Innovative and over-the-top luxury options are popping up all over the travel industry, from hotels to airlines, and cruising is no exception. In March 2017, Celebrity Cruises unveiled details about its newest ultra-luxe ship, one that is pushing boundaries and sure to change the industry. Celebrity Edge, which is scheduled to debut at the end of 2018, was designed with, “connecting people back to the ocean” in mind. This feature-driven ship offers more experiences: the first real grass lawn at sea and appointing fine art throughout the entire ship, for example.

As for the structure of the ship, the “bones” have been inverted, lying on the inside. The steel that supports the outside of the ship now runs along its middle, creating a seamless blend between cabin and balcony, more space and less awkward edges–a change that reflects the popularity of river cruise ship design. These benefits are not just reserved for suites: standard cabins reflect these changes, as well.

The first ship to be designed by 3D, this technology allowed designers to actually imagine themselves in the space, in place of passengers. This means that frequent changes were made once functionality was evaluated in a forward-looking way that has never been possible in cruise design. The ship has also been outfitted with smart technology, updating the crew of passengers’ locations via their mobile phones, so the crew is always at the ready to fulfill drink and food orders or other whims.

Cruising is a major industry that has struggled to capture the attention of ultra-luxury vacationers. With the new innovations offered by Celebrity Edge, it seems the future is already here and would-be passengers at all levels have something designed exactly with them in mind.

By Jackie Bryant

Timeshare ownership allows you to vacation for a specific week (or more) at a resort of your choosing. However, vacation ownership has evolved to become more flexible and user-friendly for each owner’s vacationing needs or wants. Choose to vacation the same week at the same resort every year, or you can choose a floating week to have your choice of multiple weeks within a specific ownership season. Additionally, many timeshare resorts and brands offer a points-based membership, allowing the owner to use points like currency to reserve a vacation when, where, and how long they want within a brand or vacation club.

To find an affordable timeshare in Mexico, VacationOwnership.com is an online resource for buying, renting, and even selling a timeshare. Founded in 2003, they have been working to better serve both vacation owners and buyers while improving the traditional timeshare industry, and its perception.  VacationOwnership.com has been recognized on both the Inc. 500 and 5000 Lists twice as one of the fastest growing, privately held companies in America.

With an inventory of over 40,000 vacation ownership properties to choose from, you’re sure to find your perfect vacation spot to fit your needs at a price that fits your budget. More than 6,000 of vacation ownership opportunities are located at Mexico’s most posh resorts and are available to buy, or rent.

Mexico resorts offer a great variety of options to choose from, from studios and all the way to four-bedroom suites. Unlike small, cramped hotel rooms, you’ll enjoy convenient features including private bedrooms, full kitchens, living rooms, balconies or patios, suite bathrooms and all the conveniences you need for a relaxing and luxurious vacation. There is plenty of space and comfortable furnishings to make you feel at home, all while easily accessing desirable resort amenities and activities. While amenities vary by resort, most Mexico vacation ownership resorts offer great resort style pools, beautiful beaches, health clubs and spas, kids clubs, on-site dining, live entertainment and more.

When you purchase a Mexico timeshare, chances are you’ll have the opportunity to vacation at other properties through your ownership. Many resorts are part of vacation clubs that allow you to internally exchange, and also affiliated with top exchange companies like RCI and Interval International, allowing you to exchange your share at top resorts all over the globe.

On VacationOwnership.com, you’ll find timeshares for sale and rent at popular brands including Marriott Vacation Club and Pueblo Bonito. Owning within one of these brands give you access to incredible properties throughout Mexico, each with its own unique appointments and features. Marriott Vacation Club is well known for their high-level of hospitality standards and pristine accommodations. They offer a points-based ownership that allows you to reserve a vacation at any of the other stunning properties within their network, this includes Mexico resorts and resorts all over the world. Pueblo Bonito has a collection of six all-inclusive resorts all throughout Mexico offering spa treatments, golf courses, gourmet dining options, and more.

