Coldwell Banker Islands Blog

Conde Nast Johansens, the international luxury travel guide publisher, has endorsed The West Bay Club in Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands as a “Recommended Property” in the Recommended Hotels, Inns, Resorts & Spas 2011–The Americas, Atlantic, Caribbean & Pacific.

The Conde Nast Johansens Guides are published for discerning travelers who seek top quality facilities and services. They are the most comprehensive illustrated reference guides to independently owned hotels, inns, resorts, spas and conference facilities throughout the Americas, Great Britain and Europe, and the only guide books to carry the prestigious and widely-recognized Conde Nast seal of approval.

“We are excited to have The West Bay Club included in the 2011 portfolio. Conde Nast Johansens’ inspectors visit many high-end properties and select only those that meet their rigorous criteria,” said Dane Underwood, Managing Director of The West Bay Club. Added Underwood, “We are pleased to be in the company of prestigious hotels like the Fisher Island Club in Miami, The Landings and Jade Mountain in St. Lucia, and Half Moon in Jamaica.”

Recommendations are selected for their individual charm, character and superior service, and only properties that meet the exacting requirements are included in the Guide. Conde Nast Johansens inspects each recommendation annually to ensure that it maintains high standards, and awards each included property the “Conde Nast Johansens Mark of Excellence” wall plaque as a sign of approval. The plaque is a guarantee of exceptional accommodations and serves as a valued endorsement for the world’s most discerning travelers.

About The West Bay Club - Anchored on the peaceful, western end of the Turks and Caicos’ most famous attraction, Grace Bay Beach, The West Bay Club features large, luxuriously-appointed ocean-front suites with spacious living areas, full kitchens or kitchenettes and outdoor terraces to enjoy the direct ocean views and cooling breezes. The West Bay Club offers a range of amenities, including a poolside restaurant and bar serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, free use of the Hobie Cat and other non-motorized water sports, a well-equipped fitness center, complimentary wireless Internet throughout the resort, a manager’s reception on Wednesday evenings and a kitchen stock-up service prior to guests’ arrival to name a few.

The West Bay Club suite types include one, two and three-bedroom penthouses with breathtaking views of the famous white sands and aquamarine waters of Turks and Caicos. The family-friendly resort is ideal for any type of island getaway, including group events, weddings, honeymoons and corporate outings.

For more information on The West Bay Club click here.

Article reprinted, 2011 PR/Newswire The West Bay Club.

Thousands of spa connoisseurs gave high honours to the Regent Spa, voting it second best spa in the Atlantic and Caribbean in the June special Travel and Health issue of Condé Nast Traveler magazine.

The Regent Spa, located at the Regent Palms on Grace Bay, edged out the spa at the exclusive private island resort of Parrot Cay, which came in a close third.

Of the 250 spas which made the top list, only 10 perfect scores were awarded in various categories.

The spa at Parrot Cay received a perfect score for their treatments. The Regent Spa received two 100-percent scores, selected by readers for its unique spa treatments and exceptional spa facility. The June issue of the magazine also highlighted the Regent Spa’s ingenious use of hand-crushed local conch shells to create a 30-minute Mother of Pearl Body Exfoliation Treatment.

“Our spa is often described as being its own little destination within the Turks and Caicos,” said Sara Codner, spa development manager. “Its signature treatments like Little Drops of Caribbean Rain, Moonlight and Stars, and Zareeba are unique and are tailored to each individual who experiences them.

“The entire team at the Regent Palms is delighted to have been recognised in such an internationally read travel publication. We aim to continuously over exceed in the name of service and excellence, and although our spa is just one of our luxurious amenities, it has a great impact on the overall guest experience.”

“We have created an oasis where people fantasise and dream of coming to and for that we are proud! Keep your ears and eyes open for much more about our extraordinary, environmentally friend spa … a place where dreams happen!”

Also available at the Regent Spa are its two new treatments, Osteopathy and Four Hands Massage.

