Downward Economy? Not for Residential Resort Costa Blanca by Group Metro
(Miami, FL)-  Last weekend, Costa Blanca - the billion-dollar project of renowned Dominican Republic developers Group Metro, held their launch event with two days of spectacular celebrations in Santo Domingo and Juan Dolio. The project was received by the Dominican Republic and international press with great enthusiasm and unquestionable success.

Costa Blanca, an impressive undertaking that will span across 300 acres of land and coastline in Juan Dolio, will encompass a mega-yacht marina, marina village with retail and commercial space, ten condominium towers, 52 private villas, a tennis village, clubhouses for both tennis and golf, a secured, private beach, and the first signature Greg Norman PGA golf course in the country. The highly-anticipated development will set new standards of luxury in the area, and will bring forth a modern spin on private, high-end communities. With top architects and designers at the helm, residents will find villas with open-air spacing to showcase their wrap-around pools, condos where each and every owner is afforded unobstructed water-front views, and an assurance that every aspect and step of the project is environmentally sound and positively affects the region.

The weekend began with a press conference at the historic Embajador Hotel in Santo Domingo with Greg Norman, legendary golf icon, Steven Ankrom, Vice-President of Sales for Costa Blanca and Doctor Luis Jose Asilis, CEO of Group Metro. Greg Norman, “The Great White Shark,” whose namesake and expertise is behind this ground-breaking course, greeted the press and spoke of his excitement and great faith in Costa Blanca. “Golf has shown tremendous growth in this part of the world and I am very glad to be a part of this absolutely magnificent project,” stated Mr. Norman before congratulating Dr. Asilis.  Mr. Norman also commented on the current state of the economy and how it related to Costa Blanca, “ In many ways, golf and golf course design are economic indicators; we’ve seen it slow in the United States , but not in the rest of the world. New projects must have amenities that capture the imagination of everyone, and that is exactly what is taking place here.” Executives of Costa Blanca who are thrilled and excited to create “the first luxury, high-end golf project on the ocean in Juan Dolio,” spoke of the numerous economic advantages and various job opportunities Costa Blanca will create for locals of the Dominican Republic. When asked about his vision for Costa Blanca, Mr. Norman answered, “First, you look at the ‘least-disturbance approach’, which works perfectly with this development. Our duty is to build the best golf course we can, in the best way, with the best value. It’s not very often that we get the opportunity to build directly on the ocean. From a golfing perspective, when we have the ability to put nine holes on the ocean, it is a very unique opportunity.”

After the press conference, Mr. Norman entered the grand ballroom, where the glittering launch gala was already underway with VIP’s and press excited to learn of the project’s details. Complete with a five-piece string quartet, Costa Blanca lounges, and a white décor theme to showcase the beach atmosphere and luxury of the project’s design, the grand event introduced 1000 of the Dominican Republic’s VIPs and tastemakers to Costa Blanca. Greg Norman made a presentation to the audience and re-visited his excitement over the “amazing transformation that will take place over the next eighteen months.”

The following day, the Founder’s Club - made up of 52 elite individuals who secured reservations as the very first buyers at Costa Blanca, gathered at the invitation-only Founder’s Club Reunion. These members had an early invitation to reserve a spectacular one-time package that included a private villa, two condominiums, a slip in the marina, golf membership for life, and private access to The Lighthouse Lounge and Clubhouse. The event took place onsite in beautiful outdoor tents and allowed the Founders to drink and relax while they surveyed the plots of land that would become the site for their private villas. In a unique and exciting format, Founders were able to choose the individual piece of land for their villa, as well as the condo units they desired, according to the order in which their reservation was received. With law firms onsite to advise and offer guidance, Costa Blanca closed almost $100 million dollars in sales on Saturday alone. Members of the Founder’s Club congratulated each other and toasted their new neighbors with champagne and cigars.

With the immense success of their opening weekend and almost $100 million dollars closed in sales, Costa Blanca has proven that the real-estate market is still thriving and that the Dominican Republic is one of today’s hottest investments.

Source: Grupo Metro

Popularity: 39% [?]

Sackman Enterprises, Inc. Announce Development Plans for Cabarete

Cabarete, the sun-soaked beach town in the Dominican Republic, has been on the radar of those in-the-know for years. Now, Sackman, Enterprises, Inc. is set to bring this jewel to a wider market.

