Luxury Travel Destinations, Lifestyles & Legacies

Electrified by Energy Glass

2011-10-17T11:48:00.007-04:00

How is it that a simple idea can be so elusive? Then, suddenly, WHAM!-- there it is, the obvious solution! Energy from the sun-- NOT solar--from totally transparent glass. It is the patented creation held by one company--here in the United States--by a visionary inventor who is now partnered with a brilliant and incredibly nice guy.

What is truly mind-boggling is that the technology actually exists now in its nascent stage, and will surely revolutionize energy in years to come in the same way Apple reinvented technology. Not to mention job-creation here in the United States. So, in high rise office buildings now (and someday surely available at Home Depot for your home) you can have architecturally stunning buildings that can enjoy equally stunning views--minus ugly solar panels. By the way, did anyone ever answer the question as to what happens to solar panels years from now when they no longer work? Not allowed in landfills. Another problem for your children and grandchildren to deal with twenty years from now. Energy glass? Not a problem.

And now the best part. The collection of energy can keep working 24 hours a day, if you so chose to leave the lights on in your office (LED lighting, of course), because interior lighting also creates a "double shot" of energy production. So, the cleaning lady is actually helping you with the grid, while doing the vacuuming.

Most amazing of all is that the glass is laminated with energy producing nano particles that allow all this to happen. I will not get too technical here. Suffice it to say that I saw the process at the plant in Florida and stood in amazement as I watched the light coming in from the parking lot being transmitted to a battery, proving to the simplest mind (mine) that this actually works!

Since hotels and real estate are my worlds, this seemed like a natural extension of interest. With unbounded zeal, I am spreading the word to all hotels and real estate companies to take up the cry. And, by the way, the glass also meets certifications for hurricane, typhoon, tornado, forced-entry, bullet resistance, fire protection and terrorism-proof. I will keep you updated on these wonder-windows.

One last thing, for the moment. The owner of the company, Art, has a test case use for the glass to charge his cell phone. It is the only one of its kind right now, but I think, had he had time, Steve Jobs's next project would have been an I-Energy Apple.

Feeding Frenzy in New York Hotel Real Estate

2011-03-30T11:08:00.008-04:00

Chinese, Indian and Russian buyers scouring the New York City hotel real estate market are as ubiquitous as bedbugs these days. And both have a tenacious presence that leaves me wondering how this phenomenon overtook us.

Of course, we are delighted that these foreigners have realized what a great investment is the New York City real estate market. We remember when Japan discovered Rockefeller Center and its environs, as well as many less familiar office buildings. Money is now being poured into our infrastructure with abandon again from Asia. Imbalance of the dollar is one thing. Ego-driven buyers are another.

Let's face it. Wouldn't you rather own a famous hotel in midtown rather than an office building in the garment district? Bragging rights at cocktail parties garner so much more awe-inspired looks and high-rise envy. Ask Donald Trump.

What is amazing to me as a real estate person is that there are still the "naysayers" who believe these hotel sales of lesser known and sometimes weirdly located properties are a "bad investment." Today I was told that the most recent statistics prove that there is overbulding in New York City. Occupancies in January and February 2011, I am told, were below 70% and hotels lost money. Imagine that!!!

My response to these numbers guys is, "Are you kidding me?" This was the most dreadful winter in my life, ever, since I began recording temperatures on my own Weather Channel. I, for one, did not venture outside my front door except to purchase provisions at Whole Foods. So, I do not expect tourists were planning to visit New York City to swan about in Central Park.

I have lived in New York City since 1975. Had I had foresight and money at that time, I would have bought a one bedroom apartment that was offered to me around the corner from Central Park on West 70th Street. It was a charming brownstone, with one bedroom, high ceilings, a built-in bookcase, a back garden access and a loft. Fireplace, of course. I did not have money for the deposit since these were lean days. My friend bought it for $72,000. Today, that same apartment would probably add a couple of more zeros and be done with it. Regrets, I have a few, in the words of Frank Sinatra. That is definitely one of them.

So, to all my colleagues who are predicting the overbuilding of the New York hotel real estate market and who feel it is "way overpriced" I say, "Look to the future." My colleague told me today that the J.P. Morgan Chase numbers guys are looking at those January/February occupancy rates as an ominous indicator of the future profitability of hotels. So, do the foreign investors not care? Are their numbers guys not analyzing the deals correctly? Of course they are. They just have lots of money to spend, which they need to get it out of their respective countries.

In fact, unless the Indian Power Plant melts down in the next few months, I believe we can safely bet on the insanity of these hotel sales continuing to rise at an ever more fevered pitch. There is virtually no hotel inventory left in New York City. We are now looking at converting office buildings to hotels, even in the garment district!

I think the bedbugs have it right, and they are going to remain entrenched in the expensive high rise apartments and newly bought hotels. They are equal opportunity critters, after all. I intend to follow their example and pledge my allegiance to this City, this Borough, this Island. For the sake of our budget deficit requiring new taxes and transfer fees to pull us New Yorkers out of a very deep financial hole, let us hope the Asians and Russians continue to have the same tenacity.

Bloomberg in Bermuda

2010-07-28T14:37:00.007-04:00

I was assured by the Bermudian taxi driver that "my Mayor" slips unobtrusively into Bermuda at unexpected times throughout the year to stay in his exquisite and very private waterfront home in Tucker's Town. How he knows that is uncertain.

Of course, golf and the lack of the sirens that we fellow New Yorkers experience are the real reasons for taking a short, one and a half hour flight to the island of Bermuda from New York City. No one bothers Mike there, and no one cares that he is a billionaire in a land of immensely wealthy residents.

My recent trip there was filled with the usual amenities. Perfectly endless sunny days since early Spring. They are experiencing a drought that has not at all affected the exquisite oleander or hibiscus, which are exploding with vibrancy in sharp contrast to the pastel-colored buildings of the picturesque surroundings. The blue hue of the ocean is ridiculous. A painter would never attempt to copy that color to canvas for fear of being called a bad artist. It couldn't be--but it really is--that blue.

The greens of the best golf courses, Mid Ocean and Tucker's Point, are a tad beige in spots. Only slightly off, as thousands of gallons are pumped daily onto the courses. This is a challenge in itself, since the tray rooftops are structured to collect the rainwater from every house for purposes other than drinking. This is a charming necessity, as there are not simply not enough sources of water on the island.

So it is not surprising that my dream last night included both Bermuda and Mike Bloomberg in an exquisitely visual, multi-pixilated frame with Dolby sound. There I was, sitting at the pool deck of the exquisite Tucker's Point Hotel, sipping a tall Dark & Stormy, or as I would call this non-alcoholic version, a Dark & Rainy. There, coming from Mid Ocean from a rollickingly good day of golf was Michael Bloomberg. He approached. We exchanged smiles. He spoke.

"Good day," he said as he smiled. I wasn't sure if that was a formal salutation or a statement about his golf game. "Yes, yes. Of course." I struggled with small talk. But we warmed up to some genuine dialog when I threw in a New York reference or two to Derek Jeter and the Yankees. I shamelessly sought his approval. After all, I voted for Mike Bloomberg three times, term limits be damned. I would carry him to the White House, if I could.

In my dream, and over several cool beverages, we became great and intimate friends in the purest sense of the word. Mike and I were just not attracted to each other in that way. But on a deeper level, we were soul mates who shared the solution to all of New York, if not Life's problems.

As dreams go, this progressed nicely. So much so that he shared with me that he was supposed to meet with his lawyer that very day to write his will and decided NOT to leave his money to his family. No, he thought he would leave it to me instead! And then, he said, "In fact, I'm not even going to wait until I die. I'm going to give you money now."

Fast forward to my return home. I am at my ATM machine and discover my balance is $26 billion dollars! What a guy!!! So I withdrew $100, because somewhere in my subconscious I knew that Mike would KNOW what I was spending. But it really didn't matter how or why. There was plenty of room in my checkbook to donate to his inevitable run for the White House.

Gold Cup Races in Style, Like the Rest of Barbados

2010-04-08T16:45:00.014-04:00

There is something irresistible about the pounding track, warm sun, cool drink and the viewing of the white-clad Queens Guard in full dress uniform mounted on horseback that sets the heart racing as well. For, after all, this is Barbados. The British influence is ubiquitous.

It is, however, quite different from say, Ascot, especially when swaying Caribbean music accompanies the Barbadian Police Band and Red Plastic Bag (yes, that is the famous Bajan Regae Rap singer's name) is on the parade grounds singing Ragga Ragga. Full throttle. Ecstatic fans singing with passionate enthusiasm along with him. Colorful dancers swaying sensuously beside him. All waiting for the most prestigious event of its kind in Barbados...the Gold Cup Races.

