There is something restorative about the beach-the sand, sun and sea have the power to revive us even after long hours of working and months of cold weather back home. Whether you enjoy splashing in the surf, sunning on the shore or simply listening to the waves from the terrace of your villa while relaxing with a cool drink, beach living is about as blissful as it gets.

The Caribbean and Central and Latin America are blessed with some of the finest beaches in the world. Only hours away from most major U.S. and European cities, these beaches offer the added bonus of being easily accessible. For many, it’s an simple choice to own a vacation home or retire to a beach in paradise-not only are these stunning beaches easy to reach (yet worlds away from reality), but many of the countries have a lower cost of living and offer financial incentives to make retiring in paradise more desirable than ever.

Last year, Luxury Living International brought you our expert picks for the Top 10 Places to Live in Paradise. Now, we delve further into life in paradise, providing a detailed look at the Top 10 Beaches to Live on Paradise. From the Turks and Caicos to the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, these are the best beaches, beachside developments and beachfront properties that you would love to call home-and actually can. Our picks represent the best of beach living in paradise-each of these beaches offers luxury, accessibility, great properties and, above all, sublime beauty.

Coson Beach, Las Terrenas, D.R.

Perhaps the Caribbean’s best-kept secret, the once-sleepy fishing village of Las Terrenas is becoming one of the hottest spots for vacation homes in the Caribbean for those in-the-know. Some are even calling it the San Tropez of the Caribbean. The Dominican Republic boats some of the best beaches in the world and Las Terrenas and the Samana Peninsula have the best of the best, including Coson Beach, or Playa Coson, a long, luscious stretch of untouched sand dotted with gently leaning palms. Besides beautiful beaches, Las Terrenas entertains with an eclectic mix of international restaurants and shops and outdoor pursuits from fishing and diving to hiking and whale watching. Los Nomados, the Samana Peninsula’s premier gated community, is the place to find that paradise dream house and own a slice of virginal Playa Coson. Villas such as the sprawling, modern-meets-Caribbean-chic Villa del Mar enjoy a prime spot right on the sands of Playa Coson.

Langosta Beach, Guancaste, Costa Rica

Langosta beach, located down the sand from bustling town of Tamarindo in Guancaste, Costa Rica, is a paradise for surfers, nature-lovers and beach bums alike-and those seeking R&R in the exclusive properties on Millionaire’s Row overlooking the beach. Surfers enjoy the right and left point breaks that curve off the mouth of the river, and a short boat ride up this river takes you to into a forest home to wild howler monkeys. The wide, sandy beach is big enough for surfers and beach lovers to enjoy it and never feel crowded. Millionaire’s Row overlooks the best beachfront real estate in Costa Rica. Private and gated, Crystal Sands on Millionaire’s Row has 20 luxury and exclusive villas designed to enjoy every inch of the stunning beach.

Juanillo Beach, Punta Cana, D.R.

White sand, bright turquoise water, green palms-the colors synonymous with an amazing beach seem turned up just a little brighter at Juanillo Beach in Punta Cana, D.R. Protected by a coral reef, the calm waters of Juanillo Beach can soothe even the most frazzled of nerves. Punta Cana’s Cap Cana resort offers a variety of luxury properties. Found within the gates of the massive Cap Cana luxury community-which features beach villas, resorts, Trump estates, a full-service marina, and many fine dining options-Juanillo beach remains pleasantly undeveloped, a reminder to why we love coming to paradise in the first place. Owning a villa in Cap Cana gives you access to Juanillo Beach, which is revered by locals, travel experts and editors alike as one of the best beaches in not just the D.R. or the Caribbean, but the entire world.

Pink Sand Beach, Harbour Island, Bahamas

Visitors to Harbour Island know you don’t need to stray far from home to experience one of the most remarkable beaches in the world. The Bahamas are only 50 miles from Miami, and just a 30-minute flight from Nassau and 1.5 hours from the U.S. is Pink Sand Beach, whose pink-hued grains make it truly one-of-a-kind. Pink is all the rage on Harbour Island-the pink-shelled conch is the local delicacy, try it served up as “cracked conch.” While quaint and laid back, Harbour Island is also a high-end Bahamian Out Island, home to million-dollar villas, luxe resorts and big-money fishing tournaments. Prime real estate opportunities can be found along Pink Sand Beach. One- to three-bedroom villas in Romora Bay allow owners to enjoy resort amenities in their beachside residence.

