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he best part about putting together each issue is being exposed to new people, place and products. Inspiration comes in many forms but for this spring issue we scoured the length and breadth of the Caribbean and uncovered a veritable embarrassment of riches. Nothing delights me more than to be able to share our tropical treasures with you. Case in point: we feature four exceptional resorts the region has to offer on page 51 – each offering their own unique and inimitable experience. Make sure to read all about them and enter our Geejam Hotel Contest to win a two-nights stay. On page 58, I was delighted to read Juliet’s article on the irreplaceable Lord Glenconner, who sadly passed away last year. Famously complex and flamboyant, he chose the Caribbean as his home, pioneering the region as a resort destination. While his absence will be felt, his influence will remain far into the future. A must for any denizen of the Tropics, sun umbrellas have turned up the dial on style, mixing modern materials with classic design elements. A simple way to jazz up any yardscape, get the inside scoop on page 44. Another familial frontier that has undergone a recent metamorphosis is kitchens. In putting together this editorial,
which highlights three groundbreaking companies, I discovered that, while home may be where the heart is, the kitchen is its pulsing lifeblood. A fascinating read found on page 36. Taking pride of place on our cover is Casa Kimball in the Dominican Republic. A modern residential wonder and a marvel of architectural engineering, it melds seamlessly with its surroundings. Also a classic, but following more traditional instincts, Cove Spring House in Barbados combines timeless design and contemporary elements with awe-inspiring results. Of course, there are also our Profiles of the Caribbean’s movers-and-shakers to enjoy; the Real Report – which provides astute insights into economic opportunities waiting to snapped up; and our 24 Hours In which reveals the ‘mustsee’s-and-do’s’ of Antigua and Barbuda. Do not forget to go to our website www.reallifecaribbean to enter our Geejam Hotel Contest and win two nights accommodation so that you, too, can experience the delights of the Caribbean.
Enjoy!
contributors’ bios ADRIANA HOYOS Born in Columbia and raised in Ecuador, interior and furniture designer, Adriana Hoyos, has made her name as a placemaker extraordinaire. Passionate about bringing a sense of belonging to each project, her signature timeless sophistication has become a brand unto itself. With a versatile portfolio of projects spanning the US, Latin America and the Caribbean, on page 49 she tells us why design is second nature to her.
www.reallifecaribbean.com Vol 6, issue #2 Spring 2011
PUBLISHER
mc2 Ltd Melanie Roddam melanie@reallife.ky
EDITORIAL
JEREMY HURST Cayman-based Broker/Owner at International Realty Group Ltd. and veteran real estate aficionado, Jeremy Hurst, takes time out of his busy schedule on page 72 to discuss the silver lining behind the global recession for buyers and how the island real estate market is placed for 2011.
Editor Kyle Fulton kyle@reallife.ky
Writer Juliet Austin juliet@reallife.ky
SALES & MARKETING
Sales Director Melanie Roddam
DONAL MCGRATH Saxophone-toting Irishman, Donal McGrath, studied at University College Dublin, cutting his professional teeth in Dublin and London before relocating to Grand Cayman in 1990. Founding BDCL Architects in 2004 in the wake of Hurricane Ivan, we trace the personal and professional evolution of his unique architectural language on page 63.
melanie@reallife.ky
Senior Account Executives Kimberley Bentley kimberley@reallife.ky
Kennedy Carroll kennedy@reallife.ky
ART
MARCIA MILGATE Long term Cayman resident and Canadian national, Marcia Milgate juggles life as a fulltime ‘domestic goddess’ to her three children with her passion for art. A volunteer at the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands and the Central Caribbean Marine Institute, she loves to run and travel, in addition to taking time out in her home studio to pursue her own artistic endeavours. In this issue, on page 64, Marcia meets enigmatic artist Randy Chollette.
PAUL PEARSON Bringing an exciting, contemporary South Beach vibe to the Cayman Islands, developer, Paul Pearson, gives us the inside scoop on the changing face of island development, including what he perceives to be a new, environmentally-conscious clientele who are demanding more bang for their bucks. Read all about it on page 41.
Senior Designer Mike Johnston mike@reallife.ky
Designer Jaime Doak jaime@reallife.ky
CONTRIBUTORS
Adriana Hoyos Jeremy Hurst Donal McGrath Marcia Milgate Paul Pearson Lane Pettigrew Simon Taylor WEBSITE
Website Administrator Andrew Forster andrew@reallife.ky
DISTRIBUTION CONTACT
Kyle Fulton
LANE PETTIGREW Dubbed the unofficial ‘architect laureate’ of the Caribbean, Venezuelan-born Lane Pettigrew of Lane Pettigrew Associates can boast the successful completion of over one hundred resorts and residences in twenty-two Caribbean nations. Recipient of countless international and regional design awards and with his residential projects gracing the pages of best-selling books, television programmes and documentaries, he reveals the secrets of his love affair with the region. Turn to pages 57 and 68 to learn more.
SIMON TAYLOR A Director of the BCQS Group, Simon Taylor came to the Caribbean in 1997. Now the manager of the firm’s Turks and Caicos office, he boasts over two decades’ experience providing professional quantity surveying, project management and development services in the region. Simon joins us in this edition’s Real Report, on page 71.
kyle@reallife.ky
The views expressed within this publication do not reflect those of mc2 Ltd, REALlife magazine or their employees. mc2 Ltd. and REALlife magazine accept no responsibility for the views contained herein. Published quarterly. © 2011 mc2 Ltd.
t. 345.946.1220 f. 345.946.1221 www.mc2.com.ky ADVERTISE WITH US For details of our extremely cost effective rates, or if you are interested in contributing editorial, please contact our sales team. Email: ads@reallife.ky Tel: 1 345.943.REAL Skype: reallifecaribbean
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Life on the Edge
Luxe Life
Karma in the Kitchen
Purity of design at Casa Kimball, a contemporary cliff top masterpiece in the Dominican Republic.
Cove Spring House on Barbados’ highly visible platinum coast – a place to see and be seen.
Modern designers are putting the soul back into kitchens.
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Industry News Must-Haves
34 Console Yourself 48 Room to Play 62 Clear Design
44 Sun Shades The evolving design of modern Sun Umbrellas.
58 Empire of the Sun The erstwhile Monarch of Mustique and late Laird of St Lucia, the inimitable Lord Glenconner’s posthumous legacy to the Caribbean.
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64
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Simply the Best
One Love
A New Caribbean Vogue
Four innovative resorts show how they are reinventing Caribbean luxury for the twenty-first century lifestyle.
Caymanian artist Randy Chollette delves deep into his soul to paint the world he knows.
Opus I & II – poised to deliver a sleek new chic vibe to Grand Cayman’s shores.
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24 H O U R S
I N
ANTIGUA&BARBUDA
PROFILES Paul Pearson – 41 Adriana Hoyos – 49
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Lane Pettigrew – 57
A Sense of Place
Donal McGrath – 63
The importance for new architectural builds to be aesthetically sympathetic to their Caribbean environment and how this is accomplished.
Jeremy Hurst – 72
A wealth of tropical experiences just waiting to be enjoyed.
71 Real Report Caribbean Resorts: Opportunity Knocks Simon Taylor of BCQS dicusses whether now is the right time for investors to get back in the water.
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Real Estate Section
80 Directory and Useful Numbers
12 | INDUSTRY NEWS
INAUGURAL CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE CARIBBEAN AFFILIATE CONFERENCE Caribbean The spectacular Limegrove Lifestyle Centre in Barbados welcomed representatives from 12 Affiliate brokerages for the inaugural Christie’s Caribbean Affiliates meeting last month. The three-day event, hosted by Barbados Affiliate Altman Real Estate, offered a unique opportunity for attendees to build relationships and share market knowledge. The event included property tours and presentations from Christie’s International Real Estate executives Jarvis Slade, Rick Moeser, and Giles Hannah. Affiliates in attendance also provided “State of the Market” updates and participated in a property exhibition, which was open to the public. For more information visit www.christiesrealestate.com
ISLAND AIR EVENING OF LUXURY 2011 Grand Cayman The annual Island Air Evening of Luxury took place on 4th February 2011 in Grand Cayman. The event was an unprecedented success with NetJets, The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, Camana Bay, Fidelity and REAL LIFE magazine welcoming invitation only guests for an evening of pure indulgence.
Left to right: Christian Wattiau (St.Barths), Steve Haines (Anguilla), James Burdess (Barbados), Beth Atkins (Turks & Caicos), John Christie (Bahamas), Lyle Schmidek (Turks & Caicos)
DART REALTY (CAYMAN) EXPANDS THEIR PROPERTY PORTFOLIO Cayman Islands Dart Realty (Cayman) Ltd. has announced the purchase of Grand Cayman’s Courtyard Marriott hotel and surrounding properties, including the Cayman Islands Yacht Club. While much of the land is interior, it has frontage on Seven Mile Beach and the North Sound. Dart Realty is committed to redeveloping the hotel and while the existing footprint will be used, the new property will benefit from Dart Realty’s dedication to quality and innovation. Dart Realty are also working on other projects including Camana Bay’s next Town Centre building. Located on the northwest end of the inner harbour, the offshore law firm Mourant Ozannes will be the anchor tenant of this five-
storey, 68,000 square foot building. In addition to the Class A office space, the ground floor will offer restaurant and retail space. Dart Realty is also focused on the next major residential phase at Camana Bay, which will consist of courtyard homes, cottages and condos to suit different lifestyles and income levels.
Left to right: Knight Culver (NetJets), Bryan Hodges (NetJets), Kimberley Bentley (REAL LIFE Magazine), Cory Valentine (NetJets), and David Clery (NetJets).
Dart Realty’s Managing Director Jim Lammers said, “By moving forward with the new office building and other projects, we are underscoring our long-term commitment to the economic prosperity of the country, and getting people back to work.”
Those in attendance were offered the opportunity to step on board NetJets® planes and learn more about Fractional Aircraft Ownership and the Marquis Jet CardsSM* whilst viewing top of the range cars and boats. Fine jewellery and watches from Island Companies and other luxury items were on display whilst guests enjoyed champagne and delicious canapés. The stunning REAL LIFE Magazine area was created by Michelle Butler of Design Studio.
For more information visit www.camanabay.com
For more information www.islandair.ky
JASON KOPPINGER JOINS THE REEFS, BERMUDA Bermuda Top rated-Bermuda hotel, The Reefs, welcomes Jason Koppingeras its new Executive Chef promising to infuse multicultural style into new menus and interactive culinary experiences. Chef Jason made history when aged 30, he became the youngest Certified Master Chef in the U.S. and has appeared alongside Food Network star Bobby Flay in the popular “Chopped” TV series. “Jason brings an incredible level of culinary expertise to The Reefs,” says Nagma Walker, General Manager of The Reefs. “His passion for
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education and unique twist on cuisines from around the world will surely inspire us all and creates a world-class dining experience that’s truly fitting of our resort.” In addition to creating a new dining experience, Chef Jason plans to teach guests about food from around the world in The Reefs’ show kitchen at Royston’s. “It’s fun to play with food and I love to educate people to show them what they can do,” commented Koppinger. For more information visit www.thereefs.com
INDUSTRY NEWS | 13
EXQUISITE NEW COFFEE-TABLE BOOK EXPLORES GARDENS OF THE CARIBBEAN ISLANDS Caribbean “Exotic Gardens of the Eastern Caribbean” is the latest offering from art historian Margaret Gajek and photographer Derek Galon. The highlyanticipated sequel to the award-winning “Tropical Homes of the Eastern Caribbean,” this ‘feast for the eyes’ takes the reader on a colourful, Caribbean journey exploring a wide-range of gardens from humble backyards to ornamental botanic gardens, to vast exotic grounds created by renowned landscape designers.
IRG TO PRESENT CAYMAN REAL ESTATE TO INVESTORS IN MOSCOW Cayman Islands Jeremy Hurst, Broker/Owner of International Realty Group Ltd. (IRG) attended Knight Frank’s Global Real Estate in London to promote the Cayman Islands to leaders from 230 offices in 25 countries including, Russia, the Middle East, Hong Kong, China, Europe and the Americas. During his visit, Mr. Hurst carried out personal presentations to Knight Frank’s Russian and Middle Eastern teams who were also attending the conference.
Available in English and French, it includes a chapter on flower arrangements and an audio CD with sounds from Caribbean nature. Recently honoured at the International Garden Photographer of the Year competition in the United Kingdom, it is the perfect afternoon companion to inspire a dig in the dirt.
“My goal was to explain to these teams what an excellent opportunity the Cayman Islands represent to their investors and our comments were very well received.” Mr Hurst further commented. “We have been invited by the Russian/CIS team to visit Moscow to present to a number of their investors and plan to do so later this year.”
