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Home on the shore
Private villas and residences on an oceanfront location on St Lucia in the Caribbean are luxury homes for island living or even a long-term investment opportunity
A popular destination for honeymooners and tourists seeking adventure vacations, the Caribbean has also gained a reputation for heavenly lodgings that are a real estate investment proposition as well.
“The Caribbean had generally been on an upswing regarding its tourism and real estate sectors since late 2003. During this period the combined strength of US and global economies created a surge of interest in the Caribbean from global investor syndicates, international hospitality groups, developers, and fund groups,’’ according to area expert Caribbean Consultants.
Interest from overseas has been positive for investment.
“During recent years the Caribbean Basin has experienced unprecedented growth within its real estate and hospitality sectors. Midway through 2008, the region began to contend with a softening of the US economy and then with a downturn in specific global areas,’’ Caribbean Consultants says in an analysis, Caribbean Report. “However, through our 25 years experience with Caribbean economic cycles we are confident that most property values will remain steady.
“Contrary to much boasting by some brokers and developers, the region rarely experiences truly dramatic value increases too quickly, and rarely has significant downturns regarding value.’’
The report adds that the value of properties is typically maintained well. “The region has also been made more buoyant over the years due to it becoming a more viable option for numerous global entities and international real estate buyers”.
It has also been noted that leading international brands such as Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton, Mandarin Oriental, Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton, Raffles, Westin, St. Regis, Rosewood and Aman Resorts have all staked out multiple lucrative projects in various parts of the island-clad block, with 79 major resorts being developed in the Caribbean as of 2008. “The luxury segment has led the way” in recent years, says Caribbean Consultants.
Amid the steady development in the region, one Caribbean gem stands out; with a recent large-scale villa and residential project that promises spectacular living. It is against this backdrop that the Sugar Beach development on the 160,000 population island nation of St Lucia is being introduced.
Apart from being one of the most gifted nations in the world, in terms of being home to the highest percentage of Nobel laureates – economist Arthur Lewis and writer David Walcott – the 620 square kilometre island of St Lucia, north of Barbados and Grenada, is also a tropical residential paradise and has proved to be a highly desirable location. The sunshine and the temperate breeze are draw cards.
Sugar Beach Residences is a US$100 million (HK$780 million) redevelopment project by developer Jalousie, backed by a consortium of experienced individual British developers. Sixty four luxury villas and 46 private residences are being erected right between the peaks of the glorious Pitons Mountains, also known as Val des Pitons. The Pitons is a well-known landmark on the island nation. The area, reputed for its breathtaking scenery, is also a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Slated for completion next year, the 52.6-hectare Sugar Beach Residences (presently known as the Jalousie Plantation) will focus on sustainability and conservation to preserve the natural beauty of the site. Two white sand beaches, three new restaurants, four bars, a scuba centre, a rainforest walkway and spa are all part of the development.
The properties consist of two to six bedroom units with views of the Caribbean Sea. At the very top end, the Glenconner Beach development with its five beachfront residences seals the deal. An oversized swimming pool in a private garden and a private slice of secluded beach are some personal touches that will distinguish the properties from the rest of the development. Intricate details include cedar French windows, a 1.82 metre cast iron clawfoot bathtub, and double vanity units with natural stone tops.
Lane Pettigrew Associates is the design architect. Pettigrew is an award-winning member of the Royal Institute of British Architects, with a portfolio of West Indian / Class French crossover projects.
Eco-design is at the heart of the Sugar Beach project. Existing cottage foundations will be rebuilt upon to minimise environmental impact, while designated nature reserves will be respected. Not surprising, considering it is a UNESCO heritage site.
Seen in a big picture view, the Sugar Beach Residences is one of many property developments ongoing in the larger Caribbean region, and one can safely bet on many more to come as these mini island paradises continue to captivate an audience that loves the beach and the peace.
SUGAR BEACH RESIDENCES
- Built within a UNESCO World Heritage Site of 52.6 hectares on the southwest coast of the Caribbean island of St Lucia
- 64 luxury villas and 46 private residences
- Three restaurants, four bars, a scuba centre, a rainforest walkway, and a spa are also being built
- Located a short walk from the Caribbean Sea




