Bell Channel Beauty

Coldwell Banker James Sarles Realty Listing ID 6731

Think of this enchantingly beautiful and contemporary two-bedroom, two-bath, fully furnished townhouse as your ideal home away from home in the islands. Perfectly situated in the private, lushly landscaped, and gated community of Bell Channel Club and Marina, this condominium offers some of the loveliest sweeping ocean views of the pristine southern shores of Grand Bahama Island. With a delightful outdoor patio area overlooking the Bell Channel canal, sunsets, yacht watching, morning-coffee-sipping glimpses of dolphins, and intimate waterfront barbecues are just a sampling of the delightful possibilities built into this amazing location.

 

Access to a long walk along a sugar white sandy beach and crystal clear waters is never more than a few footsteps away in this unique condominium development’s offerings. A large swimming pool at the water’s edge, tennis court, poolside amenities, and boat dockage options makes this unit an easy choice for the best of everything—a quiet retreat, yet central to all of Grand Bahama Island’s most enjoyable experiences.

 

The relaxed beauty and well-maintained ambiance of Bell Channel Club and Marina are also reflected in this town home’s light and breezy contemporary furnishings. A well-outfitted modern kitchen, washer-dryer, wiring for high-speed internet access and cable television, and easy parking complete this picture of idyllic island living—ready and waiting as an excellent home-base for your palm-fringed dreams come true.

For more photos and info, click here, or contact James Sarles at 242.351.9081 or stop by our offices at #9 Regent Centre, Freeport, Grand Bahama Island.

Olympic Gold for Team Bahamas—Congratulations!!!!

The team of Chris Brown, Demetrius Pinder, Michael Mathieu and Ramon Miller became the first Bahamian Men's 4x400 meter team to win Olympic Gold—and the first men's team to outrun the USA in this event since the 1970's.

The entire Commonwealth of The Bahamas is celebrating, and we add our congratulations to "The Golden Boys" for their historic and winning performance—wooohooo!!!!

news and photo source: The Bahamas Weekly and ZNSBahamas.com

Olympic Gold Medalist Usain Bolt's Bahamas Paradise

Watching the lightening-flash Bolt win Olympic Gold in London is a reminder that the fastest man in the world was also quick to recognize the beauty and bliss of Rum Cay—a Bahamian island that is fast becoming a haven for top world-class athletes, entertainers, and celebrities who can choose anywhere in the world to live and choose The Bahamas. Fresh on the heels on having set a new world record for the 100 meters back in 2009, Usain Bolt invested in real estate on the very private (less than 100 inhabitants) Rum Cay—located just 345 miles southeast of Miami.

Congratulations to Usain Bolt—and to all the athletes competing in the London 2012 Olympics—and special high fives to all those who run to the clear seas and wonders of The Islands of The Bahamas every chance they get!

source: thebahamas.com  The Islands of The Bahamas

The Seaview Estate at Princess Isle

Our featured property is a gorgeous Grand Bahama beachfront estate overlooking a soft sandy beach and bright turquoise sea.

The five bedroom, five bath estate in the private gated community of Princess Isle includes an adjoining l00-foot deep water draft dock that can accommodate a yacht, sports fishing boat, and abundant water toys. An elegant design, this home features a beautiful pool, 23-foot ceilings, 2 master bedroom suites, a fantastic kitchen, a media center, and sun-dappled panoramic views throughout. For more photos and information click here, or call Coldwell Banker James Sarles Realty at 242.351.9081.

UNEXSO's Shark Dive

One of the joys of living in Grand Bahama is being surrounded by lots of recreational options that many people only get to experience on vacation. We played tourist today and went on the Shark Dive with UNEXSO (The Underwater Explorers Society). That's my wife, Marina (Mikki), and me in the photo (on the far left), upclose with the sharks. The shark feeder was Cristina Zenato who performs her magic feeding the sharks. She is truly amazing and this is an exhilarating bucket list experience with a world class organization, right here in Freeport, that you must see. You will be amazed. Thanks to the UNEXSO staff for the wonderful experience. If you have not experienced this event, you'll love it. Learn to Dive with UNEXSO and if you have not scuba dived in a while they have a great refresher course in the pool to get you diving again. Mikki and I were certified many years ago at UNEXSO by Ollie Ferguson and we had not scuba dived for 25 years. What a thrill. Thanks, Cristina. Thanks, UNEXSO.

