Miramar is luxurious mansion in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, in a private estate located in the most extraordinary seafront setting perched on a bluff overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
The estate is custom designed to integrate comfort and elegance, with coral columns and marble flooring throughout. The impressive great room features a lavish living room, gourmet kitchen, formal bar and dining areas.
The property, listed for $8.9 million by Amy Land-de Wilde of Coldwell Banker St. Croix Realty, also includes a studio apartment, 1-car garage and a 2-car garage. A luxurious seaside mansion.
Replay Destinations, a fully integrated destination development company, has appointed Studio Piet Boon, an internationally renowned design studio, as lead designer for Half Moon Bay Antigua, the first new resort and real estate development of its kind in the Caribbean.
Acclaimed for award-winning luxury hotel and residential projects in Europe and the United States, the Amsterdam-based firm will lead the overall architectural and interior vision for the new Rosewood Half Moon Bay, set to take shape on 132 pristine acres surrounding one of the world’s most celebrated beaches. In collaboration with preeminent Caribbean architecture firm, OBMI which is handling architecture for the Rosewood Half Moon Bay, Studio Piet Boon will introduce a new understated contemporary design by layering the sensibilities of traditional Caribbean architecture with a modern and distinctly environmental aesthetic.
Established in 1983 by Dutch designer Piet Boon, the company’s distinctive design sensibility has also extended into custom furnishings, fixtures and many other interior related products.
Conceived and orchestrated by a masterful team of designers and rooted in Caribbean history, Half Moon Bay Antigua will redefine the Caribbean paradigm by introducing a new level of ultra-luxury that will resonate with our discerning international clientele.
Set to open in 2021, Rosewood Half Moon Bay will feature 47 pavilion-style suites, including a three-bedroom presidential suite, and will be flanked by a collection of Rosewood Residences, each thoughtfully designed and architecturally stunning showcasing captivating views.
Amenities will cater to the desires of today’s global explorer, with unobstructed ocean views, private infinity plunge pools, hammocks, open-air baths and shower gardens with live orchid walls that blur the boundaries between indoors and outdoors. Studio Piet Boon will employ a natural design palate that will flow seamlessly from the resort to the residences connecting each experience to one another and to nature.
Half Moon Bay presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create something enduring, and I am honored to help shape the future of this magnificent place. It is an inspiring landscape that truly embodies all that is beautiful in the West Indies, from the crescent-shaped white sand beach and lush tropical plant life to the rocky bluffs and panoramic views. All of these natural elements allow us to provide experiences at Half Moon Bay Antigua that capture the island’s redefined effortless luxury as well as evoke a sense of timeless elegance.
Half Moon Bay Antigua is currently comprised of 10 of the rarest and most exclusive land parcels available for sale in the Caribbean. With prices ranging from $10 million to $25 million, the 10 premier estate lots will afford a limited number of buyers the opportunity to customize a showcase home set just steps from the beach or perched on a seaside cliff.
The crown jewel of the estate lots is the Mellon Estate, a three-acre parcel situated on a dramatic bluff overlooking the turquoise water below, formerly owned by philanthropist Rachel “Bunny” Lambert Mellon. Owners and resort guests will have exclusive access to the finest services and amenities, such as an on-site biodynamic farm, an iconic cliffside cocktail lounge and a Rosewood Spa, all just steps from one of the world’s most exquisite beaches.
The site of the new Half Moon Bay Antigua development was previously home to Half Moon Bay Resort, one of the finest hotels ever built on Antigua back in the 1950s. The resort was frequented by notable names like Audrey Hepburn and Elton John, helping to establish Half Moon Bay as a global celebrity hot spot. With 3,200 feet of coral sand, Half Moon Bay Antigua is internationally lauded as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, offering an unparalleled setting for what will be the most sought-after resort and residential community in the Caribbean.
Photos courtesy of Half Moon Bay Antigua.
Whether you choose to discover the surrounding Caribbean culture, observe the exotic wildlife, visit one of the many new restaurants, or experience all three, it’s evident that Belize should be on your itinerary for 2019.
While Belize was once a best-kept secret among travelers, it has quickly become one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean as tourism arrivals continue to skyrocket. During the first half of 2018, Belize registered a 17.1-percent increase in overnight arrivals, according to Ambergris Today. In the past three years, Belize has also added eight new flights and five major airlines servicing the country.