Miami, August 15, 2008– Cabarete, the sun-soaked beach town in the Dominican Republic, has been on the radar of those in-the-know for years. Now, Sackman, Enterprises, Inc. is set to bring this jewel to a wider market. Conveniently located only 20 minutes from the Puerto Plata International Airport, Cabarete on the northern coast has become the ultimate destination for trend setters, adventure seekers, and those looking for a blissful escape from the everyday. With more than 40 years in the real estate market and an earned reputation of quality in business and development, there is no better or more prepared company to create the first spectacular development in the area than Sackman Enterprises, Inc.

Sackman Enterprises, Inc. began its business by focusing on the restoration of historic brownstones in Manhattan and has continued to thrive by rehabilitating historic buildings and incorporating traditional “Old World” features into new construction properties. Possessing a portfolio of over 80 developments spanning the globe, the company has created truly stunning and unique properties such as Somerset in Turks and Caicos (www.thesomerset.com) and The Lodge at Keyah Grande (www.keyahgrande.com). With an attention for detail and a high-regard and respect for the traditions, culture, and preservation of the area, Sackman Enterprises, Inc. is poised to bring The Fountains, a magnificent condominium, retail plaza, and resort community to Cabarete.
Sackman Enterprises, Inc. recently held a meeting in Manhattan to showcase some of the real estate developments in their impressive portfolio and discuss this grand project. In a showing of support and interest, the Minister of Tourism from the Dominican Republic and the Governor of the Province of Puerto Plata personally flew up to Manhattan to meet with top Sackman executives, Carter Sackman and Jamie Hefelfinger, as well as Sackman Development Partner, Trip Brooks. The esteemed attendees discussed the project and all of the positive impacts that it will have on the area.
The Fountains will be the realization of over sixteen months of planning and research and a future investment exceeding sixty million dollars (USD $60,000,000.00). Development Partner Trip Brooks states, “With the current administration including President Leonel Fernandez, Minister of Tourism Felix Jiménez, Provincial Governor Cesar de Los Santos, and the Sub Secretary of Tourism Bernardita de Fenke, the government has created a stable atmosphere and positive market in which to develop such a project. We have unwavering confidence in the country’s administration. Their show of support and the efforts they took to visit us in New York to ensure that the project and its developers are sound speaks volumes about their care and concern for the area. The Fountains will truly be a result of love for the area and an unmatched expertise in the development of real estate.”

Expected to break ground Mid-September 2008, The Fountains will feature one, two, and three bedroom units, all with indulgent spa bathrooms, 24-hour concierge service, and a modern chef’s kitchen. The Fountains will house a sprawling “Plaza Level” featuring retail shops, a cinema, open air kiosks, sitting areas, exciting water features, and a state of the art stage for outdoor concerts and other entertainment and social events. When fully constructed, the mixed use project will include an approximately 500 space sublevel parking facility, a Condo Hotel, featuring deluxe guest rooms and suites, lobby bar, rooftop terrace and bar, restaurant, a stunning infinity pool and numerous hot tubs with mountain and ocean views.

Source: www.bignews.biz

Popularity: 34% [?]

It’s the most visited island in the Caribbean, and now property investors have the chance to benefit from the Dominican Republic’s popularity with a new project on the east of the island, located in the Punta Cana region, currently the most popular and well-served tourist area in the country.

The development, which is called Swaying Palms, offers spacious two bedroom apartments from as little as 140,000 US dollars, and 210m² penthouses priced at 197,000 US dollars. Combined with an excellent location, the units at Swaying Palms offer the best property investment package available anywhere in the Caribbean, according to Mark Wilson from the International Property Investment Network (IPIN) – the investment arm of Propertyshowrooms.com.

“The location is second to none,” says Mark. “Just two minutes from a new modern highway, three kilometres to the beach, and 15 minutes drive to an international airport with easy connections to the United States and Europe. There are even ongoing discussions for direct flights to and from the United Arab Emirates and China. It’s no surprise then that this area is set to become the island’s prime residential location. In terms of investment, it doesn’t get much better than this.”

For sports enthusiasts there are nearby golf courses and a tennis club. Additionally, owners receive free membership to selected sports and leisure clubs. Other facilities include community swimming pools, 24-hour security, WiFi access, designated off-street parking, and an on-site rental management service.

