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.

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Sandra Fiorenza just closed on her listing 530 Arvida Parkway on Gables Estates on Tuesday, September 7th. The power couple Sandra and Randy Fiorenza started building this two-story Italian marble mansion in 2009 and moved in at the end of 2012. Randy is an aviation executive and owner of Pam Am flight academy. Sandra marketed and sold the house under her brokerage One Sotheby’s Realty.

This two-story Palatial/Neo-Classical Italian-style villa was designed by renowned architect Ramon Pacheco. The property is 43,123 sq. ft comprised of 14,500 square feet of adjusted living area and 4000 Square feet of covered terraces facing south on a wide Gables Estates lagoon with marble veneer walls and custom carved stone elements. The exterior is completely done in marble and custom carved stone elements throughout. The house has 8 bedrooms and 14 bathrooms, a wine cellar, a huge gym, two offices, 
and a covered outside kitchen.

The post Top Agent Sandra Fiorenza Closes On Her Beautiful Italian Marble Mansion In Coral Gables appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Luxury real estate advisory company, Montague Real Estate, is going even more global. The company, based in Mayfair, London, defines its purpose as ensuring “clients have access to a trusted advisor and an established global network, which in turn allows them an opportunity to acquire some of the finest homes on the planet.” This just became even more achievable as its Head of Residential, Luke Banks, has announced that he is permanently residing in Dubai to help solidify the market there even further.

“I am delighted to be touching down in Dubai again,” he says. “I first arrived in Dubai in 2011 and fell in love with the city and the property market there, after a 2-year stint in London (still working within the Dubai market) it's very exciting for me to have my feet on the ground again. This time I am arriving with the backing of a very exciting brand and am looking forward to a big future in the Middle East for Montague Real Estate.”

Luke Banks, Head of Residential

Photo Credit: Montague Real Estate

Luke Banks has been with Montague since September of 2020 and worked from the London office establishing relationships overseas, including in Dubai. With the market rising, now was the perfect time to relocate physical operations and have the Head of Residential based in Dubai. Luke’s focus will be onboarding exclusive ready properties, being on the ground for prime and super-prime transactions, and building Montague’s brand presence and team in the region.

“It's a great time to be landing as the market is extremely active with huge volumes of transactions going through, Dubai, of course, remains popular with GCC investors, as well as Indian, British and Chinese buyers topping the charts of investors from outside of the region,” Luke says.

Photo Credit: Montague Real Estate

Montague has hand-selected developments in the Dubai market that align with its vision and is working with key development partners including Emaar, Omniyat, Sohba, and XX11 Carat. The Dubai market offers apartments, townhouses, and penthouses, with huge signs of growth in the turnkey market as well. Dubai is a strategically located city that offers great opportunities across lifestyle, investment, and business activity, and now that more and more people are working remotely due to the pandemic, inquiries for properties in the area have risen dramatically.

With the government of Dubai encouraging international investment as well, such as with their “Invest in Dubai” platform, now is the perfect time for Montague to make the move.

“This is an incredible moment for Montague Real Estate and for Luke. Dubai is a market that has grown exponentially over the last 10 years and will only continue to grow,” echos Thomas Balashev, founder of Montague Real Estate. “This market, in particular, is one that resonates with our clients and offers both lifestyle, business, and investment opportunities so this region was the natural next step for Montague Real Estate's expansion.”

Photo Credit: Montague Real Estate

To learn more about Montague Real Estate you can visit their website here.

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La Mamounia

The Moroccan city has a rich history as a hub of Muslim culture, a driving economy, palaces and gardens. More recently tourism has been a big draw. Architects Antoine Marchisio and Henri Prost erected the luxurious La Mamounia hotel in 1929, which hosted a slew of world figures and artists included Winston Churchill and Josephine Baker. In the 1960s, it became an epicenter of the hippy movement with rock stars and western travelers descending on it. The current Morrocan King, Mohamed VI has the goal of increasing the number of tourists visiting Morocco to 20 million a year by 2020.

However, a fear of travel for Americans inside Muslim countries has probably deterred some wealthy US citizens from visiting. That’s not the case with international visitors. According to Mansion Global, current residents at La Palmeraie include the Emir of Qatar, whose vacation home reportedly cost $117.7 million. Marella Agnelli, widow of Fiat chairman Gianni Agnelli, and Dominique Strauss-Kahn, the former director of the International Monetary Fund, are also homeowners. Fashion magnate Patrick Guerrand-Hermès spends part of the year in Morocco, and founded the Royal Polo Club de la Palmeraie.

Unlike ultra exclusive resorts like Dubai’s The World, which became unstuck during the financial crash, La Palmeraie entertains not just those of extreme wealth but moderate wealth, too. Properties can range from over $100 million to $1 million for a small villa. Building styles combine tradition Moroccan/Islamic designs with modern European flourishes  and subdued color tones. Other than the weather and proximity to Europe, the big draw for the elite is the lack of taxation and low property taxes (around $3,500/year for a large home).

