Win $10,000 for sending an e mail

The decision has been made. We have decided to sell our luxury waterside home in Exuma. To sell the property we are asking for your help, and in return you could win $10,000.

The home is called Highclere House and the details are to be seen on www.welcometoexuma.com/for_sale.html and on the properties page of this blog

How can you win $10,000?

Send an e mail to anyone you think would be interested in purchasing a luxury furnished home on the Bahamian island of Exuma. Tell them where the details are to be found. Send a copy (cc) to exumadolphin@yahoo.com. That is all you have to do.

When the home is sold we will go through the e mails and see who recommended the property to the purchaser. That person will win the $10,000 reward.

If more than one person recommended the property to the purchaser, the winner will be the one whose e mail has the earlier date.

To save you time we have set out below a suggested text for the e mail. Cut and paste into your e mail form and don’t forget to add exumadolphin@yahoo.com   in the copy file…..

“Dear ……..

I found  a luxury property  located by the ocean in Great Exuma in The Bahamas, which I thought might be of interest to you as a second home. The full details are on www.welcometoexuma.com/for_sale.html.”

GOOD LUCK

More details of this beautiful home can be found on the PROPERTIES page of this blog…check it out.

Offer does not apply if other commissions are involved

Another Satisfied Visitor

I must say, that my warmest, sweetest and best memory is from Exuma, Bahamas. Me and Søren decided to go there for our fall break (we have 1 week off between the quarters). I don’t regret it at all!! It was amazing!! The best beaches I have seen in my life, funny and extremely friendly people and oohhh I must not forget Bahama Mamas! Mmmmm a drink as sweet as the life there!
 copied from Jeanette’s Picture blogspot

George Town Christmas Lights

If you are in the Exumas, cruise on over to George Town for the Christmas Tree-Lighting ceremony in Regatta Park on December 8. This is a popular event when the locals and cruising community get together to sing carols and enjoy performances by school groups and entertainers. The big event occurs after sundown when Regatta Park is transformed with thousands of twinkling lights. Contact Exuma Tourist office for details, 242-336-2430.

Emerald Bay Marina

The 150-slip marina at Emerald Bay in the Exumas reopened November 10 as part of the new Sandals Emerald Bay Resort. Sandals bought the property from the Four Seasons last April and has been repurposing the property with $15 million in upgrades. While the entire resort won’t open until January 22, Island Routes Luxury Adventure Tours, which will manage the marina and adjacent Greg Norman-designed golf course for Sandals, chose to ready the marina before the holidays. Berths include electricity (30/50/100 amp), fresh water, sewage pumpout, and fuel (gas, diesel). Slip rates begin at $2.25 per foot, discounted for long-term stays. For reservations and inquiries visit marinaatemeraldbay.com, or call at 242-336-6100

The Marina at Emerald Bay, a deep-water megayacht facility, has a 120 ft. entrance, 14ft. depth MLW, 800 ft. breakwater approach and is a 24-hour port of entry with notification for customs and immigration. In phase two, a dry storage area for boats up to 40 ft., high-end provisioning market and a crew area with internet will be available. The Marina at Emerald Bay provides the modern conveniences essential to the yachting community and will become a gathering place for yachtsmen, sports fishermen and social members.

Notice to Property Owners in Bahamas

Notice to Owners/Operators

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO OWNERS/OPERATORS OF RENTAL HOMES IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF THE BAHAMAS

EFFECTS OF AMENDMENTS TO THE HOTELS ACT, THE REAL PROPERTY TAX ACT AND THE INTERNATIONAL PERSONS LANDHOLDING ACT

Recent amendments to the Hotels Act, Ch. 288, effective July 13, 2009 and August 5, 2009, have introduced the new definition of “owner-occupied rental home” and, along with recent amendments to the Real Property Tax Act, Ch. 375 and the International Persons Landholding Act, Ch. 140, owners are being afforded a number of benefits and incentives.

Under the Hotels  Act and Real Property Tax Act and International Persons Landholding Act, respectively, owner-occupied rental home and owner-occupied property are defined as “property occupied by a person who being the owner in fee simple or a mortgagor in possession, occupies and resides in such property exclusively as a dwelling house on a permanent or seasonal basis”.

Owners wishing to benefit from these amendments must apply for a licence to operate their premises by completing an Application for Licence to Operate under the provisions of the Hotels Act.

