Offset and Cardi B

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, more notably recognized as Grammy winning rapper Cardi B, has received an extravagant 29^th birthday gift from her husband Kiari Kendrell Cephus, known professionally as Offset. The celebrity duo got married in 2017 and have two children together: 3-year-old Kulture Kiari Cephus and a baby boy born in September and whose name has not been announced.

The musician’s opulent birthday gift was inspired by her long-term interest in purchasing investment properties in the Caribbean. In the caption of her Instagram video tour, Cardi B explained that Offset worked with her father, who is originally from the Dominican Republic, to purchase the villa. The Las Terrenas home named "Calle Plaza" is currently available as an Airbnb for $836 a night. Although there is no available record of how much Offset spent on the estate, it was most recently listed at $1.49 million.

With 8,000 square feet, the Dominican vacation home sits atop picturesque hills with seven bedrooms and seven baths. According to Airbnb guest reviews, the property is remarkably noted for its scenic ocean views and stunning architecture. Resting behind guarded gates, the four-story home is composed of natural materials including wood, rusted steel, brut concrete, and coral stone. The kitchen is fully equipped with a double fridge, oven, microwave, hood, five burner gas stove, wine fridge, and island bar. Further into the home presents the dining room with vast views through floor-to-ceiling windows. The living room highlights sliding glass doors leading to the outdoor space. The home also boasts an independent one-bedroom studio with its own living room, bedroom, and bath.

Outside, the exterior space offers plentiful entertainment and relaxation options. The rooftop infinity pool has fountains and built-in lounge chairs floating in the water. A second pool is directly accessible from one of the bedrooms. Additionally, the roof offers a gym, dining space, and a covered barbecue area with sink and grill. The estate also highlights a lush private garden and plentiful palm trees surrounding the house. Other luxe amenities include office space, private beach access, tennis club access, and helipad access.

Brandi Hunter-Lewis and Antonio Khoury of Compass represented the buyer in this transaction. The listing broker is unknown, but the listing appeared on the Atlantique Sud brokerage website.

For more on the latest in luxury real estate, visit dev.hauteresidence.com.

The post Property Present: Cardi B Gifted Dominican Vacation Home As Birthday Present From Offset appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Amy Land-de Wilde was hosted by Haute Media Group Cofounder Seth Semilof. Watch their conversation below.

The topics included Land-de Wilde’s illustrious career from moving to the Caribbean after a year abroad, strides towards opening then selling her own successful brokerage, and her eventual ascendancy as a leading specialist in luxury real estate.

In 1986, Amy Land-de Wilde became a licensed broker on St. Croix after a year abroad falling in love with colorful Caribbean diving, beautiful topography, the welcoming people, and the island lifestyle. She opened her own brokerage in 2001, which she sold to the Schmidt Family of Companies, Coldwell Banker’s largest affiliate operation, and happily remains a broker there leading the top-producing team. Land-de Wilde has received Coldwell Banker’s top production awards annually since joining forces decades ago. With a track record of representing the most significant properties on St. Croix, she keeps current with industry innovations, marketing trends, and all facets of real estate. Her clients benefit from her excellent negotiating skills, knowledge, and deep connections to the resources that benefit new and experienced Islanders alike.

Here are some of the questions and answers from the exclusive interview with Land-de Wilde.

Seth Semilof: You moved to the island. You were at the radio station for about five years and then you said, “I either want to come into the financial industry or the real estate industry.” Tell us about that.

Amy Land-de Wilde: I had a lot of good experience managing a radio station and starting in radio sales. If practice for any kind of sales job, you are dealing with an evaporating commodity. You have to have excellent not only people skills, but you have to be organized and follow up to develop good work habits. I really do credit that beginning as one of the reasons I started in 1986.

SS: When you started, things were hot. How long were they hot for? How long did it take you to get your first deal?

ALW: My story is unusual in a way because of what was happening in our market at the time. I had my first deal within a month and my first year was good. People always tell you and it is true that you have to be able to have the cash to support yourself for that period of time. I started doing a newsletter in 1986, which I still do today, so that consistency did not take that long.

SS: You built an amazing company and worked very hard to open it in 2001. Tell us a little about the reasoning behind selling it and when you made that sale.

