St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort - Well Under Way

Recession or not, The St. Regis Resort & Residences in Bal Harbour is well under way toward completion over the next year and a half. One of three 27-story beachfront towers has reached the 21st floor, while construction of the other two is to the 13th and fifth floors.

The Atlantic Ocean-side project, which broke ground nearly a year ago, offers 268 ultra-luxury residences, 37 condo-hotel suites, 183 hotel rooms (including a presidential suite) and 24 St. Regis Residence Club units. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. is partnering with Miami-based Related Group on the development, which has an estimated value of over $1 billion at sellout.

With starting prices at $1.9 million and an average of $4.1 million per unit, the St. Regis is at a level well above most concern over the economy, says John Manrique, the project’s vice president of sales and marketing. Even though a recovery may be well under way by the time its units open in mid-to-late 2010, its prospective buyers are looking at units as secondary homes rather than simply short-term real estate investments.

“We’re lucky enough to be in one of those spots that doesn’t feel it as much,” says John Manrique and adding “We’re blessed with a great location and the St. Regis brand.”

The nine-acre site at 9701 Collins Ave., with 1,000 feet of shoreline, is the former site of the Sheraton Bal Harbour hotel and is among the last remaining beachfronts suitable for high-end development on the north end of Miami Beach. Plans for St. Regis were announced in March 2005, at the height of South Florida’s luxury condo boom.

Manrique describes the Bal Harbour project’s buyers as being reflective of the “face of Miami,” largely international but with a fair amount coming from New York City. He notes that prospects are aware of current conditions in the market, yet aren’t impacted as much at higher income levels.

“It’s truly an emotional purchase for themselves and their families,” he says. “They’re thinking more with their lifestyle than their checkbook.”

Amenities being promoted by the St. Regis Bal Harbour include “white glove” butler service, 24-hour in-room dining and a 12,000-square-foot Remede Spa. The towers are across the street from the popular Bal Harbour Shops and are convenient to the Miami and Fort Lauderdale airports, as well as private jet service at the Opa-locka executive airport.


Private condominiums and condo-hotel units both start at $1.9 million. Contact CondominiumHotels.com for details

Fractional residences are also planned, but prices are not yet available. Contact PrivateResidenceClubs.com to join interest list

Auberge Resorts To Manage Pond Bay On St. John

Auberge Resorts, owners and operators of award-winning luxury resorts and private residence clubs, announced today that the company will assume the hospitality management of Pond Bay, FOLIO Collection’s new private residence club on the island of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Opening in December 2009, Pond Bay was developed by FOLIO Collection, creators of Isle de France Club on St. Barth’s and a growing international stable of luxury private residence clubs. Pond Bay is set on 15 acres of beachfront property overlooking Chocolate Hole Bay and borders a serene pond on the southwest coast of the island. Designed as an intimate village blending contemporary and Caribbean influences, the club features 50 three- and four-bedroom cottages and villas in hillside, pond-side and beachfront settings. The club also features an array of luxury resort amenities, including a beachfront swimming pool, a beach club, a new Auberge 75-seat restaurant and a 10,000-square-foot destination spa and fitness center. Rounding out the Pond Bay lifestyle is a full range of personal services, from pre-arrival shopping, concierge and 24-hour room service, to wine storage, babysitting and shuttle service to nearby Cruz Bay, the social center of St. John.

“If we were to design the perfect Caribbean retreat, Pond Bay would be it; the site is exquisite,” said Mark Harmon, Principal and Chief Executive Officer, Auberge Resorts.” “We look forward to putting the Auberge imprint of exceptional cuisine and wine on the restaurant and bringing our signature Auberge experiences to this spectacular destination spa. Pond Bay will offer an exciting new Caribbean destination for buyers and an ideal exchange option for members at the other private residence clubs in our collection.”

“We are delighted to collaborate with Auberge Resorts on Pond Bay,” said Bob Emmett, Co-founder and Managing Director, FOLIO Collection. “This is an exceptional opportunity that opens the door for our Owners to enjoy very special privileges at Auberge’s private clubs located in some of the world’s most desirable destinations.”

