The New Hacienda Club at Hacienda Pinilla in Costa Rica Launches Luxury Private Residence Club Offering Resort Living… at a Fraction of the Cost

Palms International Realty and Costa Rica’s premier beach and golf resort community  dd fractional ownership in Costa Rica via a private residence club giving those seeking a luxury vacation home in CR the good life at a fraction of the price.

Hacienda Pinilla, Costa Rica’s largest beach and golf resort community, announces the launch of the much anticipated Hacienda Club, a private residence club offering a luxurious and carefree way to own a vacation home. The new Residence Club is based on the proven fractional ownership model, the fastest growing segment of vacation home ownership today. The Hacienda Club allows buyers to purchase deeded and titled shares of a luxury vacation home in one of Costa Rica’s most popular coastal destinations.

The Hacienda Club’s spacious three- and four-bedroom Spanish Colonial Villas are fully furnished and beautifully appointed by one of Costa Rica’s top interior design firms offering seamless turnkey ownership. While whole ownership of these luxury Colonial style villas are priced over $750,000, a deeded and titled private residence club share at the exclusive Hacienda Club starts at only $98,000. Additionally, based on availability, owners can use their Hacienda Club Villa whenever it’s available under a fair and equitable reservation program that has been in place at over 60 Private Residence Clubs worldwide since 1992.
Hacienda Pinilla, a 4,500-acre resort development in the Guanacaste area of Costa Rica boasting 3-miles of spectacular coastline, offers a wide selection of luxury residential property choices complemented by a host of world-class amenities. Each owner at the Hacienda Club also receives a golf membership at Hacienda Pinilla’s championship course designed by noted architect Mike Young, as well as membership in the popular Beach Club situated on the shores of Playa Avellanas, voted one of the top ten beaches in Central America with an equally impressive surf break.

Owners at the exclusive Hacienda Club also enjoy a range of personalized concierge services comparable to those offered by luxury boutique hotels. Quite simply, everything is ready for an owner upon arrival, with all needs and desires satisfied by the club’s professional staff throughout your stay from pre-arrival grocery shopping, daily housekeeping to booking tee times, handling restaurant reservations, adventure and fishing tours.

One signature service of the Hacienda Club is the exclusive “Day at the Beach,” a popular service provided by the residence club’s staff.  According to Deborah Landon, Manager of the Hacienda Club. “We set up our owners and their guests in a private spot at one of our three beaches with everything needed for a great day at the beach, from chairs, umbrellas and a stocked picnic basket, to surfboards,” she says. “Everything is waiting and set up when you arrive and then cleaned up when your day at the beach is done, typically after one of our amazing Costa Rica sunrises.” Ownership at the Hacienda Club is truly the most luxurious vacation home experience you can have in Costa Rica.”

For more information on the Hacienda Club at Hacienda Pinilla, contact Palms International Real Estate Costa Rica at 239-243-0791 or Info@PalmsIntlCR.com.

To learn more about the Hacienda Club, please visit PalmsRealtyCr.com.

There is a big new development in the tiny Central American jewel of Belize. Introducing the first sustainable master-planned community in Southern Belize, Kanantik Belize is a private 5,800-acre gated community boasting 2,800 residential home sites and 200 Beachfront Condominiums on the sparkling Caribbean. With a commitment to low-impact design and exclusive luxury amenities, Kanantik Belize brings a new standard to sustainable luxury living in the Caribbean.

The private retreat founded by Tiger Woods and Ernie Els is set to develop new residences swathed by a sea of amenities for those looking to get away to the Bahamas in luxury and style.

Nestled along the southwestern end of New Providence Island in the Bahamas, Albany is both a yachtsman’s paradise and a nature-lover’s playground. The luxury resort community was inspired by the natural beauty of its 600 acres of oceanfront land and a love for the outdoors held by two of its founding owners — golf legends Tiger Woods and Ernie Els.

Together with the private investment company Tawistock Group, they created this perfectly pristine Bahamian retreat, which boasts an Ernie Els designed 18-hole championship golf course and a 71-slip marina with state-of-the-art floating docks that can accommodate boats ranging in size from 50 footers to 300-foot mega yachts.

