Luxury Real Estate

By: Jim Walberg of Caribbean Islands Realty

One of the truths about real estate is that all real estate is local. The world news continues to report each day the demise of real estate because of the world’s credit meltdown, however there are always real estate locations that are still thriving. The Caribbean fractionals are one of those locations.

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!