Tag Archives: Caribbean Homes

Why I Love December in Turks and Caicos

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  1. The Trade-winds are back
Sunset over Grace Bay beach

Anyone who has lived in the Equatorial zone, or has traveled to the Caribbean/S. America over the years during Christmas season, will be familiar with the Trade-winds. The Trade-winds, dominate most of the tropics and subtropics throughout the world and are a nearly constant (they only drop away during end of September and October) northeasterly wind in our hemisphere, that starts to blow in November of every year. By the time December rolls around we experience whether akin to Aspen, Colorado.  Think bright blue skies with the sun beating down, but a cool chill in the air.  Substitute snow-capped mountains for swaying palm trees and sandy beaches and you begin to get a feel for the special draw of Turks and Caicos (‘T&C’) during the holiday Christmas period.

  1. Boat trips
Coral is beautiful to look at, but we don’t allow it to be taken out of the sea 🙂

Every December 26th since I was a child, we have enjoyed a Boxing Day boat trip on the Atabeyra.  For those with British heritage you’re familiar with the joys of Boxing Day, which for all intents and purposes, is a much less chaotic day than its forefathers Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The Irish call it Wren Day, other countries call it St Stephen’s Day, but for all who celebrate it, in practicality it has become a day to relax and unwind after the stress of the holiday season is over, and gather with friends and family to enjoy a final day of good food and great company.  If you can enjoy this holiday, or any other day in December on a boat, you’re quids in!  Boating is a year-round event in T&C, and it doesn’t stop during Christmas.  The weather is beautiful, the sun is shining and we’re still swimming in the ocean.  Granted the sea may be a little colder than we locals like it, but there’s no better way to wash off the cobwebs than taking a Boxing Day plunge, and let’s face it, anyone from the Northeastern seaboard or Europe would laugh if they heard us admitting we find it a little cold!  The temperature is akin to taking a dip in the Mediterranean during Summer time, refreshingly cool, enough to enliven your skin and leave you feeling renewed and energized.

  1. Inter-island travel is open again
Mudjin Harbour, Middle Caicos

If you, like many, have been confined to your homes/apartments since the outbreak of COVID-19, self-isolating, locked-down and going through the rigmarole of at home schooling like the saint that you are, imagine jumping on a ferry with your family (face mask on of course) and making your way over to North Caicos (population approx. 1,500).  From North Caicos, you can rent a car and head over to Middle Caicos on the causeway to explore the caves and bluffs with virtually no one else in sight. Fresh air, clean breezes, big ocean and natural adventures abound in North and Middle Caicos, and are just what the doctor ordered after months and months of quarantine. Sure, you can stay cooped up in your apartment until the frost from winter thaws, or you can safely enjoy all that T&C’s sister islands have to offer, and give your family the gift of a memory they may not have otherwise had.

  1. Outdoor Activities
Tip of the Tail Villa

With the end of the dreaded hurricane season in November, December’s climate is well known as the most hospitable environment for international travelers. We’ve talked about boating and beaching, but there is no end of outdoor activities to take advantage of.  With highs in the low 80’s and lows in the high 70’s, December is a perfect time to get on that kayak or paddle-board and explore miles and miles of unspoiled natural environment. Mangroves, the same ecosystem that protects our shorelines during hurricanes, are peaceful and rife with small marine life, turtles and bird watching for the nature lovers out there.  There are many places where you can enjoy these activities conveniently just by stepping out of your private villa’s backyard, like Tip of the Tail Villa.  Otherwise you can join one of the many operators on a guided tour of these precious ecosystems.  I especially like Big Blue Collective who have long been ahead of the game in focusing on small private groups and preservation of the flora and fauna of T&C.

  1. The Seven Stars Xmas tree
Shot by Kaieri Media

Call me crazy, but without the usual queues of the seasons you receive when you live in the Temperate zone, its tough to know when Xmas is on its way.  We tend to live in a perpetual endless summer in T&C, but there are a few key indicators that the Christmas season is well under way.  The first of these signs is the lighting of the giant Christmas tree that has long been an annual tradition.  In years gone by the space that Seven Stars now occupies, used to be home to one of the first resorts in T&C, the Ramada, and after that it changed hands to the Allegro.  Those times are a distant memory now, and it’s hard to imagine a time when Seven Stars wasn’t Seven Stars.  The resorts on this prime beachfront land are so varied in aesthetics, but the one common feature, other than the land they’ve occupied, is the lighting of the Xmas tree.  That’s the thing about traditions, they stand the test of time.

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Courtney Chapman

Six $10M+ Home Sales in Turks and Caicos in the Last 5 Years

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The Residence: COMO Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos Islands

In the last decade, Turks and Caicos Islands (‘TCI’) has become known as a preferred location for High Net Worth (‘HNW’) and Ultra-High Net Worth Individuals (‘UHNWI’).

With year-round sunshine, clear turquoise waters and easy accessibility from most major North American cities and London, UK, it is easy to understand why TCI’s real estate market has moved from strength to strength. Strong fundamentals: an economy utilising the US dollar, a friendly local government strengthened by a UK Governor, a handful of innovative and professional architects, builders, and real estate professionals, and no annual property taxes sustain the market. 