Now, the private retreat plans to expand on that exemplary quality of life and luxury with a new residence community. Christened the Honeycomb for its unique design, this stunning example of architecture overlooks the marina and will be home to a collection of floor plans ranging from two-bedroom residences to seven-bedroom penthouses. Panoramic ocean views and zero-entry pools are icing on the cake for owners of this prestigious real estate opportunity.

This new phase of development in Albany brings with it planned expansion of the community itself, as well. Existing facilities already include a luxury boutique hotel, boutique retail shopping district, a state-of-the-art fitness center and spa, and a wealth of amenities for family fun and entertaining children.

Slated for the new project are a wealth of services designed to make living the luxurious life in the Bahamas feel that much more like home. A new health and wellness center, medical facilities, and a financial center offering enterprise-level services will offer residents the opportunity to both live and work from their Bahamian getaway on the sea.

This 21-mile-long powerhouse of an island is a perfect fit for visitors who travel on private jets and enjoy an active lifestyle enhanced by the bounty of their surroundings. From beach runs and paddle boarding to horseback riding beside the emerald sea, the natural amenities are just one part of what makes Albany so special. Add in the opportunity for excitement awarded by the presence of a high stakes casino and a fully bevy of bars, restaurants and nightclubs, and it really does start to sound like paradise.

“Since opening, Albany has welcomed 150 families from 17 countries to become a part of our resort community,” says Christopher Anand, Albany’s managing partner. “Our owners and guests range from entrepreneurs and C-suite executives to musicians and professional athletes, all of whom enjoy the relaxed, friendly, discreet and welcoming lifestyle of Albany.”

Visit Albany, Bahamas to learn more about this unparalleled combination of surroundings, architecture, sporting amenities and service.

Many travelers put Patagonia near the top of their wish list for a vacation. Now some are considering the naturally gorgeous destination for a vacation home.

El Desafio mountainsEl Desafio is the first serious real estate development in Argentinean Patagonia, a project of Dallas-based Hicks Trans American Partners, aimed at an outdoor, equestrian and golfing clientele. While the facilities are impressive, the most compelling asset is the unique location in the Lakes District of Northern Patagonia, where a seemingly endless series of incredibly clean, crystalline lakes wind through valleys in the heart of the Andes, the world’s second highest mountain range. This area is home to innumerable species found only here, some of the best fly fishing on earth, and endless hiking, biking and horse trails through vast expanses of totally untouched land. For all practical purposes, Argentinean Patagonia extends from here south to the end of the earth.

Befitting the incredible natural setting, the project includes massive reserves of protected land, stunning views and a brand new Greg Norman designed golf course – the Great White Shark’s first venture into South America.

El Desafio mountain golf courseThe El Desafio mountain resort community is slated to include a luxury hotel, and spans an impressive 1000+ hectares, or about 2500-acres. The local response among South American buyers has already been strong, with about 150 lots sold despite limited facilities finished. Home sites are large, and only 740 of the acres are slated for residential development. Plans also include a limited number of low rise luxury condos in addition to custom homes. The first phase, just completed, includes all the underground sewer, water and electric infrastructure for residential construction, along with the first of two world-class polo fields. The Argentineans are mad about polo, and buyers are already training and playing while the first houses are being built (5 homes are under construction). One El Desafio shareholder is John Muse, a top player and the recent winner of three important polo tournaments in Santa Barbara, CA, who will be on hand February 5-6 for the grand opening celebration, the first El Desafio Polo Cup. Extensive equestrian facilities also include training areas, stables and riding for all abilities.

El Desafio peakOf the 2500 very natural acres, 600 are set aside as a nature preserve, and the lifestyle will have an emphasis on the great outdoors, with trekking and mountain biking, including trails and mountain shelters throughout the property. Owners have access to some of South America’s best skiing in winter, which is summer in North America. This reversal of seasons is also tempting for winter golf and fishing getaways from the colder US climates – besides horses and now golf, the area’s traditional appeal is its fly fishing, something Patagonia is world renowned for, long attracting serious anglers from around the globe.

The new hotel will include a substantial spa available to owners, plus two clubhouses, one for golf and one for polo, and work has already begun on the 7,100-yard Greg Norman Signature course. Being in the Andes, it will feature dramatic elevation changes, and is routed through two very different environments, a dense pine forest at lower altitude and the open meadows of a mountain plateau with sweeping vistas of some of the tallest peaks on earth, snow covered year round. Norman has taken special care to use his par-3s to frame this natural setting, and each one promises to be a stunner. With 5 sets of tees, the course will offer enjoyment and challenge for golfers of all abilities.