Name one other island in the Caribbean where you can find such a racetrack. Nope. None. This is an impressive course that is in the heart of an historic area of downtown Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados. People-watching is part of the fun. All the locals are ensconced in the private boxes on this occasion wearing Sunday church attire, especially with Eliza Doolittle hats.

I attempted to put $20 on the sixth horse in the sixth race, my husband's superstitious good luck thing. But, unlike Belmont, there was one ticket collector near the part of the special stands we were so graciously directed to as VIPs. The gentleman was overwhelmed by the queue, the enthusiasm of the bettors, and the heat. I never placed my bet. Got closed out just as "Border Secret," the sixth horse in the sixth race blew past all the others for the win.

My colleagues were an astute group of Canadian incentive buyers, who looked like professsional gamblers all. They were elegantly dresssed and speaking the parlance of worldly bettors, tossing around such words as "Trifecta" and "paramutuel" leaving me quite out of the loop. I decided to pool my money with theirs to increase the chances of a big win. We had about 60 different combinations for Win, Place and Show. I was, indeed, familiar with these terms, but had never personally known the joy of experiencing any part of the winning process.

Terry, a tall, gray-bearded fellow was the leader to whom we all entrusted our money. Smoothly and with meticulous care, he became the guru of the group. He advised us by not picking silly or cute names (we females seem to think "Preach to Me" or "Pure Temptation" had enough gravitas to surge ahead of all others). No, Terry carefully put together all the right combinations based on his reading of their past history. What a concept! With a wad of our cash, he placed the bet for the Gold Cup ultimate race for us all.

Keeping council with himself, Terry imagined what he would do with his win...possibly in the tens of thousands. Erika wanted new shoes with her winnings. Terry wanted to buy the swim up bar at the Colony Club and move to Barbados permanently. I was somewhere in between. A small, low-maintenance beach shack where I could write my blogs, perhaps.

The Gold Cup race was the culmination of hope, joy, apprehension and greed. I was in up to my picture hat. And lo and behold, the exhilaration was complete when we won...$97.00 out of all the possible configurations. We gave the money to a local charity for children with wheelchairs.

I know there was one moment when Terry looked crestfallen, but another surfaced when we realized that the fantasy had a life of its own for the fifteen minutes it lived. We had a blast. Probably would have gotten out of control if we had won big time. When I asked Terry if he would tell his wife about all this back home, he said, "What happens in Barbados stays in Barbados." That's about right, at least this year.

Summer Shortcuts

2009-08-07T11:47:00.007-04:00

Today I am reminded of simpler times when the sun is seductively warming the streets of New York and the more informally attired workers are moving a bit slower than usual. I never grew up in New York City, but I am a native New Yorker by way of Staten Island. Not many people took us seriously in the "forgotten borough" even in those days. Or especially in those days.

I did work in New York City as a temporary secretary, moving from place to place throughout the Wall Street area. It was very exciting stuff between college semesters. I would take the venerable Staten Island Ferry every morning, and it really did seem like a cruise ship with accompanying balmy breezes on the outer deck where I invariably sat in the morning and evening.

There are a lot of tourists speaking multiple languages filling these decks now. I don't recall a single foreign accent when I joined my fellow commuters on the elegant mahogany boats painted red outside and that departed at 7:10 AM during my summer forays between semesters. I do remember the uniform of the day for men: seersucker suit, buttoned-down shirt, tie, and the Staten Island Advance or the New York Times tucked under one arm. For women, no navels were in sight. White gloves finished off my discrete dresses, but this was more my Catholic school discipline showing. I do remember my impeccable white gloves touching the pole in the stifling, un-air conditioned subway, where it was unthinkable to remove them, no matter how hot the temperature rose. Come to think of it, that was a good thing.

For the most part, we are happily beyond men wearing suits and ties in the hazy, hot and humid summer months, though Wall Streeters did seem to favor $4000 Armanis just until about a year ago. That would cause scornful looks today, as young executives refuse to wear anything approaching the Gordon Gecko look now. Either that, or they are unemployed and are wearing shorts and tee shirts on the way to the gym.

On a positive note, the Staten Island Ferry terminal has undergone a serious transformation recently. It is immaculately clean with stunning views of the downtown skyline of Manhattan, all soaring glass and sleek silver. The terminal also houses two beautiful 1000 ton aquariums with rare tropical fish. A playful touch. Nice.

It is very surprising to me that Staten Island remains financially independent enough to dismiss any need for visitors to subsidize the expense of the Ferry. If it were up to me, I would make every tourist pay at least $1.00 for the round trip fare. Whoever heard of a free boat ride anywhere in this world? It's not as if the tourists ever venture forth to see the Greenbelt hiking trails, the Tibetan Museum, or all the great restaurants. Nor do they go to my favorite, the Boardwalk. I always head there with my mom and Tess, her rescue dog, when I visit Staten Island as a Manhattanite who never quite lost her ties to this historical and cultural island.

After the Verrazano Bridge arrived and dominated the commuter scene, you couldn't play "Who Do You Know?". This involved mostly giving an Italian, Irish or Polish name to someone and finding out the six degrees of separation between you and them. I don't ever remember getting on the Staten Island Ferry without seeing someone I knew in those days. It was that kind of an island, and that kind of a nautical adventure.

So while Staten Island thrives in new and exciting developments, I am left with sweet memories of a simple childhood that smacked of sophistication just a boat ride away, but also provided a countrified aspect that has gone the way of the old red ferryboats.

Two-Thirds of "Happiness" Is a Good Thing

2009-05-01T10:20:00.006-04:00

Jim Taylor, vice chairman of Harrison Group, a Connecticut-based research-consulting firm has just been quoted as saying, "The savings rate for some families has gone through the roof, up to 12%."

Taylor continues..."The irony is that despite the worries and the cutbacks and having to be more resourceful or spend less to make their money go further, the percentage of families reporting themselves to be very happy is up. Two-thirds of the families say they are very happy, which is up since 2007."

This is very good news, don't you think? In my household we measure happiness, not by the savings rate, but by saving time, which is a very costly commodity, if lost. The recession of 2009 is turning out to be a quiet time for my husband and me. We spend most evenings reading and listening to classical music. It is a time to ask when thinking to buy something, "Do I want this, or do I need this?"

It is definitely a time not to talk to negative fear mongers who are relaying the end of the Mayan calendar on December 21, 2012 as the end of the world. Frankly, I think they just got tired of writing with sharpened clay instruments centuries ago when they were drawing this up, or maybe it was one of those oppressive Mexican summer days with absurdly high humidity. "Juan, give it up and let's go for a dip and cool off" kind of thing.

In any case, keeping focused on my inner core means taking good news wherever I can find it, which is certainly not from the media. Thank goodness they have found another outlet with a possible pandemic infecting and killing off everyone in the entire world. Gives Wall Street a big break from front page scrutiny.

My first reaction was to feel very sorry for the swine, who have problems enough being so very unattractive to begin with, and then THIS! At least we have now changed the name from "Swine Flu" to a forgettable letter/number combo, but will always be known as "Swine Flu." At least we can go back to eating bacon with our pancakes at IHOP.

Maybe the Mayans way back when saw into the future or read about the possibility of a Swine Flu in the 21st century media coverage in The Daily Mayan Times circa 300 AD. That would explain a lot. I do think there comes a time when "Happiness" is defined as "Media-less" and a quiet evening removed from statistics and negative predictions is really 100% happiness for me.

As for the Apocalypse in 2012, the media needs to get on this right this minute! Time's a waistin' and this could spin out for at least another three years of hype, especially if this Swine Flu pandemic turns out to be a dud and all the swine and reporters survive.

2009-03-27T18:14:00.014-04:00

I attended an evening seminar last week that featured a well-known economist who is often featured on CNBC. It was an impressive gathering of real estate moguls, bankers, captains of industry, and entrepreneurs in general. I was honored to be invited as one of the boys, since there was a disproportionate number of women present. Not to worry. I am not intimidated by this type of event that inevitably begins with a networking cocktail high above Manhattan with outstanding views of other, equally impressive skyscrapers which used to be filled with employees.

Which brings me to the tone of the evening. A bit of unease pervaded the room. Smiles that were a little less confident than one is used to, with a touch of wariness upon introduction. Though I didn't see any resumes, I did meet some well-dressed people who are out of work.

