WEALTHY BUYERS FAVOURING PRIVACY OF SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES

Barbados and the Bahamas have long been magnets for those seeking sun soaked tropical luxury in the Caribbean. However, in recent years, demands have seen a change, with seclusion and privacy high on the list of celebrities and HNWIs.

Overcrowding, commercialism and privacy issues have drawn wealthy sun seekers to look to quieter islands. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines comprise 32 islands, including exclusive and relatively undiscovered islands such as Mustique, Canouan and private Palm Island.

Buyers are advised to act quickly to take advantage of the serenity of these islands, as inquiries are on the rise.

“We have seen an 11% increase in inquiries since mid-September,” says Michelle Bellegarde, CEO of Saint Vincent & the Grenadines Sotheby’s International Realty. “These buyers are attracted to the growth of airlift to the islands as new direct routes have been declared between St. Vincent and major connecting hubs like New York and Toronto.

“Today there are twice as many boats in Bequia’s Admiralty Bay as there were at this time last year and the same can be said for The Blue Lagoon Marina in St. Vincent too.

“Restaurants are now open every day to meet demand, indicating our peak season has started more than a month earlier than usual. Hotels and private resort islands like Petit St. Vincent, Palm Island and Young Island have also seen an influx of guests who are now booking up to a year ahead.”

One such property on offer is Villa Almaviva on Palm Island. This beachfront home features 10,000 square feet of living space, nine bedrooms and nine bathrooms.

It boasts impressive 270 degree views - as the home has been designed with beautiful wide terraces surrounding it. There is also a beach front cottage which boasts three en-suite bedrooms, a large living and dining area and a covered patio.

The stunning home is not only just accessible by boat, it also includes its own private beach and a small lagoon. Moreover, the home also comes with a boat, car, staff quarters, workshop and beachfront land.

“Villa Almaviva has always been our place for peace and recreation,” says Ursula Streit, vendor of Villa Almaviva. “My husband and I ran a lively and successful publishing house and escaped to Palm Island whenever we could, even before we built the house. We used to run away to the island, away from business meetings and events into a much more relaxed environment of blissful island life. It truly is a retreat, a refresher and a breath of fresh air.”

Villa Almaviva is available at a guide price of $9,000,000. For more information about this home or other properties on offer in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, visit bellegardeestates.com