Oceanfront living has different meanings for different people. To some, the truest oceanfront pleasure is realized the moment you step onto your boat and motor out to the high seas. To others, the consummate coastal experience is playing a round of golf where craggy cliffs meet the crashing sea in awestruck splendor. Some simply satisfy their innermost coastal connections by living amongst the pristine nature of a low-density development where the main amenity is Mother Nature’s raw beauty. By Scott Kauffman
St. Kitts: Christophe Harbour
Upon its “official” launch in 2012, Christophe Harbour is positioned to propel St. Kitts to the forefront of high-end tourism in the Caribbean, highlighted by a 300-acre mega-yacht harbor and marina with full concierge and hospitality services. The 300-slip marina will be a designated port of entry with streamlined Customs and Immigration Services, featuring a private yacht club component and harbourside village that encompasses a collection of luxury shops and restaurants. The Beach Club is scheduled for an April 2011 opening, and the Beach House is one fine dining restaurant already open alongside four beachfront one-bedroom villas with private gazebos, decks, and plunge pools available for nightly rentals. South Carolina-based Kiawah Development, whose namesake Kiawah Island is a renowned destination, is currently dredging the harbor for mega-yacht depth and actually using that soil to build three golf holes that will play along the harbor. Many of the remaining golf holes, designed by esteemed golf course architect Tom Fazio, will play on a plateau 500 feet above sea level when it is scheduled to open in 2013. $600,000 to $2.7 million, christopheharbour.com
Willemstad, Curacao: Santa Barbara Plantation
With the opening of the Hyatt Regency Curacao Resort and Spa and legendary golf designer Pete Dye’s Old Quarry” Golf Course, this historic island has now reached the level of other world-class destination resorts. And these impressive amenities don’t even include the deepwater Seru Boca Marina, the Tennis Center run by Peter Burwash International, or the powdery white sand beaches, colorful shallow reefs and turquoise waters offshore. The setting for all this is the 1,500-acre Santa Barbara Plantation, a $700 million master-planned resort community 10 miles from Curaçao’s capital city of Willemstad. Besides the golf course, there is also a new 120-slip marina located near the hotel that can accommodate up to five megayachts up to 120 feet in length, dive boats, charter boats, and catamarans for evening dinner cruises. The community also features a private beach club for residents and their guests, business center, outdoor swimming pools, and boutique retail shops and miles of walking, jogging, and bicycling trails. $650,000 to $8 million, santabarbaraplantation.com
Key Largo, Florida: Ocean Reef Club
Ocean Reef Club comprises two championship 18-hole layouts, a rarity in the Florida Keys. The Club’s courses, designed by Bob Von Hagge and Bruce Devlin in 1969, are in excellent condition. Ten years ago, the Dolphin Course underwent a $3 million redesign and renovation under the direction of golf course architect Chip Powell. Golf course homes are nestled in tropical hardwood hammocks with fairway and sometimes lake views and offer close proximity to the club marina and other major points within Ocean Reef. Ocean Reef became a private club in 1993, and the community-owned club now has close to 4,000 members and approximately 1,700 waterfront estates, private golf-course homes, condominiums, and boat slips. Waterfront properties offer water views, breeze exposure, and deep-water access for boats and larger yachts. $1 million to $20-plus million, 800-319-7686, oceanreef.com
Bocas Del Toro, Panama: Red Frog Beach Rainforest Resort & Marina
Panama’s Red Frog Beach Rainforest Resort & Marina is positioned to capitalize on the eco-tourism trend. Situated on Isla Bastimentos, approximately 30 miles from the border of Costa Rica, this island is renowned for its beaches and rainforest and is home to Panama’s national marine park. Activities at the resort community include fishing, snorkeling, kayaking, surfing, hiking, bird watching, and cave tours. The resort offers spectacular Caribbean views, white-sand beaches, stunning architecture and landscaping, and a protected private marina—all next to a national wildlife preserve. The island is a 10-minute boat ride from Bocas Town, which has an eclectic Caribbean vibe with nightlife, restaurants, and an airport. Currently the villa residences are being rented to vacationers, and several villas are occupied by owners. Construction is ongoing at the resort and approximately 25 homes have been completed along with a jungle lodge called Bocas Bound. $400,000 to high $700,000, redfrogbeach.com
