Saint-Barth (France): the paradisiac

For some twenty years now, Saint-Barthélemy, better known as “Saint Barth”, has been attracting the ultra-fortunate from all over the world. Moreover, this Caribbean island regularly tops the world rankings of the most popular places for the richest people to stay by the sea. In this jewel of the French West Indies of 24 km² inhabited by 10,200 inhabitants, the natural setting is idyllic: 32 kilometers of coastline, around fifteen white sand beaches, lagoons, coves with crystal clear water. The Coves of Colombier, Marigot and the towns of Saint-Jean, Gouverneur and Lorient are all places to enjoy. discover. Gustavia is one of the most exclusive residential areas of the island. This is where beautiful addresses are concentrated, namely gourmet restaurants, hotels and luxury boutiques.

 

To get a taste of this corner of paradise, a few ultra-rich people have dream second homes. From charming little villas on the heights of Vitet to exceptional properties overlooking Pointe Milou creek or Mirigot, second-home owners can enjoy the relaxed, discreet Caribbean lifestyle. A victim of its own success, the island's real estate market is booming due to limited supply in the face of exponential demand.

Ibiza (Spain): the festive

Off the coast of the Iberian Peninsula in the Balearic archipelago, the island of Ibiza is known worldwide for being « The » destination to experience memorable holidays where celebrities and DJs from all over the world parade. In addition to this lively atmosphere, the « white island » contains many places that are still wild and isolated. « Ibiza, biodiversity and culture » is also classified since 1999 a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In this natural environment where the pine forest predominates, the topography is hilly. The steep coasts of the island have cliffs in which numerous coves are hidden without forgetting the beaches bordered by clear water. Those of « Cala Comte », from « Las Salinas » and « Es cubells » are the most renowned. In this sunny climate, Ibiza offers an exceptional living environment where you can relax, it's a good place to live with luxury boutiques, art galleries and a diverse and gourmet culinary scene.

 

The island's real estate market attracts many buyers looking for tranquility, offering properties with swimming pools and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean sea. There we find the traditional “Finca” located in the heart of nature combining authenticity and modern comfort or even luxurious villas with infinity pools, offering a minimalist and pure atmosphere. Between the island's limited size and strict planning laws, supply remains limited in the face of sustained demand. Luxury real estate prices are expected to increase by 12% in 2024 according to the findings of Wealth Report, Knight Frank’s flagship study, which confirms the attraction of wealthy people to Ibiza. 

Positano (Italy): the romantic

In search of sun, relaxation in a postcard landscape? Destination Italy and more precisely Positano. Located at 50 kilometers south-east of Naples, this prestigious destination remains one of the favorites of the ultra-wealthy thanks to its romanticism and his breathtaking views. Nestled at the foot of a cliff, this village of 5,000 inhabitants is world-famous for its houses overlooking the Mediterranean sea, its steep cobbled streets and its fishing port where yachts come to anchor. This gem of the Amalfi Coast is known for its black sand beaches and turquoise waters. The chic and romantic charm of this « éden » transalpine remained almost intact since the 1950s when movie stars and other celebrities liked to stay there to taste the charms of the « dolce vita » and taste culinary specialties.

 

In Positano, exceptional historic villas, fully restored or contemporary, overlook the coast and offer panoramic views. In June 2024, the average asking price for properties for sale in Positano was €12,834/m², while some villas can reach several million euros. (1)

Comporta (Portugal): the authentic

130 kilometers south of Lisbon, the seaside resort of Comporta in the Alentejo region is the newest destination appreciated by wealthy clients in search of of discretion, serenity and nature. In a wild landscape composed of rice fields, dunes, forests, cork oaks and abundant wildlife, this site offers immense fine sandy beaches facing the waves of the ocean. In this part of the Lusitanian coast, nature is omnipresent and protected with the Arrábida national park and the estuary nature reserve. In 2017, the New York Times ranked this place in 25^th position of the most beautiful destinations in the world. In this earthly paradise there are no yachts, marinas, or even dance floors. Authenticity, relaxation and the sweetness of life are the signatures of this nestled place on a strip of land between the Sado River estuary and the Atlantic. Here, the fishing villages have preserved all their charm.

 

Typical properties consist of houses with red roofs. However, these rustic-looking dwellings were almost all revisited by renowned architects. Jacques Grange, a renowned French interior decorator, - who has had his « corner of paradise » for more than 30 years - decorated almost 50 « cabins » local resorts with swimming pools. The ever-growing reputation of this corner of Portugal is boosting the local real estate market, particularly with the recent construction of luxury villas with panoramic views, always in line with Comporta’s urban planning ethics. Furthermore, in the span of 3 years, the price of a 4-bedroom villa has been multiplied by three, now sailing around 1.5 million euros for a house, and starting from 4 million euros for a contemporary villa. (2)
 

(1)    https://www.immobiliare.it/en/mercato-immobiliare/campania/positano/
(2)    https://www.knightfrank.com/overseas-property/portugal-overview/comporta