Eased Travel Restrictions Lure Home Buyers To Shangri-La

While the impact of the latest Covid variants can and will be debated, it’s evident the travel restrictions that accompanied the pandemic have been eased. No longer must Yanks who travel to the British Virgin Islands, Hawaii or Mexico face as many stiff travel restrictions going and returning.

That’s allowed would-be American home buyers the latitude to begin hunting for that perfect international vacation home, all the way from Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands to the Big Island of Hawaii and Loreto, Mexico.

For example, with Virgin Islands travel regulations lifted, some are house hunting at Oil Nut Bay, situated on the eastern edge of Virgin Gorda in the highly-sought North Sound region of the BVI. Embraced by turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, the area offers homes and lots from $2.95 to $39.5 million. A private beach club, wellness center, tennis courts, two helipads and equipment for kayaking and snorkeling represent a few of the upscale amenities.

“The Covid pandemic has changed life as we know it throughout the world, and will have long-lasting effects, many of them permanent,” says David V. Johnson, chairman of Victor International and developer of Oil Nut Bay.

“What we’ve learned is that people can live and work from home anywhere in the world, which is making people realize they can actually live at a place like Oil Nut Bay . . . Although secluded, we have seamless connectivity to the rest of the world.

“Residents can conduct full-time business over Zoom and stream Netflix while being with family and friends, or simply shut off to hang out on the beach, go kayaking or kiteboarding, while enjoying ideal temperatures of 80 to 82 degrees 10 months a year.”

Along Kona Coast

Among Hawaii’s most private and expansive club properties is Hokuli’a, a high-end residential nook situated along Hawaii’s iconic Kona Coast. There, the shoreline gradually ascends from sea level to an elevation of more than 1,250 feet.

With the opening of Phase Two of Nalu Kai real estate has come the unveiling of 20 exclusive oceanfront parcels with direct ocean access and arresting views. Along with the chance to unwind and explore more than 1,200 untrammeled acres, owners can hike trails, paddle canoes, view nature and try their clubwork on a Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course. Phase Two features a handful of the exclusive enclave’s most in-demand parcels. They range in price from approximately $4.25 to $7.5 million.

“Hokuli’a offers authentic Hawaii living as it was meant to be, away from the island’s densely populated resort bubbles,” says Carrie Nicholson of Hawaii Life, the exclusive listing agent, situated at the Club at Hokuli’a. “It’s a special place with a great sense of community, and the central Kona Coast location encourages exploration of all that Hawaii Island offers. The expansive lot sizes coupled with unmatched amenities and effortless, sustainable living puts Hokul’a in a class all its own.”

Baja Rising

Pleasant year-round weather and a less crowded setting are reasons some refer to Mexico’s Loreto as one of the Baja Peninsula’s hidden gems. Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto is a much-honored luxury getaway set on the edge of the Sea of Cortez and surrounded by the Sierra Mountains.

Viewed as Baja’s up-and-coming haven for leisure, enlightenment and eco-tourism, with Baja-influenced real estate available, the destination features the extraordinary TPC Danzante Bay golf course, offering a quartet of dining options, five pools and some of golf’s most memorable holes. As for prices, available parcels begin at $375,000 and completed homes at $1.5 million.