For more information, please visit: www.ozonezonebooks.com
For more information visit www.irg.ky
MANIPURA INC. TO COLLABORATE WITH PROFESSIONALS TO SHOW WHAT CARIBBEAN ART HAS TO OFFER Barbados Barbadian art gallery, Manipura, is encouraging the use of Caribbean-made art and décor for West Indian homes and offices. “Caribbean Creatives have a rich and varied landscape and culture to draw from and we can produce spaces that are beautiful, inspirational and functional,” says internationally-acclaimed Barbadian Artist Annalee Davis, CEO of Manipura. “Collaborating with designers and architects gives artists such as myself the platform to show the unique nature of Caribbean expressiveness and shape environments for our region that are distinctive, imaginative and celebratory of life in the West Indies.” A recent partnership with Interior Designer, Carol Cuke, confirmed that working with regional artists makes sense in terms of tapping into locally available talent. For more information call 1 246 266-9897
INSPIRED BY THE ISLAND
DESIGN STUDIO CELEBRATES 1st BIRTHDAY Cayman Islands This April marks the one-year anniversary for Design Studio’s retail shop in Grand Cayman. A full-scale design firm, Design Studio has been providing interior and landscape architecture services on the island since 2008. The retail store was opened in response to a need for unique home décor, accessories and furniture, and has seen great success in its inaugural year. Design Studio has enjoyed the completion of some large-scale residential and commercial projects in the last year, as well as participating in a number of local charity events and Island Air’s Evening of Luxury.
Cayman Islands Stunning artist Hannah Cook has launched a new website for her incredible works. The newly revamped site features interactive galleries including original paintings, mosaics and giclee’s as well as her unique murals and painted interiors. Hannah’s work is currently on display at the Cayman Reflections Gallery in The Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman. The exhibition, produced by Cayman’s Traditional Arts was designed to celebrate the Caribbean through the eyes of local artists and runs until May 8th. For more information visit www.hannahcook.com
For more information visit www.designstudio.tc
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REGAL REALTY – CONTINUING TO GROW Cayman Islands Regal Realty is celebrating its seventh year of operation in the Cayman Islands having made great strides in numerous market sectors. Now ten agents strong, Regal Realty has battled in a slow market to reach new heights, achieving high standards in both sales volume and customer satisfaction. Regal Realty Principal, Michael Day, is now a CIREBA Board Director, involved in the ongoing regulation and betterment of our real estate industry. As a member, Regal Realty enjoys working relationships with the other member companies, through which it gains access to all of the CIREBA MLS listed properties. As such, when searching for your ideal property, Regal Realty provides a onestop shop where you can work exclusively with its friendly and professional agents. Regal Realty’s agents are also proud to pledge their continued support to the local community, volunteering time and donating funds to numerous charities including, Lions Club, Rotary Club, CI Crisis Centre, and the Cayman Islands Humane Society. For more information visit www.regalrealty.ky
STAFFORD FLOORING INTRODUCES CARIBBEAN COLLECTION ISLAND RANGE Cayman Islands Thoroughly tested to withstand the moisture rich environment of the Caribbean, Stafford Flooring’s new collection of engineered hardwood flooring is an elegant line available in styles to suit all tastes. Available in Antiguan Maple, Barbados Ash, Bermuda Cypress, Cayman Walnut, Jamaica Cherry and Nevis Mahogany the flooring is supplied complete with a multi-coat UV cured urethane finish, ready for immediate installation. The floors can be floated, glued, nailed or stapled and come with a 10 year guarantee. For more information visit www.staffordflooring.com
SUGAR BEACH: A SWEET OPPORTUNITY St. Lucia Sugar Beach in St Lucia is fast becoming one of the top lifestyle destinations in the Caribbean, attracting savvy buyers worldwide. Located within a UNESCO World Heritage Site between St Lucia’s magnificent Val des Pitons, the Jalousie Plantation is undergoing a dramatic US$100 million transformation to become Sugar Beach.
BERMUDA ROOF CELEBRATES 400th ANNIVERSARY
Once complete in December, the resort will comprise 64 luxury villas (forming 112 hotel rooms) and 42 exclusive residences with two white sand beaches, three restaurants, four bars, a scuba centre, and a unique rainforest walkway and spa.
Caribbean The Bermuda Roof company is celebrating its 400th anniversary having installed its first roof in 1640 at Cater House, St. David’s, Bermuda which is still intact today. With this proven track record in severe weather performance and longevity, the Bermuda Roof Company offers a life warranty against leaks and cracks in the traditional Bermuda Roof and up to a 20 year warranty against leaks and cracks in the EPS Bermuda Roof.
The magnificent Rainforest Spa is the focal point of Sugar Beach. A collection of treehouse treatment huts accessed be raised walkways hidden in the rainforest, the spa is built using the traditional techniques which mirror native Arawak Indians huts of 900 years ago.
For more information visit www.thebermudaroof.com
For more information call +44 (0)844 921 0126 or visit www.residencessugarbeach.com
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World-renowned Caribbean architect Lane Pettigrew has transformed this outstandingly beautiful area between the two towering Pitons. With 42 freehold Residences available for private purchase, each residence interprets a Caribbean colonial style, with spacious terraces, infinity pools and spectacular Ocean and Piton views. Prices of these luxurious 2 – 6 bedroom properties range from US$2.4 million to US$9 million. In addition, the Residences were awarded ‘Best International Property 2010’ at the International Property Awards, sponsored by Bloomberg.
INDUSTRY NEWS | 15
ISLAND COMPANIES OPENS NEW JOHN HARDY CONCEPT STORE Cayman Islands Luxury and eco-consciousness are two concepts that do not usually go hand in hand. Going green usually entails making small sacrifices, be it using less water, switching off lights, limiting the use of the car or even choosing not to fly. To be environmentally responsible usually means denying ourselves some of the smaller pleasures in life. Not so in the case of John Hardy, the luxury brand of handmade jewellery and home accessories.
TOTAL WINDOW FASHIONS OPENS NEW STORE Cayman Islands Total Window Fashions, the custom decorating store, has opened up their newest location unit 113 at Mirco Centre, on North Sound Road, Grand Cayman. A retail and custom decorating store, Total Window Fashions offers everything for your windows as they are an authorized dealer of Hunter Douglas Window Fashions, B&W Window Fashions/Horizon shades and Levelor. Their newest line of products includes The Twin Shade, a beautiful Natural Woven and a practical Roller Shade, all in one unit. It combines the daytime beauty of a sheer Natural Woven Shade with a moveable Roller Shade lining. The result is 24-hour comfort and design.
The John Hardy Boutique in Grand Cayman is the latest in a series of new concept stores and boutiques added to the Island Companies line-up, which now includes Pandora and Philip Stein, as well as dedicated new watch stores Watch.Me and Island Time.
Total Window Fashions specialises in custom made blinds and draperies for any home or office, however they also work with contractors on commercial projects such as resorts and developments. From start to finish they supply all types of window treatments, custom bedding and also kitchen kits.
Not only is this the first John Hardy boutique in the Caribbean, it is the first in the western hemisphere. In addition to carrying all of the jewellery collections, the John Hardy boutique also stocks a line of home accessories including sterling silver photo frames, bowls made from polished coconut, stone trays and other unique decorative items.
For more information call (345) 325.9769, email donna@totalwindowfashions.ky or visit www.totalwindowfashions.ky
For more information call (345) 640. 5322 or email scartmell@islandcompaniesltd.com
THE NASSAU FLORIST DECORATES THE GOVENOR’S YOUTH AWARD Bahamas The Nassau Florist, the largest floral store in The Bahamas was awarded the privilege of providing the flowers and décor for His Royal Highness Price Edward at The Governor General’s Youth Award ceremony headed by Jim Whitehead, The Nassau florist has been in operation since 1951 and produces original arrangements for special occasions and events throughout the Caribbean. With a list of A-list clients, Whitehead’s team of creative design boast of over 40 years experience in the industry. The Nassau Florist is a long-standing member of the Association of Bridal Consultants. They specialise in florals and wedding design workingclosely with their clients to provide beautiful, creative florals for any special event. For more information visit www.bahamas.go.com/nassauflorist
WINTER CONTEST WINNER Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands REAL LIFE and Dr. Michael Connors, congratulate Rob Garry from British Columbia, Canada, as the winner of his latest book "British West Indies Style". Examining the interiors, architecture, furniture and lifestyle of the English colonial great houses and historic townhouses found in the islands of Antigua, Barbados, Jamaica, St Kitts and beyond, the 'house whisperer' reveals a world rarely seen by island visitors. To learn more about Dr. Connnors' or his numerous Caribbean books visit: www.michaelconnorsantiques.com To read our reviews of his work go to: www.reallifecaribbean.com
life on the
EDGE
Purity of design at Casa Kimball, a contemporary cliff top masterpiece in the Dominican Republic. > Words by Juliet Austin. Photography by Paul Warchol.
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here can be no more exhilarating location on earth than Casa Kimball’s enviable cliff top vantage. With awe-inspiring panoramas out over the Atlantic Ocean – a landscape of sky and sea and crashing waves, where the solitary courting songs of migrating Humpback whales blow in on the breeze – there is a tangible sense of being poised in the delicate balance between earth and the heavens, stuck in the giddying moment before stepping off the edge of the world. With architectural and interior design by New York-based pacesetter, Jasmit Rangr of Rangr Studio, Casa Kimball pays tribute to the ‘impossible beauty’ of its location in Cabrera on the Dominican Republic’s rugged, rural north coast. Inspired by modernists who were also classicists, – American, Louis Kahn and German-born Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, the mastermind behind what was coigned ‘skin and bones’ architecture – Rangr’s architectural scheme evolved in response to a site extraordinaire, aspiring to create structural order with minimal presence. With its strong aesthetic, the residence celebrates volume and light, with interior spaces extending outward to embrace nature, and nature, in turn, flooding in to create a breathtaking fluidity of space that speaks to freedom and interconnection. Situated on a three-acre arrowhead cliffside promontory that imbues the property with a Titanic-esque romanticism, the architecture is driven, in no small part, by the elements – seasonal shifts in the sun’s path, its rise and fall, and the course of prevailing breezes.
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With interior and covered exterior areas spanning a vast 2,050 square metres, the residence comprises eight pod-like private suites capable of hosting a total of twenty guests. Undeniably bold in its modernity, Casa Kimball manages to avoid the soullessness suffered by some minimalist designs by offering up a series of intriguing paradoxes and surprising subtleties: the movement of its broad, flats echoing the inky horizon; the crystalline interplay of shadow and light on its angled façades; the contrary natures of solid mass versus the illusory effect of reflection; the joyful ‘Jengalike’ effect of its ‘stacked cuboids’ and the inventive perforated breezeways. It is cliff top cave dwelling at its most lavish. “I do think the design has a clarity to it that’s rare, especially in luxury dwellings,” states Jasmit Rangr, lead architect and creative tour de force behind his own eponymouslynamed New York design studio. “When the overall design achieves a simplicity of forms with a complexity of spatial experience, I think the design purifies and heightens some elemental experiences of being in the natural world.” >
Photograph by Monica Bouwmeester
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20 | LIFE ON THE EDGE
Erasing all boundaries, the muted, stony hues and cooling textures of coral stone tiles and cladding create continuity of form between interior and exterior spaces. By way of contrast, dark, sustainably-harvested tropical hardwood ceilings introduce an element of emotional warmth, creating intimacy and generating involvement between spaces via fine variations in colour, texture, pattern and grain. The simple abstract shapes of the house soften the design, enabling Nature to claim her rightful place as star of all she surveys. Yet it must, surely, be the ethereal forty-five metre long watery centrepiece that offers the ultimate creative coup d’état. With three infinity edges extending out past sheer sea cliffs in world-without-end glory, the pool’s glassy openness becomes a magical mirror to paradise; a gigantic horizontal mirage reflecting Nature’s majesty in cinematic splendour – vivid, elemental, inspiring. Forever in flux, creamy-rose dawns dotted with fleeting swirls of grey clear to reveal skies of unthinkably pure blue. Floating atop this seamless edge of water, a sunning island offers guests the nearest thing to a magic carpet ride this side of Disney World. Matching the level of the surrounding deck and living room, water levels work to enhance what Rangr calls, “the design clarity and poetry of the spaces.” Adding vertical shift, locally crafted window walls spanning the full height and breadth of openings are designed to pivot effortlessly on automobile wheel bearings, breaking the plane between inside and outside and allowing unrestrained views of the ocean, pool and lush, tropical gardens. According to Rangr: “With the windows open, they form portals or interstitial spaces between inside and outside.” Preconceived divisions melt: an outdoor ‘living room’ complete with fireplace gives way to a sweeping oceanfront terrace, perfect for sipping the island’s famed mamajuana cocktails, while up on the rooftop terrace, mountains plummet to the cerulean sea. >
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“Simplicity, I think, is more profound than a lot of stuff.� Jasmit Rangr
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LIFE ON THE EDGE | 23
With ‘insides’ that seem to unfurl before one’s eyes, casting open spaces in an endless bloom, the entranceway to Casa Kimball is designed to tease, issuing forth a series of tantalising screens around which and through glimpses of sky and sea are meted out enticingly, paving the way towards paradise. Once inside, simple, sleek décor amplifies the experience of each space. Flashes of colour invigorate the design scheme but it is the absence of extraneous, distracting or frivolous detail that speaks volumes. Bedroom suites complete with contemporary fourposter beds draped in romantic, billowing linens, deliver a mood of stillness and calm with each private terrace offering secluded ocean views and invigorating breezes. “Simplicity, I think,” states Rangr, “is more profound than a lot of stuff.” As night falls, Casa Kimball transforms anew, with the interplay of light on glass façades, the pool surface and ventilated walkways introducing elements of illumination, transparency and reflection. “The lighting is designed to wash surfaces with an even diffused light,” Rangr explains. Concealed light sources mean that spaces appear to be lit by glowing planes of stone. “It has a very calming effect.” With such intense and thoughtful attention to detail, Casa Kimball’s visual and spatial genius delivers in its ability to offer awe-inspiring architecture that has no inclination to compete with the natural wonder of its surroundings. Rather, one feeds the other. Resonating with a certain nobility, it is a creative triumph of design where one is invited to step over the edge into the rare world of holistic design.
