St. Thomas, USVI is the location, and the former Preserve At Botany Bay is the spot!

Caribbean fractionals  continue to be THE real estate choice of thousands of Caribbean buyers. Last week David Burden – founder and CEO of Timbers Resorts  announced that the ultra-luxury resort located on the western tip of St. Thomas will be managed by the international hospitality management group – Jumeirah Group,  which is a member of Dubai Holding.  This announcement was made at the signing ceremony with Gerald Lawless, Executive Chairman of Jumeirah. ( Remember my past article about the Virgin Islands  fractional market? )

“We selected Jumeirah as the ideal hotel company to partner with at this unprecedented resort on the secluded western tip of St. Thomas,” remarked David Burden. “Based on their internationally renowned hotel experience in luxury service, they will be a perfect match for our discerning owners and resort guests.”

Jumeirah Botany Bay Resort is one of the true world-class luxury resort which includes mash potato sand beaches, private coves to explore, a protected coral reefs and a nature conservancy, ultra-fine dining, a beach club as well as a Talise Wellness spa.

Jumeirah Group will manage the five-star luxury hotel of 84 rooms, spread over nine tropical buildings in a very secluded setting on St. Thomas’ western shores. It is scheduled to open in 2011, the 400-acre resort will also include 30 fractional residences, 30 whole ownership villas and 20 grand estates. These full-service residences will be managed by Jumeirah Living, combining the luxury of a prestige hotel with all the privacy and comforts of your home away from home.

Jumeirah Group is also in the midst of ultra-luxury resort developments in Phuket, Shanghai, Argentina, Mallorca, London, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Jordan, among others.  “We are impressed by Timbers Resorts’ commitment to responsible development and the care with which they intend to develop this protected enclave,” said Gerald Lawless, Executive Chairman of the Jumeirah Group. “With its secluded location in a tropical environment, the Jumeirah Botany Bay Resort will be true to our “STAY DIFFERENT” promise.”

Timbers Resorts is a world class developer that we have enjoyed working with in serving our client’s needs.  The Timbers Collection is a group of small, private, luxury resort properties in the world’s most sought-after ski, golf, beach and scenic countryside locations.  They include One Steamboat Place in Steamboat Springs, Colorado;  Botany Bay Resort on St. Thomas in the USVI;  Castello di Casole in Tuscany, Italy;  The Rocks Luxury Residence Club in Scottsdale, Arizona;  Esperanza Resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico;  The Timbers Club in Snowmass, Colorado;  and there latest is The Orchard at The Carneros Inn in Napa Valley.

For further information regarding Botany Bay Resort, or any other of the Jumeirah and Timbers Collection, contact me today!   We are standing ready to serve any of your luxury real estate needs around the world!   I look forward to speaking with you soon.

In the midst of the biggest financial meltdown since the 1930s some hard questions are being asked of Jim Walberg this week.

My email box  is overflowing and the phone has been ringing off the hook.  The people who have an interest in the Caribbean real estate markets are afraid.  They are asking some very hard questions that need to be immediately addressed by our Federal government as to how a further financial collapse can be averted.  You may recall my past article about the mantra of a sailor as they set off on a voyage – Do Not Be Fearful!   Well, it is a challenge to get to that place when the walls or the U.S. financial structure seem to crumbling down before our very eyes.   There is no getting around the fact it is a historical financial mess.  My focus is to always get to “what is” as fast as possible, and start making lemonade out of the truck load of lemons that has just been dumped on our front porch.

When I want some well thought out ideas on National financial issues I call my Realtor friend in Naples, Florida.  His name is Mike Lissack.  He is one of the smartest financial minds that I know.  He came to real estate from a long and successful career on Wall Street where he was named by Worth Magazine as one of “Wall Street’s 25 Smartest Players”,  and is one of the top 100 Americans who have influenced “how we think about money.”  Before he retired from money management he directed more than $25 billion of investments, supervised their financial reporting, and assisted in the design of their risk management and investment operations.