BENEFITS OF THESE AMENDMENTS

(i)              Real Property Taxes on licensed owner-occupied rental homes will be calculated as follows:   

(a)            the first $250,000 of the market value of the property shall be exempt;

(b)            properties exceeding $250,000 but are not in excess of $500,000 will be taxed at a rate of ¾% per annum of the market value, as compared to the commercial rate of 1%

(c)             properties exceeding $500,000 but are not in excess of $5 million will be taxed at a rate of 1% per annum of the market value, as compared to the commercial rate of 2%

(d)            properties exceeding $5 million will be taxed at a rate of ¼ % per annum of the market value, as compared to the commercial rate of 2%

(ii)            The Real Property Tax Act amendment also provides for the waiver of surcharges under certain circumstances in relation to licensed owner-occupied property:

(a)             any surcharge which has accumulated with respect to owner-occupied property of up to $250,000 shall be waived

(b)             the surcharge shall be waived in relation to owner-occupied property which exceeds $250,000, if the outstanding real property tax is paid on or before December 31, 2009.

Revival of Surcharge

The amendment provides for the revival of surcharge and, if after December 31, 2009 any real property tax remains outstanding in respect of:

(a)   owner -occupied property with a market value of up to $250,000

(b)   owner-occupied property which excess of $250,000

(c)    other property,

then the owner of such property, shall be liable to pay a new surcharge of 5%
of such tax per annum.

REQUIREMENTS TO ACCESS THESE BENEFITS

1. Owners of owner-occupied rental homes wishing to take advantage of the reduced real property taxes must provide the Chief Valuation Officer, Business Licence/Valuation Unit, Ministry of Finance, P. O. Box N-13, Frederick Street, Nassau, Bahamas, tel: 242-325-1171;   fax: 242-328-8003; e-mail: busrptadministration@bahamas.gov.bs with the Assessment Number of their property on or before October 15, 2009. Where the property is owned by a company, in order to be re-classified as residential, the beneficial owner shall submit to the Chief Valuation Officer an affirmation stating that such property is occupied by the beneficial owner exclusively as a dwelling house on a permanent or seasonal basis, which can be downloaded on-line at www.tourismtoday.com/prelim/oorh. Real property tax billings issued in October 2009 will reflect any change in the status of owner-occupied rental homes provided the information is submitted on or before October 15, 2009 to the Valuation Department.
2. In addition, owner-occupied rental homes must operate under a licence obtained from the Chief Licensing Officer, Hotels Licensing Department, Ministry of Tourism,  Nassau, P. O. Box N-3701, Nassau, Bahamas, tel: 242-356-5216; fax: 242-356-5904; e-mail: mmosshepburn@bahamas.com, or, in the case of Grand Bahama Island and the Out/Family Islands, the Local Government Administrator’s Office in the relevant District. 

Application forms, along with the Form 1C, may be downloaded on-line at www.tourismtoday.com/ prelim/oorh, or collected from the Hotel Licensing Department, Ministry of Tourism, Nassau, or the relevant Local Government Administrator’s Office.

3. All licensed operators/owners of owner-occupied rental homes shall collect a hotel guest tax of six percent (6 %) of the total room rate for the period during which each guest is provided with sleeping accommodation at such owner-occupied home of one or more bedrooms.  Such tax shall take immediate effect and shall, by law, be paid by the 15^th of each month thereafter.
4. The hotel guest tax so collected by the operator (or designated property manager/ management company/caretaker) must be paid to the Chief Licensing Officer, Hotels Licensing Department, P. O. Box N-3701, Nassau Court, Nassau, Bahamas, or relevant Administrator’s Office on Grand Bahama or the Out/Family Islands, along with a completed Monthly Return of Hotel Guest Tax form (Form X), which may be downloaded on-line at www.tourismtoday.com/prelim/oorh, no later than the fifteenth of the month next following the month to which the return relates.  Payments are to be made payable to the Bahamas Public Treasury.Additionally, amendments to The International Persons Landholding Act:

i)      require that fees payable under the provisions of the Act by non-Bahamians, instead of being paid to the Secretary to the Board, be paid directly to the Public Treasury and the Secretary to the Board be provided evidence that payment was made to the Treasury.

ii)     has replaced “single family dwelling” with “owner-occupied property”.