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Luxe Life Living the
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Cove Spring House on Barbados’ highly visible platinum coast – a place to see and be seen. Words by Juliet Austin. Photography by Dan Christaldi.
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ot for shrinking violets, Cove Spring House in St James Parish – one of the biggest and most lavishly appointed villas in Barbados – presents luxury on an almost impossibly grand scale. Originally built in 1997 as the private family mansion of Blair Downes, its brief was bold and unapologetic: “Think big. If you cannot think big, go away.” Bought subsequently in 2001 by British-Canadian financier Ajmal Khan, the property underwent what Tatler called, “a crisp, Hamptons-style overhaul” at the hands of celebrated interior designer, Lynne Pemberton, and, overnight, morphed into one of the most highly coveted holiday villas in the Caribbean. Faced with such a gargantuan task, lesser mortals may have quaked in their designer boots, but for veteran architects, David Senior and Charles Boyce of Barbados’ Robertson Ward Associates Limited, it was game on. Inspired by the colonial architecture of the grand old plantation houses once prevalent in the region, their 18,000 square foot modern, coral stone rendition of the traditional Palladian style wielded a ‘des-res’ whose stately columns, dramatic classical pediments, Georgian fanlights and imposing arches screamed decadence and announced the presence of the new elite, go-to getaway for the world’s rich and famous including Rod Stewart, Sir Elton John, Sting and Simon Cowell. Despite its palatial grandeur, however, Senior’s design ethic is premised on simplicity as the keynote to good design. “The home is in principle,” he explains, “a ‘one-room house,’ with most of the rooms easily flowing into each other.” Encompassing a total of seven sumptuous and generously proportioned ensuite guest rooms, with French doors that open out onto private terraces to the west, and a further three guest cottages on the lushly landscaped grounds, the footprint for Cove Spring House forms an unusual, shallow symmetrical crescent, focusing the views towards the bay and ensuring both stunning views and optimal privacy. >
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“We needed Cove Spring House to reflect a strong sense of grandeur and scale.”
“The west coast of Barbados is one of the most luxurious sections of the island, or the entire Caribbean for that matter,” states Senior, “so we needed Cove Spring House to reflect a strong sense of grandeur and scale.” To this end, the grand, two-storey pedimented portico and vaulted entrance foyer (think ‘Gone With the Wind’ meets Hampton Court) soars a heady thirty feet – the epitome of glamour and opulence with its impressive staircase designed to, “teasingly invite the eyes to an upper level of bedroom suites.” Coupled with the addition of a magnificent private cinema complete with twenty plush, reclining viewing chairs, Cove Spring rockets into a league of its own. Classic without being staid, Cove Spring’s creamy coral stone walls speak to old world elegance, embodying ageless appeal and providing a soft backdrop further enhanced by indirect sconced and standing lighting that bathes the walls in a warm glow. An array of stunning suspended chandeliers adds an Oliver Messel-inspired romance to the scheme while Pemberton’s “collected-not-decorated” signature >
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creates the villa’s distinct personality and strong charm. Tray and coffered ceilings with pickled pine finishes add to the traditional feel with a palette of, “the gentlest of whites for a subtle paintwork finish,” avoiding conflict in bright, light-filled rooms and, “overlaid with taupe and punches of vivid blue, nectarine and the odd splash of vermilion red in the bedrooms.” Inspiration came from early Ralph Lauren blended with the colonial style of the 50s and 60s and some East meets West design influences. Sourced on visits to France and the United States, with bespoke furnishings imported from Indonesia, the exquisite grand foyer chandelier, “was bought with my client on one of the hottest days of the year in a rare London heat wave,” recalls Pemberton. “But the standout piece is definitely the ironwood dining table on the west terrace, made from a twoinch thick solid piece of wood – it seats twenty-four and took twelve men to install.” Having cut her professional teeth in the Caribbean, Pemberton’s scheme effortlessly conveys the essence of indoor-outdoor living with the transition occurring seamlessly. Achieved by opening up walls to create vast space where interiors spill outdoors onto huge terraces, both covered and uncovered, there are a plethora of areas for eating, relaxing and entertaining. Soft furnishings are kept to a minimum creating an uncluttered, sophistication that, while oozing luxury, cleverly escapes being ostentatious. “I had to be careful,” explains Pemberton, “given the scale of the house, it did not feel like a hotel – or too impersonal.” Unusual collections of artefacts blend with an eclectic collection of fine art including prints from the celebrity archive of fêted photographer, Terry O’Neill. >
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32 | LIVING THE LUXE LIFE
Outside, a half-moon shaped fresh water swimming pool and adjoining spa become exotic focal points in a sea of expansive verandahs furnished with sofas, armchairs and Balinese sun loungers. A meandering terrace to the water’s edge offers secluded day beds, shaded by palms, or sun-deck loungers with wrap-over umbrellas as well as two seaside gazebos for sunkissed al fresco lunches or intimate dinners by moonlight. Perched on an oceanside bluff, steps lead down to a secluded picture-perfect sandy beach protected on both sides by wraparound rocky headland and charmingly overhung by mature shade trees. Cove Spring’s bodacious and arresting presence lives large on this tiny island hotspot – an emblematic Bajan beauty with star quality that revels in the lifestyle of the rich and famous, offering its guests the ultimate Shangri-La; an extravagant haven where more is more, big is beautiful and living it large is the order of the day.
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34 | MUST-HAVES
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Karma in the Kitchen: modern designers are putting the soul back into kitchens. T
hroughout much of history, the kitchen was tucked away in a small, unappealing area of the home. Long, dark, narrow spaces, they were, until fairly recently, viewed as a necessary evil – a place where preparing food had to be carried out, but ideally well out of sight of the rest of the house. In less than a century however, kitchens have evolved to become gathering places for families and friends, where culinary activities are enjoyed. Designed with both function and visual appeal in mind, kitchens are now a key feature of a home. The Industrial Revolution introduced gas and electric stoves, a semblance of running water and a society obsessed with efficiency and
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productivity. By the late 1920s working class women in Europe had to work in factories as well as run the home. It was in this context that the first kitchen designs were dreamed up. The thinking at the time focused on making kitchens economical in every way: they had to be cheap to produce, take up the minimum of space and allow a woman to get the necessary kitchen work completed as quickly as possible. Their design was inspired solely by the need to make them efficient. Thus the Frankfurt kitchen was born, a tiny room based on the concept of the kitchen triangle – formed by the sink, stove and refrigerator – within which the cook should be able to reach each corner with minimal movement. This was to be the forerunner of the fitted
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kitchen, which has characterised kitchen design for most of the 20th century. The past decade or two have witnessed a change in the way kitchens are approached that runs parallel to the shifting attitudes of our times: a return to more traditional values, a desire to slow down, experience quality time, and even rediscover the pleasures of home cooked food. As class systems have broken down and cooking is accepted as a creative and social activity (rather than the job of servants) kitchens have moved from a cramped space at the outer edges of the home, to the heart of it. Functionality remains key to kitchen design but is matched by aesthetic appeal. Kitchens have to be areas that are comfortable to work in, but they also have to look attractive and reflect the personality of the homeowner. Certain features of kitchen design have become common across the board. The traditional kitchen triangle has been extended into a square that includes a kitchen island. The stovetop is often incorporated into the island, as is a secondary sink for washing vegetables. The island often doubles as a breakfast bar or dining table. Ovens have been raised to eye level and dishwashers and microwaves added as standard equipment. Downsview Kitchens In keeping with a return to more traditional values, Downsview Kitchens, makers of the finest kitchen cabinetry, has maintained its family character and the value it places on a rich tradition of craftsmanship, steering clear of any
kind of computerised or mass production techniques. While they use the latest technology to create highly functional kitchens, each piece is handcrafted by skilled artisans. “What sets Downsview apart from the competition, says Sean Daigle, top designer at Downsview Kitchens, is the range of styles they offer. Unlike other design firms who confine themselves to one specific look, Downsview has three lines of customisable cabinetry, effectively catering to every taste.” At one end of the scale, the traditional line is elaborate, with intricate door designs and myriad wood finishes. With this rich, more ornate country kitchen style, it is possible to recreate the look and feel of a historic country house. At the other end of their design spectrum is the contemporary kitchen, which exudes simplicity with clean lines, careful symmetry and an ordered look. Sleek cabinetry and the effective use of glass, stainless steel and manmade materials combine to create the most minimalist of spaces. The transitional line allows a blending of old and new, of classic architectural elements with modern finishes. A timeless look can be paired with innovative technology to create a room that is at once modern and classic, one that would fit equally well in a newly built urban apartment as it would in a centuries-old converted farmhouse. Knowing that a kitchen should be as pleasant to work in as it is to behold, Downsview’s attention to detail is impeccable. Behind the cabinet doors Silentia hinges by Salice allow for opening to 155 degrees, with a decelerating close mechanism.
Drawers slide open and closed at the touch of a button or remote control, meaning that cabinetry can be free of any visible pulls or handles. Base units stand on four or more adjustable legs to compensate for uneven floors. Maximising storage is a priority and a range of cabinet accessories and drawer inserts that include knife blocks, angled spice racks, dividers for organising cutlery, removable bins and even built-in draining boards attest to years of carefully perfecting a balance of design and function. >
Opposite page: Downsview Kitchens. This page: Downsview Kitchens.
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38 | CAYMAN’S BLACK MAGIC MAN
Henrybuilt Henrybuilt, founded just ten years ago, is already receiving international recognition, competing with the very best European designers. Henrybuilt offer a unique combination of aesthetic product design, engineering sophistication and craft. Integration is the key concept at every level of Henrybuilt kitchens’
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philosophy and product. Each element in the kitchen works with the rest to create a cohesive whole. A unique feature of their kitchen design is the unification of countertop, backsplash and wall cabinets into one uninterrupted unit. The classic modern style that characterises their designs eliminates frills, trims and unnecessary detail. Instead they create a smooth, uninterrupted look of unparalleled class. Entire walls of built-in cabinets with barely visible handles, appliances concealed behind matching panels and endless storage solutions to keep surfaces clean and clear, combine to create an area that is soothing to the eye, due to an absence of clutter. Where living area and kitchen share one space, Henrybuilt can make the kitchen aspect virtually ‘disappear’ behind clever cabinetry and into innovative storage solutions. Never straying from their commitment to
practicality and sophistication in equal measure, storage possibilities are optimised, using drawers behind cabinet doors for ease of access with inserts customised to the user’s needs. The result, however, is not cold or sterile as the use of a palette of woods injects a sense of warmth and solid wood furniture can be built to complement the built-in and free standing units. Working alongside homeowners, architects and designers, Henrybuilt kitchens strive to tailor each kitchen to the individual customer and their lifestyle. They work with the existing architecture of a home to ensure a seamless flow from the food preparation area into the rest of the home and, where appropriate, turn cabinetry into furniture. Kitchen islands can double as decorative shelving, creating a smooth transition from living to kitchen space. The entire process from design to
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reality is integrated, with all those involved working towards a common goal. “By combining product design, engineering and manufacturing under one roof, we achieve a level of sophistication and quality in the end result that is not possible when those functions are separated,” explains Lisa Day of Henrybuilt. Johnny Grey
Opposite top left: Henrybuilt. Opposite bottom left: Henrybuilt. Above middle: Johnny Grey. Above: Johnny Grey. Right: Johnny Grey.
