A la Carte: Celebrate Black History Month by Making ‘Peace Through (Puerto Rican-Style Shepherd’s) Pie,’

… a casserole-like pastelon, a Puerto Rican dish that includes plantains, which … , also for Black History Month.
Puerto Rican-Style Shepherd’s Pie
 
From …

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Why OLEA is the Cayman Islands’ Hottest Real Estate

The waterfront town of Camana Bay, located just across from Seven Mile Beach, has long been a vibrant destination in Grand Cayman. 

And now it’s home to one of the Cayman Islands’ newest and arguably hottest real estate offerings, too. 

It’s called OLEA, and it’s the first-ever for-sale residential real estate at Camana Bay, set in the 685-acre, walkable community, with amenities ranging from a yoga green to a resort-style swimming pool to the first-ever lazy river on Grand Cayman. 

A 10-minute walk away from the acclaimed Seven Mile Beach and a 10-minute drive from the Owen Roberts International Airport further lends to the appeal of this harbourfront development.

OLEA is a joint venture between Dart Real Estate and the NCB Group, two of the Cayman Islands’ leading development companies, with the first phase of residences set for occupancy in May 2021. OLEA also has received award acclaim, having won the five-star award for Best Sustainable Residential Development in the Americas at the International Property Awards in 2019.

In all, OLEA will have 124 homes for sale across all of its phases. The residential properties include condominiums, townhomes and duplexes ranging in price from approximately US$660,000 to $2 million.

So far, 82 units have been released for sale, with 57 units already sold and just 25 units left, according to Provenance Properties, the exclusive Christie’s International Real Estate affiliate in the Cayman Islands, which is marketing the property. 

“Most of our interest is coming from our local working professionals (partners/lawyers/etc) and some overseas interest (USA/Canada) due to the Global Citizen  and residency by investment programs,” said Shanice Ebanks, sales specialist at Provenance Properties. 

cayman islands real estate olea
A bedroom at a unit at OLEA.

The typical 7.5 percent stamp tax (land transfer fee) on real estate transactions in Grand Cayman will actually be paid by the developer for all purchases made at OLEA before June 30, 2021. 

Even better? OLEA is one of the Caribbean’s greenest real estate projects, with a broad focus on sustainability and its own solar array (it’s also built to Miami-Dade Hurricane standards). 

While it’s a residential community, OLEA is well-suited to those looking for the “lock and leave” lifestyle, too — from part-time residents to snowbirds looking to escape winter weather. 

cayman islands real estate olea

“Another factor that is driving interest to OLEA would be the pre-paid stamp duty tax and the central location in the Seven Mile Beach corridor and unrivaled amenities that OLEA will offer,” Ebanks told Caribbean Journal Invest. 

And then there’s the greatest amenity: Camana Bay itself, the mixed-use community that’s a veritable town square, with an array of shops and restaurants, commercial office space, a movie theatre and an endless slate of activities from farmers markets to art installations. 

For more, visit OLEAHere is a list of the available OLEA homes for sale, right now. 

The post Why OLEA is the Cayman Islands’ Hottest Real Estate appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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SentriKey to Provide a Seamless, Secure Property Access Experience

A Secret All-Inclusive Resort in Antigua

You’re on your own private pool deck, just a step above the sand, a sanctuary hidden away among the palm trees. 

it’s time for a three-course lunch with a glass of rosé followed by a nap in the shade, the art of the easy beach afternoon. 

In the increasingly competitive world of all-inclusive resorts, Antigua has long been an oasis. 

For years, the island has quietly been redefining the term, helping it transition from the mega-resort concept to a more artful, more authentic experience. 

And that’s precisely the case at Keyonna Beach, a lovely boutique all-inclusive on the southwestern coast of the island, that’s something of a well-kept secret. 

all-inclusive antigua secret

Keyonna, sister resort to Antigua’s Cocos Hotel, which opened its doors a decade ago, is tucked on the white sands of Turner’s Beach — and it’s remained a haven for travelers in the know, another home run for hotelier Andrew Michelin.

all-inclusive antigua secret

There are just 29 rooms and cottages here, from units in the resort’s main “Beach House” building to the especially lovely beachfront sanctuary pool cottages. 

The latter, set right on the sand, come with their own private plunge pools with decks; Adirondack chairs, his-and-hers outdoor showers and secluded, lush settings. 

all-inclusive antigua secret

The latter, set right on the sand, come with their own private plunge pools with decks; Adirondack chairs, his-and-hers outdoor showers and secluded, lush settings. 

It’s the height of serenity, a quiet, rarefied experience that’s the essence of the boutique beach hotel — and precisely what travelers are clamoring for amid the currently realities of tourism.

And yet, somehow, it’s an all-inclusive, with breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and beverages (from wine and champagne to local rum) all included in the plan, with rotating menus and three courses at each meal. 

all-inclusive antigua secret

The property’s intimate size, though, means things are taken to another level: the fish you eat comes from local fishermen; there’s an emphasis on locally-sourced fruits and vegetables. 

And then there’s that pervasive feeling of privacy, of seclusion, that you’ve found a place that’s wonderfully, inescapably, your own. 

For a few nights, or a week, or two — it’s your own secret beach resort. 

For more, visit Keyonna Beach Antigua

The post A Secret All-Inclusive Resort in Antigua appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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HUD Extends Housing Protections to LGBTQ Americans

The Department of Housing and Urban Development said Thursday it will prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in its enforcement of  the Fair Housing Act. 

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