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If you could create the ideal holiday destination from scratch you’d
probably want the perfect mixture of near-deserted white beaches,
breathtaking scenery, year-round warm weather, sumptuous cuisine, a friendly
native population and plenty to discover and explore. Fortunately this
destination already exists in Southeast Asia in the shape of the
Kingdom of Thailand;
officially translated as the ‘land of the free’ but known to travelers the
world over as ‘the land of smiles’.
 Barama
Bay Island is an 80 hectare parcel of paradise set in sheltered waters off
the east coast of Phuket.
White sand beaches are lapped by warm turquoise waters and an abundance of
virgin tropical vegetation from coconut palms to mangroves covers the
Island. Barama Bay has been conceived to be the most exclusive resort in the
world. There are two options for gaining physical access to the Island,
either a 15 minute drive from Phuket International Airport followed by a
three minute water taxi journey to Barama Bay, or the faster and classier
alternative – a five minute helicopter ride from the Airport directly to the
Island’s helipad. There are three options for gaining access to the
lifestyle that Barama Bay offers – being a guest of the Six Star Boutique
Hotel, a Yacht Club member or the fortunate owner of one of the 30
waterfront Residential Estates.
Ownership of property on a completely private island in an idyllic
setting has always been perceived to be the ultimate in real estate. There
is a certain romanticism about being cut off from everyday modern life and
being surrounded by water. It is a symbol of prestige, wealth, and has
enormous investment value, largely because islands are limited, the supply
can only diminish. By way of an example, Necker Island was purchased by Sir
Richard Branson in 1978 for 303,000 US dollars and is now valued at a vast
106 million US dollars.
Residential Estate owners will have the best of everything that Barama
Bay Island offers. Free to indulge in the facilities offered by the Hotel,
free to frequent the Yacht Club and free to moor their private yacht. The
residential area will be off-limits for anybody but owners and even have its
own private residential pier. In fact the only transport that you will be
able to bring to the Island is a yacht or helicopter, Barama Bay has a
strict no-car policy, aside from the odd electric vehicle to drop you to
your front door.
The sweeping waterfront plots will accommodate lavish properties with up
to 5,000m² of internal space and owners can rely on the Six Star Resort
Management company to look after you and your property whilst you’re at
Barama Bay. An investment in Barama Bay real estate also comes with a family
lifetime membership at one of Asia’s finest golf resorts.
Blue Canyon Golf & Country Club covers 720 acres of the neighbouring
island of Phuket and comprises two award-winning 18-hole courses set against
the glorious backdrop of the
Phang Nga mountains and the Andaman Sea. Blue Canyon has attracted the
likes of Tiger Woods, Ernie Els and Nick Faldo competing in the Johnny
Walker Championships.
Barama Bay’s Six Star Boutique Hotel will exceed the expectations of even
the most seasoned traveler in terms of location and hospitality. Discretion,
seclusion, a true retreat from any pressures that may interfere with
day-to-day life. Without exception, suites will overlook the hotel pools and
guests can indulge their senses in the Spa. Irresistible treatments will
include Stone Therapy, Body Wraps, Salt Scrubs and of course, Thai Massage.
The Yacht Club will be focused on the deep water marina sited in a
natural lagoon on the east coast of Barama Bay Island. This marina will
certainly become one of Asia’s most sought-after offering 24 hour deep water
access with a natural rock breakwater and mangrove trees offering shelter to
the princely vessels. Barama Bay’s marina is actually a much-needed facility
for the top-end yachting community. Deep water for large vessels isn’t too
easy to come by. The world’s mega yacht industry is growing almost
exponentially. A mega yacht is generally defined as one over 50 metres in
length, in fact the average length of a mega yacht has increased by one
metre every year for the past decade. Size unfortunately comes at a price
when it comes to mooring, bigger is not necessarily better if the sporting
marina cannot accommodate your metres and you have to drop anchor alongside
passenger ferries, freight ships and frigates in the commercial harbour. Not
the most glamorous of arrivals. Barama Bay will be accommodate and welcome
these.
There are a whole host of benefits that come as standard when you berth
your yacht in Thailand as opposed to Europe. Fuel costs are approximately
75% lower, crew costs 80% lower, dockage rates at least 60% lower and tax on
luxury yachts in Thailand has been reduced from over 200% to the perfect 0%.
And where better to guide your yacht, than through the verdant limestone
islands of the Andaman Sea.
Membership of the Yacht Club will be aimed at the discerning professional
who wishes to be surrounded by the finer things in life and is strictly by
invitation only. Clubhouse facilities range from an upper-deck Italian
Bistro to a cigar and snooker room and there will be a glamorous calendar of
events such as Regattas and black tie functions. Sports installations range
from a sedate spa all the way to the fully-equipped gymnasium.
Security at Barama Bay is, by the very fact that it is an Island, greater
than comparable resorts even before the first security measure has been
implemented. 24 hour guard stations will oversee the marina, helicopter pad
and residential pier, whilst the shoreline will be constantly patrolled in
order to intercept and divert unauthorized traffic. Hotel guests and Yacht
Club members will be issued with passes which will have to be presented upon
request.
Completion of the entire project including six star hotel, residential
estates, marina and Yacht Club is expected for early 2009.
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