Luxury Real Estate

By Jim Walberg
From his blog: Caribbean Fractionals Expanding To Botany Bay Resort!

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 resorts which include mashed-potato sand beaches, private coves to explore, 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. 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.


Editor’s Note:
Jim Walberg is the co-Broker/Owner of The Bay Area Team, the most-successful team at Keller Williams Realty-Danville. He is also a member of the global Luxury Real Estate network. Jim is an exceptional blogger, as you can see by visiting his blogs, East Bay Real Estate and Caribbean Islands Realty, and reading his great blog entries like the one above. He is the master of fractionals and other luxury homes in the Bay Area and the Caribbean, and he always has a lot of great opportunities to share. Hmm… Botany Bay. You know what that reminds me of? Call me crazy, but Botany Bay brings to mind Khan Noonien Singh, the famous villain in one of my favorite films of all time, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. As Khan would say: Ah, Jim Walberg… my old friend. Do you know the proverb that says vacations are a dish best served warm? It is very warm and pleasant… in the Caribbean! Feel free to nerd out in the Comments section if you know what I’m talking about.

By Jim Walberg
From his blog: Los Altos - Dominican Republic’s Ultra Luxury Fractional Resort!

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

If you have read any of my past postings about what is happening in the luxury 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 Dominican Republic is now known for its beautiful beaches and some of the friendliest 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-square-foot lofts: swimming pool, complete furnishings, 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 sight in golf than to finish a round and watch a Caribbean sunset at the 18th 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 getaway!

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 discerning tastes.

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

- Equestrian center!
- Tennis courts!
- Sailing facility!
- 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!


Editor’s Note:
Jim Walberg is the co-Broker/Owner of The Bay Area Team, the most-successful team at Keller Williams Realty-Danville. He is also a member of the global LuxuryRealEstate.com network. Jim is an exceptional blogger, as you can see by visiting his blogs, East Bay Real Estate and Caribbean Islands Realty, and reading his great blog entries like the one above. He is the master of fractionals and other luxury homes in the Bay Area and the Caribbean, and he always has a lot of great opportunities to share. Don’t you love Jim’s blog entries? I sure do. They’re always so long and cheerful. Jim also has wonderful desires to serve others. By the way, there are a lot of exclamation points in this blog entry!

By Jim Walberg
From his blog: Cayman Islands Fractionals Are Some Of The BEST In The World!

“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 luxury 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 $1,700,000 US – pre-construction! They are also offering 1/8 fractional ownerships starting at $329,000 US – re-construction! The end result will be one of the most amazing turnkey, fully furnished, luxury properties in the Caribbean!

You will not believe all the luxurious amenities that are available 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 square-foot, full-service spa and fitness center!
- Two sprawling crystal blue pools right along the sandy beachfront!
- 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 is 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!


Editor’s Note:
Jim Walberg is the co-Broker/Owner of The Bay Area Team, the most-successful team at Keller Williams Realty-Danville. He is also a member of the global LuxuryRealEstate.com network. Jim is an exceptional blogger, as you can see by visiting his blog, Caribbean Islands Realty and reading great blog entries like the one above. He is the master of fractionals and other luxury homes in the Caribbean, and he always has a lot of great opportunities to share. Excellent!

By Jean-Yves Piton

While luxury properties are part of the conspicuous consumption group, unlike several other goods, their proposed premium prices are not a function of the premium brands they are attached to. Instead, factors such as location, amenities, space, architecture and historical value justify their premium prices around the world.

So, what type of luxury homes would you acquire in major metropolitan cites worldwide for $1 million USD in 2008?

According to “What $1 Million Buys in Homes Worldwide” by Matt Woosley, Friday, January 11, 2008, provided by Forbes.com, in New York, you can expect a 647-square-foot Turtle Bay condo with 45-square-foot balcony, white oak floors, and 11-and-a-half-foot ceilings. In London, you can purchase a one-bedroom, one-bathroom flat in Primrose Gardens. In Hong Kong, you can acquire a three-bedroom, 825-square-foot apartment in a high-rise between the residential areas of Aberdeen and Pokfulam.

