HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., July 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — FIMA, Inc. (Pink Sheets: FIMA), an emerging diversified land development company, announced today that its subsidiary, Islandwide Development Corp. (IDC), has located and is in the process of vetting potential acquisitions in the Samana peninsula of the Dominican Republic. This part of the island has long been famous for sweeping expanses of sandy beaches, crystal clear waters with vibrant coral reefs, and coconut-covered mountains that plunge dramatically into the sea. Listed as one of the 25 best locations in the world by Conde Nast Traveler, the Samana peninsula was once its own island, separated from the mainland by a narrow channel until the late 19th century. As a result, its pristine natural beauty has remained largely immune from large developers, and its spectacular beaches, stunning waterfalls, and breathtaking scenery all retain their allure. With an impressive array of attractions and activities that include snorkeling, scuba diving, whale watching, or sunbathing on one of the many open beaches, the Samana peninsula seems destined to become a prime destination in the Caribbean.

According to a Company spokesperson, “Samana is being touted as one of the next great hotspots for luxury and resort real estate development in the Dominican Republic. Our own extensive research has indicated that this area is one of the world’s best-kept secrets in terms of a desirable destination for vacation or living in the Caribbean, with a tremendous combination of spectacular scenery, reliable and highly developed infrastructure, and the tremendous natural beauty that have drawn so many to this part of the world. We are very pleased that our subsidiary IDC has been able to utilize its network of contacts in the region and locate opportunities for FIMA that will ultimately result in enhanced value for our shareholders.”

Source: www.prnewswire.com

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Angsana, the sister brand of Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts, was introduced in 2000 and now includes resorts in Australia, India, Thailand, Indonesia and the Maldives. Its first foray into the Caribbean will be this project on the northeast coast of the Dominican Republic in Santa Bárbara de Samaná, the largest city on the burgeoning Samaná Peninsula.

Plans call for a hotel with 250 suites and villas, a 284-slip marina and around 470 various full-ownership residences. The majority of these residences will be condominiums, both in low-rise buildings at the marina and in larger buildings inland; 31 villas and town houses will be built on hills at the site’s highest point.

The villas and town houses will feature decks with private infinity pools. There will be terraces off all the condos, and those at the marina will include whirlpools. A casino, a spa, restaurants and shops will fill a village at the marina, and gondolas will transport owners and guests from the marina to an island with another spa and a restaurant.

There will be multiple communal infinity pools, including one at the beach club, a yacht club, a fitness center, tennis courts and a kids club. A new airport at the base of the peninsula, where flights arrive from San Juan, P.R., and elsewhere, opened in 2006.

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