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Wheat prices have hit a 22-month high after a severe drought and ensuing wildfires in Russia devastated crops.

Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) wheat for September delivery broke through the $7-a-bushel level in US trade for the first time since September 2008, before falling back to $6.93.

Prices have risen 50% since late June.

Concerns are growing that the rise will lead to an increase in prices of flour-related products such as bread and biscuits.

Gary Sharkey, head of wheat procurement at Premier Foods, which makes Hovis bread, told the Financial Times that the industry would be “unable to ignore a 50% rise in wheat prices”.

Digging into reserves

UN Food and Agriculture Organisation’s Abdolreza Abbassian: “I think we have hit the worst of it”

Wheat prices dropped back slightly from their highs after Russian Deputy Agriculture Minister Aleksandr Belyayev said that there was no need for Moscow to restrict its grain exports at the moment.

“[Restrictions] will not be imposed yet. The government is to decide, but the situation today does not demand this. It is very easy to reduce exports, but it is very hard to increase them,” he said.

Russia has high levels of grain in reserves and will start using those.

But Mr Belyayev said that production levels would be lower than forecast.

“We will manage to produce 70-75 million tonnes, I think,” he said.

The Ministry of Agriculture had forecast the grain crop to come in below 85 million tonnes, compared with 97 million tonnes in 2009.

Picking up the slack

Kona Haque, commodities strategist at Macquarie Bank, said that Kazakhstan and Ukraine, who have also been affected by the drought along with Russia, would see their export levels go down, but there would not be a global wheat shortage.

“The crop declines we are seeing [in the former Soviet Union] are very real, 20-25% drops in production leading to equivalent decline in exports,” she said.

“But the fact remains that there are still big exportable surpluses in other parts of the world, particularly the US, that will be able to pick up some of the slack.”

But she admitted that headlines of droughts and fires meant that it was inevitable that prices would go up in the short term.

“Particularly in south east Asia there are a lot grain purchasers who are scrambling to get hold of as much wheat as possible in case prices rise even further,” she said.

Russia’s biggest wheat markets

• Egypt
• Turkey
• Syria
• Iran
• Libya
• Jordan

Source: US Department of Agriculture

Read more at the BBC site here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-10851170 (Source)

Leading the charge are U.S. and European pension funds, although it is estimated that the amount of institutional money invested is less than 1 percent of global farmland value, with concentration in food exporting regions.

A growing world population, limited water resources and finite amounts of land available have made farmland attractive to investors beyond traditional owners — private families.

U.S. pension fund TIAA-CREF has around $2 billion (1.3 billion pounds) invested in farmland of the $426 billion it has under management and is looking to expand its farmland holdings.

“If we found the right opportunities we’d be willing to double our existing exposure over the new few years,” said Jose Minaya, managing director of global private markets at the fund.

“This is just another asset class that has the potential of going the route that real estate, private equity, hedge funds did in the past,” said Minaya, estimating between $5 billion and $15 billion of institutional money is invested globally.

The way the groups invest is also changing, with some now forming partnerships to access and operate farmland.

TIAA-CREF prefers to own farmland directly rather than through funds, said Minaya. “In general the larger pension funds are moving closer to a more active versus passive investment style,” he added.

Jos Lemmens, senior portfolio manager at Netherlands-based APG, said it plans to raise its interest to around 1 billion euros.

Traditionally the fund manager — which has 220 billion euro (178 billion pound) under management — has invested in agricultural commodities via commodity futures markets, but since 2007 it has also invested in farmland.

“Part of (our) strategy is more efficient allocation to commodities, part of that strategy is to own real assets, especially land,” Lemmens said.

Netherlands healthcare pension fund PGGM, which has around 90 billion euro under management, has said it may raise its allocation of funds to farmland at the next annual review.

Pension funds are known for being risk averse and farmland is no exception, with funds focussed on food exporting countries with a stable political backdrop.

The 2007-08 food price spike, which sparked food riots in some countries and caused governments to review food security policies, has also put a spotlight on food producing assets.

