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    Inside the $42 Million Bahamas Home Designed for Former J.Crew CEO Mickey Drexler

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    Mickey Drexler, the former CEO and chairman of J.Crew, not only has great taste in fashion but also has a keen eye for real estate. The retail legend commissioned the late French architect Thierry Despont to design several personal properties for him over the last few decades, including a rustic alpine retreat in Idaho and a sophisticated 9,000-square-foot townhouse in New York City, and in 2010, the architect completed a beachfront home in The Bahamas for Drexler and his wife Peggy. Known as Zehava and in the hands of only its second owner, the trophy estate is now being offered for a whopping $42 million, a sky-high figure that makes it the island’s most expensive single-family residential listing in The Bahamas.

    Nestled off the east coast of the island of Eleuthera, Zehava occupies three and a half acres within the prestigious Narrows enclave on Harbour Island, along what locals call Billionaire’s Beach, a pristine pink sand stretch of sand. Harbor Island has long been a somewhat under-the-radar hotspot for the world’s movers and shakers, including Taylor Swift, Tom Cruise, Diane von Fürstenberg and Barry Diller, David Letterman, and duty-free tycoon Robert Miller.

    Walls of windows give an intimate connection to the tropical surroundings.

    BOND Bahamas

    “Zehava represents a rare and unparalleled opportunity,” said broker Matthew Marco of Bond Bahamas. “With Thierry Despont’s visionary touch, this home blends timeless elegance with modern luxury, offering a living experience that is truly one-of-a-kind. Properties of this caliber, crafted by a master architect and located in such a coveted destination, seldom come to market—this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime chance to own a piece of architectural history in paradise.” 

    Sculpted from a combination of solid poured concrete, natural Brazilian hardwood, and cream-colored travertine stone, the 9,500-square-foot structure gains lightness thanks to a butterfly-style roofline that resembles lifted wings. Internally, the design makes the most of its waterfront vantage point with soaring high ceilings, dramatic expanses of glass, and foldable slatted wood walls that open to unite the indoor living spaces to the tropical landscape.  

    A two-bedroom cottage for guests adds to the sense of privacy and retreat.

    BOND Bahamas

    Despite its ample size, the main residence comprises just two bedrooms and two bathrooms, plus a powder room. In the commodious living room, a floor-to-ceiling wall of sliding glass doors lets the ocean air sweep right in while providing direct access to a covered patio. There’s also a more intimate den, a spacious dining room alongside a serving kitchen, with a galley-style chef’s kitchen clad in warm paneling off to one side. For visiting friends and family, there’s a two-bedroom, one-bath guest cottage.

    The grounds encompass broad decks that step down to palm-dotted lawns that roll down to the beach, sheltered terraces for escaping the sun, and a sunken pickleball court.

    Bedrooms spill onto water-view decks.

    BOND Bahamas

    Before the Zehava mansion hit the market, the highest-priced offering in the Bahamas was a $40 million property in Old Fort Bay dubbed Aspara. The oceanfront pad, which sold in April for $39.49 million, came with its own dock, a boat lift, and a private beach. 

    “The real estate market in the Bahamas has evolved to rival the world’s most exclusive destinations, such as the Hamptons, Malibu, and Palm Beach,” added Marco, who also represented the Aspara deal. “The demand for luxury properties here has surged as more discerning buyers seek not only a smart investment but also a serene, breathtaking environment to call home. The Bahamas is now firmly on the map as one of the world’s premier luxury markets.” 

    Click here to see more photos of Zehava. 

    BOND Bahamas

    Authors

    Abby Montanez

    Abigail Montanez is a staff writer at Robb Report. She has worked in both print and digital publishing for over half a decade, covering everything from real estate, entertainment, dining, travel to…

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      The Most Expensive Home in The Bahamas Just Sold for a Record $40 Million

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      Aspara, an ultra-opulent oceanfront mansion in The Bahamas, just traded hands for a record $39.49 million. Located within the exclusive Old Fort Bay community, the palatial estate marks the priciest residential sale publicly promoted on the island, according to Matthew Marco of BOND Bahamas, who represented both sides of the deal.  

      “Apsara is truly a one-of-a-kind gem, not only in The Bahamas but also in the entirety of the Caribbean,” said Marco in a press statement. “Having a stunningly designed and constructed estate with both oceanfront and canalfront access points, all while being located in the coveted and private Old Fort Bay enclave, Apsara is nothing short of the highest standard of luxury living.” 