Mark Wilson again: “This development offers sound rental potential within one of the largest Caribbean holiday destinations, with an estimated 7% rental yield per annum. The twelve month holiday season in the Dominican Republic allows for the highest possible returns in this respect, making it particularly attractive for investors.”

The Dominican Republic is a stable representative democracy, modelled on a US-style presidential system. That stability has led to considerable economic growth, combined with low taxation, low prices, and increased tourism. With that kind of backdrop in place, property investment in the Dominican Republic represents an excellent opportunity to make the most of an unrivalled list of favourable economic indicators.

And Swaying Palms, in conjunction with IPIN, is setting a benchmark in the region which will be hard to beat - truly ‘the cream of the Caribbean.’

Source: www.easier.com

Popularity: 45% [?]

The Dominican Republic is not quite a tropical paradise - but wed say that in a lot of ways it comes pretty close. Predictions are that the DR (as it is often referred to) will go from strength to strength over the next few years as visitors find out just what a wonderful wealth of exciting activities and landscapes it has to offer. Often called the Caribbeans best kept secret, this soubriquet will become less appropriate as visitors increasingly recognize that nowhere else amongst neighbouring holiday island hot-spots can beat the DR for value!

The Dominican Republic is not quite a tropical paradise - but wed say that in a lot of ways it comes pretty close. Predictions are that the DR (as it is often referred to) will go from strength to strength over the next few years as visitors find out just what a wonderful wealth of exciting activities and landscapes it has to offer. Often called the Caribbeans best kept secret, this soubriquet will become less appropriate as visitors increasingly recognize that nowhere else amongst neighbouring holiday island hot-spots can beat the DR for value!

From - whale watching to bird watching; exhilarating sea fishing (for big game like marlin) to gentler pastimes such as world-class snorkelling; terrific terrain for hiking and cycling; adrenalin pumping sea-sports like windsurfing and kiteboarding to just as much excitement inland, from whitewater rafting, canyoning, caving, jungle trekking, mountain climbing…and so on!!!! The DR offers all this and so much more.

But lets not forget what many people visit the DR for - the sun, sea and sand! With well over 300 soft, white, typically tropical beaches (many virtually deserted much of the time) the DR is probably the best place in the Caribbean for these too. Amongst them you will also find Cayo Levantado, the original setting for the taste of paradise beach, familiar to many as the home of a certain well known coconut filled chocolate bar!

Along with wonderful tropical forests, waterfalls, mountains (Pico Duarte is the highest in the Caribbean, and thats the pinnacle of the largest of five mountain ranges in the DR) and even desert areas, the DR has something for every taste. It also has superb Parques Nacionales and many unspoilt, and untouched areas. In fact the DR is a pretty big place so is by no means as over developed and as touristy as the majority of its Caribbean competitors (except maybe in one or two ‘well known resort areas).

The Island of Quisqueya (on which both the Dominican Republic and Haiti now reside) was home to the remarkable Tainos before it was discovered in 1492, by Christopher Columbus, and renamed Hispaniola. It is therefore not short of historically and culturally fascinating attractions. For example, the capital, Santo Domingo, is the oldest City in the New-World, and a visit to the ‘old town’- the Zona Colonial - is a must on that day away from soaking up the sun that almost inevitably shines no matter what time of year you take your vacation.

Whilst in the capital, there is also few better places for the sports enthusiast to take in a superb game of baseball, or ‘beisbol’ as the Dominican call their national game. A game about which they are fanatical almost to a man (and woman). In fact several of the major Dominican cities host fine quality teams that frequently feature those local star players who have also made it big in the American Major League game.

It is certain that the more that those visiting the Dominican Republic can be encouraged to escape from their ‘all-inclusive’ compounds and take the independent traveler route in order to discover the real DR, the more that both the tourists and their wonderfully welcoming and friendly Dominicans hosts will be happy! Like Columbus himself, they might find it the most beautiful land they have ever seen…and decide to stay!

Ruth and Esther Ramos, www.visiting-the-dominican-republic.com Copyright 2005, All rights reserved.

Article must be published as is (unedited) and with the author’s bio paragraph (resource box) and copyright information included.

Source: www.rafting.exsportz.com

Popularity: 40% [?]