For the past two years of sailing adventures in the BVI I have sailed by this development as we headed to Marina Cay for some painkillers and conch fritters, or to the anchorage right across the channel from Scrub Island.  We even took our dingy over to visit one day and wandered around the construction site.  The location is spectacular for many reasons;  A marina that has 55 deep-water slips, including five slips for yachts up to 150 feet, as well as provisioning supplies, diesel fuel, black water pump-out station, metered electricity, laundry facilities and more services;  The over-the-top spa and fitness center;  Caribbean sunsets – a must for me;  and…a few very private beaches.

Scrub Island Resort officially opened February 11^th,  with some GREAT rates between now and March 31^st – a $399 daily room rate.  This is about half of what it will be after the “soft” opening, so if you can make plans quickly you will be getting the deal of the year with these rates.  The rate also includes breakfast and nightly cocktail receptions.  The amenities and choices one has to discover the BVI are endless with Scrub Island Resort as your luxurious home base.  Here are a few to consider;

• Snorkeling and SCUBA diving adventures to destinations such as The Wreck Of The HMS Rhone,  Angel Fish Point on Norman Island, The Dogs, and many more.  And, a trip to The Baths on Virgin Gorda is a must for breathtaking snorkeling.
• How about marlin fishing to the BIG Drop with Scrub Island Marina as your shortest run to my favorite big game fishing spot.
• How about the shopping destinations in the BVI?  One of our top boutiques is a Peter Island Resort across the channel from Scrub Island.  The clothes are very high end with many of them now in my wife’s closet.  Another one would be at The Bitter End Resort on the island of Virgin Gorda.  It is worth an afternoon to just wander around.
• The Scrub Island Resort lagoon pool with the 15’ waterfall is where my wife would hang out most of the day.  It is another spot that will take your breath away from morning to sunset.  AND…they have a great pool bar and restaurant so you never have to leave your lounge chair.
• If you never leave Scrub Island the resort has created five different dining experiences to satisfy all of your gourmet desires – from candle light elegance to bare foot in the sand casual.
• For those who don’t want to fully disconnect from the world, the resort has wherever you are at the resort and all the beautifully appointed rooms have king-size beds, big plasma satellite TV, air-conditioning and non-stop views of the Caribbean.

For more information go to their website and check more of the details, or contact me TODAY.  I know you will be very excited about this brand new Caribbean experience awaiting your review.  Until next time…your Caribbean lifestyle detective remains on duty!

Caribbean Islands Realty was invited to become a member last July.  What a great resource it has been for our Caribbean Buyers and Sellers.  At the 2009 FIABCI conference there was a portion of the conference dedicated to sharing marketing plans for properties in their global marketplace.  Caribbean Islands Realty  was selected to present their internet marketing strategies for the 40+ projects they represent in the Caribbean – from Aruba to the Dominican Republic.  Each of the marketing presentations were voted upon by the delegates and Caribbean Islands Realty’s presentation won FIABCI ’s top marketing awards – the James Wray, Jr. Memorial Marketing Award.

The mission of FIABCI is to open the international community to members on an international level, so they can develop real estate contacts that will translate into increased global business opportunities – people connecting people to create one international marketplace. Membership in FIABCI allows it’s professionals to embrace cultural diversity with one common goal – to eliminate the boundaries of international real estate and provide the world with a community of experts ready to meet their real estate needs.

Our membership in FIABCI  has now opened a large number of doors for us to find international Buyers for our Caribbean properties, and to identify Sellers who want to contract our services that will allow their properties to be seen by Buyers throughout the world.  In just three short months we have seen amazing results with our connections to this organization’s worldwide members.  Click here  to find out more about our global real estate marketing strategies.  Until next time…your Caribbean lifestyle detective remains on duty.

