Citizenship By Investment Project, The Residences At Secret Bay, Launches In Dubai
GEMS Holdings Limited, Dominica’s leading hospitality developer, has seen a significant increase in interest from individuals from the Middle East who want to obtain second citizenship through investment in real estate. As such, GEMS has chosen Dubai to announce its Government of Dominica approved development.
Dominica is a leader in citizenship by investment, having been the second global country to offer the option, and having spent the last 25 years honing and refining the options available. In recent years, demand for Caribbean nations citizenship from the Gulf has increased by more than 50 percent, as a strong second passport offers travel ease, which proves crucial for business acquisitions, expansions and educational opportunities. This opportunity also allows for visa-free travel to several key enterprise centres in the world, as well as the convenience of hassle-free family travel during the key school holidays.
Now, GEMS, the developer of the 5-star, world-renowned Secret Bay Resort introduces The Residences at Secret Bay, the Caribbean’s most anticipated Citizenship by Investment project. A first-of-its-kind Citizenship by Investment real estate opportunity in the Caribbean, The Residences at Secret Bay offers ownership within a globally-acclaimed and operating resort with a strong occupancy track record and demonstrated rental demand. The Residences at Secret Bay, with a collection of 42 fully-appointed residences across 33 acres, provides an opportunity for an astute real estate investment in Dominica with proven returns while following a sustainable approach to development. The villas and amenities will comprise 6-7% of the total acreage, making it an extremely low-density project that provides both intimacy for owners and preserves the natural environment. Built within nature, rather than on nature, and utilising a number of green and eco-friendly initiatives, The Residences thoughtfully align with the country’s greater mission to become climate resilient.
The Dubai launch of the project coincides with the establishment of GEMS Holding Limited’s offices in Dubai, and the appointment of Youssef Eldessouky as the Regional Business Development Director. With a forte in the citizenship business and a background in real estate, securities and investment, Eldessouky will bring his experience to business agents and clients seeking counsel for The Residences at Secret Bay and Citizenship by Investment programme.
“Secret Bay is a rare 5-star eco-luxury resort that guests have connected with in a very personal way since we started operations in 2011,” said Gregor Nassief, CEO of GEMS Holdings Limited and developer of The Residences at Secret Bay. “Operating since 2011, we are now delighted to share our beautiful resort with investors seeking a prudent real estate opportunity in an emerging destination.”
Based on its design and master plan, The Residences was recently awarded Best Mixed-Use Development in the Caribbean by International Property Awards and will feature luxury craftsmanship and modern, top-of-the-line in-villa amenities including gourmet kitchens and private pools alongside Secret Bay’s resort amenities: the Zing Zing Restaurant, Gommier Spa, Bwa Mang Wellness Pavilion, Zamann Watersports Hut and Vetiver Sunset Deck. Owners will enjoy coveted access to the resort’s premium 5-star services while also gaining enrolment in an exchange program allowing for stays at other luxury resort properties in 80+ countries around the world.
Since its inception in 2011, Secret Bay has been committed to supporting the local community, and over the years has forged meaningful relationships with, and provided employment opportunities for, service providers – tour guides, watersports operators, drivers, massage therapists, yoga instructors, fishermen, farmers and many others. Now, with a plan of hiring more than 120 employees for the resort’s expansion and a continued commitment to employ people from neighbouring communities, buy local produce, and support local artisans and businesses, The Residences at Secret Bay will allow for numerous employment opportunities for Dominicans.
Recently named “The World’s Best Boutique Hotel” and ranked the fourth best resort in the Caribbean by Conde Nast Traveler, Secret Bay continues to be a catalyst for international press, recognition and accolades, all of which benefit the country. The Residences at Secret Bay is sure to continue to shine a positive spotlight on the island, its people and its commerce.
Dominica’s CBI programme generates critical revenue for the country which is used for housing, infrastructure rehabilitation, urban renewal, small business development and a strengthened tourism economy. These investments generate employment and offer hundreds of resident’s permanent job opportunities.
Secret Bay is grateful to the Government of Dominica, particularly the Prime Minister and Members of the CBI Ministerial and Technical Subcommittees and the Invest Dominica Authority, for working to make this project a reality.
