Private Gates magazine represents our travels to more than 100 destinations around the Western Hemisphere in the past year. Though truly a journey of passion for my editor and me, choosing 40 of the most exclusive communities still open for development proved to be a daunting endeavor. In the end, the private golf clubs, gourmet cuisine, world-class spas, and overall attention to detail, made a memorable experience.
When we embarked on our mission to find 40 of the most distinctive resort and club communities, we set the following criteria for consideration:
1. Each project is a sustained development. In order to qualify, one must be able to buy new offerings.
2. The development’s vision includes an attainable master plan for creating a first-class community.
3. The project offers something unique which makes living within its gates an extraordinary experience.
4. The execution of the plan includes stewardship of the land and concern for the surrounding community.
5. The club’s service is outstanding and genuinely hospitable.
6. There is investment security due to appreciable increases over the past few years (The Publisher can make no guarantees, however).
EAST COAST
In generations past, much of the privileged money was focused on the Northeast. These days, wealth is increasingly migrating to the Sun Belt in places such as the Carolinas. And why not, considering the Southeast is arguably America’s leading region for private club communities with high-profile Hilton Head, Kiawah Island and its surrounding areas leading the way.
WEST COAST
Some say the West is best. Get a taste of the magnificent Monterey Peninsula or the heavenly climates and lifestyle in Southern California and its understandable why this part of the States features some of the country’s priciest real estate. Throw in a collection of unparalleled private enclaves and the region is even more appealing.
FLORIDA
When you lead the country with nearly 1,500 golf courses, most of which are exclusive resort communities you deserve a category all to yourself. Visits to Central Florida or the Naples and West Palm Beach-Boca Raton areas in South Florida only solidify Florida’s tag as the golf capital of the world.
THE DESERT
Florida might be the club community juggernaut in the East, but Phoenix-Scottsdale and Palm Springs are no desert mirages when it comes to delivering first-class private club community living. And this distinctive desert lifestyle is no longer reserved to just Arizona and Southern California, with upstart places such as Las Vegas and Bend, Ore., now on the luxury living map.
INTERNATIONAL
The Caribbean, Mexico and Latin America used to be reserved for cruises, honeymoons and adventure travel excursions. Now, with a number of exquisite upscale private communities emerging in Caribbean locations such as the Bahamas and Dominican Republic, Mexico’s legendary Cabo San Lucas or exotic places like Costa Rica, an increasing number of people are putting down permanent roots on these foreign locales.
HAWAII
The Hawaiian Islands are often described as magical, in part because of its distinctive and beautiful blend of culture, topography and climate. Take for example the Big Island of Hawaii, where one can experience a live volcano, black sand beach and snow skiing all in the same day. Then, to top it all off, return home for some world-class resort-style pampering and relaxation – all in the solitude of a gated private enclave -- that will rival any on the planet.
On behalf of Henry Robinson and our team I hope you enjoy Private Gates magazine.
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