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CL 75 Hot List
Real estate, hot? As a matter of fact, it’s an appealing time to look at the burgeoning world of destination clubs, residence clubs, and vacation home communities. Buyers at all levels now have terrific options to own a piece of ultimate luxury. Celebrated Living has sorted through the real-estate scene to help you decide where to plant your second-home stakes.
BY CHRIS TAYLOR
WITH ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY
LORI STACY AND JANET THOMAS
For Donny Askin, the closest approximation of heaven exists somewhere on the slopes of Aspen, Colorado, schussing down ungroomed trails deep in fresh powder under crystal blue skies and feeling as though “you have the whole mountain to yourself,” he says.
No wonder the 58-year-old business consultant and his wife, Sandy, spent 30 years traveling to Aspen from their home base in Massachusetts. But when they tossed around the idea of buying a second home outright in Aspen, it just didn’t make financial sense, since it could cost in the millions and they only spent a few weeks there each year.
Then, in 2001, the Askins heard that The Ritz-Carlton was breaking ground on a residence club in Aspen Highlands, and they didn’t hesitate to plunk down $180,000 for a one-twelfth share. Now, for about four weeks a year they enjoy their luxury two-bedroom condo that boasts an “incredible view of the wilderness.” They also enjoy Ritz-flavored perks such as a luxury spa and fine dining, and have exchanged their time at other Ritz properties in London, St. Thomas, and Bachelor’s Gulch in Beaver Creek, Colorado.
“We just fell in love with Aspen,” says Askin, whose two grown children enjoy the condo as well. “The fractional approach made it more affordable for us, but it still feels like a second home that’s totally ours.”
Askin is part of a growing breed of real-estate investors: those who want unique luxury vacations, but don’t want to own a second home outright. They also like the quality guarantee of buying into luxury brand names and having an award-winning spa, five-star restaurant, or a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course at the ready.
“People are looking at other travel options,” says Amy Gunderson, editor of Halogen Guides, a luxury-living website that covers high-end real estate. “They’re looking for something other than full ownership.”
Says Peter Watzka, executive vice president and chief operating officer for The Ritz-Carlton Development Co., “Residence clubs enable customers to have the benefits of second-home ownership, but for a fraction of the cost. Affluent consumers are looking for an opportunity to have a vacation home in a premier location without the traditional year-round maintenance responsibilities of ownership. When you add the personalized services that companies like The Ritz-Carlton can offer, it becomes a very attractive solution.”
But hotel-backed residence clubs are just part of the equation. There are also destination clubs, one of the hottest segments of this market, with upfront membership fees that allow you access to gorgeous properties around the world. Destination clubs offer a new twist on the old game of luxury travel. “Destination clubs provide the benefits of luxury resorts and the comfort of spacious homes,” says Jeff potter, CEO of Exclusive Resorts, the leading destination-club company. At Exclusive Resorts, membership plans vary based on the number of days you plan to vacation, and there is a one-time initiation fee, a 100 percent refundable deposit, and annual dues to cover property expenses. Most importantly, they enable families and friends to explore the world in a new way.
There are also residence clubs, or fractionals, where you purchase a deeded number of weeks every year at a chosen resort, but can often swap with other resorts within the network. Think of those as Timeshare 2.0, a luxury upgrade of a traditional industry. Closely associated are a flurry of related options, such as residential leaseback programs -- where a hotel rents out your place to generate additional income -- or simply buying wholly owned properties at resort communities. And, not surprisingly, there is plenty of overlap with the different types of ownership categories.
It’s enough to boggle the mind of even sophisticated real-estate investors. But when you could get your ultimate getaway out of the equation, it’s worth the research. To help you understand what’s out there, and what might be your ideal retreat -- or retreats, plural -- here’s our CL 75 Hot List, a guide to some of the dreamiest vacation home options.
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 Destination Clubs
The
newest trend for high rollers: pay an upfront membership fee, along
with annual dues, and get access to one-of-a-kind luxury properties
around the globe. It’s a nice alternative to renting fabulous villas.