Rodney Bay Beach, St. Lucia, West Indies

People travel to St. Lucia to fall in love-it’s a top destination for weddings and honeymoons-but they end up falling in love with the near-perfect island, perhaps the most beautiful in the Caribbean. Beaches range from black volcanic sand to those with low-slung palms reminiscent of the South Pacific. Then there’s Rodney Bay, with its big crescent-shaped beach on the north end of the island that’s brimming with new marinas, restaurants and resorts and flanked by a white sand beach. The Landings St. Lucia, a Rock Resort property, brings luxury to Rodney Bay and offers up 122 one-, two- and three-bedroom villa suite condo residences, some with plunge pools and all with balconies overlooking the beach below.

Cabo San Lucas Beach, Los Cabos, Mexico

It’s hard to go wrong with Los Cabos, Mexico, when it comes finding excellent beach living. With its sweeping natural rock formations, Cabo is the backdrop for many a great photograph and those who take up residence on the beach can enjoy this constant “screen saver” of natural beauty. Cabo San Lucas enjoys the vibe of a chill, Mexican beach town that’s turned into a cosmopolitan escape. The luxurious Cabo del Sol development boasts beachfront home sites, villas and condominiums. The community puts a premium on golf as well with a Nicklaus-designed ocean course, a Weiskopf-designed desert course and a 40,000 square foot clubhouse.

Treasure Cay Beach, Abaco, Bahamas

Those who relate the Bahamas with the massive resorts Nassau and Freeport don’t know the real Bahamas-the unhurried pace and natural beauty of the Out Islands are what living in paradise is all about. In the Abaco Islands, New England architecture brought over by Loyalists during the American Revolution lends a charming appeal to this part of paradise. Treasure Cay Beach, located on the eponymous Treasure Cay, earned a superb beach ranking from National Geographic. Treasure Cay Real Estateoffers beach lots for sale along this more than three-mile-long white sand heaven. Beyond the sand, the Treasure Cay Resort has an 18-hole golf course, full-service marina, retail center and more.

St. Jean Beach, St. Barths

St. Barths is an island rich in French culture, fortune and beaches-14 beautiful beaches in total on the small, exclusive island. The massive (and massively popular) St. Jean beach is split in two by The EdenRock hotel in the middle. The beach is stacked with cafes, resorts and luxury villas. Long and set on a wide bay, it’s the ideal spot for those who enjoy their beach equal parts luxurious and lively. The island has a reputation for being postcard-perfect and safe. If fine dining, high-end shopping, celebrity flair and utmost privacy are what you’re after, St. Barths fits the bill.

Grace Bay Beach, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

The immaculate Grace Bay Beach on the Turks and Caicos island of Providenciales seems so perfect and clean (and the water so clear and refreshing), that you think surely this must be a protected state park. What a surprise when you turn around and your villa is right there, kissing the sands of the lovely Grace Bay Beach. The all-suite Grace Bay Club, on Grace Bay Beach, of course, offers luxe properties for sale along the beach. The Estate of Grace Bay, a collection of 22 custom-designed, high-end residences opened last year. Just south of the Bahamas, this beauty of an island is easy to get to, and scuba divers will have a blast exploring the waters of the Turks and Caicos.

Anse Marcel Beach, St. Martin

Tucked between rolling hills on the northernmost tip of French St. Martin is the secluded village and beach of Anse Marcel. A winding, steep road is the only entrance to Anse Marcel, keeping crowds at bay unless they are coming to visit a dive shop, boutique resort or the protected marina found here. Villas and town homes are available steps away from the beautiful, quiet beach-a favorite secret spot among locals and in-the-know vacationers. This off-the-beaten-track location affords complete relaxation while the high-end shopping found in Marigot Bay the excellent cuisine of Grand Case are only minutes away by car.

After revolutionizing kayaking in 1997 with the Hobie® MirageDrive® , Hobie is now taking stand up boarding to new levels with the just introduced Mirage® Eclipse, the world’s first leg-powered stand up board. Making stand-up boarding as easy as walking, you simply “Step on and go!”

