Rare Commercial Opportunity in Grand Bahama

Lot size 1.299 acres Located next to Freeport Harbour Over 10,000 square feet of office space Once listed at $2,900,000 ANY AND ALL OFFERS DUE BY JUNE 10, 2015 CALL NIKOLAI SARLES AT 242.727.8887 FOR A VIEWING TODAY! VIEW FULL LISTING HERE. Coldwell Banker James Sarles Realty · 242.351.9081

Caribbean Journal: At Grand Bahama's Best Restaurant, A New Kind of Island Cuisine

International News Feature via Caribbean Journal:

April 25, 2015

By Joshua Martinez
CJ Contributor (Click here for original story at caribjournal.com)

FREEPORT —“I’m here because it’s home.”

It’s this kind of passion that always emanates from Chef Tim Tibbitt’s voice, and it’s something that resonates throughout his restuarant.

Tibitts, a native of the Bahamas, opened Flying Fish Modern Seafood in 2012 with his wife, Sommelier Rebecca Tibbitts.

Since then, it’s been a magnificent journey that has seen the eatery become not just the best restaurant in Grand Bahama, but one of the region’s best.

The restaurant sits aside a pier overlooking the waters of Bell Channel Bay, with a facade very much in line with the nearby, rustic island architecture.

Above: Chef Tim Tibbitts

But once one steps inside, everything changes — to something closer to Ocean Drive in Miami.

It’s hip, it’s sleek, it’s contemporary — attention to detail is Flying Fish’s hallmark, embodied in everything from the in-house-designed cutlery to the plating, which is often performed via tweezers.

That’s because when Flying Fish styles itself as Modern Seafood, it means modern.

This is the wider Caribbean region’s hub of molecular gastronomy, applying cutting-edge culinary science to classic island cuisine.

That means the kinds of dishes that have as many as 27 elements, often with delightfully playful manifestations, especially the use of foam.

The latter, Tibbitts tells me, “lets you place [flavour] exactly where you want it.”

Try the tasting menu here and you get a gastronomic tour de force that draws from the Chef’s own story: the Mahi Mahi is a fusion of German-Southeast Asian and Bahamian tastes, and the Grilled Calamari is his now-signature dish.

The emphasis here is on local sourcing, like dragonfruit sorbet and Wahoo cured in Bahamian-pink-sand-distilled vodka.

Here in Tibbitts’ laboratory, there is a stunning alchemy going on.

Walk inside from Freeport to Miami and suddenly you’re transported right into Tibbitts’ home.

Tibbitts is here because he’s home, and he wants you to join him for dinner.

— CJ

Stunning: 20 Princess Isle - Auction without Reserve

One of the finest homes on Grand Bahama Island—the ultimate in tropical island luxury—Auction without Reserve.

Coldwell Banker James Sarles Realty:  242.351.9081

Previously Offered for

$13,800,000

Auction

May 14, 2015

Format

Without Reserve

Listing Agent

James Sarles

Lot Size

1.72 acres

Sq. Ft

13600

Bedrooms

6

Bathrooms

6 full / 1 half

ConciergeAuctions

In the News: James Sarles to Be Honored for Columbus House Big Brother / Big Sister Youth Mentoring Work

The time to invest in Grand Bahama is NOW

Three great commercial listings worth noting!  For more information see individual listings at sarlesrealty.com or call 242.351.9081.

Christine Matthäi's Fine Art Photography Exhibit Thursday January 29th at Coldwell Banker James Sarles Realty Offices

Please join us this coming Thursday evening, January 29, 2015, from 6 to 8 pm

for an exhibit of Christine Matthäi's fine art photography

at the offices of Coldwell Banker James Sarles Realty

on Retail Street at the Grand Lucayan Resort.

Enjoy a glass of prosecco

and listen to the sultry sounds of Jazz Bossa by Counterpoint.

And it's for a great cause too: 30% of any art sold that evening will be donated to the

Big Brother / Big Sister youth mentoring program of the Rotary Club of GB Sunrise.

Invite your friends—hope to see you there!

Auction in NYC January 28: Grand Bahama's Seaview Estate, Princess Isle

Auction coming up January 28, 2015 at the Trump Soho, New York City. 

2 Properties, both selling without reserve.

Beachfront estate with canal access // was $5.4 M

1.5-acre beach lot with canal access // was $1.2 M

For digital brochure, click here.

For more information, click here or contact James Sarles at 242.351.9081.

