Luxury Real Estate

Local Realtor Earns Most Prestigious of all Industry Achievements

Norwalk, CT- Reaching the pinnacle of her profession nationally, Priscilla R. Toomey, of Bronxville-Ley Real Estate LLC, was accepted as a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, the most prestigious of all industry achievements.

More than just a sales-driven recognition, the Top 5 in Real Estate Network® meets a need that heretofore has never been addressed – helping consumers identify the most professional real estate agents in North America. To qualify, each member must first meet a stringent set of criteria, based upon performance, as well as educational and professional skills and service to the consumer.

Members of the Network are carefully selected and managed by RISMedia, which has provided the real estate industry with objective, unbiased news for nearly 30 years. As a Member of the Top 5 Network, Toomey is among the first real estate agents to be accepted into this elite organization.

Allan Dalton, the president and co-founder of RISMedia’s Top 5 Network congratulated Toomey for earning this top status within the industry. “Priscilla has reached the very highest level of North America’s residential real estate industry. Not only are her professional accomplishments extraordinary, she has long been a true champion for home buyers and sellers in her area. It is a pleasure to welcome Priscilla into this elite group of industry leaders.”

According to John Featherston, RISMedia's CEO & publisher and co-founder of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network, the significance of Top 5 is that consumers deserve full transparency regarding all matters related to the real estate transaction, which often begins with the need to select a highly competent, experienced and results-oriented real estate professional. Top 5 in Real Estate has been established to both empower consumers with leading real estate content through Top 5 members, as well as to ensure that consumers are made fully aware that there is a material difference between average and exceptional real estate professionals.

Priscilla Toomey has an extensive background in several areas of real estate. For 11 years she served as General Counsel for one of America’s leading relocation firms, where she advised in excess of 20,000 home sales and purchases yearly. With over 400 corporate clients, Toomey was responsible for changes to the tax law which preserved favorable income tax treatment for employees nationwide. She has written two books and many articles regarding getting the highest price for your home and making your home sale transition as easy as possible. Toomey has been President of Burlington Realty Asset Management since 1997, investing in and managing multiple-family homes. She is a graduate of Hunter College of the City University of New York, Phi Beta Kappa, and of the University of Virginia Law School. In addition to holding her Broker’s license in New York, Toomey has also served her community in various capacities from the Board of Directors of the YWCA, to President of her street association, to co-chair of Friends of the Performing Arts at her daughters’ school. Toomey has also lived in Canada for extended periods and traveled to Russia with the Experiment in International Living. For more information, e-mail Toomey@BronxvilleRealEstate.com or call 914-337-1234.

For more information on RISMedia’s Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, please visit www.top5inrealestate.com or contact Member Relations at 203-853-2167 ext. 139. RISMedia’s Top 5 in Real Estate Network^® is a membership network of leading real estate professionals providing leading real estate information to consumers. To qualify for membership in the Top 5 in Real Estate Network, agents must meet specific criteria in five key categories: experience; results; education; information technology; and commitment to community. RISMedia, the leader in real estate information systems, has been providing the industry with news, trends and business development strategies for nearly 30 years through its flagship publication, Real Estate magazine, its leading website, RISMedia.com, and its renowned networking and educational events.

By Jim Walberg of Caribbean Islands Realty

So how does a surfer kid from Southern California end up falling in love with the Caribbean? Have you ever seen the surfing opportunities in Barbados and Tortola? If your answer is YES, then you know the other answer, too.

I arrived in Redondo Beach in 1948, and lived on the beach for the first 21 years of my life. I thought it was normal to live a block from the pier and enjoy all the Pacific Ocean offered - everyday! I thought all things connected to the Pacific Ocean were normal - sailing, surfing, diving, beach volleyball, pier fishing, boat deliveries to Mexico, and a hundred more activities. In hindsight I was one the luckiest kids I know because of growing up with amazing experiences connected to the Pacific Ocean - every day. I had no idea that my love for the ocean would lead me to the Caribbean Islands and then create an international real estate company.

 

A life changing discovery happened for me in the mid-1970s while on my first sailing adventure in the Caribbean. Up to that point I had only sailed in the Pacific and Mexico. My Caribbean sailing trips began in the BVI, and then broaden out over the years to sailing the entire chain of the Caribbean Islands.

