Virgin Islands Property & Yacht | February 2020 | Defying Gravity in BVI with OBMI Architects

VIRGIN ISLANDS

PROPERTY &YACHT g n i y f e D avity gr FE BRUARY 2020

Villa Maronti – OBM International’s newest architectural innovation

BVI ARCHITECTURE 50 YEARS OF ROGER DOWNING PARTNER & CO.

PUERTO RICO AN ARCHITECTURAL TREASURE

SEA STYLE BUILDING THE NEW VOYAGE 590

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EDITOR’S NOTE

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on the cover

IN THE EARLY part of the year, many of us are still riding high on new year’s resolutions (or at least trying to). Part of the joy of a new year is the chance to build a life we’ve been envisioning, so this issue’s focus on architecture is perfect for February. Our cover feature showcases the fabulous work of OBM International and their newest architectural gem at Oil Nut Bay, Villa Maronti.

This stunning home required an innovative design to not combat the difficult mountain terrain, but to work with it and make it a part of the island landscape.

Even as we look forward to a new year, we look back at and honour the history of the Caribbean and those that came before us. Our Villas & Views piece highlights the evolution of different architectural style in the region, and a profile piece on Roger Downing & Partner Co. celebrates their 50th anniversary of living, working and designing fabulous homes and businesses in the BVI. For a wide variety of architectural design styles, look no further than Puerto Rico. The island’s rich history is displayed on every street and provides a colourful backdrop for any visit. But architecture loses its grandeur at night if not illuminated well. Beachside Lighting offers many Caribbean resorts, businesses and private homes top-notch products for keeping the lights on.

And if the start of the year has you dreaming of casting off and into an unforgettable yacht charter, Voyage Charters is just the ticket. They’ve just unveiled their new electric VOYAGE 590 yacht and we can’t wait to show it to you.

May this issue inspire you to continue building on the fresh momentum of the new year. Happy reading!

Sara

Villa Maronti is the newest architectural marvel designed by OBM International

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OUR TEAM

contributors Conor King Devitt

Conor King Devitt is a freelance journalist currently based in Seattle, WA. From 2016-2018, he worked as a reporter and assistant editor for the BVI Beacon newspaper, covering politics, financial services, and the territory’s hurricane recovery efforts.

Morgana Tilling

Morgana is a key member of Smiths Gore’s team, running a portfolio of exclusive villa rental properties.

With years of experience in luxury hospitality, she works to ensure clients experience the very best of the BVI.

aLookingGlass Team

PUBLISHER Erin Paviour-Smith EDITOR Sara Sherman

sara.m.sherman@gmail.com

Erin Paviour-Smith Chief Executive Officer

Erin was Sales Director at aLookingGlass for the last 5-years. She liked the job so much that she purchased the Company in mid-2019. She has real passion for VIPY and helping clients achieve their marketing goals. Originally from New Zealand, Erin has made the BVI her permanent home and recently became mum to twin boys Indo and Finn.

Sandro Dos Santos Sales Manager

Sandro has over 16 years’ business development and customer service experience in Portugal and New Zealand. He is fluent in Portuguese and English with conversational Spanish. Sandro also loves to surf in his spare time.

8 | V I P R O P E R T Y & YA C H T

ART DIRECTOR Sally Fullam

sallyfullam@gmail.com

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Sandro Dos Santos sandro@alookingglass.com

OFFICE MANAGER & DISTRIBUTION Francoise Frank francoise@alookingglass.com

FOUNDING PUBLISHER Colin Rathbun VIRGIN ISLANDS PROPERTY & YACHT is published eleven times per year (February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December/January). © 2019 alookingGlass Limited. All pieces reproduced in this issue are under prior copyright by the creators or by the contractual arrangements with their clients. Nothing shown may be reproduced in any form without obtaining the permission of the creators and any other person or company who may have copyright ownership.

The publisher of VI Property & Yacht, assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the content placed in its publications. For the avoidance of doubt, aLookingGlass gives no warranty or guarantee in regards to any information placed in its publications.