So, we have been corresponding about the financial meltdown that is surrounding all of us.  He has some pretty interesting ideas as to what he would do if he was in charge of the direction our Nation takes next regarding making sure these events never happen again.  I felt it was important for you to also review what he has been proposing to me.  Here is his latest thoughts given the events of the last few days.  Mike’s view on the financial solutions of our current crisis is we need someone in our government to take proactive action NOW!  Here are some more of his suggestions for your consideration, and those of my Caribbean friends asking some very hard questions:

Now that all of Americans again “own” another financial institution because a bailout was required – AIG, and the Feds have stepped in and are claiming they will finally fix the financial mess that our country finds itself in, there are further urgent steps that are needed now:

1)  Remove the FDIC cap or raise it to $250k  (we do not need any runs on the bank)

2)  Nationalize the rating agencies  — they do not do their assigned task – they rated junk bonds “AAA”, and then their reversals of these ratings led to the present financial meltdown.  Ratings are a utility which needs to be performed by competitive institutions who answer to investors not issuers and NOT bankers.

3)  Establish a “swaps” clearinghouse and prohibit implicit leverage on “swaps” by legislating that no position can be swapped or hedged more than once without a prior trade being offset.

4)  Prohibit “third order and higher” derivatives.  There is an underlying transaction, it spans derivatives.  Then there are derivatives which rearrange the first set of derivatives.  At that point, enough is enough!!!  The system cannot deal adequately with the complexities of continuing to dilute and issue more derivatives using the same bundle of “AAA bonds” that are actually junk.

5)  Write down 90% of current appraised value guarantee on Fannie and Freddie Mortgages.

6)  Announce a national shared equity appreciation fund into which the excess of the 90% of current appraised value loans can be dumped.

This is a summary of his second round of suggestions for me to consider.  His first email addressed the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac mess.  Let me know your thoughts.  Also, if you want to contact him directly, go to www.Lissack.com .  We will always figure out a way to make lemonade out of lemons with this financial mess.  Do you know why?  BECAUSE WE DON’T HAVE A CHOICE!  Until next time…fair winds to you in the midst of a BIG storm!!!

Viscape University has invited renown bloggers Jim Walberg and Jim Cronin as the seminar’s moderators.  Blog = A citizen journalist writing about things they are noticing or personally experiencing and sharing those with the world through the internet.

Viscape  is the world’s first social marketplace to rent or buy vacation properties on-line!  Because it is a social network focused on vacation destinations they also provide a forum for world travelers to share their stories and resources.  One of the services they provide their Internet social marketplace is Viscape University.  This is their education division that focuses on practical topics for world travelers who are interested in rentals and vacation property purchases.  On October 6^th at 9PM EST they are hosting another one hour seminar.  The topic is Blogging and how it can be THE tool one uses to connect to a social network, but specifically how to use it as an additional profitable marketing tool for your business.

Because of the success of CaribbeanIslandsRealty.com, and RealEstateTomato.com’s blog sites,  Viscape has arranged for the owners of these businesses to be the moderators of a one hour teleconference on this topic.  Jim Cronin and I will be the contributors as we share our experience of how blogging can be the most effective tool possible to connect with people who are looking for the services you are providing.

Jim Cronin’s internet site – RealEstateTomato.com, is built to be a “hub” to assist the real estate community to better understand how to embrace blogging as the center of their marketing efforts.  He recently created “Tomoto University”,  An education and training center for bloggers – from novice to those who are at the top of their game want to go even higher.  Jim moved to California in the mid 90′s as the Senior Internet Marketing Consultant for Z57 Inc. from 2000 – 2006.  He then had the idea of creating a method where he could share his incredible strategies regarding blogging as a marketing profit center for real estate businesses, and RealEstateTomato.com was launched.  Jim has helped thousands of Realtors gain a superior Internet presence by using the tool of blogging on their websites.

No matter if you have been checking out my CaribbeanIslandsRealty.com  site for the last two years, or you just found us, we have become the real estate resource center for the Caribbean, with thousands of visitors from 16 different countries around the world using our services.  And, our readership continues to grow daily.  Our blog site has also evolved into being your Caribbean lifestyle information center with ME – for better or worse,  as your on-site detective letting you know about my favorite stuff to do in Paradise.  Not only is CaribbeanIslandsRealty.com a resource center for Caribbean real estate, we also assist those who want to purchase a piece of their Caribbean paradise.  We represent real estate opportunities from Aruba to the British Virgin Islands.

