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Nova Scotia’s Fox Harb’r Resort

Travel

Properties with comfortable luxury and East Coast charm for rent or purchase

Luxury doesn’t always mean tropics and passports. Canadians are indeed blessed with our own indulgent endowments. And no region in the country embodies the very essence of Canadian luxury – both in scenic splendour and community hospitality – like Nova Scotia.

Fox Harb’r is nestled into the utopic wonder of Nova Scotia’s Northumberland Shore, the inarguable diadem of Canada’s Ocean Playground. Its warm-water ocean beaches and temperate climate boast a world-class wine industry, the world’s best lobster, and incomparable scenery. But what makes this slice of Canada special and a worthy spot for your vacation investment?

Two words: Maritime hospitality.

The 5-star resort with white glove service, a Graham Cooke-designed championship golf course, an award-winning spa, celebrated chef Shane Robilliard, a world-class sport shooting facility, a junior Olympic-size pool, and peerless fitness facility; plus horseback riding, kayaking, boat charters, and more are informed and infused with the unique charm, curiosity, and charisma of bluenosers. The majority of Fox Harb’r’s staff are from Nova Scotia (and the North Shore), and they welcome you into their home and community in a way no other people could imagine in their most hospitable dreams.

Whether you’re interested in a short stay or lifelong experience, Fox Harb’r’s adaptive luxury resort approach caters to boutique vacationing like no other Atlantic venue. Studio and executive suites, as well as townhouses and custom homes, are at the ready for your getaway’s indulgence. Every amenity and luxury are provided, from bonfire set-ups and s’mores fixings to the finest of dining featuring farm- and pond-to-table, “seasonally inspired menus showcasing the best local flavours and the freshest ingredients,” all served at their oceanside restaurant, Cape Cliff Dining Room and Willard Pub.

Interested in making your vacation permanent? Fox Harb’r offers a variety of ownership opportunities. Resident Membership includes all the boutique amenities that await our guests, plus the freedom and comfort of a luxury Maritime experience, at-the-ready and at your disposal year-round. Executive townhomes of understated elegance, Marina Landing’s modern open-concepts, or custom-made abodes offer unique, designer homes that balance east coast-style architecture with contemporary amenity and sophistication – all tailored to prospective homeowners’ spirit and individuality.

“The perfect expression of your independent-minded spirit, whether this is your principal residence or luxury vacation home. When you own at Fox Harb’r, you are part of a community of unique individuals in a world-class resort.”

But, at the end of the day, Fox Harb’r is not about golf, or luxury, or escape. It’s about, “the people. The staff takes pride in the resort and it shows. There are many employees that have been at the resort for 10-plus years and some have been here before it’s inception in 2000.” Come home to Fox Harb’r.

1.866.257.1801 • guestservice@foxharbr.com • foxharbr.com
Your Luxury Home on Nova Scotia’s Northumberland Shore Awaits

Unwind in Absolute Luxury at Bali’s Como Shambhala Estate

Travel

Evening view of the steps up to Kudus House restaurant at the Como Shambhala estate with lanterns on the steps and the surrounding patio.A stay in Bali’s Como Shambhala Estate is a truly unique experience – a haven set within a lush tropical paradise, which encourages guests to reflect, re-examine and restore their wellbeing, health and lifestyle. Operated by the international Como Group, it ticks all the boxes of a luxury hotel – stunning location, wonderful staff, and delicious cuisine, as well as first class facilities and accommodation. Rather than being a ‘resort’, the Estate offers guests a ‘retreat’ experience.

There are a plethora of residences, suites and villas to choose from, to suit solo travellers, couples and large groups alike. On arrival, a personal assistant greets you and remains on hand throughout your stay. Firstly, you’ll be whisked off to your chosen oasis, where check-in is completed in the comfort of your own room. This is followed by a private consultation to arrange your dietary, wellness and activity preferences, including classes, activities, treatments and even a personalised menu if necessary.

Infinity pool of the Wanakasa private residence with an adjacent terrace with lounge beds and a parasol with a backdrop of the Bali jungle.

