Blueprints

Thailand readiest to unveil Kata Rocks.

Prize in the Sky - Thailand readies to unveil Kata Rocks

After years of planning, the development team behind Kata Rocks—architect Adrian McCarroll, interior designer Kelly Hoppen, and lighting designer Rob Clift—is close to realizing its vision: a breathtaking collection of 34 oceanfront Sky Villas in Phuket, Thailand.

Anchored on Kata Point—one of the island’s most exclusive areas—Kata Rocks is more than a luxury resort; it’s an experience. Villas are harmoniously balanced and inspired by their natural surroundings. A modern ocean loft design scheme features clean lines and elements like sleek louvres and tinted glass panels.

With 15 international property awards, the development provides the space and seclusion of a private residence and the benefits of a luxury boutique resort. The onsite ocean-facing restaurant, pool and bar, five-room spa, and state-of-the-art fitness room constitute a world within a world, while restaurants, shops, and beach clubs complete the Kata Rocks lifestyle. Amenities feature cutting-edge home technology that allows owners to easily change lighting, close blinds, order room service, book activities, and access a central entertainment server.

Kata Rocks’ top accommodations are its 10 four-bedroom Club Penthouse Villas, each of which boasts over 4,950 square feet, open-plan living spaces, two master bedrooms with private terraces and Jacuzzis, a 32-foot infinity pool, and an outdoor dining area with barbecue kitchen. To date, the remaining purchase opportunities include select three-bedroom Sky Duplexes, two-bedroom Pool Condos, and a penthouse—all of which have their own private infinity pools, stunning views of the Andaman Sea, and smart technology. Project completion is estimated for this fall; prices begin at $1.1 million.

Playa Mystica at Panama

Rainforest Respite - A low-impact community is coming to Panama’s coast

The developers of Playa Mystica on Boca Chica Island, 30 minutes off Panama’s coast, are working to create a low-impact community that is “a perfect hideout for a pirate and a perfect fortress of solitude for a superhero.” The development consists of 35 lots on 50 acres that will serve as the anchor community on the island. This development density assures that each lot has 50 to 100 feet of rainforest between it and the next structure. Future plans include a small fishing lodge and the development of Monte Vida Park, formed to protect and preserve the natural rainforest. Boca Chica Island borders Panama’s Chiriqui Gulf National Marine Park and is surrounded by 50 smaller uninhabited islands. Lots start at $49,900. Prospective buyers can stay at the existing Mango Bay Villa Estate.

The Algonquin Resort

Castle Course - New Brunswick’s Algonquin reopens in June

A maritime tradition in its second century of service, The Algonquin Resort is a landmark in Canadian hospitality. Overlooking Passamaquoddy Bay in St. Andrews by the Sea, New Brunswick, the 234-room Tudor-style “Castle-by-the-Sea” has been welcoming guests, including heads of state and royalty, since 1889. The majestic Bay of Fundy is the stunning backdrop for the resort’s award-winning Algonquin Golf Course. The resort will reopen in June, following a $30 million renovation that combines the elegance of a bygone era with the modern amenities of a luxury resort. Dining options will include a full-service restaurant that uses locally sourced ingredients, and a lounge will reflect the hotel’s heritage by offering classic cocktails with a contemporary twist. The hotel joins Marriott’s distinguished Autograph Collection.

Coastal Blueprints

Marina Palms Yacht Club & Residences

Miami Marina A new boating paradise prepares to debut in South Florida

The first new yacht club residences in two decades are on the horizon for North Miami Beach. When complete, Marina Palms Yacht Club & Residences will be home to two towers—each with 24 floors and 468 spacious residences, a waterfront promenade, and one million square feet of developed space.

Spacious two-, three-, and four-bedroom residences with unobstructed water views in all directions will start at $600,000. Finishing touches selected for Marina Palms include Snaidero cabinetry, Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, and stone countertops.

The centerpiece of the development is the 112-slip full-service marina and yacht club, which will feature an on-site dock master and yacht club concierge, fuel service, dockside WiFi, and space to accommodate yachts up to 90 feet in length.

Additional planned amenities at Marina Palms include workout facilities and studios, 24-hour gated access, valet and butler service, tennis and beach clubs, a business lounge, a children’s playground and pool, a club room, a dog park, high-speed elevators, a hot tub, an infinity pool, on-site car washing and detailing services, an outdoor gourmet kitchen, a private screening room with a 100-inch TV, a pool table, and a bar. Additionally, there will be a salon and spa with private treatment rooms, a sauna, and a steam room.

The tentative date of groundbreaking for the $400 million development will fall within third quarter 2013; sales offices are already open.