I had no idea that the Caribbean had any surfing opportunities. So, during my Caribbean sailing adventures I discovered the “Soup Bowl” in Barbados, and Lambert Bay in the BVI. Not only are there some GREAT surf spots in the Caribbean, the beaches are breathtaking while you are sitting watching the left and right breaks. Did you know there is a surf shop, Totem, on St. Barts? St. Barts is my favorite jewel of the Caribbean for pure decadence. And, I could not believe there was a surf shop on the island. I still have a Totem decal on the back window of my Lexus SUV. The staff at Totem opened up a whole new world to explore - Caribbean surfing.

The best surfing in the Caribbean is in Barbados. Melanie Pitcher runs one of the best surfing schools in the Caribbean - Surf Barbados. And, boy can she surf. There is even a surf camp in the BVI on Tortola. I just discovered that one last year! So, you are probably thinking that I have the Caribbean scene wired after all of my discoveries the past 35 years of diligent detective work. You are mistaken. There is a life time of discoveries in this magical part of the world. That is why I keep coming back, and the reason why we are having so much fun serving our international real estate customer’s appetite for owning their piece of Paradise.

So, contact me about some of your favorite surf spots in the world, or for even information about your next home purchase in Paradise. Your Caribbean Islands lifestyle detective remains on duty!

At the head of Furer SA  , Philippe Furer – – fourth generation – and his wife Anne-Lise have been working in the family business for over 35 years, and are now its majority shareholders by a wide margin.

Philippe Furer, Could you give us a brief overview of your business?

After studying humanities and law, I was thinking about becoming a diplomat, but the circumstances of life decided otherwise. I started working for my father, Claude Furer, in 1973, and I’ve remained faithful to the requirements of quality, precision and discretion that were the founding values of Furer SA. Our staff of 27 are actively involved in property management, administration of co-ownership property, renovation, brokerage, expertise and consultancy, primarily on the Vaud Riviera and in the Lake Geneva area between Geneva and Lausanne. Reconciling the interests of owners and tenants is no picnic – it requires first class services and, above all, a genuine ability to listen. Our management teams deserve a medal every day!

The company’s head office is in Vevey, while our two dedicated brokerage operations are based in Montreux and Lausanne, under the expert leadership of our associate, Sandro Rigois.

 

Was the current economic crisis a surprise to you?

Not at all. I’d seen it coming for two years, thanks to political economics classes given by the late François Schaller and several books on 1929 that opened my eyes to the chain reactions that happen during severe economic crises – a vicious circle. However, I fear the current crisis might turn out to be worse than the 1929 one, due among other factors, to runaway demographics (in 1929 the global population was 1.8 billion; in 2009 it’s 7.5 billion), climate risks and technological ‘progress’ that even the most motivated in our globalised world – if you’ll forgive the tautology – are no longer able to control, not to mention the collapse of moral values.

Faced with ever-increasing violence both within and beyond our borders, we’ll have no option but to ‘believe and create’ (which was the theme of the national exhibition as long ago as 1964!); a fascinating, historic challenge for current and future generations.

In the context of your business, what steps have you already taken?

As early as March 2008, I did a U-turn by abandoning international brokerage – even though it seemed to offer promising development prospects – in order to free up the time needed to implement our strategic choices, namely: always striving to improve staff training, perfecting our management applications, strengthening the disputes department and, as a necessary corollary, reinforcing security measures. This inevitably means protecting people and property, making our IT resources as secure as possible and protecting our image. We’ve recently been promoting two new sections on our www.furer.ch website: “The legal expert’s view”, written by Eric Ramel, a member of our Board of Directors, and “The tax expert’s view”, written by Gérard Balimann, director of Fidinter SA, a renowned trust company.

And what are your plans for the immediate future?

Creating a ‘culture corner’ on our website, for which plans are already well advanced. This will include my favourites and discoveries in classical and contemporary music, history, philosophy, literature and fine art. Moreover, there will be a section dedicated to various humanitarian activities. I’m also pulling together various writings in view of publishing a small work, in the not-too-distant future I hope, on... No, wait – it’s still a secret!