ABERCROMBIE & KENT RESIDENCE CLUB
As the club industry consolidates, A&K recently acquired two other
clubs, Belle-Havens and Crescendo. Its business model is debt-free and
equity-based, and offers trips like Galapagos cruises and Mount
Kilimanjaro hikes. (866) 342-8367, www.akresidenceclub.com
DISTINCTIVE HOLIDAY HOMES
A variety of membership plans, from Lite at $59,000 to Elite at
$499,000 (and a trial membership, if you want to kick the tires for a
week). Every destination is worth at least $3 million, and guests enjoy
an array of perks like luxury cars, local cell phones, stacked fridges,
and pre-loaded iPods. (800) 607-7344, www.distinctiveholidayhomes.com
EXCLUSIVE RESORTS The
biggest player on the block, with 3,300 members, 350 luxury properties
in dozens of destinations, and a 65 percent share of the
destination-club industry. residences, such as Whistler, B.C. log
palaces (pictured) and Trump International Hotel & Tower residences
in Chicago, have an average value of $3 million. (866) 863-2688, www.exclusiveresorts.com
EVERLANDS An
adventure- and conservation-oriented “experience” club with a blue-chip
member list that includes famed architect Zaha Hadid and
paleoanthropologist Dr. Richard Leakey. The club’s business model
includes actual property co-ownership, not just right-to-use, and
unlimited usage. (212) 774-3690, www.everlandslife.com
HIGH COUNTRY CLUB
A more affordable club option, offering “introductory pricing” ranging
from $30,000 to $80,000. Most of its current destinations are either in
the U.S. or Mexico, and are valued at roughly $850,000 each, a modest
sum for the industry. (866) 991-2301, www.highcountryclub.com
LUSSO COLLECTION Many
clubs have different membership levels, but at Lusso, all members are
on equal footing when making reservations (but they pay for it, with a
$445,000 deposit). Sixteen exclusive homes in destinations from Turks
& Caicos to Deer Valley, and a low member-to-property ratio means
less jockeying for spots. (866) 465-8776, www.lussocollection.com
M PRIVATE RESIDENCES
Seventeen properties, including some in Canada, where M is
headquartered. It’s an equity-based club that prides itself on
financial transparency and low annual dues, which should be a good
cushion in tough economic times. (877) 264-0993, www.mprivateresidences.com
ONE KEY Likened
to the “jet card” approach to private-aircraft use, the One Key card
lets participants avoid six-figure upfront membership fees. Instead,
you buy a 15-, 25-, or 45-day card for $39,900, $59,900, or $99,900,
respectively. Luxury properties are leased, not owned. (508) 784-2111, www.onekeyworld.com
THE OYSTER CIRCLE
A European contestant in the destination-club sweepstakes, based in
Dublin. It offers access to 67 properties from Chamonix to Umbria, with
villas averaging a spacious 4,400 square feet. The membership fee is
around $435,000. 011-353-1-279- 9525, www.theoystercircle.com
QUINTESS, LRW
One of the highest average values in the industry, with residences,
such as the one in Canouan pictured above, worth $4 million apiece.
Membership plans start at $210,000, and are 100 percent refundable
within the first year. (800) 550- 0324, www.quintess.com
SOLSTICE COLLECTION
A “boutique” player in the field, with 14 homes and a yacht. Club
philosophy seems to be quality over quantity, with memberships starting
at $615,000, but featuring high-end options like the
Michelangelo-designed palazzo Uguccioni in Florence, Italy. (877)
727-5535, www.solsticecollection.com
ULTIMATE ESCAPES A
newly launched brand formed from the merger of two existing clubs,
Ultimate Resorts and Private Escapes. The club features 140 private
homes and 130 affiliated properties in more than 150 destinations
worldwide, including a Balinese-style home in Nevis. (877) 955-1900, www.ultimateescapes.com
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LUXURY FRACTIONALS
Not
your timeshare suites of old, fractionals have gone upscale, with
resorts offering more amenities and more weeks per year, which can
often be swapped with other luxury resorts. Fractionals are usually
deeded real estate, which you can sell or pass on to heirs.