None of us wants to hear that someone has been laid off, especially if that person comes home to dinner in your house every night. Inevitably though, we all have heard of, or experienced someone close to us who has been "made redundant." Sounds like buying more than 10 items on an express line. Oops...sorry, you have to go to that other line.

There is an excellent book about this sort of thing by one of the best mystery writers of this generation (said by the WSJ). The book is called The Ax and it is by Donald Westlake. It was written in the 1990's last recession and concerns a middle management guy who is fired and decides the only way to get the job he really wants is to kill the competition...several layers of resumes stand in his way. Not an easy task. While the subject matter is macabre, the premise is brilliant and the writing is extremely amusing.

On a bright note and one to increase optimism for the ending of our current recession is a small article that appeared in the New York Times the other day. Ariston Florists, a high-end shop on West 17th Street, boasts a 10% increase in the sale of roses in this recession.

"My customers say a rose means reassurance," said Mr. Barbagianis, owner of the florist. "They are looking for basic beauty. They want something that expresses love and happiness, that reminds them of good times in the past--and, they hope, good times to come."

This is a sweet story, and shows how sensitive we tough-minded New Yorkers really are. I didn't see any roses at the economist's seminar, but there was a strange comfort in knowing that we are all in this together. People I know are reaching out to say they need help, and those of us who are still OK are sincerely trying to help with leads or referrals, or just trying to give moral support.

I intend to buy a rose from the Korean grocer on the corner from time to time. He needs to keep his job,too, and it will be a reminder to wait for the good times to come, one sniff at a time.

Chastened, but Not Bowed Luxury

2009-01-11T17:46:00.004-05:00

The Resort at Pelican Hill on the Newport Beach Coast in California has been creating expectations that one could find very difficult to satisfy. Fantasy is a very private affair, thank you very much. This promise of "perfection" made me a bit skeptical throughout the process of the resort being built over the last two years. The pre-opening collateral material was awesome. No, sensational would be more accurate. It was the promise of something that was ego-driven by a multi-billionaire owner, and he obviously got there by himself being a perfectionist.

I can tell you that they weren't kidding. This is the most amazing resort built from scratch that I have seen in years, and it has all come together and opened in October 2008. Yes, just prior to the Great Depression of 2008.

So, what do you do when you have so much money sunk into a resort that would have been just perfect for AIG, Lehman Brothers and Merrill Lynch? You soldier on as if nothing is wrong. California with a touch of the flower child still.

I just wanted you to see this for yourself. Room rates are not astronomical, especially for groups. Tom Fazio has "perfected" the 18 hole course that was in existence prior to the resort being built. Ocean views and Catalina Island frame the course.

Intriguing, how these things have a life of their own. It is the best of times. It is the worst of times. I am betting that the Resort at Pelican Hill will flourish. The group market has already confirmed much more subdued meetings with lower rates than the hotel would have charged in good days. Astonishing how sometimes your imagination can actually work within a budget!

Escapism Never Felt this Good...Sanctuary Cap Cana, Dominican Republic

2008-11-25T13:47:00.002-05:00

Mercifully, this past week I escaped both the battering winds of an untimely November plunge in temperature and the equally plummeting economic freefall. Things were looking up--how could they not?--when I arrived at the Sanctuary Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic to a gentle breeze and a sunny 86 degrees. A symbolic rise in temperature and spirits reversed my New York CNBC-inspired gloom. I was back!

The Internet has gleefully published articles lately about the challenge of real estate everywhere, notwithstanding the Caribbean. I do not know why there is such euphoria about distressed areas. I had read an article about the sorry state of tourism that was e-mailed to me by well-meaning colleagues recently about the Cap Cana area. None of this was in evidence at Sanctuary Cap Cana, which is as beautiful as ever, and poised on the brink of peak season to welcome very savvy guests. The Island Spa will be open this December, and a canopying zip line has been introduced from the Farallon cliff at Cap Cana. So much for "distressed." Maybe...de-stressed was what they meant.

True, there were few people in evidence as it is off-season, but the staff is as alert and gracious as ever. The resort is in pristine condition, and the beauty of the setting cannot be improved upon for anyone who knows the Caribbean and harbors expectations that all one needs is easily reachable from several major cities by direct flights.

My visit was brief, but I did manage to carve out some quality time at lunch at the Blue Marlin restaurant. It is truly one of the most natural and beautiful settings in which to experience the freshest seafood. The small fishing boats go out every morning a few yards from the restaurant and return with National Geographic-like picture-perfect fish that discretely wind up as the "special" at lunch and dinner.

The Chef in charge of the Blue Marlin has had experiences learning his craft world-wide at five star hotels from the Caribbean to the Middle East. Walim hails from Jakarta, and his creative touch is focused on the use of local ingredients, including the delicate grapefruit juice blend that includes capers and a touch of lemon and herbs. This Walim-secret-sauce is served on the side and enhanced the grilled grouper that day that made the dish "pop" or sing, or at least seduce the taste buds with a delicate aftertaste. Sabroso!

The waiters--Ortega and Luis--are natural emisseries of international good will by virtue of their training and gracious attention to service. This is not an act. Ortega said he practices his English every day with the guests because he wants to speak "perfect" English and make the meal a very special treat. The Blue Marlin protrudes over the sea, and service, setting and Walim's creations truly bring perfection within reach.

The Non-Hamptons

2008-08-26T11:58:00.018-04:00

Shelter Island, off the north fork of Long Island, refuses to allow the twenty-first century to intrude on its sweet, summer lifestyle. Norman Rockwell at every turn. Jay Gatsby at others. The island can only be reached by a ferryboat from either Sag Harbor or Greenport, the latter being the final stop on the Long Island Railroad. Even before the small white ferry docks, your welcoming view is of majestic Victorians and gently sloping wooded shores in an area known as Shelter Island Heights. A park path leads through a garlanded area that leads to gingerbread houses with English gardens. Across from the church is a darling home with a wooden swing that really reminded me of my childhood, including the well-worn dirt beneath. The house is known as the "Churchmouse House."

If all this sounds too good to be true, or even a bit saccharine, it truly isn't. A few days on Shelter Island was the perfect antidote to "circuit overload" as I call it, caused by watching CNN, and my daily morning reading of both the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. I was due for a lobotomy or a retreat. I chose the latter. For five days I managed not to engage in any of the above activities, and even included living without my IPOD and being BlackBerry-less. It was heavenly.

Shelter Island reminds me of Nantucket, but without the intrusion of modern mega-construction and a predominance of nouveau Wall Street money. In fact, the smell of old money pervades the landscape all around Shelter Island, and is especially potent in Dering Harbor. Exquisite homes built in the 20's have sprawling lawns that reach to the harbor and private docks that would have inspired F.Scott Fitzgerald to write The Great Gatsby. I suspect Dering Harbor is where the "other" Kennedy residents reside, but their whereabouts is a well-kept secret. Since the island is listed on the National Historic Register and was founded in 1872, there has been a concerted effort by the residents not to develop the landscape. It is truly amazing how much remains pristine and wooded throughout the entire island. Beaches lack the impressive impact of the Hamptons, but then that is just a minor trade-off for the peacefulness and lack of traffic and pretension.

We stayed at the Chequit Inn, which is a pleasant enough place with lovely gardens and good food served on the porch in the evening. We walked everywhere and read books. We talked, and found ourselves as a couple again, which is always the joy of being away from the very distracting and somewhat frenetic life we live in New York City.

The effect of Shelter Island lasts as long as you come back to your center, while preserving the simple pleasures that are found in this community that does not need to impress or talk about money.

I highly recommend the shelter from the world as a way of breathing in deeply and vacating the negatives of this way too complex world, of realizing that a perfect summer day has nothing to do with the Stock Market and has everything to do with how you used to feel on a gorgeous summer day on school break when the sun was not too hot and the water and sky were too blue to be real.

The Beach and The Bankers

2008-05-13T12:32:00.012-04:00

The Association of Bankers who came from all over the United States were a sophisticated group. They arrived at the hotel with baggage that was not in suitcases, but were the expectations brought on by memories of all the exquisite hotels they had visited in the past. It was the first Board of Directors meeting for the newly opened hotel, and my prestigious bankers had booked the Sanctuary Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic solely based on my recommendation. I was about to deliver my first born. Just a bit apprehensive.

The hotel is in the newest "in" place--Cap Cana--whose name keeps surfacing in Elite Traveler magazine's full page glossy ad. Or the magnificent Punta Espada ocean-hugging golf course is prominently displayed on a billboard in Times Square suggesting that if you are not there during the PGA Champions Tour, you are nowhere. And here were the Bankers. Our first group, since the resort debuted in January 2008.