Easily navigate the inventory on VacationOwnership.com by using the convenient search bar and then utilizing the filters to further narrow down properties that are ideal for you. Search by resort, unit size, unit style, price range, and more. Once you find the perfect timeshare for your needs, you can fill out the form with your offer on the property. Their resale and rental inventory makes it possible for you to vacation for less without having to sacrifice luxury and finely appointed accommodations.

Nikki Beach Saint Tropez will welcome art show attendees at the first contemporary art fair of its kind on the luxurious French Riviera. Art Pampelonne has partnered with the Mayor’s Office of ­­Ramatuelle to ­present an exhibition on the most exclusive beach in the Saint Tropez region, Plage de Pampelonne.  From June 29 to July 2, Art Pampelonne Presqu’ile de Saint-Tropez will present 60 international galleries, showcasing the most dynamic artists in the contemporary field.

Port Grimaud Saint Tropez

With its signature all white décor, delicious dining, creative cocktails, impeccable service and emphasis on fun in the sun, Nikki Beach Saint Tropez is conveniently located across the street from Art Pampelonne’s pavilion. The legendary beach club, which normally only operates during the day, will extend its hours during the evening of Saturday, July 1st to accommodate VIPs for the Art Pampelonne Official Party.

In addition to a memorable evening of Nikki Beach entertainment, a surprise musical guest will perform and Absolut Elyx Vodka will create a festive specialty cocktail to be served throughout the night. Nikki Beach Saint Tropez will also partner with Perrier Jouët to host a pop-up Champagne bar within the Art Pampelonne pavilion.

Perrier Jouët Pop-Up Champagne bar

Art Pampelonne will open with its vernissage on June 29th from 12pm – 2 pm, followed by its public opening from 2pm – 9pm. From there, the venue will be open daily from June 30th to July 2nd from 12pm to 9pm.

The Nikki Beach Perrier Jouët pop-up Champagne bar will be open for the duration of the event.

For more information on Art Pampelonne, please visit www.artpampelonne.com and to learn more on Nikki Beach, please visit www.nikkibeach.com.

Nikki Beach can now be experienced in: Miami Beach, Florida, USA; Saint Tropez, France; Saint Barth, French West Indies; Marbella, Spain; Marrakech, Morocco; Koh Samui, Thailand; Mallorca, Spain; Ibiza, Spain; Porto Heli, Greece; Monte Carlo, Monaco; Dubai, UAE; Bodrum, Turkey and Versilia, Italy. Nikki Beach has a pop-up location during the Cannes International Film Festival. The Hotels & Resorts division has properties in Koh Samui, Thailand; Porto Heli, Greece; Bodrum, Turkey and Dubai, UAE.

Those mourning the loss of Miami’s iconic Surf Club, founded in 1930 by Harvey Firestone and retired in 2013 after an illustrious run, can now rest easy. The Four Seasons recently commandeered the property, reopening it as the Four Seasons Hotel at the Surf Club. Its doors swung open on March 23, revealing 77 newly-appointed rooms and designs by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Richard Meier.

Encased by a glass-and-steel outer shell, the historic club also includes 119 residences, whose interiors were painstakingly chosen by Parisian architect and designer Joseph Dirand, an alum of Alexander Wang and Givenchy. The overall aesthetic is modern and minimalist, with Miami-white custom furnishings, plush materials, floor-to-ceiling windows and green Connemara marble inlaid throughout.

Diners will also delight: the team from Italy’s famed La Sirenuse resort opened another outpost of their Michelin-starred restaurant, La Sponda, at the Four Seasons Hotel at the Surf Club. In the coming months, three Michelin-starred chef Thomas Keller–of Per Se and The French Laundry fame–will also open a restaurant, which will be designed by London-based designer Martin Brudnizki.

Since this is Miami, one of the focal points will be the pools, of which, there are three. Lined with palms, the serene and secluded pool deck ultimately gives way to one unchanged feature: the 900-foot stretch of private beach, where the likes of Firestone, Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra and Winston Churchill once kicked off their shoes and clinked their glasses to carefree days in Miami. Those days are long gone, but for the new guests at the Four Seasons Hotel at the Surf Club, new experiences are just beginning. Rooms from $889/night.