Greg Norman”It will be my first ever course in South America,” said Norman. “I have designed mountain courses before, but this course will be unique with its dramatic backdrops and rugged beautiful terrain. We spent a lot of time trying to ensure the best routing for this beautiful piece of property, we wanted to use a least disturbance approach and create great golf at the same time. It’s going to be a spectacular golf course.”

In keeping with the overall aesthetic of the development, the course will be eco-friendly, and more than half of its acreage is preserved native areas, with the routing carefully planned to avoid removal of any significant trees or disturbance of important habitat. It also uses a brand new type of gravity fed sprinkler system to provide irrigation without power consuming pumps. In the past 12 moths all eighteen fairways have been cleared and construction is well underway.

 
Why Not Retire to Costa Rica, the Happiest Place on Earth?

If you’re on the verge of retirement, or just entertaining the thought of it, a good place to start the planning process might be to examine the Happy Planet Index (HPI), which ranks Costa Rica as the “Happiest Place On Earth,” based on an annual study of 151 countries. That pleasant distinction certainly reinforces the common phrase about life in this still wonderfully quaint Central American country— “pura vida” —that translates loosely as “life is good.”

And there are roughly 50,000 expatriates in Costa Rica, many of them retirees, who certainly won’t argue with that happy designation, and will gladly proclaim that Costa Rica has it all, including beautiful Caribbean beaches, unspoiled Pacific Coast sanctuaries, modern cities, lush rain forests and a nearly perfect year-round tropical climate. Costa Rica also has one of the highest standards of living in Central America, a stable democratic government and outstanding real estate values.

The happiness quotient and standard of living in Costa Rica is bolstered by excellent healthcare services and modern telecommunications, along with Costa Rica’s natural beauty, culture, lower cost of living and relaxed pace. But as International Living has noted, “This jewel of Central America has the added advantage of still being relatively undiscovered by mass tourism.”

Low Cost of Living

The cost of living in Costa Rica is low in comparison to the United States, Canada and Europe, even though it’s generally ranked as the most expensive country in Central America. But all things considered, Costa Rica is a place where less is more, and less goes further when it comes to money. That’s a significant factor that draws retirees who discover they can live quite well here on $1,000 to $2,500 per month. Go higher than that, and you can live really well. So, if you’re a Boomer who’s been waiting since the sixties to drop out, sell it all and go back to nature, this is the place and the time.

There are reasonable and worthwhile lifestyle options in Costa Rica for virtually any retiree, which is why the AARP considers it “one of the best places to retire abroad.” And if you do plan an extended stay or permanent move, there are residency options worth exploring. In fact, retirement experts advise considering “rentista” or “pensioner” residency status. Rentisa visa holders have to show income of $2,500 per month for at least five years, guaranteed by a banking institution or make a deposit of $150,000 in an approved Costa Rican bank. You must live in Costa Rica at least four months of the year.

Those seeking a pensionado visa need to prove a minimum income of $1,000 per month from a qualified pension or retirement account, or from Social Security, and you must live in Costa Rica at least four months of the year. Another option that may be right for certain individuals is inversionistas, which is for investors looking at going into business or investing in certain sectors. One key thing to keep in mind is that you can’t work in Costa Rica without residency unless you’re a telecommuter—and a nice bonus is you’re not taxed on income earned outside Costa Rica.

A Perfect Tropical Climate

Costa Rica is bordered by the warm waters of the Caribbean on the east and the Pacific Ocean on the west, which contributes to weather that’s just about perfect any time of year. According to International Living, many retirees choose to live in the Central Valley of Costa Rica, which provides easy access to the capital city of San Jose and its international airport, shopping and medical facilities. Weather is also an important factor, with the area enjoying year-round temperatures averaging 72ºF. For retirees seeking beach living, the Guanacaste province and the Pacific coast from Jaco to Quepos generally are the most popular choices. A range of reasonable real estate options offers ample opportunities for value-minded investors and retirees.