Breaking with mainstream ideas, Johnny Grey pioneered the ‘unfitted’ kitchen in the mid 1980s. The concept, which continues to be hugely popular, is based on furnishing a kitchen with freestanding pieces rather than built-in cabinetry. Each piece has a dedicated function, and is handcrafted to the highest standards. The space designated for food preparation remains compact, with a layout that makes it conducive to easy cooking. Johnny Grey sets aside any additional space as a socialising area, arranged in such a way that the chef can see and talk to people while working. These are kitchens designed for cooks, by cooks. The company’s philosophy is rooted in creating a sense of wellbeing and comfort in the kitchen. Johnny Grey, who was named the world’s best kitchen designer by the New York Times, has consulted with psychologists and neuroscientists to determine how architecture impacts mood. Ergonomics have played a vital role in shaping Johnny Grey’s style. This is clearly seen in the signature curves of the furniture. Removing hard, sharp edges and unnecessary corners makes a room, softer – friendlier – encouraging easier movement around the kitchen. Taking the concept of made to measure kitchens to new levels, at Johnny Grey the homeowners’ measurements are taken: eye level, reach and flexed elbow height. Depending on the function of any given area, exact dimensions are calculated and counter heights adjusted to reduce strain on the body. His designs are truly tailored to the individual. But however unique and pleasing to the eye this furniture is, it takes a back seat to the owner’s personal
possessions: pieces of art, photographs or other collectables that express their personality are woven into the kitchen design from the outset. Additional splashes of colour, textures and woods are then selected to complement these. The irregular, asymmetrical and unorthodox nature of Johnny Grey designs all come together to make an artfully mismatched whole. Twenty-first century kitchen design is about so much more than fitting cabinets into spaces. Although intended for the purpose of food storage and preparation, the latest designs seek to also create a welcoming environment, a space in which to socialise and relax. Kitchens have become the living rooms in which we cook. Styles to suit any taste are available, be it classic, minimalist or quirky and unconventional, but the latest technology is always incorporated, to ensure kitchens that are both cutting-edge and timeless. Rooted in purpose, driven by soul, these are kitchens for life.
FOR FURTHER DETAILS: Downsview Kitchens Dania Beach, FL (954) 927.1100 Juno Beach, FL (561) 799.7700 www.downsviewkitchens.com Henrybuilt New York, NY (212) 966.5797 Seattle, WA (206) 624.9270 www.henrybuilt.com Johnny Grey England (44) 1730 821424 Greenwich, CT (203) 249.5955 San Francisco, CA (415) 307.7238 www.johnnygrey.com
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n u s Sun Umbrella design has evolved in leaps and bounds in recent years from that of a humble canopy designed to procure shade to a design forward objet d’art that incorporates high-tech materials and adds to overall outdoor aesthetic appeal.
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an has never doubted his dependence on the sun for survival. In fact, almost every early civilisation deified and worshipped the sun in some manner, recognising how vital it was to create and sustain life. At the same time that humanity knows it would perish should the sun fail to rise, man has always instinctively sought to protect himself from its direct glare. Carvings, sculptures and bas reliefs from Egypt, Greece, Rome and the far east, dating back to antiquity, depict people using parasols to shield them from the sun’s rays. Most often used when travelling, sun umbrellas were for a time the preserve of high-ranking members of society, and in Roman times became fashion accessories for ladies. The basic design of the umbrella, be it a hand held or a larger deck shade, has remained unchanged for centuries: a circular canopy made of fabric is stretched out and held in place by metal ribs, with a central pole to support it. Similar in both form and function to a tree, the basic components of pole, ribs and covering act in the same way as a trunk, branches and foliage do to protect whatever is beneath it from the scorching rays. Only a decade or two ago a beach or poolside umbrella was most likely a flimsy contraption one would have to dig deep into the sand, or place in a heavy holder to ensure it stayed upright – the slightest gust of wind blowing the canopy inside out, a moderate breeze likely to send it cart-wheeling down the beach or lawn. Usually emblazoned with a beverage manufacturer’s logo or some otherwise lurid pattern stamped into the fabric they were not likely to last more than a few weeks as the sun, salt and wind wreaked havoc on the inexpensive materials they were made from. Now, inspired by advances in technology, designers are altering or abandoning the basic design of the parasol and experimenting with new methods to create shaded outdoor spaces. Innovative designs, weather resistant materials and flexibility are the hallmarks of these 21st century sun shades. Gone are the cumbersome, often unsightly shades of the past: today’s parasols serve a dual function of providing protection from the sun while enhancing the appearance of any garden, pool deck or patio, by adding bright splashes of colour and attractive contours.
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Leading the way in cutting edge parasol designs, European manufacturer Umbrosa (distributed in North America and the Caribbean by ShadeScapes Americas) introduces three unique and radically different shade possibilities. Taking their inspiration from nature, the Rimbou collection takes a single leaf as its muse to create elegant and artful shades that are designed to cast a cool shadow over a single sunbed. Secured in place by a steel ‘foot’, a simple pedal makes repositioning the angle and height of the shade easy, ensuring endless possibilities for adjustment, so that as the sun moves across the sky, the angle of the shade can be constantly fine-tuned. Available in over twenty bold and beautiful colours, these sleek and simple shades celebrate hot summer days. Appearing to float overhead, the Ingenua line of shade sails suspend stylish canopies, free of metal frames or ribs, in almost any context. The sails, available in various shapes and sizes, can be attached to wall tracks or poles that individually slide allowing each sail’s angle and height to be quickly adjusted to create shade wherever it is needed. Eliminating the need for a central pole, the wall mounted Paraflex is ideal for confined spaces. A hinged arm allows for seemingly endless tilting, rotating and angling to create the perfect al fresco ambience. For those who prefer a more traditional design, a pole mounted option which can hold one to five umbrellas is also available, and can be set into the ground, a deck or set on a freestanding base. Such flexibility in design cleverly diminishes the need to move the actual stand. >
Clockwise from above: Venus and Lotus from Rimbou Collection by ShadeScapes; Paraflex Duoflex by ShadeScapes; Ingenua Triangles by ShadeScapes; Nenúfar Collection by Samoa Design; Venus from Rimbou Collection by ShadeScapes. Following pages, clockwise: Ensombra by Gandia Blasco; Ingenua by ShadeScapes; Nenúfar Colour Collection by Samoa Design; Nenúfar Collection by Samoa Design; Spectra by ShadeScapes; Ensombra by Gandia Blasco.
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Made from marine grade anodised aluminium and UV and fade resistant canopies, the Umbrosa shade designs not only are durable and resistant to the elements, they are sure to add panache to any outdoor space. Similarly drawing inspiration from nature, the award winning NenĂşfar Collection by Samoa Design has a very contemporary design based on the water lily. These unique sun shades have eliminated the convex shape of traditional umbrellas, so that the canopy is a circular disc with a narrow slit from the outer edge to the centre. Entirely comprised of recycled materials, the translucent Batyline fabric is stretched tightly over the frame, allowing light to penetrate while filtering out harmful rays and affording protection to the recipient below of its shadow. Supported by a single lacquered aluminium pole affixed to a circular base, the shade can be set at varying heights and its angle adjusted with minimal fuss. Boasting the cleanest lines, the simplicity of the design exudes a cool, sophisticated feel, while the range of colours from black through shades of grey to white, complement their elegance. An additional line of NenĂşfar umbrellas have squared off the lily pad design and in contrast to their circular counterparts, are available in vivid oranges, greens and purples. Whether circular or hard-edged these earth-friendly shades embrace the outdoors, fusing flair with function. Celebrating the heritage of southern Spain, land of hot, arid summers, Gandia Blasco have designed a parasol that imitates a flamenco fan. The individual formica slats of the Ensombra parasol are fixed together in the centre and open up like a handheld fan. The pole and stand are made from powder-coated iron ensuring the entire piece can withstand the searing sun, stiff breezes and briny ocean air. Available in ink black, crisp white or an eye-catching turquoise blue, the flamboyant fan shades turn up the dial on style while lowering the heat of sultry summer afternoons.
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FOR FURTHER DETAILS GO TO:
SHADESCAPES AMERICAS
North American and Caribbean sales view www.shadescapesamericas.com, or call 970.527.7070. For other regions please contact Umbrosa directly at: www.umbrosa.be GANDIA BLASCO USA
View www.gandiablascousa.com, or call 212.421.6701. SAMOA DESIGN
View www.samoadesign.com, or call (+34) 961.442.477.
Contemporary designers are increasingly borrowing from nature’s own designs, refining the lines and simplifying the shapes to create clean, uncluttered shade solutions that adapt seamlessly to existing spaces. Having been released from the constraints of the traditional canopy design, and embracing modern manufacturing and materials to ensure that new umbrellas will be strong and durable, easy to open, close or reposition, designers are relishing the freedom to create shade in unique and unprecedented new ways, adding character and individuality to outdoor spaces.
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48 | MUST-HAVES
PROFILE | 49
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Luxury Caribbean getaways with a twist
Words by Juliet Austin
In this frenetically-paced world of ours, the modern Caribbean can thankfully still boast that it holds more than just lingering associations with its old ‘soon come’ mentality where hanging out under the palm trees sipping cocktails was the order of the day. Here, four innovative resorts show how they have reinvented Caribbean luxury for the twenty-first century lifestyle. > RL
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COTTON TREE in Grand Cayman – Where the Livin’ Is Easy
s the gates glide apart on the two-acre Cotton Tree estate, the singular vision and brainchild of island girl, Heather Lockington, it is clear that what lies beyond the threshold is something unparalleled in the world of luxury. A rolling lawn bordered by lush foliage and trees bursting with blooms draws the eye down past four charming pastel-hued cottages, across the shimmering turquoise of the freshwater pool surrounded by cosy seating nooks ensconced in swathes of billowing white linen, through the dappled shadows of a Seagrape copse to the breathtaking vastness of the Caribbean Sea. As she greets me, Heather cradles her first guava; eyes gleaming like a proud parent. “Each guest receives fresh flowers and fruit upon arrival, it’s just part of Caymanian hospitality,” she enthuses. Opened in April 2009, Cotton Tree has the look and feel of a place that has come of age, blazing its own unique trail and offering guests an authentic experience grounded in place and time. Situated on 400 feet of beachfront – a protected sea turtle nesting zone – on the northernmost point of Grand Cayman’s West Bay, Cotton Tree offers a unique luxury lodging experience intended to make guests feel every bit at home in their dreamy Caribbean getaway – a concept that is key to the burgeoning success of this thoughtfully-designed boutique cottage hotel.
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The first of its kind in the Cayman Islands, each spacious twobedroom, two-bathroom plantation-style cottage offers an authentic vacation experience with concierge services tailored to accommodate any need or desire. Sharing Heather’s passion for the project, Michael and Joelle Meghoo of MJM Design Studio devised an architectural scheme incorporating local heritage construction techniques such as the raising of the cottages off the ground, applying siding to give a traditional shiplap effect and topping the practical concrete slab roof with zinc to pay homage to the past. “The cottages are the right scale for the area which creates a quaint feel and a definite sense of place… each property sits in its own space as if it has grown out of the existing natural vegetation,” reflects Heather. With interiors designed by Adriana Hoyos offering a cool fusion of Caribbean contemporary styles, décor melds sleek, fresh modern lines with traditional materials, resulting in properties that brim with personality. “I wanted to bring the colours from outside inside,” Heather explains. Using accent walls inspired by the colours of the sunset juxtaposed with ocean colours and neutrals in all main living areas, the feeling is that of understated luxury – an exotic haven, very much at one with life in the tropics. Furniture in dark Brazilian hardwoods, natural seagrass and even crushed coconut shells combine with sparse use of chrome and glass to maintain the contemporary flair. Porcelain floor tiles from Spain and Italy create the natural effects of limestone and wood in living areas while bathrooms boast glass countertops and mosaic tiles from Walker Zanger in keeping with the simple, modern Caribbean ambience. A profusion of local artwork and framed archive photography anchors the design in place, giving a real ‘home-from-home’ feel. With fully stocked gourmet kitchens, guests can choose to cook in the privacy of their cottage or enjoy the services of the resort’s personal chef and sommelier. “I wanted the cottages to feel luxurious, “states the owner, “but in a simple way.”