Ownership at Pond Bay will be in deeded one-tenth fractional interests, with each Owner receiving four weeks of guaranteed use plus additional space-available use annually. Pre-opening prices begin at $315,000. Pond Bay Owners also will gain privileged access to resort destinations beyond the Caribbean through membership in the soon-to-launch Auberge Collection, Auberge Resorts’ portfolio of residence clubs. Owners may exchange part of their guaranteed time at Auberge’s award-winning residence clubs, Calistoga Ranch in Napa Valley, Esperanza in Los Cabos, Mexico, Rancho Valencia in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., and at the Village Homes at The Inn at Palmetto Bluff in South Carolina.

Owners will also enjoy a host of preferred rates and benefits at Auberge resorts, including Napa Valley’s Auberge du Soleil and Calistoga Ranch; Rancho Valencia Resort; Esperanza; the Inn at Palmetto Bluff in South Carolina; and Encantado in Santa Fe, as well as FOLIO Collection’s growing international stable of private residence clubs.

“With our new Auberge Collection, the membership experience will be more than the sum of its parts,” Harmon said. “Owners at one world-class club will gain exceptional privileges at other resorts and clubs that are the best in their class. At the core of the collection is our legacy as a hotel company, which has enabled us to perfect the resort experience for our owners and guests. We belive it will differentiate the Auberge Collection from the many options currently available.”

If you would like more information from The Pond Bay Club: Visit PrivateResidenceClubs.com/St-John-Residence-Clubs and we will respond to your inquiry promptly.

Ritz-Carlton Club Vail

To experience the fullness of the Number 1 Ski Resort in North America (as voted in SKI Magazine's Annual Reader Survey for 2007), look no further than the incomparable destination of Vail, Colorado. Within Lionshead Village, The Ritz-Carlton Club will be adding its tenth property to its growing portfolio of world-renowned locations.

Since introducing its fractional-ownership residence clubs in 1999, Ritz-Carlton has become a ubiquitous part of that segment of the second-home market, especially in Colorado, where the brand already has two clubs in Aspen and at the Beaver Creek Resort. Now comes a Vail project. In the town’s

Lionshead Village section, it consists of 45 two- to four-bedroom condominiums sold in one-12th deeded fractional shares that grant owners three weeks of use a year. The residences will be in a castle-like six-story building that will also hold 71 full-ownership residences, which were first offered for sale in early 2007 and currently start at $2.9 million. The fractional residences, from 1,300 to 2,874 square feet, are sold furnished and include hardwood floors, coffered ceilings and gas fireplaces. There will be a private lounge with a bar, a library, a fitness center, a children’s activity program, spa treatment rooms and the pool. A gondola and a lift that connect the town to the resort’s mountain are within walking distance; a new gondola closer to the project’s site is planned.

Fractional shares start at $250,000 - for more information visit: PrivateResidenceClubs.com/Vail-Residence-Clubs

The Ritz-Carlton Residences at Kapalua Bay

The island of Maui boasts over 30 miles of white sand beaches that range from world-renowned stretches of sand that are easily accessible to undeveloped secret spots known only to locals. Each of them however, features Maui's signature crystal-blue waters, gentle cooling breezes and endless skies. Whether you're looking to do some snorkeling, swimming, diving, surfing or just lie in the sun, Maui has more beaches to do them on than you can imagine.

The Ritz-Carlton Residences at Kapalua Bay is located at the northwest tip of Maui and is surrounded by some of the most spectacular natural beauty on earth. The Kapalua Resort has 23,000-acres of pristine Hawaiian landscape from aquamarine blue sea to the emerald mountain peaks. A true paradise can be yours to discover on panoramic beaches and among 100 miles of trails for hiking, biking, equestrian and tropical trekking. Owners at Kapalua Bay will also enjoy the unparalleled level of service the Ritz-Carlton Residences are renowned for at this truly one-of-a-kind Hawaiian retreat.