Bringing all the advantages of Mirage kayaking to the boarding world, the Mirage Eclipse is both stable and fast with sleek handlebars and intuitive fingertip rudder controls that make this board easy to steer, even in modest winds, and the innovative design eliminates the learning curve often associated with stand-up boarding.

According to Hobie’s Director of Engineering Jim Czarnowski, “We designed the Mirage Eclipse so anyone from a beginner to a more athletic expert user can all have a great experience.”

The Mirage Eclipse comes in two models, the 10.5 and 12. The larger version is 12 feet long and 35 inches wide, rated for 275 pounds. The 10.5 is 33.5 inches wide and ten and a half feet long. The capacity for the more compact model is 225 pounds, and it weighs about 5 pounds less than the larger model.Both boards are sporty and eye-catching, constructed of glossy but tough Advanced Composite Epoxy (ACX) and both boast sleek, water piercing bows with square tails and flat bottoms that enhance their stability.

You will enjoy an exhilarating and new experience riding the Mirage Eclipse as you glide across the water with ease and precision.

This board is yet another world’s first for Hobie, just like the modern foam core surfboard (1958), the Hobie Cat sailboat (1968), the Mirage kayak (1997), and the hybrid Adventure Island (2006), plus many more!

Additional features include a leash attachment, hull vent and stern handle.  Optional accessories include a protective board bag and a cart with light duty wheels or sand tires. A cup holder and universal phone mount are available to keep riders refreshed and ready to capture every memory.

The Hobie Mirage Eclipse 10.5 ($2499) and 12 ($2599) will be available at Hobie dealers around the world later this spring. Visit www.hobiecat.com/stand-ups/mirage-eclipsefor more product and ordering information

Why settle for mere luxury when over the top indulgence can be had – for a price, that is.  Rife with opulent amenities and sparkling with privilege, these three Bahamian escapes are the swoon-worthy vacation destinations to explore when the sky’s the limit and the tropics call.

Over Yonder Cay, Bahamas

When privacy and seclusion is paramount, it’s hard to beat an entire island to call your own.  a Forget about the bustling cruise ship crowds, for an utterly exclusive Bahamian experience the private island of Over Yonder Cay is a veritable wonderland of tropical luxury.  Home to four elegantly designed villas, each with it’s own hot tub and some with private infinity pool, Over Yonder Cay can accommodate you and up to twenty-seven of your closest friends for an escape that redefines luxury living.  With weekly rates in the $700K range, being the master of your own private island doesn’t come cheaply – but is does come with full use all the island’s extensive amenities including massages, yoga classes and the ministrations of a private chef and staff plus activities like golf on Over Yonder Cay’s nine-hole course, kite and windsurfing, private film screenings, sailing excursions aboard the 19 and 29-foot crewed sailboats, fishing aboard a 48-foot crewed Merritt, SCUBA, snorkeling and a day spent on Tenacious, the impressive, 114-foot super yacht available to Over Yonder Cay’s fortunate guests. Over Yonder Cay even ensures that you’ll feel good about the environment as you’re reveling in indulgence – the island is powered by a state-of-the-art renewable energy system, which includes three wind turbines and a 1.5-acre solar field.

The Islands of Copperfield Bay, Musha Cay, Bahamas

The eye-popping luxury that awaits you on Musha Cay is no trick.  Illusionist David Copperfield created this hedonistic hideaway in the Exumas out islands to appeal to the wonder in all of us.  Spread over 700 acres and encompassing eleven private islands, Musha Cay can accommodate up to 24 guests in five villas filled with Balinese elegance and pure, island magic.  While there, guests can rack ‘em on a billiard table once owned by Harry Houdini, play in turquoise waters, catch a movie on a two and half story screen beach front screen, race goldfish (yes, goldfish) or visit with the comical, mystical residents of the island’s own secret village.  Inhabited by a band of impossibly clever, adorably friendly spider monkeys, the furry posse entertains guests by performing a bevy of tricks, doing some mind-bending mind reading… even sketching portraits of their awe struck visitors’ faces. Rates begin at $39,000 per day for up to twelve guests (four-night minimum) and includes the primate portraiture, activities, fine dining and just about anything else one might need to conjure up a magical vacation.

