If you’re looking ahead to living in the most exclusive enclave in the west of Mauritius, Harmonie Golf and Beach Estate must be at the top of your list. Words by Debbie Hathway Construction begins on the new luxury development at Les Salines in Q1: 2024, and delivery is expected within three years. Work on the new 18-hole GEO-certified golf course is already underway, giving avid golfers another reason to seriously consider moving to Mauritius with its reputation for some of the most magnificent golfing facilities in the world. “Les Salines is not just a road; it’s a lifestyle – marking the entrance to a modern town with many attractions and a wide range of residences from exclusive villas or beachfront apartments. It will all be right here. Tucked away in the heart of Black River in The West, this newly constructed cul de sac will provide access to luxurious new resorts and property developments with all their related five-star amenities. Thanks to its exclusivity, it will be the wealthiest area on the island in the next five years,” says Rinie Boshoff, Pam Golding Properties (Mauritius) Development Manager for the West Coast.She says the peaceful atmosphere that comes with the location of Harmonie Golf and Beach Estate is the epitome of “bushveld bliss”. There are 220 luxury villas and serviced plots dotted across 150 hectares around 54 metres above sea level. Homes look onto Le Morne and La Tourelle mountain from the other side of a horseshoe-shaped lagoon. Plots average 2,000 square metres, with a built area from 401 square metres. “You can buy a serviced plot, which, aside from exterior specifications, allows you to decide on the design and size of your villa. Or choose a plot-and-villa option, offering three villa concepts with flexible add-on extras. Whatever you decide, your home will reflect your lifestyle and decor preferences in a truly curated way,” says Rinie.

Getting back to nature is still a thing, as is getting that highly coveted second passport. Words by Debbie Hathway Looking for Plan B When foreign shores beckon, South Africans can get a very respectable bang for their buck, plus residency, in Spain, Portugal, Cyprus, Malta, and Mauritius, among others. But how does one choose? One thing is certain — it can’t be an emotional decision. If you’re after residency or citizenship in exchange for property investment, working out the pros and cons of each attractive destination can be daunting. To help buyers decide, Henley & Partners has developed a new analytical tool in partnership with Deep Knowledge Analytics, called the Best Investment Migration Real Estate Index. Potential investors can use this tool to analyse the reputation of and quality of life in the host country, GDP, the minimum property investment amount, potential rental income, associated property costs, application-processing efficiency, residency requirements, restrictions, saleability, and crypto-friendliness. Follow the sun Dubai tops the index’s rankings, scoring well for rental-income potential and lower price of property per square metre compared to other major international centres. Some fans also say the desert city has attracted loads of expats who appreciate its speedy modernisation that hasn’t compromised culture. Spain, Montenegro, and Turkey are listed next, with Portugal, Thailand, and Greece firm favourites for lifestyle. In Montenegro, property investors can choose between glamorous coastal resorts and new establishments servicing increasingly popular mountain and ski areas in the north. A lot of research is needed to make the right decision for you and your family. After all, a second passport could be the best legacy you leave them. Even though Portugal and Spain, for example, appear similar at face value you’ll discover more differences the deeper you dig.

New World Wealth reports that 40% of SA’s wealthiest citizens are buying property in luxury gated developments. HomeFront reveals how top-notch estates continually evolve to ensure they stay ahead of their game. WORDS: DEBBIE HATHWAY PHOTOS: Supplied Published in Business Day HomeFront 24 January 2020 Residential estates are becoming more and more popular internationally, and SA ranks second only to the US for the number of such developments. SA is a global pioneer in residential and developments, reports New World Wealth, with annual research revealing a move away from traditional golf estates towards lifestyle and retirement estates. NEXT LEVEL Multi-award-winning Val de Vie, between Paarl and Franschhoek, is rated the top estate in SA. It has positioned itself as a wellness estate in line with global health and wellbeing trends. “Just as in sport, it is much harder to stay on top than to get to the top,” says Val de Vie group marketing director Ryk Neethling. “We’ve managed to improve our offering every year over the past seven years. Our excellent security brings peace of mind, which is crucial for wellness, and our farms will produce food for our restaurants and residents. The sports and medical facilities are world class and our strong community is a key factor in pursuing a long, healthy life.” After the recent drought, the estate now has its own water plant. “We use a fraction of what we used before,” says Neethling. “All our irrigation systems have been upgraded and we can pinpoint exactly when we lose water anywhere on the estate. These are large investments but they make a big difference.” Security at Val de Vie is upgraded on an ongoing basis. “This is a daily focus for us. We have multiple layers of security and are very proud that there has never been a breach of the security perimeter,” he says. Besides prestigious schools in Paarl, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch close by, one of the residents is bringing the Bali Green School concept to the estate. The school is being built right outside our gate and is set to open in January 2021. We are getting enquiries from all over the world from people who want to live here and have their kids attend. It’s very exciting,” says Neethling. COMFORT ZONES Local investors are leading the international trend towards buying in a secure estate that is linked to premium educational facilities. Sitari Country Estate near Somerset West has a Curro school that caters for children from the age of three months through to Grade 12. “A new upmarket shopping centre also contributes to convenience,” says Claudius Combrinck, executive director of property sales for Sitari Country Estate. Security remains the top consideration when choosing to live in an estate rather than in a traditional residential suburb, and Sitari keeps working at improving its standards in this regard. Combrinck says the Amdec Group will develop more homes and communal facilities within Sitari this year, given that lifestyle and recreation also rank high among the draw cards of secure lifestyle estates.