PLEASE DIRECT ALL ENQUIRIES TO: EMAIL: info@alookingglass.com PHONE: 284 344 2172

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BRING GREAT DESIGN HOME

To discuss your Project, contact Roy Keegan: Office: 284 494 5240 Cell: 284 541 7483 roy@arawakvi.com Arawak Interiors, Road Reef Plaza #9, Road Town

Arawak Interiors offers home interior design advice, custom designs and sourcing from Asia, Mexico and USA. We also offer an extensive range of furniture, fixtures and fittings to choose from at our interior store and warehouse located in Road Town.

Arawak Interiors manages all the shipping and logistics to deliver to your door anywhere in the BVI. Overseeing projects for Private villas, Private Islands, Resorts & Restaurants.

contents FEBRUARY 2020

12 26 42

12

EXCLUSIVE COVER FEATURE

Exploring OBM International’s latest architectural marvel, Villa Maronti

22

BEACHSIDE LIGHTING

Diving into how good lighting makes for good design at two top resorts

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26

ROGER DOWNING AND PARTNER CO. Celebrating 50 years of architectural work in the BVI

32

VILLAS & VIEWS A look at the evolving architectural styles of the Caribbean

36

BON VOYAGE

Introducing the new electric yacht: VOYAGE 590

42

PUERTO RICO

Admiring the architectural gems of Puerto Rico

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E XC L U S I V E C OV E R F E AT U R E

DEFYING GRAVITY An architectural feat that practically floats above the blue sea on Virgin Gorda, Villa Maronti is the newest addition to Oil Nut Bay from OBM International

BY SARA SHERMAN P H O T O G R A P H Y U S E D C O U R T E S Y O F O B M I N T E R N AT I O N A L

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Carved into the very mountain it sits on, Villa Maronti feels as if it reaches into the horizon and beyond.

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E XC L U S I V E C OV E R F E AT U R E

SITTING ON THE steepest site at Virgin Gorda’s Oil Nut Bay, Villa Maronti is the newly-completed residence designed by OBM International. This home is designed to be an architectural experience from beginning to end.

Connected to the land, sustainably constructed, immersed in the views and flexible for a range of variety of gatherings - Villa Maronti has a traditional soul expressed with contemporary architecture.

This beautiful home was carved into the steep mountainside using a 50% cut and fill approach as the site features 85-95% topographic slopes.

This called for innovative design solutions to create a home that is not only soundly constructed but

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also honours the natural landscape of the island. The structure’s perched position adds drama to this Caribbean retreat while helping to minimize site impact.

The multiple terraces mimic the sloping hills of Virgin Gorda and provide a dramatic entrance to the villa; the motor court, garage and entry are all a full story above the rest of the residence.

“The challenging angle of the incline inspired rather than limited our creativity. Designing for multiple levels allowed us to retain the natural landscape as much as possible while maximising living spaces and exclusive waterfront views,” said James McDonald, OBMI Senior Designer.

Sustainability is always a top priority in a Caribbean environment and extra special attention is paid to keeping conservation at the forefront of projects at Oil Nut Bay. A large green roof was utilized to retain a portion of the mountainside and will aid in capturing water runoff. Other terraces utilize standing seam copper roofs and gutters that collect water into a 12,000-gallon cistern. These gutters lead to artfully-concealed downspouts within the walls, reducing aesthetic distraction on the outside of the home.

The home was designed to blend into its surrounding landscape so as to be virtually undetectable. The local stone cladding, wood details, and copper roofs practically blend into the

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LEFT The multiple terraces of

the villa offer spectacular views from every angle ABOVE A fresh and open living area with ample natural light makes the ocean view the star of the show RIGHT A minimalist and modern gourmet kitchen has everything for cosy dinners at home or entertaining guests

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT The master bath has his-and-hers rain showers and double vanity, with access to the private outdoor shower and soaking tub. The ocean is the perfect backdrop at any time of day. A day in the office isn’t bad with this view. The master bedroom is crisp, clean and makes for the perfect getaway

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E XC L U S I V E C OV E R F E AT U R E

surrounding rock, making it seem like it was always part of the landscape.

The colours of the surrounding environment are reflected in the building’s materials, while broad expanses of glass bring hues of the sea into the interior.

An open-area great room provides ample seating in the living room, media room and dining room, all connected to a crisp and modern gourmet kitchen. Clean lines and minimal fuss make Villa Maronti a contemporary home that makes

the ocean view the star of the show.