Jim Walberg

After several days and hours of discussions with Jay, my eyes were opened to the impact that growing coffee is having on this world we live in.  The carbon footprint of this industry is gigantic!  BuyWell Coffee  is constantly looking for ways to become more sustainable and making their daily carbon footprint much smaller.  And, they are doing this while still producing the best coffee I have ever tasted, plus their premium coffee is very affordable!How about this for sobering information about the coffee industry?  The U.S. consumes one-fifth of the world’s coffee – the largest consumer country in the world!  But few Americans realize that agriculture workers in the coffee industry often work in conditions that can be described as “sweatshops in the fields”.  Many small coffee farmers receive prices for their coffee that are less than the costs of production, forcing them into a cycle of poverty and debt for their entire lives.

Fair Trade Certified  is a solution, assuring consumers that the coffee we drink is purchased under fair conditions. To become Fair Trade Certified,  BuyWell Coffee must meet strict international criteria; paying a minimum price per pound of $1.26,  providing much needed credit to farmers, and providing technical assistance such as help transitioning to organic farming.  Fair Trade Certified for coffee farmers means community development, health, education, and caring for the environmental.

I had no idea what “Fair Trade Certified” and “Organic Certified” labels meant.  It means that farmers and workers receive a fair price for their product. The FTC price means that farmers can feed their families and that their children can go to school instead of working in the fields. By receiving a fair price, FTC producers can avoid cost-cutting practices that sacrifice quality. The FTC producers’ traditional farming methods result in exceptional products.  And, it means you are receiving the highest quality product that is able to be produced!  So, purchasing on of  BuyWell Coffee’s ten+ coffee blends contributes to the well-being of farming families around the world.  I have to admit, I am not able to say that about each of the real estate sales that we facilitate – yet!

Now, back to the real mission of Jay’s company – combating poverty and protecting the environment through coffee.  BuyWell Coffee supports  Roots & Wings International  by donating coffee for fundraising and has a scholarship with the company’s namesake that supports university education for indigenous youth from rural Guatemala.  Roots & Wings International scholars come from coffee-growing communities, and they are the first in their families to study past elementary school. The scholarships are awarded based on financial need, academic promise, and commitment to promote community development where the students live.

All of BuyWell Coffee’s giving programs are coffee-powered.  BuyWell Coffee invests in sustainable development initiatives in coffee growing regions around the world,  plus the U.S. in order to create long-term health and global opportunity for the coffee grower families of the world.  Now, wouldn’t this be a worthwhile idea for all of our companies to explore as we daily participate in “paying it forward”?   Click here  for more information as to how you can get involved in making a difference in your own world.  Until next time…fair winds!

The four day conference held from September 13^th to September 16^th welcomed Brokers from around the world – from New Zealand, and Spain, and Italy.  The focus of the best practice seminars included;

• Media Fragmentation: Facilitated by Nick Antonicello from Unique Homes Magazine.
• The Mechanics Of Creative Listening:  Facilitated by Matt Smith,  improv actor and corporate trainer.
• The Unabashed Pursuit Of Market Leadership: Facilitated by Ron and Alexandra Seigel  from Napa Consultants.
• The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership:  Facilitated by Liz Christoffersen from Empowering Consulting Group
• Changing Realtor Roles In A Changing Environment:  Facilitated by Bonnie Smith Allen from Exclusive Mountain Retreats Real Estate.
• The Virtual Luxury Real Estate Office:  Facilitated by Michael Marquette from Marquette Turner Luxury Homes, and Jim Walberg  from Caribbean Islands Realty.
• Redefining The New Luxury:  Facilitated by Dan McCarthy from Network Communications, Inc.

Jim Walberg and Caribbean Islands Realty were honored at the annual Luxury Real Estate awards banquet last Tuesday night held in the elegant ballroom of the Ritz Carlton.  This is the awards event that is a time when the best of the best are honored each year for their achievements in the world of luxury real estate.  Jim received the 2009 Global Real Estate Networking Award for creating the largest global real estate networking community within Luxury Real Estate.  Because of this network, Jim has been able to serve his international market of Buyers and Sellers at the highest levels.

