Luxurious, amenity-filled second home and leasing opportunities around the world take full advantage of their locations’ natural bounty
At one point or another, there are times when you’ll want to unplug from society and reconnect with nature, and what better place to do that than an island getaway? Even before the luxury properties and their amenities are brought to life, islands in tropical climates have a lot of natural benefits in common that, well, just happen to come with the territory––easy ocean access, exquisite foliage, calming landscapes, fascinating wildlife, and a slower pace. It’s no surprise, therefore, that people who can have the best can now choose to have second homes in these locales that take the concept of “the great escape” up several notches.
The Bahamas: The Residences at Baha Mar
Slated to open in late 2014, this ambitious $3.5 billion development will bring the best of sophisticated civilization and the Bahamas’ lush greenery and white, sandy beaches together within the context of 284 lavish and fully-appointed residences. Just beyond their doors and panoramic views of the “Bahamian Riviera,” owners will enjoy such privileges as access to an 18-hole/par-72 Jack Nicklaus signature golf course, ESPA destination spa, a National Art Gallery of Bahamas Art Institution, Waterside Place for shopping and dining enthusiasts, and a nightclub designed by Lenny Kravitz’s firm, Kravitz Design. Baha Mar’s 284 distinctive, luxury residences are stewarded by some of the world’s most famous hospitality names, including Rosewood Hotels & Resorts®, Mondrian, and Hyatt Hotels and Resorts. Grand Hyatt Residences at Baha Mar start at $1.5 million, Mondrian’s start at $1.6 million, and Rosewood’s offering begins at $1.9 million.
Prime Island Time Mid-December through mid-April
Travel Time From LA 7 to 10 hours, depending on airline
Contact 678/620.9490; residences@bahamar.com
Tenerife, Canary Islands (Spain): Abama Golf & Spa Resort
Tenerife, one of Spain’s Canary Islands, literally offers the best of all worlds, from volcanic desert expanses to lush rainforests to snow-capped mountains. Tenerife has a thriving international expatriate community, and its arms and doors are especially open to Americans interested in investing in property (whytenerife.com).
One of the many appealing properties is the Ritz Carlton-operated Abama Hotel and Golf Resort. Abama’s signature 18-hole, par 72 course is considered one of the finest in Spanish territory. Other points of interest in Tenerife include Michelin-star dining, mysterious pyramids, the Tenerife Opera House (designed by Santiago Calatrava) and hikes in Mt. Teide National Park. Residence prices begin at $1.07 million.
Prime Island Time 365 days a year
Travel Time From LA Approximately 17 hours, through British Airways, Iberia, and Delta Airlines
Contact Juan José Gudiño, +34.922.126.011;
info@abamaluxuryresidences.com
Kauai, Hawaii, USA: Kukui’ula
In the heart of the tranquil “Garden Isle,” Kukui’ula offers a selection of ocean-view custom home sites and plantation-style cottages ranging from 1,500 to 3,800 square feet, with cottages starting at $2.2 million and custom home sites starting at $1 million. Several of the best lots available will provide increased privacy and more open space. The centerpieces of this exclusive residential and rental enclave include its 18-hole Tom Weiskopf designed golf course, a $100 million members-only Plantation Clubhouse, Makai pools, Kukui’ula farm, and a full-service spa. There is also easy access to the majestic Waimea Canyon, hiking trails of the spectacular Na Pali Coast, and such essential sports as surfing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and boating.
Prime Island Time Mid-December through late March
Travel Time From LA Direct flights are approximately 5 hours, 40 minutes
Contact Veronica Lovesy, Director of Marketing, 855/742.0234; kukuiula.com/community
French Polynesia: Tahiti in Style
It is apt that Tahiti, Bora Bora, and other islands make up one of the fabled archipelagos in the South Pacific known as “The Society Islands.” Private home, villa, island, and luxury condominiums offered by Tahiti in Style (tahitiinstyle.com) represent the best this French-based society has to offer which balance a myriad of amenities and home styles with the islands’ natural attributes and foliage. While Tahiti in Style offers discerning clients comprehensive one-stop shopping for customized long and short-term rentals, they also collaborate with realtors JCM Conseil and CIFI Immobilier to assist with real estate investments.
Prime Island Time
April to November
Travel Time From LA Eight hours by plane on Air Tahiti Nui
Contact info@tahitiinstyle.com
Bali, Indonesia: Ayana Residences
Ayana Residences not only encompasses the best of Bali, but also a Pan-Asian aesthetic exclusive to the community. The landscaping is conceptualized by Hong Kong-based Dennis Selinger, and the exterior (by internationally renowned architecture firm WATG) employs locally sourced materials worked into stone-lined pools, natural wood trellises, and bales of the garden which provide a seamless transition from indoor to outdoor living. Residents have access to the adjacent award-winning Ayana Resort and Spa’s world class dining (including Rock Bar), spa, yoga, cooking classes, bike tours, water sports, and much more.
Prime Island Time May to October. But please note that Bali attracts visitors year-round as the rain does not normally last long.
Travel Time From LA While there are no direct flights from LA to Bali, many of Asia’s best airlines offer flights that run around 20 hours with a stopover
Contact H.E. Sir Mariusz Mierzejewski, salesdirector@ayanaresidences.com; ayanaresidences.com
