Virgin Islands Property & Yacht | April 2020 | Surf's Up with Surf School BVI

VIRGIN ISLANDS

PROPERTY APRIL 2020

Su

&YACHT

p U s ’ rf

Catch a wave with Surf School BVI

INTERIORS

BVI NOW

SPRING BREAK

CLASSIC BLUE FEELS FRESH AGAIN

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To live your dreams, you need a plan.

Give your dream of owning your own property a solid foundation with a tailored financing plan. Our experienced specialists will determine the best term and interest for you based on your wealth situation, leaving you free to start planning and make your dream come true.

VP Bank (BVI) Ltd VP Bank House · 156 Main Street · PO Box 2341 · Road Town · Tortola VG1110 · British Virgin Islands T +1 284 494 11 00 · F +1 284 494 11 44 · info.bvi@vpbank.com · www.vpbank.com

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The insiders guide to the BVI for tourists and people who live and work in the BVI • Works without a cell connection or data plan • Maps with verified locations and up-to-date contact information for local businesses and attractions • Automatically alerts you of places of interest that are nearby • Check out activities on the water and on land • Find great eating and drinking spots nearby

BVI Now is packed with insider tips and helpful information.

Download BVI Now for free from the App store and Google Play store.

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Visit the Sales Desk at Scrub Island, our office at Nanny Cay Marina or call +1(284) 340 3000 to arrange a tour.

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info@coldwellbankerbvi.com www.coldwellbankerbvi.com/scrubisland +1 (284) 340 3000 +1(855) MY BVI VILLA

Luxury Vacation Villas for Rent and for Sale

An exclusive collection of luxury vacation villas, for rent & for sale, on or above the BVI’s best beaches.

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contents APRIL 2020

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Surf’s up in Josiah’s Bay, Tortola

Sunlight has aesthetic and wellness benefits - let more into your home

Top tips for how to rent out your villa for vacationers

SURF SCHOOL BVI

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SPRING BREAK

Where to stay and what to eat

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

LET THERE BE LIGHT

VILLAS & VIEWS

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Pantone’s Colour of the Year is perfect for Caribbean homes

The best new app for what’s happening in the BVI

CLASSIC BLUE

BVI NOW

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FOUNDING PUBLISHER Colin Rathbun

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

VIRGIN ISLANDS PROPERTY & YACHT is published eleven times per year (February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December/January). Š 2020 alookingGlass Limited. All pieces reproduced in this issue are under prior copyright by the creators or by the contractual arrangements with their clients.

Nothing shown may be reproduced in any form without obtaining the permission of the creators and any other person or company who may have copyright ownership.

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

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

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Residential Sales

Call 284 494 2446 or email info@smithsgore.com

Let our experienced team find you the perfect property in the beautiful British Virgin Islands. Whether you are looking for a one bedroom condominium or a luxurious estate we can find you the right property and guide you through the buying process.

SEA FANS, VIRGIN GORDA

• Sales Price: $3,950,000 • Bedrooms: 4 • Baths: 4 Sea Fans offers a rare opportunity to own beachfront property on the pristine Mahoe Bay on Virgin Gorda’s western coastline.

It comes with four luxurious bedroom suites, a spacious Great Room, expansive outdoor terraces and of course, a sunny pool.

VILLA SUN, BELMONT ESTATES, TORTOLA

• Sales Price: $1,250,000 • Bedrooms: 2 • Baths: 3 The property offers two parcels, one with the house as built (0.954 acres) and the other (0.686 acres) ready for construction with paved road access and electricity and telecoms already cabled. The property suffered some storm damage in 2017 and is selling “as is”.

TORTOLA Britannic Hall

SILVER PALMS, LONG BAY BEACH, TORTOLA

• Sales Price: $2,600,000 • Bedrooms: 4 • Baths: 5 Located above one of the islands most beautiful beaches, this property offers privacy and tranquility but is easily accessible and close to amenities. This really is one of Tortola’s premier properties.

