Coldwell Banker Islands Blog

In a press release Friday by Reuters, “Condé Nast Traveler readers have chosen The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman as the best resort in the Caribbean for the second year in a row. In the magazine`s 22nd annual Readers’ Choice Survey, more than 25,000 readers voted and ranked the best cities, cruise lines, airlines, hotels and resorts worldwide. The awards appear in the November issue, on sale October 20th.”

Franz Ferschke, VP and General Mgr of the Ritz-Carlton explained, “Our guests come to Grand Cayman to enjoy the natural beauty of Seven Mile Beach and the Caribbean Sea as well as indulge in unmatched experiences such as dining in Eric Ripert`s Blue or going on eco-adventures with Ambassadors of the Environment by Jean-Michel Cousteau…However, guests return year after year because of the extraordinary service and genuine care provided by our ladies and gentlemen. They are the reason our guests and Condé Nast Traveler readers continue to honor the resort with both their visits and votes.”

The Ritz-Carlton is offering an early season special from Dec. 5-18, the Reconnect Package. Starting at $369, the incentive includes accommodations, breakfast, and a daily $100 credit at the amenities. For reservations or more information, please contact your travel professional, call 800-241-3333 or visit www.ritzcarlton.com.

Be sure and stop by our Coldwell Banker office when you are here to discuss buying opportunities on our islands.

(resource: Reuters.com)

Small business owners and start^up entrepreneurs in the Cayman Islands have formed a representative independent non-profit group.

CISBA’s primary goal is to advocate policies that are beneficial to small businesses in the Cayman Islands and to support and promote entrepreneurial spirit. CISBA seeks to be the voice for a continually expanding network of small business owners and support entrepreneurs in the establishment and operation of their businesses.

The organisation’s objectives are specifically to influence the development of the small business community through open dialogue, the sharing of knowledge and the establishment of mutually beneficial relationships, and to work closely with government to influence policies that insure the continued growth of small business in the Cayman Islands.

In addition, the group plans to educate the public about the benefits of micro and small businesses for the future of the Cayman Islands. An important task in this context is to motivate and stimulate young Caymanians to become entrepreneurs.

The economic crisis served ultimately as the catalyst for the formation of the association, which had been discussed for some time. The Cayman Islands Investment Bureau has partnered with CISBA to provide guidance in the setting up of the organisation, which is open to any small Caymanian^owned businesses of up to 10 employees.

Any small business owner or entrepreneur who is interested in joining CISBA can contact Rhonda Kelly on 946.8822 or by email at Rhonda@KellyHolding.com for more information.

(resource: CayCompass.com)

Away.com,a leading Web site for travel planning, has released its picks for the top 10 hidden gem Culinary Travel Destinations around the world.

Kate Chandler, Away.com senior editor, states, “Culinary-focused travel is becoming increasingly popular, and it’s not just for foodies anymore…Whether you’re a casual diner or a bona fide epicure, these 10 culinary hot spots
deliver both food to wow your palate and the kind of genuine cultural experiences that really defines travel.”

As reported by Reuters, “While certain destinations are known for keeping visitors in culinary bliss, such as Paris or San Francisco, there are other hidden gems that can cater to any hungry traveler. From fresh conch farms in the Turks and Caicos Islands to Mumbai’s melting pot of flavors, Away.com’s picks of the top 10 culinary destinations may not lead a most-visited list, but are a must-see for true food lovers.”

Away.com’s Top 10 “Hidden Gem” Culinary Destinations

1. Bangkok, Thailand
2. Mumbai, India
3. Big Island, Hawaii
4. Buenos Aires, Argentina
5. Carmel, California
6. Fes, Morocco
7. Walla Walla, Washington
8. Southwest London, U.K.
9. Wellfleet, Massachusetts
10. Providenciales, Turks & Caicos, British West Indies

Cycling enthusiasts from around the world gathered in Mendrisio, Switzerland in September for the 2009 Men’s and Women’s Road Cycling World Championships. The Nevis team of Kathryn Bertine, Monica Ceccon, Reggie Douglas, and James Weekes were among the competitors in this prestigious race.