Interest in foreign farmland has come from countries with limited food production, such as Saudi Arabia and China, as they looked to secure future needs.

RISK VS REWARD

The strategies adopted by China and some of the major governments purchasing farmland have been controversial in Africa and parts of Asia where food security is an overriding issue locally, leading some funds to tread carefully.

“If you’re in a country where you’re a net importer of food and suddenly you have foreigners buying land, that could get politically sensitive, so we’ve generally stayed away from countries that are big net importers,” said Philipp Saumweber, managing director of Saumweber Holdings.

Some analysts are also sceptical about how easily pension funds can expand holdings.

“There’s lots of interest but little action. It’s difficult to deliver what these funds want; vast acres of cheap land in politically stable regions,” said Andrew Shirley, head of rural property research at estate agent Knight Frank.

Shirley said Brazilian farmland prices vary dramatically from less than 500 reais per hectare for undeveloped forest to more than 20,000 reais per hectare for double-cropping arable land.

In the United States, where pension funds have been investing for some time, the U.S. Department of Agriculture averaged arable values for the corn belt at $9,562 per hectare in 2008, Shirley added.

“There are undoubtedly opportunities for investors, but finding them is not easy or cheap and requires a huge amount of knowledge and expertise. There is no simple solution for pension funds looking to invest in global farmland,” he said.

AFRICAN PROMISE

Pension funds’ farmland assets are concentrated in grain exporting regions including the U.S., Latin America, Central and Eastern Europe and Australia. As some of these regions are more mature, land scarcity can also help drive up values.

“Seventy percent of productive land is already in use in the U.S. so the expansion of real estate is limited. Whereas in Brazil only 20 percent of arable land is used,” said Suzanne Petrela, partner at private investment firm Red Reef Partners.

Africa is seen as an interesting investment opportunity but the risks have so far limited investments. However, the region’s overwhelming potential is proving a long-term draw.

“As the market develops as a whole people will see opportunities in different regions and there’s always going to be pools of money that are seeking higher return strategies,” said Minaya.

While some of the bigger pension funds in Europe deepen their investments, others have started to latch onto the idea of farmland as an alternative investment.

U.K.-based BMS Group pension scheme and Merseyside Pension Fund, which do not hold farmland, is attracted by the long term investment horizon of between 10 and 30 years for farmland as it helps to manage illiquidity with farmland sometimes proving difficult to buy and sell quickly.

“The investment characteristics I am looking for are steady long-term growth, ideally sound inflation hedge, preferably lower correlation with equities; looking to capture value through active management; socially responsible investment,” said David Larson, chairman of the BMS Group pension scheme.

Source: http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKLNE65S01K20100629

(Reporting by Sarah McFarlane and Camila Reed; Editing by William Hardy)

Sal Island is the most popular of the Cape Verde islands with a recognized International Airport.  Dunas Beach Resort and Spa is on the prime beach front location of Ponta Preta beach just minutes away from the main town of Santa Maria.

Dunas Beach Resort and Spa is a stunning development comprising studios, suites, apartments and villas all built to the quality expected of the resort operator Sol Meliá.  The Resort Offers

• Stunning choice of properties including villas, apartments, studios and suites.
• Prices range from €100,000 to €1,000,000.
• Direct flights from the UK airports Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham.
• Excellent rental returns from room rate share.
• Flexible payment schemes including interest payments on cash investments during construction.
• SIPP approved.
• Resort managed by the world renowned Sol Meliá to maximize the rental income potential.

Cape Verde

The closest tropical location to Europe, around an hour south of the Canary Islands and just over 5 hours from the UK.  Cape Verde enjoys a dry tropical climate with cool currents drifting around the islands keeping temperatures to a pleasant 22^o to 30^o all year round, without the risk of hurricanes.

The Islands boast some of the best beaches in the world and are only just being discovered.  Tourism has leapt from 67,000 visitors at the start of the Millennium to over 300,000 in 2007 and expectation is that this figure will top the 1 million mark as early as 2015.

