Appeared Originally in the Tampa Bay Times.
Driving over the Boca Grande Bridge brings back 30 years of memories vacationing on Gasparilla Island with my children, relatives and family friends. It still has the same homes, the same shops, the same restaurants and the same ambiance from those bygone days. Rather than a been-there, done-that vacation, it’s a so-glad-to-be-back respite.
In our Take Ten series, we connect with different partners on the Banyan Gasparilla Sound project to discuss their perspective on what makes this wellness community the jewel of Florida’s Gulf Coast. Our first Q and A is from Matt Greene, Executive Vice President of Operations, of Evolution Hospitality.
1. What is the scope of your involvement with the overall hospitality operations for Banyan Gasparilla Sound?
I will work with Integra on all things Banyan: Programming to develop a unique resort experience based on our geographic location taking advantage of the marina, the ocean and all that goes with it like water activities, State of the art Spa and wellness program, etc. We will develop a sensory experience at the resort, activate key “Touch Points”, create unexpected delights and cater to the unique & individual needs of our guests. I will work with our Taste & Theory team to develop unique F&B offerings throughout the resort that will have unique seasonal menu offerings that take advantage of our geographic location.
2. What projects have you supported that is your inspiration for BGS?
I think of early W Hotels, I was Senior Director of W Hotels new builds and acquisitions, bringing something entirely new to travelers. New York City set expectations for something special, energizing and creative. The bar was set high and we delivered. . I worked with Owners/Developers, their Architecture & ID Teams in W’s growth period. I had 43 W Hotel Developments Globally.
3. How do you define a ‘lifestyle experience’?
A lifestyle experience considers a multitude of factors: Experience for all of the senses, unique offerings based on geography, Activation of the resort at key “Touch Points”, personalizing stays for our repeat guests and VIPs by knowing what their personal preferences are. Having a maniacal focus driving unique experiences. Having best in class offerings like our Spa & Wellness facility, F&B outlets, luxury pool and grounds, as well as our first-class marina.
4. How does that translate for a resident at a project like BGS?
Because we have the opportunity to truly get to know our residents and personalize their offerings and know their preferences when they dine with us, go to our spa and join us at the pool. Because we are driving experience, we will garner a significant premium for those that have their units in our rental pool.
5. We’ve heard the term ‘wellness community’ used to describe BGS, what does that mean?
We have curated a variety of amenities designed to help residents live their best lives through stress and relaxation treatments in our spa, a Mediterranean inspired on-site dining concept, lushly landscaped grounds to help residents and guests connect with nature as they traverse the property, and the developer is looking for well-centric building materials and features to enhance the hotel and living quarters.
6. How does that impact everyday life for someone that calls BGS home?
The residents will have our highly skilled team cater to their every needs. Those residents that stay often, we will get to know their preferences in F&B, favorite spot at the pool, special occasions to provide “unexpected delights”. And treat them as an extension of our families. With frequency of stays we get to truly understand how to cater to each resident’s specific needs.
7. Why does having a strong hospitality partner matter when it comes to a new construction community?
The great news is that we are starting the project together from the very start which enables us to ensure we are focused on both “Form as well as Function”. We see too many resorts that look beautiful but don’t function properly and that is a turn off for residents, guests and owners alike. One example is a beautiful bed that sits on a pedestal that isn’t flush with the mattress. This creates a safety issue as well as a wear & tear issue where the bed gets beaten up and its useful life is dramatically shorter.
8. What are some other projects you manage that potential buyers might be familiar with?
Hard Rock San Diego, L’Auberge de Sedona, The Landing Lake Tahoe, Carneros Resort & Spa…
9. How do you keep abreast of trends with lifestyle and technology?
I travel extensively on a weekly basis. I am passionate about keeping up with trends and maniacal about focusing on how to differentiate upscale hotels & resorts. I have traveled the world and am always on the lookout for unique offerings and technology advancements. We often are called upon to Beta Test State of the Art technology because of our scale & influence on the industry & our owners/developers.
10. What are the words that you’d like visitors to BGS use to describe the experience?
I am ready to go back, I feel relaxed, pampered and disconnected from the outside world when I am at BGS.
Florida is home to many islands for those looking for a seaside escape in the Sunshine State, and these are some of the best.