Beginning at the shoreline and terraced up a gentle slope, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Kapalua Bay are comprised of just 84 three- and four-bedroom fee simple whole ownership condominiums, fashioned into just four intimate low-rise structures. Ranging from approximately 3,002 – 4,271 square feet including approximately 600 – 1,150 square feet of lanai, these luxury Residences provide a Hawaiian sense of place and seclusion complemented by dramatic backdrops of striking ocean, mountain and uninterrupted neighbor island views of Lana‘i and Moloka‘i


For More Details Contact: CondominiumHotels.com

The Ritz-Carlton Club has fractional ownership to offer at Kapalua. Visit our sister website PrivateResidenceClubs.com/Hawaii for Ritz-Carlton Club information.

Viceroy Resort and Residences Anguilla - Resort Residences Available Spring 2009

Welcome to an experience unparalleled anywhere in the Caribbean. Viceroy Anguilla promises every luxury and convenience of a refined island residence made irresistible by five-star hotel service and a surprising array of resort amenities. Situated on over 36 lush acres, with 3,200 feet of beachfront land along Barnes and Meads Bays, Viceroy Anguilla Resort & Residences is a superbly designed array of luxury homes. Comprised of individual villas, townhomes and low-rise resort residence buildings, all of the residential options promise the exceptional signature Viceroy style, and of course, astonishing views of some of the most coveted beaches on earth.

Anguilla is located in the British West Indies and just five miles from St. Maarten—close enough for easy access yet secluded enough to be one of the world’s most exclusive destinations. There are no cruise ships, no casinos and no crowds. What you will find in great abundance is serenity, exclusivity and in every direction, white powder beaches and warm turquoise waters. Fulfill your own unique notion of paradise with an elegant resort residence in the Queen's Leeward Islands. Resort Homes available from $930,000 to 9.9 million.

With rock-solid financial strength Viceroy Anguilla has already sold over 70% of its Kelly Wearstler-designed residences. A select few will enjoy Spring 2009 Grand Opening price incentives.

Discover why the New York Times calls Viceroy Anguilla "the #1 Reason to Go to the Caribbean." Enjoy a complimentary 2-night stay, an opportunity to sample the exquisite Viceroy Anguilla residences and the world's most spectacular beaches.

For More Information: CondominiumHotels.com - Ask about our commission rebate program



DISCOVER VICEROY ANGUILLA TODAY

Hyatt Olive 8 Condominium Hotel Opens Today

The highly anticipated Hyatt at Olive 8 opens its doors today in the heart of Seattle’s thriving entertainment and dining district. Located at the corner of Olive and 8th, the new condominium hotel – on track to be Seattle’s first LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certified hotel – is a striking addition to the city’s skyline and adds a new, more eco-friendly experience to the Pacific Northwest hospitality market. One of the first in a new generation of environmentally conscious hotels across the country, Hyatt at Olive 8 offers its residents and guests a truly luxurious “green” stay, from energy-efficient rooms to the locally sourced food and beverages at Urbane and all-natural, results-driven spa treatments at Elaia.

“From the sleek, all-glass exterior and stunning blue glass architectural elements to the living rooftop and in-room energy saving amenities, the building’s green design will make a lasting impact in a city known for its environmental consciousness,” commented Mark Stiebeling, general manager, Hyatt at Olive 8. “We have worked hard to create a truly unique hotel experience for our guests, and are excited to open the 120th full service Hyatt hotel in the United States here in the Seattle market.”

A new landmark property from Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, the 346-room Hyatt at Olive 8 is located on the first 17 floors of the Olive 8 building, topped by 230 condominium homes on the upper 22 floors. Offering first-rate hotel amenities from spacious guest rooms to striking meeting spaces and an on-site yoga studio, Hyatt at Olive 8 pairs world-class service with comprehensive environmentally-sound practices, including:

Green Meeting Initiatives: Hyatt at Olive 8 offers more than 11,000 square feet of green meeting space perfect for groups looking to host eco-friendly social or business functions. A distinctive 7,000 square-foot ballroom provides an elegant setting for large-scale events, while six additional day-lit meeting spaces boast 15-foot floor-to-ceiling windows, reducing the need for artificial light. Hyatt at Olive 8 also provides filtered water instead of bottled water, paperless check-in and electronic folios, fitted tablecloths to decrease laundry and water consumption, and many additional green meeting options for environmentally conscious groups.