EL CORAZON, SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO
Most fractionals are situated in typical vacation spots like Florida or
the Caribbean, so this Santa Fe option is a welcome alternative. It’s
at the heart of the city’s cultural offerings, with residences that
feature distinctive pueblo revival architecture. (866) 721-7800, www.elcorazondesantafe.com
FRONT FOUR, STOWE, VERMONT
This club takes up the penthouse level of Vermont’s Stowe Mountain
Lodge, with two-, three-, or four-bedroom options from 1,975 to 3,050
square feet. You can swap your time with other resorts in The registry
Collection (www.theregistrycollection.com). (888) 403-7739, www.livestowe.com
EPIPHANY CLUBS & RESORTS
Billed as the only residence club where you just pick up the phone, say
you’re coming, and are guaranteed availability. Telluride’s The Club at
Tristant (pictured) and Vail’s The Club at Solaris are the inaugural
members, with another in Mexico slated to join their ranks. (303)
865-3800, www.epiphanyclubs.com
THE LITTLE NELL, ASPEN, COLORADO
For true Aspen lovers, residences offer a one-eighth interest at the
skiing mecca’s Little Nell Resort, the only AAA five-diamond hotel in
the area. You get a guaranteed minimum of six weeks a year, although
there’s no cap on total usage. (877) 925-7272, www.rlnaspen.com
THE LODGES AT CALISTOGA RANCH, CALISTOGA, CALIFORNIA
The final phase of fractionally owned lodges, managed by the Auberge
Resorts Group, has been released in this resort tucked in California’s
Napa Valley. Amenities include a Vintner Member program for wine
lovers. (866) 442-9346, www.calistogaranchliving.com
LUXIAN SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA
Live large in Scottsdale -- there’s more than 6,000 square feet for
every home in this gated community. A bonus: For the first five years,
all maintenance fees and expenses are complimentary. (888) 589-4261, www.luxianscottsdale.com
MISIÓN LA SERENA, LOS CABOS, MEXICO
On almost 10 acres of beachfront, this planned community in Baja
California’s Los Cabos will feature 75 two- and three-bedroom
fractionally owned residences. Look for luxury touches like
multiple-nozzle showers and Bose sound systems. (866) 341-1190, www.misionlaserena.com
THE ORCHARD AT THE CARNEROS INN
Set between Napa and Sonoma valleys, it’s a wine-lover’s paradise where
owners (each possessing a one-tenth fraction) split use of 17
two-bedroom luxury cottages and enjoy amenities on the resort’s 27
acres. (888) 400-9831, www.theorchardatcarneros.com/orchard
THE PHOENICIAN, SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA
The Scottsdale outpost of the Starwood family, this five-diamond
resort’s villa complex has been refashioned as a fractional community.
The Southwest vibe features stone fireplaces, private plunge pools, and
outdoor kitchens. (800) 888-8234, www.thephoenician.com
THE PORCHES, STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO
This mountain resort offers a minimum of six weeks vacation to
fractional owners of its 83 luxury residences (although full ownership
is available as well). Tip for big families: One home model has more
than 5,000 square feet. (866) 500-6673, www.theporches.com
THE VILLAS AT RANCHO VALENCIA
An extension of the well-known resort and spa, just north of San Diego.
