Unique Places
ON LOCATION
Key Largo, Florida: A Simple Fishing Camp
By Lauren Varga King
Twelve miles and a single-lane, the road leading to the northern tip of Key Largo, Fla., may be long and narrow, but at its end is a community with a wide range of amenities and wide-open ocean views.
Surrounded by three sides of water and positioned on the last living coral reef in all of the U.S. waters, Ocean Reef Club was no more than a mere fishing camp at its inception. Today, the club pays homage to its modest beginnings while thoughtfully growing the property’s amenities.
“Ocean Reef has steadily matured from an island of mangroves and natural hammock to what you see today — an opulently landscaped community of multi-million-dollar residences, three golf courses, medical and cultural centers, et cetera,” explains Ocean Reef Club Member John Schaeffer.
When Schaeffer struck up a conversation with me one morning in Reef Treats, he mentioned that his mother built and furnished a home at Ocean Reef in 1969 for $92,000. Now, waterfront residences here are fetching up to $15 million.
“The member experience at Ocean Reef Club and the exclusivity that a private club offers will ensure that property values will ultimately grow,” says Bobbie Watson, president of Ocean Reef Club’s Central Listing Service.
Traditionally a community devoted to fishing, golfing and relaxing, the club has held on to this perception. And, as tradition would have it, Ocean Reef celebrated its 26th annual sailfish tournament — known as Reef Cup — in January.
Whether you take part in the Reef Cup, or are a regular spectator, head to The Raw Bar for a back-to-basics dinner. Walk in and scribble your name on the chalkboard — most likely under familiar names from around Ocean Reef. When your party is called, don a lobster bib — they are in vogue here — and enjoy a succulent seafood dinner complemented by a fisherman’s tale.
With a strong camaraderie and ties to tradition, it’s no surprise that in addition to the time-tested activities shared on the Reef, giving back to the club is a favorite pastime. Whether carefully expanding and updating current community buildings and residences or the organizing of “Clubs within the Club” — a program dedicated to special interest groups formed and run by members of Ocean Reef — the “unique way of life” on the Reef today can be attributed to each member’s dedication to this one-of-a-kind fishing camp.
GOING GLOBAL
Buenos Aires, Argentina
On the outskirts of Buenos Aires, Argentina, lie 770 acres of picturesque, tropical countryside.… and now Las Rosas, the latest complement to Camino Real Polo and Country Club’s grand luxury resort.
The five-star boutique “apart-hotel” known as Las Rosas offers 20 fully furnished units with full access to Camino Real’s wide range of amenities.
Incorporating the concept of an apartment and a hotel, Las Rosas offers the best of both worlds as guests can appreciate the privacy and space of an apartment, while also being pampered with the amenities of a resort hotel. Units are offered for only $142,500.
“Vacation apartments can sit empty as owners struggle to attract renters,” says Hugh Davis, the property investment consultant at Experience International. “An ‘apart-hotel’ property is the perfect combination, as it is rented as part of a hotel, and your guests have the convenience and amenities of hotel accommodation.”
Camino Real Polo and Country Club itself is centered on the country’s famed leisure sport — polo, and offers three polo fields, an equestrian clubhouse and stables, and a school that provides lessons. The pristine countryside location is accented with a natural river and lakes, and is located within close vicinity to the capital, Buenos Aires, known as the “Paris of South America.”
Another new perk for the resort is the addition of a direct flight from London to Buenos Aires, which was just launched by British Airways this spring.
“Argentina has long been a popular destination for European travelers and business people,” says Davis. “We feel these new direct flights reflect Argentina’s popularity.”
— Gina Kramer
FABULOUS FINDS
New Hotel-Condo Tests The Waters In Saratoga
Centered around its horse racing track — the oldest sporting venue in the United States — Saratoga Springs, N.Y., has welcomed the latest addition to its historic charm: a new luxury condominium development just minutes from the renowned Saratoga Race Course.
The new “hotel-condo,” 38 High Rock Condominium, reflects the refined luxurious style of nearby New York City while still maintaining the essence of the town’s “old-time feel” that has attracted tourists from all over the world for almost 150 years.
“38 High Rock is the area’s first condominium project attached to a hotel,” says Matt Bette, president of Bette & Cring, the construction management and contracting firm handling the development. “It’s really as close to resort living as you’re going to be able to find.”
The 44-unit facility is attached to an upscale Hampton Inn and Suites Hotel, providing residents with full access to the hotel’s amenities, restaurants, and shopping. A select number of units are custom-designed and furnished to fit the overall atmosphere. Prices range from $400,000 to $1.5 million.
One of the finest features of the complex is its Sky Deck — a large, heated outdoor deck with cozy sitting areas surrounding fireplaces, and multiple grilling stations — catering to both large and private gatherings.
According to Bette, the benefits of the hotel-condo and its amenities are what set 38 High Rock apart from other complexes. The area is also home to the trusted, healing mineral springs of Saratoga Spa State Park, as well as a number of historical museums, golf courses, art attractions and gaming venues.
— Gina Kramer
[...] Unique Places [...]