VIRGIN GORDA Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour

www.smithsgore.com

TRILLIUM HOUSE, FRENCHMAN’S CAY, TORTOLA

• List Price: $1,500,000 • Bedrooms: 3 • Baths: 3.5 Situated just above the dramatic shoreline on Frenchman’s Cay, this home has stunning views of the outer islands. It offers an open plan kitchen/living room with additional outdoor kitchen and bar area with a beautiful covered dining deck.

EDITOR’S NOTE

“Travel: the best way to be lost... and found... at the same time.”

— Brenna Smith

on the cover

Learning to surf has never been more fun than on Tortola’s north shore with Surf School BVI. Cover image by Carolina Ansaldo

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

SPRING BREAK HAS taken on a young person’s connotation in recent years. We imagine college co-eds or young children out of school to run off some pent-up winter energy. But taking a moment in the spring to refresh and recharge is good for everyone - especially when that break is in the BVI. Our cover feature takes a special look at a unique experience on Tortola: Surf School BVI. Located on Josiah’s Bay, Steve Howes and his staff teach people how to read the waves and catch a few good ones, while bringing a community together to enjoy the ocean.

In this month’s Villas & Views piece, we present some tips on turning a treasured Caribbean home into a rental property so that others can experience the BVI in a truly special way. The best ways to get to the BVI, along with unique experiences and places to eat are outlined in a spring break travel piece. Plus a new, free app - BVI Now - provides users with real-time notifications about nearby places of interest nearby without needing a cell connection or data plan. Visitors and locals can find their way and always stay up-to-date on what’s happening throughout the BVI. We also think of “Spring Cleaning” as a time to clear out and refresh our homes. The architects at OBM International are “letting the light in” on a piece about how to bring more natural light inside with intentional window uses. And the Pantone Colour of the Year makes any coastal home fresh again with a splash of Classic Blue.

Our hope is that this issue provides a refreshing oasis from daily life, allowing you a moment to recharge and take in more of the beautiful islands.

Enjoy the issue!

Sara

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BRING GREAT DESIGN HOME

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

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

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

SURF SCHOOL BVI

SURF’S UP We catch a wave - and catch up with the BVI’s only surfing school

BY SARA SHERMAN P H OTO G R A P H Y BY C A R O L I N A A N SA L D O

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Surf School BVI instructor Steve Howes with surfing student Haven Meyers

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SURF SCHOOL BVI

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ON TORTOLA’S NORTH shore, the waves roll in to Josiah’s Bay Beach and create some of the best surfing conditions in the Caribbean.

Aside from the stunning view and fantastic weather, the vibe of this beach is unique.

“Josiah’s bay is a majestic gem of a place that brings all walks of life down for all different reasons, surfing being one of them obviously,” said Steve Howes, owner of Surf School BVI. Howes was born in Australia, grew up in South Africa, and has surfed in more than 20 countries. His English parents wanted Steve and his brother to be safe with the ocean just outside their Durban, South African home and enrolled them in a surfing and lifesaving club. Howes learned and rose through the ranks as a junior lifeguard and then became a qualified lifeguard at age 14. After working

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OPPOSITE PAGE Surf school student Tommy Bovio carries his board to watch for the next good wave THIS PAGE: Surf School BVI is more than a school - it’s a community.

Howes’s dog BB is his faithful beach companion - and even catches his own wave now and then.

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“No wave is the same, and the energy that has travelled for thousands of miles to land on our shores is something special.”

after school and on weekends, Howes then became a full-time professional lifeguard after graduating. He moved to England and worked on the Cornwall coast and later lifeguarded on the New South Wales coastline of Australia before accepting a contract with the British Virgin Islands to train lifeguards in the Caribbean.

After years of enjoying the waves of Josiah’s Bay Beach, Howes was continually approached by visitors wanting to know where on Tortola they could learn to surf. He would often take his own board out with someone and show them some basics.

“Watching people get so stoked about surfing out there made me want to do this every day,” said Howes.