So…if you want to discover the rules and strategies of blogging as a very profitable marketing tool for your business – whether it is for real estate or for any enterprise, check out this FREE teleconference on October 6^th.   RSVP to RSVP@viscape.com  by October 3rd in order to get the call-in information.  Also, you can start posting your questions  that you would like Jim and I to addressing during your time together with us on the teleconference.  Contact me  if you have further questions about this exciting event.  Until next time…I remain your Caribbean lifestyle detective!

Hurricanes Gustaf, Hanna, and Ike are three in a row that have severally impacted the Caribbean and the Turks & Caicos!

Many of you have visited the Turks & Caicos for an unforgettable tropical vacation.  We even represent several luxury resort projects on these beautiful islands – L’Emeraude being one of them on Grand Turks.  The benefit of a hurricane disaster is there is typically time to get your property and yachts ready, or evacuate to “safe ground”,  as opposed to an earthquake where there is no warning.  The challenge in the Caribbean regarding hurricanes is that the only effective way off the islands is by plane.  You can’t drive to “safe ground” in the Caribbean, as you can on the mainland of the U.S.  So, most people can’t leave the islands.  They have to figure out how to weather the storm.  During the past few weeks the three hurricanes have been devastating, with Cuba also being severely impacted.

Here is an update on the impact of Hurricane Ike on the Turks & Caicos.  The winds, rain and the sea surge ( one of the most devastating consequence of a hurricane.),  has damaged or destroyed at least 90% of the homes on Grand Turk according to local journalist Audley Astwood.  He said, “It pretty much looks like an episode of ‘The Twilight Zone’.  It’s like the end of the world.  This is definitely similar to Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, or worse.  It’s going to take years to bring this island back to the way it was.”  The reports for the Turks & Caicos are that over 40% of the island has been flooded.  Many people have decided to sleep in their cars because there homes have no roofs, and there is no electrical power.

Just the week before, Tropical Storm Hanna hovered over the Turks & Caicos for four days of torrential rain and winds.  So, when Ike hit the devastation was massive.  By the time Ike hit the Turks & Caicos it had become a Category 4 storm with winds close to 135mph – an extremely dangerous hurricane!  It moved on to devastate Cuba, and then lost some steam.  But, now it is moving through the Gulf of Mexico and has picked up momentum, and back to a Category 4 hurricane that seems to be headed to Texas.  And, there is another hurricane right behind it!

Please remember that the Caribbean has taken a real beating the past few weeks with the three hurricanes that have already passed over the islands.  The United States is not the only victim of Mother Nature. There has been up to 12 inches of rain just in the last few days on the Turks & Caicos, and imagine that the ocean beside your town rises from nine to 12 feet from it’s normal levels – this is called a “storm surge” after a hurricane, and it is one of the most devastating parts of these types of storms.  If you have friends and family, or just want to assist with the devastation that the Caribbean has endured, make donations to the Red Cross and designate it for relief in the Caribbean.  It is a tragedy that needs to be addressed NOW.  There are other storms coming so it is far from over in 2008.

At a moment such as the Caribbean is facing,  real estate issues are minor topics.  However, there are many people who have an interest in Caribbean real estate who are moving their focus to the Southern Islands, or to places like Belize and the Cayman Islands.  These are areas in the Caribbean that are not generally effected by hurricanes.  If you want more information on the spots in the Caribbean that are generally “hurricane proof” let me know I will send you some great choices.  Until next time…fair winds!!!

This boutique luxury resort on the Placentia Peninsula is a trendsetter when it comes to its “Green Features”!