ALW: I started the company in 2001 and at the time, it was just Land-de Wilde realty. Although Coldwell Banker had been talking to our company, which I finally did go to that larger company in another couple of years, I stayed at that company until she closed it. That is what started my company. Coldwell Banker continued, I continued, and that was the best decision ever, so I am very happy about that. When I sold in 2018, there were about 35 people, which is not huge for a company in the States, but I was eager to do that.

SS: How is St. Croix right now with the real estate market?

ALW: Real estate, strangely, was one of the businesses allowed to open since we managed other people's properties here from afar. It was very strict, but people were allowed to come see us to our island. People wanted to get out of their home, so we really benefited from a lot of people who came to visit and loved it who would never have.

SS: What advice would you give to somebody watching us, even a person that is in the business for six years and not as successful or someone having some success but not at that level? 

ALW: I would try to get brutal honesty from people they respect around them if they are not having the success that they feel they should be having. I would first definitely look within and say, “Am I doing my best? Am I spending the hours?” The flexibility does offer us benefits, but it is not 40 hours a week. Work-life balance is something that you need to create if you want to be successful in the confines of giving your all to your business.

For more information, please contact Amy Land-de Wilde at (340) 690-1213 or amydewilde@coldwellbankervi.com

To watch more real estate webinars curated by Haute Residence, visit http://dev.hauteresidence.com.

The post Chat With Haute Residence Leaders, Episode 11: Amy Land-de Wilde appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Amy Land-de Wilde presents

The Mill in Seven Hills! This three-bedroom, three-bathroom architect-designed residence with a studio apartment sits 525 feet above the blue waters of the Caribbean and enjoys a 270-degree view encompassing Christiansted, the north and south shores, and Buck Island. The Mill in Seven Hills blends traditional Danish West Indian architectural elements such as double-radius archways, windows, and doors with ideas from the American Southwest like rounded interior and exterior corners. Built in 1993, a sugar mill surrounds an interior stairway leading from the dining room and main floor to the master bedroom. The 1.1 acres is home to an African tulip tree, bougainvillea, poor man's orchid trees, pink cedar trees, Ixora, an African Baobab tree, aloe plants, Flamboyant trees lining the driveway, and native ginger Thomas.

There are three bedrooms in the main house each with a complete bath. The living room boasts a fifteen-foot ceiling, three sets of mahogany French doors, and dramatic views of the town, and the 100 undeveloped acres located adjacent to and south of the property. An outdoor kidney-shaped swimming pool is centered in a large tiled deck with dramatic views of the Caribbean. The kitchen features a gas range, mahogany cabinets, and a mahogany center island table, and two spacious windows overlooking the deck and back yard.

The lower-level apartment has gorgeous Caribbean Sea views to the west with mahogany French doors opening up to a private balcony and separate, exterior entrance. The Mill in Seven Hills includes a 12.5 KW propane generator with a 150-gallon capacity propane storage tank; two 25,000 gallon cisterns; a solar water heater; an outdoor gas grill; a gated entry; five surveillance cameras accessible by smartphone; and peace and quiet to match the scenery.

Address: 75 A&B Seven Hills, St. Croix, VI 00820

Price: $1,995,000

Photo credit: Corinne King

For more information, please contact Amy Land-de Wilde at (340)-690-1213 or amydewilde@coldwellbankervi.com

Amy Land-de Wilde is the exclusive agent representing the St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of her listings here.

The post Amy Land-de Wilde Presents An Exclusive Luxury Residence In St. Croix US Virgin Islands appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Haute Residence continued its "Chat with Haute Residence Leaders" series with an exclusive one on one conversation featuring Vasco Borges: CEO of luxury private villa resort Beach Enclave.

He was hosted by Haute Media Group Cofounder Seth Semilof. Watch their conversation below.

The topics included Borges’ illustrious career from CFO of Grace Bay Resorts, Project Director for Water Cay Development, and his eventual ascendancy in luxury real estate as the CEO of Beach Enclave.

Vasco N F Borges has over 20 years of experience in luxury branding, real estate development, and hospitality. As the CEO of Beach Enclave, Borges raised funding, designed, developed, and is presently managing three private villa resorts. Founded in 2013, Beach Enclave is redefining Caribbean beachfront living by offering the privacy and seclusion of your own home with all resort amenities. Borges’ accolades include Best Caribbean development in 2017 by the International Property Awards, #1 Resort in Turks and Caicos by TripAdvisor, and highest average daily rate in Turks and Caicos.

Here are some of the questions and answers from the exclusive interview with Borges.

Seth Semilof: Tell us a little about how you went from college, growing up in Portugal, to the Caribbean.

