Cayman Islands Real Estate - Unsurpassed Sophistication on Seven Mile Beach

This week we present a selection of just sixty new beachfront apartments for sale on Grand Cayman's Seven Mile Beach, the most sought after real estate investment location in the Cayman Islands.

The property's infinity pool - the ultimate place to relax on Grand Cayman's Seven Mile Beach

Situated on over 300 feet of prime beach frontage, all residences in this prestigious luxury condominium development are ocean facing, offering panoramic and unobstructed views of the Caribbean Sea.

Prime beachfront real estate in the Cayman Islands

At the heart of this spectacular property is a beachside, sea-facing infinity edge swimming pool - the ultimate place to relax on Seven Mile Beach - "the best beach in the Caribbean".

Apartment interior with view of the Caribbean Sea and Seven Mile Beach

The residences are available in various configurations. Choose from spacious 3, 4 and 6 bedroom floor plans, starting at 3,605 square feet.

No matter which floor plan you choose, all apartments are constructed to a very high specification and finished to the very highest standard with beautiful marble, granite and wood touches and first class appliances.

The master en suite bathroom, for example, comes fitted with a spa tub, luxury granite and marble tub deck and open concept shower room with his and hers double shower.

The owners' conservatory

This luxury Cayman Islands real estate development includes an amenity collection well beyond expectation including:

> Concierge services
> Beachside infinity swimming pool
> Owners’ guest suites
> Boardroom
> Beachfront owners' conservatory with wine storage and chef’s kitchen
> State-of-the-art fitness studio and private massage room with sea views
> 24 hour security
> Private under building parking, valet parking and on-site luxury car service

This is Caribbean luxury living at its most sophisticated and indulgent.

Cayman Islands on the map

Grand Cayman's Seven Mile Beach is one of the most popular areas of Grand Cayman. This spectacular stretch of coral-sand beach is home to a number of luxury hotels, restaurants and bars overlooking the warm, clear Caribbean Sea, which is ideal for diving, snorkeling and yachting. No wonder that Seven Mile Beach regularly features in lists of the Caribbean's best beaches and the World's best beaches. Just take a look at rankings produced by US News, Frommer's and The Telegraph for a sample.

Besides spectacular beaches, the 76 square mile island of Grand Cayman has much to offer the real estate investor. Together with sister islands Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, the Cayman Islands is one of the UK's 14 Overseas Territories, renowned for its tax free status and as a major offshore financial centre. Residents are not subject to inheritance, income, property or capital gains taxes, which has attracted high net worth individuals and businesses from around the world. In fact the islands are home to more hedge funds, banks and companies than people.

Located in the western Caribbean Sea south of Cuba and west of Jamaica, the islands are a 1 hour plane ride from Miami. There are regular international flights to Grand Cayman from multiple cities across the USA, Canada, the UK and the Caribbean.

View more images and enquire for property details: beachfront apartments for sale on Grand Cayman's Seven Mile Beach.

For more information on the Cayman Islands, see our Cayman Islands Real Estate Buying Guide.

A Very Special Private Island for Sale in Belize

Exclusively offered by 7th Heaven Properties, this week we present a unique opportunity to acquire a very special private island for sale in Belize. Offered at USD $4,450,000, this 7.5 acre (30,000 sq m) private island includes three oceanfront villas, grand palapa and private enclosed marina, just minutes from the second largest reef in the world.

Private island for sale, Belize

The very essence of privacy and barefoot tropical luxury, this island estate provides the ultimate escape for the discerning buyer.

Located in a World Heritage Marine Reserve 9 miles off the coast of central Belize's Stann Creek District, this private island is situated about 4 miles inside a reef and enjoys natural protection from the elements.

The island's main villa

Surrounded by crystal clear, warm turquoise water, the island is ideal for snorkeling, sailing, fishing, or just relaxing on the beach.

Three separate villas are nestled in tropical gardens with spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea and the island's palm-fringed white sand beaches, gazebos and 1/4 miles of piers and decks.

The main villa at sunset

The main villa includes 2 bedrooms with spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea, spacious bathroom with indoor garden shower, home office and large living and dining areas ideal for relaxed Caribbean luxury living.

Interior of the main villa

Throughout the villa, contemporary European design is complemented by Asian antiques and locally hand-made furnishings and artwork, blended together to provide a unique and relaxing atmosphere.

Bedroom at the main villa

With two guest villas, both including air conditioned master suites with king-size beds, this private island could also be operated as a boutique private island retreat.

One of the guest villas features an extra outdoor bedroom for relaxing, sunbathing, or just gazing at the stars.