Who’s Who In Luxury Real Estate is a global network of over 1,500 luxury real estate brokerages that is by invitation only.  It also provides an annual reference guide for luxury real estate agents internationally in order to connect their practices, their Buyers and Sellers.  This is made is made easy because of the Luxury Real Estate member-directory that is published each year.  Each member is carefully selected based on the company’s established reputation for performance, experience with high-end properties, and quality service.  We are very fortunate that Caribbean Islands Realty were invited three years ago to be members of this prestigious group.  Click here  for information about your real estate needs in Paradise.

One of the most beautiful and exclusive privately owned luxury villas in the Dominican Republic  is now offering the opportunity to purchase a 1/10^th share of Villa Castellamonte, which allows them five weeks of enjoyment in the DR.  You know I am a fan of fractional ownership.  It is a way for people to enjoy their slice of Paradise without having to fully own the property.  There are some “potholes” to avoid with developments that are promoting that they have fractional ownership opportunities, when, in fact, it is not true.  So, it is a “Buyer Beware” for people investigating a fractional ownership anywhere in the world.

Villa Castellamonte is one of the DR’s top 5-star luxury villas.  The private villa has 15,000 square feet of living space, with eight bedrooms and ten full baths.  It has a complete staff as part of the package and is located on the North coast of the Dominican Republic at the Playa Grande – Cabrera area.  You may remember seeing this villa featured on MSNBC’s “On the Money”.  It was even named a “Top Ten Villa” in the Caribbean, and mentioned by Fodor as a must-stay if you are visiting the DR.

The Playa Grande – Cabrera area is about 70 miles east of Puerto Plata, and is now extremely popular for two reasons: 1) It’s gorgeous white powder-sand beach and the incredible Robert Trent Jones – designed 18 hole golf course.  Playa Grande Beach  was rated as “…one of the Top Ten most beautiful beaches in the world” by Condé Nast travel magazine. Along with the mash potato powder-like sand, the beach is lined with coconut palms and bordered by the rugged coral cliffs.  You know I love to surf  and this area of the DR is noted for it’s big waves.  As you have discovered from my past articles about the Dominican Republic, it is not just a place that makes world class cigars, it is a world class destination.

Villa Castellamonte is privately owned by Mr. Jason Matthews and he will keep a 20% ownership in it.  “For me, the rationale to fractionalize Villa Castellamonte made sense because although my ownership will be less, so too will be my expenses.  And, fractional ownership programs are found throughout the world, allowing investors to own and enjoy a property of a much higher value than they could typically afford individually,”  Financing any second or third home in the world is a real challenge today, given world economic climate.  So, Mr. Matthews has agreed to personally provide financing for qualified investors who would like to purchase a fractional ownership in his breathtaking villa.

If you would like more information about how to be one of the very special owners of Villa Castellamonte, contact me anytime and I will send you information.  Until next time…your Caribbean lifestyle detective remains on duty.

I am constantly looking for the best opportunities in the Caribbean for people to secure their slice of Paradise.  For the last several years the real estate product that has represented half or more of the sales has been fractionals.  If you recall, almost ten years ago the Ritz Carlton in Red Hook,  St. Thomas, was one of the first to test the market of fractional deeded ownership as a method to own real estate with several other partners.  It was a huge success.  Below are six more Caribbean islands to consider for your slice of Paradise by purchasing a fraction of the property instead of the owning it all yourself.

Terra del Sol, Aurba:  This is one of the few completely planned communities in the Caribbean, with a Trent Jones champion golf course to go along with their beautiful homes, villas, condominiums, golf, spa & fitness, fine dining, and much more.

Botany Bay, St. Thomas:  Timbers Group is developing the ultra-luxury resort located on the western tip of St. Thomas.  It will be managed by the international hospitality management group – Jumeirah Group,  which is a member of Dubai Holding. This project has a variety of fractionals – from condos to very large townhomes.