Among other activities, you’re a judge at the Rent Tribunal. What motivates you to hold this role?

After 37 years’ service in civil and military security, an army officer has a duty to serve the community in another way: “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country”. So it was natural for me to contribute to peace between landlords and tenants through the channel of conciliation, at the same time as maintaining my legal knowledge by exercising a type of law that is always more tricky: summum jus summa injuria.

What are your other interests apart from property?

I’ll answer that question indirectly; one of my best friends is a famous conductor who’s just published a book titled “De la musique avant toute chose “ (Music above all things) with resounding success. At the request of another great friend – a canon, organist and internationally renowned concert performer and composer – the Protestant that I am has just formed a committee for the restoration of the great organs of the Sacré-Cœur de Montreux Catholic church (www.orguesmontreux.ch). I spend my leisure time, of which I don’t have enough, at the piano (currently J.-S. Bach, Beethoven and Chopin). I’m passionate about history and philosophy and am often inspired in day-to-day life by the thoughts of that great Stoic Marcus Aurelius, about whom I sometimes give lectures. I’ve chosen one of his thoughts for your article 2. Apart from that, every day I stroke two superb cats while contemplating my beautiful wife. To stay fit, I cycle between 700 and 800 kilometres a month...

What do you like most? ?

The sound of a child laughing.

What do you hate most?

Vulgarity.

Anne-Lise Furer, you are Managing Director of Furer SA and Director of its co-ownership department. What motivates you?

I used to be a primary teacher and yoga instructor. After I met Philippe, I began to take part in the administration of the sales department in Montreux. When a position became available in the co-ownership department, I jumped at it without knowing where it might lead... It’s a fascinating area that teaches you patience, self-control and diplomacy – what you gain is learning the art of living in harmony with others. As everyone knows, the administration of a co-ownership property is not limited to resolving a building’s technical problems – far from it...

You’ve considerably developed the co-ownership department. What’s your recipe?

You have to constantly be disciplined, towards both yourself and others. My rural origins have helped me a lot in this regard. I also have a great team of girls I can rely on.

What are your other interests apart from work?

I’m an avid figure skater, forest walker and yoga enthusiast. I also look after my cats, Merlin and Morgan, as well as... my husband. The precious time I share with him helps us keep our relationship in balance. Finally, when that little lot leaves me the time, I also play the piano: J S Bach, Schubert, Mendelssohn...

What do you like most?

A person’s state of consciousness, which is the key to human evolution.

What do you hate most?

Deceitfulness or treachery, whichever you like.

I fully subscribe to Plato’s thought: “beauty is the splendour of the true”.

Is it difficult working together as a couple? Who wants to answer?

A.-L. Furer: No. The secret of success lies in the intelligent sharing of tasks: each of us has our own department and office. Philippe Furer adds: at home, each of us has our own bathroom (laughs) and piano, but only one kitchen where we prepare meals together, such is the extent to which a meal cooked well with two pairs of hands is as pleasant as a well-managed or administrated property!

Epicurus wasn’t far wrong...

Interviewed by Elisabeth Bastide-Kastl

By Kelly Lawlor of ERA Landmark Real Estate

Sharon Tudor Isler, Broker at ERA Landmark Real Estate has been named the winner of the ERA International Collection Sapphire Award. This distinguished award honors Isler for her luxury marketing expertise and her successful sales record in the $850,000+ home market over the past two years. Isler was recognized for this outstanding achievement at the 2009 ERA International Business Conference, held March 5-8 in San Antonio, Texas.

With six closed transactions (at $850,000+) in 2008 resulting in a dollar volume of over 8 Million, Sharon has obviously dedicated herself to exceeding the expectations of this sophisticated clientele. Sharon consistently ranks within the top ½ of 1 percent of all ERA sales associates, nationwide. Her participation in the cultural community of Bozeman, as well as her successful geographic networking activities is to be commended.

Representing the most desirable properties listed by ERA associates around the world, the ERA International Collection program delivers members a competitive edge in the luxury marketplace. The Sapphire Awardhonors the International Collection member who has taken actionable steps in the previous year to work effectively and competitively with the luxury market. This is the first year the Sapphire Award has been given and there were 14 finalists nation wide. The ERA network includes more than 33,000 brokers and sales associates and approximately 2,800 offices throughout the United States and 50 other countries and territories.

