News

Bahamas Realty 2016 Top Producer Monica Knowles Sees Shift in Luxury Market

Published

7 years ago

February 21, 2017

Nassau, Bahamas, February 13, 2017 – High net worth individuals searching for homes in The Bahamas are no longer just looking for the grandest great room, poshest entry and largest property – they are seeking a ‘place to play’, says Monica Knowles. As Bahamas Realty’s top producer for 2016, Knowles knows the luxury market.

Among the successes that earned her the top achiever award was the sale of a $7.5 million home in Ocean Club Estates. That listing and others in the seven-figure range reaffirmed Knowles’ appreciation of the subtle changes in what the well-to-do want when it comes to a home in the sun.

“There was a popular book called ‘The Rich are Different.’ I would say what the rich want is different. More importantly, it is different today from what it was only a decade ago,” said the 34-year-old pro who has tracked the changes in her nearly 10-year career.

“A decade ago, high net worth clients would ask about security and who their neighbours were, hoping they would have distance between them. They wanted to know how many bedrooms and baths in the house. They would ask about a great room, the height of ceilings, how many people the formal dining room could seat. It was about size and show,” said Knowles.

That same buyer today is more likely to want to know about amenities and activities – boating, golf, tennis, fitness centre, spa, jogging trails, cycling, how easy it is to get to places, to charter a boat or where to keep a yacht they own.

“The high net worth client today wants an all-around package,” said Knowles. “They want a sense of privacy but they also want a place to play. It is almost an upscale playground mentality for the discerning. They truly appreciate the beauty of the islands and they are interested in what activities they can enjoy immediately.”

The immediate use of amenities is one of the reasons Ocean Club Estates has remained so desirable, said Knowles. “Unlike some communities where you have to apply for club membership, Ocean Club Estates buyers are instantly and automatically entitled to enjoy the amenities of the club and of Atlantis so they have lots of dining options, all the sports and water sports, casino, spa, luxury shopping,” she noted. “They are part of a community that is built on the principle that you can be safe and have an awful lot of fun, living the dream.”

While Knowles analyzes what today’s clients want, her clients speak highly of her. “Monica’s knowledge about real estate is multi-faceted and she is most certainly able to do more than the average agent,” said Harry Crosby, an American who recently purchased on Paradise Island and was so pleased with her handling of his transaction that he posted a letter singing her praise.

Knowles, whose father is of Long Island heritage and mom from South America, said understanding different cultures was critical, but all buyers share key requirements. “People want to know that their assets are safe,” she said. “They want personal and property security. That is first for every buyer. Because of our location and our stable government, we will continue to attract people as a safe haven.”

If what people are shopping for has changed, so has the way they search. “When I first started in this business, I wanted to reach people online so I created my own personal website,” said Knowles. “That was novel and innovative back then. It is a bit more common today but it worked because I was able to connect personally with people all over the world. Now that we are beginning to see a rebound from the recession of 2008 and 2009, and given the fact that The Bahamas continues to tick all the boxes of what the luxury market seeks, we have every reason to believe that the future holds great promise.”

News

InvestTCI facilitates the Development Agreement Between TCIG and Molo Hotel Group

Published

2 days ago

May 14, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – May 14th, 2024 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Government and Molo Hotel Group reached a pivotal juncture on Monday, May 13th, 2024, with the ceremonial signing of a development agreement at the Premier’s Office on Providenciales. The agreement, which received official Cabinet approval on March 13th, 2024, signifies a steadfast commitment to advancing the economic landscape of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Molo Hotel Group is a family-owned business, renowned for its distinguished portfolio of high-quality hotels worldwide. The development initiative encompasses the construction of three distinct IHG branded hotels: InterContinental Turks and Caicos, Kimpton Turks and Caicos and Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos. Scheduled for completion by 2027, each resort boasts a distinctive design from luxury to laidback sophistication spanning across the shores of Grace Bay Beach.