While $1 million USD grants an invitation to the millionaire's club, it clearly does not buy the most spacious and astonishing luxury property in most top metropolitan cities worldwide in 2008. Based on the figures discussed earlier, such properties might just work as a pied-a-terre during a business trip or a short vacation.



This also explains why more buyers are currently opting for luxury fractional ownership, the trend ahead. This being said, keep in mind that this rapidly increasing trend applies to everything luxury in 2008 (from designer handbags to the finest properties).

So, how do you market a luxury fractional property? Evidently, it is easy to assume the same way you would promote a luxurious property. Partly due to the traditional premium variables like location, amenities, space, architecture and historical value. Also, though a fractional ownership, you could insist on the long-term investment, just as for any other luxurious property.

Nevertheless, there is another element, which must not be omitted to successfully advertise a luxury fractional property. That is promoting the dream to potential buyers and investors. There must be a fine balance of both emotional and rational communications to connect potential buyers to the properties through careful advertising. Where the rational communication focuses on owning a luxurious property (one of a kind), promoting the dream (the emotional communication) helps foster a sense of emotional connection (a state of being and/or sense of being).


Editor’s Note:
Jean-Yves Piton is the Global Services Membership Manager for LuxuryRealEstate.com. He assists Bente Madtsen, the Director of Global Services, in expanding the LuxuryRealEstate.com brand into even more countries around the world. Fractional ownership is a great tool for vacationers and other people looking for flexibility and great investment opportunities. I actually wrote an editorial on Private Residence Clubs, also known as fractionals, in the spring 2008 issue of LuxuryRealEstate.com Magazine. Check it out! The photos of the front and back of the “$1 million” bill are the copyright of Simon Davison.

By Jim Walberg

From his blog: The Bahama Fractionals Are Still One Of The Top Five Hot Spots In Paradise!

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 cutbacks 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 square feet with air conditioning; 2,100+ square feet 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 the 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!


Editor’s Note:
Jim Walberg is the co-Broker/Owner of The Bay Area Team, the most-successful team at Keller Williams Realty-Danville. He is also a member of the global LuxuryRealEstate.com network. Jim is an exceptional blogger, as you can see by visiting his blog, Caribbean Islands Realty and reading great blog entries like the one above. Jim’s contributions to the Luxury Real Estate Blog are simply amazing and we are always happy to hear his expert insights. Feel free to submit your blog entries and comments to the Luxury Real Estate Blog.

By Jim Walberg

From his blog: Tierra del Sol Expands Aruba’s Fractionals In The Caribbean Real Estate World!

NEWS FLASH: The most beautifully planned development in Aruba is about to offer fractionals!

Tierra del Sol – the only planned community in the Caribbean, with the Trent Jones champion golf course – is launching a fractional project to go along with their beautiful development that includes homes, villas, condominiums, golf, spa & fitness, fine dining and much more. At the northwest tip of Aruba, has emerged a gorgeous 600-acre community offering a lifestyle to satisfy even the most discriminating of owners and world travelers. With today’s planned lifestyle, Tierra del Sol gives you the opportunity to purchase the home of your dreams just a chip shot away from the green, even if you are not an avid golfer.

This private community offers a remarkable experience within a meticulously planned and highly acclaimed environment. Homeowners and vacationers experience world-class amenities, including fine and casual dining, a full-service spa, fitness and full-care beauty salon, lighted tennis complex and unlimited greens at a championship golf course, displaying its own challenging version of Robert Trent Jones II – the only professional golf course on Aruba.

The tranquil setting provides a gracious lifestyle amid some of the most beautiful views of the Caribbean. Custom homes, villas, casitas and home sites accommodate a wide variety of expectations for your personal lifestyle. Homes at Tierra del Sol incorporate distinctive design features, tailored to the desert surroundings and complementing the natural beauty of the landscape, creating an inspiring and peaceful environment within this beautiful private community.

Body & Soul is a sanctuary amidst the finest displays of nature. Nourish your body, revitalize your mind and enhance your well being with a journey to vitality. Pamper yourself from head to toe. Their spa treatments are designed to ease tension and restore balance to your body and spirit. The spa’s professional staff offers a variety of therapies, including massages, body wraps, skin and body treatments, aromatherapies, hydrotherapy, manicure and pedicure and a newly opened full-service hair salon.