Solid timber pickle-stained rafters and unique lighting fixtures draw the eye up without obstructing the view.

Large sliding glass doors open onto a terrace that simply seems to melt into the blue horizon.

“As architects, we want all guests to feel at home while still including personal details about the homeowner,” said McDonald. “A homeowner’s style and personality can come through in aesthetic elements instead of personal photos

and mementoes, elevating the property to a luxurious level.”

Light is also an important feature of Villa Maronti. While the outdoor sun can be harsh (and therefore the copper roofs and large verandas provide excellent shade during the daylight hours), natural light is abundant indoors, thanks to high ceilings, clerestory windows and expansive views of the Caribbean.

The master suite is more than a suite - it’s a calm and cool sanctuary.

Featuring its own office and media

E XC L U S I V E C OV E R F E AT U R E

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room, the master suite can be completely isolated from the rest of the residence. A huge stone his-andher shower has a beautiful view of the sea and the private terrace. If a dose of nature is needed, bathers can enjoy a shower or tub soak on the secluded outdoor bath terrace.

Covered breezeways access stairways leading to additional spaces including four expansive bedrooms.

Each bedroom features bright, natural light, spectacular views, en suite baths and private outdoor terraces. Guests won’t want to leave with the stunning sunset views right outside the door.

In addition to unforgettable sunsets, the west side of the home houses the breathtaking infinity LEFT The entry to Villa Maronti means

the garage and motor court is dramatic full story above the pool deck

Carved into the steep hillside, Villa Maronti’s terraced design works with the landscape to become a part of the island itself.

pool, taking full advantage of the sun exposure and appears to extend the house right out into the sea. The pool terrace also has an outdoor grill bar area and jacuzzi, ideal for guests to gather in the tranquil surroundings.

The home is as functional as it is breathtaking. The villa is equipped with a state-of-the-art automation system, which controls the music, video, light, and shade systems all from a smart device. With every amenity beautifully packaged into a spacious yet cosy slice of luxury, home at Villa Maronti is BVI living at its best.

About OBMI OBMI is a global architecture and master planning firm widely celebrated for the design of distinctive high-end resorts and hotels, bespoke residences, and engaging urban areas. Since 1936, our mission has been to collaborate with clients to transform their visions into three-dimensional forms that are authentic, unique, and incomparably marketable. With architecture studios around the world and local experts on the ground, we’re the international design firm in your backyard. ■

DESIGN FOR STRONG CULTURE OBMI architects design modern office spaces that bring energy and drive performance, positioning your organization for success.

ARCHITECTURE MASTER PLANNING & DESIGN OBMI.COM

LIGHTING

ILLUMINATING

ARCHITECTURE After the 2017 hurricane season, Beachside Lighting’s corrosion-resistant products are lighting up homes and resorts throughout the Virgin Islands

BY SARA SHERMAN P H OTO G R A P H Y U S E D CO U R T E SY O F B E AC H S I D E L I G H T I N G

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BEACHSIDE LIGHTING HAS been creating beautiful, functional and corrosion-resistant lighting products since the 1990s. Started in Honolulu, Hawaii, they understand the unique environmental conditions of outdoor spaces near salty oceans and their products have been used all over the world, including Tortola, Virgin Gorda, St. Thomas and St. John. When it comes to creating atmosphere and ensuring properties are safe with good lighting, Beachside Lighting’s family of fixtures allow illumination from both the structure and landscape.

LEFT Landscape lighting adds drama and nighttime atmosphere

ABOVE Path lights and safety lights

illuminate driveways and walkways RIGHT Dock lighting makes evening strolls enjoyable and safe

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F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0 | 23

LIGHTING

ABOVE Pathlights from Beachside Lighting are an elegant and weather-resistant solution for resorts and homes

24 | V I P R O P E R T Y & YA C H T

Most outdoor lighting fixtures in the marketplace today are made of aluminium, which will get eaten away by the salty air. Aluminium fixtures, when combined with stainless steel fasteners (which is common), will corrode more quickly due to the different metals reacting poorly in the salty and humid environment. “We don’t have these issues with our brass and copper components on their own, or when our stainless steel fasteners are secured to a brass or copper component,� said Beachside Lighting founder Rick Benedict.