Vasco Borges: It was absolutely by happenstance. I had done a more traditional career of economics, then I joined this consulting company called McKinsey. When you are a consultant, you get exposed to a lot of industries. There were a few options on the table. One of them was to join a restaurant group in Singapore and the other one was an opportunity to come to the Caribbean to work. I had never been to the Caribbean before, but they promised me a beachfront bedroom in a five star resort, so I came here. It was a vibrant place and I absolutely loved both the real estate and the hospitality component. That is why the idea of building something where people are going to leave with lifestyle experiences, but also hospitality was really, really exciting.

SS: I would love to learn how you came up with the game plan or strategy because you came out and built three different luxury villas. What transpired into that?

VB: At the time, if you wanted to own real estate in Turks and Caicos or the majority of the Caribbean islands, you could either on a condominium or a standalone home. I could not figure out why we could not combine both. You have the great things of a resort, which is all the amenities or services taking care for you, and combine that with the privacy of your home. You really just go in and it is ready for you. I could not convince my employer to do it at the time, so I decided to go in on my own.

SS: What makes Turks and Caicos so amazing? You have not chosen to go to any other Caribbean islands, just mainly stuck to Turks and Caicos.

VB: An amazing combination of things. It has an amazing infrastructure. It has US dollar, UK law, and above all, beautiful beaches. You can have breakfast in New York and lunch on the beach. It is very unusual to get, but we have very low-density development, a fantastic legal setup, and quality people. We are 22 miles outside of Manhattan, so Wall Street is a big part of our market. We are also seeing people coming in droves from New York to New Jersey to the suburbs. We are seeing tremendous movement in Westfield because interest rates are historically low, so it is a win-win.

SS: Where do you see the next 12 months specifically for Turks and Caicos?

VB: We have seen an amazing amount of money coming in and a lot of interest in our homes. We presold all the homes, even before acquiring the land. There is a lot of demand there, particularly for the high-end products. I think that will continue, but also, what you see in some of these locations is this new way with investment that is helping us build more amenities. An expansion of the ecosystem around us helps as that you really need people to come into the islands. Our purpose is continuing to grow because people want everything to be as easy as possible. We are putting together all these protocols and trying to make the experience top, top, top notch for our client.

SS: Where do you see your company in the next five to 10 years as you are expanding the brand?

VB: We are very happy with this location. Being on the best beach, we have some amazing homes coming our way. Maybe we will do something else here, but I think our next wave of growth once we have solidified and built our roster, the team is to go and expand abroad. I think what we have done here can be done in pretty much any location where you have wealth coming in, interest in real estate, and interest in a good lifestyle experience.

For more information, please contact Vasco Borges at 1-866-580-1675 or visit www.beachenclave.com.

To watch more real estate webinars curated by Haute Residence, visit dev.hauteresidence.com.

The post Chat With Haute Residence Leaders, Episode 7: Vasco Borges appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Point House, Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos Islands, listed by Robert Greenwood

Photo Credit: Paradise Photography

"As we move out of 2020, we have seen significant increases in both inquiries and sales activity for our real estate product in the TCI.  We expect this trend to continue and strengthen exponentially through 2021. The myriad of benefits the islands offer and the fact that we fared so well during the pandemic has shown the TCI to be more desirable than ever before." - Robert Greenwood, Turks & Caicos Islands.

The Residences at Seafire, Cayman Islands, listed by Provenance Properties

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Provenance Properties

“We are optimistic that 2021 will be another great year. We have become trusted advisors to our International clients who appreciate the quality of people, place and lifestyle the Cayman Islands offers and this is prompting them to buy luxury vacation properties here and to earn permanent residency through investing in real estate.” - Sue Nickason, Cayman Islands.

The White House, Antigua And Barbuda, listed by Anchor Antigua Realty

Photo Credit: Andre Phillip

"I expect that real estate in the Caribbean will continue to gain exposure and increase in desire. If 2020 has shown us anything, it's just how important our surroundings are to living a happy and healthy life. With Antigua's low infection rate, low crime rate, low-density population, warm climate, and health and active lifestyle options, we have seen an increase in the interest of both homeownership and Holiday rental inquiries. People are eager to experience what life can be like in a safe, tropical environment." - Justin White, Antigua.

Read more expectations for 2021 from members of Haute Residence, including the areas of South Florida, the west coast of Florida, and Southern California.