Costa Rica is also a special place of amazing natural diversity that makes it a nature-lover’s dream destination. The flora and fauna found in the country make it one of the most biodiverse places in the world, with a commitment to conservation designed to preserve the natural settings. Interestingly, Costa Rica banned hunting early in 2013, reflecting the strong support for the environment.

In addition to its natural beauty, Costa Rica also offers visitors and residents a thriving culture and one of the highest standards of living in Central America. There are modern cities with all the expected conveniences, including high-speed internet and telecommunications infrastructure. Plus, Costa Rica has an excellent healthcare system that equals those of North America—except it’s much cheaper.

A Tradition of Progressive Government

Costa Rica’s economy continues to evolve and experience positive growth, which bodes well for the future and the futures of those who choose to retire there. Many expatriates also welcome the country’s long-standing tradition of democracy and progressive government that adds to its stability and appeal. Costa Rica is often referred to as the “Switzerland of the Americas,” since it is one of the only diplomatically neutral countries in the world—and it doesn’t have an army.

On top of all that, the people of Costa Rica are warm and friendly, and welcoming to newcomers. Of course, those from outside the country who’ve successfully established lives there strongly advise learning to speak Spanish and encourage newcomers to make a connection with the country, rather than remain aloof from local society.

By the way, the country’s food also gets high marks. Costa Rican cuisine is a mixture of indigenous, Spanish and African flavors that go heavy on the tamales, chicken and fish. The rich red soil, a trademark of Costa Rica, provides the perfect environment for growing lush organic products, producing some of the world’s finest bananas and pineapples, and its world-renowned coffee. Traditional butcher shops, bakeries and fish markets are also in abundance here, with prices that make retirees smile.

And smiling a lot is one of the things retirees in Costa Rica report they do a great deal of as they go about their daily activities in the world’s happiest place. As one says, “If you want to retire with Carmel-style views at 10 percent of the price, Costa Rica can still be the place.”

Los Suenos ViewLos Suenos Resort and Marina an 1,100-acre master planned destination community, will begin construction on the Altavista Los Suenos condominium residences this month. Located at Herradura Bay on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, Los Suenos is a perfect escape for those who seek understated luxury and a comfortable lifestyle in a tropical climate.

Los Suenos MarinaLos Suenos Resort & Marina currently features a private 600-acre rainforest reserve; the 201-room five-star Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort; a full-service, 200-slip international marina; an exclusive Beach Club for residents; and the 18-hole La Iguana championship golf course. With over 500 luxury single-family homes, lots, condominiums and villas already sold, Los Suenos begins construction on Altavista Los Suenos. Consisting of three-bedroom condominium residences ranging from 1,750 to 2,100 square feet and priced from $589,000 to $749,000.

Los Suenos condos”Our goal with Altavista Los Suenos was to create a new collection of high-quality ocean view residences that responded to today’s market demands,” says developer William Royster. “Altavista will complement our existing community and will offer owners the same great access to a world-class, award-winning resort and Costa Rica’s first government-sanctioned, full-service international marina.”

Los Suenos Resort and Marina is the most successful resort development in Central America with record-breaking home sales, a marina that is considered the best in Latin America for its world-class facilities and renowned bill fishery, and the highly acclaimed Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort. The next eight years will see the completion of the remaining phases of Los Suenos, including the final phase of Marina Village, several hundred additional luxury residences and the construction of an eco-lodge in the rainforest reserve.

BASSETTERRE, ST. KITTS: Christophe Harbour Development Company, Ltd. has introduced the Windswept Residence Club, a collection of nine newly developed turnkey villas, three of which are now available for fractional ownership purchase.

Perhaps the most notable feature of these latest additions to Christophe Harbour’s real estate offering is the eligibility for citizenship that is included with the purchase of a Windswept Residence Club Membership.

Located within the exclusive enclave of Sandy Bank Bay, each private Windswept residence has been designed for maximum enjoyment of harbour and ocean views. In addition to St. Kitts citizenship, purchasing a fractional interest of these villas offers spacious indoor and outdoor living areas ideal for the island lifestyle, as well as concierge, maintenance and housekeeping services, and property management provided by Christophe Harbour. Located within walking distance to The Pavilion beach club, each Windswept owner will also be a member of the Christophe Harbour Club.

