Made up of 21 thoughtfully designed residences across three oceanfront buildings, the new development is the first and only residence club on Kiawah Island, offering buyers a completely new way to approach home ownership on the sought-after island.  

“Timbers Kiawah is the front row seat to the best beach on the Eastern Seaboard,” says David Burden, Executive Chairman and Founder of Timbers Resorts. “Developed with families in mind, we believe it provides the ideal setting for generations – it captures the spirit of the Lowcountry and showcases the ultimate in oceanfront living. We are excited to be a part of the tight-knit community of Kiawah and we look forward to welcoming all of our new owners to the Timbers family.”

Featuring coastal interiors by J. Banks Design and architecture by Poss Architecture + Planning, Timbers Kiawah – Ocean Club & Residences features resort-like amenities including a private clubhouse with a central lounge area, temperature-controlled owners’ wine storage, private bar and state-of-the art fitness facility. Also available exclusively to Timbers residents and their guests is a private beach club with an oceanfront pool and beach services, as well as an array of family and children’s programming.

“The Timbers Kiawah experience is unlike any other in the Lowcountry,” says Greg Spencer, CEO of Timbers Resorts. “We curated a team of the most talented professionals to provide a fresh and exclusive experience on Kiawah Island. From the interiors to the roster of activities, we work diligently to provide a carefree setting for owners to relax and enjoy what Kiawah has to offer.”

Timbers Kiawah also features a clubhouse and lounge, owner services team, temperature-controlled wine storage, kids play room and a state-of-the-art fitness facility. Here, residents can send postcards custom designed by Charleston artist Rick Sargent to their families and friends; request any service ranging from meal delivery to babysitting; and book dining reservations and daytime excursions. Upon purchasing a residence, Timbers Kiawah will commission a caricature portrait of the family, which will hang in the clubhouse’s main room.

Photos courtesy of Timbers Kiawah.

Le Studio is a 592 square-foot open-plan, bright and airy studio with its own balcony and gorgeous sea views. The one-bedroom, one-bathroom beautifully designed studio features a fully equipped kitchen, chic teak armchairs with footrests in the living area, teak table and chairs in the dining area, large flat screen smart TV, spectacular ocean view terrace with comfortable seating perfect for sunrise viewings, king size bed (or twins on request), fully air conditioned throughout and more. Based in Saint Barths, Xavier David handled the project with  the following team members: Beatrice David (Interior Designer), Antoine Morisetti (Architect) and Julius Gaume (Project Manager).

Les Ilets de la Plage offers 12 private villas with direct access to the white sand beach and azure sea. Secluded yet central, Les Ilets has been a well-kept secret for years, combining the privacy and serenity of a villa with a hotel concierge service at an affordable price.

Guests staying in Le Studio have access to all of the facilities and services including private beach, pool, concierge services, maid service, bakery delivery, grocery shopping service and more. Rates start from €215- €550 per night, depending on the season.

Guests can fill their days with daily yoga, aqua Pilates and /or island spa treatments.  Hike the beautiful surrounding hills, power walk along the beach at dawn, swim in the ocean or do laps in the resort pool. Enjoy healthy, delicious lunches or dinners using the freshest Caribbean ingredients supplied by Mayas-to-Go.

The remote Caribbean island  of Saint Barths has all the glamour of St. Tropez without all the pretentiousness that accompanies typical celebrity hotspots. Saint Barths is an utterly laid-back, hidden gem of an island, perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It has fabulous beaches, nearly perfect weather and a steady parade of yachts and sailboats to entertain travelers.

There are plenty of posh hotels on the island, but for travelers seeking to escape to a bit of privacy and seclusion, a private villa offers the ultimate haven. Les Ilets has beach side and garden villas that offer the utmost in privacy with luxe accommodations and all the amenities found at a hotel.

Photos courtesy of Gerald Tessier.