Building Design: As valuable in function as they are form, Hyatt at Olive 8’s sleek 100 percent glass exterior, energy-efficient infrastructure and visible living rooftop will make a lasting impact on the Seattle area. The building uses 32 percent less water, 20 percent less power, and creates less storm water runoff than other similar-sized buildings in its class. During construction, the project diverted more than 95 percent of construction debris from landfill disposal by redirecting recyclable material back into the building process.

Effortless Eco-Consciousness: Saving energy is simple for guests of Hyatt at Olive 8. All guest rooms are equipped with Watt Stopper® master power controls for lighting to conserve electricity, as well as Toto® dual flush toilets and Bricor® water reducing shower heads that conserve water without compromising water pressure. Additionally, the hotel’s green housekeeping programs utilize cleaning materials and chemicals that are environmentally friendly.

Hyatt at Olive 8 will also be home to the luxurious eco-friendly Elaia spa and sophisticated Urbane restaurant. Located on the second floor of the hotel, and scheduled to open late February, Elaia (pronounced e-lay-a) brings a uniquely holistic and all-natural approach to skincare in Seattle. Twelve spacious treatment suites – including one couple’s suite – will provide a relaxing environment for the spa’s personalized services, which include Elaia’s signature olive oil and “Market Fresh” treatments. Spa guests will also have access to private locker rooms, as well as the hotel’s sauna, steam room, 65-foot saline lap pool and co-ed Jacuzzi. In addition, both spa and hotel guests will be able to take advantage of a 2,400 square-foot Stay Fit@Hyatt Fitness Center and on-site yoga classes.

Offering Seattle residents and out-of-town guests a true taste of the Pacific Northwest, the comfortable yet cultured Urbane restaurant and bar – scheduled to open on February 8 – will offer Northwest inspired cuisine made with ingredients supplied by regional farmers. Featuring a flexible menu that follows local growing seasons, Urbane will open with a range of delectable offerings, including a Dungeness crab risotto topped with a tangy lemon parsley sauce, and a sticky toffee pudding with Mt. Rainier honey meringue ice cream. Furthering the Northwest ambiance, the restaurant and bar will serve wines and beers exclusively produced by Washington and Oregon wineries and breweries. In addition to serving full breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, the restaurant provides room and catering services for Hyatt at Olive 8 guests, and will manage a full service coffee and wine bar nestled within the Hyatt at Olive 8 lobby.

Located in the Northeast corner of Seattle’s downtown core, the new hotel, spa and restaurant are only one block from the Washington State Convention and Trade Center and within walking distance of many of the city’s most famous attractions, including Pike Place Market, the Seattle waterfront and the Seattle Art Museum.

About Hyatt at Olive 8
A striking addition to the Seattle skyline, the new landmark Hyatt at Olive 8 is set to be the city’s first LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certified “green” hotel. Co-designed by Seattle architecture firm MulvannyG2 and renowned New York architect Richard Gluckman, the state-of-the-art hotel features striking design elements including a sleek glass façade and one of the city’s largest living rooftops. The 346 luxury guest rooms occupy the 39-story building’s first 17 floors (condominiums are housed above), and the world-class property offers a range of on-site amenities, including 11,000 square feet of green meeting space, the eco-conscious Elaia spa, a 65-foot lap pool, a 2,400 square-foot StayFit@Hyatt facility, environmentally sound housekeeping and dry-cleaning services, valet parking and 24-hour room service. Additionally, the ground floor is home to Urbane, a 108-seat restaurant and bar serving fresh Northwest cuisine to Seattle residents and guests alike.

Of the original 230 condominiums, 46 remain available on the market - ranging in price from the 700's to 7.3 million for one penthouse residence. Contact CondominiumHotels.com for more information.