Owners enjoy four pre-reserved weeks a year at villas designed in the
style of traditional haciendas, with hand-painted tiles and private sun
terraces. (866) 996-6442, www.villasranchovalencia.com
THE RESIDENCE CLUB AT PGA WEST
A La Quinta, California, club for true golf aficionados, where owners
get preferential tee times and pricing at courses designed by the likes
of Greg Norman and Jack Nicklaus. You also get a one-ninth deeded
interest in a vacation home. (888) 650-9200, www.residenceclubpgawest.com
RESORT EQUITIES
A boutique player with 10 current locations, from an estate on Maui to
a San Francisco penthouse. Fractions offered are from one-eighth to
one-sixth of a year, with prices from $375,000 to $800,000, and you can
exchange your time for other getaways in the network. (866) 655-9060, www.resortequities.com
SEVEN CANYONS, SEDONA, ARIZONA
A unique getaway in Sedona, Arizona, folded into 100,000 acres of the
Coconino National Forest. Fractional and wholly owned villas boast a
distinctively Southwest style, complete with native stone foyers and
antique hardwood floors. (866) 367-8844, www.sevencanyons.com
TIMBERS RESORTS
Its original resort, Timbers Club, is tucked by the slopes in Snowmass,
Colorado. But it’s part of a network that also includes The Residences
at Esperanza in Cabo San Lucas, The Rocks Luxury Residence Club in
Scottsdale, The Preserve at Botany Bay on St. Thomas, and Castello di
Casole in Tuscany (pictured), so you can switch between locales via its
reciprocity program. (970) 963-4626, www.timbersresorts.com
WESTIN ST. MAARTEN
A different version of ownership, with a “leaseback” program that
requires a 25 percent down payment, and then subsequently generates
income by being rented by the hotel when you’re not there. Ninety-nine
three-bedroom, two-bath condos will be available from $650,000 to $1.5
million. (877) 782-0149, www.westin.com/stmaarten
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LUXURY MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENTS
Get
the service guarantee of top brand names. These days, high-end
hoteliers such as The Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons are often divvying
up their properties between traditional hotel rooms and fractionally
owned suites, offering owners their renowned luxury services and
amenities.
ACQUALINA
This is a rare mixed-use development where the residences actually
outnumber the hotel rooms by about two to one. Its group of 188
Mediterranean-style villas sits on 4.5 beachfront acres between Fort
Lauderdale and Miami, at Sunny Isles Beach, and boasts the allure of a
20,000-square-foot oceanfront ESPA spa. (305) 918-8000, www.acqualinaresort.com
FAIRMONT Wholly
owned residences are currently only available at the famed plaza in new
York, near Central Park. But more will be coming online in far-flung
spots such as Anguilla. Heritage Place is the hotel chain’s fractional
offering, with locations in Acapulco, Telluride, San Francisco, the
Dominican Republic, and Dubai. www.fairmont.com/En_FA/realEstate
FOUR SEASONS RESIDENCES One
of the most long-standing residence clubs, now with locations from
Jackson Hole, Wyoming, to Punta Mita (pictured), Mexico. They’re
affiliated with existing resorts, so members benefit from Four Seasons
amenities such as fine dining, concierge service, and personal touches
like having your fridge stocked in advance. The fully owned Private
Residence collection is even more extensive, with 16 locations around
the world. (800) 343-0799, www.fourseasons.com/residences/residence_clubs.html
GRACE BAY CLUB, PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS & CAICOS
This five-star resort, set on a pristine turquoise-water beach, offers
three real estate components: the adults-only Hotel at Grace Bay Club,
The Estates at Grace Bay Club, and the family-friendly Villas at Grace
Bay Club. (800) 946-5757, www.gracebayclub.com
HYATT RESIDENCE CLUB
There’s a strong Colorado flavor to this hotelier’s network, with
distinct properties in Aspen (pictured), Beaver Creek, and
Breckenridge. Unused weeks can go back into Hyatt’s rental program. On
the docket are new clubs in Manhattan, Lake Tahoe, and Siesta Key,
Florida. (800) 464-9288, www.hyatt.com/hvc/index.jhtml
MARRIOTT GRAND RESIDENCES
The well-known chain offers more traditional timeshare products, too,
but this is the high-end option, with prices from the $100,000s to the
$600,000s depending on location and length of time. Locations include
South Lake Tahoe, Kauai, and 47 Park Street, an Edwardian townhouse in
London. (888) 236-2427, www.grandresidenceclub.com
PARROT CAY, TURKS & CAICOS The
secluded, ultra-luxurious Parrot Cay Resort is offering five new villas
on 1.5 acres of private beach, priced from $9.5 million to $11 million.
