Friday, August 13, marked the dawn of a new era in St.Vincent and the Grenadines, when Harlequin Hotels & Resorts held a soft-opening of the breathtaking five star Buccament Bay Resorts – Harlequin’s first resort ever.

To mark the special occasion, 38 guests, including children, arrived onboard a Virgin Atlantic flight via St.Lucia from the United Kingdom.

On Sunday, August 15, the celebration continued with a further 31 guests arriving from the United Kingdom. On that day, Prime Minister Dr.Ralph Gonsalves and his wife Eloise Gonsalves visited the resort to take a tour of the exciting new resort. They joined Harlequin Property Chairman Dave Ames and his wife Carol Ames, the management team and staff of the resort.

In an exclusive interview with SEARCHLIGHT last Tuesday evening, Harlequin Hotels & Resorts’ Marketing Director Janet Franke disclosed that by today, Friday, August 20, a total of 130 guests will be staying at the resort. One of the guests at the resort is former international and premiership footballer Andy Townsend. He arrived here on Tuesday.

The visitors, who are generally investors of Harlequin Hotels & Resorts, will spend approximately two to three weeks at Buccament. During their stay, the visitors will be taken to recreational sites throughout the state where they will be able to dive and snorkel. Plans are in place to take them to Indian Bay, Bat Cave, Vermont Nature Trail, The Tobago Cays and the turtle sanctuary at Bequia.

“It was very emotional and a huge achievement for Harlequin Hotels & Resorts to open the company’s first resort ever,” said Franke, adding “it’s a huge significance.” Franke said she had the opportunity to speak with a few guests and the initial reaction they gave was: “We just love it here.

The people of St.Vincent and the Grenadines are polite, friendly and warm.” She said some investors felt that the service provided so far is great and the right team is in place to manage the resort. She noted that others simply stated that they “would really like to be investing in St.Vincent and the Grenadines.” “One of the investors said that ‘I have a lot of confidence in Harlequin because the resort is in a stunning location, plus there is excellent quality build’,” said Franke, adding “he truly believes it is going to be a superb five star resort.”

David Campion, Development Director of Harlequin Developments, the new company handling the construction of the resort, said last weekend’s soft-opening marked the completion of Phase 1 (A). Sixty eight villas, two restaurants, a reception building, pool facilities, spa, the Little Harlequin Kids’ Club and the beach, now transformed from black into a white sand beach, were handed over to Harlequin Hotels & Resorts.

“The programme is on track. We’ll be releasing the villas in phases,” said Campion, adding villas that are not completed are being fine tuned.

The resort is expected to provide a means of income for locals in the area. Campion said already eight fishermen from Buccament have been commissioned to provide fish for the resort. SEARCHLIGHT was also told that on Tuesday, August 17, the first massages were done on the beach using locally trained staff.

Campion noted that by August 23, the Liverpool Football Club Soccer School and the Pat Cash Tennis Academy are expected to be completed. On this note, he said ex-Wimbledon champion Pat Cash will be travelling to St.Vincent and the Grenadines on September 25 to play tennis with the guests.

For the past two weeks, marine and civil engineers of Baird, structural engineers of ACI, interior designers of Jones Baker, landscapers of Talma Mills, and architects of Harlequin Developments have been on the job full time to ensure that the resort meets the required standards.

At the moment, the resort has 210 hotel workers, but by the end of February 2011 when the first phase is fully opened, 600 persons will be on staff.

The above article appeared in “Weekend Searchlight”, a St Vincent and the Grenadines local newspaper, on Friday the 20th of August

Retirement planning can be complex and inflexible with a lack of control and personal choice. The required contributions to build a fund in order to provide the desired level of income in retirement can be unaffordable and the performance of traditional equity (stocks and shares based) funds provided by insurance companies hasn’t been great along with the volatility of those funds.

Although most people have heard of the term SIPP there has been much confusion about what can or cannot be invested in a Self Invested Pension Plan and who can benefit from such a scheme.