Rotary of GB Sunrise Bring Together Young at Heart during Holidays

The Big Brother / Big Sister program of youth mentorship for the teens of Columbus House for Girls  & Boys, spearheaded by Rotary Club of GB Sunrise President, James Sarles, held a touching holiday gathering and concert recently at the “Home Away from Home” Old-Aged Home on Grand Bahama.

As a Christmas treat for the elderly residents, the children put on a holiday concert which was well received by all the young at heart. The children enjoyed performing for the senior residents and they did an excellent job. The teens also brought gifts for each elderly resident and spent time talking with them, feeding them holiday party fare, and spreading good cheer.

As part of the Columbus House teens’ weekly group outings, ju jitsu classes, and life-skill development activities, the teens have been taking guitar and music classes with master guitar teacher, Steve Persaud, every Saturday morning with the assistance of members of The Rotary Club of GB Sunrise.

Their teens’ musical concert enchanted one and all, as did the touching time the youth spent making connections that expands the family of the heart.

“Home Away from Home” Old-Aged Home Director, Mervie Knowles, shared her thoughts “… it was beautiful to see how the two worlds of Columbus House and the Old Age Home came together to bring life and caring to each other. The  wonderful music, simple smiles, and caring touches do so much to stir the spirit and share the true joy of connection that Christmas is all about.”

Special thanks to Marina Gottlieb Sarles and Steve Persaud who worked with the children to prepare for the concert, and to mentor them in their music each week.

To support or assist this ongoing youth mentorship program, which includes job placement assistance and ongoing mentoring to ensure self-sufficiency once the teens come of age, or to see other activities sponsored by the Rotary Club of GB Sunrise, see their Facebook page online. Giving is a great way to start off the new year!

Two New Ships for Grand Bahama

by Kendea Smith, Ministry of Tourism

December 16, 2014

via TheBahamasWeekly.com

Freeport, Bahamas - In an effort to continue ongoing recovery in the nation’s second city, the government this week announced that two new ships will be heading to Grand Bahama’s cruise port come 2015.

During a special press conference at Grand Lucayan, Prime Minister Perry Christie announced that the Bahamas Celebration, which was destroyed by an accident on October 31, will be replaced with the Grand Celebration.

“The new “Grand Celebration” replacement ship comes with 50 percent more capacity and projects some 280,000 year round passengers with not less than 100,000 electing to purchase a two or more night stay in GBI combination with the cruise boosting room nights sold from just under 50,000 versus full year 2014 to 125,000 minimum 2015,” he said.

The ownership has also committed to create new job opportunities for not less than 300 Bahamians in the first phase of their operations and ultimately hopes Bahamians can qualify for 100 per cent of the 632 jobs on this Grand Bahama based ship serving the island exclusively from the Port of Palm Beach.

Meanwhile, the Balearia – a $100 million new vessel – will arrive in Grand Bahama this weekend. Built in Spain four years ago, it is one of the newer of the vessels in the company’s fleet. The super-fast cruise ferry sails up to 23 knots in speed. Amenities include a full breakfast buffet restaurant, casino, a la cart restaurant, bars, entertainment for children, spa and a tropical pool bar on the upper deck. The ship has a capacity for 1,000 passengers and 200 containers.

The ship sails from Freeport at 7:00 p.m. and from FLL at 8:00 a.m.

As a result of the new vessel, 30 new direct jobs in the Bahamas and 150 indirect jobs will be created.

“The company is further solidifying its relationship and partnership with Grand Bahama Island by moving all call center sales from the US to Grand Bahama Island, supporting this MOT initiative. The call center presently employs 30 Grand Bahamians who are qualified to respond to queries about the Islands of The Bahamas as well as book air, now sea packages,” Prime Minister Christie said.

“CEO Hernan Calvo thanks the Bahamas Government for the endless help and support that his company has received. He further states that any new ventures would not have been possible without the permanent support of the Ministry of Tourism.

“The goal has always been to allow visitors a “Grand Experience” on Grand Bahama Island. It is clearly evident by the increase in investment; additional hotel rooms, new gateways from the US and Canada offering direct airlift and sealift, we are creating the perfect storm to guarantee “The Grand Life” to everyone visiting and living on Grand Bahama Island.

Executive Vice President of Grand Celebration Glen Ryerson said the company is happy to launch the new cruise line.

“This comes as a result of the wonderful work of the prime minister, the minister of tourism, the director general, the promotional board and so many others,” he said.

“Our goal is to bring more 100,000 people to stay on the island and we very much appreciate the partnerships.”