Article courtesy of the TCI Free Press, Thursday June 16, 2011.

www.coldwellbankertci.com

Thousands of spa connoisseurs gave high honours to the Regent Spa, voting it second best spa in the Atlantic and Caribbean in the June special Travel and Health issue of Condé Nast Traveler magazine.

The Regent Spa, located at the Regent Palms on Grace Bay, edged out the spa at the exclusive private island resort of Parrot Cay, which came in a close third.

Of the 250 spas which made the top list, only 10 perfect scores were awarded in various categories.

The spa at Parrot Cay received a perfect score for their treatments. The Regent Spa received two 100-percent scores, selected by readers for its unique spa treatments and exceptional spa facility. The June issue of the magazine also highlighted the Regent Spa’s ingenious use of hand-crushed local conch shells to create a 30-minute Mother of Pearl Body Exfoliation Treatment.

“Our spa is often described as being its own little destination within the Turks and Caicos,” said Sara Codner, spa development manager. “Its signature treatments like Little Drops of Caribbean Rain, Moonlight and Stars, and Zareeba are unique and are tailored to each individual who experiences them.

“The entire team at the Regent Palms is delighted to have been recognised in such an internationally read travel publication. We aim to continuously over exceed in the name of service and excellence, and although our spa is just one of our luxurious amenities, it has a great impact on the overall guest experience.”

“We have created an oasis where people fantasise and dream of coming to and for that we are proud! Keep your ears and eyes open for much more about our extraordinary, environmentally friend spa … a place where dreams happen!”

Also available at the Regent Spa are its two new treatments, Osteopathy and Four Hands Massage.

Article courtesy of the TCI Free Press, Thursday June 16, 2011.

www.coldwellbankertci.com

Student artwork goes on display at hospital
Published on May 27, 2011

A stunning new exhibition has gone on display at the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre.

Youngsters from the Holy Family Academy Catholic School celebrated the hospital’s first year of operation by undertaking a special art project.

The students produced an array of colorful paintings depicting a year in the life of the facility, which opened in April 2010.

And InterHealth Canada bosses were so impressed by their efforts that the pictures are now on display along one of the building’s main corridors.

Hospital CEO, Roger Cheesman, said, “We were delighted when the academy approached us asking if they could base an art project around the hospital.

“As our first anniversary was approaching we felt that the obvious theme should be ‘A Year in the Life of the Hospital’.

“I’m not sure what we expected but what the children produced was absolutely amazing. Their art is thoughtful, creative and utterly inspirational. It also captures completely the various emotions that are thrown up by a hospital day in, day out.

“These are talented students and we congratulate them on their efforts. We are proud to display their work and I would encourage all hospital visitors to take time out to view these wonderful paintings.”

The project, which featured work from children aged between 10 and 12, was the brainchild of visual arts teacher Luis Mendoza.

He explained: “The school started its Visual Arts program to develop student’s artistic skills and to teach them how to observe and interpret things through the arts.

“We were delighted to work with InterHealth Canada on this project and when we visited the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre it inspired students to come up with beautiful art pieces representing what they’d observed.

“I’m pleased the youngsters were able to express what they saw both visually and emotionally and we are proud to have our work on display at the hospital.”

The Holy Family Academy Catholic School artwork can be viewed in the corridor between the emergency and x-ray departments and the main reception.

It will be on display throughout the summer, after which the paintings will be auctioned to raise funds for the school.

Article courtesy of TCINEWSNOW.com

Coldwell Banker Real Estate Turks & Caicos has over 40 villa and condo rental properties available this summer. With terrific deals on JetBlue, Continental, US Air, and American Airlines a week at the beach won’t break the bank.

New homes just added to the portfolio include 3 bedroom Hilltop Villa overlooking the pretty blue water and Chalk Sound National Park on the south side of Provo.

Hilltop is located in a small residential development, on a quiet cul-de-sac just 1 block to Sapodilla Bay Beach. A wonderful shallow, sandy beach that is perfect for suntanning, picnic’s, BBQ’s and great for children. A safe-harbor where you’ll find many boats anchored for the day, week or month. Watching the glow-worms at this beach is one of the highlights.