Harvest Caye unveiled its newly built, multi-million-dollar pier in 2017, allowing the country to receive large passenger vessels and cruises. In addition to its new pier, Belize is welcoming a number of resorts that appeal to a broad set of travelers — including the Itz’ana Resort and Residencies in Placencia with its 50 sustainably designed rooms; Blackadore Caye, Leonardo DiCaprio’s eco-resort; and Alaia Belize, a boutique community resort and residential property expected to open in 2020.
If you’re not yet convinced, here are some of the most popular — and most exciting — ways to spend time in Belize:
Enjoy Endless Festivities
A melting pot of cultures, Belize is home to endless celebrations — including Belize Carnival, Cashew Fest, Lobsterfest, Costa Maya Festival, Chocolate Festival, the San Pedro Town Love FM Christmas Parade, and more.
Sitting at the ocean’s edge with a vivid view of the Caribbean seascape, Pier 366 Seafood House was recently transformed to offer visitors a distinctive gastronomic experience.
Embrace Diverse Food Options
Recently, the dining scene options have become more diverse with the establishment of restaurants like Tap Room, Midtown and Wok & Wine. Now, there are more options with the opening of three eateries, including Martha’s Cafe, Lerisi Garifuna Restaurant and Mimi’s Bistro.
Experience Unrivaled Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
Belize is home to Hol Chan Marine Reserve and the ultimate world-class destination, The Great Blue Hole. Travelers can experience over 100 different coral species, more than 500 endangered and rare marine species, giant stalactites, dripstone sheets, columns and atolls.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve isthe world’s second largest barrier reef in the world.
Discover Local Culture
Belize is home to endless historic offerings — including 200 cayes (pronounced “keys,” Belize’s islands) filled with several preserved Mayan Temples, lush jungles, rainforest canopies, and archaeological sites.
For those looking to take a deeper dive and explore the beauty of Belize’s natural underwater locations, the country is home to the second largest barrier reef in the world, several wrecked ships, and The Great Blue Hole.
Observe Exotic Wildlife
Home to the rehabilitated, orphaned and rescued wildlife of Belize, the Belize Zoo is home to exotic wildlife — including tapirs, black jaguars, manatees, spider monkeys, keel-billed toucans, scarlet macaws, and very inquisitive keel billed toucan (Belize’s national bird).
Brand New Resorts & Residences
Belize is welcoming a number of resorts that appeal to a broad set of travelers.
Alaia Belize
This resort and residential property, expected to open in 2020, was conceived by visionary developer Andrew Ashcroft to embrace the Belizean spirit. The idyllic beachfront property will feature a hotel, 56 two-and-three-bedroom condominiums and eight oceanfront villas with infinity pools.
*pictured right*
Itz’ana Resort and Residencies in Placencia
Recently opened, the complex includes 50 sustainably designed rooms and suite.
Blackadore Caye
Expected to open in early 2019, this is the world’s first truly restorative island development, completely powered by renewable energy and designed to increase the biological health of species on the island and in the waters around it.
Unscripted Belize and Dream Belize
The first of two Dream Hotel Group properties planned for Placencia, Unscripted Belize, will debut with 24 beachfront cabanas.
Four Seasons Caye Chapel
This resort is slated to open in 2021 with 30 to 40 overwater bungalows on a private island.
All other photos courtesy of the Belize Tourism Board
From Punta Cana to Belize, all eyes are on the Caribbean as it becomes bigger and stronger. Boasting fine architectural features, these six projects in the Caribbean are playing an integral role in the region’s growth.
Photo courtesy of Rock House
Belize
Set amidst the beautiful and culturally rich southern part of Ambergris Caye island, Alaia Belize is the newest boutique community resort and residential property debuting as the first Marriott International Autograph Collection property in the country. An ideal balance between high-end living and barefoot luxury, the idyllic beachfront resort will sit on 20 acres and feature 112 hotel room, 56 two-bedroom condominiums and eight oceanfront villas available for purchase. Conceived by visionary developer Andrew Ashcroft to embrace the Belizean spirit, Alaia will boast world-class amenities.
Photos courtesy of Alaia Belize
Key Largo
Baker’s Cay Resort, a new upscale beachfront oasis carved into Key Largo’s most lush and secluded region, debuts this fall. Located on the Gulf side of the Overseas Highway, this beachfront resort is tucked away on 13 acres of lush tropical groves and provides exclusive access to one of the most secluded white-sand beaches in the area. Situated on a former pineapple plantation, the retreat is also supporting the local environment through a vast list of initiatives like coral restoration with the world’s largest coral reef foundation and collaborative efforts with Dolphin Plus Marine Mammal Responders to rehabilitate dolphins in the wild.