Each comes with private butler’s quarters, a buggy to tool around the
island, and the option to join the resort’s Home Owner Rental Program.
(649) 946-7788, www.parrotcay.como.bz
THE RITZ-CARLTON CLUB AND THE RITZ-CARLTON RESIDENCES
For fans of the luxe hotel chain who like to travel, but also like to
have a five-star restaurant and award-winning spa just down the hall,
ownership in a Ritz-Carlton property might be the answer.
The
Ritz-Carlton Club traditionally offers fractional ownership at
one-twelfth of a year. Prices can range from the low $100,000s to the
high $800,000s, depending on the location and how many days you’re
buying. You can exchange your time with other locations in the
five-site network, from St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands to San
Francisco. Those options will be increasing, too, with a number of new
Ritz-Carlton Clubs on deck: North Lake Tahoe, Vail, Miami’s South
Beach, and Hawaii’s Kauai Lagoons and Kapalua Bay. (877) 201-4290, www.ritzcarltonclub.com
The
Residences at The Ritz-Carlton offer full ownership in larger luxury
homes found in many of the world’s most vibrant cities and stunning
resort destinations. And stunning describes The Ritz-Carlton, Grand
Cayman Resort, where seekers of luxury living can choose from The
Residences and The DeckHouses (pictured) -- 19 idyllic houses built on
exclusive islands that come complete with attached boathouses. Another
stellar example is The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton Los Cabos,
Quivira. www.ritzcarlton.com
ROSEWOOD RESIDENCES This
growing collection of luxury homes, attached to Rosewood hotels and
resorts, features locations ranging from beachy fare like Antigua and
the British Virgin Islands, to urban environs like New York City’s
famed Carlyle Hotel. Its newest, Artesana, in Mexico’s art haven of San
Miguel de Allende (pictured), is slated for a 2010 rollout. (888)
767-3966, www.rosewoodhotels.com
ST. REGIS
Many fractional clubs stick to the beach-and-skiing model for
vacationers, but this hotel brand’s 13 offerings go refreshingly beyond
that. To wit: a solid number of Asian options, like Bangkok, Jakarta,
and Singapore. www.stregisresidences.com
W RESIDENCES The
sleek, design-conscious hotelier is branching into the residence
business as well. Its Dallas residences are already a hit, and there
are more to come at 18 locations around the globe (including Austin,
Boston, Atlanta, and Scottsdale). The W Hollywood (pictured) is the
latest out of the gate, opening in late 2009, and aims to marry
California glitz with a green, energy-efficient design. www.whotels.com/residences
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SECOND HOME AND RESORT COMMUNITIES
There
are downsides to owning just a fraction: You’re sharing your dream home
with other people. For those with the means, there are a growing number
of unique luxury communities with resort-like amenities, where you can
own your second home outright. Some even offer fractional-ownership
options.