Wyndam Grand Bay Waterford, Cayman Islands:  The Cayman Islands are about 180 miles northwest of Jamaica and is noted for its breathtaking diving and an off-shore banking center for much of the world.  This project is located at Crystal Harbor Safe Haven and has something for everyone.

Adventuras Club, Puerto Adventuras, Mayan Riviera:  Sometimes people forget that Mexico has a thriving Caribbean real estate center – from Cancun to Tulum.  The Mayan Riviera is exploding and the Adventuras Club is just about 25 miles south of Cancun.  I love this part of Mexico as one of my part time homes.

Casa de Campo – Los Altos, Dominican Republic:  This is THE spot in the DR for luxury real estate.  It is right next to Altos de Chavon, a gorgeous replica of a 16^th century Italian village, with shops, restaurants, and many cultural attractions.  Casa de Campo has already won the Travel & Leisure  Magazine’s #1 “Family Friendly Resort In The Caribbean”!  Besides the natural beauty of the island, is also the golfing capital of the Caribbean.

February Point Resort, Exuma, Bahamas:  With February Point’s oceanfront settings, the luxury amenities of the resort, the furnishings that come with the fractional ownership of the villas, and the tax advantages of The Bahamas, it is a very appealing option for those wanting to own a piece of Paradise.

These are seven of my suggestions for those wanting to check how to own a piece of the Caribbean at a fraction of the cost of buying a home.  Let me know what you discover from these suggestions.  Your Caribbean lifestyle detective  remains on duty!  Until next time…fair winds!

Nelson Mandela is one of my heroes who symbolizes from for me.  Here is a portion of his inagural address when he was installed as the first African president of South Africa in 1993.  It is my favorite sentiments about what to do with the gift of freedom.  As I celebrate another 4th of July celebration I wanted to share President Mandela’s thoughts about what freedom means to him and his country.

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.  Each of us have  “baggage” that slows us down.  Our job is to discover that baggage and get rid of it so we can discover the person our creator meant us to be – magnificent.

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.  It is our light,  not our darkness,  that most frightens us.  We ask ourselves,  “Who am I to be brilliant,  gorgeous,  talented and fabulous?”  Actually,  who are you not to be?  You are a child of God.   Your “playing small”   doesn’t serve the world at all.

There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.  We were born to make manifest the glory of the God that is within each of us.  It’s not just in some of us.   It’s in everyone.

And as we let our own light shine,  we unconsciously give other people PERMISSION to do the same – to be great!  We will provide the tools and the atmosphere for you to be GREAT, but it is your choice if that is what you become!  As we are liberated from our own fears,  our presence automatically liberates others.

As we celebrate a day of FREEDOM let’s keep the citizens in Iraq in our thoughts and prayers as they are seeing a path that will take them to an experience of freedom in their country.  Freedom is something that is hard fought and won.  And, it comes from citizens as opposed to those in power.  It is a gift that everyone should enjoy.  Please share with me your thoughts about what freedom means to you.  Until next time…fair winds!

No matter what your views may be of Michael Jackson’s private/public life, can we all agree that his contribution to the world of entertainment has been enormous?  My take on this question is YES!  His breakthrough music, his single-handed making of MTV, and the revolution he created with music videos was the stuff that influenced the world of entertainment forever.  Today’s news was a real shocker for the world of entertainment – not just with the death of Michael Jackson, but also the death of Farah Fossett.  Plus, Ed McMann dieing earlier this week was hopefully the end of “things come in threes”.  This is what we know.

Paramedics were called to a home on the 100 block of Carolwood Drive off Sunset Boulevard. Jackson rented the Bel Air home for $100,000 a month. It was described as a French chateau estate built in 2002 with seven bedrooms, 13 bathrooms, 12 fireplaces and a theater.  The news comes as Jackson, 50, was attempting a comeback after years of tabloid headlines, most notably his trial and acquittal on child molestation charges.  In May, The Times reported that Jackson had rented the Bel Air residence and was rehearsing for a series of 50 sold-out shows in London’s O2 Arena. Jackson had won the backing of two billionaires to get the so-called “King of Pop” back on stage.     –Andrew Blankstein and Phil Willon

Pop & Hiss
The L.A. Times music blog

In celebration of the music and memories, here is that magical moment to relive all over again.   Please feel free to use the comments section to share your thoughts, memories and remembrances of the eternal King of Pop.    — Scott T. Sterling

Reports: Michael Jackson Is Dead
By The New York Times

This post is written by Brooks Barnes in Los Angeles and Ben Sisario and Brian Stelter in New York.