Bridge to the guest villa

The other guest villa is located on its own private islet connected to the main island by a picturesque bridge.

The grand palapa

The island also includes a vast thatched Grand Palapa, which serves as an additional dining and entertaining area.

Fitted with a commercial grade kitchen, separate staff quarters, 2 diesel generators, desalination plant and small solar plant, the property is fitted with all modern conveniences and offered "turnkey".

The island is located near to the towns of Dangriga (a convenient source of supplies), Hopkins (a charming tourist destination), and Sittee River (a navigable waterway which provides convenient access to Hopkins and beyond), making it ideal for exploring nearby Mayan ruins and the breath-taking surroundings, both above and below water.

Belize on the map

There are regular flights to Belize from various cities in the USA, Central and South America. The island is a 40 minute helicopter ride away from Belize's Philip Goldson International Airport. Alternatively, take a 20 minute flight or 2 hour scenic drive and then transfer via boat from the mainland.

Due to its proximity to the USA and spectacular natural beauty, the Belize real estate market is considered one of the region's most appealing location and this private island for sale represents a very special and unique investment opportunity.

View more images and enquire for details: Caribbean private island for sale in Belize.

Oceanfront Home for Sale with Separate Guest House, Vigie, St Lucia

With the annual St Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival in full swing this week, we present an oceanfront French plantation style home for sale with glass guest house in Vigie, St Lucia with views of Castries Harbour and the Caribbean Sea.

Home for sale in Vigie, St Lucia

This recently renovated charming home is situated in a very quiet residential area on a stunning, secluded 1 acre plot in Vigie on the North coast of St Lucia, close to the capital Castries.

The villa exudes the elegance of a traditional French plantation house with warm wooden walls, high ceilings and charming French Caribbean detailing.

The view of the green-blue-sea

The property's cliff top position offers panoramic views of the green-blue Caribbean Sea and Castries harbour. A beautiful infinity pool, deck, jacuzzi and gazebo are nestled in luscious tropical gardens.

The 3,500 sq ft main house includes 3 bedrooms, 3 1/2 bathrooms, 2 spacious living rooms, an indoor dining room, a covered outdoor entertaining area and gym.

The covered outdoor entertaining area

The en suite master bedroom opens on to a veranda with views over the garden, pool and out to sea.

The second en suite bedroom also opens on to an expansive veranda and private outdoor lounge area.

Tucked away in the garden, sheltered from public view, is a separate open plan guest house. Constructed primarily from glass in a contemporary style, the split level glass house is utterly unique. Double height glass windows allow natural light to pour in, creating a sense of openness.

The glass guest house

Covering 1,000 sq ft, the glass house includes a ground floor dining area, living area, bedroom and bathroom. The upper level includes an additional living area.

The interior of the glass house

Located in Vigie, close to St Lucia's capital Castries, this property is ideal for enjoying all that the beautiful island of St Lucia has to offer. St Lucia is renowned for its mountainous, lush green rainforest-covered interior, cascading waterfalls and beautiful palm-fringed beaches. Natural beauty has attracted investors, stimulating the St Lucian real estate market.

St Lucia on the map

However, the island also has a diverse entertainment and cultural scene - another reason why foreign investors have chosen to buy homes in St Lucia. The annual St Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival is one of the key dates in the cultural calendar. This year's 13 day festival, which is taking place until May 2013 and features a wide range of contemporary and classical artists such as R. Kelly, Acon, The Jacksons, St Lucian jazz musician Ronald "Boo" Hinkson, Afrobeat star Tony Allen, Tito Puente Jr. and Cuban jazz pianist Roberto Fonseca, is expected to attract visitors from around the world.

Click here for more details and images: Home for sale, Vigie, St Lucia

7th Heaven Properties Launches Barbuda Beachfront Real Estate Founders Programme

Caribbean property specialist 7th Heaven Properties launches a limited opportunity to be part of the Founder Programme of a highly exclusive community of just 23 bespoke beachfront homes on Barbuda, the breathtakingly beautiful, almost untouched sister island to Antigua.

The stunningly beautiful site of this luxury beachfront real estate development in Barbuda

7th Heaven Properties, the leading Caribbean property and destination marketing specialist, has announced the launch of a unique opportunity to be one of the first owners of a home on one of the world's most beautiful beaches. The setting is the island of Barbuda, one of the Caribbean's last "undiscovered gems".

Boutique hotel and beachfront home site

The properties will be built along a stretch of completely unspoilt beach, adjacent to one of the most exclusive boutique resorts in the Caribbean.