Set at the top of a hill with a breathtakingly lush backdrop, the Como Shambhala Estate is surrounded by trails, waterfalls, streams and stepping stones, among paths that lead you down towards the Ayung River. The soporific sound of the different bodies of water inherently promotes relaxation, and once the sun goes down, you’ll instead start to hear an all-enveloping symphony of chirps, clicks and croaks from the surrounding jungle, which highlight Bali’s rich biodiversity.

Two private lounge beds in the Bali jungle by a river with personal assistant preparing food nearby.The aromas of the oils and candles spill out of the treatment areas dotted around the Estate and mix with the fresh mountain air. The Estate’s twelve resident therapists cater for all manner of hands-on healing, and there’s a comprehensive treatment menu including different styles of massage, Reflexology, Warm Muscle Wraps and Hot Stone treatments.

If you’re in the mood for something more active, resident teachers lead a wide and varied activities programme – there are fitness, yoga and pilates instructors ready to work with you, plus a number of martial arts classes, and pursuits like tennis, hiking, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and outdoor circuit training.

Two chefs preparing food on wooden chopping boards on a table with small wooden ramekins containing ingredients in the foreground.

To round off the perfect day, you have a choice of two restaurants run by the Estate’s resident chefs – Kudus House, a 155-year old former Javanese residence that concentrates on regional influences, spices and dishes, or Glow, a covered terrace that serves healthy yet sumptuous dishes from around the world. All ingredients are organic and locally sourced where possible, and the quality and freshness of the produce speaks for itself.

View of Como Shambhala’s Wanakasa private residence in the distance surrounded by the Bali jungle.A break at the Como Shambhala Estate is everything you need to reset, and improve your mental and physical wellbeing, whilst being surrounded by the luxuriant jungle. It is the ideal getaway, offering personally curated stays in true luxury and style, aided by people who are truly passionate about the experiences they’re offering. There is no doubt that you’ll head home feeling rested and rejuvenated, and with wonderful memories.

Image Gallery:

Click here for more information. Words: Siobhan Hewison, Photography: Como Shambala

A Getaway to River Rock

Travel

One of the wonderful things about larger countries like Canada is that there are travel options within the borders. Particularly in Canada and the U.S., there is so much to see that one doesn’t need to leave the country to enjoy a remarkable getaway. In this post we’ll look not at any of the big cities or famous nature reserves around the country, but rather at a small but remarkable resort near the U.S. border in British Columbia. The River Rock Casino Resort can make for a beautiful and entertaining vacation, no matter where in North America you may hail from.

Located on the banks of the Fraser River on Lulu Island, the River Rock Resort is a picturesque destination built in the image of an oversized cabin, and perched above its own small river harbour. Lodgins vary from cozy, contemporary rooms that are competitively priced to more luxurious suites. And, as you may notice sifting through reviews, visitors frequently comment on the hospitality, which is top-notch without being particularly intrusive or overbearing.

The casino, which attracts many to River Rock, is among the more exciting and comprehensive offerings in Canada. The reality facing the casino industry is that a lot of players have been migrating to primarily online play, and business in Canada is no exception. There are several fully licensed online casinos operating in the country, each catering to a broad range of players and offering a wide variety gaming experiences. That convenience just can’t be matched by in-person venues. But at River Rock, you’ll find the kind of comforts and amenities that make in-person gaming valuable. There are uniformed dealers, professional tables, and scheduled events like poker tournaments and jackpot draws that all combine to make for a quality casino experience. It’s a nice throwback to the days before online gaming, yet it still feels somewhat modern in its own way.

The resort also caters to those who are looking to hold larger events, rather than simple vacation getaways or gambling adventures. It’s a somewhat unconventional setup, but guests can actually rent out a venue within the resort called the River Rock Theatre, and it can be configured to suit different purposes. There can be a stage or a dance floor, or you can have it set up more like a convention centre or dining room. Weddings naturally come to mind, but any sort of event can be hosted here within the comfort of the resort as a whole. It’s certainly a nice thing to keep in mind for potential destination events, if you happen to have any of those on your upcoming schedule.

