years. Not only is she an amazing and creative chef for her charter guests, she also decided to collect recipes from other yacht chefs and wrote her first cookbook – Ship To Shore I.

My interest in reconnecting with her was because of her third book that she has published, Sip To Shore. Now, this is my kind of book! It has over 100 cocktail recipes that will keep you supplied with some of the tastiest concoctions you could ever imagine. In addition, she has compiled an equal amount of mouth watering hors d’oeuvres that have also been compiled from charter yacht chefs’ in the Caribbean whose clients have rated as the best they have ever had.

One of the key ingredients of a charter yacht vacation in the Caribbean is the food and drinks. In fact, I would rate this aspect of a charter vacation as possibly 50% of the experience. On these types of voyages you will have from three to four 5-star meals a day. You will be blown away with what a yacht chef prepares from such a small galley, plus the presentation of the meals is over the top! We are talking about real China, crystal, silverware, cloth napkins, fresh flowers – everyday for every meal!!!

Anyway, start a new hobby and keep a list of your favorite Caribbean cocktails. Send me a few of your favorite recipes.

Glaucoma: from Captain Richard George from Yacht Emerald Lady

Guaranteed To Cure Blindness Or To Make You Blind! ( Use an Old Fashion glass – serves one )

1 oz. vodka 4 oz. Lemon Juice

1 oz. rum 1 tsp. sugar

1 oz. gin Powdered sugar to dip the glass rim in

1 oz. kahlua Ice

Combine each of the listed alcohols to the four ounces of lemon juice with 1 tsp. of sugar. Pour over the ice in a shaker. Shake well. Strain into a glass with the rim dipped in the powdered sugar.