BROWARD MASTER BROKERS FORUM EXPANDS ITS HORIZONS WITH PANEL DISCUSSION AND DINNER SPONSORED BY PALMERA DE CABARETE RESORT & SPA
 
Top Real Estate Agents Discuss Exciting Second-Home Markets in the Dominican Republic and Caribbean
 
Fort Laudedale, Florida (May 20, 2009) - The Broward Master Brokers Forum (MBF), an organization comprised of South Florida's top residential real estate agents, recently held a dinner and panel discussion entitled "Expanding Our Horizons: Selling Overseas".  This event was sponsored by Palmera de Cabarete (the first five-star resort and spa to be developed in Cabarete on the north shore of the Dominican Republic) at the historic Lauderdale Yacht Club.
 
Upon entering the Yacht Club, Master Brokers were treated to entertainment, cocktails and hors d'oeuvres on the club's lovely pavilion.  Carolyn Block Ellert, Broward MBF chair, began the formal program by thanking the guests and sponsors for their participation, and briefly discussed the opportunities that exist for local real estate agents in overseas markets; particularly in the Caribbean.  She then introduced Nancy Harrison, director of marketing for Palmera de Cabarete, and Dean Parsons, the project's director of sales, for a presentation about Palmera de Cabarete and its exceptional locale on the Dominican Republic.  Once completed in 2011, the magnificent $200 million project will be situated on 19.5 beachfront acres in Cabarete, on the north shore of the Dominican Republic.  Palmera de Cabarete enjoys 1,000 feet of private shoreline, part of one of the longest expanses of uninterrupted beach in the Caribbean.
 
A thought-provoking panel discussion followed, moderated by Mark Lunt, director of the Ernst & Young Miami office's Hospitality Group.  The panelists were Jesse Keenan, senior associate with the Adorno & Yoss Development Group, and Darren Law, president and CEO of Palmera de Cabarete.  Master Brokers were educated about the rising popularity of the Dominican Republic, the government's efforts to promote tourism and development, and critical details about conducting real estate transactions in that nation and others in the Caribbean.
 
"With an extraordinary sponsor, a fabulous venue, and a brilliant panel discussion, this was one the finest Forum Dinners in the history of our chapter," said Carolyn Block Ellert, chair of the Broward MBF.  "Our members look to these panel discussions for valuable, cutting-edge information they can't find anywhere else, and this one certainly delivered." 

About Palmera de Cabarete Resort & Spa
The Caribbean's adventure sports capital will get its first luxury resort with the 2011 opening of Palmera de Cabarete Resort & Spa, located on 19.5 beachfront acres in Cabarete, on the north shore of the Dominican Republic.  Valued at more than $200 million dollars, Palmera de Cabarete has attracted a prestigious team of designers and hospitality professionals whose pedigree includes Ventanas al Paraiso in Los Cabos and The Regent Palms in the Turks and Caicos.  Palmera de Cabarete enjoys 1,000 feet of private shoreline, part of one of the longest expanses of uninterrupted beach in the Caribbean.  Plans feature 138 two-, three- and four-bedroom exquisitely appointed designer suites, sized from 2,000 to more than 4,500 square feet and available for purchase.
 
Cabarete, the acknowledged "adventure sports capital of the Caribbean," offers world-class windsurfing, kitesurfing, mountain biking, hiking, canyoning and whitewater rafting.  Just a few hours by air from major North American cities, the ease and availability of direct flights adds to Cabarete's appeal.  The authentic beach village of Cabarete exudes a strong sense of place.  Beachside restaurants and clubs are the stage for a vibrant nightlife with dancing late into the night.  An international mix of visitors and residents join in soaking up the local flavor, and English is widely spoken everywhere. Cabarete promises to be the next Caribbean "hot" spot and the north shore, an emerging upscale destination with brands such as Aman, Nikki Beach, and Buddha Bar Resort staking their flag.  The government has promised $1 billion over the next five years for infrastructure improvements along the north coast and Cabarete in particular.  For more information visit www.palmera-dr.com.

About the Master Brokers Forum
Established in 1993, the Master Brokers Forum is a unique organization comprised of South Florida's top residential real estate professionals.  The MBF provides its members with the opportunity to network and exchange ideas, stay at the cutting edge of the real estate industry and new products, and spearhead the identity of the best of real estate professionalism.  Membership is limited to the region's most successful real estate professionals, and is by invitation only.  The Broward MBF is generously sponsored by Wachovia.  For more information, visit www.masterbrokersforum.com.