Rent jet skiis nearby, take an afternoon sail or sunset cruise, paddle the sound in a kayak, or visit a nearby restaurant “Las Brisas” and enjoy a leisurely lunch pool-side, or dinner under the stars.

Rates at Hilltop Villa are just $2000 per week plus 11% accommodation tax. The home has 3 bedrooms all on the same level, 2 full baths, 2 decks with water view, property sleeps 6 comfortably. The open plan living area on the top level has a great balcony and benefits from cool tropical breezes.

Peace and quiet in pretty Chalk Sound, terrific value at just $2000 per week plus tax, great for families, golfers and beach lovers looking for a quiet home in a residential neighborhood.

For more information on this vacation rental click here.

Our June Featured Listing is the newly constructed Villa Blanca in the prestigious neighborhood of Leeward, Turks and Caicos Islands.

Designed and constructed by a professional engineer, this home exceeds local building standards. Finished in March 2011, this 2 bedroom main house and one bedroom guest house are located on a quiet cul-de-sac close to the beach, Ashcroft Primary School and Provo Golf Club.

To visit our blog and read more about the features of this home click here - for the full listing and more photos please click here.

Listed by Linda Elrick at Coldwell Banker Real Estate Turks & Caicos Islands. (649) 241-1309 or email lindaelrick@coldwellbankertci.com. MLS 1100254.

Not just anyone can head to the beach and watch the Stanley Cup Playoffs. On game nights at the Gansevoort Turks + Caicos lounge you will find a large movie screen displaying the game, beach front sofas and chairs, and full bar and snack service - while hockey fans in shorts and barefeet cheer on their favorite team just steps from 12-mile Grace Bay Beach.

Hockey is alive and well in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Roller-hockey that is - The Provo Hockey League (PHL) is popular with adults and kids on this island 575 miles south of Miami, Florida.

With the series tied at 2-2 and more than our share of hockey fans on island, we expect the Gansevoort Turks + Caicos to be a busy place until the Cup has been won.

For the full article courtesy of the Toronto Sun click here.

Incorporating eco-friendly measures in homes has moved beyond installing energy-efficient appliances and swapping out incandescent light bulbs for compact fluorescents – going green is giving home sellers a competitive advantage. With luxury condos touting eco-friendly features like rain water recycling, and home builders incorporating energy-saving features into new homes, it’s no wonder real estate professionals say more and more home buyers are asking about “green homes.” In the end, small changes to a home can help the environment and help a property stand out among the competition.

“It makes sense on a number of levels to incorporate green principles into a home and many consumers are surprised at just how easy it is to do so,” said Graham Canham, Sales Associate for Coldwell Banker Real Estate Turks and Caicos. “Not only is it great for the environment but homeowners are looking at ‘going green’ as an opportunity to have their island home stand out from the crowd.”

The following are eight tips from the professionals at Coldwell Banker Real Estate Turks and Caicos, that outline how to make homes sustainable, energy and cost-efficient now, and appealing to eco-conscious homebuyers:

1. A Ray of Light: South-facing windows provide more natural daylight making a home more bright and cheery. Drawing shades during key daylight hours during the summer can help cut down on air conditioning needs.

2. Green Gardening: Sustainable landscaping is becoming all the rage to eco-conscious homeowners. Planting native plants, vegetation and shade trees strategically around a yard can keep a home cool during the summer. Native vegetation thrives in its preferred environment without requiring excess water.

3. Switch to Green Power: The use of renewable energy in a home, such as solar, wind, water or geothermal, greatly helps reduce pollution. However, installing solar panels or wind generators property can be cost-prohibitive for some.

4. Dial it Back: Lowering the settings on water heaters, refrigerators, dishwashers and laundry machines reduces the amount of energy required to maintain the temperature. Installing low-flow sink faucets and shower heads also lessens water consumption.

5. Reuse Rain: Recycling rain water for gardening is another great way to conserve. For example, a water collection system under drains or from washing machines can catch the water and then reuse it for watering landscapes. Most houses in the Turks and Caicos Islands are built with large cisterns under the home. Ask us about the cistern, waste water collection and irrigation systems when looking at homes in Turks & Caicos.