Innocence Island, Bahamas

What a lofty dream, to recover one’s Innocence.  Dream no longer, Innocence is one of the last, pure pearls that comprise the breathtaking Exuma islands.  From a perch 90 feet above sea level and sprawling across 681 acres, Innocence guests are afforded unforgettable views while spending sun filled days exploring their own private island.  The six bedroom, six bath luxury villa offers a pool, gym and a full staff dedicated to satisfying the whims and wishes of the island’s guests.  And when it comes to Innocence, getting there is half the fun – the island has its own, 2700-foot airstrip so guests can arrive directly from the comfort of their privately owned or chartered jet.  The ideal spot for rest and relaxation, if you can rouse yourself from the tranquility of Innocence, the surrounding waters are a fisherman’s dream and should you desire, bonefishing and deep sea fishing guided excursions may be arranged upon request.  Rates to rent the island range from $3,000 to $10,000 per night.

Think expansive luxury fit for kings is impossible to achieve on the high seas? Burgess Yachts, founded by worldwide sing-handed ocean racer Nigel Burgess, assures us it’ll be a Cakewalk. The 180 foot/55 meter stunner has recently undergone a $2.5M retrofitting that makes sailing the seas as easy as…. Well, a Cakewalk.

Originally built in 2003, the 2015 overhaul of the yacht included exterior, interior, technical and mechanical upgrades that make it one of the most luxurious rides on the waters today. Its steel hull, aluminum superstructure and teak decking, all completed by Benetti Yachts in-house team, are just the beginning.

With four decks, each appointed with careful style and grace, Cakewalk leaves little to be desired in the way of outdoor luxury. The expansive sundeck features a pool, a large Jacuzzi, an enclosed gym and a variety of other spaces for guests to enjoy entertaining, dining, working out, relaxing and simply living. For more formal occasions, the Maindeck’s casual sophistication makes it the perfect place to host guests or conduct business without the usual land-based distractions.

The bridgedeck is the perfect place for conversation or recreation in an atmosphere of comfortable elegance and includes a VIP stateroom that boasts panoramic views and voluminous spaces in which to read, work and lounge.

Of course, on a yacht of this size, accommodations are not hard to come by. The lower deck accommodates up to twelve guests in six elegantly appointed staterooms that bear the distinctive mark and style of renowned yacht designer Stefano Natucci. The full-beam, split-level owner’s suite alone is worth the price of admission.

Technically speaking, the Cakewalk does not disappoint. The twin screw diesel super yacht is able to reach a maximum speed of 16 knots, while its maximum cruising speed is still a swift 14 knots. Its 7000 nautical mile range at 12 knots, though, means you can just as quickly make the seas your home, should you decide living on land is not the life for you. To put this into perspective, a typical trans-Atlantic crossing is expected to end up in the region of 4500 to 5000nm, which Cakewalk would manage comfortably with her twin 1850hp Caterpillar engines.

The newly re-christened M/Y Cakewalk debuted this year at the Monaco Yacht Show, where it joined racing cars, £1million Dragon submarines, helipads and other luxury add-ons for the world’s wealthiest. Current asking price is €21,950,000 (US$23,260,000) though it should be noted that the super yacht is not for sale to US residents while it is lying in US waters.

For complete specifications on the M/Y Cakewalk, visit BurgessYachts.com.

Experience the surfing without the ocean with the Carver, an electric powered jet board. The Spanish watersports brand, Onean dreamt of carving turns through calm glassy water and have invented the new sport that is flat water surfing. The Carver is built for those who have a need for speed, having reached 40 km/h in testing. Glide through the water and have complete control of the speed by using the handheld wireless controller. Its battery life gives 20 mins of ride time, and with its integrated electric-powered jet propulsion system which was designed by Bizintek Innova and 4400 Watt dual-core noiseless motor, this board was designed to turn any piece of water into your very own slalom course.

For the more casual surfer looking for a more relaxed cruising experience there is the Manta, which benefits from increased stability and reaches around 8 km/h with 2 hours of battery life. Both the Carver and Manta boards come with a wireless remote, battery, charger, leash, footstrap and fin set for the bottom of the board.