Palmetto Bay Resort  is one of the leaders of “green” Caribbean developments in Belize.  This boutique luxury resort has integrated into its build features that other developers are watching closely.  Palmetto Bay Resort has carefully considered its impact on the environment from the earliest planning stages of its development. Some of the features they have implemented are:

• Geothermal cooling and heating technology
• Solar power for outside illumination – pathways, water features, landscaping and the beach
• Grey water systems to recycle water
• LED lighting that will reduce energy costs by as much as 80%
• Indigenous species of plants including fruit trees in the landscaping
• Cisterns to catch and store rain water and act as a renewable water supply for the saline pool, water features and landscaping
• Strategically implemented wind power

This gated project has plans for around 120 full-ownership condominiums.  The initial phase that has just been released has 36 whole ownership Caribbean beachfront condo starting in the low $300s US and they are currently the most sought after resort real estate for sale in Belize. It is just a short two-hour flight from Houston or Miami to Belize where there are no restrictions on foreign ownership of property or capital gains tax.  This is a project you may want to put on your list for your piece of Paradise!  They even just announced a fly-in package for people who want to seriously consider this as there next Tropical home.

OK…so how is this for a description of what Palmetto Bay Resort has created?  As you walk into your Caribbean condo you first notice a wrap-around veranda overlooking the turquoise-blue Caribbean Sea.  What I immediately do is dump my watch and find my bathing suit.  The temperature is around 85F degrees with a delightful warm breeze, and I then head to mash-potato coral sand.  Then the stress really starts because a decision needs to made;  sunbathe; snorkel, SCUBA dive; drink…because thirst is a dangerous thing; read; nap; eat; schedule a jungle tour checking out how many Tucans I can spot, and many more choices to consider.  Here is the fun part, I get to do it ALL!  My first task is take out the cold beer in the frig and head to a lounge waiting for me on the beach.  All the rest of the remaining choices will show up in their proper order…which, actually, there is no proper order.  This mind set is the way I get to “Caribbean Time” as fast as possible. 

Here is more good news for those you intrigued about buying real estate in Belize.  Belize has made owning real estate very simple and easy with some of the most advantageous offshore investment legislation in the world. The official language in Belize is English, and the legal system is based on English common law. Belize has no capital gains tax, no inheritance, estate or probate taxes and no restrictions on foreign ownership of property. The ease of air travel to Belize from the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. is effortless compared to many of your choices for other Tropical destinations.

Finally…you will discover a country of diversity!  It has a very wide variety of ethnic backgrounds that live together in a marvelous melting pot, each adding to the cultural color of the next. Belizeans are some of the friendliest people in the world. They are a cross-pollination of cultures – ancient Maya people, Spanish,  British, African roots, Mexican, Chinese, Japanese, Lebanese and Indian influences, AND the official language is still English.  This is one of the special Caribbean destinations that you will want to put on your “must see” list.  Let me now if you want more information about my favorite spots.  Until next time…fair winds!

Casa de Campo Resort is the location of one of best resorts in the Caribbean!

If you have read any of my past postings  about what is happening in the real estate opportunities in the Dominican Republic, you know I am a raving fan!  The DR is not a secret anymore to the world travelers who want an amazing experience of Caribbean culture, luxury resorts, world class golf courses, and GREAT cigars.  The DR is now known for its beautiful beaches and some of the most friendly people welcoming you to their tropical paradise.

“Los Altos”  is a 116 unit ultra-luxury one, two and three bedroom villas and lofts development within Casa de Campo Resort.  They even have a concierge service that takes care of EVERY detail of your Caribbean experience – from booking travel, hotels, transportation, and even grocery shopping so your kitchen is stocked when you arrive. ( Wouldn’t be great if they could rent out this service at our full time homes? )

Here is an example of what is included in the two-bedroom / three-bath / 2,533 sq.ft. lofts:  swimming pool, completely furnished, and even a garage door opener!  This limited edition luxury property is right in the middle of the DR’s best golfing, spa and resort amenities in the Caribbean, and features some over-the-top gardens, and even an optional private pool.  All of the Los Altos villas have breathtaking views of the Dye Fore golf course.  I have heard from many golfers coming off the links that there is not a more beautiful site in golf than to finish a round and watch a Caribbean sunset at the 18^th hole of this course,  which is actually perched at the top of the resort’s highest point!  You will be blown away by this finishing hole.  OK, so what is the price?  How about a fractional ownership price of $200,000, to $795,000 for a full ownership!  WOW!  What an opportunity for a primary home or a part time get-a-way!

