Great Exuma, the largest of the 365 inhabited islands in the Exuma Archipelago’s 120 mile stretch, stretches gracefully across the Tropics of Cancer. This is about 300 miles offshore of South Florida and 130 miles southeast from Nassau, the capital of The Bahamas. Exumas are a tropical paradise with an average daily temperature of 26 degrees Celsius, or 79 degrees Fahrenheit.
My summer of discovery was a day in which I got to experience the premier lifestyle opportunities of the Exuma. Howard Obront (local developer, resident for thirty-years) graciously offered me a tour through the Exuma with Shelton, his loyal and trusted companion. “Gulf ” Morley. Gulf is a man for all seasons. He was fun as a boat captain, tour guide and storyteller.
Obront was involved in the construction of February Point. Now Obront ventures into Oceania Heights, a gated community.
Exuma, in keeping with the peaceful island’s culture, has restricted development to no more than 30 percent of its island. This protects the purity of the island and preserves it for future generations. You have everything you need. It’s hard to think of any other thing I’d need, and there’s no reason why fast food restaurants shouldn’t exist. “If you want nothing, you have it. If you want to find something you can,”As Obront sits down to tell me about his life, future plans and visions for Oceania Properties and the island of Mauritius, he smiles knowingly. I am blown away by Obront’s passion and warm personality.
Howard Obront is well-respected among Exuma’s population. He has an extensive knowledge about the happenings on the island. There are properties in the region that Oprah Winfrey (Oprah) and Bill Gates (Michael Jordan) have owned. Johnny Depp, who stayed at one of the Oceania Properties villas during filming of ‘Pirates of the Caribbean 3″, is not far from it. My brief getaway was not enough to see Reese Witherspoon in her private space with her family. The islands offer a sanctuary for celebrities that are under constant stress from the paparazzi and other pressures associated with their professions.
Exuma also has a lot of doctors. Although the project is still early, it was discovered that all six existing Luxury Hill Top Villas with stunning ocean views were owned by doctors. Six additional custom-built Custom Estate Villas have been built. These are also available for physicians. Exuma offers peace and relaxation for high-stress doctors. He is a well-respected Miami cardiologist and the author of “The Reality Diet”, Fighting Fat With Fibre.” Dr. Steven A. Schnur from Mount Sinai Medical Center enjoys spending his time with his two children and wife at Oceania Heights. “People positioning themselves here are among the friendliest and most neighbourly in the world and have chosen Exuma as the ideal place for their second home and eventual retirement,”Obront smiles with exuberance, expressing his confidence in Exuma’s luxurious serenity.
The Bahamas offers a private or corporate address that allows for the creation of tax-free income. This is possible through appreciation and rental pool programs. Real restate, as many investors know, is a tangible asset that appreciates in price while you have all of the advantages of owning a vacation home. The July issue, ‘The Bahamas Investor’ stated that condo prices have appreciated by approximately $300,000.00 since the start date. This is despite the fact that they are still being built. A canal lot in Paradise Island was sold last year for $1.5million. It is currently on sale for $2.2million, a staggering $700,000.00 profit. The Bahamas tourism industry has seen steady growth, with new resorts offering more amenities and services. More investment opportunities are available, which gives more reasons to consider investing in the Islands.
Glenn S. Ferguson wrote the Exuma Visitors Guide’s premiere issue. “In the last five years, there has been a dramatic growth in real estate investment and development. The crowning jewel is the $100 million Emerald Bay development premier Four Seasons Resort with 183 rooms and a Greg Norman designed golf course. This development has resulted in real estate investment prices rising between 45%-60% per year but you must act quickly to ensure the best investment returns.”
The Bahamas, the premier tax haven in the world, is an ideal place to invest. The country has no income, inheritance, taxes, or personal, corporate, individual, corporative, income, capital gains. The Commonwealth of The Bahamas is a place where you can easily access major markets around the world, enjoy political stability and security, and have many economic opportunities.
The Bahamian dollar is linked 1:1 with the U.S. dollar since 1977. Both currencies can be used interchangeably across the entire island. In reality, whenever I paid with Bahamian money I received American currency.
Nassau, the Bahamas’ capital, is one of the most important international offshore banking centers with nearly 400 banks. Nassau, second only to London, is home to more than 400 financial institutions. Its laws guarantee banking confidentiality and are a major international asset. Individuals and companies from around the globe trust The Bahamas. Over 90% of the 15,000 registered companies in The Bahamas are foreign. The Bahamas is a place where money can be both easily and discretely accessed.
The Bahamas was named “the best financial centre in the western hemisphere,”The Banker global magazine. Minister of Financial Services and Investments, the Hon. Allyson Gibson was announced in February 2006. Additionally, “Other than the United States of America and Canada, we have the highest standard of living in the hemisphere,”The Hon. Perry G. Christie is Prime Minister of The Bahamas.
The Washington Post has voted Great Exuma, Bahamas one of the best international tourist destinations. This island is now attracting international attention as well as major resort development companies like Four Seasons Resort in Emerald Bay. Oceania Heights’ only sounds are still the sound of birds singing, waves lapping against the shore, and the breezes gently rustling the palm trees. The paradise within the paradise captures luxury living at its best while maintaining an intangible exclusivity.
Oceania Heights is a resort with all the comforts and amenities you would expect from a top-class resort. It offers an escape from everyday life’s hectic pace while still offering the familiarity of home. Alexandria real estate and rental contact “Zandy”Turtle went beyond our expectations by making sure that our villa was fully stocked with fresh fruits, beverages and flowers. It was incredible! It was amazing! As I walked out of my bedroom’s French doors onto my private terrace, I noticed the breathtaking ocean views and my luxurious privacy. This peace and solitude was priceless.
The evening arrived and we ate in stunning locations like The Four Seasons, or Coconut Cove. This location offered breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and a swim up bar. Pam, the owner of Coconut Cove was friendly and offered traditional Bahamian cuisines such as blackened grouper and roast lamb. She also served American lobster, pizza and a ‘cowboy steak’. The shrimp cocktail is my favorite, and I recommend it without hesitation.
“The deep sea fishing is great here,”Howard Obront tells Curt Obront about his brother, a Miami-based trial lawyer, who was there for dinner. Curt Obront, a frequent visitor to Exuma enjoys spearfishing on Exuma’s reefs and bone fishing from one of the flats. You will love fresh seafood, and this is where you should go. You can also watch fresh conch salad prepared on Stocking island if your adventurous enough not to try it yourself. For me, this was an amazing experience.
Oceania Properties has a wonderful tennis club that offers great playability at all times of the day and night. You can also use the fitness centre to help with self-care and training. Oceania Properties has friendly security guards who keep the front gates secure and private. You can also rest assured knowing there is zero crime on this island. Oceania Heights residents have access to the Four Seasons Resort’s Greg Norman-designed golf course as well as a full-service spa. Oceania Properties offers everything you need, from daily housekeeping to 24-hour security. “offers everything including things you’d forget to ask for,”Obront.
This island is surrounded with beauty, culture, and genuine hospitality. “energy”. As I was preparing to return home, it became clear to me why Oceania Heights has become a home for so many.
Christopher Columbus was charmed by its friendly people and welcoming smiles when he arrived on Exuma many years ago. This way of living on Exuma is still a constant. My memories are cherished with images of breathtaking panoramic views and rolling hills. I am looking forward to returning when those memories can be relived.
Many of the top professionals around the globe have made this paradise a tax-free investment for profit and pleasure.