Kauai, Hawaii: Kukui’ula
The island of Kauai is no longer in the shadows of its fellow Hawaiian islands when it comes to world-class oceanfront living thanks to the opening of Kukui’ula on the island’s southern coast. A private $100 million clubhouse serves as the centerpiece of the community, while residents also have use of a spa, the Kukui‘ula Golf Club, a Tom Weiskopf-designed championship golf course, and an array of swimming pools. The club also includes a community farm and 20-acre fishing lake. The 20,000-square-foot Plantation House, which overlooks Kukui‘ula Bay, is a showcase of classic Hawaii style. A great room, with coffered ceilings and wood beams and an eclectic mix of furnishings collected from around the world, opens to a wraparound lanai with numerous seating areas offering all-day views of the Pacific, Spouting Horn, ocean sunsets and the finishing shots of golfers on the 9th and 18th holes. $1 million to $3.6 million, kukuiula.com
Herradura Bay, Costa Rica: Los Suenos Resort and Marina
Based on its breathtaking Herradura Bay setting on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, Los Sueños Resort and Marina is a perfect escape for those looking to buy a vacation home in increasingly popular Central America. Of course, one of the main highlights at Los Suenos is the 200-slip marina, the first government-sanctioned, full-service international marina. Over the years, Los Sueños has proven to be one of the most successful resort developments in Central America with record-breaking home sales, fueled by the marvelous marina that is considered the best in Latin America for its world-class facilities and renowned bill fishery. (Having the highly acclaimed 201-room Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort nearby certainly helped.) Other top amenities in place are the Beach Club and 18-hole La Iguana golf course. The next eight years will see the completion of the remaining phases of the 1,100-acre Los Sueños, including the final phase of Marina Village, several hundred additional luxury residences, and the construction of an eco-lodge in the private 600-acre rainforest reserve. $589,000 to $749,000, lsrm.com
Great Abaco, Bahamas: Abaco Club on Winding Bay
When it opened more than five years ago, this $250-million development was billed as the Caribbean’s first true links-style golf course and one of the great new courses in the world. The 7,183-yard championship course’s first 14 holes traverse wind-blown dunes next to Winding Bay. The final four holes conclude with a downhill 204-yard par-3 No. 17 that seems like you’re hitting into the Caribbean and an elevated 572-yard par-5 No. 18 that runs along the ocean as crashing waves climb the seaside cliffs. Three years ago, an affiliate of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company acquired the property and subsequently introduced fractional real estate ownership options as part of the Ritz-Carlton Club. Additionally, there are estate lots ranging from $520,000 to $4 million; turn-key oceanfront/bayfront cottages starting from $1.2 million; and 16 new Ritz-Carlton Destination Club residences with prices starting in the low $110,000s per fractional interest. $1.2 to $4 million, ritzcarltondestinationclub.com
Kapalua, Maui, Hawaii: Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences, Kapalua Bay
Situated along one of Maui’s most breathtaking beaches, arguably no other place on Maui is more captivating than Kapalua’s spectacular 24-acre oceanfront setting overlooking Kapalua Bay. Beginning at the shoreline and terraced up a gentle slope, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Kapalua Bay comprise just 84 elegantly appointed three- and four-bedroom fee simple whole-ownership condominiums, fashioned into just four intimate low-rise structures. Ranging from approximately 3,002 to 4,271 square feet, including approximately 600-1,150 square feet of lanai space, these residences provide a Hawaiian sense of place and seclusion complemented by dramatic views of the ocean, mountains, and neighboring islands Lana‘i and Moloka‘i. Another new option at Kapalua is The Ritz-Carlton Club, Kapalua Bay, Hawaii’s first fractional offering in a resort setting. $300,000 fractional interests; $3.9 million wholly owned, kapaluabay.com
Kona-Kohala Coast, Hawaii: Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