Andaz Maui

“Iron”-clad Concept Celebrity chef Morimoto brings his world-famous cuisine to Maui

Situated on Maui’s southwestern coastline, Andaz Maui at Wailea is under development along Mokapu Beach in Wailea. The 15-acre beachfront resort will feature 297 guest rooms and suites, including seven luxury two- to four-bedroom residential villas. Acclaimed chef Masaharu Morimoto, known to many as the star of Food Network’s “Iron Chef” and “Iron Chef America,” has been tapped to create Andaz Maui’s on-site dining experience, Morimoto Maui. The restaurant’s menu will feature the Hawaiian islands’ freshest local ingredients prepared with traditional Japanese techniques. Just steps from the beach, the restaurant and bar will capture the island’s laid-back culture. The property will also feature cascading outdoor infinity pools and a spa with 10 treatment rooms, its own private adult pool, bath and beauty retail shop, and fitness center.

Hercules Bayfront

Herculean Effort The Bay Area prepares for new waterfront residences

Developers Oso Trabuco and Anderson Pacific will break ground on a long-awaited waterfront project in the coastal California town of Hercules, located in the North San Francisco Bay region. Hercules Bayfront, which is anticipated to break ground in the third quarter of 2013, will effectively create a new downtown on the Hercules waterfront. The first phase of construction will be The Village, which incorporates approximately 750 market-rate residences; office, retail, and flex space; and parks and plazas. The finished area will feature two distinct multifamily residential communities along the waterfront connected by a central mixed-use downtown retail district. The development has already been awarded Stage 1 LEED-ND Gold status.

Floridian Luxury: Costa Hollywood

Costa Hollywood

South Florida awaits a luxe new condo-resort.

Costa Hollywood Condo Resort at Hollywood Beach Village is scheduled to break ground in early 2013, evidence of the rebirth of the city of Hollywood, FL. Costa Hollywood will cater to clients seeking city-like home dwellings in a beachside landscape. Located at 777 North Ocean Drive, the development will have 310 fully furnished turnkey “smart units,” including studios and one- and two-bedroom units ranging from 338 square feet to 1,200 square feet. The condos will feature custom artwork and spectacular water views from private glass-railing terraces. Each room will be outfitted with state-of-the-art Apple technology, enabling guests to enjoy fully interactive features like housekeeping service requests, in-room dining, spa reservations, electronic concierge, surveys, and video on demand.

The property will be designed with eco-friendly construction materials, lighting control, energy-efficient appliances, and an automatic parking system. The six-floor structure will house “Hollywood Beach Village,” an upscale outdoor retail and dining district with shops, a rooftop pool, restaurants, and a holistic day spa.

Owners can take advantage of everything from the Hollywood Boardwalk to parks, restaurants, bars, casinos, nightlife, water sports, and the marina.

Completion of Costa Hollywood is scheduled for late 2014. Prices start in the low $200,000s for studios, high $200,000s for one-bedroom units, and low $600,000s for two-bedroom units. costahollywood.com.

Bal Harbour Beauty

A boutique beachfront development, 95th On The Ocean, is taking shape just steps from Bal Harbour Shops at 95th and Collins Avenue in South Florida. The property, scheduled for completion in summer of 2013, will feature seven luxury homes, each comprising 4,000 square feet, four bedrooms, and five and a half baths. Amenities will include private entrances, two-car garages, and private glass elevators. Each unit will be equipped with Miele, Wolf, and Sub-Zero appliances. A rooftop terrace with a private pool for each residence is the finishing touch. 95thontheocean.com.

Port Ludlow Resort Community

Port Ludlow Resort

In the resort community of Port Ludlow, WA, overlooking a tranquil marina and the rugged Olympic Mountains, is the site for a new community of 42 Craftsman-style condominiums. Positioned on the shores of Ludlow Bay, the first phase of these charming coastal homes are available on a pre-sale basis, with construction slated for 2013. Layouts range from 1,500 square feet to nearly 2,300 square feet, with one-or two-story layouts. Each home offers open floor plans, two bedroom suites, and den areas.

Port Ludlow is an 1,800-acre master-planned resort community with a cap of 2,250 total residences. Located on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, Port Ludlow offers miles of maintained hiking trails, an 18-hole championship golf course, a protected 300-slip marina that accommodates boats up to 200 feet, a small retail village, and a 37-room inn with an award-winning restaurant. Prices begin in the low $400,000s. portludlowresort.com.