Marking their 10th anniversary, the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman has launched its ultra-exclusive Grand Cayman Penthouse Suite – now the largest and most luxurious suite in the Caribbean. On the top floor of the Seven Mile Beach resort’s south tower is the 3 bedroom suite. With 8,000 sq-ft of indoor and outdoor space it has the capacity to offer ultimate comfort to up to eight people. Upon exiting the Penthouse’s private elevator, the presence of the ocean is clear, and the interior’s soft textures and color palette blend seamlessly with the property’s sweeping ocean views.

It features; a full size kitchen complete with Gaggenau Kitchen appliances, wraparound porches, a screening room, a library, and more. Aside from that are the luxe finishes throughout the suite from its Bolivian rosewood flooring to its marble bathtubs and leather upholstered walls.

With guest comfort in mind and being able to provide clients with “the ultimate luxury escape,” the Johnson Studio out of Atlanta, Georgia has transported the island’s iconic crystal blue waters and white powdery sands inside to create a color palette of deep blues and greens. Couple this with a natural look from the use of the finest woods and materials from around the world, and the residence breathes an air of contemporary sophistication.

The Penthouse experience continues with luxurious amenities which include; private outdoor space with hot tubs, fire pits, private cinema, lounge seating, and access to a beachfront cabana.  A personal assistant is at hand to ensure your every wish is granted.

Hotel chefs will work their magic to fulfill any dining request and give you recommendations from a world-class wine list hand-picked by the resort’s award winning Sommelier.

Known for their legendary service, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman promises to make their guest’s experience into a memorable one. The Hotel and Resort spans 144 acres and has 365 guestrooms. It has been an AAA Five Diamond award winner since its opening.

The Penthouse can be booked separately or combined with the adjacent suite — nearly 20,000 square feet and 11 total bedrooms — creating the largest suite in the Caribbean.

For more information visit http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/caribbean/grand-cayman/rooms-suites/grand-cayman-penthouse

Private jets are all the rage these days, and many who own private planes or charter them when they need convenience, comfort and security know about the King Air’s legendary all-around performance. The luxurious Beechcraft King Air 350i, is the most comfortable solution for short-haul flights or island hopping today and is the latest version of one of the most reliable airplanes ever built.

Built by Beechcraft, this modern day aircraft is equipped with the latest technology and the best comfort features to give every passenger a luxurious ride. But what really makes this plane stand out is the go-green concept taken to a whole new level.

The King Air 350i, with a payload and range capability unmatched in its class, is significantly more economical than comparable sized jets, while offering virtually the same flight time for short to medium hauls. Excellent short runway performance offers more airport options, bringing you closer to your final destination.

King Airs, made by Hawker Beechcraft of the US, have earned a reputation as a go-anywhere aircraft, partly because they were designed when short grass or gravel strips were found at the end of a journey years ago. The $7.5M 350i is the latest version of this world-class aircraft, with upgrades that make it a rival many smaller jets.

The new interior is furnished as luxuriously as any executive private plane in the air today. The standard cabin layout comes with plush interiors and can seat up to 9 passengers while providing ample storage space for luggage, with enough space to carry 4 sets of golf clubs in the wing storage compartments. The new cabin design is the most luxurious and comfortable cabin in its class.

One of the best features of any King Air cabin is the large round windows with seven of them on each side of the plane. The structure between the windows is so narrow you get the sensation of the whole cabin side being one big window.

On a standard day the 350 needs only 3,330 feet of runway to take off making many small island runways now easily accessible. And, remember, those numbers are for full fuel, enough to fly 1,500 nautical miles or more and an adult body in every comfortable seat.  For shorter flights with less fuel on board, you can actually get the King Air to take off on less than 3,000 feet of runway. It’s a very versatile airplane to say the least, and it’s not just about safety and performance, it shines in looks as well.

Photography of the Beechcraft King Air 350 cockpit with the Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion integrated flight deck.
Beechcraft Delivery Hangar (BEC)
Wichita, KS USA

The King Air is the world’s most popular business turboprop aircraft – a title that is not simply granted, but earned again and again with continuous enhancement over five decades. The King Air 350i is true to its legacy of innovation. With the King Air 350i, Beechcraft has found a way of combining luxury and ruggedness that will be around for years to come.