Ke’olu, the Tom Weiskopf-designed members-only golf course at the luxurious Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, is named for the “gentle breeze” that brings a sense of calm and coolness to the Hualalai Club’s “mauka” or mountaintop setting. The name is fitting because Hualalai’s private residential community has been more than a breath of fresh air for Hawaii’s upscale real estate market. At a time when many upscale private and resort-style communities struggled against recessionary headwinds, Hualalai Realty had another banner year at the prestigious 865-acre community located just 10 minutes from the Kona International Airport. Situated along the renowned Kona-Kohala Coast where exquisite resort communities and multi-million dollar home sites dot a 40-mile stretch of pristine oceanfront landscape, Hualalai is home to just 500 families and the perennially ranked AAA/Five Diamond Four Seasons Resort. The resort’s gated residential enclaves, home to billionaires and celebrities alike, make Hualalai one of the world’s most distinguished addresses. $2 million to $30 million-plus, 800-983-3880; www.hualalairealty.com
Kiawah Island, South Carolina: Cottages at Cypress Point
Kiawah Island Just 21 miles from Charleston, one of the newest residential enclaves at Kiawah Island is the Cottages at Cypress Point. In keeping with the developer’s commitment to preserving the island’s natural beauty, the residences will nurture and enhance a low-density environment while blending indoor and outdoor living. The Cottages at Cypress Point are a custom-designed collection of 23 built-for-sale homesites ranging from approximately 2,200 to 2,500 square feet. Priced from $1.1 million to $1.7 million, The Cottages are available in nine floor plans, each of which is designed to complement the area’s centuries-old, natural wooded setting. All Cypress Point cottages will be made of natural stucco, copper roofs, and impact-resistant windows. Each home will feature a front and rear courtyard and a covered outdoor living area. $1.1 to $1.7 million, kiawah.com
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands: Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman Situated at the doorstep of the dynamic $650-million Ritz-Carlton Resort, the DeckHouses at the Ritz-Carlton, Dragon Bay is redefining the meaning of marina living. Stretching sea to sea from the acclaimed Seven Mile Beach to the North Sound, Dragon Bay and The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman resort have set a lavish new standard of living on what is arguably the Caribbean’s most prosperous, cosmopolitan, and safe island—Grand Cayman. The 360-acre Dragon Bay development, comprising the Residences at the Ritz, the DeckHouses and Secret Harbour, is distinguished by an unparalleled lifestyle experience enhanced with the unique Endless Service program, which includes interior designed turn-key furnishings, a fleet of luxury automobiles, and 36-foot Intrepid motor yachts available for use when in residence. Owners also have access to the legendary service and amenities of the adjacent Ritz-Carlton resort hotel. $4.4 to $6.5 million, dragonbaycayman.com
La Paz, Mexico: CostaBaja Resort & Spa
CostaBaja Resort & Spa opened last September in Mexico, and Hall of Fame golfer Gary Player unveiled his signature golf course two months later. CostaBaja Resort & Spa is the centerpiece of the 550-acre master-planned Costa Baja development and the area’s first five-star resort. Just 10 minutes from downtown La Paz, CostaBaja overlooks the Sea of Cortez and offers 115 rooms with panoramic ocean, mountain, golf course, and marina views. Its challenging golf course is highlighted by 14 dramatic holes overlooking the Bay of La Paz. For potential owners, smaller hillside and golf-front townhomes are being sold in the Las Colinas neighborhood for $580,900 to $800,000, while similar-sized oceanfront condos in the VistaMar enclave are going for $843,000 to $1 million. Larger oceanview villas range from $1.1 million to $1.6 million. $580,900 to $18.4 million, costabaja.com
New Providence, Bahamas: Albany
Created by the partnership composed of the Tavistock Group and golf stars Tiger Woods and Ernie Els, Albany is nestled among 580 oceanfront acres just seven minutes from Nassau’s international airport and two private airfields. Albany’s name is inspired by the historic beachside mansion in the heart of the development that now houses a fine dining restaurant and oceanside lounge. Originally owned by French filmmaker and Inspector Gadget-creator Jean Chalopin, Albany House made history as the site of two movies, most notably the James Bond film “Casino Royale.” Among the superb multi-generational amenities to be found are a mega-yacht marina, an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Els, a full-service spa and fitness center, casual and fine dining restaurants, seaside bars, a family water park, kids’ clubhouse, and an adult pool and lounge. $1.5 to $4 million, albanybahamas.com
