Keep up to date with the latest information about buying your new home in the Caribbean
Set sail for the BVI
International sailing body the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS) has just opened its first outpost beyond its home port on Sardinia, on Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands. The islands have a long history of yachting, so a private peninsula on the lovely North Sound was the ideal location for the club’s new marina and state-of-the-art clubhouse. The developer, Victor International, is also promoting a new eco-friendly real estate development nearby, Oil Nut Bay, which is ideal for sailing enthusiasts as it’s only accessible by boat or helicopter. Buyers can spend all day sailing between their home and the yacht club if they wish – the ultimate in relaxation. www.oilnutbay.com
Catch him if you can
Much less scary than Shutter Island, it’s long been rumoured that Leonardo DiCaprio will turn Blackadore Caye, the island he owns in Belize, into an eco resort. If you want to be the Hollywood star’s next door neighbour, you can buy a plot of land on Bracilette Caye, just four miles by boat from DiCaprio’s island, for US$1,700,000. And even better, Bracilette has its own airport, so you can fly in on your private plane – or Leo’s, if he lets you borrow it.
www.privateislandsonline.com
Finding safe haven
With over 350,000 visitors jetting to the shores of St Lucia every year, it’s no surprise that the Caribbean island remains a popular choice for overseas property investment. The Telegraph agrees, naming the 283 square mile island one of its ‘property safe havens’. Journalist Graham Norwood explains, “This Caribbean island has long been popular with Britons. It’s Barbados, but with lower prices.” He goes on to advise: “The best tactic is still to purchase more expensive homes in prime locations, for a better chance of good returns.”
On the up
Despite economic problems that began well before the global crisis, Puerto Rico is looking like an excellent investment opportunity, thanks to reforms brought in by the president. The country’s credit rating was recently upgraded from stable to positive, and retailers such as Nordstom, PetSmart, Saks Fifth Avenue and Victoria’s Secret have announced openings in the capital in 2012. A beach villa at the Wyndeham Rio Mar Resort is currently on the market for US$395,000. www.viviun.com
Green Grenada
Eco-warriors will be pleased to hear about the opportunity to invest in a new carbon neutral resort on the island of Grenada. Emerald Knight Ethical Investments recently announced the scheme, with stakes in the development starting from just £25,000. The eco resort has plans for a 56 bedroom hotel, an 85-berth marina, 55 apartments, a retail village, villa plots and marina residences. www.emeraldknightconsultants.com