Committed to using only corrosion-resistant materials like copper spinnings, brass castings and machinings, and stainless steel fasteners, Beachside Lighting products are chosen by top oceanfront resorts and luxury properties for their durability and fuss-free functionality.

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Ocean Modern by Oil Nut Bay, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands After the 2017 hurricane season, a customer at Oil Nut Bay on Virgin Gorda chose to utilize Beachside Lighting products for wall mounted up/down fixtures for their property. These particular fixtures allow light to accentuate features both above and below where the light is placed without any inherent glare. Wanting a product that could stand up to the elements, Beachside Lighting was chosen for its corrosion-resistant materials and installation. The fully-sealed solid brass housings protect LED lamps and sockets to ensure the salty air, wind and sun don’t affect the inner workings of the light itself, thus lengthening the life of the fixture.

Beachside Lighting

E4 Solid Brass TrellisMounted Downlight

Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands As the luxury resort rebuilt and revamped the property after the 2017 hurricane season, Beachside Lighting path lighting was used throughout the property to combat the wear and tear of the Caribbean environment.

“Unlike a wall-mounted fixture, path lights are subjected to more routine abuse being located in the landscape.

In addition, the minerals in the irrigation water will hasten the corrosion on fixtures, which makes using a brass alloy (copper + zinc) much more preferable to standard aluminium,” said Benedict.

The path lighting fixtures feature risers made from Sch. 40 brass pipe, not tubing, for extra wall thickness and durability.

Since the original fixtures had been wired for 277 volts, the Beachside Lighting team used small electronic transformers in a brass housing at the fixture base to supply a 12 Volt, 5-watt lamp.

From creating drama with uplighting for palm trees and landscaping to ensuring paths are easily navigable and safe for resort guests, Beachside Lighting’s topnotch materials and high-quality service will light the way. ■

Kailua, Hawaii BeachsideLighting.com Rosie Nichols, USVI & BVI Rep. (340) 642-8981 Local installations include: Cooper Island, Peter Island, Saba Rock, Oil Nut Bay, and residences on St. Thomas, St. John, Tortola, and Virgin Gorda.

RDP ARCHITECTS

From beautiful resorts to prominent businesses, Roger Downing Partner & Co. has left an architectural legacy in the BVI

50 YEARS OF BVI

ARCHITECTURE Roger Downing and Partner Company got its start after its namesake architect, Roger Downing, first sailed to Tortola in 1969.

Now, a half-century later, the company looks back on landmark projects designed across the territory.

BY CONOR KING DEVITT P H OTO G R A P H Y U S E D CO U R T E SY O F R O G E R D O W N I N G A N D PA R T N E R C O M PA N Y

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F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0 | 27

WHEN ROGER DOWNING sailed into the British Virgin Islands in 1969, he was on the hunt for a place with potential. The 30-yearold British architect had already worked stints in the Middle East and Bermuda, and he was eager to launch a company of his own in a location that had room to grow.

Downing quickly found what he was looking for. The BVI’s natural beauty and sparse level of development convinced him to settle on Tortola, and within three months he had set up his firm, Roger Downing and Partner Company, in an office in Road Town.

Now, 50 years later, that firm stands as one of the pioneering businesses in the BVI, with a project portfolio intertwined with some of the territory’s touchstone developments in tourism, government and education.

And though Mr. Downing passed away in 2012 at the age of 72, the company continues to develop a wide variety of projects under the leadership of his son, Thor.

“As an architect, he established his presence,” wrote Orlando Smith, the former premier, in a tribute to Roger Downing after his death. “His designs have become a significant part of this territory’s landscape and vary from the understated to the more ‘avant-garde’ look of some of his later projects.”

The early years Born and raised in Southend, England, Downing graduated with BCQS_VIPY_ThridPG-Horizontal_Feb-Issue_PRINT.pdf

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1

2019-04-15

his architectural degree in 1962 and then cut his teeth in the industry on banks and palaces in Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Bahrain. After several years he shifted his career to Bermuda, where he met Miles Outerbridge, an engineer who operated a firm on the island. Outerbridge was interested in expanding his business to other locations, and when he and Downing had an opportunity to work as crew on a yacht heading to the BVI, they took it. “[My dad] was offered to be part of Bermuda society and be part of the firm that he was with,” says Thor Downing.