Photos courtesy of Baker’s Cay Resort
Punta Cana
After closing to undergo extensive enhancements, the adults-only Sanctuary Cap Cana is undergoing a soft launch as of September 1st and will celebrate its grand opening come November 2018 with the completion of the resort’s two new towers. Situated on the coveted eastern tip of the island, Sanctuary Cap Cana spans more than 20 tropical acres, including 2,100 feet of pristine oceanfront. The renovation, overseen by Carrillo Projects Co., will introduce completely reimagined guest rooms, enhanced public spaces, and two new towers with 140 additional suites.
Photo courtesy of Sanctuary Cap Cana
The British Virgin Islands
One year after Hurricane Irma, Oil Nut Bay will unveil seven new villas available for rent, a complete Marina Village, a new boutique spa and a redesigned welcome pavilion featuring a new resort pool, bar and lounge. Available for rent this December, The Bay Suites are one-bedroom villas that sit mountainside and feature private terraces and outdoor showers. Soon after the Bay Suites launch will be the highly anticipated opening of Oil Nut Bay’s Marina Village. Come 2019, The Marina Village will also be home to three new villas available to rent.
Photo courtesy of Oil Nut Bay
Turks and Caicos
Inspired by the glamorous beach resorts of the French Riviera, Grace Bay Resorts’ Rock House is creating its own version of a Mediterranean rendezvous. Overlooking the glittering sea, this residential resort will be tucked into the rugged, untouched limestone cliffs of Providenciales’ north shore. Interior designer Shawn Henderson and local Coast Architects will design each space with nature in mind — whether it’s using spa-like outdoor shower gardens, walls made of the limestone, or floor-to-ceiling glass windows.
Photos courtesy of Rock House
Anguilla
Altamer’s Antilles Pearl Villa, set to open November 2018, is an uber-exclusive resort comprised of three villas on Anguilla’s secluded West End. Developed by New York City-based real estate firm Time Equities, the resort’s villas have spacious layouts and can accommodate up to 40 guests. Altamer’s key amenities range from a 24-hour butler service and onsite personal chef to boat charters to neighboring islands and in-villa massage and spa treatments.
Photo courtesy of Qualls Benson
A Starwood Capital Group Caribbean destination frequented by visitors from around the world is back after facing Hurricane Irma last fall. Four Seasons Resort & Residences Anguilla, designed by Kelly Wearstler, has a total 132 residences.
“Our beachfront villas are really spectacular,” said Nick Cassini, senior vice president of marketing of IMI Worldwide Properties — a leading luxury resort marketing and sales firm and the exclusive worldwide marketer and seller for Four Seasons Private Residences Anguilla. “It’s a setting unlike anything else.”
There are 33 world-class beaches and 30 restaurants located throughout the island. Other amenities included are three tennis courts, a full-size NBA basketball court, gym, spa and three swimming pools.
Residents and guests are also invited to participate in Anguilla Stronger, a campaign that has raised more than $1.7 million and has delivered more than 240,000 pounds of food, hygiene and household supplies to local Anguillans who were affected by the hurricane. — Brielle Bryan
Images courtesy Four Seasons Resorts & Residences Anguilla
As homeowners begin to seek all things natural and organic, luxury real estate developers are beginning to design their new projects with luxe natural elements and features that replace typical art. From walls of limestone art in Turks and Caicos to a driftwood chandelier in Anguilla, these island spaces cater to nature lovers and art appreciators alike.
Rock House
Hand-crafted by a local artisan, stone walls bring natural art to each Capri-style cottage. Extending from the exterior to the interior of each cottage, the walls will be built by hand, much like an artist creates his art. These one-of-a-kind homes are selling fast, with nearly 50 percent of them already sold in just four months. Prices range from $600,000 to $1.5 million.
Photo courtesy of Rock House
The Beachfront Residences Collection at Sugar Beach
Situated between St. Lucia’s famous Piton mountain range, this resort traded traditional exterior siding for natural untreated timber. The natural timber extends throughout the residences through layered sliding timber screens and private timber pool decks, which offer stunning 360-degree views.
Photo courtesy of Williams New York
Zemi Beach House
As you enter Zemi Beach House, you are greeted by a chandelier constructed entirely of island driftwood. Situated on Anguilla’s East End, Zemi Beach House was created with the island’s natural environment in mind. Designed by Architect Lane Pettigrew, the luxury boutique hotel and residences blend modern clean lines with classic Caribbean building details.
Photo courtesy of Zemi Beach House
Zemi Beach House is currently closed due to the September hurricanes and will reopen in early 2018.