As you know, each time I get off a plane in the Caribbean, no matter what island it is, the words that go through my brain are, “Welcome Home!” That is the experience you will have when you arrive at Tierra del Sol. For more information about pricing, contact me! Until next time…fair winds.


Editor’s Note:
Jim Walberg is the co-Broker/Owner of The Bay Area Team, the most-successful team at Keller Williams Realty-Danville. He is also a member of the global LuxuryRealEstate.com network. Jim is an experienced blogger, as you can see by visiting his blog, Caribbean Islands Realty. Feel free to submit your blog entries and comments to the LuxuryRealEstate.com Blog.

By Jim Walberg

From his blog: Caribbean Islands Real Estate Developments Continues to Focus on Belize!

The Placencia Peninsula, an 11-mile strip of land sandwiched between the Caribbean Sea and the Placencia Lagoon in Belize, has beautiful white sandy beaches and – because of its distance from the reef – it also has “real” surf. The water is clean and clear; the trade winds gentle and cooling.

Remember that Belize has a stirring and lively history beginning in 200 B.C. with the ancient Mayans. In the 17th century Spain settled the country. It then survived war, piracy and slavery until being declared a British colony – British Honduras – in 1871. It gained self-government in 1964, chose the name Belize in 1973 and became an independent member of the British Commonwealth in 1981.

The beaches along the Placencia Peninsula are dotted with small resorts that can easily arrange dive and snorkel trips to the reef, which is about 17 miles away. They can also arrange day trips to many small, idyllic cayes, such as Laughing Bird Caye, a mini-atoll that offers protected snorkeling and swimming, a white sand beach and many cooling palm trees (it even has hammocks!) Laughing Bird Caye is also a favorite camping site for reek kayakers who base their expeditions in Placencia. A hotel can also arrange deep-sea or reef fishing trips, or day sailing on a 57-foot catamaran.

Placencia, along with Ambergris Caye, are now two of the country’s main tourist destinations, and they are also well-visited by Belizeans from across the country on local holidays. You can get a delicious plate heaped with stewed chicken, rice and beans for about $4 USD. There are also several small gift shops, a post office and some night life. Nearby Mango Creek/Independence Village also has a disco and weekend activities.

Another new resort is planned for Belize – The Palmetto Bay Resort at Maya Beach being developed by Dave Bowman and his exceptional team. It is located on Placencia Peninsula it will offer beachfront real estate and Four-Star amenities and will be the first development in the Caribbean designed “green” from inception to completion.

The first phase of the gated resort, which is currently under construction, will be comprised of 36 whole-ownership, luxury beachfront condominiums ranging from approximately 1,100 to 4,500 square feet, each with open views of the Caribbean. (In a perfect world, I would be talking with Dave about offering some of their units as fractionals.) Prices will start in the low $300,000s. The turnkey one- two- and three-bedroom residences are spread through two low-rise buildings. Designer Julieanne Dobson also worked on Francis Ford Coppola’s Turtle Inn in Belize. He is creating the interiors using warm woods and natural stone, vibrant contemporary textiles, and niche-lit Mayan and African-inspired art.

Ownership at Palmetto Bay Resort will include access to fitness facilities, conference rooms with wireless Internet; 24-hour reception and security; fully equipped luxury kitchens with gourmet utensils and stainless steel appliances; balcony barbecues; and lush, mature landscaping with use of indigenous fruit trees and plants. The property will feature a 300-foot oceanfront infinity pool, a 400-foot private beach, beach boardwalk, and private dock.

We have been telling you about Belize and the many awesome opportunities for second and third home ownership for months! It is now time to act. Let me know if you are ready!


Editor’s Note:
Jim Walberg is the co-Broker/Owner of The Bay Area Team, the most-successful team at Keller Williams Realty-Danville. He is also a member of the global LuxuryRealEstate.com network. Jim is an experienced blogger, as you can see by visiting his blog, Caribbean Islands Realty. We welcome your blog entries and comments in the LuxuryRealEstate.com Blog.