Play to Your Own Tune at SURFSONG in the British Virgin Islands
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ark and Cate Stephenson chanced upon paradise like all great Caribbean settlers from years of old… by boat. Originally from Canada, the couple navigated the warm waters of the Caribbean under sail for four years before being drawn on the tide to the sailing fantasyland of the British Virgin Islands. Striking gold in Well Bay, a sheltered cove nestled into the south coast of Beef Island, they set their final anchor, establishing Surfsong Villas – an intimate, signature boutique resort offering the ultimate Caribbean escape and the best in barefoot luxury. Cocooned by nature, the enclave of villas radiates
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tranquillity and solitude, allowing its special ‘surfsong’ to soothe and rejuvenate the lost soul, with its boho-chic style and low-key earthy vibe. Here, life is as much about taking in the breathtaking coastal beauty – the uneven shorelines, dramatic granite boulders and balmy subtropical foliage – as it is stargazing, beachcombing, tinkering in tide pools or playing ‘fetch’ with Healey, the couple’s trusty ‘coconut retreiver’. Seeking to create an oasis with all the privacy of home, yet the convenience and concierge services of a resort, guests are invited to ‘redefine time’– to live on a whim and a prayer
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with candlelit dinners served by request in the tropical Zen pagoda, shady afternoons spent at the beach lounge or magical evenings kayaking through the mangroves under a sky lit with luminous, shimmering stars. Accommodations range from charming traditional cottages hidden under shady leaf canopies to the relaxed elegance of the Pool House with its private pool and deck for sun worshippers. “Our own travels fuel our passion for Surfsong and the unique services we provide,” explains Cate. “Each member of staff shares a true desire to ensure that each guest experiences an ideal vacation.” Measured and constructed around mature trees and boulders, natural building materials in locally-hewn stone and hardwoods complement interiors with finishes, colours and textures designed to reflect nature. “We wanted to achieve the look of a resort as an established extension of nature,” says Cate. Inside, casual yet sumptuous Balinese furnishings combine with seagrass, carved wood, bamboo and teak to exude the classic romantic ambience of the Caribbean. Communal areas like the tropical, tree-shaded courtyard or two-storey Balinese beach pavilion provide ample gathering areas while seaside patios and private decks allow for moments of seclusion and retreat. It would seem that guests loyal to Surfsong’s unique brand
of luxury want to sing to the same tune. In response to demand, Surfsong will soon expand its offerings to include a villa ownership model for those wanting their very own piece of the dream. “The intimacy of the existing resort will be complemented by the addition of four new villas – two waterfront and two hillside sites – slated to begin construction in the off-season of 2012,” Mark explains. “Along with those four existing villas, there will be a total of eight separatelyowned villas on the property, making for a very limited ownership group.” Hoping to attract likeminded owners, the couple have joined forces with world-class architects, Roger Downing & Partner Co. Ltd., to create what they call “invisible architecture,” where landscape and time blend with the surroundings. Designs include ample shaded outdoor living spaces complete with individual splash pools and a natural palette of stonewalls, cedar-shingle roofs, glass and hardwoods. While prospective villa owners enjoy the signature comfort and calm of the Surfsong experience, every detail of the construction process will be taken care of from furnishing and finishing to the selection of superior quality linens and towels. “The end result will be a villa that embodies their personal tastes and design considerations, presented to them in a ‘turn-key package’. All the benefits of villa ownership, without any of the hassles.”
MALLIOUHANA HOTEL AND SPA, Anguilla – Kids Rule
magine… a tiny tropical island in the British West Indies. You gaze out across the unfathomable horizon, senses alive, and body still tingling from the warm Jacuzzi jets. From your private balcony vantage, perched high on a soaring cliff top, your eyes trace the sweeping white sands outlining an endless shoreline. “Fly me to the moon,” you hum. “And let me dance among the stars….” And while you play Caribbean Queen, Malliouhana is ensuring that your kids discover life is a beach. Who said that adults were first in line when they created luxury? Unlike other über-luxe resorts, the brains behind Anguilla’s Malliouhana Hotel have not overlooked the needs of their younger guests. While parents soak up the heady blend of warm Caribbean hospitality and luxuriate in the understated European elegance, those with their
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sites set on a slightly different version of R&R are invited to enjoy their very own playground paradise. With fully supervised beach play areas targeted specifically at 2-5 year olds and 5-12 year olds, what self-respecting ankle-biter is going to pass up the opportunity to wallow in the shallow waters of the paddling pool with its soft spray fountains or ‘take to the high seas’ aboard the resort’s 26-foot pirate ship complete with riotous water canon, padded pirate punching bags and 60foot long water propelled slide? For those seeking a bigger splash, there is the adjacent 11foot deep diving pool with double springboards and for those ‘too cool for school,’ teens can partake in complimentary watersports activities ranging from water-skiing and sailing to snorkelling and windsurfing. Simply stated: it does not get much better than this. Opened in 1984 by father-son owner-managers Leon and Nigel Roydon, Malliouhana Hotel and Spa sits resplendent on twenty-five sprawling acres of lushly landscaped grounds on Anguilla’s northwest coast, where their proudest boast is having four traffic lights and thirty-three beaches. Red tile roofs and rustic terracotta tiling are set off by whitewashed walls, elegant arches and towering columns, while high ceilings, window walls and walkways festooned in languishing bougainvillea reinvigorate the tropical motif. Blending Mediterranean design and French Riviera style with classic, understated Caribbean chic played out in dark walnut >
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woodwork, rattan furnishings and oversized Haitian artwork, the resort’s goal is clear: “To offer our guests total relaxation and quiet privacy.” Constantly updating and reinventing itself to accommodate its ever-growing adoring clientele, the hotel was recognised on the prestigious Condé Nast Traveller 2009 Gold List and was the sole Caribbean hotel selected as the Best Hotel for Food on the Condé Nast Traveller 2010 (UK) Gold List.
Jolly Days and Jammin’ Nights at GEEJAM, Jamaica here is just something about Jon Baker, former head of A&R at Island Records, New York, and co-owner/visionary/driving force behind Port Antonio’s unorthodox Geejam resort along with the ying to his yang, Hong Kong-based partner-in-crime, Steve Beaver. Perhaps it is his disarming passion for his six-acre hillside haven or maybe his glorious punk rock irreverence for the ‘hostility’ industry. Whatever it is, you cannot help but like him as he muses: “What you’ve got to understand about Geejam is that we didn’t come out of tourism or hospitality. Our roots are in the entertainment and music industries.” Emblazoned on Geejam’s branding, the artist, Banksy’s graffitied slogan sums it up fittingly: ‘It ain’t about golf!’ “And as for golfers,” quips Baker, “they just shouldn’t bother coming!” But Geejam is neither defined by nor confined to its antiestablishmentarianism. It is very much the real deal: an authentic, bona fide, hip Caribbean hideaway, with a touch of rock ‘n’ roll thrown in for good measure. Anchored heart and soul in Port Antonio – what Baker calls “the hidden draw” – on Jamaica’s north shore, it dances not only to its own drum but to the beat of the Caribbean prompting it to be nominated by the international press as, “One of the most fascinating places to hang out,” and simply classed by some as, “the coolest place on earth.” Acquired after decades of globetrotting – staying at the best hotels money could buy during his music exec days – in 1991, Baker threw caution to the wind, purchasing a derelict house that he would later transform into the trendsetting getaway favoured by a host of international glitterati. So began the story of what he considers the ‘perfect’ hotel: an unspoilt chic retreat shrouded by the legendary Blue Mountains and inspired by pop culture – a far cry from the slew of all-inclusive ‘fake nirvanas’ where guests stay corralled within high walls, never to
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Photo by William Richards
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experience what it means to be in the real Jamaica. With original house design by Anthony Wade (brother of Grand Slam champion Virginia) and an Ann Hodges’ annex added in the early nineties, under Baker’s creative masterminding, the property soon metamorphosed into its signature NYC hip-meets-rainforest incarnation. Artfully pairing sleek, contemporary minimalism with its bespoke, down-to-earth, organic vibe, Geejam’s guests can relax on the resort’s private Macks Bay beach where, in great rock legend style, they are given their own luxurious ‘beach bedroom’ in the sand – complete with four-poster bed, bedside tables and mirror – or explore other local beaches and the nearby marina. Issuing cell phones with twenty minutes free international calling at check-in, guests are encouraged to immerse themselves in the local community for an experience, that Baker assures is guaranteed, “to cure the neuroses of even the most stressed out guests.” Yet what really sets Geejam’s version of paradise apart is the fact that, in a characteristic stroke of Jon Baker genius, the resort also doubles as a state of the art residential recording studio, creative sanctuary to the likes of Joe Cocker, No Doubt, the Gorillaz, Sly and Robbie and the inimitable Amy Winehouse. “It’s not a them and us kind of feel though,” explains Baker. “Guests are part of the bustle of things going on at Geejam.” Once the red light of the recording studio goes off, expect to see anyone and everyone hanging out at the Bushbar where Errol Flynn’s widow, Patrice comes to listen to The Jolly Boys, former personal and private band to her late husband and the latest music phenomenon to come out of Geejam. Having played together for over fifty years the septuagenarian band’s ‘mento’ style is credited with coming straight out of the cane fields. A cousin to calypso, mento predates reggae, rocksteady and ska and was in danger of dying out before it caught the attention of the old punk in Jon Baker. Delivering his Midas touch, The Jolly Boys have been catapulted into unlikely international superstardom with a debut album, Great Expectations, released on Geejam Recordings in the US and Caribbean in May 2011. Masterfully pairing vintage mento with modern covers from, among others, The Clash, The Stranglers, Iggy Pop and the Rolling Stones, the outlandish combination has signalled something of a rebirth for Jamaica’s music industry and sealed Jon Baker’s fate as something of a pioneering innovator.
CONTACT DETAILS COTTON TREE Visit Cotton Tree at www.caymancottontree.com or call (345) 943 0700 to find out more about this sumptuous Cayman hideout.
MALLIOUHANA Contact (264) 497 6111 or visit www.malliouhana.com for information on Malliouhana Hotel and Spa’s latest guest packages.
SURFSONG To find out more about Surfsong visit their website at www.surfsong.net or call (284) 495 1864.
GEEJAM To learn more about staying at Geejam call 1 888 4GEEJAM or go to www.geejamhotel.com
Nisbet Plantation Beach Club, Nevis Surrounded by palm trees on the unspoiled island of Nevis, sister island to St Kitts, is Nisbet Plantation – the Caribbean’s only historic plantation inn located directly on the beach. This intimate resort features 36 cottage style accommodations set among 30 acres, inviting privacy and romance. Daily rates include full breakfast served poolside, afternoon tea and a gourmet three-course dinner of Caribbean-inspired cuisine in the AAA Four Diamond-rated Great House. Days can be spent lounging on the beach, snorkelling or kayaking with complimentary equipment in the clear blue Caribbean Sea, or exploring the island with guided rainforest hikes or on two wheels. Within this old-world charm are modernday conveniences, including complimentary Wi-Fi and Flip video cameras to capture vacation memories. Nisbet Plantation truly delivers a vacation that is unique and unforgettable, rightfully earning a spot alongside the world’s best resorts according to Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler. To learn more visit www.NisbetPlantation.com or call 1 800 742 6008.
Sugar Beach, St. Lucia The Jalousie Plantation is undergoing a US$100million transformation that will redefine the concept of resort luxury. In December the resort will be rebranded as Sugar Beach and managed by internationally renowned brand The Tides (part of Los Angeles-based Viceroy Hotel Group). Facilities include two white sand beaches, beach club and lounge, magnificent Rainforest Spa, three restaurants, four bars, children’s club and scuba dive centre. There are 42 luxurious freehold Residences for private purchase within the resort, with spacious terraces and spectacular views of the ocean and Pitons. To learn more visit residencessugarbeach.com or call +44 (0) 844 921 0126
COMPETITIONCOMPETITION
Photo by William Richards
holiday like a rockstar! WIN two nights accommodation at Geejam Go to www.reallife.ky/GeejamContest The winner will be announced in our summer issue.
PROFILE | 57
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Empire of the Sun The erstwhile Monarch of Mustique and late Laird of St Lucia, the inimitable Lord Glenconner’s posthumous legacy to the Caribbean. Words by Juliet Austin
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ton educated, with a degree from Oxford and a stint in the Irish Guards, the sanguine Colin Tennant, “the wag that they could not gag,” inherited the title of Lord Glenconner in 1983. Cutting a distinctive figure, the shalwar kameezclad, cane-toting peer was every bit the eccentric Englishman that he set out
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to be. Controversial to the last, he died in his beloved Caribbean in August 2010 aged eighty-three trying to reclaim the glory days of his youth with his newest venture, the eponymously named Glenconner Beach Village and Resort in St Lucia slated to open its doors in 2012. Love him or hate him, he was
undeniably a legend of his own design, perhaps best known by the monikers plastered across tabloid newspapers in his heyday: The Jet Set Monarch of Mustique, Lord of the Revels and star of the close-to-the-bone 2000 Joseph Bullman documentary, ‘The Man Who Bought Mustique’. An aristocratic playboy given to gestures of
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extravagance, royal confidante and visionary developer, he played the dual role of both king and jester at his own Caribbean court, ensuring that his enigmatic Hugh Hefner-cumProspero persona became a brand unto itself, synonymous with the hedonism and glamour of the world’s up and coming elite. Buying a neglected backwater in the Grenadines, the parched island of Mustique in 1958 for just £45,000, he is credited with having single-handedly created the first ever Caribbean resort, establishing an infrastructure that included fisheries, schools and an airport, and transforming it into a millionaire’s paradise where at his fiftieth birthday, royal party girl Princess Margaret herself crowned him ‘King’ of the land. Creating a charming
“I see the end and then I work out how to get there.” enclave, worlds away from his ancestral neo-gothic castle, the Glen in Peeblesshire, Scotland, he certainly lived by the creed of the Tennant family motto: Deus Dabit Vela – God will fill the sails. As he told the Sunday Times newspaper, “Mustique was an experiment in a completely new, fantasy place.” Asked to reveal the secret of his success, his reply was typically cavalier: “I see the end and then I work out how to get there.” Free to finance the entire project and given great latitude to establish what would become the ultimate high society >
Opposite page: Always a showman, the late Lord Glenconner at his home in Mustique in 1985. Photo courtesy of The Mustique Company.