Ready to make a business of his favourite hobby, Howes approached BVI-born surfer (and founding editor of Surfer’s Path magazine) Alex DickRead with an idea. They formed

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

Steve Howes in his element surfing the beautiful waves on Tortola

SURF SCHOOL BVI

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LEFT Surf School BVI hosts annual surfing competitions that bring the community together ABOVE Surf School BVI’s Alex Dick-Read catching the perfect barrel on Tortola

Ground Sea Adventures, catering to intrepid travellers wanting to make the most of all of the fantastic ecoexperiences that the land and sea of the BVI has to offer.

Based in Josiah’s Bay, Surf School BVI was born in 2012. People come to the beach to relax, rent surfboards and bodyboards, and on calm days kayaks and paddleboards or snorkel gear to explore the marine life.

Howes and his staff teach people the ins and outs of surfing and often teach people of all backgrounds and experience levels. Their surf lessons BCQS_VIPY_ThridPG-Horizontal_Feb-Issue_PRINT.pdf

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are their most popular service and are offered in private or group session formats. People can rent high-quality surfboards for the day or the week, and get instruction from lifelong surfers that will help them learn to read the waves, position themselves on the board and most importantly, have fun learning something new.

“Lots of people happen to just be on holiday or passing by on a boat and not even realize you can catch waves here,” said Howes.

Most people want to learn to “catch a wave”, and this is something Howes tells people takes a lot of time.

While reading the water and knowing what’s coming can be done, it often takes hours of time on a board in the water to get the hang of it. Beginners shouldn’t be discouraged, however, since plenty of fun can be had at every stage of learning to surf.

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“Every day you’ll take a good wipeout, but most people keep coming back for more,” said Howes.

In addition to offering surf lessons, Surf School BVI is the heart of a community of people that love the ocean and the BVI. After Hurricane Irma, people were looking for events to bring the island together in a positive way during an extremely difficult time. Surf School BVI was approached by a couple of surfers that thought a family fun day combined with a friendly surf competition would be an event that people could enjoy together. Now in its fifth year, the competition has grown to other times of the year, including Christmas and Easter (complete with surfing Santa and Easter Bunny categories).

Everyone is welcome to compete, including kids and what Howes calls the “old boy legends”. The event

12:42 PM

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SURF SCHOOL BVI

Top 3 things to learn from your first ever surf lesson: • How to hold your board to go under and through waves • How to paddle out for a wave and which foot to put forward when standing on the board • How to watch the waves and time them just right Haven Meyers rides a wave into shore BELOW Surf School BVI has a special community vibe - Come down, have a lesson and see for yourself.

More time in the water means better surfing

attracts a large community following each April.

Howes never fails to appreciate the ocean’s power and implores everyone to give it the respect she deserves.

“One thing I always tell my guys is never have your back turned to the ocean; always be looking at it. That’s something that was drummed into me from an early age,” said Howes.

While he won’t reveal his favourite surfing spots in the BVI, he says that any and all types of waves are available to people wanting to experience them.

“The more we know about the ocean the more we respect it. No wave is the same and the energy that has travelled for thousands of miles to land on our shores is something special.” ■

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

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SPRING BREAK

TAKE A BREAK With plenty of sun and tourists thinning out, Spring may be the perfect time to take a break in the BVI

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

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Whether you’re fleeing winter weather or simply want to slow down for a while, the BVI is a top-notch Spring Break destination

THE BRITISH VIRGIN Islands are lovely the entire year-round, but Spring may actually be the perfect time to visit. The weather is impeccable, the water is always crystal clear and the breezes are still flowing freely as the temperatures start to heat up. The tourist season is starting to slow down close to Easter, so the crowds are also becoming smaller. Plus, there’s the chance that a whale could still be sighted as they finish their migration trek to warmer waters.

If you’re considering a spring break trip to the BVI, book your ticket - this guide is for you.