Isler entered the real estate industry in 1987, and has won many leadership awards, including the ERA Customer Service Award, ERA National Leadership Circle, the Gallatin Association of REALTORS® Salesperson of the year in both 1999 and 1991 and Rookie of the Year in 1988. She holds the Graduate Realtor Institute and Certified Residential Specialist designations, and is recognized in Who’s Who in Luxury Properties. She is a National Trust for Preservation designate. She is assisted by her son, Brian Tudor, Sales Associate, GRI.

“Since the inception of the International Collection, the classes that were made available to me at convention have been invaluable. The clients I have gained through my work as a leader in the arts, culture, and business community benefit from the unique positioning of the International Collection web sites and the excellent marketing materials. This continues to give me a competitive advantage with affluent buyers and sellers.”

By Jim Walberg of Caribbean Islands Realty

Jim Walberg and his fellow Rotarians completed another map of the USA on the playground of Tassajara Hills Elementary School - 40 feet long and 25 feet high! It is part of our continued support of education projects in our community.

Since our local Rotary Club was founded in April 1989 it has been serving the many needs of our East Bay communities. During the past 20 years, we have donated hundreds of thousands of dollars and thousands of people hours to address these local needs. Many of our Rotary Club’s community projects have been focused on educational needs of our school districts. We call one of them “The Maps Project”. Several years ago we learned of a map painting kit that was painted on elementary school playgrounds to assist kids with their understanding of our country’s geography. It sounded as if it was a winner of addition to any school.

We contacted our local school district and opened a discussion with them regarding how it could be of benefit to school kids to better understand the geography of our country. They accepted our invitation to paint this map on all of the elementary schools in the district. Yesterday we completed our eighth USA map on the playground. It has evolved into a very organized operation which now allows us to pull it off in just one day. Yesterday we are done from start to finish in must under six hours because of many volunteers showing up to help.

One of the ways that “Service Above Self” is learned by our younger generations is by modeling it. We invited local high school students and students from Tassajara Elementary School to assist us with yesterday’s project. So, you had young and old working together to create a magnificent end result. There were smiles and high-fives all around as we admired the finished product. The last step of any of the maps we have painted is having the Mississippi River painted along its entire route with it ending at New Orleans. What a great day.

During yesterday’s project I overheard many conversations among the adults and students about when our next project would take place because they wanted to make sure they helped us again. The “virus” of community service continues to be spread as we are always on the lookout for the needs within our community that need to be addressed. Our “army” of volunteers has now expanded to include high school and elementary students who also want to give back to their community.

You may remember my daily mantra, “To whom much is given, much is required.” As long as we are still breathing our work is not over on this earth in order to make it a better place. So, what does community service have to do with East Bay real estate? The quality of life of a community is a key factor as to why people want to live in our region. We want to make sure we are doing our part to improve the life experiences of all who live here. Contact me anytime if you would like to join us on any of our community projects. Until next time…your lifestyle detective remains on duty in the East Bay.

By Jim Walberg of Carribean Islands Realty

In the midst of one of the world’s worst economic crisis, the ultra-luxury super yachts are not only thriving, they are flourishing! Here is Jim Walberg’s 2009 update on this necessary item for the truly wealthy.

OK, so the venue was St. Bart’s “Bucket Regatta” last March. The scene is one that would take the breath away of any sailor worth his/her salt - there was not enough room in the massive marina of Gustavia Harbor to dock just 35 super yachts!!! The St. Bart’s Bucket Cup is the time each year for the super rich to keep things in perspective - SPEND.

THE current example of a super yacht in 2009 is the venture capitalist, Tom Perkin’s s/y Maltese Falcon. It is a gigantic 88 meters in length and as tall as the tablets on the Statue of Liberty!!! It takes 12 berths to dock this amazing yacht! The sails disappear into self-standing carbon fiber masts, which rotate with a computerized system that monitors the direction of the wind. It cost Mr. Perkins $130,000 to build his luxury yacht, and it has ALL of the high tech bells and whistles that one could ever dream imagine. Eat your heart of out Larry Ellison.