As the popularity of Cape Verde increases and land values rise, demand will grow and properties will become more valuable.  An annual income for property owners will increase significantly as the tourist footfall continues to grow.  Sal Island accounts for 69% of Cape Verde’s rental market and the government is investing in the Islands to create a modern, world class tourist destination.

Dunas Beach Resort & Spa

Located on the white sands of the Ponta Preta beach, just outside the main town of Santa Maria, the MELIÁ Dunas Beach Resort will be one the most prestigious resorts on Sal Island.

The Resort will comprise of:

• Stunning choices of properties including villas, apartments, studios and suites.
• High quality finishes and understated luxury throughout the whole Resort.
• All the facilities you would expect from a 5 star MELIÁ Resort.
• World-class restaurants with a blend of international cuisine to suit all tastes.
• Expansive communal pools for ultimate relaxation.
• Tranquil surroundings with beautiful landscaped gardens.

The Resort will feature many fine restaurants & bars, two poolside wet bars, courtesy & lounge areas, Meliá Yhi Spa & gymnasium, tennis courts and a variety of shops.

Funding your property purchase

The Resort Group plc have developed payment options to suit a variety of investors, these include interest payments against cash deposit, cost of equity borrowing funded during construction and utilization of SIPP’s.

Cash Investments

Whilst banks offer paltry interest rates on savings for their customers, The Resort Group offer the complete opposite.  For clients investing cash savings in a Dunas Beach Resort property they will receive annual interest of 6% on the cash invested during the property construction phase.

Equity Release or borrowing

Clients who look to utilize equity in a home, buy-to-let or other forms of borrowing to invest in a Dunas Beach Resort property, The Resort Group will offer to service the interest costs on this borrowing, up to an interest rate of 10% per annum, during construction.  These interest payments will be rolled up and added to the property completion balance.

Additionally, as the investment is in Euro’s The resort Group offer an attractive guaranteed rate of exchange from Sterling to Euro’s.  The Resort Group can also provide access to free legal services and completion mortgages (subject to status) through Banif Bank.

SIPP Purchase

The Resort Group have partnered with some of the UK’s leading pension and investment experts to enable clients to discuss current personal arrangements and explore the most effective and efficient way of purchasing a property at the Dunas Beach Resort.

Easy Ownership

There are three payment options provided to meet the majority of investor requirements.

Option One

• €2,000 Reservation Fee.
• 35% payment on signing contracts, less the reservation fee.
• 65% payment on completion.
• Interest paid on borrowing until completion (added to final purchase price) or 6% interest as compensation on savings utilized.
• Mortgage on completion (subject to status), opportunity for 70% loan to value mortgage.
• Hotel Excellence Furniture Package discounted by 50%.

Option Two

• €2,000 Reservation Fee.
• 45% payment on signing contracts, less the reservation fee.
• 55% payment on completion.
• Interest paid on borrowing until completion (added to final purchase price) or 6% interest as compensation on savings utilized.
• Mortgage on completion (subject to status), opportunity for 70% loan to value mortgage.
• Hotel Excellence Furniture Package FREE.

Option Three

• €2,000 Reservation Fee.
• 25% payment on signing contracts, less the reservation fee.
• 20% payment after 6 months.
• 20% payment after 12 months.
• 20% payment after 18 months.
• Final 15% is written off.
• Hotel Excellence Furniture Package FREE.

Repossessed development land in Palm Springs California 40% below market value.

GPS are pleased to offer a unique opportunity to purchase plots of land with full irrevocable planning permission to be developed as residential property which were repossessed last year by a Californian Regional Bank. All plots are a fraction of the current market valuation.

Investment Highlights

• Plots were valued at the height of the height of the market at $90,000 – Limited allocation now available at  $30,000
• Early settlement cash back fro reservations before the end of July
• Up to 40% below current market value
• Repossessed from a Californian regional bank
• Full irrevocable planning permission for residential development
• Located in a highly desirable part of California
• Palm Springs areas is one of the fastest growing areas in the States
• Short-medium and long term exit strategies in place
• Minimum plot size 9941 sq ft
• All investors will receive the title, conveying sole freehold ownership
• SIPP approved

For more information on this product please submit your full contact details, including email, telephone number and address here. Or call 0845 258 7058

By Bruce Hextall http://www.sharenet.co.za/v3/news_disp.php?id=269983

SYDNEY, March 18 (Reuters) – Chinese demand for Australian wheat has surged to levels not seen for at least five years, sucking in an estimated 400,000 tonnes of grain in the past five months, the country’s biggest grain handler said on Thursday.