      The oceanfront estate known as Aspara just set a real estate sales record in the Bahamas.

      Courtesy of BOND Bahamas

      The previous record was reportedly set in 2021 when country superstars Tim McGraw and Faith Hill offloaded their idyllic 20-acre private island, L’île d’Anges, aka Goat Cay, for a cool $35 million. 

      “Over the past few years, we’ve seen an uptick in high-profile, high-net-worth individuals looking for truly one-of-a-kind trophy residences across The Bahamas,” added Marco. “The sheer geographic constraints of the island only allow for so many waterfront residences like Apsara, making these exclusive Bahamian properties so coveted that their sale prices are now matching those of the largest U.S. markets.” 

      The original listing for Aspara touted its 150 feet of turquoise waterfront along with 150 feet of canal frontage, plus a private dock and boat lifts. The abode itself measures a whopping 14,000 square feet and features eight bedrooms and 10 full bathrooms.  

      A spacious loggia overlooks the swimming pool and ocean.

      Courtesy of BOND Bahamas

      The posh pad has a contemporary flair to it with a slew of amenities, including a state-of-the-art fitness center, a steam room, an elevator, and an 876-bottle glass-enclosed wine cellar. There’s also a custom gourmet chef’s kitchen for indoor entertaining, as well as a sunken dining area for alfresco meals. The home wraps around a lush interior courtyard and is lined with walls of glass that open up to sunny terraces, sprawling loggias, and a massive infinity pool. From here, you can walk down to your own private sandy beach. 

      “The Bahamas truly has everything a high-net-worth individual would look for in a luxury beachside residence,” added Marco. “The warmth of the people, the sophisticated infrastructure, the banking capabilities, the tax incentives, the gracious privacy, the stable government, and, of course, the most beautiful natural landscape in the world, all make the Bahamas a smart investment.” 

      Click here to see more photos of Aspara.

      Courtesy of BOND Bahamas

      Authors

      Abby Montanez

      Abigail Montanez is a staff writer at Robb Report. She has worked in both print and digital publishing for over half a decade, covering everything from real estate, entertainment, dining, travel to…

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      Aspara Bahamas in Photos

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      Published on April 30, 2024

      Courtesy of BOND Bahamas

      Authors

      Abby Montanez

      Abigail Montanez is a staff writer at Robb Report. She has worked in both print and digital publishing for over half a decade, covering everything from real estate, entertainment, dining, travel to…

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      Second Homes Will Continue to Draw Luxury Buyers Around the World in 2024

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      When the pandemic drove up housing prices and mortgage rates, many wealthy Americans jumped on the opportunity to acquire investment properties in less pricey foreign countries and, in some cases, to pack up and move overseas. While we’re only a few weeks into the new year, it appears that the uptick in affluent U.S. citizens heading abroad is continuing full steam ahead.

      According to the 2024 Trend Report, published by the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury program, nearly 40 percent of the survey participants intend on purchasing a home in a foreign country within the next year, and two-thirds said they plan on buying property abroad within the next five years.

      “If lower mortgage rate trends combined with the new inventory momentum continue, luxury homebuyers could be inspired to move forward with their next home purchase,” Michael Altneu, vice president of Coldwell Banker Global Luxury, said in the report. Altneu added that shoppers are prioritizing “new amenities” and are open to exploring “overseas options for their next property.”

      The report also found that location ranks as the top consideration among 45 percent of discerning consumers. About 29 percent of high-net-worth consumers are looking to move to Europe, while 28 percent are eyeing destinations in North America outside of the U.S., and 23 percent are considering the Caribbean.

      High-net-worth home buyers are looking to relocate to Europe and the Caribbean, according to a new report.

      Pexels

      On the flip side, the U.S. will continue to be a place of interest for deep-pocketed international buyers in 2024. Per the Coldwell Banker Trend Report, there was a 25 percent increase in the number of well-heeled foreign buyers purchasing real estate in the top 5 percent of the market in 2023. More specifically, those shoppers are looking to purchase property in bustling metros such as New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, and Washington, D.C.

      “We are seeing money from China, Singapore, Hong Kong, and the Middle East being ‘parked’ in real estate in California as a holding place for wealth,” said Paul Lester of The Agency Beverly Hills in the firm’s annual Red Paper Wealth Report.