This is mainly a group of super rich men who are OK with losing millions of dollars a year on their many various ventures. So building a super yacht is just a hobby. Just to give you an idea of what it cost to build one of these super yachts - it is about $2 million for every three feet of length. Then, in addition, it cost another $2 million a year just for the maintenance, fuel, supplies, docking fees, and crew. According to The Yacht Report there will be 4,162 of these super yachts sailing the seven seas by the end of 2009!

Size does matter in the rarified air of the super rich who own these super yachts. So hang on to your hats… Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai and prime minister of the UEA of Dubai has just took the wraps off last March of the world’s largest yacht, the 531-foot Dubai. The $350-million motorboat accommodates 115 and has eight decks and even a helicopter pad. Not to be outdone by the Sheikh, Roman Abramovich, the Russian billionaire, will top him this summer with the 555-foot Eclipse. According to the yachting press, the Eclipse will be equipped with an armor plated master suite, bulletproof windows, a missile-detection system and even an escape-submarine.

Back to the Bucket Regatta…the informal motto of this regatta is “Win The Party!” We are talking about parties at the docks of Gustavia Harbor that are beyond belief. Four years ago a Canadian billionaire flew in live lobsters from Prince Edward Island for his dinner. A couple of years ago a billionaire from Minnesota turned his super yacht into an all night disco for the 700 guests attending the Bucket. Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefers surprised the Regatta this year with a surprise concert that raised money for the local hospital to buy a CT-scanner.

Despite the all night partying the Bucket Regatta is serious business for these super wealthy men who are only accustom to winning - at all costs. The challenge is that they are all going head to head with Mother Nature, because it is all about wind and the weather, as to who will claim the Bucket. The slowest boat gets the Escargot Cup - an empty can of snails. Because no one wants to be humiliated with the distinction of “winning” the Escargot Cup, these billionaires hire Americas Cup talent to steer their super yachts to victory.

The St. Bart’s Bucket Regatta is at the very top of the luxury yacht scene. It is a week of an ostentatious display of what unlimited resources are capable of. I have to say that a vast majority of the money spent in this arena could create a legacy of service to others in this world. But, as a sailor I still really like looking at what money can buy for a sailboat. Until next time…your Caribbean lifestyle detective is on duty.

By Brian Langhorst

Are diamonds really worth less than water? Diamonds have been branded as a girl’s best friend and a necessary gem for wives, rappers, and sports stars. Hats off to De Beers and Alrosa for creating notable marketing campaigns like “A Diamond is Forever” to fuel our desire for these pieces of sparkly carbon. Diamonds are engrained in to our culture and lifestyle thus they are sought after as a luxury item.

A recent New York Times article goes into a very interesting explanation of the world’s diamond market and how Russia and several companies are stock piling all newly mined diamonds to decrease supply and keep prices up despite sinking demand. It sure seems that water is and will be worth more in the world economy than diamonds. This leads me to a suggestion maybe real estate will act as the new engagement piece in the future?

I look forward to hearing your thoughts!

By Jim Walberg of Carribean Islands Realty

Jim Walberg has just discovered one of the most decadent and luxurious chartered sailing vacations in the Caribbean - just for two people in Paradise!

So, I was having a discussion last week with Chris and Julie, who own s/y Felicia - the Privilege 65 catamaran based in the BVI. They told me about their dear friends, Ed and Natalie who have been sailing the Caribbean since 1994, and have created an ultra-luxury chartered sailing vacation experience in the Las Aves - an eight island chain just off of Bonaire , on their 52′ high-performance sloop, s/y Safari. I LOVE new sailing adventures so my curiosity got the best of me. I called Ed and Natalie up on Skype and began an amazing series of conversations about what they have created for their very discerning guests. What I discovered was SO exciting that I needed to share it with all of you immediately. Here goes…

 

Las Aves islands are just 30 miles off the coast of Bonaire, and just 70 miles from Curacao. Many of you know about this region of the Caribbean as the most pristine waters for sailing and diving. The diving experiences are so breathtaking that Bonaire is looked upon as the Caribbean’s dive destination. Las Aves means “birds” in Spanish. The area is a breeding ground for many unique bird species as well as turtles. It is a “sea” of marine and bird life any where you sail in these private islands and reefs. This is THE place to get away from any crowds. Ed and Natalie guarantee a private beach and anchorage everyday! WOW! You would never find this in the BVI or even the Grenadines.