A SIPP essentially can help you take control of your existing and future pension provision. A SIPP can buy property. It can borrow up to 50% of its net assets in order to fund a property purchase regardless of the investor’s status. You can start a new plan and consolidate your existing pension arrangements in to a new SIPP. There are a number of specialist SIPP providers whom accept overseas property as an acceptable asset.

Not just any overseas property can be purchase with a SIPP – only “Hotel Based” property which, has been deemed by Her Majesties Revenue & Customs (HMRC) as commercial. SIPP investors are not allowed to use their property personally. The property is deemed a “pure investment” and not a holiday home or lifestyle purchase.

An investor using a SIPP can make further contributions ongoing into their SIPP and is entitled to full tax relief which means that if a 40% tax payer paid in £100,000 it could only cost him £60,000. It is also possible to increase the amount of funds available in a SIPP by borrowing up to a further 50% of the value of the SIPP. For example if a SIPP has funds of £200,000, it can borrow another £100,000 making available £300,000 to invest.

Since pension rules were simplified in April 2006 the benefits of SIPP’s have become accessible to the wider , further still since October 2008 when HMRC allowed contracted out/SERPS monies to be accessible unlocked an estimated £50million in pension funds to the UK public that otherwise remained locked in until retirement.

So what are the benefits of investing in property with a SIPP?

• No requirement for cash investment, so no effect on your current expenditure
• Tax Relief on eligible contributions at your highest rate, max 40%
• No Capital Gains Tax on property investments within a SIPP
• No Income Tax on property investments within a SIPP
• No dividends to be taxed on property investments in a SIPP
• Potential Inheritance Tax benefits
• Pre-agreed limited liability lending
• A SIPP can be syndicated so two or more people can pool their pension funds to invest in overseas property – ideal for a husband and wife or group investment.

Any type of pension can be transferred into a SIPP, for instance many people have several ‘frozen’ pensions from previous employment or businesses and/or personal pensions that they can transfer into a SIPP. Two or more people can create a group SIPP known as a Family Pension Trust (FPT) which could be ideal for husband and wife investment.

SIPPs are allowed to invest in the following.

• Stocks and shares listed or dealt on an Inland Revenue recognised stock exchange, including AIM
• Unit trusts, open ended investment companies (OEICs)
• Warrants, covered warrants
• Government stock and fixed interest stock 
• Un-quoted shares
• Commercial property
• Overseas Hotel Rooms
• Property funds

Initially, the Government was going to allow personal pension funds to invest in residential property and this created considerable interest from investors. However in December 2005, the Chancellor announced a U-turn and the government backtracked. This has lead to confusion on the subject and it is apparent that some people do not know that they can in fact hold overseas property (hotel rooms) within a SIPP.

Hotel rooms are classed as commercial property, whilst most people don’t have a fund big enough to buy commercial units such as an office building or a warehouse. Hotel rooms however offer a different option:-

Hotel units are usually categorized as SIPP compliant if they adhere to the following statements:

1. The investment is clearly a hotel room.
2. The buyer has no personal usage of their room or any other room. (Unless they pay normal market rates). 
3. The investor gains no personal benefit other than from room rental back into their pension fund i.e. no income share from hotel bar or restaurant.
4. The investment is in no way a residential property.
5. The unit does not have a kitchen.

It is advisable to take advice from a financial adviser when considering purchasing through a SIPP. ROC can introduce you to an independent pension specialist for this purpose.

Purchasing property maybe something you have not previously considered but the ability to now access investments using pension funds could now be an option for you without the requirement for ANY further cash investment. To discuss our SIPP approved projects contact us.

Over 2,500 guests attended the magnificent pre-opening launch of Buccament Bay Resort on 24th & 25th April 2010 at Wembley Stadium.

The Bobby Moore suite hosted the event and accommodated stands from each of the key brands created by Harlequin Hotels & Resorts for their Caribbean developments. Many of the team behind the resorts attended and Harlequin’s Ambassador, Sports & Radio Broadcaster and ex-footballer Andy Townsend, compered the event and introduced the speakers.

