Unique Places October/November 2007



The Caymans Are Calling

For those searching for paradise, the Caribbean always has been an attractive option. With many islands from which to choose, the search could prove daunting. But now, many more are lured to the sandy white beaches and crystal azure waters of the Cayman Islands. As one of the top destinations for scuba diving and snorkeling, the Cayman Islands truly are a vision of perfection.

Since Hurricane Ivan in 2004, the Cayman Islands have been substantially rebuilt. "This coming season will be the one we are back to normal. We don't have to wait any longer," says J.C. Calhoun, broker/owner of Coldwell Banker Cayman Islands Realty. For buyers ready to invest, the Cayman Islands are appealing in a variety of ways. Simple features such as calm waters and a safe locale are an initial allure, but buyers are attracted also to the idea of not paying property or income taxes.

The Cayman Islands offer a variety of high-end residences-one in particular is The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. Currently called "the best of all the Ritz's," says Calhoun, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman is on Seven Mile Beach. Residences at The Ritz now begin at $2.9 million and go as high as an extravagant $44 million. A three-bedroom beachfront condo for $7.45 million affords stunning sunset views.
-Alison DiPaolo

GOING GLOBAL

The Oceano Luxury Seaside Village is bringing a new standard of luxury to the island of Roatan in the Honduras' Bay Islands. Complete with features such as a marina, dive center and tennis courts, this community is stepping up to compete with other prominent island communities.

Oceano is also stepping up to current trends of "going green," creating an environmentally conscious community without sacrificing luxury. "What we're striving for is to minimize the collective footprint," Project Director Andy Harris says. This will be done by minimizing energy and water consumption and managing waste.

The conservation of energy also encourages an active, healthy lifestyle. The village is designed to promote walking, instead of driving, to the stores, restaurants, beach and 12,000-square-foot spa and gym area. "Feeling well is a physical thing as well as the environment people are living in," Harris says.

Prices start at $189,900 for a beachfront studio condominium and $600,000 for an oceanfront private residence, including furniture and landscaping. Occupancy is expected to begin in summer 2008.
-Lisa Berry

 

 

 

 

FABULOUS FINDS

Two new communities are continuing the trend of bringing the elite to the prestigious Florida Keys. The Marlin Bay Yacht Club is revitalizing the city of Marathon with its exclusive 84-home community. It's a "playground for the elite," Project Manager Thad Rutherford says. "The guys have their boats...and we have the clubhouse and pools for the families. There's something for everybody."

The detached, single-family homes are protected under a condominium association, allowing stress-free ownership for buyers purchasing a vacation home.

Another up-and-coming Florida Keys community, The Shore at Islamorada, has been chosen as the site of the 2008 HGTV Dream Home. Only one home a year from across the globe is given this honor.

The Shore at Islamorada consists of only eight homes, including the HGTV Dream Home. Each home is named after a prominent Islamorada pioneer, complementing an overall "Old Florida" feel in what Developer Ned Johnson says is the sport fishing capital of the world.

"I just kind of wanted to bring back the historical aspect of Islamorada," Johnson says. "We're selling a piece of history."
-Lisa Berry