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Travel Getting to the BVI is simpler than ever with more flights available from major cities across the globe. Flying directly to Tortola (EIS) is a quick trip from San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU) or from St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands (STT). Direct flights are also available from St. Maarten, Dutch West Indies (SXM). Often a more economic option is to fly directly to St. Thomas, and then enjoy a peaceful ferry ride to a few different islands in the BVI. Once you’re in Tortola, there are a number of accommodation options to choose from. A private villa is a fabulous way to stay and see the

territory. Many rent for a week at a time, but some will accommodate shorter stays or rent parts of villas for smaller groups. A villa rental will often have all the amenities of a hotel, if not more. Private pools, outdoor baths and a beautiful view are often a special draw for those wanting a secluded experience.

Hotels large and small are also available for a great Spring break vacation. From a eco-glam experience at Cooper Island Beach Club or Anegada Beach Club to the understated luxury of Rosewood Little Dix Bay, staying in the BVI is anything but ordinary.

SPRING BREAK

Another fantastic way to enjoy spring break in the BVI is on a chartered yacht. Vessels large and small are available to charter for an unforgettable week of sailing through the islands. Whether you’re travelling with a group of friends or are here for a romantic getaway, a charter offers a personalized vacation experience unlike any other.

Things to Do Whether you like relaxed vibe or an adventurous trip, the BVI has it all.

The beaches are pristine, quiet and the water is calm. Perfect for a slow stroll on the sand or for staking out a spot to relax with a drink in your hand, nothing beats a BVI beach day.

Plus, you can’t beat the snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities throughout the territory.

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If a workout with a view is more your pace, there are plenty of trails to enjoy a good hike with a fabulous view at the end. Tortola’s Mount Sage National park is a 2.5-mile trail cared for by the BVI National Parks Trust leading to the tallest peak on the island. And Devil’s Bay trail on Virgin Gorda leads to the iconic Baths, huge natural boulder structures filled with caves and crevices to explore.

A day charter is an excellent way to see the islands at your own pace.

A number of companies operate in the BVI and can tailor a day on the water to things you want to do and see. If you’re a sailor, the BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival takes place in late March/early April and features competitive and friendly races, along with parties and activities for participants and spectators.

LEFT Cooper Island Beach

Club offers guests chic ecoresort accommodations with an impeccable setting and view BELOW LEFT The iconic Baths on Virgin Gorda make for a great hike and Instagram opportunities galore

ABOVE With pristine

beaches on every island, the BVI provides rest, relaxation and plenty of “vitamin sea”.

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SPRING BREAK

Eat and Drink

TOP CocoMaya offers a relaxed beachfront dining vibe with Asian and Latin dishes

ABOVE Nova is a hot new restaurant concept at Oil Nut Bay Marina Village on Virgin Gorda, giving guests small plates to share and an incredible view.

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

No matter what kind of cuisine you’re looking for, you can find it in the Caribbean. A perpetual melting pot of cultures, food is a major part of life in the islands. On Tortola, Dove is serving up contemporary dishes with international flavours, while CocoMaya on Virgin Gorda is a beautiful beachfront restaurant and lounge featuring Asian and Latin fusion food.

Seafood is, of course, a favourite cuisine in the Caribbean, and fresh lobster is best eaten on the beach, family-style, at The Lobster Trap in Anegada. A luxurious new restaurant has opened at Nova at Oil Nut Bay on Virgin Gorda. Enjoy lunch or cocktails on the beautiful deck or a sunset dinner overlooking the sea.

Spring has sprung in the BVI and there’s never been a better time to visit! ■

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Focus on what you do best; we’ll worry about the IT.

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Multiple packages to suit any budget.

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INTERIOR LIGHTING

When intentionally designed, even staircases can provide more light to different levels of the home.

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SEEING THE

LIGHT Design strategies to enrich your living environment with natural light

BY M A RV I N F L AX , M A N AG I N G D I R E C TO R , O B M I P H O T O G R A P H Y C O U R T E S Y O F O B M I N T E R N AT I O N A L

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INTERIOR LIGHTING

THERE’S A MOVEMENT afoot around wellness and nature. The average person is more aware of their health and wellness regimens, and this is tending to impact their decisions around the home building process. A crucial element in designing any space is harnessing natural light. When done correctly, sunlight can animate a space, reduce energy costs, brighten your mood, and increase productivity.