The post Caribbean Real Estate Expectations For 2021 appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Photo Credit: DBOX

As a result of this trend, there is an increasing desire among individuals to not only be as immersed as possible in these surroundings, but to maximize such coveted connections through their own homes.

Going beyond the walls and linking directly to outdoor elements (including sunlight, balmy breezes and sweeping azure views) is the inspiration behind the designs of Pritzker Prize-winning architect Herzog & de Meuron’s Jade Signature condominium in Sunny Isles Beach. The iconic, award-winning high-rise, which was developed by revered luxury developer Fortune International Group, is adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean, providing residents with a synergistic connection to pristine, tranquil beaches and the sparkling Caribbean waters beyond.

Photo Credit: DBOX

Here, within each residence, the landscape that envelops the building is captured from one room to the next. Walls of glass blur the boundaries between interior and exterior, while a multitude of expansive terraces – each up to 25 feet deep -- double as outdoor living rooms. From these rarefied, resort-like retreats (likened to single-family homes in terms of size and scope), residents can look up and down the coastline and out to the horizon with a true sense of encompassing serenity.

Photo Credit: DBOX

The one-of-a-kind, $29.5 million, two-story penthouse, for example, boasts 11,661 square feet of interior space and 7,571 square feet of exterior space, including a 360-degree wraparound terrace.  Complete with a private pool, gym, and seemingly endless options for alfresco dining, entertainment and relaxation, the home is an indoor-outdoor haven -- and is perched atop one of the world’s most sought-after oceanfront destinations.

Photo Credit: DBOX

The Sky Villas at Jade Signature are also distinct in their connection to nature.  In addition to sprawling terraces, they feature double-height ceilings – the only homes at Jade Signature to boast such an asset – making them (and their jaw-dropping vistas) a must-see for prospective buyers.  Additional highlights in all of these offerings -- which are part of “The Collection” at Jade Signature -- include private elevators, service quarters, and bathroom cabinetry by Parisian interior design firm PYR, led by Pierre-Yves Rochon, Jade Signature’s interior architect.

Photo Credit: DBOX

The tower -- which was named by Dezeen magazine as one of the top skyscrapers of 2018 -- also has a full-service, full-floor spa by natural beauty trailblazer Tata Harper, a state-of-the-art fitness center, library and reading lounge, wine bar, clubroom, entertainment and game lounge, business center, playroom and tech lounge for children and teens, as well as a full-service concierge.

Photo Credit: DBOX

Outside, winding gardens of verdant flora and fauna, crafted by landscape architecture authority Raymond Jungles, give residents even more of a feel that they’re inhabiting an oasis on the beach.  A stunning deck overlooking the beach has an organic, zero-entry, free-form swimming pool -- next to secluded cabanas, a heated spa, and 25-meter lap pool.  These offerings are flanked by the Jade Signature Beach Bar & Grill – a gourmet restaurant (private for residents and their guests), which boasts a seasonal farm-to-table menu as well as sweeping water views.  Broadening the tower’s conveniences and ties to its natural surroundings, residents have access to private beach amenities, including chaise lounges, umbrellas, and towel-and-beach services -- further emphasizing that there’s no place like home, especially at Jade Signature.

For more information, call 305-744-5197 or visit JadeSignatureCollection.com.

The post Wide Open Terraces, Walls Of Glass Draw The Outdoors In At Jade Signature, Herzog & De Meuron’s Award-winning Oceanfront Condominium appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Photo Credit: Blue Zone Realty International

Nestled between the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean, and the warm blue waters of the Pacific Oceans, Costa Rica has long been recognized for its environmental protectionism, the benefits and healthcare for the Costa Rica workers, its lush, rich surroundings, and the abundant wildlife.

While most of the world’s population has experienced the need to ‘shelter in place’ as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, several property owners in Costa Rica have adopted a new philosophy of Responsible Luxury. This phrase was coined to reflect the growing trend for luxury homeowners who have decided to protect their vast estates while living in responsible yet luxurious homes. Rather than subdividing the land into smaller parcels and building additional homes, many homeowners have decided instead to protect the old-growth trees and to provide a perfect habitat for the many monkeys, birds, and other animals who thrive in this tropical paradise.