Originally appeared thetravel.com
When it comes to some of the most beautiful beaches in the U.S., the first thought on most people’s minds is Florida. The Sunshine State is home to white sands, beautiful coastal scenery, and tropical vibes that one can experience without ever even leaving the country.
Many people visit for its many thrilling theme parks such as Disney but stay for its flawless white-sand beaches. For those seeking a perfect Florida island to laze away the summer days, here are some of the best and most beautiful.
Sotheby’s International Realty today announced the opening of Egypt Sotheby’s International Realty, signifying the brand’s second office in Northern Africa and its 206th office in the EMEIA region.
Egypt Sotheby’s International Realty is co-founded and operated by Marwan Gebril who brings 15 years of real estate experience to the company. The company is headquartered in the city of Cairo and will service the entire country, including the city of Sheikh Zayed, a top development area, and Arkan, the country’s up-and-coming retail landmark.
“Luxury real estate has been on the rise in Egypt, with hidden gems being uncovered across the country’s expansive and varied terrains,” said Philip White, president and CEO of Sotheby’s International Realty. “Major public investment, including infrastructure upgrades in Cairo, have further primed the country for growth in the sector. I am proud of our continued expansion in the region, and I look forward to supporting Marwan and the entire Egypt Sotheby’s International Realty team.”
“Over the past decade, we’ve seen the rise and demand for branded serviced residences, signature projects, and boutique complexes in Egypt,” said Gebril. “It is clear that Egypt will play a much bigger role in the region as a key luxury real estate destination and investment hub. Our firm is primed for such industry growth as the only luxury real estate firm in the country, and our affiliation with Sotheby’s International Realty enables us to capitalize on this growing demand on a global level.”
The office currently has 30 sales associates with plans for continued expansion. Egyptian properties offer proximity to some of the world’s oldest monuments, artifacts, and historic towns, in addition to lifestyle interests, such as world-class diving and golf.
Sotheby’s International Realty today announced its expanding presence in Australia with the opening of the Byron Bay office in New South Wales. The addition marks the Sotheby’s International Realty brand’s 11th affiliated office in Australia.
The office is owned by Michael Pallier who is also managing director for Sydney Sotheby’s International Realty. The new location will be led by James McCowan and will operate as Byron Bay Sotheby’s International Realty.
“With its stunning natural attractions and eclectic community, Byron Bay has become one of the world’s most famous coastal towns,” said Philip White, president and CEO, Sotheby’s International Realty. “Due to its popularity, we are seeing increased interest from ex-pats and high-net-worth individuals from New Zealand, Australia, and the Asia-Pacific region, and the prices of homes have risen by more than 20%, according to local records. The addition of the Byron Bay office enables the company to further service their clients in New South Wales, and I am thrilled to support their growth.”
“We saw an opportunity to break into the rural and lifestyle real estate sector of Byron Bay and its surrounds,” said Pallier. “While the real estate market is highly competitive, we understand our clients’ properties were once livelihoods or dream homes, and we want to represent that as best as we can. Our company provides solid real estate knowledge, a tailored level of service, and global marketing opportunities through our affiliation with Sotheby’s International Realty.”
Prior to the opening of the Byron Bay office, Michael and James have had a 25-year history of working together, where they launched Sydney Sotheby’s International Realty 10 years ago and have consistently broken sales records for many significant luxury homes and rural properties.
The Sotheby’s International Realty® network currently has nearly 26,000 affiliated independent sales associates located in over 1,000 offices in 81 countries and territories worldwide. Byron Bay Sotheby’s International Realty listings are marketed on the sothebysrealty.com global website. In addition to the referral opportunities and widened exposure generated from this source, the firm’s brokers and clients will benefit from an association with Sotheby’s auction house and worldwide Sotheby’s International Realty marketing programs. Each office is independently owned and operated.
A brisk market fueled by unprecedented demand pushes Gulf to Bay Sotheby’s International Realty to #1 brokerage on Gasparilla Island.