Kasbah Tamadot at dusk / photo courtesy of www.virginlimitededition.com

Buying, though, is not  a prerequisite to staying in the city. As per the King’s mandate, there are no shortage of luxury hotels. One of the best known is Virgin head, Richard Branson’s Kasbah Tamadot, which was voted Best Resort Hotel, North Africa and the Middle East in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2017 readers’ survey. Branson’s move in the city was a prescient one. According to financial news site medias24.com, Marrakech closed 2017 with a record number of 2.5 million tourists, which increased 20 percent compared with 2016. November and December were peak months. Germans made up the greatest number of tourists at 56 percent, French visitors were next with 19 percent growth, followed by Spanish, Scandinavian and locals. The increased number of flights, from 245 flights weekly in 2016 to 361 in 2017 was a big reason for the bump in tourism.

For Jewish Americans wary of stepping foot on Muslim soil, The Times of Israel reported that the Jewish quarter of Marrakesh has also seen a revival after many Jews left for Israel and Europe in the 1950s. They are now returning en-masse (around 50,000/year) as tourists to visit historical Jewish sites, though only a handful, perhaps 100, of permanent Jewish residents still reside in the quarter. 

For those who can’t afford the the glamorous life in Marrakesh, Airbnb has noted phenomenal success with 21,000 active listings earning $22 million last year.

“These travelers are seeking authentic, local experiences across the continent," said Airbnb spokesman Bernard D’heygere. 

Top image:  The Majorelle Garden, shutterstock.com

The post Tired Of The Hamptons? Try Marrakech – The Latest Hotspot In Luxury Living appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Nicknamed "The Island of Love," Seychelles has also played honeymoon host to George and Amal Clooney plus Gabrielle Union and Dwayne Wade among other famous faces.

An Island Oasis in the Indian Ocean

Located 1,133 miles northeast of Madagascar, this island chain boasts some of the world's most beautiful beaches and exclusive hotels.

Arriving by private jet, after somehow keeping their destination a secret for weeks, the newlywed couple landed on the secluded North Island. Consisting of only 11 luxury villas, Prince William and Kate Middleton found themselves nestled among pearlescent sand, coconut palms, and lush green takamaka trees.

Each private villa faces Anse d'east Beach, showcasing the breathtaking ecological beauty of the coast and lightly chopping Indian Ocean current.

Private Beachfront Villas

Guests staying in these secluded dwellings tucked away just behind the tree line, enjoy a large master bedroom, second bedroom, and changing room with en-suite bath.

There are three ways to rinse off from a day at the beach. Indoor and outdoor showers provide convenience, while the handcrafted Balinese natural stone baths offer a chance to soak the stress away.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge would not have had to see another soul unless they wanted to–even when going for a swim. A private plunge pool and lounge is a part of this premium villa experience.

A Unique Barefoot Luxury Experience

Staying on North Island is always all-inclusive, and there are several additional spa treatments available that can be personalized to the needs of each guest. Escaping to this beach allows nature to clear the mind while the body is properly pampered.

Vacationers who tire of lounging under graceful punka fans can take a picnic on the beach or observe the many species of birds that call this island home. Every villa also gets its own golf cart for easy island exploring. There is also a certified dive-center on site for anyone who elects to do some world-class scuba diving.

Premium Service in an Environmentally-Friendly Setting

It is impossible not to feel special staying at a place like this. The service and dining are unparalleled. One recent traveler to the island, who vacationed with his family in a villa, remarked, "our butler was great, always one call away, always ready to be of service in any way he could."

Guests that stay here seem to especially enjoy the little things that make North Island special. There are friendly sea turtles that greet newcomers outside the villas, and fresh water bottles are placed everywhere by unseen staff throughout the day.

It comes as no surprise that Prince William and Kate Middleton selected the "3rd Best Hotel in the World" according to Condé Nast Traveller Readers in their 2014 awards. This ultimate lover's paradise starts at $8,600 per night.

Photos Courtesy of Booking.com.

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The villas come attached to the luxury resort on the premises, which feature 43-suites, a hotel spa, beach club, restaurant, the longest pool in the Caribbean, and more. The beachfront and hillside villas, are 6,000 and 5,000 square feet, and hit the market at $11 million and $5.7 million, respectively. The villas offer three bedrooms, four bathrooms, and two private pools overlooking the jungle and sea. The lot sized though are even more impressive coming in at 13,500 and 26,350 square feet.

Maybe most helpful too, is that the purchase of the villa also comes with Grenadian citizenship, which grants visa-free access to 125 countries and other perks. The modern looking homes reflect a mid-century design that make this no ordinary island home, but rather something chic to walk around when there, and away from the hoards of tourists in the jungle/ocean climates of beautiful Grenada.

