Seaside Dwellings
10/16/2006 2:20:31 PM by Javier Salas
Tour our picks for the Top 10 existing and soon-to-exist residential waterfront projects on the planet, rated on the quality of the establishment, location, amenities and current buzz surrounding the development.
You don’t need us to tell you that waterfront land is hot property these days. Whether old buildings are being renovated to feature updated design and modern technology or entirely new buildings are being constructed, the waterfront is where it’s at. With great views, soothing sea breezes, and opportunities to park not only your cars but your boat, it’s no wonder oceanfront developments sell-out quickly.
Bahia Escondida, Costa Rica
Nestled on Costa Rica’s idyllic South Pacific coast, Bahia Escondida is a master-planned residential, resort and marina destination currently under construction on the Golfe Dolce Bay in the town of Golfito. Merging miles of picturesque beaches, national parks, rainforests and world-class fishing, Bahia Escondida is situated in the heart of one of the most bio-diverse locations on the planet.
Built by Chiquita Banana in the 1930s and 1940s, Golfito enjoyed a magnificent heyday during much of the 20th Century. Today, Bahia Escondida’s developers are leading the revitalization and rebirth of the town, and this prime eco-friendly location is attracting vacation homebuyers, real estate investors, luxury eco-travelers and avid fishing enthusiasts.
Priced from $300,000 to $800,000, Bahia Escondida offers one-, two- and three-bedroom waterfront residences surrounded by picturesque views of Costa Rica’s native rainforest and towering mountains. The $350 million project will also feature the largest and most complete state-of-the art marina on the country’s Pacific coast. Bahia Escondia includes 217 slips ranging from 45 to 150 feet and priced from the mid $100,000s. Sports fisherman and mega yacht cruisers can take advantage of Bahia Escondida’s safe, natural harbor and proximity to the Panama Canal, as well as golf cart concierge service and high-speed fuel dock.
Emulating the unique Plantation Victorian style created by Chiquita Banana, Bahia Escondida will also include a charming bayside village complete with townhomes, private residences, boutique shops, restaurants, a luxury hotel, yacht club, spa and pool.
When complete, Bahia Escondida will be the quintessential destination for those looking for a truly unique experience featuring luxurious amenities in a laid back lifestyle.
Flamingo South Beach, Miami Beach, FL
The hottest place to live on South Beach is the Flamingo. At 1,689 units, the Flamingo South Beach is one of the largest condo conversions ever in the state of Florida. Located by the Venetian and MacArthur causeways, the three-tower complex is close to all conveniences. Walk to Lincoln Road and the beach or take a quick drive to downtown Miami, the American Airlines Arena, the new Center for the Performing Arts, and Miami International Airport — yet it’s world’s away from the hustle and bustle that is Miami 24/7.
The $30 million exterior renovation by the Rockwell group includes a 20,000-square-foot workout club with the latest in fitness equipment and full-court basketball. Upgraded balconies with sliding glass doors take in the stunning views of Biscayne Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, the glitter of downtown Miami, and the passing cruise ships in Government Cut. Units range from chic studios of 504 square feet to luxurious three bedroom domains of over 2,000 square feet. Lush landscaping makes Flamingo South Beach an oasis.
Casa Marina, Marco Island, FL
Exclusive upscale enclave. Those are the three words we’d use to sum up the Casa Marina boutique condo hotel currently under construction on fashionable Marco Island. This small complex features 53 two- and three-bedroom luxury units. The tropical setting abuts the 10,000 Island Preserve, famous for glamorous sunsets and plentiful wildlife for easy viewing of dolphins, sea turtles, osprey and manatees. If that wasn’t enough, the project features a floating concrete-slip marina to keep boat owners on the water. Fishermen will be thrilled by the fishing pier.
The landscaped grounds take their cue from the 10,000 Islands with lush plantings, rather like a manicured tropical forest. The restaurant and lounge offer poolside and room service. Catering facilities are available as well. The hardest choice will be whether to indulge in boating, fishing, fine dining or make use of the swimming pool, large sundeck or high-tech fitness center.
The fully furnished units are best described as sumptuous. The decorator packages cover everything from furniture and window treatments to artwork, linens, housewares and electronics. The units feature screened terraces so that sunsets can be thoroughly enjoyed without the inconvenience of bugs. As an added bonus, Marco Island’s renowned championship golf courses are nearby.
Hawk’s Cay Resort, Florida Keys, FL
Often referred to as America’s Caribbean Resort, Hawk’s Cay features 295 old-Florida style condo/villas as well as a 177-room traditional inn. What makes Hawk’s Cay stand out in the Florida Keys, which is rife with great resorts, is not only the resort’s exemplary service and soothing attitude but the on-site dolphin pool and programs. The Dolphin Discovery experience is available to each guest, though no more than five participants per dolphin is allowed. The 45-minute program takes place several times per day. Guests are allowed to kiss, hug, splash and play with the dolphins for 25 minutes from a submerged deep water platform in the dolphin’s saltwater lagoon. Swimming with the dolphins, when accompanied by a trainer, is also allowed.
Other fun at hand includes championship fishing, diving, parasailing, and other watersports. Tennis and golf are also available. The kids’ club is good, clean fun and features sandcastles on the resort’s manmade beach. A marina with fuel and a ship’s store makes things even more convenient for resident and visiting boaters.
Villas are available for purchase and can then be put in the Hawk’s Cay rental pool when not being used by the owner. The Key West conch-style interiors belie the modern amenities inside with a full kitchen with first-rate appliance package including handy washer/dryer. Many of the 750- to 1,750-square-foot units feature waterview porches, perfect for a small sunset cocktail party.