More importantly however, this rise to fame as a HNW and UHNWI location, is directly attributable to one serendipitous timeline that begins in the late 80’s with the first wave of development.  This period and slow crawl towards tourism saw quality low-density condominium resorts arising with a maximum of 3 levels, a requirement that remained in place until the 90’s with small increases in the 2000’s. This low-density mindset has left much of TCI relatively untouched, providing ample space for private development amongst generous backdrops, and has ensured its attractiveness to the HNW and UHNWI, many of whom lead busy lives and look to our market for second or third homes that provide privacy, tranquility and natural beauty.  

If you have never visited TCI, imagine the tranquility of the beaches of Cayman Islands or Barbados, but without swarms of beach loungers or someone trying to sell you a trinket, now breath out 😊, and let me walk you through some of our most impressive sales of the last five years.

1. Celebrity Home Sale in Parrot Cay

The Residence: COMO Resort, Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos Islands

In July 2019, The Residence sold for $27M, weighing in as the second highest sale price in TCI (hint-hint: the highest sale price was also located on Parrot Cay). With box-office record breaking films like Die Hard, Pulp Fiction and the Sixth Sense under his belt, this American actor with German roots fell in love with a plot of land in Parrot Cay in the 1990s and set about creating a family compound which spanned roughly 8 acres and includes three homes, set apart distinctly over a remarkable sunset-facing beachfront cove. With 11 bedrooms, wrap around decking and an expansive 35,000 SF, this home saw multiple birthdays, summer and winter holidays, and most recently a vow renewal, before it took its place with its rightful new owner. 

2. A Musical Legend’s Estate Sells in Turtle Tail

Prince’s Island Estate: Turtle Tail, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands

This is what it sounds like when…. history is made and one chapter closes. The musical icon that brought us hits such as “Purple Rain”, “When Doves Cry”, and my personal favourite “Raspberry Beret”, purchased land on a rare peninsula in Turtle Tail, housing only one other neighbour. Complete with two adjacent waterfront land parcels of 2.74 acres, this Estate’s glory is attributable not only to its legendary ownership, but also due to it selling in under five months on market. The 5.74 peninsula with 6 bedrooms over nearly 10,000 SF sold after utilising Ro0omy technology to virtually curate the interiors, in June 2019, for $10.8M.

3. A Beachfront Bajan Beauty sells along Grace Bay 

Coral House: Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands

Coral House: an Oliver Messel inspired design based on the coral stone homes he famously created in Barbados, can be found along Grace Bay beach.  It is hard to miss this timeless masterpiece. Coral House sits proudly and peacefully on powder white sand with easy ocean access, marking the beginning of the more residential zone of Grace Bay beach. At over 12,000 SF, with a gourmet kitchen, 6 bedrooms, a library, office for those zoom calls, breakfast room and more, Coral House is a dream family home.  Neighboured by its sister property Coral Pavilion (sold in 2019 for $9.12M and available for private rentals via islandhouselvm.com), Coral House has no other immediate neighbours, enhancing the appeal of its locale. This rare home sold for $10.6M in October 2019.

4. Private Home Sale at COMO Parrot Cay Turks & Caicos 

Serenity Villa: COMO Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos Islands

Serviced by COMO Parrot Cay, Serenity villa sits amongst an unequaled panorama of unspoilt beach, luminous ocean, and infinite skies. With 373 feet of sugary sand over 5.38 lush acres, the home is nestled in a stunning half moon bay, offering 8,645 SF of impeccable living under roof. Serenity Villa is a beachfront estate like no other, with a design ethos that is sensitive to its surroundings, reflecting the glorious natural aesthetic for which Parrot Cay is known. The property sold for $17M during the summer of 2017 and marks the third most expensive home sale on the exclusive island of Parrot Cay.  This private sanctuary near the water’s edge includes high-speed Wi-Fi and custom music (part of the villa’s master AV system), a refreshing outdoor shower and a beautiful cabana with a suspended circular daybed.

5. Dreams from Dallas Sold in COMO Parrot Cay Turks & Caicos 

Oliver’s Cove: COMO Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos Islands

Oliver’s Cove is a property close to my heart – it is as traditional as it is eccentric. With swathes of Royal Palms and verdant lawn, the elegant Caribbean exterior design alludes to the home of Oscar De La Renta in Punta Cana, but step inside and marvel at the surprisingly eclectic mix of antiques and custom touches. Hand-troweled Venetian plaster throughout, with aged exposed timber beams, hickory flooring and a pair of antique French doors at entry to the home, set Oliver’s Cove apart as a premier estate on the private paradise of Parrot Cay. With 7 bedrooms between the Main House and Guest House and nearly 800 FT of beach frontage over 6.54 acres, Oliver’s Cove set a record-breaking price when it sold in February 2016 for $27.45M, making it the highest sales price in TCI.