ALEGRIA, COSTA RICA
In the Playa Flamingo area of Costa Rica, near the famed surf town of
Tamarindo, this planned group of 264 condos and townhomes starts at
$299,000. (A tip: The first 50 members get pricing incentives and VIP
status.) (888) 278-4742, www.alegriacostarica.com
THE AUSTONIAN, AUSTIN, TEXAS Many
travelers prefer their getaways to have an urban flavor. If so, you may
be drawn to The Austonian. The 56-story, enviro-conscious high-rise
will be almost like a city unto itself, with a theater screening room,
luxury pool cabanas, and a 6,000-square-foot fitness center. (866)
396-7128, www.theaustonian.com
THE BEACH, NORTHWEST FLORIDA Newly
branded as THE Beach, this 227-mile stretch of Northwest Florida’s
amazing Gulf Coast encompasses a multitude of residential projects and
developments in waterfront towns and charming planned communities
spanning seven counties and including destination areas like Pensacola,
Destin, Port St. Joe, and Apalachicola. Idyllic seaside communities
abound in the Beaches of South Walton area, with towns like Rosemary
Beach and Seaside (pictured), where new urbanism began more than 25
years ago and owners give their second homes names like “Southern
Comfort,” “Honey Bee,” and “Apple Pie A La Mode.” Thanks in part to
land donated by the St. Joe Company (JOE), a new airport near Panama
City will grace the region in 2010. And JOE’s real estate offerings
like WaterColor, WaterSound, RiverCamps, and WindMark Beach seem to be
bucking any slumping-market trend, with many of its resorts in
Northwest Florida still reporting strong sales. www.thebeachfla.com, www.beachesofsouthwalton.com, www.seasidefl.com, www.joe.com
BEAR LAKE RESERVE, NORTH CAROLINA
This 2,100-acre second-home community offers homesites, condos, and
cozy cottages tucked among pristine forests near a crystal-clear lake.
The Reserve features miles of scenic trails and some of the best
fly-fishing in the country. (877) 232-7042, www.bearlakereserve.com
BORREGO RANCH RESORT & SPA, BORREGO SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA
The new offering from Miraval’s former COO encompasses 42 acres of
stark Southern California desert. There are just 19 “casitas,”
enlivened with a Tom Fazio-designed golf course. (888) 293-3656, www.borregoranch.com
CAPELLA PEDREGAL, CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO
Built into the cliffs of Pedregal Mountain, it’s an amalgam of luxury
hotel, 20 private casonas, and 31 fractional residences -- all of which
enjoy an ultra-secluded beach. (866) 956-7222, www.capellacabo.com
THE CARNEGIE ABBEY CLUB, PORTSMOUTH, RHODE ISLAND A
private sporting estate located on Narragansett Bay, just outside
Newport, with links-style golf, yachting, tennis, and impeccable
waterfront homes and condominiums. (866) 770-2895, www.carnegienewport.com
CITYCENTER, LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
A retreat for those who prefer city glitz to baking on a beach, this $8
billion, 76-acre development near the Bellagio -- slated for a late
2009 opening -- has three different residential offerings, including
residences at the planned Mandarin Oriental. (866) 722-7171, www.citycenter.com
CORDILLERA, VAIL VALLEY, COLORADO
Three 18-hole golf courses, a nine-hole golf course, hiking, horseback
riding, and a Nordic Center, plus easy access to both Beaver Creek and
Vail ski resorts make this mountain gem a year-round destination. (970)
569-6270, www.cordilleracolorado.com
CORNERSTONE, MONTROSE, COLORADO
If hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, golfing, and
skiing at one of the top ski resorts in the world sounds appealing, you
might want to plant your stake at Cornerstone, with its 6,000 acres of
perfection -- including 412 homesteads -- in Colorado’s Uncompahgre
Plateau. (877) 855-7273, www.cornerstonecolorado.com
COSTA BLANCA, JUAN DOLIO, THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
A tennis center, marine village, private villas, and a Greg
Norman-designed golf course make this 10-tower deluxe condo paradise
another reason the Dominican Republic is one of today’s top investment
locations. (809) 566-8645, www.costablanca.com.do