“And he could really see his path ahead of him, and he was like, ‘Well that’s going to be boring.’ He always wanted to do something different. And he wasn’t frightened of travelling.”

Outerbridge agreed to go into business with Downing in the BVI and act as his partner from Bermuda. Their fledgling firm didn’t get much work in the first few years, focusing on small projects like residential decks.

Rapidly, however, their business expanded into commercial and highend resort work, and in the 1970s and 80s, RDP completed designs for multiple banks, as well as structures at Little Dix Bay and Peter Island.

Roger and his wife Jana (1941-2009) also devoted time to putting down roots in the community, working with numerous civic organisations like Rotary and the BVI Diabetes Association.

“The whole thing was working

12:42 PM

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RDP ARCHITECTS

OPPOSITE PAGE

From the very beginning, Roger Downing envisioned Tortola as a place with potential for growth. The firm is now in the capable hands of Downing’s son, Thor.

THIS PAGE Community involvement and a desire to make a place better have always been at the forefront of Downing’s projects

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F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0 | 29

RDP ARCHITECTS

with the community as tightly as possible all the way through, forever,” Thor explains. “And that was essential to them, and to us. It’s obviously flowed on.”

In 1980, the company designed one of its signature projects: Necker Island, which had been purchased the year before by Sir Richard Branson.

“There was nothing on the island, and we started by selecting a site and building a dock, then utilities, and ultimately the Great House on the hill,” writes Mr. Outerbridge. “It was supposed to be used as a recording studio for Virgin Records, but Mr. Branson liked it so much that he kept it as his home.”

Modern era Under Thor’s leadership, RDP expanded its portfolio in more recent decades to government projects, providing designs for the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College’s Marine and Culinary Arts Centres, as well as the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court building.

The company also continued to work on residential, commercial and resort spaces, designing the Oil Nut

30 | V I P R O P E R T Y & YA C H T

“The idea for the future is really to try to focus in and do fewer projects, really start to finish, and making sure they get the absolute best, the most dedicated [service].”

Bay Beach House on Virgin Gorda and the Banco Popular and Commerce House buildings in Road Town, among other projects.

Irma and the future Like countless other businesses across the territory, RDP faced significant difficulty in 2017 due to Hurricane Irma, with the storm’s tumultuous aftermath hindering progress on projects and slowing down timelines.

“The idea for the future is really to try to focus in and do fewer projects, really start to finish, and making sure they get the absolute best, the most dedicated [service],” Thor explains.

“Since Irma, it’s just been insane to try and keep everyone happy – it’s impossible. It just taught me the best way to work is to take on less and just do each one properly, fully – because everyone wants the full package.”

The younger Downing hopes to focus more on high-end, disasterresilient residential developments in the future – leaving the firm with more time to spend on pro bono jobs and community art projects.

Since the 2017 hurricane, the company has also seen its role expand more into project management, something Thor envisions them continuing in the future.

“Living here, you can’t just go down the road to Home Depot,” he says.

“Everything gets brought in, so timingwise, you can lose like two weeks accidentally by just not shipping things at the right time. It’s understanding the logistics of living here.” ■ ABOVE and RIGHT From beautiful vilas (like this one at Oil Nut Bay) to dramatic poolscapes that blend into the ocean itself, RDP has a wide portfolio of eye-catching projects

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F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0 | 31

VILLAS & VIEWS

Architectural Evolution Steeped in history and full of global influences, architecture in the Caribbean has grown and changed with the times

BY MORGANA TILLING P H OTO G R A P H Y CO U R T E SY O F S M I T H S G O R E

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DUE TO THE many and varied cultural and ethnic influences in the Caribbean over the centuries, architectural styles have evolved with an eclectic mix of style, colour and design. France, Spain, the Netherlands and those from the African continent influenced the way houses have been built and designed over the years.

An exciting combination of construction using locally sourced materials, the use of colour and references to the type of climate we enjoy in the West Indies have all played a part in how homes have evolved through the years.