Scuba in Exuma Cays

Many consider the Exuma Cays to be the most beautiful chain of islands in the Bahamas. These islands are the very definition of “tropical paradise” with turquoise waters lapping miles of white sand beaches and secluded anchorages. The Exumas comprise 365 cays spread over 120 miles. The cays themselves vary in size and terrain: some are low and barren with white sandy beaches; others have rolling hills covered with dense vegetation and small trees. The largest of the cays, and the only one with any significant population, is Great Exuma, which is 37 mi (60 km) in length. The northernmost islands are under an hour away from Nassau by speedboat and many tour operators offer day trips. George Town on Great Exuma has the only airport in the islands, which receives flights from Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and Nassau. Water visibility ranges from 80 to 150 feet, depending on the site. There are a wide variety of underwater opportunities to cater to every taste, including drift dives, shallow reefs and deep reefs, walls, tunnels and swim throughs, and even blue holes to explore. Expect to see large ocean-going fish like sharks, eagle rays, barracuda, along with standard reef fish and invertebrates like colorful nudibranches. Healthy stands of black coral, elkhorn coral, and staghorn coral can be found at numerous sites. A dramatic drop-off runs parallel to the islands along Exuma Sound on the eastern side. The wall starts in about 50 feet of water and plummets to several thousand. The edge contains huge caverns, tunnels, and large fish of numerous species. Just inside the wall are areas of reef formations in 20-60 feet of water. These reefs vary from shallow coral gardens to tall coral heads on white sand. These shallower dives yield hundreds of species from the smallest nudibranchs and shrimp to the larger reef fishes such as barracudas and sharks. To the west of the Exumas, the Great Bahama Bank ranges 40 miles. Only 40 feet deep, these shallow coral reefs teem with tropical fish. The tidal flow creates strong currents between the islands – ideal for drift dives over a mile in length. Some of the more interesting dives include: Thunderball Grotto – This impressive hollowed out island close to Staniel Cay is an underwater paradise teaming with tropical fish, rare sponges and corals. This setting was used for scenes from James Bond’s “Thunderball” and “Never Say Never Again” as well Disney’s “Splash”. Weave through the grotto’s many entrances and passageways, then escape to the outside through its holes. Gaze skyward when inside the amphitheater to see light streaming through the roof where rain has eroded natural skylights. Wax Cay Cut – A high velocity drift dive, considered by many to be one of the finest in the Caribbean. Fly like Superman at speeds of over 2 knots past vibrant corals and sea fans. You will see rays, sharks, eels and numerous fish as you drift with the current in this cut between the islands. The sheer density of staghorn, pillar and finger corals is amazing. There are several other drifts dives in Exuma such as Hammerhead Gulch and Coral Cut, but none quite as impressive as this. Dog Rock Wall – Hundreds of Atlantic spadefish call this spot home. Glass minnows choke the swim-throughs that lead to the wall. Massive black coral trees decorate the wall face. Angelfish Blue Hole – Just off Elizabeth Harbour, rising and falling tides create an ever-moving current through this cavern, attracting a huge variety of fish. The site drops from 30 to 90 feet before entering a cave system best left to certified cave divers. However, the schooling fish and large angelfish that occupy the blue hole are magnificent. Amberjack Reef – A patch reef where you are sure to see a number of different types of sharks including Caribbean Reef sharks and nurse sharks due to the numerous operators who feed them. Large black groupers also ply the area looking for a handout. The Washing Machine – The strong incoming tide takes scuba divers through a narrow cut where water drops off a ledge and then makes a sharp bend to the left. This causes the water to swirl like the water in a washing machine, sometimes tossing scuba divers head over heels. After passing through the cut, divers swim out over a large patch reef filled with typical tropical fish and coral. The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park – This site is part of the Bahamas National Trust, encompassing 176 square miles of pristine diving in which all living creatures are protected. These waters have been managed as a no-take marine fishery reserve since 1986. This has allowed populations of commercially important species such as queen conch, Nassau grouper and spiny lobster to thrive. In addition, sea turtles swim throughout the coral reefs that teem with marine life.

copied from: exumamap.com/exuma-forum-newsgroup.html

Yacht Charters

The Bahamas are known for their tranquil and serene waters. Every island that you go to is truly an individual country in itself. While the cruise lines may take vacationers through Nassau to the local market they will fail to let you get up close and take in the culture and beauty that these islands have to offer.

On a Bahamas yacht charter provided by eYachtCharter.com you will receive 5 star treatment and become a Bahamian resident for the duration of your charter. Just choose your ideal vessel and go island hopping on one of the world’s most luxurious vessels on a Luxury Bahamas Yacht Charter Vacation.

Choose your own personal itinerary down to the last detail. The Bahamas Islands each have something unique to offer. If you desire a luxurious adventure on some of the worlds most beautiful and historic beaches, then let eYachtCharter.com take you on the vacation of a lifetime.

