The New Jalousie Plantation - St. Lucia
St. Lucia's unique ownership opportunity at a Unesco Site
From the southeast coast of St. Lucia, two towering emerald peaks pierce the horizon. These famous dramatic volcanic cones-the Pitons-foreshadow the natural splendor that awaits on the island, splendor that gives St. Lucia a reputation as a near-perfect description of paradise. Amid this unique topography, lush rain forests rich with fruit trees and tropical plants spill down to secluded white beaches, forests that are home to exotic hummingbirds and parrots...all topped off with natural hot springs and an active volcano.
Perhaps the single nicest place on this fabulous island is Jalousie Beach, a stretch of rainforest and sand between the Pitons. Jalousie is known for its water clarity, white sand and steep ocean drop offs: waters that include a national marine park. The Jalousie Plantation is located on 192 acres of verdant rainforest that plummets down to the sea. Closer to the Petit Piton than the Gros Piton, the established resort has been undergoing a $100 million overhaul. The Viceroy Hotel's internationally-acclaimed resort group, The Tides, has undertaken the renovation of the Jalousie Plantation, operating under The Tides Sugar Beach. A UNESCO World Heritage Site,
The Tides Sugar Beach is offering once-in-a-lifetime ownership opportunities with the 2011 opening of the Sugar Beach Villas and Ocean Residences. One of only 174 such sites on the planet, the UNESCO World Heritage site designation ensures that the Jalousie Plantation area will never be at risk of over-development. The Ocean Residences and villas represent a rare opportunity to own a luxury property on a natural plot of land with outstanding universal value and appeal.
"The location is absolutely spectacular and the protection offered by the UNESCO status speaks for itself," says Lisa Basire, marketing director of Sugar Beach. "Roger Myers is a visionary developer who is shaping one of the best resorts in the world, and with the Viceroy Hotel Group operating the resort, we have found the perfect partnership."
The five-star world-class resort will have 85 villas scattered about the rainforest and five beachfront stand-alone residences, all designed with an emphasis in sustainability at the forefront. Spectacular views stretch away from the elevated location of the villas. With the Pitons on either side and the beach below, the views are among the nicest to be found anywhere.
All villas and residences have panoramic vistas of both the Pitons and the sea, as well as deeded access to "Forbidden Beach." Both the villas and the Ocean Residences are part of the The Jalousie Plantation, which includes a number of world-class amenities. Activities here range from windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling and kayaking to tennis, archery, and billiards. Both casual and fine dining are available. The elegant Great Room serves Caribbean-influenced fare in an atmosphere of Old World colonial charm. A number of casual dining options are available as well, including the Bayside Grill for breakfast, lunch, or dinner on the beach. The Rainforest Oasis is the on-site spa and features breathtaking views of the Pitons. Signature treatments include salt scrubs and polishes, indian head massage, wraps, and hot rocks and cabana massages. The local sulfur springs provide a unique opportunity to bathe in black waters straight from the heart of the volcano, then enjoy a hot sulfur mud bath and rinse off under the Piton's waterfalls. The environmentally conscientious Sugar Beach Villas celebrate the al fresco lifestyle with luxurious large bath areas opening to spacious terraces. Private plunge pools complement the cool white walls and polished wood floors. These freehold villas are managed by the hotel when not in use, providing income and carefree maintenance. This system ensures that the property is kept up to the highest standards.
Villas are sold on a buy-to-let basis, and owners will benefit from a minimum five percent rental guarantee as well as a 37.5 percent share of pooled total room revenue, calculated on the purchase price of the villa. A total of 85 buy-to-let beach villas are available for private ownership, ranging from $610,000 to $2.1 million. The Ocean Residences at Sugar Beach are just steps from the beach. Architect Lane Pettigrew has mastered the art of "ocean chic" and fashioned these elegant homes to maximize location, space and comfort. Dining areas open to enormous terraces, and all bedrooms have private balconies and bathrooms. A private swimming pool rounds out the offerings at the Ocean Residences. Full ownership provides unlimited usage, and when unoccupied The Tides will manage all rentals. The beachfront Ocean Residences are priced from $2.8 million to $6 million, and run to 5,241 square feet.
No matter what type of property you end up purchasing at Jalousie Beach, one thing is for certain: the views are something you will never forget and you'll miss them anytime you leave.