The estimated exports to China between November and the end of this month would be almost double the amount it imported from Australia for the full 2008/09 marketing year, confirming a trend that official Australian data only tracks up to December so far.

“Shipping statistics reported out to the end of March indicate Australian sales into China will exceed 400,000 tonnes,” said Tom Puddy, marketing chief for the GrainPool marketing arm of CBH Group, Australia’s biggest handler of wheat exports.

Over the same period, total wheat exports from Australia, the world’s fourth largest shipper of the grain, are seen around around 5.3 million tonnes, he said quoting unpublished shipping data available to exporters.

He said China could keep buying Australian wheat throughout the marketing year ending in September.

“There could be another 300,000 tonnes of extra demand to the end of the year,” Puddy said. “It is hard to predict as it is always a mystery about what their actual stocks are.”

China is already one of the world’s largest wheat producers with production for the 2009/10 year estimated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture at 114.50 million tonnes.

Normally it imports only small quantities of the grain but the country is rebuilding stocks, buying on the international market from countries such as Australia, Canada, France, the United States and Argentina.

The purchases are made under a government import quota system that alloww about 9.6 million tonnes per annum. Each flour mill is also permitted to import 960,000 tonnes outside the quota system.

China placed orders for Australian wheat as early as last August, having missed out on securing supplies the previous season, as countries such as Iran booked large quantities pre-harvest, squeezing supplies.

Australia’s 2009/10 Australian wheat harvest, which finished in January, yielded an estimated 21.66 million tonnes, according to the government’s commodity forecaster.

China had built up wheat reserves but since 2003/04 has been auctioning off stocks, mainly Australian Standard White (ASW) type wheat, which has a reputation for quality, and soft red wheat from the United States.

“That wheat is five or six years old now..the quality has diminished a little bit so what they’re doing is replenishing stocks of current season’s white wheat,” said Puddy.

• There is a finite supply of land in the world
• Demand for excellent agricultural farmland is extremely high
• The demand for agricultural crops grows exponentially with increase in world population, which is expected to double in the next 40 years
• Developing economies demand higher protein diets, driving pressure on the supply of livestock foodstuff
• Agricultural farmland provides an annual return
• Australia is the worlds 4^th largest Wheat exporter
• Western Australia is away from the drought zone with crop yields generally higher than other areas
• Demand for agricultural crops will continue to be driven higher not just by the requirements to feed humans and livestock but also to find solutions to natural resource fuels

Australian Farmland investment

• Opportunity to purchase arable farmland in Western Australia
• Utilisation of industry experts to select appropriate land and recommend management
• Farmland professionally managed and farmed with at least 70% of the net profits from the sale of the harvest crops paid annually
• Resale of farmland managed for you
• Flexibility to structure products to meet clients profile and requirements
• Purchase options either via cash or alternatively using an IFA to look at utilising / creating a SIPP to make the purchase

For more information and a free brochure on this product please submit your full contact details, including email, telephone number and address here.

The impact of a drop of 41,000 hectares in Australian wheat sowings will be more than offset by a rise to 1.60 tonnes a hectare in yields, forecasters at the country’s official commodities bureau, Abare, said.

The increase will swell the 2010-11 crop by 284,000 tonnes to 21.94m tonnes.

The estimate follows considerable speculation of a fall in Australia’s harvest this year, as weak prices prompt farmers to cut back more significantly on sowings.

And a City analyst told Agrimoney.com that forecasts were “speculative” at this stage and would depend largely on the timing of rains.

Sheep vs wheat

Nonetheless, Abare, in an annual crop forecast report, forecast Australian growers maintaining their love of wheat despite the improved attractions of sheep, which have enjoyed a revival in prices.

