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Properties Overview in Phuket, Thailand The year 1997 is remembered by many in Thailand as being one of
economic upheaval, ultimately leading to the devaluation of the
local currency, the Baht. Perhaps the only positive outcomes of
this difficult time is the increase of foreign property investment
in Phuket, an island which is described by many as the 'Pearl of
the Andaman' and is undoubtably one of the most sought after destinations
in South East Asia. Developers here are intent on diversity while consciously striving to create that special niche for themselves. No two properties are the same, and differences range from the architectural style, the materials used, to the concept applied, the clientele targeted and the location chosen.
The latter is true for the 28 villas of L'Orchidee Residences, located over the Novotel in Patong. Spread on more than 23 acres of land, these villas lie within walking distance to the beach, and in proximity to some of the best restaurants in the area. Buyers here can purchase Villas ranging from 235 to 400 square meters indoor space and 650 to 850 square meters outdoor space, including a 22 square meter swimming pool, all with panoramic views over the sea. As this is a managed estate facilities include a clubhouse, Spa, BBQ area, children's playground and a gym. Owners of L'Orchidee hold a 90 year (30 plus 30 plus 30 years) leasehold title to the land that is automatically renewed, and returns are estimated to be around 7,5 to 9,2% per annum. Although villas at the Layan Estate come with a leasehold title, as well, this 'Malibu-style' gated community is meant for long- term residents. Comprising 18 villas in the most northern part of Bang Tao Bay Beach, the Estate is situated just 300 meters from this spectacularly white bay and is built in a total area of 12 acres (30 Rai). Even though not all villas share views of the sea, they enjoy the wonderfully soothing sound associated with it, as well as unique landscaping features. Some 3 acres are destined to be common grounds that include a pond and tropical botanical gardens. Two types of properties are available here built in Thai contemporary style with cedar shingled roofs: smaller Villas (7600 sq ft) with a 16 metre infinity pool and larger ones (850 sq meters) with a 20 metre infinity pool, enjoying a latent garden area of 1600 sq metres and 2000 square metres respectively.
Located on the South West of the island between Kata Noi and Kata beach is Katamanda, enjoying stunning ocean views over both beaches. Katamanda's 40 villas occupy approx. 58% of the estate's 13 acres, leaving some 5.5 acres of land to gardens, common reserves and facilities for the enjoyment of all residents, their guests and, of course, visitors. Katamanda has the advantage of being the only walled and gated estate with 24-hour security in that part of the island, while simultaneously boasting solid constructed, tasteful one to five bedroom homes, each with its own private pool, comprehensively designed with resort style recreational and management facilities. A fully operational Clubhouse, a large free-form pool, floodlit tennis court, and fitness center are some of the facilities included. The estate land and facilities are beneficially controlled by the villa owners via a managed corporate structure, which make Katamanda ideal both for lifestyle and investment. On the other side of the island Villa Santi is situated on elevated terraces in the hillside of Santi Bay facing the renowned Patong Beach. The project comprises of 26 Spa villas, 8 Residences and 20 apartment suites, apart from facilities such as Spa and restaurant. While the Apartments can be used by both short- and long-term visitors, Spa villas are purely holiday homes. The Residences, on the other hand are constructed for the long term resident -plans can be customized to suit the individual customer. Regardless of their choice, all buyers are offered a 30 year leasehold, which includes property management services and guaranteed returns on their investment of 5,5% to 10% in the first year, as well as the services comparable to those of a 5-star hotel, but on a more flexible schedule and in a more private setting.
A similar concept to Villa Santi is Alila Villas Phuket, which can be described as a low maintenance, low impact development combining lifestyle with investment benefits. Destined for regional expatriates looking for a holiday house, and set in the western coastline at the South end of Kamala Bay, Alila Villas is a hillside resort of 79 villas managed by the renowned for their quality Alila Hotels and Resorts. Alila Villas is thus a branded hotel product and owners can expect immaculate service 24 hrs a day. Owners of properties here decide on usage options on an annual basis, and can enjoy peace of mind knowing that all services such as maintenance of common spaces are the responsibility of Alila Villas. Alila one or two bedroom villas, all with their private infinity pool, are stylishly designed and owners can use facilities such as the Alila Spa operated by Mandara, or a tailor-built cooking school in which to practice their culinary skills.
Laguna Residence owners will enjoy equal peace of mind with those of Alila Phuket when buying in this exclusive residential project, due to Laguna's established infrastructure providing security, landscaping, maintenance, guaranteed utilities and internal transportation. Located either along the lush fairways of the 18-hole Laguna Phuket†Golf Club or set on the shoreline of a tropical lake, Laguna Residence lots range from approximately 1,250 to 2,400 square metres -the one or two storey villas range from†approximately 357 to 461 square metres, with a 12 x 4 metre swimming pool and Thai sala in the garden. Laguna Residence owners instantly become Laguna family members with a free membership at the Laguna Phuket Golf Club. At the same time, and through a residents' privilege card, owners will enjoy generous discounts at over 30 restaurants and bars, boutiques and spas within Laguna Phuket and will be eligible to access all resort amenities plus those offered by the five hotels belonging to the Laguna Phuket family: Banyan Tree Phuket, Dusit Laguna, Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket, Laguna Beach Resort and Allamanda Laguna Phuket. This is by no means an exhaustive list of the high-end properties on the island, but rather meant to provide the interested investor with a taste of what is available. |
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Benjarong Magazine - April 2005, Volume 8 Issue 4 |
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