Caribbean News
World’s wealthiest expected to bid on Paradise Island Showpiece, $28+ Million Waterfront Home Opens for Bidding on Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions Website March 10
#TheBahamas, February 27, 2023 – Elisium, a 20,000-square-foot, 9-bedroom, 11-bath show-stopping, jaw-dropping residence in Ocean Club Estates on Paradise Island in The Bahamas, is expected to draw a fiercely competitive field of bidders when the bidding officially opens, without reserve, on March 10 via Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions. 
A spokesman for Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions, the world’s largest luxury real estate auction marketplace, said they have already seen interest in the never-before-lived-in estate.
“It’s extremely encouraging to see so much early interest in a property weeks before the auction even opens for bidding,” said Danny Prell, Vice President, Business Development.
“The answer to early interest lies partly in the property itself, but additionally in its premier location,” says Prell, an opinion shared by Christopher ‘CJ’ Ansell, the local cooperating broker for the sale.
“The property known as Elisium is a one-of-a-kind offering,” said Ansell, whose performance earned him Circle of Excellence status at Nassau-based Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty in 2022.
“The estate, not only beautiful in and of itself with exquisite attention to detail around every turn, is also the only residence in the famed Ocean Club Estates that enjoys both a harbour and ocean view and the only property with both marina basin dock and private beach. There is absolutely no other property like it.”
The attention to detail Ansell notes begins from the moment of entry, where individuals step onto perfectly polished and seemingly seamless porcelain floors that appear as is if they are floating. The 28-foot-high arched windows frame crystal blue waters, and sky lighting up the entry living area soaks the space in natural light.
“That light alone and the clean, inviting whites in the furniture paired with dark wood trim adds a touch of contrast,” says Ansell. “It sets the tone for the rest of the experience with the space telling a story that says immediately, ‘You are in The Bahamas, welcome home to a world of light and beauty.”
If Ansell waxes eloquent on the property, it’s hard not to.
“A labor of love, the current owners spent four years constructing what was meant to be their forever home. With a keen eye for fine details and personal touches, the owners’ taste for luxury design is sure to benefit the next buyer.”
Those personal touches are evident from the moment you enter the gated estate. Leading to the front door is a boardwalk over a saltwater pond, stocked with starfish, jellyfish, and other species. Massive double doors open to an entryway with two 11-foot-high aquariums, and from there, the uninterrupted vistas fill your senses.
“The kitchen is so untouched that no one has ever even had a cup of coffee in it,” says Ansell, while opening the doors of two dishwashers, a wall-length concealed Subzero fridge and freezer, a chef’s stove, and microwaves, revealing operations manuals still in their cellophane wrappers.
Twin staircases lead to the second floor joining at a landing with another magazine-worthy view. An intimate dining area for up to eight persons is situated just off the elevator leading to the second floor. Two thickly carpeted, self-sufficient suites are accessible by stairs or elevator.
The third floor is devoted to a full-on breathtaking primary suite as well as a smaller space, poised as a nursery or private office. That attention to detail shines yet again in even in the bathrooms with flowing grains of marble matching to perfection through bends, corners, and rounds, reflecting the master craftsmanship.
“You see that excellence again and again,” says Ansell, “throughout the supersized closets with finely detailed, extensive built-ins. You see it in the bathrooms with his and her dressing spaces, extravagant free-standing tubs, radiant heated towel bars, and the stamped Elisium name.”
Outdoors, the property showcases two swimming pools, one specifically designed with a faux coral climbing area, a private beach, and a separate play area for kids and their parties.
According to Prell, while the estate and its features are in a class of their own, Elisium’s location puts it on the global map.
“From the moment the first lots were sold in the late 1990s to today—almost 25 years later—Ocean Club Estates has not only retained its place in the somewhat rarefied air of the most desirable places on earth to live, the properties have consistently appreciated in value,” said Prell. “Access to Four Seasons Ocean Club, Atlantis resorts, automatic approval for the Ocean Club membership privileges for those who wish to join, and the amenities in the Estates community itself—golf, tennis, restaurants—make it the luxury location of choice.”