Discover the best of the best or reach a sales rep at Beechcraft.com.

If you consider traditional sailing and surfing as a bit passé and want to inject a little excitement into your day on the water, take a look at these two adrenaline-infused, must-try sports.

Most folks are familiar with kite boarding: a water sport, which combines aspects of wakeboarding and wind surfing, paragliding and skateboarding. Harnessing the power of the wind and a large controllable power kite, athletes zip across the surface of the water on a kiteboard.

But if you’d like to turn up the heat, then try kite foiling! Spotz, a French manufacturer of kite equipment, spun their passion of kite boarding in 2009 into a ton of fun! The hydrofoil, placed below the board, means the rider is up above the water; reaching far higher speeds and a smoother ride overall. The ride is definitely exhilarating and your next vacation in the tropics, where gentle breezes blow, will be the ideal setting to learn or perfect your skills! www.spotz-foil.com

Along the same lines as kite foiling is moth foiling, its sailing’s answer to the unicycle. Reaching speeds 50% greater than wind speed, these one-manned cruisers are creating a new breed of sailors.   The foils are mounted under the hull of the craft, which with speed raises the hull up and out of the water. The single moth is popular for sporting enthusiasts and serious racers thanks to leading developers of the sport such as Mach 2 -McDougall McConaghy. www.Mach2boats.com

So rev up the excitement during your next day at the beach by experimenting with the challenging and thrilling sport of foiling!

With the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show just one day away, we’re bringing you the seven largest superyachts on display at this year’s show.  Just wrapping up from November 3rd-7th, this is the largest in-water boat show in the world. Attracting approximately 100,000 boating enthusiasts, with nearly 1,500 boats on display across 7 different locations, and nearly 3 million square feet of exhibit space – this year’s show was nothing short of impressed – the 57th FLIBS showcased the best (and biggest) in boating.

Lurssen  257 feet

TV

Among the finest yachts ever built, this is another superb vessel to hail from the Lurssen shipyard under the supervision of Moran Yacht & Ship.  TV is an Espen Oeino and Alberto Pinto designed vessel featuring 8 staterooms, 6 of which are located on the main deck with floor-to-ceiling windows, a  master suite that looks forward with 180-degree views, twin Jacuzzis, a large counter current swimming pool, and enormous exterior sun bathing areas.  This superyacht comes fully-equipped with a custom elevator and a fully operational helicopter pad with fueling station.

Heesen Yachts Full Custom 230 feet

Galactiva Super Nova

At 230 feet overall, Galactica Super Nova is the largest Heesen to date. With an impressive top speed of 30 kn, she is one of the fastest superyachts in the world. The head-turning exterior design is by Espen Oino: her profile embodies Heesen’s DNA, but introduces new design elements.

Oceanco  205 feet

Lady Lola

Lady Lola was built by Dutch shipyard Oceanco to be both a far-cruising and highly private superyacht. Featuring a  steel hull and aluminium superstructure, this vessel features naval architecture and exterior design by Oceanco and the interior work of Zuretti. A combination of her owner’s desired characteristics and Oceanco’s trademark technology and innovation,  she is well-equipped for long-range cruising and bright and natural yet highly luxurious feel boasting floor-to-ceiling windows throughout allowing you the best reach out and touch views of the surrounding seas.

Icon 205 feet

Party Girl

This custom motor yacht was built in 2013 by Icon Yachts. Previously named Meridian, Party Girl’s luxurious interior is designed by Cristiano Gatto Design and her exterior styling is by Redman Whiteley Dixon.  With naval architecture by Jouke van der Baan, this vessel boasts a steel hull and aluminium superstructure with twin MTU diesel engines.  Among this megayachts unique interior features are the special choice of woods, like mahogany, rosewood, ebony as well as walnut canaletto, all with glossy finishing, and balanced by the presence of natural stones such as Spain natural stone treated with oils.