Chief Executive Officer of Balaeria Bahamas Herno Caho also expressed his gratitude.

“Our new vessel is right here in Grand Bahama. It’s a brand new vessel and it is one of the most modern vessels. It has the capacity for 1,000 and a $100 million investment,” he said.

The new vessel will have new pools, a new casino and a spa.

“We are improving our services and we are really glad to be here to bring a newer and bigger vessel. We hope to give life to the island and also all our passengers will come off and stay in Grand Bahama,” Mr. Caho said.

The Balaeria will also have a package feature that will begin in January 2015.

"One small act of generosity on the part of one caring person can transform the lives of hundreds …"

Dear Friends,

Seasons Greetings!

As many of you know our company Coldwell Banker James Sarles Realty has been coordinating our own personal Basket Brigade for the last 7 years and we are asking for your help once again.

The Basket Brigade is built on a simple notion: "One small act of generosity on the part of one caring person can transform the lives of hundreds. It takes only one light to dispel the darkness, and even just one basket or a few, to bring hope!"  

Each year, a few days before Christmas, our entire  Coldwell Banker James Sarles Realty staff assembles food baskets and gift cards from Sawyers supermarket for  familes on Grand Bahama Island who can't afford anything special for Christmas.  We find the most needy people on Grand Bahama through a variety of sources and acting as delivery people we anonymously deliver throughout Grand Bahama Island with a simple note that says:

"This comes to you from someone who cares about you. All we ask is that you take care of yourself well enough to be able to do this for someone else someday."

If you feel called to help our program please stop in the office or mail us a check to:

James Sarles Realty

"Basket Brigade"
#9 Regent Center East
Freeport, Bahama
P.O. F-43152

We accept PayPal too.  Send PayPal funds to jamessarlesrealty@gmail.com

To wire funds contact Kim Anthony at kanthony@coralwave.com 

Every little bit helps.

Thanks in advance for your help and support, – James

Old Bahama Bay: Private Beachfront Income Producing Getaway

In the prestigious and exclusive gated community of Old Bahama Bay in Grand Bahama Island's West End, this unique condo/hotel residence, with yacht dockage right outside your door, combines all the amenities of a serene sophisticated upscale tropical retreat with opportunities for shared rental income. Situated right on a beautiful sandy-white beach overlooking clear turquoise ocean vistas, this Old Bahama Bay home is only 35 minutes by air from South Florida-just 55 nautical miles from West Palm Beach.

A yacht owner's dream with modern fully-equipped docks that can accommodate 72 vessels up to 120 feet are just steps away. Access to some of the most gorgeous and abundant ocean waters is just as close-mere moments away-with everything about this small private community designed for ease and ultimate enjoyment.

A private airport (MYGW) is right next door and open during daylight hours with pre-approved landing and on site Customs & Immigration clearances. Scheduled commercial airline access via Grand Bahama International Airport (FPO) is also available, as well as Sea Plane service via Tropic Ocean Airways.

The relaxed and serene natural beauty of the island's West End makes it an unforgettable place to retreat with family and friends, or small group conferences and corporate meetings. This condo/hotel comes complete with:

2 Master Suite Bedrooms (with ensuite baths and kitchenettes)

2 Junior Suite Bedrooms (with two twin beds)

2 Guest Suite Bedrooms (accessed via Master Suite, private baths)

Hotel doors with private entrances to each suite allow visiting groups a sense of togetherness as well as space of their own. Each suite is tastefully furnished with fine finishes, and homeowners receive substantial discounts on on-site restaurants, docking fees, and additional suite rentals.

Room service, a sparkling pool, as well as a complete array of top-notch spa services and therapeutic massage are available. Old Bahama Bay Resort & Yacht Harbour also offers a wide variety of water sports activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, deep sea charter fishing, kayaking, world-class bone fishing, explorations of the area's amazing coral reefs, plus new tennis courts, bicycles, beach volleyball, hammocks, and kids activities. Car rentals are also available directly on-site, with golf courses, dolphin experiences, a casino, and Port Lucaya's collection of shops, boutiques, and waterfront restaurants just a short 30-minute drive away on good roads.

This unique condo/hotel is an unparalleled opportunity to blend a spectacular location with savvy investing. Contact James Sarles at Coldwell Banker James Sarles Realty for more information or to schedule a viewing: 242.351.9081 | jamessarlesrealty@gmail.com

Listing details

Ref#	8221
Price	$1,500,000
Property type	Condo/Townhouse
Status	Active
Beds	6
Baths	6
Island	Grand Bahama
Subdivision	West Grand Bahama
Features	Beach access Dock Furnished Marina Ocean front Pool Turnkey

Spacious Waterfront Mansion on Grand Bahama Waterway

Video Tour: http://vimeo.com/110429786

For more information, see listing #8219 at sarlesrealty.com or click here.