UNEXSO Dive Team Manager, Cristina Zenato, feeding one of the sharks on the dive. Her connection with these wild creatures is so loving and intelligent.

Grand Bahama to Get U.S. Stem Cell Clinic

via The Bahamas Investor via RJR News

The Bahamas Ministry of Health has reportedly given the green light to a US investor to open a clinic specializing in stem cell therapy in Grand Bahama.

Okyanos Heart Institute will reportedly invest $5 million on equipment and construction to bring the island's first formidable medical tourism product to life.

The clinic will spend $3 million on equipment, and a further $2 million on construction and other related costs.

Geared towards "last chance" cardiac patients, the procedure involves the extraction of stem cells from body fat.

For original article that appeared in RJR News on June 19, 2012, click here

Video Tour of Gorgeous Princess Isle Estate

Take a tour of this amazing Princess Isle home ... enjoy!

(and for more info and details click here.)

Designer-Inspired Elegantly Relaxed Fortune Cay Home

Coldwell Banker James Sarles Realty Listing ID 7224

Nestled amongst 1.5 acres of beautifully landscaped fruit trees and flowering landscapes, this Italian-inspired home features top line designer detailing and a unique combination of relaxed elegance and striking beauty. Dock and floating dock in a wide lagoon. Calm zen-like feeling to the whole property.

Coldwell Banker James Sarles Realty Listing ID 7224

For more photos and information, click here, or call James Sarles at 242.351.9081.

Cigar Nights Event Benefits Rotary GB Sunrise Club Big Brother/Big Sister Program

Be part of the good times and Latin-inspired entertainment this Saturday evening, June 16, 2012 at the Rotary Grand Bahama Sunrise club's Cigar Nights at the Grand Bahama Sailing Club (former Sir Charles Hayward Yacht Club). Enjoy live music with the Cigar Nights Jazz Band (featuring Ralph Munnings on sax, Pat Boston on keyboard, and Marina Gottlieb Sarles singing), the DJ Unkel Sam, demonstrations of the art of cigar rolling, and a Chinese Auction (which operates like a collection of individual raffles for specific items, with bidders placing as many or as few tickets as they like in the draw for each prize.)

Singer Marina Gottlieb Sarles

The fun starts at 7 p.m. and benefits The Big Brother/Big Sister program of Rotary GB Sunrise.

Jujitsu Master Moss, James Sarles, and the boys from Columbus House during one of their weekly outings.

Tickets are available from James Sarles (351-9081) or at the door. Don your Vintage Havana-inspired hat or tropical dress and come out to enjoy a good time for a great cause. 

Elegant Fortune Cay Beachfront Estate

Listing ID 7118

This luxurious home along a stretch of sandy white beach is the epitome of delightfully deluxe island living. In the exclusive gated community of Fortune Cay—overlooking stunning aqua ocean vistas—this truly grand 11,000 square foot home features 6 bedrooms, 6.5 bathrooms, and all the finest amenities: pool, tennis court, guest cottage, and one and a half acres of lushly landscaped grounds. One of the finest residences of relaxed elegance Grand Bahama offers.

For more photos and information, click here, or call Coldwell Banker James Sarles Realty at 242.351.9081.

Listing ID 7118

Lucaya International School's Fishing & Splash Bash Fun

1st Place Boat Winner: "Matchless"

Center Photo: Anglers and their boat mates, From left to right: 

Brad Thompson, Paul Mellor, Ewa Mellor, David Mellor, Anita Mellor, Dave Mellor, Isabella Thompson,

Siobhan Bates, Thomas Bates

Grand Bahama's International Baccalaureate school, Lucaya International School, held its 2nd Annual Fishing Fling Tournament on May 27th with lots of fun and fine fishing right off our island's beautiful shores.