      “Instability in various South American countries continues to make Miami real estate very attractive,” noted Daniel Tzinker of The Agency Miami. “In the past three years, we’ve seen 100+ businesses like Citadel, Amazon, and Tesla move to Miami, taking advantage of the favorable tax environment…world-class restaurants, private clubs, and art galleries have followed.” 

      Authors

      Abby Montanez

      Abigail Montanez is a staff writer at Robb Report. She has worked in both print and digital publishing for over half a decade, covering everything from real estate, dining, travel and topics…

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      Royal Island in Photos

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      Published on January 11, 2024

      J. Christie & Vladi Private Islands

      Authors

      Abby Montanez

      Abigail Montanez is a staff writer at Robb Report. She has worked in both print and digital publishing for over half a decade, covering everything from real estate, dining, travel and topics…

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      First Look Inside Vie L’Ven, St. Maarten’s New Luxury Resort and Residences

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      Vie L’Ven, a forthcoming resort and residential property from Altree Developments, is bringing a new level of luxury to the Dutch side of the Caribbean island of St. Maarten.

      The project is slated to make its debut in 2028, and Robb Report got an exclusive first look at the renderings. The development—the name translates to “life to live”—will feature a hotel component alongside a collection of fully furnished homes ranging from $800,000 to over $2 million. Altogether, the Cay Bay project will comprise a total of 280 units with 190 hotel rooms, 60 of which will be suites, and 90 private residences.

      The open-air lobby entrance at Vie L’Ven, a forthcoming luxury residence in St. Maarten.

      Binyan

      “Vie L’Ven stands as a unique and unparalleled project in St. Maarten, distinguished by its singular luxury experience,” Zev Mandelbaum, CEO of Altree Developments, tells Robb Report. “With only one other five-star hotel catering to a similar clientele, Vie L’Ven’s presence fills a crucial gap, providing an exclusive destination that will undoubtedly be in high demand. The extensive amenities that will be offered at Vie L’Ven set it apart, establishing a standard of luxury unmatched anywhere else on the island.” 

      The property will feature a five-star hotel and a selection of private homes for purchase.

      Binyan

      Drawing upon both French and Dutch cultures for inspiration, the oceanfront building will be designed by award-winning architectural firm HKS with interiors by Toronto’s Studio Munge. In addition, the developer tapped Sotheby’s International Realty to handle all the sales and marketing. The homes on offer will be available in several different layouts, ranging from one-, two-, and three-bedroom residences that measure from 600 to 6,000 square feet. Owners will also have the option of entering their home into the resort’s rental program for short- or long-term stays.

      Naturally, residents will have access to all the hotel’s facilities, including its three swimming pools, signature restaurants, and 24/7 concierge services. The grounds will also sport a world-class fitness center and spa and can be reached via boat.

      An aerial view of the resort’s massive beachside swimming pool.

      BInyan

      “St. Maarten is a captivating island that seamlessly melds the cultural influences of both the French and Dutch, cultivating a distinctive European ambiance in the heart of the Caribbean,” adds Mandelbaum. “Embraced by natural beauty and tranquility, the island beckons with a plethora of attractions, from exhilarating nightlife to the allure of mega yachts. For those seeking a perfect blend of excitement and relaxation, St. Maarten promises a tapestry of unique experiences.”   More

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      From Mexico to Sardinia: Here Are the Most Expensive Airbnb Beachfront Rentals Around the World

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      Nothing says vacation like a trip to the beach. But how much would you splash out for a totally over-the-top rental? 

      For those yearning for a luxury weekend by the sea, a new study combed through the most expensive beachfront Airbnb listings in every country and came up with a ranking of the world’s top 10 priciest vacation properties. To put things into perspective, the report found that the average Airbnb rental goes for $137 per night. Naturally, the nightly rate for a billionaire-style villa on the beach is going to cost way more. Let’s get into it.  

      The most expensive beachfront Airbnb is an $18,000-per-night private island in the Bahamas.

      Courtesy of Airbnb

      There are two properties that rank as the most expensive Airbnbs on the planet. For an eye-watering $18,000 a night, you can book a stay at Middle Cay, an idyllic private island in the Bahamas, or live it up at Casa del Oso, a 10-bedroom waterfront mansion in Punta Mita, Mexico.