The bidding officially opens on March 10 on casotheby’s.com, and, while listed at $28.8 million, the estate is being offered without reserve.
For even more Caribbean luxury, view Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions’ additional offerings, including a 3-bedroom tower villa with 360-degree mountain & Caribbean ocean views in St. Vincent & The Grenadines, a private 186-acre Bahamian island chain with development potential, or an exclusive villa boasting with extensive indoor and outdoor living spaces, set in Sundance Ridge on St. Kitts.
Photo Captions:
Header: Interest is already being shown well ahead of the opening date of March 10 for online bidding via Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions on the Elisium estate, a 20,000 square foot showpiece of stunning design and master craftsmanship in world-renowned Ocean Club Estates, Paradise Island, Bahamas.
1st insert: The 28-foot high windows fill the entry living area with light, providing a sense of place and an invitation to breathe deeply and unwind. Light fills nearly every space at Elisium, the 20,000 square foot, 9-bedroom, 11-bath estate in Ocean Club Estates, Paradise Island, Bahamas, that goes on auction via Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions March 10.
2nd insert: Elisium baths reflect stunning design tails and master craftsmanship that explain its $28.8 million valuation. Note the perfection in flowing marble around corners, bends and throughout the walls. Interest in the never-lived-in grand estate is already being shown ahead of online bidding that starts March 10 via Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions.
3rd insert: One of two pools at Elisium, Paradise Island, the lagoon pool with rock and boulder wall overlooks the water and private beach while a second expanded lap pool runs the length of the main house.
May 2, 2024 – Bēchë, the premier swimwear of the Turks and Caicos, known for its innovative designs, commitment to quality, philanthropy and cultural storytelling, is thrilled to announce its official partnership with the prestigious return of Miss Universe Turks and Caicos Pageant. This collaboration marks a significant step in promoting fashion and beauty, with the event scheduled to take place in Providenciales on July 26th and 27th 2024.
As the exclusive swimwear partner for this esteemed pageant, bēchë will be outfitting all contestants with its latest collection curated specifically for each lady. This collection is designed to empower women and celebrate their individuality. This partnership aligns with bēchë’s mission to inspire confidence and elegance through exceptional swimwear that caters to all body types, while telling a story about our nation.
Event Highlights and Swimwear Showcase
Bēchë’s “Miss Universe Turks” designs will be featured during the promotional photoshoots leading up to the event, during the bikini
competition and official photoshoots of the reigning queen. Attendees will witness firsthand the fusion of fashion and poise as the contestants grace the stage in bēchë’s standout pieces, each crafted to highlight the beauty and culture of the Turks and Caicos and our women.
Exclusive Offers and Engagement
In celebration of this partnership, bēchë will offer exclusive promotions and giveaways leading up to and during the event. Pageant attendees and fans worldwide will have the opportunity to engage with both brands through interactive social media campaigns and live-streamed segments of the pageant. The curated collection will be available to the general public for pre-order on the night of the pageant.
A Commitment to Community and Fashion
“Partnering with the Miss Universe Turks and Caicos Pageant is an honor and a testament to our dedication to high-quality, accessible fashion,” said Cyprianna Jackson, Designer and Founder of bēchë. “This event not only highlights the talent and beauty of its participants but also shines a spotlight on the global appeal of inclusive fashion. We are excited to bring our designs to such a dynamic stage and look forward to an ongoing relationship with the pageant.”
The Miss Universe Turks and Caicos organization shares bēchë’s enthusiasm, with National Director Gabriela Clesca stating, “We are truly honored and thrilled to announce the return of the Miss Universe competition to Turks and Caicos after 10 years, alongside our esteemed swimwear partner, bēchë. Together, we’re positioning ourselves to showcase the extraordinary talent and beauty of this island, offering a global stage to showcase the captivating essence of TCI.”