The Lucaya International School PTA and Fishing Fling Tournament Director, Jamie Rose, of OBS Marine, gathered more than 70 anglers to compete for the biggest fish, all in the name of school fundraising and great DJ, dancing, dining, and silent auction fun. At the Splash Bash after party (held at the Grand Bahama Sailing Club) valued sponsors from all over the community came together to help raise funds that will be put towards shading the school playing field and fulfilling the Lucaya International School's Teachers' Wish List—items that enhance children's classroom learning.

Click here to find out how you can join in the fun next year! For more event photos on Facebook, click here.

Congrats to everyone who participated and supported this much-anticipated annual event! Lucaya International School is an accredited college-preparatory, non-profit, independent, non-sectarian, and co-educational private school that serves the children of the local and international communities here on Grand Bahama.

Rotary Club of GB Sunrise 2nd Annual Cigar Nights June 16

I am wearing my Rotary Hat to ask for your support of the Rotary Club Of Grand Bahama Sunrise 2nd Annual Cigar Nights slated for June 16, 2012 at the Grand Bahama Sailing Club. (out east, near the Garden of the Groves)

Tickets are $50 and include getting to see an authentic cigar roller's artistry, music, food, Chinese style auction, dominoes and other activities. 

Everyone had fun last year, and you can see photos from last year's event here.

Proceeds go to assist the Rotary Club of GB Sunrise's ongoing community service projects such as the Big Brother Program and Safe Swim Zone. Your support is vital to the ongoing success of Rotary GB Sunrise’s efforts to provide support and assistance to our community.

Please let me know if you would like tickets and I'll have them dropped off to you.  Call me at 727-8888 or e-mail me: james (at) sarlesrealty.com 

We appreciate your support. Please share this post (via email or the Facebook or Twitter buttons you see below the post here) if you know of anyone who may be interested in attending. You don't have to be a cigar smoker to come out and join in the fun and help a great cause!  

Thank you,

James Sarles

World Class Toronto Jazz Pianist Steve Koven to Perform in Grand Bahama Tomorrow (May 25, 2012)

The Grand Bahama Performing Arts Society is treating the island to an evening of classic jazz starring Toronto jazz pianist, Steve Koven on Friday, May 25th at the Canal House at Pelican Bay. This world class musician, composer and teacher has traveled the world, performing with his trio and in solo concerts, and conducting workshops for musicians where ever he goes. 

This is not the first time Steve has performed in The Bahamas, but it is his first visit to Grand Bahama, and he couldn't be more excited. Not only will he get to enjoy some of what the island has to offer, and do what he loves best, but he gets a chance to perform with some of the islands most talented local musicians, Ozzie Hall, Patrick Russell, and Clarence Green.

Many are already familiar with the wonderful musical talents of Ozzie and Patrick, but Clarence Green is new to the local music scene. Green—who happens to be Grand Bahama's newest chiropractor—plays the upright double bass, an instrument that does not get much play time on the island, because until Green arrived, there wasn't one. Green was raised by very musical parents and has played various instruments, his first instrument being the trumpet. He played electric bass for many years, but took on the challenge of the upright double bass about 12 years ago. And believe it or not, this is not his first time performing with Steve Koven. The two have played together in jazz concerts several times in Barbados (where Clarence lived prior to moving here) and also at the Canadian High Commission.

Proceeds of this concert support the youth in arts in Grand Bahama. For additional information on The Grand Bahama Performing Arts Society and ways to support their ongoing events, click here.

The GBPAS wishes to thank their members, patrons and sponsors who make these programs possible. Special thanks go to Pelican Bay Hotel for not only accommodating Steve Koven, but for also providing a wonderful venue for this concert;  Karen Clarke and John Gehr, of Thayer's Natural Remedies, The Bahamas Weekly, Keen i Media, and Mackey Media.