The historic town of Port Aransas has all of the charm and color to make it a perfect family destination with the excitement that you and yours are craving. Gregory Carr, development manager at Palmilla Beach Resort & Golf Community described the community as “fun, eclectic, and funky.” Port A — as it is fondly known by the locals —  has 18 miles of uninterrupted beach with spectacular Gulf views and beachfront living. Palmilla Beach Resort is the ideal home or vacation spot for ocean and nature lovers alike.

Located in the ideal Gulf coast town, this beach community easily paints a picture of luxury with modern yet traditional architecture, high-end dining, and top-notch amenities. Walking through the development is a serene and safe experience. The tumbling ocean waves add to the relaxed atmosphere that one feels. Overall, the resort is “an environment where memories can be made,” says Carr. He also made note of how the community comes together whether it’s at the pool, on the beach or just in their backyards to create a welcoming environment.

The Real Estate

Palmilla Beach is well-established and always expanding. There are plenty of real estate options for vacation renters and those looking to make Port A their home. “It’s a lifestyle community,” says Carr, pointing out that most of the community are in rental properties. According to Palmilla Beach’s website, more than 75,000 people visit Port A during peak season. This is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of a popular destination and generate extra income while securing your perfect vacation home. Tiffany Holmgren Zuniga, sales executive at Palmilla Beach says, “Port A has the fastest growing rental market in Texas.”

Real estate options include:

• Homesites
• Homes
• Condominiums
• Cottages
• Townhomes

Black Marlin Bar & Grill

The on-site restaurant is elegant with a high-end menu and taste, but it is surrounded by a comfortable beach atmosphere. The relaxed feel, friendly staff, and delectable cuisine make for the perfect summer afternoon. Choose from a variety of fresh seafood, such as lobster imperial or seared scallops. Then, end your meal with a sweet treat that is made in house with top quality ingredients. The Black Marlin is a gathering place for great company and exquisite food. “It’s the perfect comfort food,” says Zuniga.

Palmilla Beach Golf Club

Previously an 18-hole course, with a high difficulty level, the course is now undergoing some major changes that are going to appeal to more than golf enthusiasts. The new additions will make the course less challenging, kid-friendly, and entertaining for the whole family. “These new improvements are going to be for the whole family,” says Carr.

Once completed, the course will accommodate a range of golfers, from experienced to new players. After construction, The Playground will feature “an 18-hole putting course featuring an authentic, all-grass putting play with grass greens, bunkers, dunes, music, and access to food and beverage that will appeal to avid golfers, families, and children,” according to Palmilla Beach’s website.

A three-hole, short course will also be offered. This will serve perfectly as a warm up or simply a relaxed, quick game. Another addition will include the events lawn, which will accommodate games, competitions and concerts. The new improvements will include music, food and beverages that will help make this area an entertaining activity for the whole family.

Photos courtesy of Palmilla Beach Restort & Golf Club

For more information visit:

http://www.palmillabeachgolfclub.com/

https://www.palmillabeach.com/

https://portaransas.org/

FOR ISLAND HOPPING FAMILIES

Kukui’ula
Kauai, HI

Located on the sunny south shore, Kahalawai #38, a contemporary home designed by Dean Sakamoto and Kelly and Stone Architects and inspired by the designs of mid-century Hawaiian modernist Vladimir Ossipoff, embraces the island landscape with spaces for seamless indoor-outdoor living.

Why it’s a fit for the holidays: With warmer temperatures year-round, Kauai continues to be a popular family destination for the holidays. This home’s open floor plan allows families to enjoy their time together both indoor and outdoor. The ample outdoor space overlooking the lush landscape of the island makes for the perfect backdrop during a Thanksgiving meal with friends and family.

Why it’s a fit for the holidays: Perched above the famed Kapalua Bay, Residence 1404 offers some of the best views at Montage Kapalua Bay with enough room to comfortably host and entertain the entire family. Additionally, the lanais offer prime viewing to Maui’s world-famous sunsets. The home is just steps away from a variety of activities for all ages including, snorkeling, stand-up paddle boarding, swimming, or simply relaxing beachside. Groups of any size can also enjoy two world-class golf courses, hiking, walking and biking trails and so much more.