~ Caribbean students graduate with Diploma in Hospitality Leadership ~
May 2, 2024, Montego Bay, Jamaica – In keeping with Sandals Resorts’ mandate to train and develop 400 managers in the next three years, The Sandals Corporate University (SCU) has added another sixteen managers to its growing list of graduates in the Diploma in Hospitality Leadership Programme.
Melissa Migliavacca, valedictorian
The leadership initiative, a partnership with the SCU, Florida International University(FIU) and Accelerating Leaders hosted its second graduation ceremony, at Sandals Barbados which was attended by members of the SCU team, Sandals and Beaches Executives, representatives of FIU and Accelerating Leaders and well-wishers of the graduates.
In his greeting, Dr. Michael Cheng, dean of the Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism expressed his joy in celebrating with the team members. He shared, “all of you embody the spirit of service, innovation and community that is embedded into the DNA of Sandals Resorts International. You’ve demonstrated that true leadership is about more than just guiding others. It’s about inspiring them, lifting them up, and striving for excellence in every endeavour. As you move forward from today, remember that the skills and knowledge you’ve acquired are tools not just for personal success, but for making a difference in the world. The hospitality industry, with its endless challenges and opportunities, awaits your contribution. You are the future of this industry, and we have every confidence that you will lead with integrity, creativity, and compassion.”
Managing Director for Sandals Resorts International, Stephen Blackburne, in his keynote address expressed how impressed he was with the graduates for taking a very calculated approach to their future with the organization. He said, “waiting to be asked is a passive approach. Instead continue to be intentional and proactive in shaping your future and making a meaningful impact wherever you go. I urge you to embrace this moment with pride and excitement. You are not just graduates, you are ambassadors of excellence, emissaries of change and architects of the future.”
Je’mel Francis, club sandals supervisor for Sandals Grande Antigua
Students for cohort B were recruited from Sandals Resorts across St. Lucia, Antigua, Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, Barbados and Grenada. Cohorts C and D will commence in April and May respectively, and the SCU anticipates that by the end of 2024, five cohorts will earn their diplomas.
To close out the evening on an inspiring note, Sandals Grenada’s Spa Manager, and valedictorian for Cohort B Melissa Migliavacca, took the time in her address to motivate her colleagues as they look towards the future. She said passionately, “it took discipline, dedication and focus as well as effective time management for us to follow through. There were times that we stumbled upon obstacles but giving up was not an option. Lisa Nichols says, that in this life we can choose to be a victim or a victor, the choice is always ours. I’m so glad we’re all standing victorious today because we made the choice to be brave and sign up for this programme and we saw it through to the end.” She concluded by encouraging her colleagues to pay it forward when they return to their operations by helping train team members and cultivating a standard of excellence.
The Diploma in Hospitality Leadership Programme is a six-month long interactive course leveraging workshops, discussion groups, case studies and industry best-practices. Entry and mid-level managers are challenged to apply new knowledge, gain advanced skills and create positive behaviours as they prepare for the future and continuous achievement of excellence in the industry.
~END~
Captions:
Header – Proud graduates of Cohort B of the Diploma in Hospitality Leadership come together for their group shot ahead of their graduation ceremony. The cohort consisted of managers from Sandals Resorts to include Grenada, Barbados, Bahamas, Turks and Caicos and St. Lucia.
1st insert – Melissa Migliavacca, valedictorian, gave a riveting address on behalf of her colleagues. She encouraged them to return to their resorts and impart what they have learnt to empower their various teams.
2nd insert – Je’mel Francis, club sandals supervisor for Sandals Grande Antigua, paused for a photo with Stephen Blackburne, managing director, SRI as he collected his diploma certificate. The Diploma in Hospitality Leadership Programme is offered by SCU in partnership with Accelerating Leaders and the Florida International University.
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