The post Grenada Makes A Splash In The Villas Market With Silversands appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

While the Carribbean can often range in luxury across the islands and beaches, giving a sense of fun and excitement in a vacation to all income brackets, this villa offers the ultimate stance in luxury by featuring a design in the architecture and interior décor that dates back through the historical buildings on the island. The high-end rental is also the perfect locale for a wedding, reception, family getaway, or large scale event. With its perfectly secluded locale and luxe amenity package, it’s the perfect place to live like royalty in the Turks and Caicos region.

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When it comes to getting away, there is never a better locale than the south of France. Unlike so many domestic locales in America, Provence is a getaway full of peaceful nature, serene beaches, and beautiful villas like La Bergerie, the ultimate luxury villa from the London-based Richstone Properties. This scenic getaway is everything a vacation should be: a peaceful getaway where you can count on their team and staff to ensure a reprieve from everyday life.

For most, vacation planning can be more work than it’s worth. There’s hotels to book, rates to manage, the claustrophobia of the tiny little rooms not living up to their website purported photos, not to mention the added expenses around every corner for things like meals, drinks, cabs, and those little shampoo bottles that are somehow never small enough to take through airport security. What if that could all go away though? This villa isn’t going to fix the problems of traveler’s anguish, it’s going to make you never want to go to another four-star hotel ever again.

La Bergerie, built in Côte d'Azur’s Terre Blanche, is an oasis of luxe lifestyles and amenities. This mansion sits on a beautiful hillside overlooking the best of the French Countryside. The home features an immaculate pool, veranda, game room, several bedrooms and ensuites, a balcony off the master bedroom, fire pit, fields growing lavender and jasmine, a home garden, and everything in between. The villa is also staffed by a team of highly skilled men and women looking to cater to every need from keeping the property looking pristine to making eggs to one’s liking in the morning. Stop worrying about if the amusement park tickets you bought from that third party site with a coupon will be real for the kids and wake up to the smell of lavender drifting through the open windows of the bedroom while breakfast waits for you downstairs before heading to the Riviera later that day. Doesn’t that sound, like, a million times better?

Richstone Properties has made this home its signature palace in the region, with a driveway to fit a number of cars, water croquet mallets ready for yard games, a quiet section of land, and with close proximity to gold courses just down the road, Cannes and the beach 30 miles to the south, and quaint French hillside villages mere miles away by car, La Bergerie is the ultimate getaway for anyone’s interests be it shopping in the city, swimming at the beach or any of the nearby lakes, hitting the links with guests, or taking in some of France’s nearby historical locales like the Molinard Perfumery, Chateau Font Du Broc, and Château D’Esclans right nearby. The region is also best known for its wine and cuisine. La Bergerie is set right outside the lines of Cannes tourism radius, which means that the restaurants nearby are authentically French, as opposed to catering to the interests and palates of travelers coming to the region. Provence also is responsible for 80% of the world’s rosé. With several vineyards in the region, the locals take their rosé seriously, and are determined to show anyone who thinks otherwise the light about their pale pink drink-of-choice.

Richstone has made a name for the company as one of the premiere development firms in the UK for luxury homes. With the bulk of their properties in the London area, they've drawn interests from clients around the globe by thinking not only of the appearance of luxury for a buyer, but from following through in their thought process to add amenities for those living in these homes day to day. La Bergerie had originally been built for the head of the company's personal vacation home. Luckily, with the business taking off in spades across Britain and Europe, the villa is now available for those who appreciate the finest in quality to enjoy.

The main house can accommodate 12 people across six luxurious bedrooms, with additional lodging in the guesthouse located at the other end of the drive to support 16 total guests. The home makes for the perfect family getaway for the holidays. Granted, this comes with a pretty penny for a price tag. That said, of all the luxury content covered by this publication, I can firmly say it’s the most effective use of that money for what it yields, a vacation that you actually feel rested from when you return. The villa is typically rented out for two weeks at a time, though special accommodations can be made. Whether it’s an intimate wedding with a few close friends, a family holiday getaway, or just somewhere to escape for a while, this Villa needs to be your latest, greatest destination.

The post Make This Incredible Villa, La Bergerie, Your Next Getaway appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Designed by Urban Office Architecture, this extremely modern, one-of-a-kind home in upstate New York was inspired by flight, in honor of the recently retired pilot it was built for.

The geometric structure features wild angular lines, eliciting an insane and massive abstract sculpture. Flanked by a sparkling lake on one side and a swimming pool on the other, the awe-inspiring home features soaring ceilings of 30 to 40 feet. Its sunny living room and kitchen could easily pass for the atrium of an art museum.

Situated directly above its library is the residence's cantilevered master suite–a luminous, floating sleep pod, only accessible via a staircase that also grants access to a smattering of small, open-air spaces contained within stunning geodetic windows.

The estate's parking space–roomy enough to house a few autos and storage–emulates a small airplane hangar, taking the entire aviation-theme one step further.

Photos and details courtesy of supercompressor.com

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