The extensive and almost exclusive use of timber as the mainstay of construction 300 years ago has been replaced by a varied selection of mostly imported building materials from around the world that were once unheard of, or not available.

The quintessential wooden buildings with a wrap-around porch, hipped galvanised roofs and gingerbread decorative woodwork have been replaced by steel-reinforced concrete and standing seam roof coverings.

The introduction of glazed ceramic, Spanish terracotta or poured Ferro cement roofing materials is no longer an unusual sight in the Caribbean. However, despite innovations in new building materials and design possibilities, the essential foundations for constructing a dwelling in the Caribbean are still relevant today.

LEFT Spanish influences

brought balconies and verandahs to the Caribbean

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F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0 | 33

VILLAS & VIEWS

The hot and humid weather we mostly enjoy demands that respect is given to the dominant climatic conditions that influence our daily lives. The potential for extreme weather which appears to be more and more likely in the future demands that we build in such a way as to protect our investment but more importantly, our lives. Generally, buildings are constructed to avoid prevailing winds and include the installation of hurricane shutters and possibly reinforced roof ventilation.

Covered outdoor spaces to protect us from the intense sun and tropical rains are commonplace. Once singlestory buildings were the norm, but with the influence that followed the arrival of seafaring nations like France and Spain, two and threestory homes became popular, but possibly more vulnerable.

Spain brought the idea of large verandahs for social gatherings outdoors but in the shade. With the advent of air-conditioning in modern times, double- or even triple-glazing and better-insulated homes, the options available are almost limitless.

As the world becomes more and more aware of climate change, conservation and waste management, our homes are beginning to reflect the evolution of what is acceptable or permissible. The extensive use of solar panels to provide alternative power resources, better insulation to reduce the need for energy, natural drainage and biomass sewage treatment plants are all positive indications of progress over the centuries to deal with our evolving and changing world. â–

TOP Wraparound porches provide much-needed shade from the harsh sun LEFT Building homes to work with and complement the island landscape is part of a new era of Caribbean architecture

34 | V I P R O P E R T Y & YA C H T

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SEA STYLE

A FRESH VOYAGE Voyage Charters has long offered an exceptional sailing experience, and the new VOYAGE 590 yacht provides an extra level of luxury and comfort

BY SARA SHERMAN

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SINCE 1995, VOYAGE Charters has been providing family-owned and -operated charter services to BVI visitors and residents with impeccable customer service and high-quality sailing vessels. The company is leading the way with a commitment to sustainable BVI chartering whilst still delivering the highest levels of luxury, comfort and performance required by today’s discerning sailing clients. Continuing the legacy of quality craftsmanship and service, VOYAGE is now also known as a builder and operator of electric powered yachts, meeting the increasing demand from elite travellers for more eco-friendly luxury sailing experiences.

VOYAGE electric catamarans offer all the luxury and performance of traditionally equipped vessels but in a cleaner, greener configuration. In this 25th anniversary year, the company is proud to unveil a brand new electric yacht under their VOYAGE Yachts brand, the VOYAGE 590.

Available for charter in April 2020, the Voyage 590 is the flagship of the fleet, accommodating up to 12 guests plus crew in luxurious en-suite cabins.

This stunning new design from VOYAGE yachts also features a split level helm station alongside flybridge lounge seating. Forward and aft cockpits combine into an expansive, single-level entertainment area through the salon with panoramic

The new VOYAGE 590 is ultra-luxurious and built with top sailing performance in mind

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SEA STYLE

views of the Caribbean creating an unforgettable atmosphere. The bright and airy guest cabins feature walkaround queen-sized beds, ample storage and shelf space with lots of headroom. A forward-facing gourmet galley serves all dining areas of the vessel with ease.

The vessel will please keen sailors and is designed and built with strength and great sailing performance in mind. The helm has double seating and its own direct access from the cockpit, whilst the guest seating area along the side has its own alternate access as well. Whether on the flybridge, main deck or in the cabins,

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movement around the 590 is easy and accommodating.

Powerful 35kW electric shaft drive motors give the vessel a comfortable cruising speed of eight knots under power, and a secondary, lower helm position in the salon allows control of the vessel whilst motoring in open waters. Powered by the wind, sun, a nd sea, the VOYAGE 590 Electric is an ultra-luxurious, eco-friendly charter yacht available for crewed, captain only, or bareboat sailing vacations starting in April 2020.

