PREFERRED RESIDENCES ADDS FLAGBERRY HILL CLUB AND RESORT
Will be St. Thomas’ first environmentally sustainable development
Miami, FL, April 1, 2009 – Preferred Residences™, a hospitality branded membership and exchange program for luxury shared ownership resorts, today announced that Flagberry Hill Club and Resort in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, has joined its exchange network. Offering breathtaking views from its 950-feet above sea-level location, the resort is being designed and built using green materials to make it the island’s first environmentally sustainable development.
Plans for the mixed-use resort include a 40-unit boutique hotel, 10 whole ownership condominium units, and 80 three-bedroom fractional villas. Designed by OBM International, one of the premier architectural firms in the Caribbean, the fractional unit interiors are expected to range from 2,300 to 3,900 square feet. Each will feature gracious living and dining areas with lavish finishes, fully equipped kitchens, high-end electronics and entertainment systems, and a private swimming pool.
In addition to these upscale features and amenities, when possible the property will be powered by wind, solar and photovoltaic energy sources, and will employ water conservation technologies.
“Flagberry Hill demonstrates our commitment to preserving the environment through sustainable development and responds to the growing consumer demand for green luxury accommodations,” noted Glenn Elskoe, president, and Dorothy Elskoe, owner, of Wintdots Development LLC. “Through our affiliation with Preferred Residences, we will be able to position our product as one of the Caribbean’s most desirable luxury properties and set it apart from others in the region.”
“We are delighted to launch the Preferred Residences program in the Caribbean with this outstanding property that promises to take luxury to a new level. Visitors will enjoy first-class accommodations in a tropical paradise and be treated to unparalleled service and amenities,” said David Gilbert, executive vice president of resort sales and marketing, Preferred Residences.
Flagberry Hill will offer owners and guests on-site amenities that include a clubhouse with gourmet dining, a full-service spa, a fitness center, and access to several nature trails available throughout the property. Each unit will be assigned a vehicle for guest use and 10 sailing yachts will be available to them as well.
Visitors will be able to take an aerial cable car ride from the resort to Paradise Point, one of the “must see” attractions in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The St. Thomas Skyride whisks passengers 700 feet above sea level in seven minutes giving them panoramic views of Charlotte Amalie Harbor and neighbouring islands. Once at Paradise Point, they can enjoy an observation deck, complete with a restaurant, bar, tropical bird display, nature trail, and a gift shop.
The government and people of the U. S. Virgin Islands can be proud of this development because it demonstrates the Virgin Islanders’ abilities to be involved in something unique that will bring jobs and international recognition to the nation. It will create more than 250 construction jobs and employ over 200 full-time local residents when complete,” added Mr. Elskoe.
In addition to the sales and marketing opportunities for developers, Preferred Residences offers owners “high-touch” exchange services and year-round leisure and lifestyle benefits tailored especially for sophisticated, affluent travelers. These include preferential pricing at participating Preferred Hotel Group affiliated properties worldwide, complimentary Prestige membership in Priority Pass™ airport VIP lounge program, personal concierge services accessible 24/7 online and via phone, discounts on the Delta AirElite private jet program, and complimentary annual membership in Hertz #1 Club Gold®.
About Preferred Residences™
Preferred Residences™ is a hospitality branded membership and exchange program for luxury fractional resorts, private residence clubs, and condominium-style hotels. The program gives developers the opportunity to promote their upscale vacation residences within a network of exclusive accommodations and to deliver high-quality vacation experiences to owners of exceptional real estate. Members have access to a rich menu of benefits and services designed to enhance a sophisticated lifestyle. Preferred Residences is an alliance between Interval International, a leader in vacation ownership for more than 30 years, and the Preferred Hotel Group, representing more than 700 of the world’s finest independently owned hotels in over 75 countries.
For more information contact:
Michael Myers, Group Director of Marketing and Travel, Interval International
Phone: +44 (0) 20 8336 9515
E-mail: michael.myers@intervalintl.com