There is no way to know how things are going to evolve when Spanish and English meet on a beach, but the Dominican people are inherently upbeat, bright and eager to please. The staff at the Sanctuary Cap Cana also has an international aspect. The Maitre d' at CasaBella is Desmond, who is from Malaysia and had met me once in January, but remembered my favorite tea and my favorite drink, a cranberry juice cocktail.

The meeting went very well. Private dinners were set in dramatic settings with views of the sea. I really knew we were all in sync when one of the owners of Sanctuary Cap Cana, Felix Felipe, kept popping in to see how everyone was doing. He offered his private cell phone at one point for one of the attendees to return an urgent call, so he wouldn't have to go to his room. That kind of thing.

The Sanctuary Cap Cana is not just a lovely, five-star hotel. The setting is gorgeous. Three miles of pristine beach meet the striking aqua water with more sand beneath and not a pebble in sight. The eight restaurants provide a variety of phenomenal types of cuisine. The golf is exquisite. A magnificent spa will be opened in the Fall 2008, and will complement our already existing spa treatments with a new dimension.

When I asked the Chairman of the Board of the Bankers group what he thought of his stay, he was walking by the pool and it was a perfect day. He smiled, looked around, and said: "Of all the places I have stayed in five star hotels in the Caribbean and Mexico, this is the most spectacular."

The child is born.

A Tuscan Treat for All Five Senses, Sans Euros

2008-03-10T11:57:00.014-04:00

Because telling a friend about a great movie creates unachievable expectations in the imagination of the listener, I will make a conscious effort not to gush about The Resort at Pelican Hill. Bear with me, though. It is very tempting, indeed.

Southern California conjures up images for me of insouciant wealth that is enjoyed by those who truly know how to extract the most out of every day. This is usually done by extremely good-looking blond people of either sex in yellow Lamborghini convertibles, or equally sexy, non-East Coast driven cars. Drivers are either on their way to the beach, to botox, or to "take" a meeting. The latter is probably a movie deal.

Southern California also conjures up a few noteworthy upscale hotels, like the Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel, the Four Seasons Aviara, the St. Regis, and of course, Montage Resort. The latter was my favorite...until now. On the Newport Coast at Crystal Cove is a new arrival, and The Resort at Pelican Hill will shock all the competition into a new competitive awareness. There is simply nothing like this in the United States. No gushing. Just a fact.

The centerpiece of the resort is the Tom Fazio redesigned Ocean North and Ocean South which form the thirty-six hole golf course with breathtaking views of the Pacific. What is delightful is the visual pleasure from the 504 acres with no other modern day intrusions of civilization in sight.

Built into the rolling hillsides with views of the fairways and the Pacific Ocean, are the 204 bungalows and 128 villas. All have balconies or terraces from which to see the changing light on the ocean, or to view a distant Catalina Island. These oversized Tuscan-styled accommodations are too exquisite to spend just a night or two in, and I imagine myself easily taking up residence on a permanent basis. The fireplace in every room and a 16' wood ceiling are examples of amenities that add immeasurably to the details. An amazing amount of personal input has been given by the owner of The Resort at Pelican Hill, who is inspecting and consulting with the architects and the decorators for the official opening of the resort in October 2008.

And speaking of authenticity, The Resort at Pelican Hill has transplanted fully mature olive trees from their privately owned nearby Irvine Ranch to enhance the experience of a Tuscan village. Overlooking the orange tiled roofs of the bungalows that are interspersed with olive trees is to be transported across another ocean, to another time. The eucalyptus and sage grow naturally on these hills, and the scent of both perfectly confront the senses with a purity of purpose: to soothe and relax the senses.

More sensual delight will be apparent in the plethora of spa treatments in the 20,000 square foot Pelican Hill Spa , with amenities all specifically designed for the resort, and within keeping with the salubrious nature of the area.

Southern California with a touch of Tuscany, is how I see it. Best news of all: You don't have to spend a single Euro. Happily, we will be part of the team as an extended group sales office, so if you would like a special group rate for a meeting or incentive program, by all means, please call me at 800-255-GAIL.

The Cap Cana Championship

2008-03-07T12:33:00.003-05:00

With the PGA Champions Tour set to start at the end of March, the buzz and excitement surrounding this event is palpable throughout Cap Cana. The Champions Tour will be the first Tour event celebrated in the Dominican Republic and will mark the Champions Tour return to the Caribbean.

For the first time in the history of the sport, the Dominican Republic will be home to the world’s professional golfers from various international destinations. Punta Espada Golf Course will be the hottest location in the golf world for this week as it hosts this important tournament and reaffirms the country’s distinction in being home to the greatest golf courses in the Caribbean.

Rick George, the President of the PGA Tour’s Champions Tour, shared “the emotion around The Cap Cana Championship excites us, not only by the fact that we have an official Champions Tour event in the Caribbean and more specifically the Dominican Republic, with its golfing history and passion which is a true privilege for us, but also because we trust that it will bring great emotion for fans of golf in the Caribbean. Our players know that they are going to compete on a high quality golf course when they play at the Jack Nicklaus signature course, Punta Espada.

Jack Nicklaus noted that “the fact that Cap Cana is able to host a Champions Tour event so fast after its inauguration, demonstrates the quality of the course and the growth of the Dominican Republic as a golf destination.” He goes on to say “We hope that at Punta Espada, the players of the Champions Tour find a golf course that allows them to enjoy the game while improving their ability. Without a doubt, it is visually spectacular. With the Caribbean Sea as a background along the course, and eight holes playing directly along the coast, Punta Espada will display all its beauty on television.”

The Cap Cana Championship will host the world’s highest skilled golfers aged 50 and upwards; legends including Jay Haas, Craig Stadler, Curtis Strange, Tom Watson, Tom Kite, Nick Price, Fred Funk, Eduardo Romero, Vicente Fernandez, Bernard Langer and Ian Woosnam, amongst many more.

Some of these players have already visited Cap Cana to experience all that Punta Espada has to offer. Each has expressed words of praise and admiration for the golf course and the Cap Cana project.

Jay Haas: “Having heard all the compliments about this place, I did not know what to expect upon arriving here, I have friends who have visited prior to me, telling me how amazing Cap Cana and the Punta Espada Golf Course are, being here now, I can say that this reality has surpassed all my expectations. This place is beautiful; and the golf course is challenging”.

Craig Stadler affirmed that: “This place is the most beautiful, wonderful golf course, which will be a great showdown of the Champions Tour”

The 54 hole, stroke-play match will have 78 players and an official purse of $2 million dollars; with $300,000 dollars awarded to the winner. This is one of the richest prize-pools of the 2008 calendar.

For those unable to see the course live at the Champions Tour, the Golf channel will televise all three rounds to the United States. The Cap Cana Championship will have a week-long agenda, full of both sporting and social activities, allowing players, press, family, friends and fans to experience the marvel, beauty and inimitableness of the entire Cap Can project.

Exquisite Beginnings, Thanks to Marc Anthony

2008-01-10T18:27:00.000-05:00

Steps away from Marc Anthony's exuberant performance, I watched in awe as his compact body roamed the stage, making love with his music at the Caleton Beach Club at Cap Cana recently. Sometimes dulcet tones emanated from this fine performer, but mostly the place rocked with his compelling Spanish phrasing. The appreciative audience responded with spontaneous outbreaks of salsa, meringue or both by dancing barefoot in the sand under the 60 foot tented canopy that just covered the floodlit palms. What an evening!

JLo was nowhere to be seen. But the show didn't start until 10:30 PM, and the soon-to-be mother of twins was surely tucked in for the night. There were definite sightings of her on the beach earlier that day. That assured all the concertgoers who had hoped to see or hear from her that she was soaking up Marc's sweet performance in the privacy of their suite.

A sensual Dominican dance group performed following Anthony's ne plus ultra performance. What amazing choreography was displayed would have put Dancing with the Stars out of business for lack of imagination. I don't know what it is about the Dominican women, but they are incredibly beautiful, sexy, intelligent and utterly charming. The Dominican men are themselves gorgeous specimens, with equal charms. The extravaganza was followed by fireworks on the beach and more singing and dancing. The partying officially stopped at about 2:30 AM, but I suspect it continued in some circles until dawn.

All of this is about Cap Cana and what it is, and what it is becoming. Sanctuary Cap Cana is now open for business, with 176 ocean view suites in a spectaular colonial village setting. The magnificent Mandara Spa will make its debut in late Spring 2008. (Spa treatments are available to resort guests now, however). The Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course is a show stopper.