“A lot will be said about Michael Jackson as we learn more about this story,” Brian Williams said on the “NBC Nightly News.”  “He was incredibly talented, a child star who was an adult with deep troubles and physical and mental health issues.”   The reports of Mr. Jackson’s death ricocheted around the world with remarkable speed. The news led Friday morning newscasts in Japan.

Early reports indicated cardiac arrest, but a hospital spokeswoman was not immediately available for comment. Mr. Jackson, 50, has been renting a mansion in the Bel Air neighborhood, a short distance from the hospital, and rehearsing for a series of 50 sold-out shows in London.

Joe Jackson told to E! News, an entertainment Web site and cable channel, that the singer’s family was scrambling to determine his condition. “I am in Las Vegas, but yes, people in Los Angeles called me and are with Michael and tell me he was taken to the hospital,” Mr. Jackson told E! News. “His mother is on her way to the hospital now to check in on him.”

Mr. Jackson is scheduled to perform in a series concerts in at the O2 arena London, beginning next month and continuing into 2010. The shows have been widely seen in the music industry as an important potential comeback for him, with the potential to earn him up to $50 million, according to some reports. But there has also been worry and speculation that Mr. Jackson, who is 50, was not physically ready for such an arduous run of concerts, and Mr. Jackson’s postponement of the first of those shows from July 8 to July 12 fueled new rounds of gossip about his health.

A member of the pop group the Jackson 5 as a child, Mr. Jackson was a pint-size musical dynamo. He spent years in talent shows and performing in seedy Midwestern clubs under the aegis of Joe Jackson, his dictatorial and ambitious father. Joe Jackson and Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown Records, were the singer’s twin mentors during the early career.

Mr. Jackson eventually broke with his father and the Jackson 5, a move toward creative and financial independence marked by his collaborations with Quincy Jones on a trio of albums. The most memorable of those is 1982′s “Thriller,” which eventually racked up sales of 51 million copies globally, according to the Guinness World Records, making it the best-selling album in history.

A spokesman for the Los Angeles Fire Department told CNN said rescuers were called to Mr. Jackson’s home at 12:21 p.m. Pacific. “When paramedics went on the scene, they treated the patient, then they immediately transported the patient to UCLA,” the spokesman told CNN. Mr. Jackson’s home is located only a few minutes from the hospital center.

Cable news channels almost immediately started showing paparazzi shots from TMZ, X17Online.com and Hollywood.TV of Mr. Jackson’s entourage arriving at the hospital. By mid-afternoon, television news helicopters were hovering above the medical center.

There have been concerns about Jackson’s health in recent years but the promoters of the London shows, AEG Live, said in March that Jackson had passed a four-and-a-half hour physical examination with independent doctors.  For the reaction to Michael Jackson’s death from Australia,  check out what is being reported on the Marquette Turner website.  This is a sad moment in the world of entertainment no matter what your opinions are about Michael Jackson.  His impact on the world of music will last forever.  I welcome your thoughts about how Michael Jackson impacted your view of music.

Those of you who enjoy a visit to the U.S. and British Virgin Islands are going to LOVE the luxury rental I discovered a few weeks ago.  In fact, I have stood on the deck and enjoyed the sunrise over American Yacht Harbor  in Red Hook – a magnificent sight!  This luxury rental is named “Harbor House”, and it sits on the hillside above the harbor.

