Ki’ama Bahamas is a resort setting that allows residents to live near the water in their … [+]
As long as real estate has existed, countless well-heeled home buyers have sought waterfront real estate facing oceans, lakes, rivers and more. New ways to get close to the water continue to emerge, including pod-like domiciles raised above the ocean blue, sea-faring homes and residences that come complete with solar-powered yachts.
Read on to learn of fresh approaches to waterfront living in a quartet of developments.
Solar-Powered Life
Earth’s first 100% solar-powered, fully sustainable carbon-neutral private island yacht and residence club is available at Ki’ama Bahamas, on the Bahamas’ Elizabeth Island. The residential resort club offers 16 four-bedroom “Club” residences, each with 5,900 square feet in which to stretch out, as well as 8 six-bedroom estate homes, a fleet of solar-powered and crewed yachts, electric day boats, a beach club, spa and restaurant.
Also featured: A 2-acre protected marina and 6 private white sand beaches. Whole and shared ownership of island property, residences and yachts are offered. On this unique island, less than one-fifth of land will be developed. Even pools are made from recycled shipping containers, thus ensuring little to no excavation. The result: Ki’ama Bahamas will see the lightest environmental impact of any Caribbean development.
“It’s incumbent on us to protect Elizabeth Island’s ecologically sensitive environment while thoughtfully creating comfortable spaces where our owners and their guests can enjoy the best of the Bahamas,” says Steve Dering, EcoIsland Development partner and global pioneer of the residence club co-ownership model. “Our equity club provides abundant owner use while consuming less land with fewer homes and adds an incredible yacht experience. We’re hopeful that our first-of-its-kind club and community will set the standard for eco-conscious development around the world.”
Jetsons style
Panama-based Ocean Builders, committed to turning the high seas into the latest real estate frontier, has created a line of Jetsons-style pod-like dwellings that stand almost eight feet above ocean waves and deliver 830 square feet of living space. Priced from $250,000 to $1.5 million, the pods were introduced to Panamanian buyers last month. They will be available in Panama for one year, and after that available elsewhere.
Each three-level pod dwelling offers a living room, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and large storage space, along with a 575-square-foot patio with sweeping views of the blue. The dwellings’ smart home technology allows residents push button control over everything from the lighting to the shower temperature and water pressure.
Storybook ending
For those who don’t want their homes to be anchored at all, but would rather see the world from their residences, the natural choice remains Storylines’ MV Narrative, a ship with 547 fully furnished homes priced from $1 to $8 million. Onboard, residents will be able to venture from their domiciles to visit 20 different restaurants and bars, 3 pools complete with sundecks, a marina landing with personal watercraft, pet exercise area, business center and beauty salon. There will be no shortage of activities, given that aboard the MV Narrative, residents will be able to savor a 10,000-book library, movie theater, bowling center, farmers’ market, outdoor running track, full gymnasium, yoga studio, art studio, golf simulators and dance floor. For those with children, a one-of-a-kind floating school will provide a youth education program.
Off the grid
A final option, Costa Elena in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, a remote master-planned community that seems ideal for those who love nature and a lifestyle of raw, off-the-grid harmony with lush environments.
In addition to exquisite homes with private balconies or terraces off every bedroom and infinity-edge pools, the destination delivers kite surfing, mountain biking, fishing, birding, snorkeling, hiking and more, encircled by ecological diversity and untamed beauty for which Costa Rica is famous. Beach cleanup efforts, solar panels on every residence and recovered water for irrigation helps ensure Costa Elena stays pristine.