Celebrating Dominican style is so appropriate because Sanctuary Cap Cana is the most unique upscale resort ever to be built in the Caribbean, and has lots of facets that appeal to all. Marc Anthony was certainly the star that night, but so was Cap Cana.

Luxury with a Caribbean Accent - Sanctuary Cap Cana, Dominican Republic

2007-11-29T22:20:00.000-05:00

For those of you who have waited patiently for its grand entrance into the market, the elegant golf resort, the Sanctuary Cap Cana, will debut on the east coast of the Dominican Republic on December 22, 2007...just in time for the holidays. More in a moment.

My first experience with the Domincan Republic was with Charlie Bludhorn, the founder and CEO of Gulf + Western back in the 1980's, when I was the Vice President of Sales & Marketing for his hotel division, reporting directly to him.

Mr. Bludhorn's vast corporate empire--especially Paramount Pictures--was enormously successful. But his true love was the sensual beauty of the Dominican Republic and the irrepressibly eager to please, hard-working Dominicans. No one else seemed to share his vision at the company affectionately known on Wall Street as "Engulf & Devour." No matter. Charlie and I had a mission. The challenge at that time was putting an unknown, Oscar de la Renta-designed golf resort, Casa de Campo, on the map.

Most corporate and incentive people are well beyond the geographical limitations of the average American, but in the 1980's, even they struggled with the concept of where, exactly, was the Dominican Republic. That was before "Pete Dye" became a household word with the Teeth of the Dog course, which now any serious golfer knows and can curse by name.

Well, years later with the success of marketing my beloved Dominican Republic, I am thrilled to be responsible for the U.S. group market for Cap Cana, and present at the birth of a new resort in the Dominican Republic that will eclipse Casa de Campo on all fronts. To begin with, Juanillo Beach around which the Sanctuary Cap Cana is surrounded, is one of the most stunning white sand/teal ocean combinations that any imagination can conjure up. Jack Nicklaus has created a Signature seaside golf course, Punta Espada. Golfers who have played the spectacular ocean-hugging holes gush about the course, yet still cannot find enough superlatives to describe its beauty. Caution: Play now before it becomes private, which it will do as soon as the second Jack Nicklaus course, Punta Iguana, comes on line. Fortunate will be the villa and condo owners who will then have Punta Espada all to themselves!

The Sanctuary Cap Cana has been lovingly designed and built by AltaBella Hotels, a Madrid-based company which has taken excruciating care to bring this five star property to its current state of luxury. All will soon be revealed when the all-suite resort(minimum of 650 square feet hotel rooms) is open next month. Not all of the hotel will be available on December 22, 2007, however. You must wait until March 2008 to experience the exquisite Mandara spa, though spa facilities will be available at the hotel before then. Half of the eight restaurants, and the conference center will be open also in March 2008. We are taking group reservations now, with several prestigious corporate groups already booked.

A final note by the way for those of you who don't know, Charlie Bluhdorn is in the Great Resort in the sky, having passed away in the Dominican Republic in 1985. He really would have loved SanctuaryCap Cana, though I suspect he would have wanted to make it part of his Gulf + Western empire, if it still existed. And that is, of course, the beauty of Sanctuary Cap Cana. It is small (176 suites) and independent, not part of a corporate chain of cookie-cut hotels you might find on this or another Caribbean island. So, I know I speak for Charlie Bluhdorn, if you haven't yet been to the Dominican Republic, you must come to Sanctuary Cap Cana. We challenge you NOT to fall in love with it!

WBENC Certification

2007-10-01T12:12:00.000-04:00

A great endorsement has just come my way. The Women's Business Enterprise National Council has officially certified Gail Flannigan Associates as a Woman Business Enterprise. This enables increased access to business opportunities for WBEs from companies who wish to work with women entrepreneurs, and who are encouraged to do so by their corporate philosophies.

The process to become a WBE was lengthy and involved extensive forms, strict criteria, and ultimately being interviewed to make sure our 22 year old business was, indeed, owned by myself, a woman entrepreneur. Over the years, the business has changed, evolved and grown to include commercial and hotel-related real estate. The rewards and worries have come with the territory. Also, the thrill of knowing it is through my tenacity that it has continued to thrive, despite economic and personal challenges.

This award is to be shared especially by Terence Rufer, my husband, partner and Executive Vice President. Besides being an implacable support and calming influence, his judgment is spot on, and he has a wealth of experience in the hotel industry, upon which I draw constantly. And then there is my alter-ego who seems always to be one step ahead of me...my extremely talented Executive Assistant and invaluable support person, Sarah Coughlin.

Finally, due to the loyal clients who have followed me through the years, I am able to accept gratefully this acknowledgement by the Women Presidents Educational Organization (WPEO).

Thank you all.

Onward and upward.

"Clear" Credit Card at the Airport...Shoeless but Stressless

2007-08-30T11:29:00.000-04:00

Summer somnolence has prevented me from doing a more timely blog. I think my keyboard slows measurably when the outdoor temperature hits 85 degrees or more. My desk has views of Central Park, so the call of the wild does tempt me to take afternoon breaks as well. Thank you for your understanding, and I hope you have had similar seasonal distractions.

The long absence of an update compels me to write now about a very interesting subject, even though I know no one is reading this today. All are planning for the weekend getaway for Labor Day. That leaves us stay-at-home New Yorkers in an enviable position. No rush to the airport, with anticipated delays cutting into the precious holiday by at least an hour or more. Two thousand flights a day from LaGuardia Airport. Amazing. Two runways, total, at LaGuardia for all incoming and outgoing traffic. Even more amazing.

There is hope, however, for all of us seasoned travellers who do this for a living. If you haven't heard of "Clear" the card that allows you to whisk through a private security line at a growing number of airports...listen up.

Some enterprising company has created a system that scans your iris and takes multiple finger impressions on a scanner and then puts this information into a computer chip. Kind of James Bond meets Homeland Security, with panache. You are issued a sexy, clear plastic credit card with your unique information, that is not transferred to the CIA or the FBI. I am confident that Dick Cheney does not know a thing about my iris. At least, I don't think so.

There are currently 59,000 members of Clear. I am, happily, one of them. I do admit to having to resist my fear of government intervention into my private life before sharing information with Clear in return for this privilege. But, the government knows all there is to know anyway, except the questions asked for in pre-screening and phone security on Clear. What is my favorite movie? "Portrait of Jenny." What is my favorite activity? Yoga. I don't think the government would be assisted in finding Osama bin Laden, even if I told them my intimate answers over lunch. So, the process is swift, futuristic and, I admit, fun. Try it. We need to have as many sophisticated travelers sign up so it will be accepted at all U.S. airports, whose number is steadily growing. Check out http://www.flyclear.com/

Have a great holiday weekend, and I'll be in touch next week with updates on Sanctuary Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic and the latest following my recent trip to Bermuda...

Manhattan Parking and the Art of Investing

2007-07-13T09:09:00.000-04:00

I read the other day that the median price for an apartment in Manhattan in the first quarter of 2007 was $835,000. This is four times the national median home price of $214,000. This information comes from the National Association of Realtors, whose NYC members themselves make astronomical commissions on co-ops and condos sold to those guys downtown working on futures. Theirs, not mine.

This made me wonder why there seems to be no end to the uptick in the prices of housing here in New York City. If the New York Stock Exchange were in, say, Las Vegas would we still have to pay over a $1 million for a tiny one bedroom apartment on the East Side? Come to think of it, Wall Street and Las Vegas have an awful lot in common. Legalized gambling from the floor just needs some showgirls to ring the closing bell. Might give a more proletarian feel to investing.

And what if Manhattan weren't an island? What if it stretched out in endless monotony like Vegas beyond the Sodom and Gomorrah neon light part? I mean, isn't part of this over-inflated pricing due to the fact that there are only so many streets to hold so many apartments to hold so many hedge fund guys?

As you know, Peter Minuit bought the island of Manhattan from the Canarsie Indians for $24 worth of trinkets. Yes, that is the story...allegedly, the Canarsie Indians resided on Long Island, and just traded in Manhattan. Kind of like the Westchester crowd today. Brooklynites choose to believe they they were from Canarsie--a pure myth--so it was the Long Island Indians who put one over on the Dutch white man. The Indians were probably thinking that those beads and silver trinkets, and maybe a hatchet or two were a much better deal than having to fix pot holes and get Co-op board approvals. So, with a collective sigh of relief on the part of the original native Manhattanites, the first real estate deal was done. Peter Minuit slyly exchanged his cache, believing he had put one over on those poorly clothed guys. And so began the incredible inflation that brought us to the ultimate silliness that was announced today.