This page, clockwise from top right: At his St Lucia home in 2010 posing in front of a selection of his rare glass collection; the elaborate entrance to his self-professed St Lucia "pleasure dome"; in typical irreverent Glenconner fashion a valuable bust mixes with island treasures; inside his home an eclectic collection of exotic antiquities such as mother of pearl furniture from Syria and artifacts from India. All images by Derek Galon.
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playground for pop stars, aristocrats, socialites and royalty alike – Tennant’s Caribbean Shangri-La attracted stars of the calibre of Mick Jagger, Bryan Ferry and David Bowie. Establishing his Mustique Company, he initially built twelve homes for his wealthy friends, most famously, giving ten acres to Princess Margaret as a wedding present upon which he built her Georgian-style colonial villa, Les Jolies Eaux. It was here that she is rumoured to have first entertained her lover, Roddy Llewellyn, after being introduced by Tennant himself. With a design inspired by his close friend and collaborator, fêted theatre designer, Oliver Messel, she was reported to have said that it was the only place that she could ever relax. Legendary shenanigans ensued: lavish fancy dress parties and outrageous soirées featuring scantily dressed revelers, fire eaters and copious carousing presided over by the flamboyant ‘lord of all he surveyed’ – Tennant, often photographed sporting a bejeweled turban befitting a monarch. Though usually urbane, witty and good-humoured, the mercurial Lord Glenconner did not suffer fools gladly, often dealing with naysayers with his irascible icy candour. His critics accuse him of having tried and failed to create a colony as the sun set on the British Empire. To those in ‘Colin’s club’, however, he was the consummate ‘father of tourism’; a man who boldly packaged and sold the Caribbean dream, shaping the world of the rich and famous with his self-styled “pocket of decadence.” With privacy guarded at a premium, the high society hideaway’s code of secrecy has stood intact for decades. However, according to Tennant, by the 1970s, the “spirit of adventure” had
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disappeared and, as profits turned to losses and joviality was replaced by acrimony, the maverick peer sold up assets, including paintings by Lucian Freud and John Constable, and headed to St Lucia with his pet elephant, Bupa, to try to recreate his vision of ‘Pleasure Island’. Ventures came and went including a failed attempt at a mango import and export business and a four-star resort. But, the story goes, that it was on a canoe trip round St Lucia’s iconic Pitons, the island’s dormant volcanic peaks, that Tennant discovered the
480-acre, Jalousie estate which he bought, later selling half to the Jalousie Plantation Hotel (now the five-star Tides Sugar Beach) and setting up a beachside restaurant, Café Bang, (as in “bang between the Pitons”), based on Messel’s stage designs for the 1950s Broadway musical, House of Flowers. Installing two conjoined earlytwentieth-century gingerbread cottages salvaged from elsewhere on the island, he created what he would go on to describe as his “rat hole orné” – a ramshackle, yet charming final resting place furnished with an eclectic mixture of family heirlooms including a gilt mid-Victorian fruit stand – a present from Princess Margaret
herself, a giant silver bed and priceless Indian antiques. Fueling accusations of “near lunacy” and “feudal arrogance,” Lord Glenconner cut a charmingly anachronistic figure in St Lucian society. He maintained his “boundless optimism and panoramic vision” to the end, stating characteristically, “We weren’t brought up to throw in the towel. We were brought up to bite bullets and fold towels neatly.” He died before seeing his latest project realised or his newest folly completed – a “stately pleasure dome” inspired by Coleridge’s opium-induced poem, Kubla Khan, and a living museum to his colourful life. He wanted to leave a legacy to St Lucia, an island for whom he was Goodwill Ambassador, and Mustique, who in 2009 honoured him with an eight-foot statue in his image, in his own words, “looking like a Chelsea pensioner.” Soon to be published, his long awaited posthumous memoir, I Told You So, promises to ruffle a few feathers and tell the tale of one, in the words of Coleridge, who has “drunk the milk of Paradise.” Thwarted genius, visionary developer or notorious aristocratic tearaway, one thing is for sure: life according to Colin Tennant was never dull.
Opposite page, far left: Bronze statue erected in his honour by the island of Mustique in 2009. Photo courtesy of The Mustique Company. This page: The inimitable Lord Glenconner surrounded by his priceless collection of antiques. Photo by Derek Galon.
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PROFILE | 63
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Caymanian artist Randy Chollette delves deep into his soul to paint the world he knows. Words by Marcia Milgate
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o meet artist Randy Chollette is to be struck by his genuine warmth and humility. A quiet man who conducts himself with purpose and care there is a sparkle in his eye revealing the light within his spirit. A popular local artist, Chollette’s work is rapidly gaining international acclaim, and to be sure it will not be long until before the cognoscenti come calling. An intuitive, self-taught artist, Chollette’s vibrant work is often distinguishable by its signature black outlined mosaic configurations or identifiably Caribbean subject matter. And while his tools maybe his hands, his inspiration is divine. A devout Rastafarian, Chollette’s work is wholly informed by his beliefs, which also embrace the teachings of Yogi, Buddhism and Christianity, and are intricately woven into the stylistic and thematic fabric of his paintings. As Director of the Cayman Islands
Opposite page: 'By The Waters of Dharma' (2011), oil on canvas. This page, top: 'Aunty Mango' (2007), oil on canvas. Middle: 'Magenta Sunrise' (2008), oil on canvas. Bottom: 'Banana Man' (2006), oil on canvas.
National Gallery, Natalie Urquhart, remarks, “Randy is a self-taught artist who moves confidently between realism and abstraction. His work offers us an uncompromising view of his experiences as an artist, always rooted in his Caymanian heritage while encompassing his ancestral African roots and Rastafarian religion. Challenging and approachable simultaneously, he is able to depict our island’s history is an entirely fresh way, merging past and present.” Born and raised in the Cayman Islands, Chollette’s homeland often plays muse, inspiring some of his best work as he documents his beloved country of past and present, and noting that with the acquisition of modern amenities certain traditions are doomed to disappear. His landscapes document a simple way of life that is quintessentially Caymanian, entirely Caribbean: Catboats return to shore after a long day toiling on the
high seas in pursuit of turtles; traditional stilted wattle and daub houses nestle neatly by the seaside, revealing the intimate relationship one has with the ocean in the Caribbean; characters, bent and busy, cultivate the dry, unyielding land. His kaleidoscopic abstracts, appearing lit from within, are often diaphanous, multi-hued impressions that seethe with energy and emphasise emotion, inspiring thoughtful reflection as they reveal their hidden secrets. As a whole his work eschews the materialistic nature of the modern world, choosing rather to celebrate a time when life was, as of yet, uncomplicated by the demands of contemporary society. Paintings like ‘Banana Man’, ‘Magenta Sunrise’ and ‘Aunty Mango’, exhibit his unique translation of the energy within the void that, according to him, is behind everything in life. As Chollette sees it, this energy is in constant motion, connected to all things, and thus aptly expressed through interlocking mosaics and curving black lines delineating the movement of water, air and matter. With a colour palette often incorporating red and green as a nod to the Ethiopian flag and the evolution of the >
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66 | ONE LOVE – RANDY CHOLLETTE From top: 'Therefore The Sage' (2010), oil on canvas. Middle top: 'By The Bay 2' (2003), oil on canvas. Middle bottom: 'Homeward Bound' (2009), oil on canvas. Bottom: 'Tree of Life' (2008), oil on canvas.
Rastafarian faith, Chollette has recently embraced the use of brilliant yellow as a means of capturing the vitality of universal energy. His most recent abstracts also integrate the iconic Caribbean blue and are distinguished by a greater intensity of colour saturation centred at the midpoint of the canvas, serenely radiating outwards with a gentle luminosity. In general, his abstracts glow with a mystical vibrancy drawing the viewer into their depths, as is observed in ‘Therefore the Sage’. Chollette’s earlier works, such as ‘By the Bay 2’, are characteristically direct and naïve, whereas more recent paintings are variations of his earlier approach, but convey greater depth and maturity in their application. His years spent honing his craft to allow mastery of the spatula and palette knife are displayed in ‘Homeward Bound’, while ‘By the Waters of Dharma’ reveals his deft brush use to produce deliberate, textural renderings that are indicative of an impressionistic approach. Not
of this particular method which, although a stylistic departure, is yet another example of the multifaceted ability and professional curiosity of this talented artist. Joining local Caymanian art collective, Native Sons, in 2000, the past winner of the esteemed McCoy Prize for the Arts, Chollette’s paintings can be found in both the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands and the Cayman Islands National Museum. Displayed at the London Office of Tourism for the Cayman Island and gracing the walls of many homes and public institutions, his work is often on display at The Gallery in The RitzCarlton and Body Works Holistic Wellness Centre in Grand Cayman. Despite canvases that pulse with colour there is an indescribable contentment, a quiet that one feels
entirely pointillism, Chollette’s application of small blocks of colour is more about the merging and building up the structure of the paint rather than the precise execution of pigment. A purist, Chollette only works in oil paints – no thinning, mixing or additional mediums – generating immediate high relief on his canvas. Accentuating the tactile quality of his painting, Chollette occasionally uses Sgraffito, a technique in which some of the wet paint is repeatedly scraped off to reveal the layers underneath. By applying more than one colour at a time – to create an immediate blended effect – Chollette further emphasises the dissemination of hard lines and shapes. ‘Tree of Life’ is a recent example
upon viewing Chollette’s work, a gentle calm that washes forth and seizes the soul. Possibly an express consequence of his intention to share the positive energy he sees flowing from one being to another, or perhaps the result of his effort to transform the way we think of the past by reminding us of its precious link to the present and future. Whatever the root cause of this calm, the result is plain for all to see: his art transcends the canvas, engaging the viewer in an intriguing soul connection – a graphic reminder that, where the enigmatic Chollette is concerned, still waters run deep.
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To view more of Chollette’s work, visit: www.reallifecaribbean.com
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a sense of place The importance for new architectural builds to be aesthetically sympathetic to their Caribbean environment and how this is accomplished. Words by Lane Pettigrew. Photography by Derek Galon.
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racticing architecture in the Caribbean is not only a privilege but also an important social responsibility. The region has changed exponentially in the past few decades, shifting from a dependence on agriculture, shipping and light manufacturing to a heavy reliance on tourism – the implication being that almost everything we build in these fragile island environments creates a lasting impression, along with a sense of place and character. Be it a home or hotel, a shopping mall or a bank, the visual imagery of the building has added significance in an island environment because of the drama of its setting: never far from the sea, and nights that are clear and starlit. There is singular personality to each Caribbean country, with architecture highlighting the delight and difference between them. Whether at The Circus in Basseterre, The Quayside in St Barths, The Carenage in St Georges or Main Street in Roseau their distinct edifices serve to emphasise their locality. The rich history of design and construction in the Caribbean is often ignored by today’s Caribbean architects who seem eager to show that they can match their North American and European counterparts in modern design, modern materials and forceful self expression; but is an aluminium-
clad building with flush mirror glass panels on the edge of a Caribbean harbour responsible design? Imagine the city of Castries if the government buildings had been built along a promenade on the waterfront. Instead, a highway and car parks alienate residents, workers and tourists alike from the vitality of the harbour. This type of insensitive planning and design is destructive to the island, fostering an anonymous atmosphere and the unfortunate sense that you could be almost anywhere but the Caribbean. Without promoting a historicist approach to all design, it is fair to say that the responsible use of natural materials and traditional Caribbean concepts and principles, when interpreted in a modern, measured way, can be both pleasing and innovative, while also respecting the visual legacy of the hearty men and women who settled this region. This means ‘people places’. A public square, a big tree, colourful gardens, a corner shop, a market stall, a vendor’s cart or a pile of coconuts on a sidewalk bench; this is the real Caribbean, and something architects and urban planners must help promote and maintain. There is no reason to pretend Bridge Street in Castries is downtown Miami, and doing so only undermines each island’s inimitable personality. Projects such as Sugar Beach and Cap Maison in St Lucia successfully showcase traditional style while embracing luxurious modern comfort, each in its own interpretation of a Caribbean stylistic genre. Caribbean architecture, if you experience it in little villages like Calibishie in Dominica or capital cities like St Georges in Grenada, has a wonderful human sense about it. It is the use of traditional forms (dormers, shutters, mouldings, and decorative trim), as well as roof pitches, overhangs >
Opposite page: Sugar Beach, St Lucia. Left: Sugar Beach, St Lucia.