The Mansions at Acqualina in Florida

Acqualina is extending its brand to reach buyers seeking larger homes within the exclusive community. Located on a combined 6.75 acres on Florida’s Sunny Isles Beach, The Mansions at Acqualina will connect to Acqualina Resort & Spa by a private access bridge. The property will have 79 sky mansions, ranging from about 4,600 square feet to a 15,000-square-foot penthouse. With just two residences per floor, all buyers will enjoy wraparound views. Each residence boasts his-and-her Ornare closets in croc leather; floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding exterior doors; and private balconies. There will be 11 private outdoor sanctuaries—including a fire pit, a sunset pool, a dog park, and cabanas—available exclusively to residents, as well as indoor areas with amenities like a Hammam, a fitness center, a kids’ center, golf simulators, a cigar lounge, a wine room and cellar, and an outdoor dining and breakfast
bar facility. mansionsatacqualina.com.

Grove at Grand Bay in South Florida

South Florida is set to open Grove at Grand Bay.

Rising 20 stories over South Bayshore Drive in Miami, Grove at Grand Bay encompasses two striking towers showcasing 96 elegant and expansive residences. Residents will enjoy panoramic views of Biscayne Bay, Key Biscayne, Coral Gables, and downtown Miami. Amenities and services will include private butlers, private elevators and two-car garages, rooftop swimming pools, a wellness spa, a fitness center, and a club room.

Each of Grove at Grand Bay’s residences will have an open floor plan highlighted by 12-foot ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows. The outside living areas, which will have wraparound balconies, will be 12 feet deep, creating a continuation of the indoor/outdoor living environment. Additional features will include private elevator access to individual units, Miele appliances, and Dornbarcht fixtures.

Grove at Grand Bay will be located on the former site of the Grand Bay Hotel. Location is everything, and residents will find themselves just minutes from key areas, including the airport, downtown Miami, Miami Beach, and Coral Gables, as well as Coconut Grove’s fine restaurants, cafés, art galleries, and boutiques. Additional nearby areas of interest are The Adrienne Arsht Center, the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, and The Barnacle Historic State Park.

Construction for Grove at Grand Bay is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2012 and is slated for completion in the third quarter of 2014. Prices start at $1.9 million. groveatgrandbay.com.

Central Charm; Tamarindo Beach & Ocean Estates

Tamarindo Beach & Ocean Estates is a must-see for home buyers.

Vacation home seekers and retirees should put Tamarindo Beach & Ocean Estates on their radar. This beachfront community, located on the Central Pacific coast of Nicaragua approximately 30 minutes from the colonial city of Leon, has plans for 100 residential oceanfront and riverfront homes.

For the past few years, Tamarindo’s owner and developer, Nica Projects, has invested heavily in the property’s infrastructure—from telecommunications to water to access roads. Most recently, the firm selected Mantica Architectos as the lead architect. Upon purchasing a homesite in Tamarindo, owners will engage directly with the architect to create their dream retreat.

Tamarindo’s design and vision is to create a pedestrian-friendly and active community. From an ocean boardwalk with grass to multiple walkways and bike paths, Tamarindo will offer multiple opportunities for the active resident or visitor. The planned community will offer multiple amenities and services, including a hotel with 16 suites, a restaurant, a pool, a weight room, a lounging area, a poolside bar, and a gift shop. The Red Snapper fishing lodge on the estuary with an attached marina will house fishing facilities, while a nature reserve area is also incorporated into the landscape plan. Homesites are currently available for purchase and are priced from $70,000 to $120,000 per oceanfront lot; each site comprises roughly a quarter acre. nicaprojects.com.

Oh La Laluna

Located on the dramatic southwest coastline of Grenada, Laluna is a private island paradise on 25 acres of prime waterfront land and comprises 16 one- and two-bedroom suites with plunge pools. On-site amenities include an Italian restaurant, a spa, and a beachfront yoga pavilion. In June 2013, completion is expected of phase one of the new Laluna Estate, which will consist of four- and five-bedroom villas. Villa owners will have full access to Laluna’s services and amenities, including its concierge. A 12-meter berth is included in villa prices, with an option to upgrade to a larger berth. Prices start at $2 million. laluna.com. For Shore

Asbury Partners has unveiled development plans for a luxury townhome community, VIVE, in Asbury Park, New Jersey. VIVE will feature 28 luxury townhomes designed to blend the finest traditions of the Jersey Shore with smart contemporary urban living. The development will feature luxury two- and three-bedroom townhomes ranging from approximately 1,700 to 2,200 square feet, with all models boasting private entrances, personal two-car garages, and water views. The dramatic oversized windows, classic balconies, and elegant rooftop terraces in each model maximize stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and Wesley Lake. Asbury Partners is also investing more than a half million dollars in street, landscape, and curbside improvements, beginning a process to give the waterfront district the look and feel of a master-planned community. For pricing, visit viveasburypark.com.