Are you ready for this? There is a waiting list of seven or eight people who want to pay $225,000 for one of five private parking spaces on West 17th Street in the BASEMENT, no less, of a condo development that isn't even scheduled to open until January 2008! Pardon me, but that price should come with a view for your Honda Civic of the Hudson or the East River and maybe a southern exposure on a high floor! The part that has me bowled over is that the people buying these parking spaces don't even own cars! They're buying them as "investments" to be rented out to cover their costs and perhaps some day to be traded down on Wall Street. Or sold to put all the profits on black in Vegas.

So, what does this mean to me, a New Yorker? I am going to turn in my MetroCard immediately, find me a good financial advisor who specializes in Parking, and pull my money out of those stagnating Mutual Funds. The future of investments is clear for me, even if Peter Minuit's was a bit cloudy.

A Hidden Find on the Massachusetts Coast

2007-06-13T11:46:00.000-04:00

Rockport, Massachusetts is where people go who aren't going to the "other" Cape. Like an ingenue waiting to be discovered, Rockport remains picturesque, yet incredibly homey, and virtually unknown to those outside Massachusetts. It has been one of my favorites since I was a child. It has nearby towns that sound almost fictional, like "Pigeon Cove" where my grandparents lived, and where the Emerson Inn By the Sea overlooks the rough rocky shore. Ralph Waldo Emerson stayed there and described how it was where he "made acquaintance with the sea for seven days."

But Rockport is the centerpiece and has always been a magnet for artists and musicians, and so draws an eclectic beach crowd. The Chamber Music Orchestra will have a new waterfront space in the old Madras Shop down from Tuck's, where the salt water taffy is still doled out under a tin-ceilinged roof. They do have the best home-made ice cream you could imagine. Or maybe the salt air makes it taste of summer and youth. It doesn't matter.

For those of you who don't know this town, you need to visit. It is best known for Motif #1, the most celebrated subject for artists to paint, which is compelling in its simplicity. The red wood shack is situated on Bearskin Neck, which is the home of tiny shops that have managed to combine tourism with taste. The fishermen who originally colonized this wee town did fight off bears at one point in the late 1600's. But tourists don't have to worry about that now.

Near the center of the town is a terrific place to stay...Beech Tree Bed & Breakfast. There are three guest rooms and Judy and Russ Liddle are the hosts who have brought a high level of excellence to the concept of pleasing their guests. Fresh flowers from their wildflower garden are placed by your heavenly bed. Down pillows are in superabundance. The color of my room was a deep colonial burgundy, with soft muted tones contrasting the elegant antique furniture. And then there is the rainforest shower...The accommodations rival any I have been in recently that are five star, especially as a Bed & Breakfast.

The common areas are cozy with comfortable places to read in abundant corners. During my stay, there was a lovely fireplace in the seafoam green living room that took the chill off an unusually chilly June evening. The porch looks out at the huge 100 year old beech tree from which the inn derives its name. And it is the garden that is the focal point of the summer morning, with abundant irises and cat mint in lavender contrast to the greenery everywhere.

Breakfast is unforgettable. Judy changes her menu daily and offered scrambled eggs with goat cheese folded into the perfectly textured eggs. Accompanying this was a Swedish pancake, home made granola and lots of fresh fruit. Coffee was perfect, of course. This memorable offering was included in the very reasonably priced room rate.
Call them for a quick getaway...www.beachtreebb.com

2007-05-30T14:10:00.000-04:00

Champions Tour will hold $2 million event in Dominican Republic

The PGA TOUR's Champions Tour and Cap Cana announced that the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at Punta Espada Golf Club in Cap Cana, Dominican Republic will be the site of a new Champions Tour event next spring.

The agreement was signed on May 25, 2007 by Cap Cana's Board of Directors President, Dr. Ricardo Hazoury and Champions Tour Senior Vice President Mike Stevens in the presence of Jack Nicklaus at Nicklaus Design headquarters in North Palm Beach, Fla.

The Cap Cana tournament will be played March 31-April 6, 2008.

The 54-hole stroke-play tournament will feature a 78-player field and official prize money of $2 million, with the winner collecting $300,000. GOLF CHANNEL will broadcast all three rounds in the United States and coverage of the event will be distributed internationally.

"The Cap Cana will be a prestigious addition to our 2008 schedule," said Champions Tour President Rick George. "The pristine setting combined with the Jack Nicklaus design of the Punta Espada Golf Club and resources and amenities of the Cap Cana Resort will immediately establish The Cap Cana as a premier event on the Champions Tour."

Punta Espada Golf Club, the first of three Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses slated to open in Cap Cana, is operated by Troon Golf and opened for play in November 2006. The par-72 course incorporates the surrounding natural beauty of Cap Cana, stretching along a coastline where golfers on each hole look out into the blue expanse of the Caribbean Sea.

"We are very proud to be selected for the PGA TOUR's Champions Tour in 2008," said Dr. Ricardo Hazoury, President of Cap Cana's Board of Directors. "The design of our course at Punta Espada incorporates the natural characteristics of this unique environment of Cap Cana and has been well conceived for this level of play. As a golf destination, we are committed to a successful event. We will continue as a country to position ourselves in the world as a special place to enjoy the sport of golf and to celebrate this kind of professional tournament,"

"We are excited to be a new addition to the Champions Tour in 2008," said Sam Logan, Manager of Operations from Troon Golf assigned to the Punta Espada Golf Club. "Cap Cana has become well-known for excellent conditions and spectacular views, which make it an ideal location for touring professionals and spectators alike. It is a compliment to Cap Cana, Nicklaus Design and Troon Golf that just a few months after opening, Punta Espada debuted at No. 77 in Golf Digest's ranking of the 100 Best Courses Outside the U.S."

The complete 2008 Champions Tour schedule will be announced on June 25 at the annual Champions Tour National Media Conference following the Bank of America Championship in Boston, MA.

Eloise, the Penthouse and The Billionaire

2007-05-23T13:03:00.000-04:00

I had a call this weekend from a multi-billionaire, one of Forbes richest men in the world, who was referred to me by a mutual friend and business acquaintance. Since I have a combination of hotel sales, a New York State Real Estate Salesperson's License, and my husband was once the Director of Sales and Marketing at The Plaza, I felt equal to the challenge of offering assistance.

The gentleman in question was in New York on business from Australia and happened by the Plaza Condominium development, formerly the Plaza Hotel, sad shell that it is now. His wife thought it would be nice to have an apartment near their friends who own a penthouse in the Sherry Netherlands across the street. Just in case they wanted to borrow a cup of sugar, I suppose.

This Australian gentleman is trying to decide between an apartment that is being offered at $6.5 million and one for $14.5 million. The difference is the bedrooms and library of the former are not facing the expensive forest of Central Park South. He is the most down to earth billionaire I have ever spoken with, though I admit not many call my 800 number on a regular basis. He said that, fortunately, he could afford the more expensive apartment. He just didn't want to feel foolish by overpaying at $6000 a square foot for his pied a terre. He will only be here a couple of weeks a year, after all. So, what did I think?

I assured him that there is no negotiation on prices at the Plaza condominium hotel. I also told him there are plenty of people from Dubai who are buying up those apartments on spec, since oil money is plentiful and the dollar is a real bargain. In any case, I assured him that the treeless views from the bedrooms in the back of the Plaza would allow quiet sleep, not assured from Central Park South. (I know this because our more humble apartment and office is, indeed, on the 16th floor overlooking Central Park South and all our rooms have views. Even our bathroom has a window, which our male guests do feel self-conscious about when using this spectacular windowed facility). But that is a whole other blog called "Ego."

So, when is enough, enough? When a triplex penthouse at the former Plaza Hotel sold this week for $56 million, you might think that would put a cap on New York City's euphoric rise in real estate mania. But trust me, this is just the beginning.

A year ago, would anyone have believed your "Home Sweet Home" could go for $6,100 a square foot? Are the trees in Central Park more stately, greener or more valuable because they are occupying space where high rises should be, and so command such an exorbitant price for respectfully gazing upon them?