According to the Miami Association of Realtors, May 2017 saw 1,344 single-family home sales in the greater Miami area, the most in any May in Miami real estate history, and a 9.9 percent jump from the 1,223 homes sold a year ago.

Miami existing condo sales (up 5.7 percent), total residential sales (up 7.7 percent), total dollar volume (up 14.7 percent) and single-family luxury transactions (up 23.5 percent) also increased. Sales for single-family luxury ($1 million or above) have risen for three consecutive months.

“Pent-up demand is fueling a historic Miami home buying season,” said Coral Gables Realtor Christopher Zoller, the 2017 Miami Realtor Association chairman of the board. “Two months after posting its most March single-family home sales ever, Miami-Dade County broke another record for the most May sales. Local job growth and impending interest rate hikes are fueling purchases.”

According to Freddie Mac, the average commitment rate for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage was 4.01 percent in May. The average commitment rate for all of 2016 was 3.65 percent.

 
Total Home Sales Increase

Total existing Miami-Dade County residential sales — which posted a record year in 2013 and near record years in 2014 and 2015 — increased 7.7 percent year-over-year from 2,532 to 2,728.

Sales for existing condominiums, which are competing with a robust new construction market, increased 5.7 percent year-over-year from 1,309 to 1,384.

The existing condo market could see future growth, according to new pending sales data. The number of existing Miami condo properties that went under contract in May rose 6.8 percent year-over-year. New pending sales for single-family homes also increased (up 5.4 percent in May).

Lack of access to mortgage loans is inhibiting further growth of the existing condominium market. Of the 9,307 condominium buildings in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, only 12 are approved for Federal Housing Administration loans, down from 29 last year, according to Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation and FHA.

New Record for Single-Family May Home Sales

The 1,344 Miami-Dade County single-family homes sold in May 2017 surpassed the county’s previous May record of 1,276 transactions in May 2015.

The rise in Miami single-family home sales is being fueled by a surge in mid-market and luxury transactions. Miami single-family mid-market home sales, or transactions for properties listed between $200,000 and $600,000, jumped 27.9 percent in May, from 756 to 967 sales. Mid-market home sales comprise 71.9 percent of all single-family home sales.

Luxury single-family sales ($1 million and above) jumped 23.5 percent in May 2017.

Miami single-family traditional sales, or non-distressed transactions, rose 21.4 percent. This growth in traditional sales, from 980 to 1,190 transactions, shows the health and strength of the Miami market.

Total sales volume for all properties accounted for $1.17 billion last month. These sales do not include Miami’s multi-billion dollar new construction condo market.

Median Prices Rise for All Properties

Miami-Dade County single-family home prices jumped 10.7 percent in May 2017, increasing from $293,500 to $325,000. Miami single-family home prices have now risen for 66 consecutive months, a streak spanning five and half years. Existing condo prices increased 4.8 percent, from $214,750 to $225,000. Condo prices have increased in 70 of the last 72 months.

Despite the rise in prices, Miami real estate remains a major bargain. A 120-square meter condominium in Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Miami Beach cost $170,000 in 2016 Q3, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). The average cost of a 120-square meter apartment in 2016 in the prime inner city areas of London ($4.1 million), Hong Kong ($3.1 million), and New York ($2.2 million) were at least ten times higher, according to Global Property Guide.

Miami Distressed Sales Continue to Drop

Total Miami distressed sales declined 41.8 percent year-over-year, from 471 to 274 last month. Only 10 percent of all closed residential sales in Miami were distressed last month, including REO (bank-owned properties) and short sales, compared to 18.6 percent in May 2016. In 2009, distressed sales comprised 70 percent of Miami sales.

Short sales and REOs accounted for 2.6 and 7.4 percent, respectively, of total Miami sales in May 2017. Short sale transactions dropped 13.4 percent year-over-year while REOs fell 47.8 percent.

Nationally, distressed sales accounted for 5 percent of sales in May, down from 6 percent a year ago.