6. Amazing Grace in Leeward Set the Pace for Emerald Beach

Amazing Grace: Leeward, Turks and Caicos Islands

Amazing Grace sold in 2015 for $15.1M in the exclusive eastern end of the residential neighbourhood of Leeward, known as Emerald Beach. Emerald Beach is home to mega-estates, all of which benefit from wide expanses of virtually private beachfront. At Amazing Grace, white-washed interiors provide a sense of peace throughout while the traditionally Caribbean property boasts 282 feet of superb white sand beachfront right outside. With 8.4 acres, it was sold complete with direct and canal and dock access, a popular feature amongst the ultra-luxury properties of this location. Since the sale of Amazing Grace, Emerald Beach has become better known as a location for those searching for exclusivity and tranquility

The TCI HNW and UHNWI market is on the rise, with no signs of letting up in the face of a pandemic. In fact, the appeal of our fundamentals seems to be on the rise too.

By Courtney Chapman

14th September 2020

The Bight by Dream Hotel Group Celebrate Launch with TCI Block Party

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The Bight by Dream Hotel Group Celebrates the Launch of its 66-Suite / 89-Key Condo-Hotel Project in Partnership with Celebrated Brand & Management Company Dream Hotel Group

On Tuesday 11th February, Grace Bay, Providenciales came to life with an inspired Block Party Event to celebrate the official launch of The Bight by Dream Hotel Group and their new partnership with NYC-based Dream Hotel Group, who will now serve as Manager and Operator for the 66-suite/89-hotel key project.  The event took place between Sandbox and Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty’s office with music by renowned DJ Munro spilling over to the streets and a botanical jungle theme scape that flowed throughout both venues, intertwining the buildings to one another.  If the refreshingly simple and stunningly creative ambience is anything to go by, this development is off to a progressive start. 

Ryan Jones and Natalie Zaidan of the EA Group are best known for the hip local coffee spot, Lemon-to-go-café and their successful landscaping company Environmental Arts, but this powerhouse couple, who have called Turks & Caicos their home for close to two decades, are lesser known for the multiple hats they wear, which include construction, real estate development and sales, art production, rum and vodka distilling and their latest food and beverage venue Sandbox, which caters to the on trend phenomenon of health conscious consuming.  No mini sliders here. EA Group is always one step ahead of the curve.  Everything from the mood, to the canapes was refreshing.  Guests dined on air fried vegetable samosas and mini chicken satay, to name a few, and quenched their thirst with coconut water housed in Turks & Caicos grown coconuts provided by local business owner, JJ Jennings of Coco Vibes.  The signature “cocktail with a Bight” was a spicy margarita with a slight bite as the name suggests. 

Between speeches guests posed amongst giant foam letters that playfully encircled the Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International office, spelling out “The Bight Hotel”.  As the night progressed and guests, hoteliers, Government officials, and friends filled the space, Ryan Jones spoke to the crowd and announced his vision and dream of bringing an authentic, experience-based condo-hotel to the Turks and Caicos that focuses on lifestyle.

“So why do you want to build a hotel?  Why do you want to be in this business?  What is the origin story of this project? Natalie and I live in the Bight. This is our home, and we love the country.  I loved it enough that I made my life here and had my kids here. We wanted to recreate the magical Turks and Caicos experience that people have when they come here for the first time and never leave.  We want to share that with people. We were looking at the market and thought the five-star market is really well-served by a whole bunch of guys who have done an amazing job. The market that really needs to be addressed is the four-star boutique market with culture, design, art, experiences, and adventure. We wanted to align what we did with our life and that’s why we decided to build a hotel here. Then it was a matter of finding the right management partner. An established, creative and inspiring team to bring our vision to life.

“The Bight by Dream Hotel Group will cater to travelers and owners who share a passion for design, community, and food and beverage —all while celebrating the natural beauty and culture of the islands,” added Jeff Donnelly, Vice President of Development, Dream Hotel Group. “In our partnership with EA Group, we are committed to delivering a fresh and exciting experience to the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

Following a soft launch in April 2019, the last 10 months have seen 10 reservations.  That’s an average of one reservation per month, a staggering number for an overseas jurisdiction and a new developer. Further confirmation that design- and lifestyle-driven EA Group have their finger on the pulse of the next real estate trend. 

“The Bight by Dream Hotel Group is lean, and it’s designed for short term vacation rental.  There’s no fat.  What do you say?” Joe Zahm Presidentof Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty asked DeveloperRyan Jones, “Everything you need and nothing you don’t need. I look at it with the great end in mind. It is designed for the end user from the beginning with a real hotel lobby and bar, and a real vibe and lifestyle experience attached to it. And when you factor in the connectivity, elegance and simplicity of the design, at a wonderful price point, this will well serve the market, who really want to be part of the investment class, where your return on investment is just better per square foot.  And when you add on just a great amenity set that’s going to be a part of the Bight, and you also add to that just amazingly smashing outlooks with the only elevated property and true beach access. It’s really a combination to die for.”

So what’s next for the EA Group you ask? More sweat and hard work. Starting with digging trenches in the Bight neighborhood to begin burying those old power lines and transforming the area to the beautiful vision Natalie and Ryan started dreaming about over seven years ago.  Look out for more information on the underground power line initiative and the beautification of this local neighborhood.

Reserve Your Piece of the Bight Today

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Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty, Venture House, Grace Bay, Providenciales