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“...the kaleidoscope of colours found in our rich surroundings – is another lesson worth noting.”
and window and door openings built to a human scale that provide a building’s users and passers-by basic protection from the elements and delightful optical style, but also a subconscious emotional security due to the harmony of scale. Likewise, the composition of building elements in a non-repetitive manner to give personality to structure and to shape compositions along streets and in communities is very important. With limited land on islands that is suitable for building, a concentration of activity in one area is a good thing – it creates a sense of community as people interact and socialise while going about their daily lives. Architects need to respect the scale of the town or city in which they are building in order to maintain this visual and emotional symmetry. Forever compromised by a six-story “concrete lump” opposite the cathedral on the town’s main square, sits the genteel and beautiful town of Soufrière. People places and human scale in the urban setting of a Caribbean village or city are crucial to creating community and economic activity as well as maintaining the quality of life for the residents and the positive impression of visitors. Tapping into the Caribbean tradition using of bright, friendly pigments – a reflection of the kaleidoscope of colours found in our rich surroundings – is another lesson worth noting. Through a sensitive selection of building materials that soften the visual environment and deftly blend nature with man-made design we can embrace our built history. Colours, mixed and matched in unintended ways, bring a ‘realness’ to the backdrop against which we live. The Creole Village in Trois Islet is a recent development that has incorporated more
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than 20 colours – it looks vibrant, as if it has been there a hundred years; it is a happy place. Farther north, Amber Dune in Cabarete and Tamarind Hills in Antigua take a distinctly modern route in style but use traditional materials like coral stone and greenheart to infuse them with island spirit. These projects let you know you are in the Caribbean. In the Tropics the weather plays a big part in design, and anyone who has experienced a hurricane, an earthquake or even a tropical rainstorm has to be careful not to overreact by making the next building a windowless bunker. While appreciating the every day forceful and destructive elements of nature that threaten Caribbean buildings, such as wind, salt, rain and a bleaching sun, and then responding in a creative and sensitive way is where the future lies; this can be done by using hardy and green materials such as stone, clay, bricks and plaster. In fact, certain woods often last longer than manufactured products. In Martinique’s villages, for example, the roofs of fish scale clay tile made in an island pottery not only last longer than their asphalt and metal counterparts, but look much nicer, just like they did 200 years ago. A sense of place and respect for the traditional cultures of each destination is an important initial planning principle. Incorporating traditional symbols and time-honoured materials, even if interpreted in a modern way, are a deft nod to the past and a great sign for the future. Done well, architecture showcases the people of the Caribbean, its culture and its friendliness – like the traditional ‘welcoming arm’ staircase of yesteryears’ grand houses. It only takes a little care and creativity.
Top left: Creole Village in Trois Islet, Martinique. Top right: Cap Maison, St Lucia. Middle: Barracuda Villa, Tamarind Hills, Antigua. Bottom: Cap Maison, St Lucia.
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Caribbean Resorts:
Opportunity Knocks? All of us in the Caribbean are acutely aware of the effects that the global economic downturn has had on resort investment in the region – but is now the right time for investors to get back in the water? Words by Simon Taylor of BCQS
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lthough we in the Caribbean have had our fair share of doom and gloom, there have been savvy investors taking the opportunity to step into projects that appear to have real value in this changing market. Some have snapped up distressed properties that have been over-leveraged or undermanaged, some have picked up deals from defaulting loans and others have recognised the evolution in the resort investment market and restructured their projects to suit. Established Caribbean resort players such as Sandals were quick to spot potential and their purchase of the Emerald Bay Resort in Great Exuma (formerly Four Seasons) provided them with a magnificent 500 acre golf resort at a knockdown price. This resort reopened in January 2010 and has provided a much needed boost for this Bahamian island’s economy. Resorts such as this are the life-blood of our islands and positive encouragement from Caribbean Governments has been able to attract new investment to distressed properties that are so important for local employment. Another property, the Four Seasons in Nevis, recently re-opened in December 2010 having been closed for over 2 years. The 196-room golf resort has been refurbished as a result of new investment and the re-opening has been a real positive step forward for the island as a whole. The pro-active actions of the Barbados Government have been instrumental in
the recent re-starting of construction of the Four Seasons at Clearwater Beach following their provision of a $60million loan guarantee in return for equity interest. The project provides for 36 luxury villas and a hotel and had stalled mid-construction in February 2009. Following the agreement of new financing from Trinidad based ANSA Merchant Bank, the project now appears to be back on course. The Bahamas Government has actively sought to encourage new investment players into the Caribbean market and assisted greatly in attracting $2.5billion of new financing to Nassau’s 2,250-room Baha Mar Cable Beach redevelopment project, which is set to stimulate significant growth for The Bahamas. Located on the island’s premier beach, the completed resort will boast six hotels, the largest convention centre in The Bahamas, the largest casino in the Caribbean, a world-class golf course and retail village. Construction is at last underway and this massive project is set to bring a huge boost to the local economy and provide thousands of new jobs. New financing for the project has been provided by ExportImport Bank of China (EXIM) and to supplement the Bahamian labour available to build the resort, Baha Mar has partnered with China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) to supply short-term labour from China to help complete the resort as quickly as possible. However, local Government assistance can only go so far. Resort developers must be able to adapt to the changing tourism investment model in order to attract new backing for their projects. In particular, there appears to be a trend away from those concepts relying on residential components as a significant source of financing. Residential condominium products have seen significant reductions in price due to a lack of demand, typically to a level below what the replacement cost would be – therefore discouraging developers from starting or continuing with these types of resort projects. The reduction of second home real estate investment from the Caribbean’s key investment markets combined with falling tourism arrivals and a decline in
real estate based project financing has had a dramatic effect on the resort development picture in the region. In a recessionary economy, where consumer confidence is low, there is an obvious reluctance to invest significant sums in second homes, particularly when property markets at home may have contracted significantly. Hence the resort and condominium market must evolve to cater for new market demands – vacation ownership, timeshare and fractional ownership are all examples of reducing the significance of the investment to encourage demand. Similarly, the global financial crisis and tightening of credit guidelines has led to the failure or stalling of many resort projects under construction and has prevented many others from starting construction. With lenders focusing more on cashflow and debt service rather than real estate security, and a reluctance to finance projects relying on real estate sales, the days of the condominium resort appear numbered. Success would appear to lie in the effective operation of a property as a hotel first and a real estate ownership product second. Whilst hotel average daily rates (ADR’s) and turnovers declined significantly in 2009, occupancies are now bouncing back and tourism arrivals are typically on the rise. Thus the profitability of hotel operations should continue to improve and provide development opportunities in refurbishment of existing prime hotel stock or new resort development concepts. With the lack of support from financial institutions, private equity investors are finding themselves with liquidity in a buyers market and able to choose from a considerable array of distressed or defaulting properties. Those projects that demonstrate strength of design, revenue generating potential and value for money are attracting interest from investors who recognise the evolution in the resort market. With the return of the tourists and increasing investment confidence from some of the less traditional sources (BRIC countries in particular), now may be the time for visionary developers to find new ways of packaging the traditionally idyllic Caribbean assets of sun, sea and sand.
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real estate
FEATURE PROPERTY Opus I&II, Cayman Islands ...................................74 REAL ESTATE LISTINGS Christie’s International Real Estate, Caribbean.......76 Sugar Beach, St Lucia.............................................77 Mario Carey Realty (MCR), Bahamas....................78 Nisbet Plantation, Nevis ........................................78
Photograph by Dan Christaldi
Godiva, Barbados ...................................................78
A New Caribbean
VOGUE A
s the tide turns in Grand Cayman, heralding a departure from traditional forms and pioneering a fresh wave of ultra modern designs aimed at revitalising the domestic architecture of ‘the islands that time forgot’, Opus I & II bring 5,934 square feet of glamour to one of Cayman’s most established and prestigious neighbourhoods. The two sleek-
CGI images by www.edb.co.uk
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Opus I & II – poised to deliver a sleek new chic vibe to Grand Cayman’s shores. Words by Juliet Austin
chic abodes, designed by Davenport Development’s own Paul Pearson, who hired innovating architect Robert Towell, founder and principal chartered architect of Cayman-based Robert Towell Architect Ltd., and built by savvy developers, Davenport Development Ltd., are scheduled for completion in January 2012, promising to revolutionise island style with a trendsetting new take on seaside living. Set on the natural, reef protected beach ridge of Old Prospect on Grand Cayman’s breathtaking south coast, the properties answer demand for a sophisticated, sexy South Beach (SoBe) vibe balanced with all the comforts of a family beach home. According to Towell, “Opus 1 & II will ignite, intrigue and delight the senses… The desired effect is to achieve a clean and crisp structure that appears simplistic and natural as possible to suit the surrounding environment.” Pre-construction floor plans provide options of between three to five bedrooms and bathrooms in addition to a spacious home theatre, double basement-level parking, an elevator, wine cellar and spectacular oceanfront study. Spanning four storeys, the residences boldly throw down the gauntlet on design ingenuity, celebrating geometric purity with their show-stopping black and white rectilinear façades and walls of glass.
A NEW CARIBBEAN VOGUE | 75
From outside, corner and punched window openings, cantilevered overhangs, jutting window eyebrows and an intersecting aluminium and glass canopy protecting the oversized teak front door from the elements, provide a sculptural quality with the interplay of light and shade combining with cable railed balconies to create relief. Says Towell: “The design strategy involves volumes, intersections, penetrations, straight lines with mixed material use to provide a unique professional artistic work of art.” A water wall at the raised ground floor entranceway introduces an elemental motif, a tantalising taste of things to come, while lush tropical landscaping anchors the design in place. Characterised by clean lines and modern styling, the full drama of the streamlined, open plan interior presents a striking visual coup d’état. Marazzy Italian porcelain floor tiles in charcoal and sheer walls of purest white set a tone of sleek sophistication rounded out by the drama of the La Strada-esque kitchen, with its upscale stainless steel finishings and cosmopolitan cool. Adding subtle definition to the layout, elegant lighting and tray ceiling detail create interior ‘living modules,’ maximising the spatial openness and expansive sea views. A spiral staircase winds up to a mezzanine level overlooking the living room to deliver a separate and intriguing new dimension to the scheme. Complete with integrated appliances and fine quartz-stone countertops, the look is one of refined elegance and unfettered luxury.
Double volume ceilings stretch skyward as living areas are suffused in natural light flooding in through impact-rated wall-to-wall Eurotech windows – triple glazed for insulation and safety. Framing views of extraordinary aquamarine, the brilliance of these vast, ever-changing natural canvases infuses spaces with colour and vitality – a unique design ‘aqua vitae’ – and fortifies the bond between outside and in. As well as 130 feet of pristine beach front, each residence has its own L-shaped pool lined with whimsical Venetian glass mosaic tiles, cleverly designed to accommodate a quick dip or more invigorating laps. Lit as if by heaven by a skylight in the stair tower, a wraparound tempered glass stairway with stainless steel nautical handrails climbs a dramatic forty feet to upstairs ensuite bedrooms on the second floor and up again to the stunning third storey oceanfront master suite, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and its own sundeck complete with private hot tub. Electronic retractable awnings generate shade and romance, while inside wooden ceilings add warmth and intimacy. Allowing you to bathe in the splendour of the setting, the master bathroom boasts spectacular sea views through floor to ceiling glass walls on two sides. Wile away hours in unadulterated bliss in the stand-alone bathtub or luxuriate in the rainhead jet shower; either way, what is clear is that the Opus residences are designed for those with a taste for the finer things. Undeniably hip and style-conscious, Opus I & II bring their own innovative brand of smart luxury to the Caribbean architectural scene. Driven as they are by modern minimalist design principles, each building component works in harmony to form a magnum opus unto itself; an intricate puzzle, bold in proportion and bodacious in design to signal a new era in beachfront living.
