Caribbean Islands Realty
Gales, Tales & Rales from 35 years in the Caribbean. Real Estate Agents you will love to write home about!

Archive for the ‘Real Estate’ Category

May
01
    
Filed Under (Beaches, News, Real Estate, Resorts) by Jim Walberg on 01-05-2008

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

Last month Viva Resorts announced the launch of Viva 59-viva-residences-palms-beach1.jpgResidences, 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 59-viva-residences-interior1.jpgscheduled 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 59-viva-residences-pool1.jpgget 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.



Apr
26
    
Filed Under (News, Real Estate, Resorts, fractionals) by Jim Walberg on 26-04-2008

48-waterford-fractional1.jpgIn 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 49-bahama-beach-chair-wind1.jpgmost 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?58-st-john-weston-living-room.jpg

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.54-le-paradise-beach-club-golf1.jpg

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!



Apr
20
    
Filed Under (Good Times, News, Real Estate, Resorts) by Jim Walberg on 20-04-2008

With just over 1,000 members from 60 countries, this is THE organization to find and market your luxury properties!  Jim Walberg and Ann Marie Nugent are members of this select group of professionals

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.)58-luxury-conference-brian.jpg

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 E58-jim-am-del-mar.jpgngland, 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…



Apr
15
    
Filed Under (Beaches, News, Real Estate, fractionals) by Jim Walberg on 15-04-2008

The Westin St. John has announced its newest phase of fractional villas, and the Ritz continues it’s gorgeous expansion, too!58-st-john-weston-bay.jpg

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 58-st-john-weston-living-room.jpgtwo-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 58-st-john-weston-pool.jpgdestinations 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.



Apr
13
    
Filed Under (News, Real Estate, Resorts) by Jim Walberg on 13-04-2008

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!’ 57-belize-reef-photo.jpg(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. 57-belize-dock.jpgWherever 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 57-belize-barrier-reef.jpghas 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…



Apr
06
    
Filed Under (Real Estate, Resorts) by Jim Walberg on 06-04-2008

Remember, Belize is part a vital part of the Caribbean tourist industry, and it is breathtaking!56-1belize-south-beach-logo1.jpg

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.56-tom-mcpeak-123kb1.jpg

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.McPeakHave 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 56-1belize-national-bird.jpgthe 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 56-1belize-pier-and-sunset1.jpgdestinations 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!



Apr
05
    
Filed Under (Real Estate, Resorts, fractionals) by Jim Walberg on 05-04-2008

  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 that54-le-paradise-beach-club-residence1.jpg 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.54-le-paradise-beach-club-golf1.jpg

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.54-los-altos-residence-club-exterior1.jpg

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.



Mar
23
    
Filed Under (News, Real Estate, Resorts, fractionals) by Jim Walberg on 23-03-2008

The Reefs Club is one of the latest fractional 5-star resorts in Bermuda!51-sherman-potvin.jpg

Guest contributor:  Sherman Potvin is recognized throughout the fractional industry as one of the most experienced consultants in the field. He has worked with leading companies such as Intrawest, Four Seasons, and the Ritz Carlton, as well as many individual developers around the world.  Mr. Potvin founded the world’s most respected Website for fractional real estate - Luxury Fractional Guide. And he has recently completed a book designed to aid vacation homeowners in fractionalizing their personal homes. He has served on numerous boards and panels at fractional symposiums throughout North America. Mr. Potvin has been involved with real estate as a broker for more than thirty-five years and, for the past seventeen years, has helped shape the fractional industry and bring it to its accepted prominence today.  Below are a summary of his comments about The Reef’s Club in Bermuda now offering fractional ownership.50-trc-poolrender1.jpg

The challenge with fractional ownership properties in Bermuda are the laws requiring that most of the land needs to be owned by residents of Bermuda. The structure of the purchase of fractional ownership at The Reef’s Club allows a person interested in ownership of a luxury resort residence to circumvent this restriction.  One of the real draws to Bermuda is its location - approximately two hours by plane from most of the East Coast airports to this small island with a “big island” feel. Bermuda is actually a collection of 180 islands linked by bridges and divided into “parishes”. All of the “parishes” enjoy spectacular pink sand, tropical coral reefs, lush vegetation and 80 degree weather most of the year.

The Reef’s Club is a collection of spectacular two and three bedroom residences with nothing but ocean views in front of all of them. The Reef’s Club is designed to combine fractional ownership of new beachfront homes with the Reef Hotel Resort’s world class hospitality. The 50-trc-balconyrender1.jpgamenities are all that you would expect from such an exclusive resort community; infinity pool with pool-side services, fitness center, roof top putting green, and full access to all of the hotel’s factilities - restaurants, tennis courts, and the award winning day spa.Scheduled for a completion in 2009, you are still able to buy at the pre-completion sales prices.  A 1/10th deeded interest starts in the mid-$300,000. Ownership also allows you to exchange your vacation home for other luxurious residences in the Elite Alliance.  This collection of premium residence clubs includes properties in some of the world’s most coveted resort locations; beaches, golf mountains, and European destinations! For more details on fractional ownership at The Reef’s Club, contact me today!  Until next time, your Caribbean lifestyle detective is on duty!