EL BANCO, PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO
The former CEO of Yahoo, Tim Koogle, is the force behind this newly
minted second-home community in the Puerto Vallarta area, which
combines a planned boutique hotel with exquisite beach villas, starting
at around $6 million apiece. Some are fully furnished and ready for
purchase. 011-52-329-291-6420, www.elbancomexico.com.mx
HIDDEN MEADOW RANCH, GREER, ARIZONA
At an elevation of more than 8,500 feet in the White Mountains, this
getaway is a respite from the typical Arizona heat. Charter lots with
hand-hewn log construction border wildlife preserves, although
fractionally owned “club cabins” are also available. (866) 333-4080, www.hiddenmeadow.com
HOKULI’A, KONA, HAWAII With a one-acre minimum for homesites and a private, oceanside Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, these Nalu Kai (ocean wave) homes are part of a 1,550-acre complex on the Big Island’s Kona coast. (800) 465-8542, www.hokulia.com/landing.html
HOMESTEAD PRESERVE, HOT SPRINGS, VIRGINIA
Hard to believe, but this Hot Springs resort actually dates back to
1766. Homesites are available in four different neighborhoods, while
members of the Charter Home Club (a step down from full ownership) have
shared use of local lodges. (877) 373-2555 , www.homesteadpreserve.com
ICON VALLARTA, PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO
The three-tower beachfront project, opening in spring or summer of 2010
and starting in the $300,000s for whole ownership, features unique,
undulating glass railings for all its suites and interiors designed by
YOO by Starck. (877) 295-4266, www.iconvallarta.com
MAREAZUL , PLAYA DEL CARMEN, MEXICO
Overlooking the largest coral reef in the western hemisphere, these 300
planned condos -- built to Florida hurricane standards -- in the town
of Playa del Carmen (about 45 minutes from the Cancún airport) offer
perks like private balconies with Jacuzzis. (866) 440-0445, www.mareazul.com
NAOS, RIVIERA BAJA, MEXICO Located
on the picturesque shores of Rosarito, Mexico, this beachfront
high-rise is inspired by wellness, well-being, and enlightenment.
Buyers can enjoy the gourmet restaurant, beachfront cabanas, and spa,
or just take in the awesome views. (866) 950-6267, www.naosliving.com
OCEAN’S EDGE, ST. KITTS A
40-acre blending of condos, cottages, and villas in the Frigate Bay
section of the Caribbean island of St. Kitts. Resort completion is
scheduled for 2009, and for those who want to live on the islands
full-time, you can even apply for St. Kitts citizenship as part of the
package. (888) 450-0080, www.oceansedgestkitts.com
OLD GREENWOOD, TRUCKEE, CALIFORNIA
This Lake Tahoe community amid 600 acres of pine forest blends custom
homes, villas, and fractional residences strung along a Jack Nicklaus
golf course. Thrown into the package are membership at the Tahoe
Mountain Club and your own “ski valet” on the mountain. (800) 754-3070,
www.oldgreenwood.com
ONE STEAMBOAT PLACE, STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO
The 80 residences of the slope-side One Steamboat Place are the
cornerstone of the redevelopment of Steamboat Springs, a mountain
resort area offering four seasons of world-class activities. (866)
599-4626, www.onesteamboatplace.com
PARAISO DEL MAR, LA PAZ, MEXICO This
1,700-acre residential resort overlooks the Sea of Cortez and boasts
five miles of beach frontage. The villas and casas offer views of vast
nature preserves and will be part of a collection of neighborhoods that
reflect the ideals of small-town USA while celebrating the spirit of
Mexico. (888) 789-4975, www.paradiseofthesea.com
THE RESORT AT PELICAN HILL, NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA
Overlooking the Pacific in Newport Coast, this resort community is
attached to two Tom Fazio-designed golf courses that are among the
highest-rated public courses in the country. More than 200 bungalow
rooms and suites will join 128 villas, ranging from two to four
bedrooms. (800) 315-8214, www.pelicanhill.com
PENINSULA PAPAGAYO, COSTA RICA This
2,300-acre paradise in Costa Rica is attracting a blizzard of