Application for citizenship by investment can begin immediately upon contract. Exclusive benefits of this program include visa-free travel to more than 120 countries, dual and lifetime citizenship for buyers and eligible family members, tax exemptions on income, capital gains, gifts, wealth, and inheritance and no residency requirements to obtain citizenship.

These four-bedroom, fully furnished Windswept villas feature one-story and two-story floor plans, with the one-story villas starting at $411,000 per fractional interest and the two-story villas at $415,000 and $419,000 per fractional interest. Each villa is divided into ten indivisible titles to real estate, with each title representing five weeks per year for personal use or as a rental. An annual rotation schedule ensures that each owner will be able to enjoy high season weeks.

The homes will be designed by Herlong & Associates and built by Bennett Hofford Caribbean Construction Company Limited who both have experience working with Christophe Harbour. Allison Elebash of Allison Elebash Interiors, who designed the interiors for The Pavilion beach club at Sandy Bank Bay and several private residences throughout St. Kitts and Nevis has signed on to design the next nine homes.

Floor plans of the Windswept Residence Club villas feature two master suites, each with direct access to outdoor living space, as well as spacious guest rooms with room to sleep up to 12 people. Design elements for the homes include vaulted ceilings, concrete construction, natural roof shakes, natural stone flooring throughout, luxurious European-style kitchens, spacious indoor living areas that open to the terrace, outdoor living areas with pool and stone decking, and intimate gardens. The environmentally minded design of these residences meets Energy Star standards and the highest structural standards.

For further information about the Windswept Residence Club, please visit www.ChristopheHarbour.com.

What do Cabo San Lucas, Chef Nobu, Robert DeNiro and Meir Teper have in common? World-renowned and, come 2017, the new luxury Nobu Hotel Los Cabos.

Cabo San Lucas, or Cabo for short, is a Mexican resort town with an almost disarming charm. Located on the southern tip of Baja California, Cabo has claimed many titles, from its fame as a sport fishing Mecca in the 1950s to its mantle as party central in the 1980s. And in the past 30 years, Cabo San Lucas has matured into one of Mexico’s most exclusive vacation destinations – an elegant town, wrapped in golden coastline, and sprinkled with refined resorts and trendy restaurants.

Nobu Hotel Los Cabos marks the brand’s ninth hotel, second collaboration with RCD Resorts, and first foray into Mexico. The 200-room, world-class property has secured a spectacular beachfront location in Cabo San Lucas, and will incorporate the brand’s lively aesthetic to deliver the signature blend of luxury, craft and theater that has become synonymous with Nobu Hotels and Restaurants.

“We are extremely pleased to continue our collaboration with Nobu Hospitality, and introduce the Nobu hotel experience to Mexico. Through this partnership, our aim for the Nobu Hotel is to redefine the beachfront experience and offerings for luxury resorts,” said Mr. Roberto Chapur Sr., Chairman of RCD Resorts. “Our contribution to the development of Los Cabos reflects our passion and long-standing commitment to see the destination continue to thrive as one of the greatest in the world.”

The Nobu Hotel Los Cabos Brings a New Level of Luxury to Mexico Hotels & Resorts

Natural materials, contemporary flair and overarching elegance define the Nobu Hotel experience. The property’s luxurious accommodations and posh suites promise to draw inspiration from their Cabo San Lucas surroundings – think aquamarine sea, powdery sand and salty sea breezes – to mingle with stylish touches from Nobu’s native Japan.

The signature Nobu Restaurant and Bar will occupy prime Pacific Ocean beachfront–only Cabo’s best views for diners. In addition to fine dining, resort vacationers will also enjoy a varied menu of fine amenities: an upscale spa, retail stores, event and meeting space, and a variety of unique dining and lounging experiences, amongst other offerings.

Trevor Horwell, Chief Executive of Nobu Hospitality, summarized “The Nobu Hotel Los Cabos will represent a new and differentiated luxury product, which will be unique for both Los Cabos and the wider resort community… Los Cabos continues to be a destination of choice for the luxury traveler and this resort will embody our commitment to create a property that intertwines fun and luxury, and to offer guests from around the world a unique and exciting experience.”