Miami Real Estate Selling Close to List Price

The median number of days between listing and contract dates for Miami single-family home sales was 48 days, a 2.0 percent decrease from 49 days last year. The median number of days between the listing date and closing date for single-family properties stayed the same at 98 days.

For condos, the median time to contract increased 17.2 percent to 75 days. The median number of days between the listing date and closing date increased 7.5 percent to 115 days.
The median percent of original list price received for single-family homes increased 0.1 percent to 95.5 percent. The median percent of original list price received for existing condominiums decreased 0.6 percent to 93.7 percent.

National and State Statistics

Nationally, total existing-home sales rose 1.1 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.62 million in May from a downwardly revised 5.56 million in April.

Statewide closed sales of existing single-family homes totaled 27,850 last month, up 7.6 percent compared to May 2016, according to Florida Realtors. Statewide closed condo sales totaled 11,538 last month, up 8 percent compared to May 2016.

The national median existing-home price for all housing types was $252,800, up 5.8 percent from May 2016 ($238,900) and marks the 63rd straight month of year-over-year gains.

The statewide median sales price for single-family existing homes last month was $239,000, up 7.7 percent from the previous year, according to Florida Realtors. The statewide median price for townhouse-condo properties was $178,000, up 8.1 percent over the year-ago figure. May was the 66th consecutive month that statewide median prices for both sectors rose.

Miami’s Cash Buyers Represent Almost Double the National Figure

Miami cash transactions comprised 39.4 percent of May total closed sales, compared to 47.2 percent last year. Miami cash transactions are almost double the national figure (22 percent). Miami’s high percentage of cash sales reflects South Florida’s ability to attract a diverse number of international home buyers, who tend to purchase properties in all cash.
Condominiums comprise a large portion of Miami’s cash purchases as 53.8 percent of condo closings were made in cash in May compared to 24.6 percent of single-family home sales.

New Construction Market Update

Most Miami preconstruction condo developers require a 50-percent cash deposit on new units. The deposit is not only one of the highest in the United States but is significantly higher than the 20 percent required during the last real estate cycle. The large cash deposits show how committed Miami’s preconstruction condo buyers are to the local market.

Eighty-three condo towers with 8,697 units have been completed in Miami-Dade County east of I-95 in the last six years since the start of 2011, according to a June 20 report from preconstruction condo projects website Cranespotters.com and MIAMI.

Luxury living in Miami is about to reach new heights. High atop CMC Group’s Brickell Flatiron condominium, a 64-story luxury tower under construction in the heart of Downtown Miami, veteran developer Ugo Colombo has released a limited collection of penthouses for sale. Brickell Flatiron’s newly-unveiled Penthouse Collection, located on floors 50 through 64 of the tower, include expansive single-story residences along with two-story duplex and three-story triplex upper penthouses. With layouts measuring up to nearly 6,500 square feet in size, residences will include 10- to 11-foot-high ceilings, premium finishes and fixtures, and panoramic views of the Miami skyline and Biscayne Bay. Two triplex penthouses will feature private terraces with rooftop pools, summer kitchens and changing rooms, as well as private elevator vestibules within each unit providing access to all three levels.

Penthouse residences are priced from about $1 million to $2.5 million, with upper penthouse duplex and triplex residences priced from $6 million to $15.5 million. Approximately 60% of the development’s 549 units have already been sold and are under hard contract, with a total sales volume in excess of $300 million. With its prominent position at the epicenter of the Brickell Financial District, the over 700-foot-high building will become one of the tallest residential towers in the U.S. upon its completion in 2019.

“Brickell Flatiron’s penthouse collection will embody the elegance and sophistication of Italian design,” said developer Ugo Colombo, founder of CMC Group. “We are sparing no detail and no expense to deliver a memorable product offering our residents the highest caliber of quality and design that will withstand the test of time.”

In addition to offering an unmatched quality of amenities and finishes, Penthouse Collection residences are designed for maximum functionality. Upgraded kitchens include Snaidero motorized cabinetry with customizable cabinet colors, Miele under-counter wine coolers and integrated appliances. Bosch laundry room appliances incorporate anti-vibration and noise-suppression technology. Energy-efficient, impact-resistant floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors are designed to withstand hurricane-force winds. Every penthouse unit is fully equipped with state-of-the-art technology systems, including a private wireless network and a secure smart-lock system.