“Over the medium term, competition for land in the wheat-sheep zone is expected to increase because sheep prices are projected to be relatively high,” the report said.

Nonetheless, Australian sheep numbers would remain at some 70m head over the next five years, compared with 110m head in the early 2000s.

Wheat sowings, meanwhile, would expand by some 166,000 hectares, helping production approach 25m tonnes.

Exports will hit 17.4m tonnes in 2014-15, up by one quarter on those in the current season.

Article Source: Agrimoney.com

http://www.agrimoney.com/news/higher-yields-to-swell-australias-wheat-crop–1414.html

The Garapua Beach Resort will offer:

• Range of OFF-PLAN 5 Star luxury properties from Studios to 4 Bedroom Villas
• From £60,000 to £630,000 to purchase
• Fully furnished freehold properties
• 2 year RENTAL GUARANTEE at 10% p.a. with 50% net room share from year 3 onwards
• £1000 reservation fee with NOTHING to pay till COMPLETION (depending on status)
• 100% FINANCE OPTION available, Developer pays monthly interest payment on 30% deposit
• Developer will assist owners with obtaining finance on completion
• SIPP inclusive opportunity
• Owners own the FREEHOLD to the property
• 30 days free PERSONAL USAGE per year (excluding SIPP Investors)
• STUNNING location in emerging South American tourist hotspot

Excellent Property Investment Opportunities in Brazil

Harlequin Hotels & Resorts is purchasing 1,700 acres of land in Bahia, Brazil with a view to creating a 5 star luxury spa resort called Garapua Beach Resort in which it intends to incorporate a Gary Player Signature Golf Course, Pat Cash Tennis Academy, Football Academy, Trader Vic’s restaurant, Senor Pico’s and Mai Tai Lounge.

We are proposing to sell freehold plots of land from 450 sq m at up to 50% below market value and providing the owners of the land with the option to build a property within 5 years of receipt of title to the land. Owners of the land will be able to choose from a selection of property designs which can be customised to their individual requirements.

The plots of land are situated in what will become an exclusive gated community with landscaped gardens and swimming pools within a 5 star luxury beachfront spa resort. Residents and guests will have full use of the facilities within the resort. The hotel operator will manage and maintain the public areas within this area.

Why this is an Excellent Investment Opportunity

Real estate investment is growing due to the increasing popularity of Bahia as the favourite holiday destination of Brazilians and is still underdeveloped as a tourist market internationally and is predicted to grow exponentially. There is a huge demand for tourist accommodation and the property market is booming with foreign investment increasing as there are no restrictions on foreign ownership and inward investment is being actively encouraged by the Government. Brazil is also hosting the 2014 World Cup and is bidding for the 2016 Olympic Games.

Introducing residential property in emerging new Turkish business district

• High specification, 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments.
• Off-plan and completed development – Opened September 2009.
• Prices from £27,305!
• 90% Finance.
• 10% Deposit Required.
• 15% Discount.
• 75% Loan to Value.
• Capital growth conservatively estimated at 15% – 20% p.a.
• Excellent rental potential with achievable rental yields of between 8% – 10% on a long term basis.
• A prestigious residential development in the major corporate centre of Cerkezkoy, a suburb of Istanbul.
• Designed to provide a luxurious standard of living to young professionals and executives relating to this flagship district.
• More than 50,000 people work in the area.

Key Points:

• Excellent location close to the international airport, the Trans European North-South Motorway, and superb fast railway connection.
• 24 hour security.
• On site Restaurants.
• A private school within the development.
• Shopping Mall, including a 36,000m² Tesco supermarket.
• Indoor and Outdoor swimming pools.
• Health and Fitness Suite/Gymnasium.
• Sports facilities incorporating a Tennis Club and basketball courts.
• Culture Centre.
• Business Centre.
• Cinema.
• Theatre.
• 4/5 star hotel within the development with 130-150 rooms.

Why Cerkezkoy, Istanbul?