Andy began by talking about teamwork, something he knows a lot about.  He said that “the team at Harlequin is like a football team. When you all work together the common cause is often achieved”.

The Prime Minister of St Vincent & The Grenadines, the Rt Hon Ralph Gonsalves, was unable to attend due to travel difficulties caused by the ash situation, so he sent a statement which was read out by Cenio Lewis, High Commissioner for St Vincent & The Grenadines. In the statement he said

“Statement by Prime Minister Dr. The Honorable Ralph E. Gonsalves on the occasion of the launch of Buccament Bay Resort, St. Vincent & The Grenadines by Harlequin Hotels & Resorts at Wembley Stadium on April 24th & 25th 2010.  Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, I greet this launch of Buccament Bay Resort with pleasure and happiness. I am most sorry that a confluence of circumstances has made it not possible for me to be with you physically.  I assure you that I am, nevertheless, with you in a joyous spirit.  The Buccament Bay Resort is simply magnificent. 

The Harlequin group has been doing a splendid job in creating what promises to be, on completion, among the best tropical resorts in the world. The partnership between Harlequin and my Government had been excellent. So too, have Harlequin’s relations with the local community in Buccament and St Vincent & The Grenadines as a whole. The workers on the building site have been delivering high quality finishing.

St Vincent & The Grenadines is one of the safest destinations for tourists, anywhere in the world. It is also the natural place to be. Our people are truly hospitable and we are grateful for the investment by the Harlequin group and their associates.  By June 2012, an international airport of the finest standard will be opened for air traffic to and from St Vincent & The Grenadines. Before then, there is good air access through our other airports. 

My Government again hereby re-commits itself to its partnership with Harlequin. I am absolutely sure that Buccament Bay Resort will be a tremendous success for tourists, investors and the people of St Vincent & the Grenadines. On behalf of the Government and the people of St Vincent & the Grenadines, I heartily and sincerely congratulate Harlequin on this Launch.

More information: Contact ROC Investments about Buccament Bay, by emailing invest@rocinvestments.co.uk or calling +44(0) 1902 722 930  

 For more information about the launch event and to watch the video of the event go to www.buccamentbay.co.uk/report/video.php

It’s the ultimate in swag — a fabulous, free vacation.

That is exactly what celebrities including Dennis Quaid and CSI star George Eads were offered during the George Lopez Celebrity Golf Classic on May 3rd.

Each star received free vacations from Indulgent Escapes to exotic locales including the new Buccament Bay Resort from Harlequin Hotels & Resorts opening in St. Vincent & The Grenadines later this year.

The glam resort will feature the Caribbean’s first Trader Vics restaurant, home of the original Mai Tai cocktail.

Source: Popdemonium

Read Full Article: http://popdemonium.com/2010/05/celebs-get-free-vacations-to-new-caribbean-resort/

There are plenty of options when it comes to property purchase and investment but in today’s market there is one option that is holding its own – buy to let hotel rooms.

Hotel and resort developers offer individual investors the chance to buy hotel rooms within high-end resort developments. The investor will benefit from the annual income from room rentals, benefit from capital growth and can use their room typically for up to 30 days a year. 

If you are considering a property investment a buy to let hotel room could be the right option for you. Here are five reasons why:-

1. Buy to let hotel rooms reduce your exposure to risk

When you invest in a buy to let hotel room, the return on your investment is based less on the room but in the success of the hotel as a whole. Generally, buy to let suites and hotel rooms are pooled together so that you earn a percentage of the room rates across the hotel, not just on your own room. A single investment property may lie empty for months at a time, meaning lost revenues, but hotel rooms attract guests all year round.

2. Buy to let hotel rooms offer a low initial investment – and a high return

When it comes to investing in any property, current markets can make it incredibly difficult to access the finance you need. These problems are only compounded when the property you want to invest in is overseas. When it comes to buying a hotel room, the developers and agents will likely have negotiated with a bank in advance to help prospective buyers along – the banks are often more willing to invest in the security of these types of developments run by experienced developers and management teams.