Perhaps more than the resort itself, it’s the surrounding area that makes River Rock such an attractive getaway. The resort is just a short drive away from Vancouver, where many of the best things to enjoy are ideal daytime activities. That means a day trip to Vancouver to take in a beautiful beach or national park is perfectly feasible even if you want to spend the evening back at the River Rock. Similarly, a trip to Seattle or Olympic National Park south of the border is doable, though not nearly as convenient as Vancouver. For these destinations, you might want to think of adding a second leg to your trip.
All things considered, this is certainly a resort to keep on your list next time you’re plotting a getaway while never having to leave Canada.

Pura Vida

Real Estate, Travel

Experience the natural, cultural and political beauty that has been drawing Canadian investors towards Costa Rica.

The sunlight peers from behind a sheer, white curtain. A faint breeze flows past the barrier bringing with it the fresh, salty smell of the ocean. The waves crash against the rocks eloquently in the distance creating the perfect morning soundtrack.

Imagine waking up in this moment at any time you desire. While Canada’s climate has its own value, sometimes somewhere warmer and more relaxed is good for your soul. Expanding your Real Estate portfolio is one of the strongest investment decisions Canadians can make. Internationally, Costa Rica is one of the prime destinations to do so.Costa Rica

Costa Rica has a fascinating history and much like the breathtaking beaches it is home to, each grain of this history is integral to the story the country has to tell. Originally discovered by Christopher Columbus, it was given its name because of the decorative, gold bands the region’s inhabitants would wear in their noses and ears. Costa Rica translates into Rich Coast. They have a saying in the country, “Pura Vida,” which translates to pure life, and it is extremely reflective of the lifestyle in Costa Rica. As soon as you step foot on the warm, sandy beach or wander the labyrinth of one of its mysterious rainforests, you instantly forget the trouble and stress of everyday life and begin to embrace Pura Vida.

Politically, the country is the most stable in its entire region. It is known as the Switzerland of the Americas. Costa Rica has the longest standing democracy in Central America and eradicated its army in 1949. The government instead uses these funds for heath care and educational development, which is why it comes as no surprised that the citizens have one of the highest life expectancies in the Western hemisphere and a consistently growing literacy rate.

Economically, Costa Rica has been performing extremely well. Historically, the country has always been very dependent on the exporting of goods, mainly coffee, bananas and beef products; however, in the past few decades, tourism has quickly surpassed exporting as its main source of foreign exchange. The country is also becoming a leader in technological development. Well-known companies such as Intel, Amazon, HP and Proctor & Gamble have purchased space to operate out of Costa Rica.

As a vacation destination, Costa Rica is a very convenient choice. It is just hours away from North America and provides a desirable, tropical climate combined with calm, warm oceans and a whimsical, peace-loving populace. There are direct flights available from a number of major cities, including Toronto, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, Miami, LA, Denver, Charlotte, New York, New Jersey and many more. The tourism structure is based around the budget of a gallivanting backpacker, which helps to allow travelers of all budgets to experience the marvels that Costa Rica has to offer. Horseback riding, kayaking, parasailing, hiking, surfing, fishing, waterfall tours and zip lining are among the top activities to choose from while vacationing in this radiant country.Costa Rica

The country’s landscape is an alluring blend of natural wonders, including fierce volcanoes, magnificent rainforests and tranquil, eclectic beach communities. Costa Rica has an incredibly diverse ecological composition that includes five distinct ecosystems, namely dry forest, cloud forests, Mangroves, Paramo and coral reefs, all of which fuse together to create the mural that is Costa Rica. The adventure and exploration possibilities are so endless it can be overwhelming. Seeing everything in a short vacation would be impossible, but for those investing in property, the time constraints disappear into the sweet, salty ocean breeze.