• The area is a major corporate centre and tax free business zone encompassing in excess of 600 companies including many blue chip corporations such as Bosch, Sony, and 3M.
• One of the fastest developing regions of Turkey.
• 20 minutes to Ataturk Airport, (Istanbul International Airport).
• 10 minutes to Salivri Airport a new international airport anticipated to complete in 2013.
• 2 minutes to the Trans European North-South Motorway (TEM) a modern system of motorways and expressways, connecting the Baltic, Adriatic, Aegean and Black Seas.
• Close proximity to a European high speed rail terminal scheduled for completion in 2010. More than 200,000 people live in the Cerkezkoy area.
• Accession to the EU anticipated by 2013 (The Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan).
• HIGH predicted capital growth in Istanbul of 20%-30% p.a. (Source: California Chronicle 22 April 2009).
• EXCELLENT RENTAL YIELDS anticipated, currently quoted at 6.22% (average) in prime locations. (Source: Global Property Guide 18 March 2009).
• HIGH INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENT – The International Investors Association (YASED) says Turkey can expect a foreign investment inflow of $15-20 BILLION from 2008 onwards.
• Turkey is currently attracting around 25 MILLION TOURISTS per annum. (Source: ArticleDashboard.com. 2009)
• Turkey has the WORLD’S 15th and EUROPE’S 6th largest economy.
• Widely forecast to become one of the TOP 10 ECONOMIES in the world by 2050.
• Turkey will require an additional 5.5 MILLION HOUSING UNITS by 2015 to satisfy predicted shortfalls of 500,000 properties per year.
• In 2007, Turkey launched MORTGAGE PRODUCTS for foreign property purchasers.

Development comprises:

• 43 properties consisting of: 21 x 1 Bedroom Apartments. 12 x 2 Bedroom Apartments. 10 x 3 Bedroom Apartments.
• There is a 5 year building warranty on Narin Park. There is a 2 year warranty on internal fixtures & fittings and workmanship.
• Planning Permission has been obtained. Construction permit No: 246/12.
• Ave Price/m² 1 bedroom apartment: £637 approx.
• Ave Price/m² 2 bedroom apartment: £616 approx.
• Ave Price/m² 3 bedroom apartment: £608 approx.
• These can vary depending on which rental scheme you wish to adopt. Typically, rental charges are 12% – 15% for long-term lettings.
• Achievable rental in the area (Long -term): Approximate predicted rental figures as at July 2009:
• 1 bedroom apartment = TRY 400/550 (£160/£220) PCM – unfurnished/furnished.
• 2 bedroom apartment = TRY 550/700 (£220/£280) PCM – unfurnished/furnished.
• 3 bedroom apartment = TRY 700/850 (£280/£340) PCM – unfurnished/furnished.

Why Turkey is considered a prime location:

• Actual growth in 2005 – 2006: 30% anticipated growth 15% minimum in 2009. Anticipated 20% in 2010. Source(s): Invest Worldwide Ltd, Turkey.
• Would-be investors can now be assured that they are investing into a nation with a healthy economy and one where the property market holds long-term potential for strong capital appreciation. Turkey represents the best investment opportunity in the overseas market that anyone is likely to find over the next year and a half. Source: GoWealthy 15/02/09
• Predicted Market Growth: Istanbul property is seeing unprecedented growth, although not the fantastic 85% returns that some investors achieved during 2005/06, capital growth rates of between 20% – 30% are still expected for buyers of both residential and commercial property in 2009. Source: California Chronicles 21 January 2009
• In their sixth annual report ‘Trends in Real Estate Europe 2009’ financial experts Price Waterhouse Coopers quote Istanbul as being one of the top 3 Eastern European destinations offering opportunities to those looking to make an international purchase.
• Jones Lang LaSalle state in their August 2008 report that Istanbul will undoubtedly remain the focus of occupier, developer and investor interest for the foreseeable future.
• The rental market in Turkey is extremely buoyant all year around, a situation which is continually being supported by the Turkish government and the fact that the restrictions on developable land is limiting the availability of high specification apartments and villas. 78% of land in Turkey belongs to the Treasury and therefore cannot be developed.