Originally Appeared on SothebysHomes.com
Sotheby’s International Realty is pleased to announce that its global network achieved a record US$204 billion in 2021 global sales volume, a 36% increase in sales growth year over year, as U.S. cities saw a resurgence of interest following the pandemic and sales activity in secondary and resort markets around the world remained strong. The brand’s U.S. sales volume grew by 33.8% year over year, significantly outpacing NAR’s national increase of 20.6% from the prior year,¹ underscoring the brand’s leadership in the high-end market.
“Real estate proved to be a hot investment in 2021,” said Philip White, president and CEO of Sotheby’s International Realty. “Once again, agents affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty outperformed the industry average and achieved record-breaking home sales as buyers continued to depend on their trusted expertise to navigate a constrained market.”
Read More about Sotheby’s International Realty 2021 Stats Here.
Originally appeared in the Boca Beacon
This week it was announced that Banyan Gasparilla Sound, just outside of Boca Grande at the Fishery property, has opened up their sales though Gulf to Bay Sotheby’s International Realty’s Rich Taylor. The announcement contains the most details released to date and includes information about the 99 condominiums, designed by SB Architects, that stat at $1.3 million. The sizes will range from 1,400 to 2,100 square feet with two or three bedroom options and will be decorator ready. The project also includes 82 fully furnished resort residences.
Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC
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Sotheby’s International Realty Brand Expands into Shanghai
MADISON, N.J. (September 26, 2018) – Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC today announced that Tera Realty Limited in Shanghai, China is the newest member of its global network and will now operate as Tera Sotheby’s International Realty.
Owned and operated by Ted Fang, the firm was established in 2016 and serves the residential real estate market in Greater Shanghai.
“As one of the key cities in mainland China, the expansion into Shanghai allows the Sotheby’s International Realty® brand to have a strategic presence in the market,” said Philip White, president and chief executive officer of Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. “The Chinese buyer is a global consumer and with Shanghai being the second-most populated city in the world, we are strengthening the brand’s foothold in Greater Asia. We proudly welcome Tera Sotheby’s International Realty to our global network.”
“The real estate market in Shanghai offers some of the most expensive and highest-quality homes in China,” said Fang. “Our team of experienced real estate professionals have a wide network across China and we are focused on providing exceptional service to our clients. Affiliating with the Sotheby’s International Realty brand allows us to expand the reach of our network around the world while being part of a largely-trusted global brand.”
Tera Sotheby’s International Realty is the fourth Sotheby’s International Realty-branded company in China; also operating in the country are Beijing Sotheby’s International Realty, Hainan Sotheby’s International Realty, and Tianjin Sotheby’s International Realty. With this addition, the brand now has 50 offices in the greater Asia Pacific region.
The Sotheby’s International Realty network currently has more than 22,000 affiliated independent sales associates located in over 960 offices in 72 countries and territories worldwide. In 2017, the brand achieved a record global sales volume of $108 billion USD. Tera Sotheby’s International Realty listings will be marketed on the sothebysrealty.com global website. In addition to the referral opportunities and widened exposure generated from this source, the firm’s brokers and clients will benefit from an association with the Sotheby’s auction house and worldwide Sotheby’s International Realty marketing programs. Each office is independently owned and operated.
About Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC
Founded in 1976 to provide independent brokerages with a powerful marketing and referral program for luxury listings, the Sotheby’s International Realty network was designed to connect the finest independent real estate companies to the most prestigious clientele in the world. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Holdings Corp. (NYSE: RLGY), a global leader in real estate franchising and provider of real estate brokerage, relocation and settlement services. In February 2004, Realogy entered into a long-term strategic alliance with Sotheby’s, the operator of the auction house. The agreement provided for the licensing of the Sotheby’s International Realty name and the development of a full franchise system. Affiliations in the system are granted only to brokerages and individuals meeting strict qualifications. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC supports its affiliates with a host of operational, marketing, recruiting, educational and business development resources. Franchise affiliates also benefit from an association with the venerable Sotheby’s auction house, established in 1744. For more information, visit www.sothebysrealty.com. © 2018 Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. All rights reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty Logo are service marks licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC and used with permission. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently
owned and operated.
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CONTACT
Lindsey Scharf
Director, PR & Communications
Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates
(973) 407-5596
Lindsey.Scharf@sothebysrealty.com
Natalie Hernandez
Manager, PR & Communications
LLC Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC
(973) 407-6142
Natalie.Hernandez@sothebysrealty.com