Key Biscayne welcomes Oceana

Argentinian developer Consultatio has broken ground on Oceana, a $250 million condo project in Key Biscayne, Florida, on the site of the former Sonesta Hotel and Resort. Just southeast of Greater Downtown Miami, Oceana will feature twin 15-story towers with a combined 140 condo units, plus 14 villas on a 10-acre site on Ocean Drive. The development will be located on the last oceanfront site available on Key Biscayne. Units will range from 1,800 square feet to 7,500 square feet. Prices are anticipated to start between $2.5 and $3 million and will be released for purchase this year. oceana-keybiscayne.com.

Oceana

Puerto Rico’s Paseo Caribe

Luxe life at Paseo Caribe

Puerto Rico welcomes its newest upscale residential project.

Paseo Caribe, a high-end residential and retail waterfront property, is emerging in Puerto Rico. The mixed-use development, which was recently relaunched, will include the Residences at Caribe Plaza, Laguna Plaza, and Bahia Plaza, along with an open-air retail lifestyle center and parking complex.

Located on Ponce de Leon Avenue at the Gateway to Old San Juan, Paseo Caribe is steps from Condado Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean. The signature element of the public area is the Residents’ Lounge and outdoor entertainment space, which overlook the retail courtyard and offer dramatic waterfront views.

The centerpiece of the project will be The Shops at San Geronimo, which will offer a mix of Puerto Rican merchants combined with global retailers and several waterfront dining and entertainment venues. When complete, the retail complex will house between 40 and 50 specialty shops, boutiques, and restaurants.

Residences in both Caribe Plaza and Laguna Plaza offer outdoor terraces and spectacular views of the Condado Lagoon, Atlantic Ocean, and Old San Juan’s cruise ship harbor. Each private residence has beautiful views, spacious living and dining rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, and a separate den. Both towers provide a highly curated lifestyle including concierge services, valet parking, and state-of-the-art security systems.

Construction of Paseo Caribe is now fully under way. A limited number of residences was released in March 2012, as well as a limited number of developer residential inventory in both Caribe Plaza and Laguna, as part of the formal reintroduction of Paseo Caribe. Prices start at $945,000. paseocaribe.com.

The James Royal Palm

Scheduled to open in Miami in late 2012, The James Royal Palm is the reincarnation of the historic and much-beloved Royal Palm Hotel. It will feature 179 guest rooms and 211 studios and suites, the majority of which have ocean views. Located just steps from the beach, Ocean Drive, and Collins Avenue, the hotel will also boast two swimming pools, a beachfront restaurant, a poolside bar, a lobby lounge, a full-service spa, and over 10,000 square feet of meeting/event space. Poised to be a top luxury hotel in South Beach, Florida, The James Royal Palm will incorporate many of the original property’s elements—such as the wall paneling and terrazzo flooring in the entry foyer—as well as pay homage to the property’s Art Deco history. jameshotels.com.

The Ultimate Resort Experience: Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit

On the stunning shores of Banderas Bay, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is a sophisticated iteration of the all-inclusive resort experience. By Melissa C. Gillespie

Upon arrival at the AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, the resort’s dramatic entrance—an open-air palapa lobby with 40-foot ceilings—is a stunning welcome and a small glimpse at the grand things to come. Immediately, the pampering and attention to detail unfolds. A cool, refreshing tropical drink and an aromatic moist towel quickly erase any ill effects from a day of travel. As an attentive guest services manager confirms your reservation, a spa therapist provides a gentle neck and shoulder massage. (This is the point when it becomes clear a visit to the spa is in order.)

Located just 15 minutes away from Puerto Vallarta International Airport along Banderas Bay, Grand Velas is an exquisite property featuring 267 one- and two-bedroom suites starting at 1,000 square feet. All have private terraces and spectacular oceanfront views.

Into the blue: Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit

The Grand Velas suite collection includes the six Spa Suites (the Ambassador Grand Class Suites) and two Imperial Spa Suites. Each Spa Suite is equipped with a separate spa room, which includes a treatment table, hydro-massage tub, floor-to-ceiling glass-enclosed Swiss shower, wall-to-wall ivory marble, and a private terrace.

The crown jewel of the resort and a member of Leading Spas of the World, the 16,500-square-foot Spa at Grand Velas features 20 treatment rooms, over 80 spa treatments and rituals, a gym and exercise room, a boutique, and a salon. From the eucalyptus inhalation sauna to the aromatherapy neck pillow at the conclusion of the experience, this peaceful respite is a must for all resort guests. Allow for enough time to enjoy the full Hydrotherapy Ritual at the start of the visit.