Planned to be the finest resort in the Caribbean, combining superb accommodation, a stunning location and fabulous facilities including the Gary Player Signature Golf Course. The Estate offers:

• Range of OFF-PLAN 5 Star luxury properties from studio apartments to four bedroom villas
• From £130,000 to £500,000 to purchase
• 2 year RENTAL GUARANTEE at 10% p.a. with 50% net room share from year 3 onwards
• £1000 reservation fee with NOTHING to pay till COMPLETION (depending on status)
• 100% FINANCE OPTION available, Developer pays monthly interest payment on 30% deposit
• Developer will assist owners with obtaining finance on completion
• SIPP inclusive opportunity
• Owners own the FREEHOLD to the property
• 30 days free PERSONAL USAGE per year (excluding SIPP Investors)

Key Points

• The resort will be around 15 minutes from the George Charles Airport near Castries
• The Worlds first Gary Player Golf Hotel

The Marquis Estate – The Resort

An estate of this individuality requires considerable care to leave this piece of land better than it is. The developer plans to do this by ensuring the indigenous population’s involvement and the protection of the wildlife and existing ecosystems to create a new legacy.

The Marquis Estate – Resort Amenities

Elegant bars and restaurants are planned for a number of key locations within the hotels, golf course, marina and The Island Sanctuary to provide a range of culinary experiences from fine dining to casual lunches. The developer is currently in discussions with a number of world renowned restaurateurs and chefs whose early involvement will ensure dining areas are designed to create a truly exceptional and memorable experience.

The championship 18 hole signature golf course will be both challenging and picturesque with fabulous views across the Atlantic Ocean.

The casino will be developed by one of the best known Vegas operators.

One of the world’s best known and most highly regarded architects is involved in the development of The Marquis Estate resort. The resort will also offer full conferencing and banqueting facilities for a maximum capacity of 500 people.
The equestrian centre will be managed by highly qualified staff. A world class Polo field will provide the perfect practice ground for international Polo players along with extensive stabling facilities.

The Harlequin Sports Academy will provide expert cricket, football and tennis coaching for both children and adult, and will be equipped with modern facilities which will attract international teams for out-of-season training.

Eco-friendly electric buggies equipped with GPS will enable guests to navigate the resort with ease as well as transporting golfers around the stunning 18 hole course.

Managed by a world-class hotel management company The Marquis Estate will offer unparalleled luxury, service and comfort with every attention to detail including a 24 hour concierge facility.
All this will ensure that this exclusive resort will be the Caribbean’s finest luxury destination.

The Marquis Estate – The Properties

The Marquis Estate will comprise a distinctive collection of bespoke estate villas uniquely positioned to take advantage of the natural beauty and scenic vistas afforded by this wonderful setting, luxury apartments, penthouses and hotel suites will provide exclusivity and sophistication within a setting of natural beauty.

The Marquis Estate will also include The Island Sanctuary, an exotic, tropical paradise surrounded by fresh water channels and reached only by private bridge. Each of the luxurious villas has its own private grounds. Designed and built to the highest specification the villa offers elegant and spacious accommodation.

The world’s first Gary Player Golf Hotel will comprise luxurious rooms and suites enjoying inspiring views of the championship golf course and the sea. The mood is one of quiet elegance and deep comfort with an atmosphere of effortless sophistication and immediate relaxation.

Gary Player Golf Hotel rooms and suites and riverside villas are also available to purchase as investment opportunities.

Comfort, space and seclusion will reign supreme in the Gary Player residential hillside villas. Providing every modern luxury, including private pools, air conditioned bedrooms, the highest quality kitchens and bathrooms.

You can choose from a two, four or six bedroom residential hillside villa on one of three generous plot sizes. Villas can also be tailored to your personal specifications, at additional cost, within architectural guidelines established to maintain the integrity of the whole development. As you purchase the freehold ownership of a villa there are no limitations on usage. On site management and maintenance is available and for when you are not there, a home letting service can be arranged.