With a full tour of the Bahamas you can swim with wild spotted dolphins near Bimini, explore a vast ecosystem in Ben’s Cave on Grand Bahama Island after you take a golf lesson at one of the most renowned golf courses in the world. Shop and explore the authentic market and enjoy the Bahamian culture in Nassau and stop for some libation in Exuma. Go bill fishing in Chub Cay or fight bonefish in the Abacos. For a true adventure dive into Dean’s Blue Hole, the deepest diving blue hole in the world located on Long Island. After you’ve dived, skied, partied and fished kick back and relax on one of the most tranquil islands, Sugar Loaf in San Salvador, known as the home away from home.

On a Luxury Bahamas Yacht Charter each day can be your own personal adventure while each night you can be serenaded in your lavish stateroom with a personal chef and crew. When nothing but the best will do, plan your next Bahamas Yacht Charter Vacation with eYachtCharter.com and see the Bahamas VIP style.

copied from YachtCharters.com

Cycling for Autism

REAL ESTATE ENTREPRENUER MARIO CAREY has cycled 100 miles so far for a cause dear to his heart raising money and awareness for children with autism. Autism is one of the fastest-growing developmental disabilities and it affects millions of children. Carey’s son is one of them. Pictured l-r: Simon Lowe, Cole Carey, Mario Carey & Dr. Mark Davies

One-hundred thousand dollars, 700 miles, seven islands, two wheels and one goal. This is the realisation of a dream that real estate entrepreneur Mario Carey has ignited to make a difference in the lives of children with autism. Putting the “care” in Carey, he’s committed to cycle through numerous Bahamian islands to raise awareness and money with every mile covered along the way.

For the past five years Carey has been a champion for children, parents and even educators affected by autistic spectrum disorders. On Saturday, November 21, he began his new journey of support in Long Island, starting at Gordon’s, riding to the tip to Seymours and finishing in Salt Pond – a distance of 100 miles. Carey and his fellow riders Dr. Mark Davies and Simon Lowe all finished the ride in less than six hours. As far as they know, they’re the first to bike from tip to tip, which is officially 70.54 miles. With 600 miles to go, every mile completed increases funding for REACH (Resources & Education for Autism and Related Challenges), a non-profit organisation that assists those faced with the disorder.

“I can see why they call him Super Mario, because it is quite a physical undertaking,”
said DeCosta Bethel, president of REACH. “I’m hoping to join him on another island; it’s the least I can do. The need to raise awareness has escalated because the condition is so prevalent and incidents are increasing at an incredible pace. There’s still no cause or cure.”

The condition has become so pervasive that the United Nations has declared April 2 “World Autism Awareness Day.” AIDS and cancer are the only other illnesses to receive such observation.

For Carey, the tour has been a very personal trek. His 12-year-old son Cole was diagnosed at an early age and Carey has been on a path of understanding and support ever since. Improving the quality of diagnosis and treatment throughout The Bahamas, while heightening the awareness of the disability has become a lifelong goal. Carey has held onto his commitment with the same zeal used when competing in triathlons.

“Autism really hits home because I have two beautiful children, one of whom is autistic,” said Carey. “There are still so many unanswered questions about what causes autism and other developmental disorders. So it is vital that we continue to research and educate ourselves in the hopes that we begin to understand the challenges that these children and their families continue to face. I would like to thank all those persons who have donated to this cause so far; this gives me confidence that I can reach my goal of $100,000.”

San Salvador is the next planned stop in his route as it nears the end of December. His course for a cause also includes Abaco, Cat Island, Eleuthera, Exuma and Grand Bahama. He plans to complete the journey by May 2010, before it’s too hot. Carey encourages more riders to put their pedals to the pavement and join him. He continues to seek sponsorships and recently secured a major endorsement from Nautilus Water. Those interested in riding can contact Mario directly at mariokidflash@gmail.com. Donations can be made out to REACH and dropped off at Mario Carey Realty, East Bay Street. Phone: 677-8255.

Sandals Resort in the Community

Quote from Gordon “Butch” Stewart, founder of Sandals Resorts. Taken from the Exuma Breeze newspaper:

“We recognise that a world exists outside of Sandals and we are pleased to say that we have a long tradition of successful community partnerships. I fell in love with Exuma many years ago: the relaxed atmosphere of Chat and Chill, the tradition of Peace and Plenty and of course the Bahamian people are just some of the many reasons why. The peaceful way of life and the low crime on Great Exuma make it perfect for our guests and we can’t wait to introduce them to the island and be part of it ourselves through our tours as well as the Sandals Foundation.

