Situated on the west end of Bermuda in Southampton and Sandys Parishes, The Ritz-Carlton Reserve at Caroline Bay is the largest development to come to the island in over 40 years.
By Alyssa Gautieri
renderings courtesy the ritz-carlton
“The Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand provides a new level of luxury through immersive, transformative and unique experiences, which is the cornerstone of the brand.”
— Sandra Christensen,
Sales and Marketing Manager at Coldwell Banker Caroline Bay.
Embracing Bermuda’s iconic pink sand and crystal clear beaches, this luxury residence is also the first five-star resort on the island. “(The Development) will have a tremendous impact on Bermuda as we welcome a new breed of visitors who have been seeking an amenity-rich, luxury experience,” says Sandra Christensen, the sales and marketing manager at Coldwell Banker Caroline Bay.
In addition to striking views, the island offers a range of luxury amenities from exclusive access to the Caroline Bay Marina to spa treatments at the world-class spa. “The Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand provides a new level of luxury through immersive, transformative and unique experiences, which is the cornerstone of the brand,” Christensen says.
The first phase of development includes the construction of The Cove, a 35-home development. The first residential buildings are slated for occupancy between July and August. Prices will range between $2.5 million and $3.9 million.
For more information, visit BermudaLuxuryResidences.com
THIS STORY WAS FEATURED IN OUR WINTER 2018 ISSUE.
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A luxury safari lodge in Kenya, the Angama Mara requires guests to contribute nightly to the Angama Foundation in support of the property’s neighboring communities.
By Alyssa Gautieri
The foundation has raised the funds to develop three maiden projects: accommodations for 16 teachers at Emurutoto Primary School, three new classrooms at Partakilat Primary School and an on-site clinic available to the local community.
Since its opening in June 2015, the Angama Mara has strived to have a positive impact on its Kenyan locals. “The Angama Foundation is funded by $10 per person, per night guest contributions — something little, which quickly becomes quite significant, and as can be seen from (the) celebrations, makes the world of difference to a community in need,” said Steve Mitchell, co-founder and director of the Angama Mara.
High above the Maasai Mara on the very site where some of the most romantic scenes from Out of Africa were filmed, Angama Mara is comprised of two separate and intimate camps, each encompassing 15 tented guest suites, placed just on the edge of the Oloololo Escarpment on one of the most sought-after parcels of land on the entire continent.
Photos courtesy Angama Mara
Built by FXFOWLE Architects, CIRCA Central Park is a brand-new residence on one of the remaining undeveloped corners next to New York City’s coveted Central Park.
By Samantha Myers
With a curved, contemporary facade leaving its mark on the cityscape, and optimal building amenities, CIRCA offers its residents a flawless Central Park lifestyle.
“I think the number one distinguishing feature of CIRCA is that it’s such a prominent structure on such a beautiful circle,” says Elaine Diratz, managing director at Town New Development of the 11-story building on Frederick Douglass Circle. “It will become a landmark, I have no doubt.”
Light, airy openness describe the 38 residences that boast high ceilings and generous windows with views of the park. “Each apartment is unique,” says Diratz. “Most of them do not fit into the cookie-cutter apartment. They are spacious and angular, and reflect a higher level of design than most buildings.”
Besides a 24-hour doorman, green oasis and family-friendly amenities such as children’s, tween and study rooms, other special amenities appeal to the proximity to Central Park. Residents are welcome to fully stocked picnic baskets, a bike-share program, kids’ scooters and remote-controlled boats to be used in a classic family activity at the park’s water features.
“One of the best features we offer, especially for the Upper West Side, is private, self-parking. It’s so convenient. You don’t have to call in for your car to be brought down — to me that is the greatest and most luxurious feature,” says Diratz.
Apartments at CIRCA Central Park range from $2 million to $6.5 million.
Photo courtesy CIRCA Central park
On the sloping Tuscan hills, San Damiano is a turnkey, custom-built farm home where old world meets new.
By Mark Moffa
Q: What do you get when you combine an unbeatable location in Italy’s Tuscan hillside with impeccable service, enviable accommodations and authentic culinary experiences?
A: Castello di Casole – A Timbers Resort (Europe’s No. 1 Resort, as ranked by Travel + Leisure), which recently hosted Unique Homes for three beautiful nights to experience its magic firsthand. What we discovered was a perfectly placed paradise offering the finest level of service imaginable.
The setting is storybook. Through a cypress-lined drive up to a hilltop in Siena, a Middle Age castle from the 10th century serves as the core of the hotel and resort. “We are very, very lucky, because we are in the heart of Tuscany,” says Gabriele Olla, senior sales manager. Some of the world’s best wineries are very close, as are Michelin-starred restaurants — Florence is an easy 45-minute drive. But visitors and residents hardly have to leave the 4,200-acre estate.
The resort is breathtaking. General Manager Federico Galligani, hired by Timbers in 2015, deserves credit for running a seamless operation that allows his guests to indulge without a concern. We were treated to an aperitif on the hotel terrace while enjoying the sunset over the Tuscan countryside. And Executive Chef Daniele Sera wowed us with a memorable tasting menu at Tosca Restaurant (modern molecular gastronomy meets traditional Italian goodness here).
The draw is universal. Folks are coming from around the world (such as the United States, Brazil, England, Russia, Germany, the Middle East and Singapore) to enjoy inspired cuisine; indulge in spa treatments inspired by ancient Etruscan beauty rituals; sip on a bottle of exclusive estate-grown Dodici wine; immerse themselves in culture with an Italian language, art or cooking class; explore winding country roads behind the wheel of a Ferrari; or simply bask poolside under the Tuscan sun.
The real estate is heavenly. Jo Ann Hawley, senior sales executive, drove us around the dreamlike grounds, explaining that buyers can purchase Farms at Castello di Casole with an existing ruin to be restored, or build a new “reconstructed” farmhouse. Prices are two-phased — figure on land costs around 3 million, and another 3 million to build. Italian VAT can be steep, but Hawley says these properties offer a break. “You have significant tax advantages and entitlements with the farms.”
The opportunity is unique. Produce your own wine or olive oil on your own land, while enjoying the amenities of a five-star hotel. The farms offer 120 to 150 acres of cultivable land with crops consisting of vineyards, olive groves, fruit orchards and wheat fields along with a customized luxury farmhouse at the center. The winemaking opportunity is “really tailored to how much involvement the owner wants to have,” Hawley says.
Photos courtesy Timbers Resorts