With the immense amount of sunlight we receive in the Caribbean region, efficiencies and experiences can be enhanced through the power of the sun. Here are some quick natural lighting and design tips for incorporating nature and daylight into your home.

Clear glass walls or placing glass in a wall above eye level will assist with the diffusion of light into the next room. Translucency is your friend and can be used successfully to incorporate daylight. Be sure to determine the right style, however – textured, laminated, or frosted windows and glass have various effects on light translucency.

Interior frosted windows are great opportunities to borrow light from adjacent rooms while still allowing for privacy.

Skylights are both attractive and eye-catching and provide an opportunity for bringing natural lighting into a space where access to views are blocked, or where resorts are built in a dense area. Reflective wall coverings should be paired with skylights to allow sunlight to travel into additional parts of the room.

Stairs are generally considered more for transporting people than light, but a stairwell is an excellent vehicle for borrowing light from an upper story.

Replacing solid doors with glass doors that have gazing panels are another quick and easy way to increase the ambient light level within your home, even if those panels are

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High windows bring natural light into vaulted ceilings for maximum daylight use.

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INTERIOR LIGHTING

Skylights are a natural choice for drawing sunlight down into structures. The open space allows the home to blend seamlessly with its surroundings.

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RIGHTClerestory windows not only

provide natural light to a large room, but also illuminate impressive woodworking or other definitive features of a home.

frosted or obscured glass. For any external doors, utilize impact-resistant glass for maximum protection.

Add some nature into your design space. This appeals to multiple senses and also provides an increase in good indoor air quality. Hearing water and smelling plants increases benefits to guests as humans are a multisensory people.

Enhance the airflow and ensure variability in temperatures throughout a space. Studies have shown that performance and moods are enhanced by varying air flows – clearly, nothing drastic, however subtle changes in airflow have been shown to increase balance and improve focus amongst occupants.

Incorporations of patterns also have an impact on wellness, especially

those which mimic nature and incorporate biomorphic patterns. Our brains associate these patterns with living organisms, and this encourages a connection with wellness.

Have fun with it! Utilize shading and shutters to ensure temperature controls for comfort.

You may want to marry active and passive systems within

your design to combat the humidity often experienced within the Caribbean region.

We may often take our natural resources like sunlight for granted; but if we make a conscious effort to incorporate it into our homes, we’ll improve physiological and psychological health, budget and the overall quality of life. ■

Focused On Designing Your Dream Home Every part of your project receives our care, our creativity, and our innovation.

It’s our privilege to fulfill your vision.

ARCHITECTURE MASTER PLANNING & DESIGN OBMI.COM

PANTONE COLOUR OF THE YEAR

From throw pillows to unique seating, Classic Blue is just the ticket for outdoor entertaining.

CLASSIC BLUE The Caribbean is surrounded by unending blue, and Pantone’s Colour of the Year for 2020 is a fresh take on the familiar

BY SARA SHERMAN

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PANTONE COLOUR OF THE YEAR

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ENTERING A NEW decade feels like a big deal. And Pantone’s Colour of the Year for 2020 is a classic shade that feels lush and royal, fitting for the occasion. Classic Blue also feels calming, steady, and familiar. It’s not only a beautiful hue for the home, but lends itself well to a coastal Caribbean design aesthetic, drawing the ocean indoors. For a daily dose of “vitamin sea” using colour, here are ways you can incorporate a new look for 2020 into every room of your home.

Linens Find a fresh take on a classic tropical print for bedding or curtains to liven up a space. Every coastal home needs a good palm print, but the blue fronds liven up the linens and bring the print into a new decade of design.

If a bold print doesn’t feel right, simply adding in some classic blue pillows or a throw can provide a touch of colour in a room with a mostly neutral palette. Curtains in classic blue will also draw the eye outside toward the unforgettable view.