development, including a significant Four Seasons presence. But other
options are available, too, including the beachfront estates of 13
Playa Prieta and the 16 condos of Las Terrazas overlooking an Arnold
Palmer golf course. (866) 703-7444, www.peninsulapapagayo.com
PINK SANDS RESORT HARBOUR ISLAND, BAHAMAS
This Bahamian celeb haunt is offering 10 to 15 estate lots starting at
more than nine acres and costing roughly $1.5 million each. Residents
will have full access to the resort facilities. (888) 475-7263, www.pinksandsresort.com
PRONGHORN, BEND, OREGON
Arizona and Florida don’t have a lock on golf communities: This one,
near Bend, Oregon -- within reach of deserts, rain forests, and ski
mountains -- features not only topflight courses, but an eco-oriented
mindset, with a portion of all home sales going to its own charitable
foundation. (800) 541-9424, www.pronghornclub.com
PUEBLO BONITO, MEXICO
A collection of seven luxury properties spread throughout Mazatlán,
Puerto Vallarta, and Cabo San Lucas, comprising a mix of hotels,
private estates, and an all-inclusive resort. (800) 990-8250, www.pueblobonito.com
THE CLUB AT SPANISH PEAKS, BIG SKY, MONTANA Located
between Bozeman and Yellowstone National Park, the 5,700- acre Spanish
Peaks offers cabins, ranches, condominiums, and townhomes. Activities
are abundant here, including world-class fly-fishing, skiing, rafting,
hiking, and horseback riding. (877) 995-3100, www.spanish-peaks.com
STONE EAGLE, PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA
Situated in a secluded mountaintop setting, Stone Eagle is a 700-acre
private golf community in Palm Desert. There are 43 homesites and a Tom
Doak-designed 18-hole golf course. (760) 773-6223, www.stoneeagleclub.com
SUNCADIA, CLE ELUM, WASHINGTON
This 254-room luxury hotel set above the Cle Elum River offers all of
the benefits of home ownership with the services, such as restaurants,
concierge services, and a spa, of a five-star resort hotel. There’s
also unparalleled access to pristine Northwest outdoor recreation.
(509) 649-6400, www.suncadiaresort.com
TERRANEA, PALOS VERDES, CALIFORNIA
With 82 full-ownership villas and casitas starting at $2.25 million,
plus a 360-room luxury hotel, Terranea will be the Los Angeles area’s
first luxury oceanfront destination resort. (310) 802-7433, www.terranea.com
TRUMP INTERNATIONAL GOLF CLUB PUERTO RICO, RIO GRANDE, PUERTO RICO
Located at the foothills of the famous El Yunque rain forest (and just
20 minutes from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport), the property
offers eco-diverse attractions in a luxurious environment. Condos and
estate homes, from the $600,000s to $5 million, are set amid 36 holes
designed by Tom Kite, and a family-friendly Beach Club. (877) 487-8675,
www.trumpgolfclubpuertorico.com
TRUMP OCEAN CLUB, PUNTA PACIFICA, PANAMA CITY, PANAMA
Billed as the largest real estate investment in Latin America, this
$400 million project includes condos and condo-hotel units, a wellness
spa, Yacht Club, a private island beach club, and enough services to
mean you won’t have to set foot off the property. (877) 898-7867, www.trumpoceanclub.com
THE VILLAGE AT WILD DUNES, ISLE OF PALMS, SOUTH CAROLINA
These fully-furnished resort condominiums are set steps from the beach
in the heart of Wild Dunes Resort, in one of the last places remaining
to purchase real estate on the Carolina coast. (888) 778-1874, www.wilddunesvillage.com
VILLAS AT AMANGIRI, SOUTHERN UTAH
For some owners, it’s not sandy beaches that appeal, but the striking
desert vistas of Utah and Arizona. To that effect, the Villas at
Amangiri -- starting at $8 million -- offers homesites ranging from 1.3
to 10 acres, and are attached to the Amangiri Resort & Spa (the
second U.S. locale for famed Amanresorts) that’s scheduled to open in
2009. (435) 675-3222, www.villasatamangiri.com
WHITE ELEPHANT HOTEL RESIDENCES, NANTUCKET ISLAND, MASSACHUSETTS
Expect traditional Nantucket architecture and design at these 66
residences, just steps from the harbor and starting at $1.5 million.
(800) 445- 6574, www.whiteelephanthotel.com/residences
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