For more information on Nobu Hospitality, named one of luxury’s 25 Most Innovative Brands by Robb Report, please visit http://www.nobuhospitality.com/

Source: PRNewswire

Vineyard Real Estate Communities in San Miguel de Allende Combine Premier Properties with Fine Wine

Although San Miguel de Allende is not (yet) Napa Valley, Baja or Tuscany, wine lovers and those who are amazed by this magical town in the heart of Mexico have the opportunity to embark on a unique real estate venture that combines luxury San Miguel de Allende real estate with fine wine and owning a piece of a vineyard.

While wine consumption, especially in North America, has seen record increases in the past two years, an increase in confidence in the U.S. real estate market has also led to more interest in the purchase of international property around the globe, including in Latin America, especially Mexico. With a new take on real estate in San Miguel de Allende and other areas in Mexico, some developments are combining a perfect blend of wine vineyards, real estate and luxury homes, capitalizing on the growing interest in wine and investment in international real estate.

Discover the Up & Coming Wine Region of Central Mexico

In these new and elite “Vineyard Estate” developments, property owners are given the unique opportunity to own real estate in a serene setting in a master-planned community while reaping the benefits of owning their very own vineyard. Three such communities, just outside the historic and charming city of San Miguel de Allende, are leading the way in this intriguing concept in wine infused real estate. La Santísima Trinidad, Viñedo San Miguel and Los Senderos are the area’s first “Vineyard Estate” communities offering exceptional real estate opportunities surrounded by their own vineyard, allowing owners an up-close-and-personal involvement in the wine-making experience and living the good life.

Viñedo San Miguel is an exclusive San Miguel de Allende vineyard and real estate community just 10-minutes from Centro San Miguel de Allende. Spread over 120 hectares (353 acres), 20% of the property is for development while a gracious 80% remains for the vineyards and amenities. Viñedo offers a carefree lifestyle where property owners enjoy living among the fruits of their labor, literally.

The vineyards are cared for by state-of-the-art technology and highly qualified personnel making owning a vineyard carefree and enjoyable. Owners here have the option of producing their own wine and varietals under their very own label and enjoying it for their own consumption or marketing and selling their wine and/or the grapes for a profit.

Among the many amenities at Viñedo owners enjoy horse stables, a swimming pool, tennis, gourmet dining, wine shops and more. One of the highlights is the exclusive invite to wine tastings, dinners and the annual wine harvest party.

Another wine community near San Miguel de Allende is La Santísima Trinidad – a Vineyard Estate Community neighboring one of Mexico’s most recognized winery, Cuna de Tierra. La Santísima is situated among sprawling vineyards, olive groves and lavender fields, and the entire design is inspired by the land’s unique characteristics of Mediterranean-like scenery, weather and soil conditions, perfect for growing grapes.

Anchored by the beautiful Clubhouse made of stone and timber, featuring terraces and outdoor fireplaces, and epitomizing easy living in San Miguel de Allende, real estate owners here enjoy access to fine dining at the restaurant as well as an 80-barrel wine cellar that houses the “La Santisima Trinidad” wine.

Spectacular Landscapes & Luxury Properties at the Vineyard Estate Communities of San Miguel, Mexico

Approximately 80% of the vineyards, olive groves and lavender fields at La Santísima are under the care and management of the development giving La Santísima Trinidad the ability to produce and market the wines and products derived from the olive groves and lavender fields. Each property owner receives their share of the different products generated throughout the property (i.e., wine, olive oil, olives, grapes, lavender oil, etc.) and even has the option to receive their portion of profits from sales.

And just 2-minutes outside of San Miguel de Allende with views back to the city you will find Los Senderos, a master-planned community offering over 1,100 vines that will be producing notable wine in just a few short years. At Los Senderos they pride themselves on a sustainable community complete with organic gardens that provide fresh herbs and vegetables for their award-winning restaurant. With just 49 homesites and 8 large ranchette homesites, Los Senderos offers homeowners a low density and casual yet elegant lifestyle in San Miguel, all surrounded by a lake, natural thermal hot springs and a luxurious spa with plans for a 5-star boutique hotel.

Revolutionizing the options for living and retiring abroad in San Miguel de Allende, these Vineyard Estate Communities are on the forefront of a luxurious and prosperous way of life. Capitalizing on a unique market niche, La Santísima Trinidad, Viñedo San Miguel and Los Senderos bring luxury property buyers exactly what they are looking for – a simple and carefree way of life in a breathtaking environment complimented by the nectar of the gods.