Reggie and James competed in the men’s time trials, but were not able to earn a spot in the final race. Kathryn and Monica finished 37th and 41st, allowing them to compete in the 130 km women’s finale. Along with 71 others, they were forced to withdraw, but raced well.

The main Swiss news television channel ran a two-minute segment on the St Kitts & Nevis team seen by 7.5 million people. Monica was a familiar face, as she is originally from Castiglione Alona, a town in Italy about 15 km away from Mendrisi, and many journalists remember her from her days as a pro rider in Italy. From the time they arrived until the trip home, they were asked to pose for photos, interviews, sign autographs and were warmly applauded on and off the racecourse. They even had the chance to meet former world champion and Italian cycling hero Paulo Bettini, who posed for a photo with Reggie and James.

The experience for the St Kitts & Nevis cycling team was made possible by local resident, Oscar Petroboni and his family, who graciously hosted the athletes in Switzerland with generous support from the team’s sponsor, Bio-Sport/FLY, a new sports hydration drink. The cyclists received great training for the bike leg of the annual Nevis Triathlon March, 2010.

(resource: CaribbeanNetNews)

The British Virgin Islands Boat Show will be held on Tortola Nov. 5-7. The Charter Yacht Boat Show allows the Vacation Yacht Brokers from all over the world to view the Caribbean charter fleet at one location the week before their charter season officially begins mid-November.

There are many yachts that will be sailing from their off-season anchorages to make sure they are on-deck to meet the various charter yacht brokers during this very important three days of inspections.

Each morning of the Boat Show the crews re-polish every inch of their yachts and prepare it for the viewing by brokers. Each day of the show, the crews welcome aboard the people who will be promoting their business throughout the year. The crews are dressed in their best stuff, and each morning they prepare appetizers and beverages for all who visit. Also every day there are events for participants, such as expos, live entertainment, contests, education seminars, BVI Governor’s Reception, and a napkin folding contest for the chefs of each yacht.

Crewed chartered vacations in the BVI serve clients from around the world, and the member-yachts of CSY are viewed as the best of the charter industry. The Charter Yacht Society was founded in 1982 by the owners of crewed yachts in the BVI. Charter Yacht Society is the education arm, and advocate for the issues facing the charter industry within the BVI.

(resource: BVI Charter Yacht Society Boat Show)

The 3rd annual Expo CAS in Aruba will run this year from Oct 23-25, so mark your calendars. These three days will allow families and individuals to find, build or transform their present abode into their “dream home.”

Beginning Friday evening, October 23, at 6:00 PM, the Renaissance Convention Center will become a home information center, featuring every aspect of home ownership, from concept to financing, furnishing and beyond. Expo Cas is also a valuable source for commercial interests wishing to construct their business centers.

Gated communities, interior and exterior finishing, real estate agents and banks are among the sixty-six exhibitors who will present their services, as part of the more than 100 booths. These will be staffed by experts prepared to answer questions and provide estimates. Valuable prizes will be offered by all vendors. Visit Coldwell Banker at booths 23 and 24. Hope to see you there!

It just got sexier in Eleuthera Bahamas.
GoTravel24.com has rated Eleuthera Island, home of some of the most gorgeous real estate in the Bahamas, as having one of the world’s sexiest beaches. See Picture

We’re not surprised. The longest island in the Bahamas, Eleuthera is long and skinny, sprinkled with outstanding white and pink sands beaches, quaint homes and cottages.
GoTravel24 says Eleuthera has been described as “an ink blot where God shook his pen before creating the rest of the world.”
“With some 50 beach areas to explore it doesn’t really matter that at certain points the 177km long island is only two lanes wide. Here you can delight in the pink sand and natural beauty that rivals its more famous neighbour Harbour Island.”
The rich and famous are amongst home owners in Eleuthera and the satellite cay of Harbour Island.
Prince Charles and Lady Di honeymooned at Windermere ^ a favourite spot for visiting royals. Learn more about Eleuthera

The lifestyle is laid back; the beauty is amazing. Many of the homes are painted in soft pastels; the colours found in our native flowering plants and coral reefs.
One of our favourite spots in Eleuthera is the Glass Window Bridge with the turbulent Atlantic on one side and the calm, turquoise shallows on the other.
There are many places of amazing natural beauty in Eleuthera and some good real estate buys.
We have real estate agents throughout the island, and at Harbour Island and nearby Spanish Wells.
If you’re looking for real estate in Eleuthera, Bahamas, drop us an email at info@ColdwellBankerBahamas.com.