For more information about Opus I & II in the Cayman Islands please contact Davenport Development Ltd.: call 345.949.4979 or email paul@davenportdevelopmentltd.com
RL
I m pr o v e Y o u r O u t l o o k
Escape to the Caribbean’s only plantation inn on the beach
Nisbet PLANTATION BEACH CLUB NEVIS, WEST INDIES
#1 Caribbean Hotel - Travel + Leisure, 2011
Call (800) 742-6008
NisbetPlantation.com
CARIBBEAN REGION ARCHITECTS LPA International..........................................................(305) 513 3989 Andrew Goodenough Architects, Antigua.. ........................(268) 460 1489 Brisbane N. & Associates, St Kitts Nevis...........................(869) 465 5111 Caribbean Design, Architects & Engineers, Barbados.......(246) 427 5696 Downing Roger & Partner Co. Ltd, BVI...............................(284) 494 2762 John Doak Architecture ......................................................(345) 946 3625 Lancaster Associates, St Kitts & Nevis ...............................(869) 465 7931 Lee H. Skolnick Architecture...............................................(212) 989 2624 Melon Design, St Lucia ......................................................(758) 458 4605 OBM International Antigua .........................................................................(268) 462 1047 Bermuda ......................................................................(441) 278 3550 British Virgin Islands......................................................(284) 494 2148 Cayman Islands ...........................................................(345) 949 8115 Miami............................................................................(305) 537 7100 Trinidad and Tobago.....................................................(868) 624 6449 Tony Brooks Architects Ltd., (Barbados) ............................(246) 437 8881 ATTORNEYS O’Neal Webster, BVI. ...................................................(284) 494 5808 Lex Caribbean, Trinidad & Tobago .....................................(868) 628 9255 Ogier, BVI............................................................................(284) 494 0525 AVIATION & AIRLINES NetJets Inc. ..................................................................(201) 508 4855 Arrindell Aviation Services, St Maarten .......................(599) 546 7641 Biz Jet To Yacht (FBO 2000), Antigua .........................(268) 562 4347 Bohlke International Airways, St Croix ........................(340) 778 9177 I Am Caribbean Inc, Barbados....................................(242) 428 1704 I Am Jet Centre, Jamaica ............................................(876) 971 9033 Island Air, Cayman Islands ..........................................(345) 949 5252 Lloyd Aviation Services, Anguilla.........................................(954) 804 4288 Million Air San Juan, Puerto Rico ........................................(787) 994 3200 MN Aviation, Puerto Rico ....................................................(787) 791 7090 Odyssey Aviation Asheville Regional Airport .............................................(828) 684 6832 Charleston International Airport.....................................(843) 414 9200 Chicago Midway Airport ...............................................(773) 284 2867 Cincinnati Lunken Airport..............................................(513) 871 2020 Port Columbus International Airport ..............................(614) 238 3900 Lafayette Regional Airport ............................................(337) 234 3100 Lynden Pindling International Airport, The Bahamas ....(242) 702 0200 New Orleans Lakefront Airport......................................(504) 241 2800 BANKS & FINANCIAL SERVICES UBS – Global Bank......................................................(242) 394-9300 First Caribbean International Bank ......................................(246) 367 2300 St. Kitts Investment Promotion Agency (SKIPA)..................(869) 465 1153 KPMG, Barbados................................................................(246) 427 5230 KPMG, Cayman Islands .....................................................(345) 949 4800 Scotiabank Private Client Group : Bahamas:...............................................................(242) 502-5701 Cayman..................................................................(345) 914-6274 Dominican Republic ..............................................(809) 545 8110 Barbados ...............................................................(246) 417 2004 Trinidad & Tobago .................................................(868) 625 3566 Turks & Caicos.......................................................(649) 941 3971 Jamaica..................................................................(876) 946 7215 DESIGNERS Adriana Hoyos .............................................................(305) 572 9052 DCOTA: Design Center of the Americas............................(954) 920 7997 Marble of the World ............................................................(954) 745 9700 DEVELOPERS / CONSTRUCTION / SURVEYORS BCQS International Bahamas ................................................................(242) 393 5352 Barbados ...............................................................(246) 428 8091 British Virgin Islands ..............................................(284) 494 7144 Cayman Islands .....................................................(345) 949 8644 St Lucia ..................................................................(758) 450 7040 Turks and Caicos ...................................................(649) 946 4238 Decco Products Int’l Inc. ....................................................(305) 266 0104 Expert Roof (St. Martin).....................................................+59 05 90 8717 Goldeneye Development, Jamaica ....................................(876) 297 7777 Mansail Development Group, LLC, USA ............................(813) 254 3110 Rotherley Construction Inc, Barbados................................(246) 425 0950 St Kitts Nevis Anguilla Trading & Developing Co Ltd..........(869) 465 2511 Victor International...............................................................(248) 364 2400 KITCHENS, BATHROOMS & CABINENTRY Henrybuilt............................................................................(212) 966 5797 Johhny Grey .............................................................+44 (0) 173 0821424 EuroGroup International ......................................................(305) 513 0066 Downsview Kitchens of Dania ............................................(954) 927 1100 Downsview Kitchens of Juno .............................................(561) 799 7700 Kitchen Design Studio in Dominican..................................(809) 541 7707 Stafford Flooring .................................................................(441) 295 9744 Cactus Stone & Tile ............................................................(602) 275 6400 Delta Faucets .....................................................................(317) 587 1248 Living Design, St Kitts.........................................................(869) 465 3223 POOLS & OUTDOOR DESIGN David Tisherman’s Visual Inc., California ............................(310) 379 6700 ShadeScapes Americas.....................................................(970) 275 1342 Laurent Paméla, Asla..........................................................(239) 738 4427 MKS International................................................................(345) 916 7612
REAL ESTATE AGENTS Godiva Realty (Barbados) .......................................... (246) 249 8032 Christie's Great Estates Anguilla........................................................................1 888 226 4845 Antigua & Barbuda .......................................................(268) 562 6042 Bahamas ......................................................................(242) 322 1041 Barbados .....................................................................(246) 432 0840 Bermuda ......................................................................(441) 296 0278 British Virgin Islands......................................................(284) 494 2446 Cayman Islands ...........................................................(345) 815 7777 Dominican Republic.....................................................(829) 473 0000 St. Martin ................................................................(590) 590 51 02 85 Turks & Caicos .............................................................(649) 941 4105 US Virgin Islands ..........................................................(340) 775 9000 St. Barth .................................................................(590) 590 29 88 91 Knight Frank .....................................................+44 (0) 207 629 8171 Terra Caribbean ...........................................................(246) 434 9000
PROPERTY INSURANCE Island Heritage ...................................................................(345) 949 7280 REAL ESTATE AGENTS The Ritz-Carlton Resales & Rentals ....................................(345) 326 1278 Dart Realty ..........................................................................(345) 943 3278 Dragon Bay Cayman Islands..............................................(345) 815 7777 IRG International Realty Group Ltd .....................................(345) 623 1111 Michael Joseph, RE/MAX Cayman Islands.................(345) 949 6170 Cayman Islands Real Estate Brokers Association (CIREBA) ....(345) 949 7099 SHOPPING & JEWELLERY Island Companies Ltd. .......................................................(345) 640 5200 SURVEYORS & PROPERTY CONSULTANTS Charterland .........................................................................(345) 623 2772
RESORTS / MARINAS Nisbet Plantation, Nevis.....................................................1 800 742 6008 Sugar Beach, St. Lucia ...........................................+44 (0) 844 921 0126 Malliouhana, Anguilla ..........................................................(264) 497 6111 Geejam, Jamaica .............................................................1 888 4GEEJAM The Estates on Sundance Ridge, St Kitts ..........................(869) 466 1277 Cap Cana, Dominican Republic.........................................(809) 227 2262 Nanny Cay Village, BVI .......................................................(284) 494 4895 Ocean’s Edge, St Kitts .......................................................(869) 466 7991 Oil Nut Bay, BVI .................................................................(800) 761 0377 Sugar Ridge, Antigua .........................................................(268) 562 7727 The Crane Resort, Barbados..............................................(246) 423 6220 Turtle Breeze Villa .............................................................1 (866) 331 4269 Apes Hill, Barbados............................................................(246) 432 4500
AVIATION & AIRLINES Bahamasair.........................................................................(242) 377 8452 Cat Island Air ......................................................................(242) 377 3318 Executive Flight Support .....................................................(242) 424 9598 Odyssey Aviation Bahamas................................................(242) 702 0200 Western Air..........................................................................(242) 377 2222
SHIPPING Tropical Shipping ..................................................................800 638 8767
BANKS Scotia Bank ........................................................................(242) 502 5799 SG Private Banking .............................................................(242) 302 5000
SHOPPING, JEWELLERY & AUTO Effy Jewelers Aruba............................................................................(297) 588 9812 Bahamas ......................................................................(242) 326 7560 Curacao......................................................................(5999) 461 9790 Grand Cayman.............................................................(345) 949 3393 Puerto Rico...................................................................(787) 721 0256 St Kitts & Nevis.............................................................(869) 465 1339 St Maarten ....................................................................(599) 542 3951 St Thomas...................................................................(340) 776 3339Mercedes Benz International ........................................+55 11141736611 TOURISM BOARD Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority .............................(268) 562 7600 Saint Lucia Tourist Board ....................................................(758) 452 4094 BVI Tourist Board ................................................................(284) 494 3134 St. Kitts Tourism Authority....................................................(869) 465 4040
CAYMAN ISLANDS ARCHITECTS Design (Cayman).........................................................(345) 949 2800 John Doak Architecture...............................................(345) 946 3625 ATTORNEYS Conyers Dill and Pearman..................................................(345) 945 3901 J Barry Smith Attorney-at-Law.............................................(345) 943 7700 ART & ARTIST Hannah Cook Studio ..........................................................(345) 916 3060 AVIATION SERVICES Island Air .............................................................................(345) 949 5252 BANKING & MORTGAGES Cayman National Bank .......................................................(345) 949 4655 Fidelity Bank (Cayman) Ltd.................................................(345) 949 7822 First Caribbean International Bank (Cayman) Ltd ...............(345) 949 7300 HSBC Bank (Cayman) Ltd..................................................(345) 949 7755 CONDOMINIUM & VILLA RENTALS The Ritz-Carlton Luxury Rentals..................................(345) 326 1278 Cayman Villas, Vacation Rentals.........................................(345) 945 4144 Cotton Tree .........................................................................(345) 943 0700 CONDO/RESIDENCES DEVELOPMENTS The DeckHouses at the Ritz-Carlton (Grand Cayman) ......(345) 815 7777 The Terraces at Camana Bay .............................................(345) 640 3808 DEVELOPMENTS / MARINAS Camana Bay.......................................................................(345) 946 2229 The Bacadere Marina .........................................................(345) 949 3743 DEVELOPERS Davenport Development Ltd .......................................(345) 949 4979 Orion Developers ...............................................................(345) 815 7777 DART – Camana Bay .........................................................(345) 943 3278 INTERIOR DESIGN & DECOR Design Studio ..............................................................(345) 945 4977 Sticks & Stones ..................................................................(345) 947 8663 KITCHENS, CABINETRY & FLOORING Bon Vivant...........................................................................(345) 623 2665 Stafford Flooring .................................................................(345) 943 2722 Storage Solutions ...............................................................(345) 525 2647
BAHAMAS
ARCHITECTS Artech Bahamas Ltd...........................................................(242) 327 2335 Bruce LaFleur & Associates ...............................................(242) 323 8421
CONCIERGE SERVICES Platinum Pineapple......................................................(242) 393 4921 Island Concierge Services..................................................(242) 362 6861 INTERIOR DESIGN & DECOR Downsview Kitchens of Nassau ..................................(242) 377 0004 Floral Arts.....................................................................(242) 325-3581 RESIDENCIAL DEVELOPMENTS Bayroc Beach Residences.................................................(242) 327 0112 Lyford Cay ..........................................................................(242) 362 4211 Ocean Club Residences and Marina .................................(242) 363 3000 Old Fort Bay........................................................................(242) 362 6434 REAL ESTATE AGENTS Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty ...........................(242) 322 2305 H.G. Christie .......................................................................(242) 322 1041 Morley Realty ......................................................................(242) 394 7070 Ocean Club Real Estate .....................................................(242) 328 7777 RESORTS & SPAS Compass Point...................................................................(242) 327 4500 Dermal Distributions ...........................................................(242) 327 6786 Wyndham Nassau Resort...................................................(242) 677 4115
TURKS AND CAICOS AVIATION & AIRLINE Air Provo Centre..................................................................(649) 946 4181 ARCHITECTS RA Shaw Designs ........................................................(649) 941 4394 Simon Wood Associates ....................................................(649) 946 5911 BANKS Hallmark Bank & Trust Ltd ..................................................(649) 946 5524 Royal Bank of Canada........................................................(649) 941 4667 CONDO/RESIDENCIAL DEVELOPMENTS NorthWest Point Resort.......................................................(649) 941 8961 The Estates of Grace Bay Club ..........................................(649) 941 3900 The Gansevoort ..................................................................(649) 941 7555 The Sands at Grace Bay ....................................................(649) 946 5199 The Shore Club ..................................................................(649) 232 1067 Turtle Breeze ......................................................................1 866 331 4269 DEVELOPMENTS HAB Group .........................................................................(649) 946 5126 Regent Village.....................................................................(649) 941 4400 Sail Rock, South Caicos .....................................................(649) 333 6943 The Saltmills........................................................................(649) 946 4238 INSURANCE International Insurance Agency Ltd ....................................(649) 941 3195 The Insurance Centre .........................................................(649) 941 4814 INTERIOR DESIGN & DECOR Design Studio.....................................................................(649) 941 4848 Finishing Touch............................................................(649) 941 4393 REAL ESTATE AGENTS Hartling Realty.....................................................................(649) 941 4100 Sail Rock, South Caicos .....................................................(649) 333 6943