6. Less Lawn does More: Eliminate as much of the lawn as possible and plant native bushes, flowers, etc. Depending upon a number of factors (including the climate of the region), homeowners can simply cut back on the amount of space that they have to mow to promote energy conservation in lawn care.

7. Turn Old into New: Refurbish the home’s existing materials when remodeling instead of buying new ones (cabinets, tiles, flooring). If brand new appliances are required, homeowners should make sure they are energy-efficient, and should consider donating their old appliances to be recycled or reused.

8. Insulation is Key: Insulating cold-water pipes will prevent them from dripping condensation, and insulating hot-water pipes will prevent costly heat loss and save on energy bills.

For more information on “Going Green” in Turks and Caicos we invite you to contact us.

Coldwell Banker, we never stop moving……..

Kazz Forbes, originally from South Caicos and a noted fashion and commercial photographer, will be making his fashion debut in New York City tomorrow, June 8th.

He will be showcasing his designer collection “Le Caicos Chic: A romance with decadence” at the Caribbean International Fashion Week - an event that is held in conjunction with the CTO (Caribbean Tourism Organization).

With 365 designers submitting their work, Kazz is one of just 15 who will have an opportunity to present their designs and meet with the media, buyers and industry professionals at this showcase event.

With IMAN Cosmetics selected as the exclusive makeup sponsor to the event, Diamond Noir Collection will present and host the week long event in the Big Apple.

We wish Kazz all the best and know that his family, friends, sponsors and the residents and guests in the Turks & Caicos will be watching closely and cheering him on.

For the full press release from IMAN Cosmetics and Diamond Noir Collection please click here.

Overpriced listings sit on today’s market – Agents and Buyers forget about them.

There was a time when a price reduction tainted a listing. That was several years ago when listings in many areas sold quickly. At that time, it was assumed that something was wrong with a listing if it needed a price reduction.

In today’s market, price reductions are common. Sometimes, sellers aren’t content with listing unless they try a price that’s higher than what the comparable sales data indicate. Or, a price reduction could be necessary simply because it’s difficult to price homes in a changing market, particularly if the local housing stock is varied in size, condition, age and style.

It’s easier to establish current market value in housing developments where the homes are similar to one another, particularly if there are a number of recent comparable sales. It’s hard to price right for the market in any neighborhood if few or no homes have sold recently.

It’s best to list your home at a price that buyers will perceive as a good value. Overpriced listings sit on the market. Real estate agents and buyers forget about them.

The home-sale market slowed this past year. Today’s buyers are cautious about buying. Some are back on the fence waiting for a clear sign that the market has hit bottom and that prices won’t drop further.

Buyers who realize that they can’t time the market and who want to take advantage of low interest rates are moving ahead with their home search. They are very selective, are buying for the long term, will wait for the right home and won’t pay over market value.

HOUSE HUNTING TIP: As difficult as it may be for sellers to consider a price reduction after only a couple of weeks on the market, this is often the best strategy. Buyers and their agents focus on the new listings. If you bring your home on the market priced too high, but it’s otherwise a nice house in good condition and in a good location, a price reduction early in the marketing period is likely to attract the attention of agents and buyers who still have the listing fresh in their minds.

Make sure that your agent gives your listing a renewed marketing effort to generate enthusiasm about the property. More than 85 percent of today’s homebuyers use the Internet to search for a home. Some sign up for services that notify buyers when a new listing is submitted to the multiple listing service (MLS) and when there is a price reduction or pending sale.

Your agent should schedule an open house for brokers as soon as possible after a price reduction to alert real estate agents who may have missed the price reduction when they ran an MLS update.

Depending on your local market, you may need to lower the price more than once, particularly if you waited months to make a price adjustment. If market values have moved down since you listed, you could find yourself out of sync with the market again. Don’t rely on what your neighbors are asking for their homes. If they aren’t selling, they are probably overpriced for the market. Rely on sales of comparable properties that closed after you put your home on the market.

Ideally, you want to reduce the price before your competition does.

Article from Houselogic, Dian Hymer – Inman News™