Acclaimed Miami architect Luis Revuelta creates a one-of-a-kind architectural environment that combines the tower’s distinct flatiron shape with flowing, curvilinear forms. On the inside, Italian design architect Massimo Iosa Ghini uses inspiration from Brickell Flatiron’s curved façade to outline the building’s sleek amenity spaces, creating a seamless transition from exterior to interior.

Crowning the penthouse floors, Brickell Flatiron’s 64th-floor rooftop amenity paradise will encompass a Sky Spa, Sky Pool and Sky Gym with 360-degree panoramic views of the bay and downtown Miami’s glimmering cityscape. Residents will have access to a host of therapeutic services and other offerings including private steam, sauna and locker facilities, and a 6,300 square foot state-of-the-art fitness center with Pilates, yoga and aerobics studios.

Additional features include a resort-style lap pool and children’s pool on the 18th floor, private movie theatre with stadium seating, billiards and cigar room, wine cellar, 24-hour concierge and parking valet, on-site vehicle washing and detailing, and electric car-charging stations.

Brickell Flatiron’s prime location at 1001 South Miami Avenue, just one block from downtown’s bustling Brickell Avenue, provides residents a central location in one of the city’s most dynamic urban districts. Dozens of high-end hotels, restaurants, cafes, lounges and luxury shops are just steps away, including The Shops at Mary Brickell Village and Brickell City Centre. Multiple public transit options such as the Metromover and Downtown Trolley are within walking distance, connecting Brickell Flatiron with Miami’s star attractions, including the AmericanAirlines Arena, Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Perez Art Museum Miami and the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science.

For more information about Brickell Flatiron, including preconstruction sales opportunities, please call (305) 400-7400 or visit the project’s sales & design gallery at 1001 South Miami Avenue, Miami, FL 33130. Learn more at www.brickellflatiron.com.

In Flamingo, Costa Rica you will not only find a great beach but soon you’ll be able to get a cheeseburger in paradise. Surrounded by white sand on the Pacific Coast of Guanacaste Costa Rica, Flamingo Beach Resort & Spa is soon to become an oceanfront paradise owned by Jimmy Buffett and Driftwood Acquistions & Development Company.

The resort offers 120 spacious guestrooms and suites, along with a full range of activities for eco-tourists, families, couples and more. In addition to its location on the Blue Flag-certified ecological Flamingo Beach but nearby activities range from scuba diving and deep-sea fishing to jungle canopy tours and day trips to the famous Arenal Volcano and amazing waterfalls.

Margaritaville partnered privately held investment firm Driftwood Acquisitions & Development, which specializes in the acquisition and development of hotel assets. Both properties will remain open during the various phases of rebranding. Renovations are expected to commence immediately and will incorporate Margaritaville’s signature ‘casual-luxe’ design elements.

The company has announced the re-branding of the Flamingo Beach Resort and Spa in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, in partnership with Driftwood Acquisitions & Development.

We are thrilled to combine the fun and escapism of our brand with these iconic locations, and provide additional opportunities for our guests to relax and have a great time, which is what we are all about. – John Cohlan, CEO, Margaritaville

 

“It’s a dream come true for us to partner with Margaritaville, as we help to rebrand Tan-Tar-A and Flamingo Beach,” said Carlos Rodriguez, chief executive officer of DAD. “The Tan-Tar-A acquisition has helped us reach our 2017 growth goal already, just halfway through the year, and Flamingo Beach has been near and dear to my heart for a very long time.  We’re excited to get underway, working together with the Margaritaville team to help travelers create unforgettable memories in the Midwest and Costa Rica.”

Costa Rica scores another development victory and brand name to add to growing list popular flag hotels such as Sheraton, Hyatt, RUI, Marriott, JW Marriott and Four Seasons. With tourism on the rise, hotel rates up Costa Rica is still in need of more 4 and 5-Star boutique hotels for a unique and personalized travel experience in the land of Pura Vida.