FOR FAMILIES AVOIDING THE COLD

Maravilla Los Cabos
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Casa Higuera is one of the only fully turnkey custom homes currently available at Maravilla Los Cabos, a private residential community situated between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas on the Sea of Cortez. The community spans both Las Viudas Beach and the renowned Santa Maria Bay, encompassing two of the few year-round, swimmable beaches in Cabo. The five-bedroom, 6.5-bath home features 4,059 square feet inside and 4,908-square feet of outdoor space, as well as a 951-square-foot garage.

Why it’s a fit for the holidays: Built with familial holiday celebrations in mind, Casa Higuera offer multiple spaces for entertainment. The full gourmet kitchens (both indoor and out) boast SubZero, Miele and Wolf appliances, along with a fire pit, barbecue and Kalamazoo pizza oven. The property’s private infinity pool features a floating dining palapa for al-fresco gatherings, while the home’s lower-level basement features a family room equipped with a full bath, 85” flat screen TV, shuffleboard and pool table as well as a walk-in 180-bottle wine cellar.

Why it’s a fit for the holidays: Ideal for multi-generational families, couples with young children and groups looking to entertain, the residence features spacious gathering areas, including an open living and dining room, expansive kitchen, Carolina room and a fully-appointed screened-in porch.

FOR FAMILIES WHO LOVE A WHITE CHRISTMAS

Nakoma Resort
Cilo, CA

Nakoma Resort is located in Northern California’s eastern Plumas County, a region known as the “Lost Sierra.” Surrounded by mountain peaks and the Plumas National Forest, Nakoma offers an escape from the traffic and crowds around Lake Tahoe. The modern resort is home to a minimalist 42-room Lodge, Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Clubhouse, 18-hole championship golf course, Altitude Recreation Center, 12 Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired villas and Ascend Residences at Nakoma, a collection of mountain-modern homes.

Why it’s a fit for the holidays: The snow-capped Lost Sierra is your destination for family winter play away from the crowds. Ascend Residences offer open floor plans with ample space for entertaining family around the annual Christmas tree plucked from the surrounding landscape. Families can avoid the lift lines, whip down the tubing hill or jump on a fat bike to ride atop the snowy trails. Snow permitting, Nakoma will groom 2.5 km of cross-country ski trail steps from a crackling fire in the Wigwam Room. Families who want to explore further into the Lost Sierra can plan an adventurous snowmobiling tour.

Why it’s a fit for the holidays: The Lodge becomes a winter wonderland during the holidays with ice skating, hockey, skiing and snowboarding nearby, tubing, sleigh rides, ice fishing and snowmobiling. There will also be an abundance of holiday festivities for families, including Santa Elf Tuck-ins, stories with Mrs. Claus, wine tastings and s’mores by the bonfire. After a long day of winter activities, families can gather together in their cabins near the fireplace to share gifts and spread some holiday cheer.

Parts of the Hamptons are priced (on a per square foot basis) more affordably than parts of the Rockaways or even Staten Island, according to data analyzers NeighborhoodX.

As one of America’s most elite summertime destinations, the Hamptons are home to many celebrities, CEOs, and New York’s many socialites. Though considered one of the most expensive real estate markets in the country, other parts of the NYC Metropolitan area are surpassing the Hamptons in price by square foot.

Courtesy of Wiki Commons / Mark Jenney

This set of data further suggests that Brooklyn’s beach towns are currently surpassing the Hamptons in terms of price by square foot. The average asking price for Brooklyn’s Manhattan Beach is $619/sq.ft., and in Brighton Beach, the price is $617, both of which are higher than those in some of the leading Hamptons sections, including Sag Harbor, at $614/sq.ft., Amagansett at $598, and Southampton at $554/sq.ft., according to the study conducted by NeighborhoodX in 2018.