Punta Mita, Mexico
An exclusive resort-style oasis situated along 9.5 miles of the Pacific Coast. Two Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses. Home to a Four Seasons Resort, and now a new St. Regis Resort. Need we say more? The visionary behind this spear-shaped picturesque peninsula along western Mexico’s rapidly developing Riviera Nayarit is the Mexico’s premier real estate developer, DINE. Located 28 miles north of the romantic town of Puerto Vallarta, Punta Mita is surrounded on three sides by gorgeous white-sand beaches and dramatic coves thanks to Banderas Bay, Mexico’s largest natural bay and second largest in the world. Punta Mita will offer approximately 1,000 residences at full buildout. Currently, a range of properties suiting the different tastes and needs of buyers is available, from traditional Mexican-style villas with terracotta tile roofs and palapasto condos with chic urban décors. $700,000 up to $14 million, puntamita.com
Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands: Oil Nut Bay
On the eastern tip of Virgin Gorda and accessible only by helicopter or boat, Oil Nut Bay is a 300-acre community offering freehold whole ownership for only 88 families. Oil Nut Bay is a low-density property committed to integrating environmentally sensitive practices, such as maintaining 50 percent open space, incorporating groundbreaking carbon-neutral elements and the use of electric cars. Currently in the first sales phase, debt-free Oil Nut offers a variety of lot and home options, including 27 estate lots ranging in size from 1.5 to 10 acres and in price from $1.95 million to $5 million. Oil Nut Bay is committed to environmental excellence and eco-progressive policies and foundations. A prime example is local regulations allowed up to 300 units on the 300-acre property, but Michigan-based Victor International will only build 88 units, maintaining its commitment and history of low-density developments and environmental integrity. Other eco-friendly initiatives include wind and solar power and an on-site desalination plant. $1.95 to $9.95 million, oilnutbay.com
Montego Bay, Jamaica: Palmyra Resort & Spa at Rose Hall
Palmyra Resort & Spa stretches along 16 acres of Caribbean coastline within the world-class Rose Hall golf course resort community. Residents can relax at two seafront swimming pavilions, enjoy sparkling waters at a protected cove, or get pampered at the 30,000-square-foot Palmyra ESPA. Montego Bay’s most prestigious enclave is recognized as one of the leading golf destinations in the world, highlighted by three stunning championship courses—White Witch, Cinnamon Hill, and Half Moon—designed by renowned architects Robert Trent Jones, Sr., Robert von Hagge, and Rick Baril. Simply put, Jamaica’s white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and towering palms provide a breathtaking backdrop for a round of golf. Palmyra encompasses a private village built in the grand tradition of British Colonial architecture, from large villa homes to luxurious condominium buildings. $450,000-$3,550,000, thepalmyra.com
Anacortes , Washington: San Juan Passage
With its breathtaking views of islands and ferry-dotted waters, San Juan Passage pairs the intimacy of 19th-century seaside communities with the 21st-century design principles of traditional, walkable neighborhood design and sustainable green building practices. The 100 cedar-shingled homes are built with gabled roofs and deep covered porches and streets and park paths wind to the water, perfect for enjoying shoreline trails and sunsets. As for the water, 24-acre San Juan Passage offers six nearby marinas that provide quick access to the San Juan and Gulf islands. Anacortes, about 90 miles north of Seattle, is recognized as one of the major boating centers in the country, boasting the second-largest bare boat fleet in the world. Buyers at the 100-unit San Juan Passage have a variety of home styles inspired by historic coastal design, including cottage-style retreats to Harborside Series homes featuring dramatic water views from custom luxury homes. $395,000 to $989,000, sanjuanpassage.com
Galveston, Texas: Diamond Beach