Paradisus, Puerto Rico
Part of Sol Melia Vacation, the Paradisus is set on Puerto Rico’s northeastern coast on a mile-long stretch of beautiful Coco Beach. This lush, tropical resort is near the El Yunque rainforest and historic Old San Juan. Though that’s not to say there isn’t plenty to do on-site. To start with, there’s a lagoon-style swimming pool, as well as offshore water sports, a full-service spa and health club, lighted tennis courts and two 18-hole championship golf courses. Six restaurants make dining a pleasure. The selection of four bars includes a darling swim-up bar.
Children are entertained at the children’s pool or when parents don’t have time to supervise their offspring, they can drop them off at the children’s club. The less expected, yet highly valued amenities of this trendy resort village include: a casino for action, a nightclub/disco to party into the wee hours, and an amphitheater with nightly shows. You may never make it out of the complex. Villas range from upscale one-bedroom suites to opulent three-bedroom lock-offs.
Ocean Heights, Dubai
Dubai is where the action is at these days. The Dubai Marina is where the best of that great action occurs. Ocean Heights stands out for sheer design drama alone. Add in the fact that it is located at the entrance to the Dubai Marina and you’ve got one of the most exclusive contemporary waterfront addresses in the world. The 82-story tower holds just over 600 one-, two- and three-bedroom opulent condominiums with magnificent water views. Not that you’re likely to ever get bored with the scenery, but for a change of pace, shopping arcades, beach clubs, golf courses, the Wild Wadi water amusement park and other leisure facilities are all nearby.
Pampering is the order of the day at Ocean Heights from the moment you enter the lavish, spacious lobby. The state-of-the-art health club features fitness equipment, saunas, steam baths and Jacuzzi. The oversized swimming pool is temperature-controlled for maximum comfort. A communal barbecue area is perfect for casual socializing. And at the end of each day, high-speed elevators whisk one back to their private domain.
Sapphire Beach Resort and Marina, U.S. Virgin Islands
One of the most breathtaking spots in the Virgin Islands can be found at the Sapphire Beach Resort. In fact, the half-mile strip that is Sapphire is considered to be the island’s most beautiful beach with stunning views of St. John and the British Virgin Islands. The pristine sand and sapphire water from which the beach gets its name are only a step away from the Sapphire Beach Resort, as is world-class snorkeling.
In addition to the stunning sea, the condo/resort features a watersports center, a large two-tier freshwater pool, tennis courts, beach volleyball and hammocks for those who want to relax. The marina offers daily fishing and party boat trips to St. John and the British Virgin Islands. Amenities also include complimentary snorkeling, sunfish sailing and windsurfing. A first-rate golf course is just 20 minutes away. This premier all-suite resort features well-appointed units with private balconies, full kitchens and large living areas.
Residences at Atlantis, Bahamas
Say Atlantis to most people and they won’t think about the legendary city beneath the sea, but the pleasure-palace in the Bahamas. The Residences at Atlantis allows one to buy their own piece of this packaged paradise. The Residences is part of a $1 billion renovation and expansion, with the 600-room, five-star, all-suite condo/hotel costing $200 million. The emphasis is on excellent craftsmanship and posh amenities.
As an owner, one gets access to all the amazing resort amenities. Where else but at this ocean-themed destination would one find a seven-acre snorkeling lagoon and a 34-acre marine environment, which encompasses 11 different swimming options including an adult pool, kids’ pool and a river ride for tubing. The locale also hosts the largest casino in the Caribbean at 50,000 square feet. Enclosed by miles of glistening white sand beaches are a sports center with tennis courts, lap pool, cardio-theater, exercise classes, personal training sessions, fitness machines, and a world-class spa and salon. The duty-free shopping is second to none. And if all of the above isn’t enough, there are 35 restaurants to choose from, a night club, a sports bar, a comedy club, movie theater, a teen center and a Discovery Channel camp for kids 4-12.
Sheraton South South Padre Island, TX
The Sheraton South Padre Island Beach Hotel & Condominiums features expansive windows for stunning water views day and night. The prime location makes it equally popular with cruisers, anglers, those just looking to relax, and businesspeople who can take advantage of the on-site business center, group meeting rooms and audiovisual services. But when on South Padre Island, do when the natives do: enjoy. The 6,000-square-foot pool is the centerpiece of the resort’s extensive amenities and features a beautiful waterfall and swim-up bar. A separate Jacuzzi is the perfect spot to work out the kinks after a rousing game of tennis, volleyball, or doing some seasonal parasailing. A massage therapist is available for those really tough kinks.
One of the best ways to enjoy the sunrise is from the giant sundeck of this lavish resort, the largest sundeck on the island, and just enjoy the stunning colors of the sky and the impressive water views. Or take an evening stroll on the beach and feel the smooth sand between your toes. It’s hard to get too stressed on South Padre Island. A variety of condominium options are available to suit even the most discerning owner.
Tucker’s Point, Bermuda
Tucker’s Point Club in Bermuda covers all the bases with Residence Club Villas, Town Homes, Estate Homes and Waterfront Residences. All with spectacular Caribbean views and the soothing aura that is Bermuda. No matter which of these lavish second hope options you choose, the result is a masterpiece of interior design from the elegant furnishings to the thoughtful little details.
This equity residential club combines residential ownership with golf, beach and tennis club membership, extensive owner services, a private clubhouse and pool, and frequent flexible use all in a truly exceptional locale of the green rolling hills above Castle Harbour, Harrington Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. Adjacent is the new hotel and Greenbriar Spa. To keep the development exclusive, the Residence Club units, which feature large verandas for taking in the stunning views of Castle Harbour and Harrington Sound, will only be open to owners and their guests. Club membership is limited to owners, a limited number of local and international residents and select corporate members, while hotel guests receive temporary membership during their stay.