Backing directly on to the powder soft sands of this stunning beach which shimmers with pink tones, this very private resort, reachable only by helicopter or yacht, is a favourite destination of world renowned celebrities and aristocrats, who have enjoyed relaxing on the beach, swimming, fishing, diving and snorkeling on the nearby reefs offshore over the years.

Buyers will have the opportunity to select their lot, all of which enjoy direct beach access and views of the sparkling turquoise sea.

All lots are just 100 ft of beach from the Caribbean Sea

Lots vary in size from 1/3 acre to 2 acres and homes range from 2,500 sq ft to 5,500 sq ft. Although full architectural plans and permits are already in place, buyers will also have the opportunity to personalise the properties to build the homes of their dreams.

Luxury beachfront homes, Barbuda

In keeping with the very high level of quality of the existing boutique hotel, all villas will be built to the very highest specification and incorporate state of the art technology and design features, including luxuriously appointed kitchens and bathrooms.

The hotel suites

A limited number of the very first buyers will enjoy the benefits of a Founder's Programme, including substantially reduced pricing.

Buyers will also enjoy Villa Club Membership, including use of a hotel suite for up to 15 nights stay per month for themselves during the construction period or guests thereafter.

Villa Club Members will also enjoy use of the resort's facilities, including the restaurant, swimming pool, pool bar, helicopter pad and concierge service.

The restaurant at the hotel

Located just north of Antigua, the 62 sq m (160 sq km) island of Barbuda (not to be confused with Bermuda) has a population of just 1,600. Sparsely populated, tranquil and secluded, Barbuda exudes an old world charm that has been largely lost elsewhere. The Barbudan people are extraordinarily friendly and crime is almost non-existent.

Barbuda on the map

The human population is however considerably outnumbered by the island's bird population - Barbuda is home to a frigate bird sanctuary which is fascinating to observe during nesting season. Located near the island's largest town Codrington, caves decorated with Arawak carvings, are also ideal to explore.

The frigate bird sanctuary, Barbuda

Fortunately for those in the know, Barbuda remains off the beaten track. While sister island Antigua is one of the Caribbean's top tourist destinations, Barbuda is relatively unknown and, as a consequence, a spectacularly beautiful and serene treasure to be enjoyed by the lucky few.

To enquire and to read more, please visit the 7th Heaven Properties website: Luxury homes in beachfront real estate development, Barbuda.

Can Foreigners Buy Mexico Beachfront Real Estate?

Can foreigners buy beachfront real estate in Mexico? This questions comes up frequently due to a common misconception that foreigners cannot acquire beachfront property in Mexico. However, the answer to this question is yes, and the country's House of Representatives voted to begin simplifying the process further this past Tuesday 23rd April 2013 through a constitutional amendment.

The misconception stems from Article 27 of the Mexican constitution introduced in 1919 after the Mexican revolution which prohibited foreign nationals from owning land within 31 miles (50 km) of Mexico's coastline and within 62 miles (100 km) of Mexico's borders. The purpose of the law was to keep potentially threatening foreign invaders from strategically important areas.

With spectacular property developments and luxury homes springing up in beachfront areas and attracting real estate investors from overseas, a system was introduced in 1973 to enable foreign buyers to bypass the restrictive 1919 law, whereby real estate is acquired through a 50 year renewable "fideicomiso" (or trust), which is set up through a local bank. The foreign investor is the sole beneficiary and the property is not considered an asset of the bank. The foreign buyer retains the right to renovate, sell or pass the property on to heirs.

Luxury Beachfront Real Estate for Sale, Riviera Maya, Mexico

According to a report produced by Mexican Congressmen, 49,000 foreign nationals (the largest proportion being Americans and Canadians) bypassed the 1919 law between 2000 and 2012 and acquired Mexican beachfront real estate via the "fideicomiso" system, such as beautiful condos and luxury homes for sale in Mexico's Riviera Maya (above).

With foreign property buyers now perceived as a welcome source of foreign investment that stimulates the Mexican economy rather than a threat to national security, the 1919 law is considered rather outdated. Mexican Congressmen voted on Tuesday in favour of changing the law and enabling direct foreign ownership of beachfront real estate in Mexico. One of the main sponsors of the proposal Congressman Manlio Beltrones commented:

"For historical reasons, it was considered risky to allow foreigners to permanently settle along the coasts and borders... What we are trying to do is eliminate this simulated form of property owning in Mexican beaches, and eliminate middlemen who have profited from the current prohibitions... We want to facilitate investment in tourism and generate jobs."

To pass into law, the constitutional amendment will now also require the approval of the Mexican Senate, the President and a majority of the state legislatures. In the mean time, the "fideicomiso" system is alive and kicking.

Read more: "Mexico Wants Foreigners to Buy Beach Homes", ABC News