Eclipsed in a unique, misty cover, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve in North Puntarenas is truly one of the most awe-inspiring sights one can experience. Unlike all the other rainforests in Costa Rica, this one has a soft blanket of mist covering its entirety. The mist is created due to high humidity at the elevation of 1,600 meters above sea level. The moisture beads that make up this blanket latch onto the tree branches and shelter the thriving ecosystem below.

Another site that should not be missed is the fierce Arenal Volcano National Park in Alajuela. The smoky peak of this volcano kisses the rolling clouds and is known around the world as one of the most beautiful volcanoes. Pre-Columbian inhabitants considered it to be sacred.Costa Rica

Guanacaste is one of the most popular provinces to visit in Costa Rica, and home to the luxurious Reserva Conchal Beach Resort, Golf and Spa. This is truly a one-of-a-kind destination for travellers looking to escape the grasps of their monotonous everyday routine. Spanning across 2,300 acres with 1,200 five-star residences this eco-friendly resort is dedicated to showcasing all that Costa Rica has to offer while maintaining a harmony with its natural surroundings.

For more information on Reserva Conchal, please visit: www.reservaconchal.com

The culture of Costa Rica is described as, “Happy, laid back, relaxed, diverse… Pura Vida. There is something for everyone here, but the overwhelmingly consistent factor for visitors and investors is how amazed they are at the quality of life and happiness,” explains Scott Cutter, a Real Estate broker with 2 Costa Rica Real Estate. There is no place better to experience this than Nosara, a tranquil beach community. It is the number one surfing destination in all of Costa Rica; Pura Vida is truly alive in Nosara. The town is defined by its worries-by-the-wayside attitude and the lack of commercialism it exudes. Affectionately known about town as “No Shirt, No Shoes, Nosara,” this surfers’ haven has three beaches for visitors to enjoy.Costa Rica

While these are merely a few highlights that Costa Rica has to offer, no matter where your feet land, you are bound to fall in love with the country. “Everything moves at a slower pace, which for some of the faster-paced visitors may take a little getting used to, but the heart of the people and the lifestyle in Costa Rica is all about enjoying and living life. The focus is on family, nature and sustainability in all senses of the word,” Scott explains.

Scott and his partner and brother Todd Cutter fell into their lives in Costa Rica Real Estate almost by accident. They began their own love affair with this country while working in the tourism industry. They were involved in hotel management and worked with a travel agency, which brought them to Costa Rica’s rocky shores. “Through our commitment to our clients, servicing their families and helping them have memorable experiences, we began to introduce them to the idea of owning a piece of the paradise that is Costa Rica,” Scott says. The demand for international investment properties has been growing in Canada, and Scott and Todd saw an opportunity for a new adventure in their careers.

Costa RicaGetting their brokerage up and running has been a long, but exhilarating process. They have a unique approach to the Real Estate industry that their clients respect. “Our deliberate approach is less about taking advantage of a booming market and moving quickly, and more about building long-term relationships and ensuring clients make the best investments possible,” Scott elaborates. The two have always focused on finding the right team members, slow and steady growth and a commitment to excellence. After nearly 15 years of experience in the industry, and 20 years spent in Costa Rica, the driven duo have established the most distinguished brokerage firm and consulting team in the country. Scott believes, “The key to investing is matching the destination, lifestyle and investment goals with your own and your family’s vision.”

If you’re interested in expanding into tropical, international Real Estate, Scott and Todd stress the importance of working on a macro to micro level, as they do with their clients. “Oftentimes we slow down the process to ensure we first educate clients and investors about Costa Rica as a destination. They need to know the people, the culture, the government, health care system and macro economic drivers,” he explains. It is very easy to fall in love with a beautiful condo or property, but it is important to view the country as a whole and take other things, including climate, infrastructure, lifestyle and amenities, into consideration as well.

“This country and its people represent everything which I hold and cherish as important in my life. A deep respect for the environment, amazing beauty everywhere you look and the opportunity to share memories with friends and family in one of the most magical settings on the planet,” Scott explains. Costa Rica is truly warm in both climate and genuine nature of its people.

For more information on 2 Costa Rica, please visit: www.2costaricarealestate.com

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