The average asking price in Rockaway Beach, which is $335/sq.ft., is on par with the Hamptons’ East Quogue, at $373/sq.ft. Meanwhile, on Staten Island, South Beach ($388) and Midland Beach ($372) are priced on par with Shinnecock Hills ($392) and East Quogue, respectively.

In another set of data, NeighborhoodX found that the average property in Manhattan is more expensive per square foot than the trophy properties in many cities, as the average property in Manhattan is $1,773/sq.ft., surpassing Portland ($1,053), New Orleans ($1,308), Austin ($1,466), Philadelphia ($1,643), and Denver ($1,708).

Hawaii is currently number one on the list of Best Luxury Destinations in the USA by U.S. News, and for good reason. The exotic greenery, breathtaking sights and pristine beaches are enough to sell any traveler on visiting. But, why visit when you can invest in a dream Hawaiian home?

For those itching to own their second home, considering the lush islands of Hawaii is ideal. There are many benefits of owning a vacation home in Hawaii’s tropical climate while still having the safety and security of U.S. laws. 

Here is what potential home buyers should keep in mind when looking into purchasing a vacation home in Hawaii.

1. Have ample time for due-diligence: When you purchase a home in Hawaii, state law provides buyers with 30 days to review all the purchase agreements and have their questions answered. This helps create a pressure/stress-free experience for buyers, many of whom are on vacation when they make the decision to call Hawaii their second home.
2. Manage time zones: It can be a hassle to manage a second home in a different time zone. Consider having someone on the island who can monitor your assets for you and ensure everything is well taken care of while you are away, like security, bills, groceries, and air conditioning.
3. Plan out furnishings: In Hawaii, homeowners sometimes face roadblocks when furnishing, due to lack of in-stock products and long shipping times. Many buyers take advantage of purchasing fully-furnished residences as a way to limit any inconvenience and own something that is move-in ready.
4. Renting your home while you’re away: Many purchasers plan to rent their Hawaii homes when they are not currently living there, but it’s important to note that many areas in Hawaii have restrictions on rentals – only homes with Transient Vacation Rental Licenses within Visitor Destination Areas are legally allowed to operate vacation rentals

After being informed properly on how to logistically own a home in Hawaii, it’s time to look at properties. Here are three gorgeous options to consider.

Montage Residences Kapalua Bay

Launching in July 2014 with 84 oceanfront luxury residences situated in the year-round community of Kapalua Resort, this residence is a lush natural paradise located on Maui’s spectacular western shore. Within the 1,650-acre community, each residence is a rare treasure, offering generous private lanais and expansive ocean views.   

HGTV’s Ultimate House Hunt 2018 has teamed up with Luxury Portfolio International for the seventh consecutive year, kicking off the quest to find the ultimate luxury home in several categories, including waterfront homes, curb appeal, homes with history, and more.
Voters browse a list of some of the world’s most luxury homes and vote for their favorites, and then they are officially entered in a $10,000 sweepstakes. Each category features spectacular properties, and these three are just a few examples.

Amazing Kitchens
This kitchen is arguable the most important spot in the home, for gathering to share a meal and making memories cooking alongside loved ones. These state-of-the-art kitchens are nothing short of gourmet and stunning.

Farmhouse Kitchen in Atlanta, Georgia
$2,675,000
A kitchen that combines modernity with rustic comfort, the exposed beams, vintage cabinetry and clean marble countertops make for a truly unique kitc

Waterfront Homes
Each property in this category showcases a beautiful waterfront retreat, from Sardinia to to Boca Raton. Some of the properties are:

Luxury Beach Home in Boca Raton, Florida
$11,500,000
This massive 10,780-square-foot mansion is move-in ready, surrounded by 202 feet of waterfront. 

Modern Masterpieces
These homes were designed without tradition in mind, from the architecture to the finishes.

