New Turtle Cove development boasts blue-hued views at a green-friendly price.

By Laura Brander

“La Vista Azul” is an exotic phrase that rolls off one’s tongue as waves might gently lap a shoreline. “The blue view” is exactly what this Providenciales North Shore development can boast, terraced into the hillside overlooking Turtle Cove and the myriad of blues that make up the beauty of Grace Bay. This Mediterranean-inspired community offers a total of 78 luxurious residential units as well as a commercial plaza beautifully nestled into the 3.5 acres of multi-leveled topography.

The Turtle Cove address currently offers the convenience of six restaurants, the very popular Player’s Club casino, the Cocoloco night club and a variety of shops and services. Sports enthusiasts will find several fishing charters, dive operators and boating excursions that set out from the marina. And four miles of powdery white sand stretch from its entrance for those that are drawn to the world famous beach and pristine waters of Grace Bay. All of this is just a short stroll from La Vista Azul.

The five residential buildings take full advantage of the elevation with its magnificent view and cooling tropical tradewinds. The first two buildings are home to the development’s private gym, spa, and games room — set just above sea level — while three levels of residential units climb the hillside in a terraced fashion. These units are unique in that they all incorporate landscaped rooftop gardens as extensions to their balconies, borrowing from the terrace below to produce a generous 350 square feet of outdoor living space. The next two buildings are set along the ridge, with a lofty vantage point of up to 80 feet above sea level. These front four buildings are positioned so that most units enjoy unobstructed views of the ocean. The fifth building sits to the back of the development with partial ocean views; a botanical garden adds an element of privacy between it and the front four. This particular building is excellent value for the investor or long term resident looking to buy, as units are offered at a substantially lower cost, with the same high caliber of living space. The ridge buildings have the luxury of covered parking, while the terraced buildings include space to their front.

Each of the five buildings incorporates the full range of floor plans. You can choose a spacious studio with full size kitchen of approximately 700 square feet or the larger “studio plus,” a junior one bedroom similar in size to the larger studio, yet with the added element of separate bedroom privacy. There is also a larger one bedroom plan or . . . perhaps you’d prefer a top floor, two bedroom Presidential penthouse of almost 3,000 square feet of living space? The privacy balcony off the master bedroom and the ability to lock-out the second bedroom are both very alluring features.

All interiors will include stone tile floors, custom cabinets and vanities, stainless steel GE Profile appliances and the beauty of Kohler fixtures. Solid wood doors add an element of privacy and are used for both interior and entrance applications. Safety is a priority; impact resistant sliding doors lead out to your terrace with shuttered windows for hurricane protection. Presently, a high end furniture package is included in the unit price as an incentive to purchase.

Three swimming pools will grace the development on the upper terrace, from which residents may enjoy stunning sunsets and ocean views. Water will spill from this upper terrace and cascade down between the front two residential sites amidst lush landscaping. The focal point of a central fountain amidst the commercial plaza (emulating one on the upper level) ties the two components together, one complimenting the other. There will also be a fully equipped fitness centre with indoor hot tub.

Residents and guests alike will benefit from the commercial side; the on-site inclusion of gift shops, convenience store and coffee shop will complete the La Vista Azul community. The 16 commercial units are also offered for sale to the astute investor or business operator as a strata entity.

The two men behind the development fell in love with the island and recognized its potential after visiting on vacation. One left his Toronto home to build another in the Chalk Sound area and then later went on to bring the Queen Angel resort condominiums to Providenciales. The other, a gentleman from Chicago, initially bought several units in the Queen Angel before joining the initial developer to purchase the property down the street.

Construction of La Vista Azul has been underway now for several months. Interested parties don’t have to wait before watching their dreams realized. Completion of their blue view is anticipated by the summer of 2009, an estimated 24 months from beginning to end. Added development bonuses? A percentage of the remaining units are still available through vendor takeback mortgages, maintenance fees will be extremely competitive, and the professionally managed rental program offers a higher percentage to the owner than most other developments on the island. With units ranging from $240,000 to $1.3 million, this development offers spectacular views, excellent value and luxury accommodations without paying Grace Bay waterfront prices.

For more information on La Vista Azul, phone 649 941 8118 or toll-free 877 832 6141 or visit www.lvaresort.com.