Mar
19
    
Filed Under (News, Real Estate, fractionals) by Jim Walberg on 19-03-2008

50-dr-richard-ragatz1.jpgThe Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco was the host of this years conference ending March 20th.

Ragatz Associates is an international consulting and marketing research firm that serves the worldwide resort industry.  It was founded in the 1974 by Dr. Richard Ragatz which has now conducted over 2,000 studies for resort developments in over 70 countries and across the United States.  The company provides two core services to the resort industry - feasibility analyses for resort projects and market research for the potential resort project.  Ragatz Associates focuses on consumer shared-ownership of the resort industry, which includes fractional interests, private residence clubs, destination clubs, and resort timeshares.50-jim-sherman-v2.jpg

For the past eight years, Dr. Ragatz and his team host the annual conference which further explores the world of fractional ownership of resort properties.  This year’s conference was in San Francisco from March 18th - 20th.  The “whos who” of the resort property world were attending.  It was my pleasure to spend time at the conference and even have the opportunity to interview two of the conference presenters - Sherman Potvin, president of Luxury Fractional Guide, and Bob Waun, the CEO of Vacation Finance.  The conference agenda covered all aspects of the evolving world of fractional ownership for those seeking part 50-jim-bob-v2.jpgtime second homes around the world. A sample of the conference agenda follows;

  • Today’s Affluent Consumer
  • The developers’ view of the upcoming trends - from the Brand developers, Private Residence Club, and Independent fractional ownership developers.
  • Fractionalizing “One-Off” homes - creating a fractional ownership for one residence.
  • The external exchange companies
  • Structuring the most proper offering of the fractional ownership product.
  • The owners benefits and the required ancillary services.
  • Critical legal issues in the fractional ownership industry.
  • Financing fractionals in today’s wild financial market place.

For a copy of Dr. Ragatz 2008 report click here.  I believe the cost for those who did not attend the conference is $175. Please contact me if you like more information about what Fractional Ownership is about, or, if you are a developer, how you can maximize your return by creating a fractional ownership structure for your resort projects.  Until next time…



Mar
13
    
Filed Under (Real Estate, Resorts, fractionals) by Jim Walberg on 13-03-2008

  The fractional ownership trend is finally spreading onto the Cayman Islands!

When most of you think of the Caribbean you forget about the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, and the Turks & Caicos.  Also, many of you still think that the 48-crystal-azure-beach-resort-chairs1.jpgBahamas and Bermuda are part of the Caribbean.  So, for those of you who have not yet experienced the outer islands of the Caribbean, here is some info to peak your interest.  The Cayman Islands consists of three small islands: Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. Cayman Brac can be reached through a weekly one-hour direct flight from Miami or through daily connecting flights from Grand Cayman. Residents enjoy freedom from taxation, a stable democratic government (British Territory), and the highest standard of living in the Caribbean.

Cayman Brac, the middle sized island, is about the same size as Manhattan (12 miles long, 2 miles wide) but the skyline that gives it its name is natural: a sheer rock bluff (”Brac” is Gaelic for bluff) that runs the center of the island and sets it apart from its two low-lying sister isles. The island is home to about 1,800 residents and has a number of caves dotting the island that are rumored to still hold hidden pirate treasure.

It is no secret that Cayman Brac has some of the world’s finest diving and its greatest attraction is its surrounding waters. Virtually every major dive magazine48-waterford-fractional-sea-view1.jpg has ranked the island among the World’s Top Ten Destinations. That’s because just offshore you’ll find more than 100 species of coral, more than 500 kinds of fish and some of the most dramatic and unique geological formations on the planet. Cayman Brac offers some of the best diving in the Caribbean and most sites are just a few minutes boat ride from the resorts.

Crystal Azure Beach Resort is now offering fractional ownership at preconstruction prices. This is an opportunity to purchase an outright share of ownership in one of our luxury, beachfront villas supported by full service amenities and a comprehensive rental management program. This means you can use, rent, lend, trade, will or sell your fractional ownership as you see fit without restriction. The prices for a ¼ ownership start at $110,000US!  There are an additional $260 in monthly maintenance and management fees.48-waterford-fractional1.jpg

The Waterford Private Residence Club is another fractional ownership opportunity on Grand Cayman. It will be a five-star resort and spa. It will contain 50 two- and three-bedroom villas and four estate homes spread over 11 buildings and 10.5 lushly landscaped acres. As a fractional, buyers can purchase a 1/8 share which entitles them to six weeks of usage and additional time based on availability, at no additional cost. The prices for preconstruction start at $297,900US! The Waterford will be completed by May 2010.

All villas and homes will be delivered fully furnished and equipped with designer furniture and top quality appliances. When in residence, owners will have access to a Land Rover, BMW, Mercedes or Audi for their personal use. They’ll also be able to use a Boston Whaler boat, complete with captain. Owners at The Waterford will receive five-star quality care when visiting. From a 24-hour concierge to make golf and dinner reservations to pre-arrival grocery shopping service, every need will be attended to. With two pools, a community Great House with a cigar room, fine dining restaurant and bar, plus a full service spa and health club, it will be the choice of many discerning owners who can’t wait for the a home in Paradise.  I will keep you posted as to how the build out goes for both of these new fractional ownership opportunities that have now come to the Cayman Islands.  Until next time…



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