The triplex is the line drawn in the sand. Or in this case, in the park dirt. Nothing is too expensive. Not even the penthouse that is now listed at the Pierre with sixteen rooms and at a pricetag of $70 million. The Australian gentleman is evaluating both Plaza apartments, though his wife is adamant about having her bed overlooking all that park greenery. They are flying back today to Melbourne on their private plane. I am waiting to hear what their decision will be, but just out of curiosity, since I wasn't the broker, alas. Personally, I think they would be much better off in a regular New York building, with more hedge fund people and fewer oil wells.

On the other hand, I am also left with a vague feeling that either a)I am not working hard enough, or else I could move down the block and swan about with all that oil-moneyed crowd and perhaps the one really nice billionaire Australian couple who speak English, or b)that our own apartment/office here at 240 Central Park South is one nifty place to live and work at a fraction of the cost of the foreign frenzy. And my husband, Terry Rufer, and I are native New Yorkers. That counts for something, even if we are from the Bronx and Staten Island respectively.

Either way, I wonder about Eloise, the former literary symbol of the days of the classic Plaza Hotel. The little girl was known to dart mischievously around the hotel halls in her reckless and charming youth. I wonder what Eloise would think of all this real estate frenzy. But mostly I wonder if she had a back bedroom...

2007-05-09T12:09:00.000-04:00

Tucker's Point Hotel & Spa - Opening July 2008

I am thrilled to share with you an update on Tucker's Point Hotel & Spa, which is coming to Bermuda as a long awaited breath of fresh air for this pastel perfect island. Estimated opening date is July 18, 2008.

Happily, I will be involved in assisting Tucker's Point with bringing them Board of Directors' meetings, corporate retreats, think-tanks and discerning incentive groups looking for an exquisite new upscale boutique resort. So this is where you come in with your group...the hotel will have 88 rooms, with a minimum of 520 square feet (50% of the 20 suites--ranging from 1,200 to 1,650 square feet--have fireplaces). All rooms have a large balcony; all have water views.

The 18 hole championship golf course is open and has now surpassed Mid Ocean for its impressive play, according to all my informed sources in Bermuda who have played both courses. A spa? Of course! Meeting space? Very definitely. Isn't that refreshing? They actually want your group business! Get the picture?...This is a resort for those groups that do not belong in a big group hotel, or who are looking for a boutique hotel which can pamper one group at a time and where you don't have to compromise your needs. Space will be limited, however, by the sheer demand for this property. We are already seeing that happen.

If you are thinking ahead, terrific! If you are looking for anytime after the summer opening 2008, then please give me a call at (800)255-GAIL (4245) or send me an answer on this blog, or e-mail me at gail@gailflannigan.com, if you have not already checked with Ann Walker for availability.

In any case, give me a call...send me an e-mail...and I'll send you the fact sheet. Very simple, and very wise, indeed. More to come on Tucker's Point in a future blog. I just wanted you to know for now that Bermuda is not your father and mother's honeymoon destination anymore...there are exciting things happening all over the island. This is just going to be a stunning new hotel that I wanted to share with you.

All the best,
Gail

2007-05-08T15:13:00.000-04:00

Upcoming Fishing Tournaments at Sanctuary Cap Cana:

The Cap Cana Classic
June 1 - 8, 2007
White Marlin

The Punta Espada Tournament
July 20 - 27, 2007
Blue Marlin

2007-05-04T12:47:00.000-04:00

Celebrities attend Cap Cana Marina Inauguration

Children of billionaire Donald Trump, the singer Julio Iglesias and designer Oscar de la Renta were among the stars who gathered in Cap Cana to inaugurate the luxury marina on Saturday, April 28th, 2007.

Described as the "most complete and modern marina in the Caribbean," organizers said that the facility will, once finished, be able to accomodate 1,000 yachts as well as mega-yachts.

At the festivities on the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic were Eric and Ivanka Trump, whose father is one of the investors in the complex, rubbed shoulders with 3,000 guests including Iglesias, Dominican born de le Renta and dancer Mikhail Barishnikhov.

The inaugural bash also featured appearances by President Leonel Fernandez, Dominican singer Juan Luis Guerra, the Santo Domingo Philharmonic and performers from Canada's Cirque de Soleil.

The complex is to stretch to over 46 square miles and cost a total of two billion dollars.

It will include three golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus as well as four luxury hotels, a shopping center and a Venice-like canal featuring seaview villas.

Article Source: dominicantoday.com

2007-04-30T10:10:00.000-04:00

Ariel Sands, Bermuda.... Update

Michael Douglas's cottage colony is awaiting the final finishing contract touches, with lawyers working feverishly to get the paperwork completed--well, doing lots of billable hours in any case--before the architect's plans are put into concrete form, literally.

Ariel Sands Residence Club, which will be a five-star fractional ownership Private Club, is several months away from breaking ground. Meanwhile, there are hotel rooms in the existing Ariel Sands cottage colony that are available for a lovely corporate retreat, an informal Board of Directors meeting, a think tank, or just a delightful, quick and well-earned incentive trip for an outstanding quarterly performance.

Peak season is coming up, and Bermuda is ever so close to the U.S. --- only a one and a half hour non-stop flight from New York City!

Before this charming resort of 47 rooms becomes a sweet memory, our staff at Ariel Sands would like to spoil you one last time. Now until November 2007 please, they're waiting.

2007-04-27T14:47:00.000-04:00

Looking for a delicious dessert recipe?

Try this classic English trifle with mixed berries and lemon cream. Perfect for spring and summer, this easy recipe is perfect for every occasion!

Recipe Summary
Difficulty: Easy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Inactive Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 3 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Berries:
1 pint blueberries
1 pint strawberries, hulled and cut into thick slices
2 pint raspberries
1 lemon, juiced
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
Lemon Cream:
1 quart whipping cream
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (11-ounce) jar lemon curd
1 cup store bought pound cake, slices 1/2-inch thick

Place the berries into a large bowl and sprinkle with half of the lemon juice. Lightly toss.

Combine the berries, sugar, cornstarch and remaining lemon juice in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a simmer and cook just until the berries begin to break down and give up their juices, about 3 minutes. Take the berries off the heat and let cool; the mixture should thicken up as is cools.

In a clean bowl, whip the cream with the sugar and the vanilla to soft peaks. Put the lemon curd into a second bowl and stir in a little of the whipped cream to loosen it. Then fold in the rest of the cream.

To assemble the trifle, spoon a layer of the lemon cream into a large glass bowl. Add a layer of pound cake, breaking the slices into pieces that fit. Then soak the cake with a layer of berries and their juices. Keep going to make 3 or 4 more layers, depending on the size of the bowl, finishing with a layer of lemon cream. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Bovey Castle in Devon, England

2007-04-27T10:22:00.000-04:00

Lest you should think that you know every exquisite venue in the world, let me introduce you to Bovey Castle on the moors in Devonshire National Park in England.

If you have ever heard of Agatha Christie or Hercule Poirot and are even remotely interested in the quality of life that is suggested by this era, then you need to know about this elegant Castle. It is located a brief, two hour train ride from London. (No, it’s not the Orient Express, but the countryside is stunning along the route, nonetheless).

Please visit our website to find all the details about this magnificent venue for a corporate meeting, Board of Directors, or incentive group. Use your “little gray cells,” as Poirot would say, and figure out a way to use Bovey Castle for one of your more discerning groups.

Millionaire Magazine….”Looking over the hills of Dartmoor while bathing in pure sunshine is to behold one of the most bucolic views in the whole of England.”

Town & Country Magazine…”Heaven in Devon”

Golf Magazine….”Castle for all Seasons”

Q & A at Punta Espada Golf Course

2007-04-26T13:48:00.000-04:00

Q&A at the Punta Espada Golf Course

How many golf courses is Cap Cana going to have?
In its initial phase, Cap Cana will have five golf courses, three of them being Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses. The first one, Punta Espada is in full operation since July of 2006. Construction for the second Jack Nicklaus’ master piece will be Las Iguanas.

How is Punta Espada different from any other golf course in the country?
The unparalleled dedication to excellence and quality showed on every game during his career is now on display at Punta Espada, a course that combines golf with the beautiful existing natural environment under the intense blue hues of the Caribbean Sea.

Although the entire Punta Espada layout incorporates the beautiful natural surroundings of Cap Cana, the majority of the holes have an especially privileged location in which golfers can appreciate the vast expanse of the Caribbean waters while striving to play their best game.

Punta Espada is also the first golf course in the Dominican Republic featuring 100 percent Seashore Paspalum, the preferred grass in tropical climates because of its resistance to salt water and its vibrant green color.

Why is hole 13 considered the “signature hole”? (see photo above)
This spectacular 250-yard par 3 is sure to become one of the world’s most photographed holes. There are no hidden agendas; the route requires golfers to execute a challenging tee shot over the ocean into a picturesque green surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean.

