For 20 years, Bobby Gibson and his family’s villa rental outfit, Villas Caribe, have placed discerning travelers in serene beach retreats and towering jungle estates from Anguilla to Belize to Costa Rica. But after discovering many of his clients desired to establish permanent roots at these beach destinations, he launched SandCastles, a collection of distinctive residences available in fractional shares. "There’s something to be said for walking into a private villa within a gated community that’s truly an estate, rather than a developer’s concept where the homes are all in a row," says Gibson. SandCastles’ flagship property, Dulce Sueños in Mexico’s Isla Navidad resort (top), is a sprawling beachfront compound: A brick-domed ceiling, vast outdoor living areas, an infinity pool and spa, and a private sunbathing area with a waterfall punctuate the modern-Mexican retreat. Priced at $599,000 for a five-week-per-year share, the home also includes a cook, a butler, and a maid; SandCastles’ concierge service; a 30-foot boat; and a Land Rover. The company plans to add five to seven homes per year to its portfolio by both acquiring properties and partnering with other homeowners who use their villas sparingly; the three current offerings, all in Mexico, average $3 million, and homes on St. Bart’s and St. John are in negotiations. Because each property is unique, the number of shares and the price per fraction will vary, though Gibson anticipates each will yield between eight and 12 shares. 877.815.1242, www.sandcastles.com
03/01/2009