AND, Los Altos is located right next to Altos de Chavon, a gorgeous replica of a 16^th century Italian village, with shops, restaurants, and many cultural attractions.  In fact, in the village there is even a 5,000 seat open-air theater!  The concert schedule they are planning is world class!  Casa de Campo Resort has already won the Travel & Leisure Magazine’s   #1 “Family Friendly Resort In The Caribbean!”, plus, the #1 “Golf Course In The Caribbean”!  Casa de Campo Resort is one of the very special Caribbean paradises!  What a place to have your “home away from home”!  Los Altos’ villas and lofts are just a few of over 1,200 private villas at the 7,000 acre resort with outstanding amenities to satisfy clients with the most discriminating tastes.

Owners of Los Altos villas and lofts enjoy ALL of Casa de Campo resort’s amenities and services.  And, there is even MORE!

• Equestrian center!
• Tennis courts!
• Sailing facility!
• World class full service spa!
• Poolside lounges!
• Three championship golf courses; Teeth of the Dog; the Links, and Dye Fore!

And, even MORE!  So, what are you waiting for?  Contact me today  for more information!  The DR has become one of my Top Five favorite Caribbean destinations!  Until next time…your Caribbean lifestyle detective is exhausted from the work required to bring these great opportunities to your favorite Caribbean website.  OK, so I am just kidding!  This “old dog” is having the time of his life!

“The Waterford” on Grand Cayman is setting a new standard of excellence with Caribbean fractional ownership!

You know that I am not only a fan of fractional ownership in the Caribbean, it has been the hottest real estate purchase options for the past year.  I have let you know about the opportunities in the Cayman Islands in the past, but what is unfolding at The Waterford on Grand Cayman continues to evolve into one of the top luxury properties in paradise.  Grand Cayman is the ultra-chic island in the Caymans.  It has the international shopping, high end nightlife, along with the traditional Cayman-style homes and a rich Caribbean history.  George Town is the on Grand Cayman and it is the capital of the Cayman Islands.  George Town is also the fifth largest financial center in the world!

Grand Cayman real estate is some of the most valuable and prestigious you can find in the tropics.  The Waterford Private Residence Club is Grand Cayman’s newest oceanfront luxury resort at Safe Haven overlooking the islands North Sound with breathtaking views of Rum Point.  The Waterford is offering purchasers of an oceanfront villa for $1,700,000US – pre-construction!  They are also offering 1/8 fractional ownerships starting at $329,000US – pre-construction!  The end result will be one of the most amazing turn key, fully furnished, luxury residence in the Caribbean!

You will not believe luxurious amenities that are included for you and your guests.  Here are a few of them so your imagination can run wild for a moment or two:

• Use of a car during your stay – Land Rover, Mercedes, Audi or BMW
• Boat privileges – a Boston Whaler complete with your very own captain!
• Private jet services are available for booking a direct flight to Grand Cayman!
• Golf and tennis club membership!
• The Waterford Spa – a 5,000 sq. ft. full service spa and fitness center!
• Two sprawling crystal blue pools right along the sandy beach front!
• The Waterford Cigar Room – one of my favorites!
• An unmatched 24 hour concierge, maid and valet services.
• How about a pre-arrival grocery shopping service? Your kitchen will be stocked!

Are you getting the picture?  The Waterford is creating an unforgettable experience for each of their owners.  From the moment you arrive until the moment you depart, you will experience the most pampered lifestyle I have ever seen,  right in the heart of paradise – the Caribbean!  Your staff of professionals are on-call every day to make sure that ALL of your needs are met!  An added feature is that The Waterford staff speaks English, Spanish, French and Italian.