Furniture Nothing feels as luxurious as a falling into a plush blue chair or spreading out on a comfortable sofa. Classic Blue in the form of furniture looks inviting, just begging someone to sit and stay a spell. Enjoy a good book in a cosy chair, or entertain friends on an elegant sofa that is the star of the living room’s show.

Plush or wooden chairs in a rich blue hue give a much-needed shakeup to a traditional dining room, and can be an excellent conversation starter at your next dinner party.

LEFT Paired with bright green, a blue chair makes a room feel totally tropic

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PANTONE COLOUR OF THE YEAR

Classic Blue fits really well in the bedroom, due to its calming effects and creates a feeling of serenity in the room that you want to be most peaceful.

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A palm print is fresh in a calming blue colour for bed linens

PANTONE COLOUR OF THE YEAR

Tiles A bathroom floor feels like walking on water with the elegant blue drawing the eye down toward a unique tile pattern. A shower tiled in blue will also evoke the calm of the ocean after a long day. Blue tiles also fit perfectly into a kitchen backsplash, making every day feel like a cloudless sky. By utilizing interesting patterns or shaped tiles, the colour stays fresh and eye-catching.

Paint & Paper

TOP A blue painted island is a beautiful nod to the nautical.

ABOVE A classic blue tile makes the perfect backsplash in a kitchen or creates a serene space in a bathroom

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Make a statement by painting an accent wall in a bedroom with Classic Blue. It fits really well in the bedroom, due to its calming effects and creates a feeling of serenity in the room that you want to be most peaceful. For a more dramatic effect, go bold and paint the entire dining room blue.

With good lighting, bright furniture and good accessories, mealtime will feel like a getaway.

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www.ctlbvi.com facebook.com/ctlbvi info@ctlbvi.com A P R I L

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PANTONE COLOUR OF THE YEAR

Another great place for blue paint is in a home office. Basic bookcases are out, and bold colour is in. A blue office feels traditional with a modern twist. Wallpaper is also making a comeback. Classic blue is a great background for patterns, and coastal themes often look great spread out over a wall.

Accessories Simplicity is the name of the game when it comes to adding accessories into a home. With artful consideration of items and their placement, blue can draw attention up and out of a room, and keep a good design aesthetic flowing throughout a space.

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TOP LEFT A blue office creates

a calm work environment, perfect for being productive BELOW LEFT Blue glass bottles or vases bring colour to shelves without weighing them down RIGHT Exterior walls near patios or in courtyards can benefit from a classic blue upgrade

Patio and Outdoor In the Caribbean, being surrounded by blue means some people shy away from using it on decks and patios, for fear of it being overwhelming.

But a classic shade of blue can not only be perfect for patios, but it can also actually draw the ocean closer.

Furniture and seating is a natural choice for blue hues, but don’t be afraid to go bigger with blue. Exterior walls painted blue offer a breath of fresh air from the more traditional courtyard or patio settings, while still feeling cohesive with the rest of an island home. â–

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VILLAS & VIEWS

g n i t n e R your Villa

Many factors go into making a property a successful rental venture. These tips ensure a smooth start

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

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Renting your Caribbean home to vacationers can let you enjoy the island while helping cover costs when you aren’t there.

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VILLAS & VIEWS

YOU’VE ACQUIRED YOUR dream home in the Caribbean and are ready to enjoy a mid-winter escape to blue skies, sunshine and warm, crystal clear seas. Like many homeowners, you plan to spend a number of weeks with family and friends at the property and return to your temperate home for the rest of the year. The question then arises: what do you do with your beautiful island property while you are away? Renting to vacationers can be an excellent option. While it is unlikely that a short-term rental operation will make you wealthy, if well-managed it could certainly cover your operating costs. Vacationers will happily pay for the opportunity to experience your home in the sun.

With more than 50 years of experience, Smiths Gore will guide you through the process of readying your property for vacation rental and offer hands-on assistance through the following areas.

License to Rent & Trade Licence As the owner of a villa that will operate as a short-term rental, you need to be established and set up to do so. The process is two-fold. First, get approval from the BVI Government to rent the property, including an application your lawyers will submit and manage on your behalf that will run concurrently with your application for a Non-Belongers Land Holders License (NBLHL) to purchase.