So, when I am talking about a luxury Caribbean rental, what does that mean?  Well, how about a home that is just a five minute walk to American Yacht Harbor, Duffy’s Love Shack,  Molly Malone’s, and the Caribbean Saloon?   Now, a visit to three of my favorite stops in Red Hook will just barely take you through lunch.  You can then walk to Vessip Beach, or the Ritz Carlton beach,  or you can drive your car to Secret Harbor  which is just a short distance away. Secret Harbor is another beach that has a very fun bar that I frequent – Blue Moon.

As part of the two story villa and gorgeous private pool, you have a gourmet kitchen, three elegant bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and don’t forget the views from all the windows.  It can easily sleep six, but we had a total of eight of us without a problem.  One of your days at Harbor House will require you visit Charlotte Amalie‘s duty free shopping  district, and a visit to Havensight – another duty free shopping area of St. Thomas.  You will have every luxury item you can imagine, all within just a few blocks – jewelry, watches, cameras, perfume, silk, and on and on!

As part of the weekly lease package the owner, Captain Mike, will include a private day charter on his 35 foot Maxum  power yacht, and race you over to the BVI for a day of SCUBA diving, snorkeling,  and just non-stop fun in the sun.  You end your day at the island of Jost Van Dyke at my FAVORITE beach, White Bay, and my favorite beach bar – Soggy Dollar Bar.  You can say hello to Mick and enjoy a rum Pain Killer and sit on my favorite sunset beach.  This type of day charter for six people would cost about $1,200.  Your cost is that of a skipper, British custom fees, fuel, and any of your food and drink.  Well, given my experience with the drink costs, they can be high because thirst is a dangerous thing.

Captain Mike will even throw in the use of his 2002 Chevy Blazer as part of the deal, so you don’t even have to rent a car for your week of exploring St. Thomas.  So, what does a luxury rental of Harbor House cost?  It is about $4,500 per week for six people.  Contact me for more information about booking this little piece of Paradise.  I will fill in any of your week’s itinerary if you need some help.  Until next time…your Caribbean lifestyle detective remains on duty.

Timbers Resorts, a leader in the emerging category of luxury, boutique resorts are completing the final work on beautifully restored and reconstructed farmhouse villas on 4,200 acres in the Tuscan region of Italy near Siena.  For those who are wanting to enjoy the Tuscan lifestyle, Castello di Casole  is a five-star luxury resort and residence club.  These villas are being painstakingly restored and reconstructed to their original charm and further enhanced with modern amenities.

The Castello di Casole residences are organized around a series of glass-tiled, infinity-edge pools and hand-set stone patios complete with wood-burning ovens.  Outside and in, one can trace the centuries across the hand-set loggias, terracotta vaulted ceilings and attention to exacting detail which makes each villa an individual expression of art and architecture. The farmhouse villas range from 3 to 5 bedrooms and include a private infinity-edged pool, with 4,000 to 7,000 square feet of living space.  Furnishings are a collection of the finest interior appointments from local artisans and antiques gathered from throughout the region.

Located within easy access to Siena and Florence, this historic estate is also home to the 18th century Castello, opening in spring of 2010 as an intimate 41-suite, plus luxurious penthouse, hotel. Formal and casual dining venues, terraces, pools, artisan shops and a world-class spa and fitness center will be available for an Owner’s enjoyment

Some Of The Features and Benefits: 

• Traditional Tuscan architecture and interiors
• Concierge team
• Airport transfers, private chefs and dining upon request
• Language and cooking classes
• Daily housekeeping
• Pre-arrival Grocery
• Extensive private trail system
• Guided regional day trips
• Grape and Olive harvesting

The pricing for fractional ownership starts at just over $300,000 for a 1/12 deeded interest.  Your fractional purchase entitles you to three planned vacation weeks each year, plus usage as residences are available, and short notice vacation weeks.  There are also whole ownerships available.  Please contact me for further details.  If you have an interest in owning a piece of Tuscany, this is a project you will want to seriously consider.  Until next time…your lifestyle detective is on duty…