St Lucia One of the most up and coming countries in the Caribbean, St Lucia is famous for its natural beauty with rainforests, mountains, waterfalls, secret coves and long sandy beaches. The island has fast become a hotspot for property investment with the World Bank placing it in the top countries in the world in which to invest. Over the last five years property prices have more or less doubled but value for money is still exceptional. Great tax incentives - no VAT, no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax or estate tax – mean more and more investors are taking an interest in buying property here. The island’s tropical climate
also makes it a year-round destination which ensures continually high occupancy rates and in turn, high rental yields. Luke Smith, managing director of Crystal Investment and Real Estate, comments, “This beautiful and tranquil island has seen a yearly increase in the number of tourists. The growing popularity of this environmentally aware island as a holiday destination means that there is excellent rental potential for properties where the average hotel occupancy rate is nearly . Up to August of this year there had been an arrivals increase of . year on year. Everything indicates that the St. Lucia property market is a sound investment.”
PALM VIEW RESORT, FOND BAY, EAST COAST With spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean, Palm View Resort offers world-class amenities against a tranquil and breathtaking backdrop. Its 230 private beach suites all have a 24-hour concierge service and private butler upon request. The properties are finished to a superb specification with stylish, comfortable furniture and fittings selected by an award winning interior design team. The overall development has been designed to preserve the local ecological environment with conservation, sustainability, energy efficiency and ecoawareness as major factors. Apart from the exclusive private beach club, there is a multitude of activities including an Ernie Ells designed golf course, a tennis court and water sport centre, whilst for those who prefer to relax there is a stunning spa and a range of boutique shops. In the evenings guests can choose from a selection of bars and fine dining restaurants followed by a film, play or visit to the casino. From £237,868 / €279,260 / $363,518 Crystal Investment and Real Estate: +44 (0)1279 400448
FREEDOM BAY, WEST COAST A new sustainable resort operated by award winning Six Senses Resorts, comprising a five-star hotel and private one and two-bedroom residential villas, each with their own pool, and a vast range of facilities. These include a spa centre, scuba diving and sailing facilities, restaurants, bars and 24-hour concierge services. From £880,000 / €1m / $1.35m - £1.3m / €1.5m / $1.987m (fractional ownership also available) Freedom Bay: +44 (0)207 718 5573 info@freedombaysaintlucia.com
THE HILL Surrounded by 3.6 acres of gardens in a hill top location at the very north of St Lucia, this property provides both an existing substantial villa (designed in three connected segments), with pool and staff quarters. Offering panoramic views down both coasts of St Lucia and north to Martinique, it has shaded walkways throughout the formal grounds which provide trees, shrubs and plants to challenge many botanical gardens in the region. The Hill also provides opportunity and the space for a new owner to re-model it into a boutique hotel. £8m / €9.4m / $12.2m Brown & Co (Caribbean): +1 758 451 6151 66
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International Property & Travel
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