Once you have this permission you will then need to apply for a Trade Licence which enables you to register with all the relevant government agencies so that you can hire staff, take bookings and get set up to pay the associated government fees relating to short-term rental revenue.

Insurance Along with a policy that covers your house and its contents, be sure to purchase liability insurance that covers

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guests and staff. Some rental agencies also require that they are indemnified on your policy. To be sure that your property is adequately insured, have an appraisal of your property conducted by a licensed surveyor and insure at the appraised value. Several reputable insurance companies are operating in the BVI who can provide further advice on the policies and insurance coverage you may require as part of your rental operation.

Government Contributions With your Trade Licence, you can now obtain a Taxpayer Number, allowing you to pay various governmental fees.

Hotel Accommodation Tax, calculated at 10% of rental proceeds, is paid monthly. Once you’ve hired staff, you must make monthly contributions to Social Security and National Health Insurance on their behalf. A payroll tax is also levied monthly.

Property and Rental Management It is best to engage the services of a reputable rental management company. The best companies will customize their services to your unique needs, creating bespoke marketing strategies via websites, magazines and social media platforms.

Other rental management services include maintaining a master calendar, fielding inquiries from potential guests, partnering with agents and wholesalers, arranging trips for travel agents and promoters, issuing contracts and invoices, collecting payments, concierge services, meeting guests, and managing villa staff and the multitude of providers that contribute to a full vacation experience for your guests.

RIGHT Plenty of seating,

minimal personal effects and a clean and functional kitchen all go into creating an inviting (and rentable) vacation villa

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VILLAS & VIEWS

Vacation rental absolute must-have: an owner’s closet. You will be able to secure your personal belongings, ensuring that you have them for your next vacation.

ABOVE High-quality linens make guests feel comfortable in your home. Make sure to also set realistic policies and fees regarding housekeeping and check-in and check-out times.

Rental Property Preparation

Rental Policies and Rates

The task of preparing your house for a vacation rental may seem daunting and expensive. You’ll want good quality linens, kitchen equipment, updated appliances, pool and beach toys, internet, satellite television, and the list goes on. The solution: keep it simple and keep a spare.

Remembering that it is not always economical to purchase appliances in the islands, it’s a good idea to keep spares of everything. Empty your home of personal items so you do not run the risk of damage to precious belongings. An absolute must-have: an owner’s closet. You will be able to secure your personal belongings, ensuring that you have them for your next vacation.

An experienced agent will guide you through establishing rental policies for your villa. These include rates, damage deposit, cancellation policy, liability waiver, housekeeping and laundry services and fees, provisioning and other amenities. It is of utmost importance that rental rates are established correctly based on the villa rental market. A study of comparable villa rental rates will provide guidance. In the islands, there are two seasons, and each has different rates. The more expensive (and busy) “high season” starts with the Christmas and New Year holidays and runs to the end of the Easter week. The alternate “low season” starts the week after Easter and runs

to the start of Christmas week. Most owners also charge a premium for their villa over the peak Christmas and New Year period.

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Other considerations such as partnering with wholesalers, using international rental agents, hiring staff and other local providers also determine the success of your vacation rental villa. These service providers are key in attracting guests and creating a repeat clientele.

It will take some time for a villa to become well-known but with excellent management, efficient providers and the right amenities, you will soon build up a clientele of happy repeat guests. The goal is to have a successful vacation rental villa that gives you the freedom to enjoy your tropical vacation home without the expense of keeping one. ■

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Vacation Villas Let our experienced team find you the perfect villa for your getaway to the beautiful British Virgin Islands. Our varied portfolio can accommodate couples to large groups, all with breathtaking views and stunning surroundings. Get in touch today to start planning your vacation of a lifetime!