Cabarete.- A new $200 million project has been announced for the north shore of the Dominican Republic, the 138-suite Palmera de Cabarete Resort and Spam which is planned to be a five-star resort that expands over 19.5 acres including 1000 feet of shoreline.

Three oceanfront freshwater infinity pools, a 22,000 square foot spa spa, gourmet dining and a concierge program will heighten the appeal for luxury guests. The condo units will have floor-to-ceiling window walls, marble floors and luxury appliances. The penthouses will also offer infinity-edge plunge pools, summer kitchens and a cabana bathroom with shower.

The design team includes Miami-based RAD Architecture and Celia Domenech, an interior designer specializing in a beachside luxury look. The suites will have three decor options: tropical, classic and traditional. The resort plans a 2011 opening.

DominicanToday.com, 14 March 2009
http://www.dominicantoday.com/dr/tourism/2009/3/14/31394/New-luxury-resort-planned-for-Dominican-north-shore

Palmera de Cabarete Resort & Spa, Opening 2011 in Dominican Republic, Taps Miami's KWE group inc. for Global Marketing, PR & Sales.

Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. (January 28, 2009) -- Palmera de Cabarete Resort & Spa, opening in 2011 as the first luxury resort on Dominican Republic's north shore, has named KWE group, a Miami-based travel, hospitality and lifestyle marketing firm, to handle global marketing and sales.  The $200 million, 138-suite resort is located on 19.5 beachfront acres on 1,000 feet of private shoreline, part of the largest expanse of uninterrupted beach in the Caribbean. 

 
The announcement was made by Darren Law, President and Chief Executive Officer of NID Holdings LLC, developers of Palmera de Cabarete.

 
KWE group specializes in luxury lifestyle with a focus on destinations, resorts and real estate, and is recognized as a thought leader in luxury lifestyle trends.  The firm is headed by President and Chief Strategist Karen Weiner Escalera, who will be responsible for the international marketing and public relations for Palmera.  Ms. Escalera was recently named one of the "Top 25 Most Extraordinary Minds in Sales & Marketing" by the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI). 

 
KWE group's real estate division is directed by Vice President Sandy Carrier, a top real estate sales and marketing professional in the luxury market. The firm's program for Palmera de Cabarete includes international real estate marketing and sales including analysis and planning, sales strategies, development of an elite broker network program, and hands-on involvement in the entire sales process.  Ms. Carrier is a Certified International Specialist (CIPS), a charter member of the Broward Master Broker Forum, and an active member of the Urban Land Institute (ULI), South Florida/Caribbean Council.  Her accomplishments include marketing and sales for Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, Fla., Arvida's Weston luxury home community in Weston, Fla., EarthMark Companies' Mariner's Club in Key Largo, Fla., and the DUO luxury property on the Diplomat Golf Course in Hallandale Beach, Fla.
 

 
Palmera de Cabarete's management and design team enjoy a pedigree of the world's finest resorts, from Ventanas al Paraiso in Los Cabos to The Regent Palms in the Turks and Caicos.  Plans include 138 one- to three-bedroom suites ranging from 2,000 to more than 4,500 square feet.  Three expansive, oceanfront freshwater infinity pools provide a focal point for Palmera de Cabarete Resort & Spa, and will be ensconced in eco-friendly garden landscaping. Amenities will also include a full-service branded spa and wellness facility, tennis, gourmet dining, conference facilities, room service, 24 hour concierge, and children's activity program.

 
Palmera de Cabarete Resort & Spa will offer the first five-star luxury living experience in Cabarete, the adventure sports capital of the Caribbean, offering world-class windsurfing, kite boarding, surfing, mountain biking, hiking, canyoning, and white water rafting.

 
Luperon International Airport in Puerto Plata is a half-hour drive from Cabarete.  Non-stop flights are currently available from Miami (two hours), New York (three hours 40 minutes), with convenient connections with major U.S. and international gateways.

 
Palmera de Cabarete's pre-opening offices are located in Chicago, Illinois and Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

Darren Law Appointed President and CEO of North Island Development, Developers of Palmera de Cabarete, Dominican Republic 138-suite Luxury Resort and Spa to Open in 2011.

Palm Beach, FL (January 7, 2009) -- Darren Law has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of North Island Development LLC, developers of Palmera de Cabarete in the Dominican Republic, a 138-suite five star beach resort and spa on 19.5 acres in Cabarete, located on the island's north shore.