Home Sweet Home

Say Hello: New Offices on Grand Lucayan Retail Street

Support Rotary Club of GB Sunrise's Columbus House Youth Mentoring & Win A Pelican Bay STAY-CATION for This Weekend!

Proceeds benefit the Rotary Club of GB Sunrise Columbus House Youth Mentoring / Big Brother Big Sister program. A great late-summer get away THIS weekend only, for a great cause!

Office Now Located at Grand Lucayan Retail Street-Stop & Say Hello!

Exchange Students' Farewell Meeting at Rotary Club of GB Sunrise

At the weekly Wednesday morning meeting of the Rotary Club of GB Sunrise on Wednesday, 9 July 2014, Exchange Students from Slovakia and Germany talked to the club about their wonderful experience living in Freeport, Grand Bahama, during this past year. Katarina Sopakova (Slovakia) and Katrin Wohltmann (Germany) each spoke of how much they had learned about the Bahamian culture while on the island, and that they are sad to see their year’s stay coming to an end as they return to their home countries.

    

Returning Rotary Exchange Student and local resident, Alexis DeGregory, spoke to the club about her year in France, where she was able to join a Euro tour and visit landmarks all over the European continent. She has returned home now fluent in French as well!

Outbound Exchange Student, Fuliece Collie, is leaving sometime in August and will be studying and living in Finland with her host family. The Rotary Club of GB Sunrise is her sponsor for this trip. She reported being very excited to start her new adventure, and expressed her thanks and gratitude to the club for choosing and sponsoring her for this coming year.

If you’ve been wondering about how the Rotary Student Exchange program works, here’s a quick introduction:

YOUTH EXCHANGES

Are you interested in learning a new language or meeting new people? Rotary Youth Exchange is the opportunity of a lifetime for the more than 8,000 students who participate each year. By sharing your own culture and embracing a new one, you help foster global understanding—and learn a great deal about yourself and your home country in the process.

WHAT IS A ROTARY YOUTH EXCHANGE?

Youth Exchange is a study-abroad opportunity for young people who spend anywhere from a few weeks to a full year as an international student hosted by local Rotary Clubs.

IS AN EXCHANGE RIGHT FOR ME?

Exchanges are for people ages 15–19 who:

·         Have demonstrated leadership in their school and community

·         Are flexible and willing to try new things

·         Are open to cultural differences

·         Can serve as an ambassador for their own country

The Rotary Club of GB Sunrise meets each Wednesday morning at 7:00 am at Geneva’s Restaurant, East Mall Drive (Across from Wendy’s). Visitors are welcome to drop in without reservations.

For information, visit facebook.com/gbsunriserotary

Photo Caption: (left to right) Rotary Club of GB Sunrise President, James SarIes; Inbound Exchange Student from Slovakia, Katarina Supakova (Rotary Club of GB Sunrise); Outbound Exchange Student, Fuliece Collie (Rotary Club of GB Sunrise); Rebound from France Exchange Student, Alexis DeGregory (Rotary Club of GB Sunrise); Inbound Exchange Student from Germany Katrin Wohltmann (Freeport Rotary Club); Grand Bahama Host Parent, Richard Bates (Freeport Rotary Club).

Grand Bahama's West End Private Airport Now Open

By Old Bahama Bay via thebahamasweekly.com Jun 6, 2014

West End, Grand Bahama Island, The Bahamas (June 5, 2014) -- The West End Airport (MYGW) is a private airport available for use as of June 1, 2014 (with advance permission). The new airport opens Old Bahama Bay Resort & Yacht Harbour and the idyllic destination of West End, Grand Bahama Island to private pilots and charter operators. Just 55 miles from Palm Beach, Florida and with 6,000 feet of paved runway, the West End Airport is a pilot’s dream.

The airport is a daytime only, VFR only, airport. No instrument approaches are available and no night landings/takeoffs permitted. The airport is open 7 days a week from 8 am to 5 pm but only if prior arrangements have been made. The ICAO code is MYGW and the IATA code is WTD.