With its prime location on Grand Cayman, The Waterford provides its owners the ultimate Cayman Islands real estate opportunity by combining the advantages of ownership with five-star amenities and luxury resort services.  All of the residences have breathtaking oceanfront views, elegant furnishings, and luxury amenities and services beyond any of your expectations!  If you have ever dreamed of owning your own luxurious vacation villa in the Caribbean then you may want to seriously consider The Waterford Private Residence Club on Grand Cayman.  Contact me TODAY for the next steps to take in order to find out how easy it is to secure your spot in paradise.  Until next time…your Caribbean lifestyle detective remains on duty!

From:  United States Virgin Islands Governor John deJongh, Jr.      Date:   July 9, 2008

I sent a correspondence to Gov. John deJongh, Jr. a week or so ago and asked for his input as to what his administration is doing to address the challenges of several airlines cutting back their flights to the Caribbean by 40% when tourist visits to the Caribbean have set new records last year – 15 million.  I first met Gov. deJongh at the 2007 Virgin Island Charter League Boat Show in St. Thomas where he was a featured speaker addressing the economic health of the Caribbean.  Here is his letter in response to my correspondence last week.  I sincerely thank Gov. deJongh for his, and his administration’s proactive actions in creating a dynamic economy for the USVI focused on the tourist industry who loves visiting Paradise.

Dear Mr. Walberg, 

Thank you for taking the time to share your views on what is a very important issue. As you rightfully mention, tourism numbers have been steady, in fact they have been increasing, while flight service from two major airlines serving the Territory has been cut. My Administration, in cooperation with the Department of Tourism and the Virgin Islands Port Authority, has been targeting markets worldwide with special packages and incentives to attract new and returning travelers to the Territory; this includes European and other international markets. European travelers, in particular, are encouraged to travel to “America’s Caribbean” as they are able to enjoy a favorable return on the exchange rate. Keeping this in mind, we are also working diligently with other Caribbean nations through the Caribbean Tourism Organization and the Caribbean Hotel Association to forge the relationships that enable our placement as a favored Caribbean destination location for travelers from the mainland United States and globally.

Additionally, our collaborative efforts have recently made possible the increased flight service of other, low cost airlines to the region. This added service will allow visitors’ increased flexibility in their travel plans and highlights the continued commitment of the Department of Tourism and the Virgin Islands Port Authority in working cooperatively to offer incentives for travelers to the Territory.  

Also, thank you for attaching the January 7, 2008 correspondence from Ms. Shelly Tucker, VICL Secretary.  (This was a letter addressing the “six-pack” law which is negatively impacting the charter boat industry and the tourist dollars that the USVI lose because of this outdated law.)  Unfortunately, I had not previously received this letter which responded to my December 2007 correspondence.  I have forwarded this letter to the Commissioner of Tourism for her analysis and our later discussion on execution.  Needless to say, the charter yacht industry is a key component in our package of offerings and its protection and growth is a central focus of my Administration.

Thank you once again for providing your views and for your efforts to raise awareness on these important issues.

Sincerely,
John P. de Jongh, Jr.,
Governor – United States Virgin Islands

I welcome your comments on Gov. deJongh, Jr.’s remarks.  I will pass them on to the Governor’s office.  Until next time…your Caribbean life-style detective continues to be on-duty.

Even though The Bahamas are not the Caribbean, most people still think they are! And…they are one of the easiest islands to get to from the U.S.

You remember one of my last articles about The Bahamas and how they are rated one of the Top Five islands in Paradise. Well, the outer island of Exuma in The Bahamas may be the top pick to check out for fractional ownership today. One of my latest articles was about the challenge that will show up in September to travel to the Caribbean because of the cut backs of American and Continental Airlines. Well, The Bahamas, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Belize, and The Turks & Caicos will not be affected by these flight cutbacks because of all the direct flights from the U.S., Canada, and Europe that don’t go through San Juan, Puerto Rico. Plus, the ownership of property is even more advantageous because of the favorable tax haven of these islands nations.

