Unique Homes Cover Showcase: The Abaco Club on Winding Bay

Dreams of a tropical sanctuary are realized in the home featured on our cover — a beachfront estate at The Abaco Club, a 500-acre private enclave in the Bahamas.

By Camilla McLaughlin

Surrounded by more than one-and-a-half acres of palm trees, gardens and tropical foliage, the property is an oasis of privacy, but still a short walk or golf cart ride to everything The Abaco Club offers.

The architecture, a superbly articulated blend of transitional and contemporary styles with a Bahamian flavor, is uniquely suited to the setting. A stately entry with double mahogany doors and a coral stone staircase sets the stage; inside, a spacious vaulted great room transitions to a large dining space and a beautifully outfitted kitchen. The overall feeling invites relaxation, while a sense of understated elegance elevates the experience throughout the home.

Dynamic views of the turquoise waters of Winding Bay and miles of pristine white sandy beach form a backdrop in every room. Disappearing glass walls extend the living to a lanai and covered deck with outdoor dining organized around a spectacular pool. In the master suite, double French doors open to a very private outdoor shower surrounded by mahogany and coral stone walls. The ground level is devoted to ways to play with pool tables, a media room, guest suites and a workout room.

Few, if any, properties in the Bahamas match this singular combination of architecture, privacy, indulgent features and exquisite finishes paired with the services and amenities of an international sporting club.

“The Abaco Club is a desitnation where you can come and do nothing, or you can fill your day with biking, scuba diving, fishing and golf on what is considered the best course in the Bahamas,” shares Kristi Hull, director of sales for The Abaco Club, who is listing the home for $8.750 million. Best of all, limited access and an intimate club setting ensures that whenever you visit you feel like you are coming home.

THIS STORY WAS FEATURED IN OUR WINTER 2018 ISSUE. 

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL DIGITAL VERSION.

Awakening the coast of Hawaii’s oldest island, Kaua’i, is the brand-new Timbers Kaua’i — Ocean Club & Residences at Hokuala, a 450-acre slice of paradise offering an 18-hole ocean course, 47 luxury residences and soon-to-be-completed clubhouse, dining and retail spots.

“On one of the most coveted sites in all of Hawaii, Hokuala is a natural oceanfront amphitheater at the entrance to the tranquil waters of Kalapaki Beach along the Pacific,” says Gary Moore, managing director of Timbers Kaua’i.

Due to its proximity to the cliff-sides, Timbers Kaua’i has been deemed the “last-of-its-kind” as construction regulations require new properties be at least 500 feet away from escarpments. “Timbers Kaua’i was grandfathered in due to the timing of its approval process…. Therefore, the residences are the last property to be built on the island with closer than close proximity to the ocean,” says Moore.

The residences at Timbers Kaua’i are offered in fractional and whole ownership opportunities, with prices ranging from $300,000 to $7.5 million. A $9.5 million penthouse also will be listed in the future. Overall completion of the property is aimed for June 2018.

While the property offers wonderful amenities such as oceanfront infinity-edge pools, an “ohana” pool with waterfalls and a grill, personalized services for families through the Keiki Club and island adventure guides, the standout amenity is “the wonder of the views,” says Moore. — Samantha Myers

photo courtesy Timbers Kaua’i

THIS STORY WAS FEATURED IN OUR WINTER 2018 ISSUE.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL DIGITAL VERSION.

Just 10 minutes from the main island of Bora Bora, the private island of Motu Tane encompasses approximately 10 acres of sandy beach, tropical foliage and coconut groves all set against a mountainous backdrop.

Owned by cosmetics mogul François Nars, Motu Tane consists of traditional thatched-roof Polynesian huts or “fares”, with 22 separate structures, including 2 luxurious suites comprised of 2,500 square feet, each with a sunken lava bathtub, shower and dressing area, as well as panoramic views onto the garden, the beach and the main island.

The island features nine beach bungalows and two suites to accommodate up to 20 guests, a library with museum-quality Polynesian art and artifacts, a photography studio, a chef’s dream kitchen with commercial-quality stainless steel equipment, and two staff quarters. The great room, encompassing about 2,500 square feet, is perfect for casual gatherings or formal entertaining with an adjacent dining area offering a hidden wet bar and two extra large custom-made tables for up to 36 people, all surrounded by the garden.

Designed by Christian Liaigre, the rooms feature custom-crafted furniture made from rare tropical wood and natural fabrics, and most bungalows have motorized screens which can bring the outside in and can offer shelter in case of excessive winds or tropical rains. The island is dotted with 1,500 coconut palms and other native flora, creating a garden-like retreat.

Motu Tane is offered at $42,000,000 by Bob Hurwitz of The Hurwitz James Company.

Peninsula Papagayo’s First New Residential Development in Over A Decade is Part of The Destination’s $100 Million Re-Imagination.

New ownership led by Gencom, a leading Miami-based international luxury hospitality and residential real estate investment and development firm, has announced that Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, the world’s leading luxury hospitality company, will assume management of a new collection of environmentally designed private villas and estate homes set to commence construction this month. The construction is predicted to be complete by the end of 2019.
The exclusive enclave of 20 wholly owned properties will be known as Four Seasons Private Residences Prieta Bay at Peninsula Papagayo, situated on 17 acres of prime oceanfront real estate adjacent to the famed Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica. A private path will connect the new neighborhood to Four Seasons, a member-only beach club and two nearby beaches.
A special founders release will be offered for sale in January under a priority reservation program. Prices are expected to start in the mid-$3 millions.