This ultra-luxury charter yacht has all the amenities you could ever dream of, including Burmese teak decking, sparkling brightwork, and a teak interior, plus;

• Charter Guest Suite: Queen bed & full bath, lots of storage space in the guest cabin.
• Yacht Toys: Sailing & instruction opportunities; wind surfing; kayaking; snorkeling; golf “beach driving range”; beach hut; iPod docking station; SkyMate email;
• Daily Gourmet Experiences: This ultra-luxury sailing adventures includes Ed as your captain and Natalie as your world-class chef. All meals and beverages are provided, a well stocked super-premium bar, and vintage wines for your enjoyment at lunches and dinners.

How about this for a sample menu for your day’s dining experience?

• Breakfast: Poached Eggs, Warm Asparagus, Crispy Pancetta & Melted Camembert
• Lunch: Grilled Pineapple & Jerk Chicken with Island Sweet Potato Jumble
• Afternoon Hors d’Oeuvres: Jumbo Cassava crackers w/spicy chutneys
• Dinner: Braised Endive with Balsamic Sauce; Grilled Lobster Tail with Lime Butter; Herbed Jasmine Rice & Steamed Young Vegetables Dessert: Key Lime Pie with Gingersnap Crust ( Are you drooling yet?)
• Beverages For Your Day’s Enjoyment - Examples: Havana Club Special Dark Rum Mai Tai; your choice of sodas, water, and premium beers; Grey Goose Vodka Martinis; Heidsieck Monopole Brut Champagne Blue Top NV; Domaine Lebrun Pouilly Fumé 2006; Château Mazeyres Pomerol 1999; Castarede VSOP 10 Armagnac ( All of these are provided because thirst is a dangerous thing.)

Ed and Natalie sold their businesses in Montreal and headed south in 1994. They made a promise to “live slow” in Paradise and they are still keeping that promise everyday. And besides Natalie dazzling you with her gourmet meals each day, she is a professional artist and sells her paintings and jewelry all over the Caribbean. They also both speak English, French and Spanish.

This is a typical rave review of past guests, “Our travel style is to find an exotic, luxury destination that offers personalized attention. Safari Sailing gave us the boutique experience we were looking for, with an exotic locale and wonderful hosts. Being able to leave all decision- making to Ed and Natalie’s good judgment and great style led to a blissful ten days in Las Aves, where for the first time in years, we completely lost track of time. It was beyond all of our expectations.” Linda and Filip - Washington, DC

They only schedule from six to eight charters a year, so their pampered guests usually book a year in advance. Please contact me TODAY if you want more information about your next ultra-luxury exotic sailing adventure. Until next time…your Caribbean lifestyle detective remainds on duty!

By Jim Walberg of Caribbean Islands Realty

Ten romantic spots in the Caribbean not to miss - from a $2,000 a day luxury resort, to a $10 Pain Killer rum drink on the most beautiful sunset beach in the Caribbean.

So, my wife, and fellow world adventurer and I sat down today and said, “Why don’t we share with our friends our Top Ten Romantic spots in the Caribbean?” I have been remiss in not telling you know about these ten jewels that are our favorite romantic spots to hangout at. They range in price from a $2,000 a day to just the cost of a Pain Killer rum drink for $10 each. Here goes;

 

#1. Isle de France - St. Barts: This is our sentimental favorite because it is where we spent almost two weeks for our honeymoon. It is a small boutique resort on Flamond Beach and it is in the pricy category. You will need to book a year in advance and try and secure Suite #1. St. Barts is only four miles long and two miles wide, and just a few miles off the island of St. Martin. It is a French province so it has all of the flair of St. Tropez, but in the Caribbean. The haute courtier shopping is over the top!

#2. Soggy Dollar Beach Bar: This got on the list because it is our favorite sunset beach in the Caribbean. It is on Jost Van Dyke in the BVI. You will probably swim ashore so that is why your dollars will be soggy. This is the cheapest date in the Caribbean - $10 or less for a rum Pain Killer. But, it will cost you some dough to get to the beach.