Sustainability in Dallas, Texas
$3,500,000
Each element of this home was locally sourced, so homeowners can be sure the environmental impact of this home was minimal.

Photos courtesy of Luxury Portfolio International

Located just 30 minutes south of Charleston, the Timbers Kiawah will be the first private residence club on Kiawah Island, South Carolina.

Developers unveiled the first model residence at this exclusive new property, which is slated to open in October. It will feature 21 residences in 3 oceanfront buildings, every room having a panoramic view of the Atlantic.

Each resident will be provided with full access to the club’s many luxury amenities, which will include a private clubhouse with a central lounge area, valet, temperature-controlled wine storage, kids play room and state-of-the-art fitness facility that will serve as the hub of the new resort. The private beach club will offer residents a luxurious oceanfront pool, bar/grill and beach services.

Kiawah Island itself boasts a long list of amenities that residents will be able to explore, including an inland waterway with access to the marina, which offers boating, paddle boarding, kayaking, crabbing and fishing, an optional membership to the Kiawah Island Club, offering private golf, tennis, fitness, dining, spa and sporting club, and wildlife viewing, including bottlenose dolphins, river otters, white-tailed deer and loggerhead sea turtles.

Residents will be 30 minutes from Downtown Charleston, minutes away from Freshfields Village, a boutique shopping and dining center, and 45 minutes from Charleston International Airport. Kiawah Island is also South Carolina’s prime location for sandy beach, a 10-mile long crescent, with 123 acres of parks and 30 miles of biking trails for those who love adventure.

The Ocean Club residences include 18 three-bedroom residences at approximately 2,200 sq. ft., starting at $475,000, and the three penthouse residences, at approximately 3,600 sq. ft., and start at $1,285,000. The architecture and design of the property is by Poss Architecture + Planning.

Kiawah Island is a prime travel spot today for those wishing to enjoy golf, luxury beaches and relaxation. Travel + Leisure named Kiawah Island the #2 Island in America in August of 2016.

Photos courtesy of Timbers Kiawah

A Starwood Capital Group Caribbean destination frequented by visitors from around the world is back after facing Hurricane Irma last fall. Four Seasons Resort & Residences Anguilla, designed by Kelly Wearstler, has a total 132 residences.

Images courtesy Four Seasons Resorts & Residences Anguilla

Whether you choose to enjoy a peaceful nap in the hammock, a quiet cup of coffee in the morning, or a relaxing bath while gazing at the ocean, a beautifully-designed beach home is the perfect place to indulge.

Luxuriously designed to reflect its surroundings, this Bahamian home — designed by Touzet Studio — lets nature do the talking. For homeowners looking to embrace luxury beach living, we spoke with Jacqueline Touzet, principal of Touzet Studio, to learn all about it.

How can homeowners incorporate beach décor without sacrificing luxury?

The ultimate luxury of a beach house is an uninterrupted view and enjoyment of the amazing ocean. We purposefully keep the architecture minimal and the focus on nature. Besides the celebration of the view, the key elements we incorporate to give a “Beach” vibe are organic accents — woven lamps, rattan elements and rustic wood bar stools — paired with a sleek material palette — concrete floors and large glass doors. The key is relaxation, low-stress and low-maintenance. It can be modern and minimal,  but there should not be a focus on complicated details or materials that make the house feel stiff or formal.

What colors are essential to create this design aesthetic?

Whites and neutrals like wood or rattan, some light greys really help set a soothing tone and environment where the dramatic ocean views and beautiful landscape can be enjoyed. They are also timeless and elegant. You can always change the art and the accent pillows and the flowers — but a great neutral base that is light and inviting sets the tone of a space.

What is the importance of plants and greenery?

Having tropical plants in your garden and bringing them into the space really helps bring the “tropical” beach vibe into the space. The more dramatic the leaf shapes, the better. For this space we loved just having interesting green foliage and white or neutral orchids. We avoided bright colors that detract from the serenity of the space.

Photos courtesy Michael Stavaridis