Indeed, the current troubles in the housing markets can actually be an advantage to savvy investors considering whether or not to buy hotel rooms. A buyers market often means help from the developer with fees and other out of pocket expenses. ROC Investments offer the opportunity to purchase buy to let hotel rooms with 100% finance available.

3. When you buy hotel rooms, you benefit from capital appreciation and a regular income

Like any buy to let property investment, buy to let hotel rooms offer both a regular income and the potential for capital growth. Unlike buying a single, one-off property, buying hotel rooms can generally provide a greater degree of security. Whereas your property might lie vacant while you search for tenants or holidaymakers, high-end hotel rooms will always be popular with everything from overseas tourists to ‘locals’ on a weekend break. Traditionally, high-end hotel rooms will also generate a higher rental per night than stand-alone holiday lets or buy to let options. That means returns in the region of 10% or more can be achieved at even 50% occupancy. How much would you earn if your buy to let property were vacant 26 weeks of the year?

4. When you buy hotel rooms, someone else manages all the day-to-day hassle

Perhaps the biggest attraction of buy to let hotel rooms is the fact that an experienced and professional team is in charge of everything from the finish and furnishings of the rooms to fixing the broken toilets. Buy to let owners will happily pay management companies a hefty percentage to look after the day to day needs of their properties – when you buy hotel rooms that service is built in.

Experienced hotel management means existing contacts with travel agents and tour operators, it means tried and tested marketing methods and extensive marketing budgets. It also means as an investor you’ll never get a call from an irate neighbour or disgruntled tenant. If fact, it’s the perfect option for hands off investors who’d prefer to enjoy the benefits and leave the hard work to someone else. ROC Investments work with some of the world’s largest and well respected hotel groups in the world such as Oasis Hotels, West Paces Hotels and Sol Melia.

5. Your investment can be tax efficient

Individuals can use pensions to purchase a buy to let hotel room using a Self Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) which can be highly tax efficient. Buy to let hotel rooms are permitted by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) to be held within a SIPP because the properties are classed as commercial property assets. HMRC stipulate that owners buying with a SIPP are not permitted to use their properties. Tax benefits of purchasing a buy to let hotel room with a SIPP are:-

• No Income Tax on rental income generated by your hotel room
• No Capital Gains Tax on the resale of your hotel room   
• Any eligible contributions you make into your SIPP will attract tax relief at your highest rate of relief. Contributions will benefit from 20% tax relief at source – as soon as a contribution is made 

More information: Contact ROC Investments about buy to let hotel rooms, by emailing invest@rocinvestments.co.uk or calling +44(0) 1902 722 930

ROC Investments is proud to announce that Harlequin Hotels & Resorts is proposing to build a Pat Cash Tennis Hotel at Buccament Bay, St Vincent & The Grenadines, Las Canas Beach Resort in Dominican Republic and The Marquis Estate, St Lucia. The Pat Cash Tennis Hotel will be designed to offer luxury accommodation for tennis fans in an environment that will reflect Pat Cash’s love of tennis featuring memorabilia from the years he has played tennis, including his Wimbledon win. The hotel will include a restaurant and boutique stocked with the latest tennis clothing and equipment.

The hotel will be situated within the main resort and will be the perfect place for guests to stay who wish to be coached at the Pat Cash Tennis Academy as well as offering extended stays for guests who wish to take longer courses of tuition to improve their tennis game. The facility will cater for youngsters who are showing particular talent in this sport as well as for teams who wish to be coached prior to the tennis season in their home country.

Investors will be able to purchase suites within the Pat Cash Hotel Suites using a Self Invested Personal Pension (SIPP)

More information: Contact ROC Investments about Pat Cash Hotel Suites, prices and sales information, by emailing invest@rocinvestments.co.uk or calling +44(0) 1902 722 930