Could we say that the Dominican Republic is an ideal destination for the golf lovers? How is Cap Cana contributing to this?
With more golf courses than any other country in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic has a privileged position in the world of golf. With the inauguration of Punta Espada, Cap Cana has reinforced this prestigious reputation as the only location in the region that will have three Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses within a single tourist and real-estate development.

How much did it cost to build Punta Espada?
Punta Espada represents the first of three Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses that will be built in Cap Cana and was constructed at an estimated cost of $18 million.

Why is Cap Cana, with its new golf course Punta Espada, considered a complete golfing experience?
Following the official opening of the Punta Espada golf course, Cap Cana completes the golf lovers experience with the opening of the Punta Espada Golf Clubhouse. Encompassing a total area of approximately 191,598 sq feet, the clubhouse provides all the services needed for a memorable golfing experience. The club also has a restaurant, bar, library for those devoted to literature and a store where golfers can find the top brand-name items they need to play their best game, among other facilities.

What company was responsible for building Punta Espada?
Weitz Golf International, a leading corporation in the construction of golf courses and golf clubs with 149 years of experience, is responsible for the construction and completion of the project’s three golf courses, under Jack Nicklaus Signature Design. By hiring them, we have selected the best of the industry.

Who is responsible for the maintenance and administration of Punta Espada?
Leaders in management services of golf complexes, Troon Golf will supervise the construction of the three Cap Cana golf courses designed by Nicklaus and will manage all operations of the project’s golf clubs.

Why is Cap Cana considered “The World’s Next Great Destination?"
Cap Cana is the most important tourism and real-estate project of the Caribbean. With a master plan investment projected at 1.5 billion dollars, the first stage of the project will be developed in a span of 12-15 years and comprises an area of 35 million square meters (8,680 acres) of a total of over 120 million square meters (30,000 acres); 5.5 kilometers (3.5 miles) of virgin beaches and privy to a privileged climate. In its initial phase, the project will have three 5-star hotels, 3 golf courses signature and designed by Jack Nicklaus, one of the most complete and modern marinas “in land” in the Caribbean and a total of 5,000 residential units and 500 hotel rooms.

Why did Cap Cana decide to build a golf course with stunning views to the ocean instead of building residences so they could achieve a higher profitability?
As per Dr. Ricardo Hazoury, President of Cap Cana’s Board of Directors: “We wanted to give Jack Nicklaus the perfect site to create a work of art; that’s why we didn’t think twice about putting more than 7,000 yards of land at his disposal so he could let his imagination and creativity soar. Our desire is to offer devoted golfers the best course in the world, designed by the best in the world.”

Sanctuary Cap Cana Golf & Spa Opening

2007-04-25T12:04:00.000-04:00

So, it has been a long time coming and well worth the wait. It is just not there yet.

I have just come back from the nearly-finished Sanctuary Cap Cana Golf & Spa in the Dominican Republic. And, yes, this is the most talked about area this week since Donald Trump announced on the Apprentice last Sunday night that his choice of Stefani Schaeffer as Project Manager for Trump at Cap Cana would earn her a meager $250,000. Apparently her beauty and brilliance will catapult the condominium development even further with her expertise. I think the beauty of the area will have a lot to do with her success...

This is a stunning land development, which Trump shares with AltaBella Hotels, the owner of Sanctuary Cap Cana Golf & Spa. In the twenty-five years that I have been involved with hotels in the Caribbean, I have never seen anything like the Sanctuary Cap Cana Golf & Spa. Lovingly built by artisans who are chiseling out stone by hand, inlaying intricate tiles with tactile details you would wish could be in your own home, and ultimately decorating the finished product with natural woods and fabrics from Malaysia and other eco-rich areas that impart a warmth and texture that is utterly sensual.

There are many of us who have been waiting for the opening of this 176 all-suite resort, with its stunning ocean front views, championship Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course with eight of its eighteen holes directly on the ocean, a 20,000 square foot Mandara spa, and Asian and European service people to complement the gracious Dominican service staff. Meeting space abounds, as do eight restaurants of international cuisine.

The 500 slip marina is opening this Saturday, April 28, 2007...more on that when the event takes place. For now, know that my experience was extremely gratifying. AltaBella is taking all the right components and putting them together to create the Caribbean experience no one has even thought of building.

And so, you ask, when WILL Sanctuary Cap Cana Golf & Club finally open? To be safe, I would say plan for October 2007, if you are really looking for the finished product, with no traces of construction and with lush landscaping. Just know that if you have ever had a fantasy that included a beach...this is the one.

For more on what Donald Trump has to say on Cap Cana click on the link below and select Part 3 to see a video tour of the Cap Cana facilities that was aired on the Season Finale of the Apprentice.

www.nbc.com/Video/rewind/full_episodes/apprentice.shtml">

2007-04-24T11:18:00.000-04:00

Do you find yourself always forgetting ONE ITEM when you travel? We have put together a list of travel necessities for you to print out and keep with you!

 Alarm clock
 Band-Aids
 Bathing Suit
 Batteries
 Belts
 Binoculars
 Blackberry
 Blouses
 Bobby Pins
 Book
 Business cards
 Calculator (small for changing money)
 Calendar diary
 Camera
 Cell Phone
 Checkbook
 Clips/Elastics for hair
 Coats
 Cotton Balls
 Cushion for head
 Day cream
 Deodorant
 Dresses
 Ear Plugs
 Evian hydrating mist spray
 Eye makeup remover
 Eye mask
 Film
 Gloves (winter)
 Hand cream
 Handbags
 Ipod
 Jewelry
 Lingerie
 Lip balm
 Makeup
 Maps, destination file, guide books
 Medicines/Vitamins
 Money/Credit card
 Mouthwash
 Nail file
 Nail polish
 Night Cream
 Passport
 Pedometer
 Pen
 Photocopy of passport
 Plane Ticket
 Pocket flashlight
 Razor
 Reading glasses
 Scissors
 Shampoo/Conditioner
 Shoes
 Shorts
 Shower cap
 Slipper sox for plane
 Small Umbrella
 Socks
 Stockings
 Suit(s)
 Sunglasses
 Sunscreen
 Sweaters
 Toothbrush
 Toothpaste
 Travelers Support jet lag aid
 Tweezers
 Wrist cuffs for motion sickness

2007-04-23T11:15:00.000-04:00

Cap Cana- The Altabella Hotel Group will inaugurate the initial phase of what will be the largest marina in the Caribbean on Saturday, April 28th. Located on the eastern coast of the Dominican Republic, the Marina will accommodate 72 yachts up to 60 feet long during its first phase with a completed capacity of 1,400 slips accommodating boats up to 250 feet.

The protected harbor basin will satisfy even the most discerning boater. Located 10 minutes from the Punta Cana International Airport and only 5 miles from away from one of the most abundant fisheries in the Caribbean, fishing season is year round in Cap Cana.

Designed with a nod to the grandeur of Venice, the Marina will also be home to exquisite shopping, with designer boutiques, charming restaurants and chic bistros and bars complimenting the luxury living that is Cap Cana.

2007-04-22T11:17:00.000-04:00

Making a dramatic entrance in September 2007 will be the newly-built Sanctuary Cap Cana Golf and Spa on the eastern coast of the Dominican Republic. It will be the only five star resort on the east coast of this dramatic coastline, when it opens. It is just 3 hrs and 10 minutes by direct flight from New York City (and 8 minutes from Punta Cana Airport). There is also easy access from other gateway cities from the U.S. and Europe with approximately 250 flights per week into the area.

The well-established management company who will run this resort is from Spain—AltaBella Hotels—and the name will become synonymous with a new level of luxury in the Caribbean. The area of Cap Cana is now considered the next “new” destination due to its exquisite white beaches. It is now fast becoming known for its killer course at the Hotel Sanctuary Cap Cana, the Jack Nicklaus designed championship eighteen hole Punta Espada course. Eight ocean-hugging holes rival Pebble Beach for both beauty and challenge, and the remainder of the course has exquisite views of the sea.

This 176 all-suite resort is the next meeting and incentive destination that will welcome groups, while maintaining all the attention to service and amenities offered to discerning individual travelers. Style and service are paramount to AltaBella.

All facts and details regarding the Jack Nicklaus’s Signature Golf Course, 20,000 square foot spa, marina, shopping, restaurants, meeting facilities, activities and immaculate beaches, can be found on our web site. http://www.gfahotels.com