TINGALAYO West End, Tortola

Rates from $11,500/week 6 Bedrooms, 7 Bathroom, Pool, Jacuzzi, Sleeps 12

6

ALFRESCO Long Bay, Tortola

Rates from $3,780/week

3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Bathroom, Pool, Sleeps 6

BATU VILLA Virgin Gorda 3

3.5

SOL Y SOMBRA Little Trunk Bay, Virgin Gorda

Rates from $14,525/week

6 Bedrooms, 6 Bathrooms, Pool, Sleeps 12

For more information on these listings or additional vacation villas, call 284 494 2446 or email vacationrentals@smithsgore.com

7

Rates from $17,500/week

4 bedrooms, 4.5 Bathrooms, Pool, Sleeps 8

4

4.5

ON THE ROCKS VILLA Little Trunk Bay, Virgin Gorda 6

6

Rates from $7,500/week

4 Bedrooms, 4 Bathroom, Pool, Sleeps 8

TORTOLA Britannic Hall

4

VIRGIN GORDA Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour

www.villavacationsbvi.com

4

TECHNOLOGY

BVI Now

A groundbreaking app for visitors and island residents that puts the BVI at the forefront of mobile technology

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THE BVI HAS long been a tourist haven and knowing where to go and what to do is always a top priority for visitors. For locals that love and appreciate all the BVI has to offer, staying up to date on restaurants and businesses has long-term appeal. A new app can help both visitors and residents make the most of what the BVI has to offer.

Now available for free download from the Apple App Store and Google Play, BVI Now is believed to be the first travel app of its kind in the world. It was specifically developed for tourists and people who live and work in the BVI to function as an “insider’s guide” to what’s going on in the islands.

Created by BVIslanders out of a need for information after the 2017 hurricane season, BVI Now provides a centralized place for information on businesses and happenings. One of the most appealing features of

The best of the BVI is available in the palm of your hand with the new BVI Now app - no cell connection or data plan needed!

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TECHNOLOGY

BVI Now app users get automatically notified when restaurants, bars, shops or points of interest are nearby.

The app features more than 500 verified listings with maps and contact details.

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the app is that no cell service or data connection is needed to find out about places of interest and navigate around the BVI. “In the US or Europe, people are used to having information at their fingertips on their smartphones. In the BVI, because of high surcharges, most tourists don’t have data plans, so even if correct information were available, the smartphones couldn’t use it,” said Chuck Krallman, the app developer.

More than 500 businesses and attractions are listed in the app, along with up to date maps and

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verified contact details. From watersports to bars and restaurants, BVI Now allows tourists to find the best of the islands, and locals can stay connected to their favourite places.

When people are travelling around the territory, the app automatically notifies them and provides helpful information, tips and places of interest that are nearby.

“BVI Now incorporates the very latest mobile app technologies. But, unlike apps from companies like Facebook and Google, it’s completely anonymous and respectful of people’s privacy. No personal data is collected

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TECHNOLOGY

or stored. And you want to know the best part? It wasn’t created in Silicon Valley or London or any of the big tech hubs in the world, but right here in the BVI by BVIslanders,” said David Penn, BVI Now’s Executive Liaison.

For advertisers Reaching prospects on their mobile phone, even when they’ve lost their cell signal or don’t have a data plan, is a unique capability of BVI Now. BVI Now reaches potential customers before they visit, when people are planning their trip, and also them in real-time, as they move around the territory during their visit. ■ For more details about how to advertise your business in BVI Now please contact Erin at aLookingGlass - erin@alookingglass.com.

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The benefits of advertising your business on BVI Now • Businesses can target the customers they’re interested in, at the right time, at the right place with surgical precision • The user tells us what they’re interested in and we know when they’re nearby • No advertising waste. Facebook and Google audiences infer interests from Website browsing patterns and don’t reach people when they’re physically near our businesses • A true two-way interaction with your ideal target customer - tell them about specials and products that they have told us they are interested in e.g. casual dining out.

• Advertising packages are available for any budget.

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LUNCH: 11AM - 4PM DINNER: 6PM - 10PM

284 345 4771

omar@omarscafebvi.com www.omarfusion.com

4PM - 6:30PM

HomeInsurance

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

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

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

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

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