Article Originally on Costa Rica Development Properties, Land & Hotels

President Donald Trump is selling his luxurious French St. Martin beachfront estate, Le Château des Palmiers.  The walled compound on the northwestern tip of the Caribbean island on the Rue de la Malaise is listed with Sotheby’s Realty International and was purchased by the President in 2013.

The nearly five-acre estate was the most expensive home on the market in the French territory when it was first listed 3-months ago for $28M.  The tropical estate home has recently seen a nearly 40% price reduction and is now selling for $16.9 million.

The elaborate and highly impressive Mediterranean-style compound has 11 bedrooms spread across a 4.8-acre lot directly on St. Martin’s Plum Bay.  Encompassing two villas and multiple outbuildings, the main villa includes 5-bedrooms with a 2-story master bedroom complete with jacuzzi bath and multiple balconies.  The smaller villa contains 4-bedrooms each with a unique theme.

Among the many red-tile roofed outbuildings are a pool cabana, a manager’s house, fitness room and more.  All enclosed by an 9-foot boundary wall, you can rest assured that you’ll enjoy complete privacy.

Vacation packages for the president’s tropical beachfront estate start at $6,000 per night in the low season for the smaller of two villas and top off at over $20,000 during the winter holidays.

It is reported that he has collected between $100,000 and $1 million annually through rental income, according to a 2015 disclosure, which values the asset between $5 million and $25 million.

Catching The Wave Of The Future with Jennifer Aniston and Other Paddle Boarding Enthusiasts

If you come anywhere close to a beach these days, you’re going to notice a trendy new sport taking hold: paddle boarding. It is rapidly emerging in popularity all around the world, from the most remote and isolated getaways to the trendies, most luxurious resorts. Paddle boarding is the wave of the future.

It started back with the kings of the Hawaiian Islands, who used the boards specifically for training and exercise purposes. Now, the kings and queens of Hollywood have adopted the sport.

Jennifer Aniston has made quite a few splashes in the news while spiritedly guiding her paddle boardthrough glassy blue waters on numerous occasions. Aniston has never led women astray; from how to maintain beautiful hair to the basics of a healthy diet, she has served as a competent source for workout and beauty trends. And again she leads her followers into friendly waters. No doubt the dedicated masses will follow her lead down this paddle boarding road. And they should, since paddle boarding is a great workout!

Surfers have long been admired for their outstanding physiques, and paddle boarding gives you a similar workout, without the brutal ten foot waves to navigate. Paddle boarding is in essence a leisurely way to surf. You can lie on it and paddle in a swimming motion or standup and use a long curved paddle to propel yourself forward.

Be advised that paddle boarding is most successful in calmer waters. So, next time you find yourself on the beautiful sands of Costa Rica, or in the Caribbean, make sure you bring a paddle board along, as no luxury vacation is complete without one.

Check out other celebrity paddle boarders maintaining their hot bodies with this trendy new sport.

Appleton Estate produces “the world’s oldest barrel aged rum” to mark 50th anniversary of Jamaican independence.

There’s no doubt that Jamaica’s Appleton Estate knows how to make world-class rum. After all, the distillery has been rolling out the barrels since 1749. But now Appleton has created what it’s billing as “the world’s oldest barrel aged rum” to mark the 50th anniversary of Jamaican independence.

This special hand-blended concoction was produced from a selection of rums that had been aged in American oak barrels for at least half a century. Each barrel was laid down with the expressed intention of it contributing to a unique product that would celebrate the ratification of the country’s constitution in 1962.

Appleton Estate’s special edition of golden rum comes in a handcrafted crystal decanter with etchings representing Jamaican national symbols. Also included is a commemorative booklet detailing the rum’s history as well as the country’s long journey to full independence. Limited to only 800 bottles, each is priced at a hefty $4,520.

The commemorative edition is described as “a deep mahogany sipping rum, with powerful notes of cinnamon, toasted oak, almond, maple and vanilla combined with a hint of orange peel – the latter being a hallmark of all Appleton Estate Jamaican Rum.”

Visit www.appletonestate.com for more information.