      In the third spot is Villa Harrah in Glenbrook, Nevada, which ranks as the most expensive rental in the United States. The 20,000-square-foot Lake Tahoe chalet, originally built in 1963 by casino operator William F. Harrah, runs a cool $17,000 per night. In comparison, the next most expensive vacation rental in the U.S. is the $11,000 per night Villa Salt Acres in Stonington, Connecticut, which includes 2,000 feet of pristine coastline with 400 feet of private beach, along with a boat dock, a tennis court, a movie theater, and a wine cellar.  

      Villa Harrah on Lake Tahoe is the priciest beachfront vacation rental in the United States.

      Courtesy of Airbnb

      Coming in at the fourth spot is Mansion Villa at Daios, a sea-facing retreat in Crete. The $16,995-per-night residence on Daios Cove, the most expensive Airbnb in Europe, offers panoramic ocean views, an infinity pool, a sprawling stone terrace, and an indoor spa area that’s replete with a sauna, a massage room, and a gym.

      If you’ve got $16,311 to burn, you can enjoy a stay at Finca J in the medieval Spanish village of Begur, and for $15,000, you can book a stay for up to 24 guests at Villa Punta Aguila inside the swanky Casa de Campo Resort in the Dominican Republic.  

      CieloMar in Costa Rica ranks seventh on the list and goes for $13,265 per night; the villa can accommodate up to 12 guests in six bedrooms. The home is shaped like the bow of a ship and comprises every enviable amenity imaginable, from a volcanic stone-lined infinity pool to a wet bar and a Zen garden.  

      Rounding out the top 10 are Crystal Springs, a $12,500-per-night beachfront compound in Barbados that provides a staggering 12,000 square feet across six buildings serviced by a staff of 14; the $12,000-per-night Pearns Bay House in Antigua, which can accommodate up to a dozen guests; and, for $11,946 per night, there’s Villa Hortensia on the coast of Sardinia. More

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      Buy Hard: This $37.5 Million Turks and Caicos Estate Was Once Owned by Bruce Willis

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      Die-hard fans of Bruce Willis now have a chance to live like the legendary American actor. A sprawling Caribbean compound formerly owned by Willis himself has just hit the market for $37.5 million.

      The property in question, known simply as the Residence, is nestled amid the exclusive Turks and Caicos archipelago on the picturesque private island of Parrot Cay. The eight-acre plot was first purchased by the 66-year-old leading man—known for films such as Die Hard, Pulp Fiction and The Sixth Sense, to name but a few—back in 2000, after which he spent the next four years building his dream home on the secluded, sunset-facing bay.

      Fit for an A-Lister, the beachfront estate comprises three stately hardwood-clad homes that collectively offer a total of 35,000 square feet of living space, along with 12 bedrooms and 14 bathrooms. The six-bedroom main house, which was treated to a full re-design in 2020, is geared toward entertaining family and friends. The entire upper level has been transformed into a “children’s dream space,” while the main level comes fitted with a lavish lounge and an epic cinema to catch up on Willis’s latest flicks.

      The beachfront property comes with three separate houses and four pools. 

      Provo Pictures for Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty

      To the north of the main house, there is a villa dedicated to the luxurious primary suite and a separate guest villa to accommodate fellow stars. Both villas are set a good distance from the main house and come with their own large pool. Speaking of pools, the property has four in total, as well as 1,100 feet of immaculate beach.
      Elsewhere outdoors, there is 18,000 square feet of decking for alfresco entertaining, along with a yoga pavilion and a children’s playground that boasts its own full-size wooden pirate ship.

      The main home offers six bedrooms and plenty of space for entertaining. 

      Provo Pictures for Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty

      The estate itself is part of the ritzy COMO Parrot Cay resort, which is owned by Singaporean hotelier Christina Ong. As such, it is serviced by a dedicated staff and supplemented by COMO management. If the property is sold at the asking price, it will set a record for the island nation and result in a nice profit for the current owners (the billionaire founders of Goosehead Insurance), who bought the place from Willis for $27 million back in 2019.
      “The property elicits beachfront fun, precious family time and restoration amidst a pristine white sandy bay and lush green gardens that make up this exceptional compound,” listing agent Nina Siegenthaler of Turks and Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty told Robb Report.

      Not to mention, it was built by the one and only John McClane.
      Check out more photos below:

      Provo Pictures for Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty

      Provo Pictures for Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty

      Provo Pictures for Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty

      Provo Pictures for Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty

      Provo Pictures for Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty

      Provo Pictures for Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty

      Provo Pictures for Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty

      Provo Pictures for Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty

      Provo Pictures for Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty

      Provo Pictures for Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty More