THE LUXURY LIST
Top Vacation-Home Destinations:
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA
TELLURIDE, COLORADO
THE FLORIDA KEYS
LAKE TAHOE
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
VAIL, COLORADO
JACKSON HOLE, WYOMING
BIG ISLAND, HAWAII
SINGER ISLAND, FLORIDA
MIAMI, FLORIDA
SOUTH CAROLINA'S COAST
PARK CITY, UTAH
COACHELLA VALLEY
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA
This classy Phoenix suburb gets it. It has managed to preserve a good share of its greatest asset, the beautifully stunning Sonoran Desert, by forever protecting 36,400 acres-nearly one-third of the city's total land area. On the other hand, Scottsdale continues to diversify and grow its portfolio of offerings, from five-star resorts (the city boasts more than 12,500 rooms) and restaurants to unmatched adventure and fun. The latter will certainly peak in winter 2008 when the FBR Open, the PGA Tour's most animated event, and Superbowl XLII run back to back. As expected, a city exciting as Scottsdale should-and does-offer some of the world's best second-home enclaves. Most are backed by an award-winning golf course (or six of them in Desert Mountain's case). Currently experiencing a full-fledged renaissance is the downtown area, where condos and townhomes are helping to create a new vibe in this old part of town.
TELLURIDE, COLORADO
Rugged and remote, Telluride is made up of two distinct areas-the town of Telluride and Mountain Village-which are linked by a gondola ride. Telluride has a strong devotion to the arts and plays hosts to a handful of renowned festivals. Little wonder why big-hitting companies and investors are investing in this town's appeal. One example is Capella Hotels and Resorts, led by hotelier Horst Schulze, who has chosen Telluride as the brand's official U.S. introduction. Capella Telluride will pair ultra-luxe ski-in, ski-out accommodations with exceptional service and amenities. Condo-hotel rooms are priced from $510,000; fully-owned two- to four-bedroom condos start at $1.75 million. Another luxurious slopeside retreat is Silverline, a ski-in, ski-out project that will house a massive community rec center with an indoor water park, fitness center, arcade, rockclimbing wall and bowling alley. Silverline's 90 residences range from 550 to 6,000 square feet and are priced from $515,000 to more than $10 million.
THE FLORIDA KEYS
At the mere mention of the Florida Keys, people get visions of margaritas and cheeseburgers in paradise. The chain of islands off Florida's southern tip is every bit as relaxed and casual as Jimmy Buffett's tunes would suggest. Here, the lifestyle revolves around the water, with such activities as tarpon fishing, lobster diving, boating and swimming with the dolphins. Dedicated anglers, including former President George Bush, come from all over the world to troll the waters here. The real estate reflects the languid vibe. New developments offer barefoot luxury-that is, sophisticated amenities and modern conveniences in a casual, sand-between-your-toes atmosphere. Some notable projects: Lime Tree, Coral Lagoon Resort in Marathon, and Parrot Key in Key West.
LAKE TAHOE
The breathtaking beauty of Lake Tahoe still lives up to those immortal words penned by Mark Twain in 1861. Practically split down its middle by the California-Nevada border, the large, blue, clear lake sits at an elevation of 6,229 feet and is surrounded by towering mountains, charming towns, challenging golf courses and top-ranked ski resorts. Soon to break ground on the south shore is The Chateau at Heavenly Village, a $420 million project that will feature two luxury condo-hotels, a convention center, destination spa, park, shops and restaurants-all within walking distance to the Heavenly Village gondola and a private lake beach. Not only beautiful, Lake Tahoe is still considered a solid investment as the average price of single-family homes increased 20 percent to $1.4 million in the first quarter of 2007 compared to the same time last year.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
In addition to gambling, great entertainment, Rodeo-Drive-like shopping and cuisine created by some of the world's best chefs, Nevada offers several tax advantages, including no personal or corporate income taxes. On and near the famed Strip you'll see towering resorts flanked by cranes as new names prepare to make their mark on this legendary city: Trump, W Las Vegas, CityCenter (MGM's $7 billion development that includes 2,700 luxury residences amidst a vibrant hotel, resort casino, retail and entertainment district), and ONE Lifestyle Condominiums, which just topped the second of five residential towers. Less than 20 miles away, Lake Las Vegas continues to thrive as a quieter, but no-less-exciting oasis. Here, a 320-acre lake centers world-class resorts, shopping, dining, golf and exquisite homes (Celine Dion owns one). The latest residential offering is Galileo, a 323-home enclave that will feature the area's only residential concierge service and a Tom Fazio-designed golf course.
VAIL, COLORADO
How strong is Vail's staying power? Ski Magazine has ranked it the No. 1 ski resort in America 14 out of the past 19 years. But the resort is not resting on its laurels, as it and the town of Vail are in the midst of a billion-dollar renewal effort, which encompasses a variety of public and private projects like outdoor plazas, new dining and shopping options, and upscale hotels and residences. For those who want to live among the action, it won't come cheap. A two-bedroom, three-bath condo at The Residences at The Arrabelle is currently priced at $3.2 million. Away from the ski slopes, Red Sky Ranch and Golf Club lets members and guests enjoy their own clubhouses and alternate play on the Tom Fazio and Greg Norman golf courses. Homesites are priced from $695,000; homes in the new Juniper Trail neighborhood start at $1.195 million.