Kimpton Turks and Caicos – an epitome of luxury lifestyle living, will feature 192 guest rooms including three outdoor pools, a luxury spa and a fitness center. Additionally, seven dining options ranging from a beachfront restaurant to a rooftop bar.

Adjacent to the Kimpton, InterContinental Turks and Caicos will offer 59 classic luxury suites with panoramic ocean views. Mirroring its counterpart, this resort will offer an array of dining options and upscale facilities.

Steps away from the Intercontinental and Kimpton resorts, Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos will embrace a sense of community and contemporary elegance, offering 56 bedrooms. The resort will feature an onsite restaurant, lobby bar, outdoor pool, and fitness room.

Beyond the realm of hospitality, this development agreement underscores the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth and enhancing employment opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Molo is partnering with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) to actively promote hospitality as a career choice and support in developing training programs, career fairs, seminars, workshops, and events to raise awareness about hospitality careers. Molo has committed to provide employment and apprentice opportunities to TCICC students and provide mentoring and practical on property training to students.

The signing event was graced by Hon. Charles Washington Missick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier, Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Łukasz and Marcin Slominski, Owners of Molo, Ross Morrow, Managing Director Molo, Arik Kono, Vice President Upscale Development for IHG, Dr. Candice Williams, President and CEO of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Angela Musgrove, InvestTCI CEO, Dr. Barbara Ambrister, Chairperson of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Dr. Delores Stapleton- Harris, Vice President of Academic, Vocational and Student Affairs for the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Mr. Kevin Baxter, Dean of Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) and Sheryl McLaughlin, InvestTCI Investment Services Executive.

Commenting on the development agreement, Premier, Hon. Misick, stated “The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing of IHG/Molo Hotels is a significant step towards a sustainable future for hospitality in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Three hotels, Kimpton, Intercontinental, and Hotel Indigo, will be introduced, enhancing our tourism product and creating employment opportunities.”

He further added, “Partnerships with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission are underway, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to developing human capital and elevating tourism offerings. This project will bring economic growth, embrace local talent, and enrich our economy.”

Additionally, Mrs. Angela Musgrove, CEO of Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, emphasized “This collaboration confirms our commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity within our country. We have worked closely with Molo Hotel Group, and we are confident that this transformative project will further position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier destination for travel and investment. Much to our delight, it will also provide opportunities for engagement with our Community College and small business community.”

The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands, operating through its primary Investment Promotion

Agency, Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, remains committed to attracting and facilitating Foreign Direct Investments to the country by providing a comprehensive suite of services. Through strategic initiatives and targeted promotion, the agency catalyzes sustainable development, driving innovation and small business opportunities across various sectors of the economy.

Crime

Male Charged with Robbery

Published

3 days ago

May 13, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – Detectives of the Serious Crime Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force have charged a man who allegedly stole a vehicle.

The accused, DANVANTE BRISCO, 30, of Kew Town, Providenciales, was charged with:

One Count: Robbery
One Count: Taking Motor Vehicle Without Authority
One Count: Using Offensive Weapon to cause fear

Mr. BRISCO appeared in court today (May 13 ) and was granted bail of $7500.00 with one surety.

The matter was adjourned to July 05 for a Sufficiency Hearing.

Crime

Dock Yard Male Charged

Published

3 days ago

May 13, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – A 20-year-old Dock Yard male appeared in court today (May 13th) charged with a series of firearm-related offences.

The accused, JAMES SIMON, was denied bail and remanded into custody pending a Sufficiency Hearing scheduled for July 05^th, 2024.

Mr. SIMON faces the following charges: 

One Count: Robbery;
One Count: Gang Membership
One Count: Possession of a Firearm for the Benefit of a Gang
One Count: Possession of Ammunition for the Benefit of a Gang.

The charges against Mr. Simon followed investigations by officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force into a robbery at the parking lot of a Casino where three males robbed a victim.

Additionally, Mr. Simon is charged with the following offences, having been arrested on May 02^nd, 2024, along South Dock Road.