In the coming months we will be launching the Sandals Foundation right here in Great Exuma and with it comes a number of different initiatives aimed at bettering the community”

Kayaking the Exumas

On this expedition we will visit a number of islands, marine habitats, coral reef, blow holes, blue holes, and incredible isolated beaches. Includes 6 days kayaking with 5 nights camping under the stars, guided island to island sea kayak trip in the Exumas, first and last nights lodging, all meals on the water, beverages, boats, camping and snorkeling gear, and all internal transportation, services of Adventures in Florida staff.

Day 1
Arrive in Georgerown, meet group, and go over the weeks itinerary. Dinner will be at the town fish fry.

Day 2-6
Shuttle to BarreTerre, load kayaks(yes it will fit), and set off.
We’ll spend the next six days exploring the numerous remote cays surrounding the northern end of the Exumas. Each day we’ll pack a picnic lunch, take along the snorkeling gear, and set off to uncover new treasures and sights. We’ll plan to paddle about 4-6 hours a day but of course we’ll be flexible to the desires of the group. So if you want to relax under a palm tree on the white sandy beaches, snorkel along the reefs and coves, or leisurely paddle through the mangroves, we’ll make it happen. We’ll camp on pristine white beaches each night, watching the sunset over the water, enjoying freshly prepared meals, and gazing at the star-filled night sky. (B, L, D)

Day 7
After a hearty breakfast, we’ll pack up, paddle back to Barre Terre and catch a ride to Georgetown for our final night stay at one of the local Inns. We will have some time in the afternoon to do a little sight-seeing on our own, visit the handful of shops, or take the ferry to nearby Stocking Island, known for its crystal clear waters, white sands and blue holes. Stocking Island is a long thin island about 1 mile across the harbor from Georgetown. It is accessible by ferry service from Georgetown and is worth the visit. At the end of the day, we’ll indulge in some delicious Bahamian fare at a nearby restaurant, tell tales of the week’s adventures, and say our goodbyes. (B, L)

Day 8
Depart for home.

Cost $1695. pp. Double occupancy

Questions about Sandals Resort in Exuma

Some questions and answers about the new Sandals in Exuma (from the Exuma Breeze).

When does Sandals Emerald Bay open? …… January 22nd 2010

Is the Marina part of Sandals & when does it open? …..Yes, it will be named Emerald Bay Marina by Sandals, with a clubhouse, restaurant, Red Lane Spa and facilities for families with children. It is already open.

Why aren’t you opening sooner? ….At Sandals we have an obligation to offer the “Sandals Experience” and guests arrive with high expectations. There are also a lot of unique components that make up a Sandals, such as signature swim-up pool bars and multiple dining options so we are taking the time to put these facilities in place before we open. It is vital that when we open the doors that we are ready to blow the guests away. It’ll be worth the wait !

What Airlines will be operating into Great Exuma?  …Over the past few weeks we have held discussions with both government and a number of leading airlines and we are striving to provide increased airlift to Sandals at Emerald Bay and the island as a whole. We will be in a position to announce more details on this very shortly. (currently Continental, American Airlines, BahamasAir, and Sky fly into Exuma)

How Will guests travel from the Airport to the resort? … We will be using the islands existing fleet of taxi drivers.

How many people will Sandals recruit? … We will be aiming to operate the resort with approximately 400 team members.

Sandals operate all-inclusive style resorts. How will that benefit the local community? …Sandals offer “luxury Included”  vacations which means that almost everything in the guests vacation is included in the price they pay before they leave home. However, we strongly believe that guests must go out into the community to experience the destination which is why we will incorporate many new activities to feature “Exumian” life including the Straw Market in George Town, Government wharf market and of course fish fry!  In addition local businesses will benefit from our advertising campaigns which market the destination as well as the resort.

Will you offer tours into the Community? … Absolutely. We know that a fantastic world exists outside of Sandals and we proactively encourage our guests to venture forth and experience the real Bahamas.

Can members of the public visit the property and enjoy the facilities? … Of course. All a member of the public needs to do in order to experience Sandals Emerald Bay is purchase a day or night pass. This entitles them to come onto the property and enjoy the resorts restaurants, bars, pools, tennis courts, and gymnasium to their hearts content.

Can the local community use the golf course and spa and will there be a discount for local residents? … Yes. We welcome the public to enjoy the golf course and will be releasing information on the discounted green fees and memberships for local residents in the coming months.