Innovative organic design by renowned Costa Rican architect Ronald Zürcher takes inspiration from repeating patterns found in flora, fauna and pre-Columbian seals discovered on site. Each private residence appears to grow out of the landscape, inviting the outdoors in. Gorgeous glass walls and thoughtfully designed windows and pocket doors meld interior and exterior spaces, making the most of spectacular views and providing an unparalleled closeness to nature. Casual furnishings and clean lines lend a modern aesthetic. The result is elegant simplicity with an international sensibility that holds its inhabitants in nature’s profound embrace.
High-energy efficiency and high-quality indoor environments are integral to Zürcher’s progressive, performance-based design approach — saving energy, water and resources. With 99 percent of Costa Rica’s electricity currently coming from renewable sources, each residence will run on clean energy. Green roofs and local materials are infused into the architecture with a local sensibility.
In addition to Four Seasons service and amenities, each Prieta Bay residence will include membership in the coveted Peninsula Papagayo Club — Costa Rica’s exclusive private club featuring exceptional beach, golf, tennis and social facilities and an array of outdoor programs and activities for members and their families.

Renderings courtesy of Peninsula Papagayo

From unlimited scuba diving to a luxurious treasure hunt, this one-of-a-kind vacation to Calala Island will allow a group of 10 guests the chance to indulge for 7 days.

Just off the coast of Nicaragua, the Calala Islands is a stunning, secluded island, which will be made additionally private with the guarantee of a week-long no-fly zone.
The week-long trip offered by VeryFirstTo, houses guests in four luxurious villas while they enjoy access to a plethora of enriching activities, such as scuba diving or motorized water sports.

Another exclusive Calala Island experience includes a caviar tasting and cooking master class. The final culinary offering on the paradise island is a 12-course gala dinner for all 10 guests. This exquisite banqueting experience will be prepared by Calala Island’s executive chef. The food throughout the stay will be complimented with unlimited fine wines and Dom Pérignon champagne.
In addition, $100,000 of the $1 million will be donated toward the building of a Nicaraguan school, built to the purchaser’s specifications and named after them for generations to come. The lead guest will also be invited to meet with the President and Mayor of the region to unveil the new school.

The experience is priced at $1 million U.S. dollars for 7 nights and accommodates up to 8 adults and 2 children.

Photos courtesy of VeryFirstTo. Visit here to find out more about this luxurious trip. 

The U.S.’s 50th state is far from last when it comes to luxury real estate. As part of this waterfront edition of Unique Homes, we researched the 25 most expensive listings in The Aloha State. Although the country’s eighth smallest state, Hawaii offers the fourth longest coastline (behind just Alaska, Florida and California). From acreage to penthouses, from organic farms to rooftop lanais, our snapshot of Hawaii’s priciest offerings is as diverse as the archipelago’s environment.

$22,000,000
69-2014 Nani Paniau Dr., Kohala Coast
On 7.45 acres, this is one of the largest, privately owned oceanfront estates on the island of Hawaii.
Robert Chancer & Steve Hurwitz, Mauna Kea Realty

$21,500,000
4469-W N. Waiakalua Rd., Kilauea
This is one of the most profitable certified organic farms on Kauai and comes with a Hawaiian-Japanese-style home.
Neal Norman, Hawai’i Life Real Estate Brokers

$20,000,000
73-2230 Ala Kohanaiki, Kailua-Kona
The Moana Residence, on the best lot at Kohanaiki, is a 5-bedroom, 5.5-bath home of approximately 7,000 square feet under roof.
Joni Metzler, Metzler Realty

$20,000,000
1133 Ikena Circle, Honolulu
With unparalleled attention to detail, this elegant property is designed in the 19th-century French style rarely seen today.
Sachi Hawaii, Pacific Century Properties

$20,000,000
5403 Kalanianaole Hwy., Honolulu
Sophisticated and modern 1.43-acre oceanfront estate with 185 linear feet of beach frontage, a tennis pavilion, sparkling pool, Jacuzzi and pool pavilion.
Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties

$20,000,000
59-367 Ke Nui Rd., Haleiwa
Comprised of 2 properties. Here you can sit on your porch and have a front-row seat to view the world-famous surf spot called Pipeline.
List Sotheby’s International Realty

$19,900,000
3 Kapalua Pl., #3, Lahaina
A rare opportunity to own a stunning Island Contemporary architectural masterpiece by award-winning Hawaii architect Jeffrey Long.
Keller Williams Island Living

$19,500,000
600 Stable Rd., Paia
On approximately 500 linear feet of white-sand beach, this home offers world-class panoramic views of the ocean and the West Maui Mountains.
Wailea Realty Corp.

$18,000,000
2332 Makiki Heights Dr., Honolulu
One of the largest estates in metro Honolulu, this hillside property features a main house and guesthouse on beautifully landscaped grounds.
Patricia Choi, Choi International

$18,000,000
4383 Royal Pl., Honolulu
This island treasure, designed by Frank Roberts, AIA, has been home to the Doheny family for 50-plus years and offers the rarity of 165 linear feet of beach frontage.
Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties

$17,800,000
5949 Kalanianaole Hwy., Apt D, Honolulu
One-of-a-kind setting surrounded by water — a private lagoon on one side, a bird sanctuary on the other that opens out to the ocean.
Dolores Bediones & Takako Friend, Locations Hawaii

$17,750,000
280 Poipu Dr., Honolulu
One of the nicest oceanview homes on Oahu, situated for the trade winds, with the pool area offering perfect breezes to ensure comfort.
OahuRE.com

This story originally appeared in Unique Homes Summer 2017. 

Click here to see the digital version.