VOYAGE Charters offers top-notch service and comfort, and the new VOYAGE 590 offers a new level of elegance for the ultimate BVI sailing experience. â– For Charter enquiries, quotes, and reservations: 1.888.869.2436 / 1.443.569.7007 For yacht ownership inquiries and quotes: 1.284.346.5507 info@voyagecharters.com / www.voyagecharters.com.

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F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0 | 39

SEA STYLE

TOP TIPS FOR A GREAT CHARTER

“The BVI has so much to offer including world-class sailing, secluded anchorages, lively beach parties, land and underwater activities. Our guests take advantage of the full spectrum of destinations and activities in the BVI and beyond.”

– P E T E R J O N E S , VOYAG E C H A RT E R S

• Bring a pair of “deck shoes” for safe and comfortable movement around the yacht.

Flip flops are great for the beach but sand and debris can damage yacht decks (and who wants sand in their cabin?)

• Don’t forget your passport!

Visitors to the BVI will clear customs at the ferry dock or at Beef Island Airport • Sunscreen is a must! Choose a PABA-free and reef-safe sunscreen to protect your skin, the yacht and the marine life of the BVI. • Have some ideas in mind of what you’d like to see and do.

Weather often determines how fast travel can be and where the best snorkelling or diving would be available.

• Relax and enjoy! The crew will take care of your every wish; you only need to ask! ■

TOP Dining on the VOYAGE 590 is a delightful experience at any time of day LEFT The 6 luxury cabins feature plenty of room and en suite baths

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$3,750,000 NOW REDUCED TO $1,400,000

$250,000 NOW REDUCED TO $175,000

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

14 acres of Freehold Waterfront acreage in South Sound, Virgin Gorda could be perfect for golf course, senior housing, eco-resort. Reef-protected bay neighbors tony Biras Creek, the jewel box villas of Oil Nut Bay, and Leverick Bay. This property has been held by the same family for over 100 years. Varied topography offers multiple options for development.

Exceptional parcel of FREEHOLD land located at intersection leading to exclusive Leverick Bay, the Gun Creek jetty, and Oil Nut Bay in South Sound, Virgin Gorda.

PARCEL 29, SOUTH SOUND VIRGIN GORDA

PARCEL 11, SOUTH SOUND VIRGIN GORDA

284.547.6142 (BVI) 340.332.9827 (USVI) THE VALLEY, VIRGIN GORDA, BVI

T R AV E L

ARCHITECTURAL TREASURES With beautiful examples of architecture in a variety of styles, the buildings of Puerto Rico tell the story of the island’s far-reaching history

BY SARA SHERMAN

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PUERTO RICO IS a melting pot of diverse cultures and artistic influences, and this broad diversity is particularly evident in the architecture of the island. San Juan alone hosts more than 400 historical buildings, and the different architectural styles are spectacularly displayed throughout the city and all over the island.

Spanish Colonial The most recognizable architectural style of Puerto Rico, many of the military structures and government buildings give San Juan its old-world feel. Narrow cobblestone streets and tile-roofed buildings transport you to another era of European elegance.

The pastel buildings are and ornate balconies reminiscent of southern Spain’s laid-back atmosphere and appreciation of leisure.

The El Morro Fortress is one of the largest fortresses in the Caribbean and has been watching over Puerto Rico’s north coast for more than four centuries. Completed in 1589, the fortress was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1973. The old city walls and the nearby Castillo San Cristobal fortress are also prime examples of Spanish Colonial military architecture.

Construction of San Cristobal began in 1634 and was long considered the “Gibraltar of the West Indies”.

Gothic

Puerto Rico’s architecture is a beautiful and colourful amalgamation of influences from around the globe

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The San Jose Church in old San Juan is a beautiful example of 16th-century Spanish Gothic architecture featuring high ceilings and vaulted arches.

Construction on the church was started by a Dominican order in 1532, and the relatively simple-looking white church was where Puerto Rico’s first governor, Juan Ponce de Leon, was buried until 1836. It is thought to be the only true example of Gothic architecture in the United States.