#3. The Bitter End Yacht Club: This is the last resort in the Caribbean before you head out into the Atlantic on your way back to Europe on the island of Virgin Gorda. This resort has it all; great food, a great bar, unbelievable sunsets, sailboats to rent for the day or the week, and every room has a view of the BVI. It is unforgettable.

#4. Caneel Bay - St. John: We have spent several of our wedding anniversaries at this Rockefeller Resort. This resort is also one of the pricier ones, but it is worth every penny. It is on a part of St. John that connects it from both sides of the island. The beaches are unforgettable. There have been many times when there has been no one on the beach except us.

#5. Sandy Lane, Barbados: Now, this one is considered the Top resort in the Caribbean. Tiger Woods leased the entire resort for his wedding. It is almost impossible to describe the decadence that awaits any guests that decides to experience this type of luxury vacation. The beach, cuisine, bars, and spa are over the top! You must book this at least a year in advance.

#6. The Blue Parrot Hotel: You may not realize it, but the Mayan Riviera, just south of Cancun, Mexico is a part of the Caribbean. This is our sentimental funky favorite. It is built right on the sand of Playa del Carmen. You will feel as if you are on the French Riviera. Half of the town is Italian, French and German. The bar is the BEST! You sit in swing seats at the bar right on the sand. The cervices is our favorite appetizer, and the choice of beers from around the world will satisfy anyone.

#7. Anse Chastanet - St. Lucia: We love St. Lucia! It is about half way down the chain of Caribbean islands, and it is a jewel! The 600-acre resort is a lush garden of tropical foliage bordering one of the island’s best beaches. With this unforgettable resort, it is hard to define where the inside of the rooms stop and the outside begins. You will love every moment you spend here.

#8. Palm Island Resort, The Grenadines: At the World Travel Awards it was named “The Worlds Leading Private Island“, and Caribbean Travel & Life ranks it amongst the Caribbean’s most romantic resorts! Travel & Leisure says it is one of the best places to stay in the WORLD! So, how is that for an introduction? There are 37 guest rooms and five white sandy beaches. This is a Euro-Caribbean cuisine experience not be missed!

#9. Coco Plum Cay Resort, Belize: You are in for the surprise of your life if you make it to this Caribbean resort. Belize used to be British Guiana, and is the only English speaking Central American country. Coco Plum Cay is a tiny private island that has stand-alone cabana’s along the beach with your privacy in mind. Romance is the experience you will have 24 hours a day. This little island has very private beaches, hidden hammocks, and a beautiful peninsula all to your self.

#10. Divi Aruba Beach Resort, Aruba: Last, but not least, is Divi Resort in Aruba. You are almost at the southern end of the Caribbean islands when you step off the plane in Aruba. It is an island that is almost all sandy beaches and this resort is one of our favorites. There are only 203 rooms at this all-inclusive beach resort and every amenity you expect in the Caribbean is there.

There you have it. From one end of the Caribbean to the other, our Top Ten Caribbean Romantic Spots - from $10 to thousands per day. Let me know what your favorite Caribbean resorts are. I look forward to adding them to my list. Until next time…fair winds!!!

By Carl Peralta of 77 Great Estates

Recently, Dr Carl Peralta of 77 Great Estates together with friends attended a birthday party of a Slovakian friend. They stayed at a Best Western Hotel in the middle of a snow covered mountain. The party was held in the hotel’s disco and featured local rap artist Rytmus accompanied by fireworks at the stroke of midnight.

On the first night, “we ate together with a local celebrity … at a Grill and Tapas restaurant bang opposite the famous Fashion Bar which was our last spot for the night.

The following day, we visited the old part of Bratislava together with picturesque squares, cosy restaurants and good food such as Jazz cafe and modern shopping malls.

On the last day, we enjoyed a long lunch at “Parliament’s Restaurant” with views stretching throughout most of the Danube with the backdrop of blocks of flats and the industrial area. Close by was the presently restored Bratislava castle”.

Once there, Dr Peralta had the opportunity to meet up with a Slovakian successful real estate developer/businessman who is planning another visit to Malta following his failed attempt at introducing a €100m project in Malta. Seems like he did not know the right people, until now!