Only aircraft which have been pre-approved by West End Airport Management and Bahamas ATC may land. This requires that the registration number of the aircraft be submitted and approved. To determine if an aircraft is already approved or to get an aircraft pre-approved, the registration number must submit to Ashley Smith, Airport Manager, at AshleyJamesSmith1940@gmail.com or call (242-727-1335).

Airport fees and charges are being finalized at this time.Maximum aircraft landing weight limits also apply. No fuel, GPU or aircraft tug services currently available.

“This airport now gives West End a competitive edge in appealing to the private pilot market and the discerning luxury market,” states James Culmer, General Manager of Old Bahama Bay.

Private pilots can also take advantage of a special package from Old Bahama Bay. Click here for details.

Old Bahama Bay and West End Village are located approximately 25 miles west of the city of Freeport, Grand Bahama. With its 73 rooms, beachfront dining and 72 marina slips, Old Bahama Bay has a barefoot elegance ambiance with an out-island remote feel, but with the convenience of major destination amenities all just 26 miles away. For more information or reservations please call 1-888-983-6188, email sales@oldbahambay.com or visit www.oldbahamabay.com.

Rotary International Atop Sydney Harbour Bridge—Smashing World Records to Help Eradicate Polio

James Sarles, incoming President of Rotary Club of GB Sunrise

Greetings from Sydney, Australia from the Rotary International Convention. I am excited to be part of History when we smashed two world records to raise funds and awareness about polio eradication. On the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge.  I climbed the bridge with 340 Rotarians from around the world and waived 278 flags. Watch the video by clicking on the link here.

We raised funds to immunize about 240,000 children against polio, which is a disease without a cure. 

http://kxan.com/2014/05/30/two-world-records-smashed-atop-sydney-harbor-bridge/

Rotary of GB Sunrise Hosts Successful Annual Cigar Nights 2014 Event to Benefit Columbus House Big Brother/Big Sister Youth Mentoring Program

Over 300 people turned out Saturday evening, May 17, 2014 and had a fabulous time at a vintage Havana-themed “Cigar Nights” event at Pelican Bay Hotel’s Canal House to support Rotary of GB Sunrise’s youth mentoring program, the Safe Swim program, and Cat’s Eye road reflector work.

Latin music was provided by a band featuring Steve Persaud, Clarence Green, Larry Lewis, and Marina Gottlieb Sarles, together with a special performance by the teens at Columbus House who have been taking music lessons as part of the ongoing youth mentoring in the Big Brother/Big Sister program.  The music added festive notes to the party, which also included top prizes donated by the community and auctioned off “Chinese style” —which gives raffle ticket buyers a chance to choose which prizes they’re interested in winning via how they distribute their tickets.

Latin-themed food, salsa dancing, hand-rolled cigars courtesy of Graycliff Nassau, a appearance by Miss Grand Bahama, and rum sampling also rounded out the popular party—which included lots of fun photo props and opportunities to show off fedoras and vintage Havana-inspiredfashion.

Incoming Rotary of GB Sunrise President, James Sarles, commended the committee on their work in putting the event together and noted, “We are so pleased to see the community come together to support our youth mentoring of these young men and women at Columbus House. It is inspiring to see support from everywhere in Grand Bahama join forces to have a really fun evening and to give time and funds to continue our work in the community. Thank you to everyone who attended and volunteered to make this an extra special event—including Pelican Bay Hotel, Columbus Communications, BWA, B & B Galaxy Waste Management, Gaylord Taylor, Paint Fair, Cafferata &  Co., The Dames Family, Reef Golf Course, Old Bahama Bay, Longs Marine, UNEXSO, Roosters Party Bus, Malvese Capron, JS Johnson, Ryan Carroll, Flying Fish Restaurant, Maitland Cates, and Global Tech Services.”

Hand rolled cigars were demonstrated by expert cigar roller from Graycliff, Nassau

CROWD:  Attendees of Cigar Nights 2014 applaud a musical performance by members of the Columbus House Big Brother / Big Sister Youth Mentoring program.

Teens from Columbus House play a musical number with Spanish guitar teacher, Steve Persaud and the Latin Band at Cigar Nights 2014

Teens from Columbus House

Teens from Columbus House getting ready for their musical performance at Cigar Nights 2014

WORKING TOGETHER: Rotary Club of GB Sunrise brings together a fabulous party to support their community improvement work in Grand Bahama

COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Brittney Baldwin and James Sarles of Rotary Club of GB Sunrise Big Brother / Big Sister Youth Mentoring Committee

For more photos of Cigar Nights 2014 on the Rotary Club of GB Sunrise Facebook Page—click here.