A lazy river, world-class spa and fitness center, concierge service, and private beach are just a few of the compelling amenities of Diamond Beach, a five-star resort-style development on Galveston’s prestigious West Beach. Diamond Beach is the island’s only mid-rise condo community located behind the protective Galveston Seawall, a 10-mile stretch of 17-foot-thick concrete built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Just a year old, the pale-pink ultra-modern mid-rise is the inspiration of Houston developer Randall Davis. Situated on 8.5 acres on the Seawall’s western edge, Diamond Beach is just steps from a private beach and views of the Gulf of Mexico. In addition to the 750-foot lazy river, a state-of-the-art fitness center with Gulf views, a private theater, and an indoor pool are among the $4.2 million worth of amenities already built for its 120 homeowners. But the rarest amenity of all is its location: it’s the only such development on the Texas Coast with both seawall protection and direct beach access, according to Davis. $400,000-plus, diamondbeachgalveston.com
Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras: Keyhole Bay
Featuring the world’s second-largest barrier reef, this is a boater’s heaven. One new place to enjoy in this growing Western Caribbean destination is Keyhole Bay. On the romantic island of Roatan, Keyhole Bay is nestled between rolling hills and Roatan’s southwestern shore. Gentle tradewinds highlight breathtaking views of the Hog Islands and mainland Honduras in an idyllic setting that is only minutes from Roatan’s lively beachfront village of West End and the famous West Bay Beach. For pure privacy, Keyhole Bay residents can enjoy waterfalls cascading into an infinity-edge pool just steps from a private beach. Keyhole Bay’s master plan features 23 presold single-family estate lots, 45 luxurious condos, residential apartments, a clubhouse, retail shops, commercial offices, and a centerpiece pool and restaurant. The community was designed by EDSA, creators of Atlantis Paradise Island (Bahamas). $364,000-plus, keyholebay.com
Narragansett, Rhode Island, Surfside Narragansett
Picture panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Lake Canonchet within an intimate, eco-friendly, and maintenance-free condominium community, and you have the essence of Surfside Narragansett. This luxurious waterfront development is the perfect getaway situated directly across from Narragansett Town Beach. Beyond its beauty, Surfside is considered a leading “green community,” having been honored as a finalist for the National Association of Home Builders “National Green Building” awards in 2009. Developed by Providence’s Gilbane Development Company, Surfside Narragansett was nominated in the “Project of the Year—Remodel” category for the compelling transformation of existing 1970s apartments into luxury condominiums. The redevelopment of Surfside created a quaint seaside community within the Narragansett Pier Village while utilizing “smart redevelopment,” where nine of the 10 buildings remodeled were pre-existing structures. The condominiums have earned the “ENERGY STAR Five-Star Verified Condition” label, with homes that feature high-performance, renewable resource products such as the Icynene Insulation System, Kultur wood flooring, and appliances that carry the ENERGY STAR label. $400,000-$850,000-plus, liveatsurfside.com
“HAMAK focuses on creating guest experiences that recognize, respect, and revive indigenous cultures,” says Dominguez. “We don’t bulldoze a culture to build a resort.”
The owners of Lighthouse Bay Resort, an exclusive nine-suite retreat just off the small Caribbean island of Barbuda, have unveiled the development of Lighthouse Bay Villas, a private community of oceanfront homes spread out over nearly 50 acres. The project will consist of 38 villas, ranging in size from 2,500 to 5,500 square feet, and will front more than one mile of coastline. Owners will choose from one of four approved “design-ready” villas—all featuring state-of-the-art technologies, views of the water from every room, and direct beach access—which can be completed within 18 months. As part of the Villa Club membership, all owners will be entitled to 10 nights per month in a suite at Lighthouse Bay Resort for their own use or as they see fit during their time of ownership. Club membership also grants owners access to the resort facilities and staff on an ongoing basis. Lots start at $2.1 million. lighthousebarbuda.com.
Jutting out into the Pacific and surrounded by miles of beaches, Punta Mita is luring Americans south of the border once again with luxurious oceanfront living in what could be Mexico’s next tropical success story. 
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico includes over 40 miles of coastline and a diverse topography ranging from jungle dense with exotic tropical plants to steep mountain sides. 
Wrapped in turquoise waters, a sun-drenched landscape, pristine white sand, and swimmable beaches, CostaBaja Resort & Marina is a residential resort community. 