The reason why I am featuring the island of Exuma as an option for fractional ownership is because of what is being offered at the February Point Resort. They have fractional ownership opportunities starting at $350,000 and up for a month or more of a second home in Paradise. The specific aspect of February Point that I want you to know about is the fractional ownership opportunities in BIG villas; 4-bedrooms; 4-baths; 3,400 sq.ft. with air conditioning; 2,100+ of verandas around the villa; an infinity pool; and, 360 degree views of The Bahamas. Plus, the villa has a dock on the azure blue water! Are you ready for this? It also includes an SUV; a 26 foot power boat; a BIG golf cart; membership in The Club at Emerald Bay which includes the use of a Greg Norman designed oceanfront golf course; and you can have access to over 150 properties all over the world to visit through the Resort To Resort membership!

And…there are still a few aspects of fractional ownership to pay attention to. The fractional model at February Point is designed to have each owner purchase specific sections of the year. The first one in gets the prime times. So, if you own a piece of February and you want to visit in August you will need to work that out with your other owners or the management company. Also, how do you manage your personal possessions that you want to enjoy when you are at your fractional ownership villa? There are storage facilities available, and the management company unpacks your stuff before you arrive. But, you only have a limited amount of “stuff” to pack into your storage space, so you definitely know your piece of Paradise is not just yours.

What do I know? But, I believe that there is still an upside appreciation waiting for those that jump into the fractional ownership opportunities at February Point! Great Exuma is linked by a narrow bridge to Little Exuma, which used to be a “Caribbean” backwater. Today it still has fewer than 4,000 inhabitants, but all that is changing. 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. Until next time…your Caribbean detective remains on duty!

The impact of American and Continental cutting back their flights to San Juan, Puerto Rico in September is already causing ripples all over the Caribbean!

My last posting addressed the impact that the American and Continental Airlines 40% cutbacks in flights to San Juan, Pureto Rico – the gateway to the Caribbean Islands!  Well, I have received feedback from the USVI Hotel Association, the Virgin Island Charter League, and several BIG developers – all of whom are VERY concerned about what is unfolding with transportation to the Caribbean.

The USVI Hotel Association has formed an Airlines Task Force this week to create ideas that can address the loss of the flights by American and Continental.  One of the radical suggestions I am making is to have Southwest  Airlines be considered to take over the abandoned flights to San Juan.  Southwest Airlines made a brilliant move several years ago that was almost laughed at by other airlines when they purchase oil futures at somewhere around $50 a barrel.  They are flying with fuel at a price that is almost three times less than other airlines.  You will also note that Southwest has not created a per baggage charge for bags that are checked.  Let’s have the brilliance of Southwest benefit by having them fly the record numbers of tourists who want to visit the Caribbean.

The charter yacht industry is moving into two separate camps at the moment – those who are going to wait and see how the transportation issue of getting people to the Caribbean is solved, and those who have put their charter yachts up for sale because they don’t believe that they will be able to continue a profitable business with the various factors impacting the Caribbean charter businesses – fuel costs and less flights to the Caribbean.

Some of the developers have been ambushed with this latest development of how do willing buyers of both whole ownership and fractional ownership get to the Caribbean.  Many of them have either land banked a significant amount of Caribbean real estate, or they have already broken ground and committed millions of dollars to build out the luxury resorts that have been approved for years.  There is a significant amount of concern by the Caribbean developers – cost of material caused by increased shipping costs, fuel costs for their equipment and vehicles, and increased costs of the land in the prime tourist areas they believe will be the next “it” spot in the Caribbean.

Again, there are island nations that are going to benefit from this upcoming “hurricane” because they are not relying on San Juan as their hub of getting people to their destinations.  Turks & Caicos, Belize, Cayman Islands, Bermuda, and The Bahamas have direct flights from many U.S. cities.  As the next few months unfold we may even see a new airline hub for the Caribbean evolve.  How about Miami, Dallas, Atlanta, New York, and Chicago – just a few that come to mind.  I promise you that the BIG interest in Caribbean real estate will cause solutions to be discovered!

We have more inquiries out to several of the government leaders in the Caribbean to get their input.  As soon as I receive their suggestions I will forward them to you for your input.  I am still looking at the glass half full, so let’s focus on this as a time of opportunity.  Change is not easy, but I believe we have entered into a significant era requiring change – in many aspects of our lives.  I welcome your opinions as to what is going on regarding access to the Caribbean.  Until next time….