Another destination delight awaits guests at any of Grand Velas’s AAA Four Diamond restaurants—Azul, Frida, Lucca, and Piaf. From gourmet Mexican to Italian-Mediterranean to traditional French, the all-inclusive resort has an eclectic mix of gourmet and traditional menus that fuse flavor with artful presentation.

When not indulging in gourmet cuisine or time at the spa, guests can spend time stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, boogie boarding, or strolling on the beach.

The family-friendly resort also offers tiered three-temperature infinity pools, an open-air theater with several shows throughout the week, and a Kids Club.

The Agenda

Sayulita Whether you are a surfer, sun seeker, or souvenir shopper, Sayulita is a must-visit treasure just a few miles north of Banderas Bay and Puerto Vallarta. Nearby Monkey Mountain is a spiritual ground for the Huichol natives, who still practice their peyote ceremonies and sell crafts in Sayulita’s town plaza.

Punta de Mita Café des Artistes follows a farm-to-table model, using the freshest seasonal ingredients from regional fisheries and farms. Located in the boutique Hotel Cinco in Punta de Mita, this gourmet bistro showcases the artistic cuisine of Chef Thierry Blouet. Start with the cream of prawns and pumpkin soup or the tuna sashimi salad.

San Pancho This nearby town is home to La Patrona Polo Club. Here, fans of polo can become club members, take private lessons, and participate in tournaments. Stop by on Saturday evenings to enjoy a match, an al fresco dinner, cocktails, and entertainment.

Blueprints

Isla Pedro Gonzalez

In Panama’s Pearl Archipelago, Isla Pedro Gonzalez promises major luxury living.

Located off the west coast of Panama, Isla Pedro Gonzalez is the third largest island within the Pearl Archipelago, covering 3,558 acres. Home to about 250 residents, the island has 14 beaches, approximately six square miles of forest, and a fishing village. Pearl Island is being developed into a sustainable luxury destination that will offer exclusive island living. Overall, six phases in the development will eventually accommodate a few hundred homes.

The Founders’ Phase is located on the northeastern Cueva Peninsula and will be the first part of the island to be developed. Homesites, ranging from 32,000 to 215,000 square feet, will be located across a series of neighborhoods linked by trails, paths, and streets and will enable owners to design and build anything from intimate casitas to elaborate villas. Owners can choose from beachfront, oceanfront, and hilltop canopy settings. Two-, three-, and four-bedroom villas will be located on cliffs around the beach club.

The Founders’ Phase is already under development with 15 miles of roads, basic infrastructure, and utilities in place, plus a landing strip under construction. Pearl Island has released 34 lots, and a limited number of smaller turnkey units will follow. The Founders’ Phase will accommodate up to 100 lots and villas when complete. Pearl Island also plans to erect at least two hotels.

In order to preserve its natural biodiversity, over 75 percent of the island will remain undeveloped and a percentage of all property sales will go to The Island Foundation, which is stewarded by the island’s property owners.

The Founders’ Phase is expected to be complete within three years. The entire island will develop over a longer period of 10 to 15 years.

Amelia Island Plantation

Florida Favorite Beginning a new chapter in its nearly 40-year heritage, the Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort in Florida broke ground in November 2011 for an extensive $85 million renovation. The redevelopment includes an expanded conference center, which will gain 20,000 square feet—including a 16,500-square-foot ballroom and a new pre-function area—for a total of 70,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space. An additional 155 guest rooms, including 27 suites, will be constructed on the north end of the resort, increasing the total room count to 404 oceanfront guest rooms. Located directly off the hotel lobby, the new Beach Club will offer more hard surface and water space for lounging. The adults-only infinity-edge pool will cascade down into a larger family pool, and two hot tubs will be located adjacent to a new bar area. Parking will also be improved with a new three-story structure creating 350 extra spaces, as well as 70 new valet spots.

Aventura Cove Palace, Riviera Maya

Rock the Palace Plans are underway to transform Palace Resorts properties in Mexico into all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotels. The first Hard Rock-rebranded hotel is scheduled to launch in winter 2012 in Cancun, followed by Puerto Vallarta in spring 2012, and a fall 2012 first-phase debut of Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya. Each hotel will remain fully operational as a Palace Resorts property during the conversion process. Each property will offer Hard Rock’s signature Rock Star Suites, showcase a collection of authentic memorabilia, and host ongoing schedules of live concerts, celebrity-driven soirees, and other on-site events.