The Marquis Estate will comprise a distinctive collection of bespoke estate villas uniquely positioned to take advantage of the natural beauty and scenic vistas, luxury apartments, penthouses and hotel suites will provide exclusivity and sophistication within a setting of natural beauty.

Gary Player Design has designed over 300 golf courses all over the world and is delighted to be working with Harlequin Hotels & Resorts to create a Gary Player Signature Golf Course at The Marquis Estate in St Lucia.

This will be the first resort in the Caribbean to include a Player designed golf hotel and properties co-branded with Harlequin Hotels & Resorts.

Welcome to The Marquis Estate

The Marquis Estate is situated amongst some of the Caribbean’s most attractive landscape on the stunning northeast coast of St Lucia and occupies a breathtaking 500 acre site in a wide lush, tropical valley that sweeps majestically down to one of the most beautiful beaches in St Lucia, the Marquis Bay, where with pristine white sands meet clear, turquoise waters that are perfect for scuba diving and snorkelling.

An estate of this individuality requires considerable care to leave this piece of land better than it is. Harlequin plans to do this by ensuring the indigenous population’s involvement and the protection of the wildlife and existing ecosystems to create a new legacy.

We have already released hotel suites and apartments for early investment at off plan prices of more than 50% below market value.

Location – St Lucia

St Lucia is a strikingly beautiful tropical island situated at the heart of the Windward chain in the Eastern Caribbean between St Vincent and Martinique. The stunning coastline offers variety from classic stretches of white-sand beaches to the dramatic cliffs and hidden coves, and has some of the finest natural harbours in the Caribbean.

The Marquis Estate is located just 15 minutes from the George Charles Airport near Castries.

FACTS

Population: 170,650
Capital: Castries
Area: 616 sq km/238 sq m); 43 km/27 miles long 23 km/14 miles wide
Time Difference: GMT -4 Hours
Language: Official language is English; the local dialect is French Patois
Monetary Unit: Eastern Caribbean dollar EC$ (fixed to the US Dollar); US dollars are widely accepted
Airport: Hewanorra International Airport on the southern tip of the island handles international flights. The George F.L. Charles Airport in Castries handles inter-Caribbean traffic
Flight Times: 8 hours 45 minutes from London – BA and Virgin fly from Gatwick; Virgin fly from Manchester; 4 hours from New York – with American Airlines
Climate: Tropical climate with little seasonal temperature variation averaging 27°c; average daily sunshine is 8 – 9 hours; seasonal rainfall between June and December
Government: St Lucia is an ex-British colony and has been an independent state in the Commonwealth since February 1979; Economy In 2005 GDP grew by 5.1% Improvements in roads, communications and services infrastructure have attracted foreign investment.
Tourism: St Lucia is considered to be the most romantic destination in the Caribbean and attracts a large number of visitors each year. In 2005 tourist visitors totalled over 700,000 mainly from the US and UK and tourism accounted for more than 48% of St Lucia’s GDP. High season – mid Dec to mid April

The Resort

The Marquis Estate – Why Invest?

• St Lucia is an established and increasingly popular holiday destination that is also one of the most accessible – three major airlines from the UK provide a direct service to St. Lucia (9 hours). St Lucia has a stable economic and political environment with a high probability of price appreciation over the next ten years. St Lucia has many of the same advantages as Barbados but property prices are currently 60% lower.

• The World Bank has recently placed St Lucia in the top 30 countries in the world to invest, making St Lucia the only Caricom country to make the top 30, ahead of Barbados and Antigua.

• There are very favourable tax concessions for property buyers from overseas: No Rental Income Tax, No Capital Gains Tax, No Inheritance Tax, No Repatriation Tax*.

• The real estate sector in St Lucia is booming. St Lucia is still one of the most reasonably priced islands in the Caribbean for property acquisition with prices up to 60% lower than on Barbados. Property prices have increased by around 40% per annum for the last 2 years, and are projected to continue to rise for the next 5 years.

This all points to a fast maturing property market in St. Lucia with increasing prices, making an early commitment to a home a sound investment in lifestyle and real estate.

*Please seek advice from an Independant Tax Professional.