You know that I am a fan of fractional ownership as a way to own your piece of Paradise in the Caribbean.  The large majority of property purchased in the Caribbean is accomplished with fractional ownership.  Bargains abound from Aruba to the Dominican Republic in the world of fractional condos and villas.  For the past two years I have personally witnessed the newest Caribbean resort’s development and construction, and it is now having it’s coming out party this month – Scrub Island Resort, the first resort to open in the BVI in 15 years!  This tropical paradise is on 230 acres on an unspoiled paradise. Read the rest of this entry »

During our work the past years in serving Buyers interested in owning a Caribbean fractional  as their way of owning a piece of Paradise, Marriott International  has been a major player.  They recently announced that they are closing down their development of Caribbean fractionals and residence-club products.  Their decision to pull back from this very attractive real estate product is not a surprise.  All of Marriott International’s fractional, residence club and time-share business earned only $632 million in the first six months of 2009, compared to $863 million in the same period last year for the same division of the company.  

The other two major players in this division of worldwide real estate product, Wyndham Worldwide Corporation  and Starwood Hotes & Resorts Worldwide, are now being watched to see if they will scale back their Caribbean fractional projects because of falling sales and the loan products drying up for this type real estate.  ( You may recall from earlier articles that almost half of the fractionals purchased in the Caribbean were all-cash purchases.)  I do expect announcements soon from Wyndham and Starwood. Read the rest of this entry »

Fractional ownership of property in the Caribbean is the most popular method of owning your piece of Paradise – from Aruba to the Mayan Riviera  in Mexico.  A new fractional opportunity in the Dominican Republic has just been announced.

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. Read the rest of this entry »

Kids and the Caribbean are quite a pair!

The Caribbean is not just a place for adults to vacation and play.

Your kids are completely aware of the Caribbean.  Ask them if they have watched the movie Pirates Of The Caribbean .  I know many of you have never been to the Caribbean.  Your kids are now asking that you take them there for your next vacation.  I have done my homework, so here are some suggested Caribbean destinations for your first or next visit: Read the rest of this entry »

Yes, you can enjoy Jim Walberg’s Caribbean Paradise without owning a Fractional deeded ownership,  home, townhome, or villa.  Your alternative is a luxury Caribbean rental.

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. Read the rest of this entry »

Ten romantic spots in the Caribbean not to miss – from a $2,000 a day luxury resort,  to a $10 Pain Killer rum drink on the most beautiful sunset beach in the Caribbean.

So, my wife, and fellow world adventurer and I sat down today and said, “Why don’t we share with our friends our Top Ten Romantic spots in the Caribbean?”  I have been remiss in not telling you know about these ten jewels that are our favorite romantic spots to hangout at.  They range in price from a $2,000 a day to just the cost of a Pain Killer rum drink for $10 each.  Here goes; Read the rest of this entry »

The St. Thomas Ritz-Carlton just completed the entire re-design of 81 of their 105 two and three bedroom two residences!

As you may recall, the Ritz at Red Hook, St. Thomas is one of my favorite elegant places to stay in the Virgin Islands.  This particular Ritz-Carlton was the beta test site for the Deeded Fractional Ownership  concept for the Marriott Corporation  over ten years ago.  The outstanding results created at this Ritz-Carlton with the sellout of their initial fractional ownership opportunities launched the development of deeded fractional ownership within the Ritz organization worldwide.  They have now expanded luxury villas at their Red Hook, St. Thomas location as part of their deeded fractional ownership product.  Their success with this concept has now swept over the entire Caribbean. Read the rest of this entry »

Another of Jim Walberg’s (YouTube)  picks for pure luxury in the Caribbean is the Cayman Islands and the Wyndham Grand Bay Waterford!  This Residence Club resort was just added to The Registry Collection!!!

There are a couple of other parts of the Caribbean that are missed with those who want a piece of Paradise.  One of those special places is the Cayman Islands.  The Wyndham Grand Bay Waterford  is one of my favorite luxurious choices that you can find in the Caribbean.  The Cayman Islands are not noted for the sailing experience that I love, however if you love mash potato coral sand beaches and breathtaking SCUBA diving these are the islands for you. Read the rest of this entry »

The Adventuras Club is a new luxury condominium resort built at the private seaside resort community of Puerto Adventuras in the Riviera Maya of Mexico!

Yes, the Caribbean real estate community includes the Riviera Maya  on the cost of Mexico from Cancun to Belize.  I first discovered this part of the Caribbean in 1995 and even had the opportunity to purchase an acre beach front lot with a new Spanish style home for $120,000.  There was no financing available at that time I didn’t have the cash.  I missed one of the best real estate opportunities in purchasing that Caribbean home. Read the rest of this entry »

Buying your second or third homes are not just happening in the Caribbean.  We have now discovered that many of our clients are buying in Italy, too.

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 Read the rest of this entry »