A perfect example of this new trend is Villa Mareas. Villa Mareas is a stunning 10-bedroom luxury retreat that sits on 36 acres of pristine mountainous rainforest. The ocean views are dreamy, and the quality of construction is matched only by the luxurious finishes. This property, available for US$3,490,000, is the ideal personal or corporate retreat. Villa Mareas is the most iconic location for weddings, yoga retreats, and private family functions. The award-winning glass-tile pool is a remarkable feature. The property boasts 3 waterfalls and is teaming with wildlife.

Photo Credit: Blue Zone Realty International Photo Credit: Blue Zone Realty International

It should come as no surprise that many travelers from North America and Europe have had Costa Rica on their bucket list to visit for several years, but interest from 2^nd and 3^rd home buyers has reached new heights over the past few months. With celebrity worthy luxury estates, like Castillo Del Sol (as featured on Forbes World’s Coolest Helipad Homes), which features 7 gorgeous bedrooms, a private helipad, 3 pools, and music and entertainment room, a manager’s home, and 10 wonderful acres of ocean view property. Available for only US$2,900,000, Costa Rica is both affordable and remarkable.

Photo Credit: Blue Zone Realty International Photo Credit: Blue Zone Realty International Photo Credit: Blue Zone Realty International

Our Luxury Inspiration Series of homes features world-class estates from US$845,000 - $8,400,000. Luxury homes in Costa Rica celebrate the unparalleled tropical splendor by creating inviting spaces inside and out. This seamless transition offers a retreat-like living environment that promotes a healthy, relaxing, and enjoyable experience for everyone. For those of us who are luckiest to live in Costa Rica, or to own a vacation home here, we like to say that “our life is better than most vacations.” Join us, and we are sure that you will certainly agree. Live virtual property tours are now available.

To contact Blue Zone Realty International, click on "Learn More" above.

The post Responsible Luxury in Costa Rica, Courtesy of Blue Zone Realty International appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

The setting for this incredible home is as stunning as the design. Built on one acre of prime beachfront land in the island’s west end with just under 17,000sq.  ft. of total living space, the Beach House is a modern masterpiece.

Set within beautifully landscaped gardens, it offers eight spacious master bedrooms, 10 master baths and two powder rooms. The architecture of this inspired home was designed to capture the natural beautify of Anguilla with its spectacular sunsets and ocean views.

With more than a dozen dedicated outdoor deck and lounge areas, there is no shortage of spaces for entertaining or quiet solitude.

Address: The Beach House, Meads Bay, Anguilla

Price: $14,500,000

Bedrooms: 8

Bathrooms: 10

View the listing here.

For more information, contact Ian Hurdle at 649-332-2618 or Ian.hurdle@theagencyre.com.

Ian Hurdle is the exclusive agent representing the Turks and Caicos real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of his listings here.

Images courtesy of Ian Hurdle

The post This Caribbean Beach House Boasts Unparalleled Beachfront Location appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

With the summer season ending and temperatures starting to drop, having to go back to work on Monday and leave the beach behind can hurt more and more each week. What if I told you though that the summer needn’t end just because your friends are dusting off their fall sweater collections? Every year, geese take this time to start flying south—and so should you! Two luxury destinations south of the US have become the go-to destinations for living the high while everyone else is dressing in layers.

Los Cabos, built on Baja’s southern coast, has become a magnet for those in the know seeking a luxury lifestyle south of the border. With the Four Seasons, Ritz Reserve, and more making their debut in the area, Montage Hotel and Resorts is making a splash in the area with a unique setup. Built on one of the only swimmable beaches in the region and some of the best diving in Mexico, the resort boasts 124 guest rooms, but with 52 residential properties in the area too, that include the same amenities as the resort, too. Built across the 39 acres of white sandy beaches overlooking Santa Maria Bay, the resort is set to open in April of 2018, meaning now’s the time to get in quick!

Across the Caribbean, Jamaica is buzzing about The Tryall Club. Built on a former sugar plantation just outside Montego Bay, the 75 private villas in the neighborhood. Built atop roving hills, each villa has been expertly designed to feel like a tropical getaway while still matching the most distinct of tastes. A staff of butlers, chefs, housekeepers, laundress, and gardeners also cares for each estate. The property is also home to one of the best golf courses in Jamaica, with full 18 holes, nine on the waterfront and nine in the lush Jamaican countryside. The Mahogany Hill and Sugar Hill estates, each coming in at just over $5 Million, offer a tranquil getaway from even the rest of the plantation, with the homes sitting on over 3 acres of land each.

The post Extend Your Summer In These Luxe Home Destinations appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.