Artist’s rendering of Yacht Haven Grande.
The charms of Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) on the island of St. Thomas, attract visitors of all stripes-by private yacht, cruise ship or airline. Emerald green hills dotted with pastel and white houses and the deep blue surrounding waters sprinkled with reefs and tropical fish are an irresistible palette that keeps us, yachtsmen and tourists, coming back.
In recent years, megayachts, sportsfishing boats and passagemakers increasingly have made landfall at St. Thomas, extending their cruising range and sampling the delights of the Caribbean. Recognizing this trend, Island Capital Group LLC of New York has embarked on an ambitious transformation of a well-known property in St. Thomas Harbor into an upscale lifestyle destination with state-of-the-art marina, restaurants, luxury shopping, offices and 12 exclusive condominiums. And that’s just phase one, due to open in stages during 2006. In fact, the first phase of the marina development and one restaurant should be open by the time you read this. Phase two plans include a 70-room hotel, more retail and restaurants, a water theme park and a conference center.
Yacht Haven Grande is the first in a series of luxury lifestyle destinations planned throughout the Bahamas and the Caribbean, and even into the Mediterranean and the Middle East. Key to its success will be a stand-alone marina configured to serve the discriminating needs of luxury yachts and, more specifically, megayachts and their owners, including hospitality and entertainment needs ashore. With over 13.8 acres of onshore facilities and 32.6 acres of marina devoted to 50 yachts ranging from 80 to 450 feet in length, it may very well be the first facility of its kind.
Panoramic views, from sweeping balconies overlooking a sparkling new marina, and a skyline of yachts await the owners of the luxury condominiums planned for Yacht Haven Grande. Neoclassical Colonial architecture will fuse Art Deco stairways, intricate iron detailing, second-floor verandas, shutters and red roofs with island themes and Caribbean landscape. Each 2,000-square-foot residence is planned with a spacious three-bedroom, three-bath layout, finished with the highest quality materials-granite countertops, hardwood and tile floors and more. Perched on second- and third-story levels above elegant boutiques and restaurants, the residences are served by a private entrance and a dedicated elevator. As we go to press, price for one of these very urbane residences in an island setting that is also a U.S. territory is approximately $2 million.
Yacht Haven Grande is led by Andrew Farkas, the founder and former chairman and CEO of Insignia Financial Group, who is known for his real estate vision and developments. Under his leadership, the company has invested years building a unique understanding of design, construction and operational elements of a world-class megayacht marina like Yacht Haven Grande. Island Capital says it is committed to providing only the finest facilities and services in the industry and claims the financial strength to support and sustain the long-term mission of becoming the preeminent destination and marina for luxury yachts of all kinds.
Contact: (212) 705-5055; www.yachthavengrande.com