The multi-million dollar Dellis Cay development in Turks and Caicos has been placed on hold, pending restructuring of their financing plan with Trinidad and Tobago Unit Trust Corporation.

Construction has stopped, all foreign workers have been sent home, and local labor has been asked to wait until further notice before they start again working at the site. Dr. Cem Kinay, one of the partners in Dellis Cay, said, “Our business is on the brink of collapse because confidence in it was destroyed by allegations made by the Turks and Caicos Islands Commission of Inquiry during its hearings earlier this year…Despite the world economical crisis, we had continued to operate but we could not survive the publication of these allegations, despite the fact that a court found that they were unlawfully made.” (Read more of the press problems at SunTCI.com.)

Dr. Kinay admitted that “As a result of the negative environment, our sales slowed down considerably and impacted the performance of our receivables, and [any] new sales.”

Dellis Cay was bought from a private individual in 2005 and was one of the private land deals in Turks and Caicos Islands. The developers are creating a luxury island community involving unique designs from some of the world’s leading architects. When completed, the development will be comprised of luxury villas, residential units located around, and serviced by, a Mandarin Oriental hotel. Construction of the Project has commenced in June 2008 and was expected to end in October 2010. Dellis Cay is 20 minutes by boat from Providenciales.

A November pre-opening for the new facility at Beaumont Park is expected to revive the age-old sport of horse and dog racing in St. Kitts. At the base of Mount Liamigua in Dieppe Bay, Beaumont Park is anticipated to be an example of high-class Caribbean racing facilities and is projected to add economic benefits to the surrounding area and the nation at large. The horseracing track is 3/4 mile long (6 furlongs) and has two racing shoots for the thoroughbreds, while the greyhound racetrack is 330 yards.

The master plan of the Beaumont development project includes stables to house over 500 thoroughbreds, greyhound kennels, bird aviary, butterfly farm, a nursery and a thoroughbred breeding farm. Over the next few years, residential lots, restaurants and shopping facilities will be constructed as a part of the plan.

Currently, about 200 individuals have been employed full-time by the first phase of the project. This includes construction workers, jockeys, trainers, grooms and the executive staff. While the park does not yet have automatic timing, close circuit television, and wagering systems in place, the 2010 official grand opening should showcase a polished, internationally-acclaimed racing hub fitted with the necessary equipment.

Dr. Denzil Douglas, Prime Minister, told SKNVibes “It is clear to me that what’s going on here is not just the construction, as so many people think, but it is really the unfolding of plans for a racing industry starting in St. Kitts-Nevis.” Hailing the new site as the opportunity to “bring a diversification of the sports industry,” Douglas projected that the economic spinoffs would be overwhelming, as his government expects hundreds of jobs to be provided both directly and indirectly.

Mail Boxes Etc. Caribbean announces the awarding of franchise rights in the Cayman Islands for a multiple Mail Boxes Etc. franchise offering of the world’s leading international provider of business services. The mission statement of Mail Boxes Etc. is to make business easier worldwide, through its service and distribution network, and delivering personalized and convenient business solutions with worldclass customer service.

MBE services will include full-service expert packaging, shipping through UPS, FedEx, DHL and its popular US Address e-commerce fulfillment services, private mailbox services, mail receiving and forwarding, packaging supplies, digital quality black-and-white and color copying and other document finishing solutions.

The first MBE Centre is expected to open in November 2009 in Camana Bay and will create additional job opportunities and provide a further boost to the Cayman Islands economy in the area of e-commerce, pack and ship, fulfillment and one-stop business support services.

Established in 1980, Mail Boxes Etc. is the world’s largest franchisor of retail, postal and business services. There are more than 1,200 MBE locations worldwide, operating in over 30 countries and territories.

Coldwell Banker Cayman Islands welcomes our new business partner and wishes the company success.

(resource: CaymanNetNews)