 
Mr. Law brings 20 years of professional experience in hotel operations, development, and asset management to Palmera de Cabarete, opening in late 2011.  He is responsible for managing the preconstruction, construction, sales, and marketing of the resort, which is being built by a team of architects and designers whose pedigree includes some of the most renowned resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean.

 
Most recently, he was the Managing Director of The Hartling Group, Turks and Caicos' premier property development and management company, responsible for overseeing new projects and the performance of existing operations for the company's three hotels - The Regent Palms, The Shore Club on Long Bay Beach and The Sands at Grace Bay Resort.

 
Prior to joining The Hartling Group, he was General Manager for two of Conrad Hotels' five-star hotels in Egypt, the Conrad Cairo, and the Conrad Sharm el Sheikh Resort. During his tenure with Conrad Hotels, he was nominated Hotelier of the Year by the Middle East North Africa Travel Awards and Hotel Manager of the Year by the Global Hospitality Awards in Paris.  He has also held Area General Manager positions at Divi resorts in St. Maarten and  the Cayman Islands.

 
A native of Canada, Mr. Law began his career with Four Seasons Hotels. He is a graduate in hotel restaurant management from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology and the University of Calgary.

 
Palmera de Cabarete offices are located in Chicago, Illinois and Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.  Darren Law is headquartered in the pre-opening office in Palm Beach Gardens.

In regards to our 19.5-acre (79,200m2) site, thus far the ocean side site has been cleared, which included relocating all palm trees of certain sizes. These were relocated to a parcel directly across from the ocean side site that will eventually be the location for our "back of house" facilities - electric generators, water treatment plant, sewage treatment plant, offices, etc.

Next, we completed the majority of our site stabilization through a process known as dynamic compaction. During the dynamic compaction we commenced filling operations for the purpose of elevating the site an average of 1.5 meters to further enhance each building’s ocean view.

Before actual construction can commence final Construction Drawings need to be completed reflecting the changes to the residential buildings described earlier and one permit is required, which we expect to have within the next 60 days.

We expect that the majority of our purchaser's will elect to participate in our Palmera Rental Program. To maximize rental income we will modify a number of our villa floor plans to a lockout design. Simply stated, and as an example, a typical three-bedroom villa will now include heavier doors with electronic lock mechanisms, resulting in the ability to host different rental guests in the two bedroom suites with a third guest in the master suite that will include all of the main living area (kitchen, dining, grand terrace, etc.).

When an owner chooses to visit he or she will have the option of using their entire villa, or alternatively allowing for the rental of one or both of the adjoining lockout bedrooms -- each of which comes with a large private bath as well as a private terrace.

As a result we intend to maximize the potential income for each of our owners in the Rental Program. However, if a purchaser does not intend to place his unit in the program and this is communicated prior to the commencement of construction we will incorporate a more typical door system.

The Rental Program will require each participant to purchase a prepared package of furniture, fixtures and equipment, commonly referred to as FF&E, to provide for a uniform experience typical of what you would find at the Ritz, or the Four Seasons as examples. To accomplish this our interior designer, Living Interior Design, LLC has prepared a furniture package for Rental Program participants.

A sample of the furnishings is demonstrated in our Virtual Tour. The FF&E package will be of the highest quality and purchased directly from the manufacturer, thus cutting out any middleman fees, and further be delivered to your clients at our cost. There will be certain colors, fabrics, and furniture to choose from to allow for personal taste, while still delivering the uniformity that the management company will require as a condition of participation in the program.

We have decided to significantly increase the size of the spa resulting in as many as 8 to 10 private treatment rooms as well as all of the other facilities that a luxurious full-service spa is expected to have.

To accomplish this we will be relocating this building to the western edge of our property where we are better able to accommodate the increase in size. The fitness and exercise facility will remain adjacent to the tennis court.

Next, we decided to significantly enhance and enlarge our welcome/reception building. Our grand entrance will now be located adjacent to our gourmet restaurant. Upon entering the reception building you will have an immediate view through the tall distinctive glass doors to the same beautiful garden that is shared with the spa.

Off to the right in the reception hall will be a very upscale lounge/bar, while the restaurant will be entered to the left. We will also have room for several retail boutiques in various locations on the property.

We decided that it would be necessary to create more room for the changes described above while at the same time we wanted to shift the positioning of four of our beachfront buildings so that they face more directly toward the ocean. As a result of these changes it became necessary to eliminate our two small swimming pools. This still leaves us with three of the largest pools in the Caribbean, each with infinity edges as originally planned and designed.