Hakvoort custom built  200 feet

Just J’s

Just J’s is the largest Hakvoort built to date.  Combining exceptional attention to details with meticulous design and construction, this vessel is streamlined and elegant and boasts a first class technical foundation. a triumph of design and construction. Just J’s standout features include:  enormous windows, an elongated look and excellent balance between her superstructure and hull, a comparably large observation area on the sundeck, and a spectacular pool with integrated contraflow jet. The design incorporates many of the owner’s personal ideas and displays a bold unity of modern contemporary styles and classical touches.

Trinity  198 feet

MIA ELISE II

This luxury vessel was built in 2011 and its sophisticated exterior design and engineering are both the work of Trinity Yachts. Mia Elise III’s luxurious interior was designed by Patrick Knowles and her exterior was styled by the Trinity Yachts team – also responsible for the entire engineering package.  Built with Aluminium hull and Aluminium superstructure, this custom semi-displacement yacht also features ‘at anchor stabilisers’ which work at zero speed, increasing onboard comfort at anchor and on rough waters.

Benetti  194 feet

LADY LUCK

This custom built motor yacht was built by legendary Italian shipbuilder Benetti.  Lady Luck’s luxurious interior was designed by Studio Massari and exterior by Stefano Natucci.  This 194 foot superyacht features timeless styling, beautiful furnishings and sumptuous seating throughout to create an elegant and comfortable atmosphere. The ideal combination of performance and luxury, this custom displacement yacht has a cruising speeed of 15 knots and a max speed of 16 knots.  She is equipped with an ultra-modern stabilization system which reduces roll motion effect and results in a smoother and more enjoyable cruising experience.

For more on the 2016 Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show and all the boats on display at this year’s event visit FLIBS.com.

It’s best to think of this clear liquor as a sort of mezcal from the Mexican state of Jalisco, as the historic definition of mezcal means anything distilled from the agave plant.  That means even mezcal from Oaxaca is a type of mezcal. Producers Rio Chenery of the distillery Estancia Raicilla and Esteban Morales of the La Venenosa Raicilla consortium agree that raicilla is, “really a mezcal, we just can’t call it that because of location.”

Originally distilled as a type of “Mexican Moonshine” for farmers and fishermen in the western part of the state, it was taxed by the Spanish during the 18th century to make way for imported liquor and wine. As a result, the spirit moved underground, and up until recently, it was technically illegal and production haphazard. Though availability of the spirit has legitimized, you can drive through Jalisco and buy unregulated raicilla on the roadside, where it’s often sold in nondescript plastic bottles.

Fast-forward to today, where it’s become popular (and legal) again, thanks to tourism. Morales said most of the time he encounters raicilla outside of Jalisco, it’s in a gringo-heavy area, like Cancun or Cabo San Lucas. Chenery explains that there are two distinct styles of raicilla: de la Costa (from the coast) and de la Sierra (from the mountains).  Most of the major producers are de la sierra, and the designation is further broken down into two roasting techniques. Pit-roasted agave produces a smokier taste, similar to better-known Oaxacan mezcals, and clay-roasted agave gives the raicilla a cleaner, more herbal characteristic, not unlike a strong gin. Some of the clay-roasted raicillas even have cheesy or grassy undertones. Morales says, “One of my favorite ways to drink raicilla is in a Negroni, as a gin substitute. It’s an excellent mixer.”

Morales also asserts raicilla has a lot in common with wine. “Terroir is very important, as is the type of agave. A different kind will produce a different taste, as will its location.” This is seen in Oaxacan mezcal, as well, but not in tequila, which relies on monoculture farming of the blue agave. “There are towns in other areas of Jalisco that produce a similar spirit but don’t call it raicilla,” Morales says. “Since they can’t call it mezcal or tequila, I am trying to invite them to be with us. They use different agaves and techniques, but we can still call all of it raicilla.” This has led to a council of raicilla makers lobbying for Denominacion Origen status, like Oaxaca has with mezcal and tequila in another part of Jalisco.

For now, though, raicilla is available throughout Mexico, as well as in the United States and certain European countries. Both Morales and Chenery tell us that the spirit has caught more traction overseas, as preferences take time to change and curiosity is harder to grow at home. Morales says it’s more popular in the Mexico as a mixer and sipped straight overseas. Chances are though, wherever you enjoy it, you’ll be the first of your friends to do so.

Written By:  Jackie Bryant