FROM THE PUBLISHER
Feliz Navidad! Welcome to our Sparkle & Shine issue. In our Exclusive Cover Feature on page 16 we talk to Edward Childs and Sylvia Moses from renowned real estate company, Smith Gore about their rebrand to Christie’s International Real Estate BVI and we tour their exclusive listing, Red Rock Villa on Virgin Gorda. In the lead-up to Christmas each year, Roy and I inevitably find ourselves running around town - grabbing the last stocking fillers and gathering all the final touches for the dinner table. Last year, while watching the boys play on the beach at Trellis Bay (as we so often do!), we ran into friends whose children are a similar age. “How’s all of your Christmas Day plans coming along?” I asked. “Easy!” they responded. “It’s just us this year, so we will open presents in the morning with smoothies for the kids and a bottle of bubbles for us, then head to one of the resorts for dinner” they continued. This time around, I’m thinking about their relaxed approach and I remind myself to tone-down the running around, just a little. There are all sorts of festive styles and they all have their charms. At VIPY, our festive pages are anything but relaxed. In our usual style, we cram as much content into our Sparkle and Shine issue as possible. Turn to page 36 for House of Luxury’s gold, diamond, gemstone and watch feature plus their top tips on how to buy a diamond ring. Our annual Christmas Gift Guide on page 44 features fantastic gift ideas from a selection of BVI retailers, reminding us all that there is great shopping on island this festive season. On page 52 Arawak Interiors provide inspiration for tables, decorations and gifts and you’re invited to their Sip & Shop Day on 16 December - there will be giveaways and even a few sneaky discounts (sshhh… you didn’t hear it from me). To round out the festivities in this issue, turn to page 58 to see the recipe for my favourite Christmas dessert, New Zealand’s own Pavlova.
Photography by Carolina Ansaldo.
On our Cover is Red Rock Villa - read all about this stunning Estate on page 19. We also get the low-down on Smiths Gore's re-brand to Christie's International Real Estate BVI joining a prestigious global group. Photography by Samuel Childs, Island Films.
Merry Christmas and happy start to high season to you all.
F O L LOW U S Erin
8 | V I P R O P E R T Y & YA C H T
@vi.propertyyacht @VirginIslandsPropertyYacht