JACKSON HOLE, WYOMING
With the median home price hovering around $1 million and the cost of living between 20 and 30 percent above the national average, the Jackson Hole area has certainly become a playground for the wealthy. With only three percent of the county's land available for private ownership, demand will always outpace supply. The result? Development is moving outside the area, particularly on the other side of the Tetons into Idaho. These new private communities are located close to Jackson Hole yet offer their own impressive array of amenities-not to mention a much lower price tag. Prospective buyers can look into River Rim Ranch, which boasts a Greg Norman Signature Golf Course; and Teton Springs, a resort community with golf, tennis and a village center complete with shops and restaurants.
BIG ISLAND, HAWAII
What's not to love about Hawaii's Big Island? "The island is still not as crowded as Maui and Oahu. And there's not as much rain," says Ed Miklas, who, along with wife Janet, owns a vacation home on the island. "I like to compare it to the Palm Springs of Hawaii." But even though the Big Island has long been a favorite vacation destination, high-end residential properties have just recently taken the island by storm. Now a number of resorts and private communities offer residential enclaves befitting of this Hawaiian paradise: Kuki'o, Wai'ula'ula at Mauna Kea Resort and the Four Seasons Hualalai Resort, among them.
SINGER ISLAND, FLORIDA
By their very nature, barrier islands are separated from the mainland-both physically and metaphorically. Singer Island certainly is worlds apart from its neighboring communities across the water. Though it is a short distance from exclusive shopping and top-tier dining in Palm Beach and Palm Beach Gardens, Singer Island, which was founded by sewing machine heir Paris Singer, is so tranquil and uncrowded that it feels like a distant paradise. The "daily grind" consists of a leisurely stroll on the beach, a canoe ride among the mangroves, or a deep-sea fishing excursion. Though real estate development had lay dormant for several years, the island is undergoing a renaissance. Luxury high-rise towers such as Amrit Resort & Residences and 2700 North Ocean are bringing a new level of sophistication to the area.
MIAMI, FLORIDA
In a word, Miami is caliente. The Spanish word for "hot" does not just refer to the temperatures-which, by the way, are perfect year-round. It refers to the sizzling lifestyle that includes top-notch cultural venues like the much-lauded Carnival Center for the Performing Arts, a burgeoning art scene, see-and-be-seen beaches, an international mix of residents, and glamorous nightlife. Known as the gateway to Latin America, Miami has grown at a dizzying rate during the past decade. Its popularity is evident in the ever-expanding skyline, which includes such projects as Canyon Ranch Living spa residences, 6000 Indian Creek and the ultra-exclusive Apogee South Beach.
SOUTH CAROLINA'S COAST
South Carolina's coastline features an array of beautiful beaches and historic islands-each one unique in character and offerings. The most popular area is the Grand Strand, a 60-mile stretch of sand that spans from Little River to Georgetown. The heart of the action is Myrtle Beach, with fun family beaches, more than 100 golf courses, the state's largest mall, nightclubs and live theatre. Much more relaxed in nature is Kiawah Island. Located 20 miles from Charleston, this privately owned island has 10 miles of undisturbed beaches, a lazy river, scenic marshes and lagoons and five golf courses. Along with superb accommodations such as The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island, you'll find multimillion-dollar homes that embody Southern hospitality. Another well-heeled haven his Hilton Head Island, the second-largest barrier island on the East Coast. Here, broad beaches, golf, shopping, dining and natural beauty abound, as well as luxury accommodations from condos to villas to oceanfront estates.
PARK CITY, UTAH
Host of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, this charming ski town has all the perks expected of a high-altitude, year-round playground: world-renowned ski resorts, great golf, scenic trails, dining, culture and more. But what really makes Park City so attractive is its accessibility-it's just a 30-minute drive from the Salt Lake International Airport. As a result, new development-resort, residential and retail-continues to break ground at an impressive rate. Scheduled openings for the upcoming 2007/2008 ski season include The St. Regis Resort & Residences, located slopeside at Deer Valley, and The Sky Lodge, an upscale deeded-ownership property located in the heart of Park City's historic Main Street district.
COACHELLA VALLEY
About two hours from Los Angeles, Palm Springs and its outlying communities have long served as Hollywood's backyard for rest, relaxation and rehab (the area is home to the Betty Ford Center). A longtime retirement hotspot, the Coachella Valley is for those who like gorgeous weather and outdoor adventure. Main attractions include more than 100 golf courses, numerous tennis courts, the Palm Springs Aerial Tram and a calendar full of events and festivals. Intertwined with renowned spas and resorts (both a Hard Rock Hotel and a Ritz-Carlton are planned) are private communities that have rocketed the good life to a whole new level-BigHorn Golf Club, The Hideaway, The Vintage Club and Mirada, to name a few. In addition to the aforementioned resorts, which will both have a residential real estate component, Port Lawrence will offer modern lofts and townhomes in Palm Springs' arts and design district from the $600,000s.
