FEATURES | RESIDENTIAL
The Ultimate Investment: Why Luxury Buyers Are Turning to Resort Real Estate By Tricia McCaffrey Hyon, Executive Vice President of Sales, IMI Worldwide Properties
The world has shifted. Time has become the ultimate luxury, and homeownership, particularly in resort destinations, has taken on new meaning. For today’s affluent buyers, a second home isn’t just an escape or occasional indulgence. It’s about connection, legacy and investing in something both emotionally fulfilling and financially sound. At IMI Worldwide Properties, we’ve witnessed this transformation firsthand across our portfolio of luxury resort communities. Buyers are seeking more than stunning views; they want places to live fully, reconnect with loved ones and feel part of something extraordinary. Two properties in very different climates — Finale in Breckenridge, Colo. and Jack’s Bay in Eleuthera, Bahamas — illustrate why demand for resort real estate continues to accelerate, even as broader markets have cooled. Premium Demand Meets Limited Supply Every era has its defining destinations, and today’s most coveted communities share three traits: authenticity, scarcity and a sense of belonging. Finale embodies all three. Set on the last remaining land available for development in one of America’s most iconic ski towns, Finale offers an unmatched opportunity to live slopeside, resortadjacent or in the heart of downtown Breckenridge. Designed for year-round living with seamless access to both the slopes and vibrant town center, Finale appeals to discerning buyers seeking authentic mountain living and alpine luxury without compromise. Its mix of upscale townhomes, condominiums, ski chalets, single-family homes, home sites and a luxury hotel makes it truly irreplaceable. Similarly, Jack’s Bay in Eleuthera pairs natural beauty with refined design, favoring low density in lieu of overdevelopment. Crafted by world-renowned architects and designers and anchored by Tiger Woods’ TGR Design and Nicklaus Design golf courses, the private oceanfront community delivers barefoot luxury at its highest level. Residences here aren’t just homes, but experiences defined by place and purpose. A true “oasis for the soul,” Jack’s Bay feels worlds away yet is easily accessible from major East Coast hubs like West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale. Its exclusivity comes from intention — you must seek it out to find it, but once there, you’re rewarded with an unmatched sense of peace and belonging.
50 MANN REPORT | MARCH 2026
Financial Strength: Lifestyle with a Return Luxury real estate is uniquely resilient. High-net-worth individuals are often insulated from economic volatility, and resort properties offer both recreational enjoyment and important investment benefits, including appreciation potential, diversification and reliable income. Tangible assets like these can hedge against inflation and long-term market swings. Community-provided hospitality management programs now make passive income seamless. At Finale, for example, Imperial Hotel homeowners can join a rental program managed by Breckenridge Grand Vacations, ensuring their property is cared for by a trusted local team while generating consistent revenue when not in use. Demand for premier vacation rentals continues to drive strong nightly rates and occupancy, translating to lucrative returns. Over time, ownership in sought-after resort destinations typically brings long-term appreciation and favorable resale value. Before Finale’s official sales launch, Breckenridge doubled its sales of $6 million-plus homes to 17 transactions in 2024, ranking among the three most expensive small towns in the country. This momentum shows no signs of slowing. The Bahamas saw a 54% year-over-year increase in sales activity in Q4 2024. At Jack’s Bay, limited inventory, favorable tax conditions (no income, capital gains or inheritance taxes) and the tranquility of Eleuthera also position buyers for strong long-term value and growth. The timing is ideal. Over the next 20 years, an estimated $84 trillion in wealth will transfer from older Americans to Gen X and Millennials. Tangible, legacy-driven assets like resort real estate properties will remain one of the most trusted vehicles for preserving and growing that wealth. In short, today’s owners want to “have their cake and eat it too,” enjoying a private retreat while generating meaningful returns. Combined with long-term appreciation, this makes resort properties one of the most resilient and rewarding asset classes of the past decade. Legacy and Emotional Value For high-net-worth individuals, emotional return now carries as much weight as financial return. In a post-pandemic world, people crave more time with family in places that restore and inspire.
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