T R AV E L

FROM TOP Military strongholds have

protected Puerto Rico’s shores for more than four centuries. Many are now listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Plaza de Las Delicias in Ponce features examples of Puerto Rico’s baroque styles of architecture. The Museo de la Arquitectura Ponceña is built in the neoclassical style with baroque influences and flourishes. Teatro la Perla’s dramatic columns are prime examples of neoclassical style.

Neoclassical Many of Puerto Rico’s historic theatres are gems of the Neoclassical style. In Ponce, Teatro La Perla is the island’s second-oldest theatre still in operation and hosts concerts, operas, ballets and local activities for the community. In Old San Juan, Teatro Tapia is the oldest freestanding performing arts theatre still in use in the US. Inaugurated in 1832, the theatre is named for noted Puerto Rican playwright Alejandro Tapio y Rivera and hosts many events and theatrical productions.

Also in Ponce, the WiechersVillaronga residence was built in 1912

by Alfredo B. Wiechers, a prominent architect of the time and designer of a number of important buildings in Puerto Rico. The Neoclassical style building has baroque influences and now houses the Museo de la Arquitectura Ponceña.

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Baroque Yet another theatre makes an appearance on this list of Puerto Rico’s architectural marvels. In Mayaguez, the Yaguez Theatre was built in 1909 by Francisco Maymon Palmer and was used as an opera house, and later a venue for early silent films. The unique building suffered a fire in 1919, and was rebuilt to baroque specifications set forth by another important architect of the era, architect, Jose Sabas Honore.

Ponce’s delightful Plaza de Las Delicias is filled with ornate fountains and shady places to enjoy an afternoon. Horse-drawn carriages offer rides to visitors in the shadow of the Catedral de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. One of the more recognizable architectural features of Ponce is the dramatic Parque de Bombas. With its bold black and red stripes, the baroque building was built in 1882 and later served as the headquarters for the Ponce Fire Corps and now operates as a museum dedicated to Puerto Rican firefighters.

A stroll through any of Puerto Rico’s cities, towns and villages will provide a unique view into the island’s history.

Architectural gems could be hiding just around the next corner. ■

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TOBACCO • SPIRITS • ARTWORK • PERFUMERY

DUTY FREE! TORTOLA PIER PARK, ROAD TOWN +1 284-494-1000 • @THATSTHESPIRITVI bvipropertyyacht.com

F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0 | 45

HomeInsurance

Ask for home insurance from Colonial. Extra cover and benefits are on the house!

FREE! $250* when you first insure your buildings with Colonial SAVE! 10% discount on car insurance with your home insurance FREE! Automatic cover for accidental damage FREE! $1 million liability protection ZERO deductible for claims (excluding catastrophe) Interest free monthly payment plan Call 494-8450 /495-6403 or visit www.cgigroup.com

COLONIAL INSURANCE (BVI) LIMITED Palm Grove House, P.O. Box 2377, Road Town, Tortola VG1110 Tel. 494-8450 Valley,Virgin Gorda,VG1150 Tel. 495-6403 www.cgigroup.com A member of Colonial Group International Ltd. insurance, health, pensions, life

Colonial Insurance (BVI) Limited is rated A-(Excellent) by AM Best.

TOP SConsed ut ut es explabora voluptatur? Quis pra LEFT voluptus volorio nsentus, quation sercius es pel ipsam, consediatur ea none eatur repedit

Dock, Dine, and Discover

MARINA VILLAGE AT O I L N U T B AY Marina Village at Oil Nut Bay offers relaxed outdoor dining, breezy covered lounging, and boutique island shopping. Anchored

by Nova, our signature overwater restaurant, visitors can dine on exceptional cuisine or enjoy the suspended pool, bar, overwater hammocks, daybeds and more.

BERTHS IN THE OIL NUT BAY MARINA ARE AVAILABLE FOR OVERNIGHT STAYS FOR BOATS UP TO 130 FEET. MOORING BALLS ARE AVAILABLE IN DEEP BAY WITH TEN BALLS FOR BOATS UP TO 60 FEET AND ONE BALL FOR BOATS UP TO 120 FEET.

US: 1 800-761-0377 | BVI: 1 284-393-1000 info@oilnutbay.com

O I L N U T B AY. C O M