Hello Richmond, Louisville, Raleigh, & Baltimore: Xtra Airways New Non-Stop Service to Grand Bahama for Bahamasair

This month (May 2012), Xtra Airways began non-stop service from four U.S. cities (Richmond, Virginia, Louisville, Kentucky, Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina, and Baltimore/Washington International Airport) to Grand Bahama International (FPO). The flights are operated for Bahamasair via Xtra Airways flying Boeing 737-400s, each with 138 economy seats and 12 first-class seats.

For schedules and information on flight times read more on Airlines and Destinations.

Lucaya International School's Fishing Fling Tournament & Splash Bash After Party May 26th

Lucaya International School (LIS) is once again organizing a way for everyone to "Catch the Fun" at their annual community-favorite Fishing Fling Tournament & Splash Bash After-Party—to be held this year on Saturday, May 26, 2012 at the Grand Bahama Sailing Club.

Anglers begin fishing at 6:00am, with weigh-ins from 6:30-8:30pm at the Grand Bahama Sailing Club. After that, whether or not you've been fishing that day, everyone gathers to celebrate the day's catches and more fun with dinner, cash bar, a top-notch silent auction, a DJ cranking out tunes, and dancing as part of the Splash Bash After Party. (Mermaids were even sighted at last year's event!) Last year's inaugural event made quite a splash, and this year's event is already set up to top it.

Organizers are thrilled to announce Jamie Rose, of OBS Marine Ltd. as the Fishing Fling Tournament Director, and Colin Rose as Weigh Master. Colin is a 7-time IGFA world record holder for species including blackfin tuna, horse-eyed jack, rainbow runner, and skipjack tuna.

Boats needing anglers (or anglers needing boats!) can be hooked up by contacting the tournament director at 727.6395. Angler registration forms, rules & regs, a silent auction prize preview, and party details can be found at www.lispta.com

For more of last year's fun photos in and on the world-renowned waters of The Bahamas, see article in Bahama Islands Info (click here) or here. Everyone is welcome to join in and catch the fun on the beautiful seas and shores of Grand Bahama Island.

ART Nucleus presents Margot Bethel of the HUB on Monday April 30, 2012

"The Learning Spiral: Facing and Embracing the Challenges of Building an Independent Artist-Run Space in The Bahamas" is the theme of an ARTiculate TALK by Nassau community-based art centre, The Hub, founder Margot Bethel. The presentation will be held Monday evening, April 30, 2012 at ART Nucleus Creative Space and Studio which is located on East Sunrise Highway at the L'Utopia Event Centre behind Les Fountains family plaza. For full information via The Bahamas Weekly, click here.

Agent Cathy MacLeay Leads Community Clean Up Effort

Coldwell Banker James Sarles Realty estate agent, Cathy MacLeay, has sparked a community cleanup campaign by taking initiative, donning gloves, and urging her family and friends to spend an hour on Saturday mornings picking up trash along various local roads and highways. During the drier winter months in Grand Bahama, bush fires develop naturally and can burn away undergrowth and shrubbery in the pine barrens—leaving all sorts of glass bottles and carelessly misplaced trash visible among the charred bases of the trees.

Wanting both local residents and visitors to see our island looking clean and well cared-for, Cathy organized a small clean up crew the first week, and has watched the volunteer team grow this week.  Cleanups will continue on Saturday mornings at 9 am until the rainy season regrows the underbrush.

Congrats, Cathy & Crew for taking responsibility and acting to keep our island green, clean, and pristine!

For more information on the cleanup efforts, click here or call Cathy MacLeay at 351-9081.

Art Nucleus presents ARTiculate TALK Thursday, April 19, 2012: "Introduction to Photography: Lighting and Depth of Field" with multi-media artist Patrick J. Forbes

Everyone welcome! This is a free talk, open to the public and will be held at L'Utopia on East Sunrise Highway (behind the Candies Cabana, near Les Fountains Restaurant).

ARTnucleus is a group created to foster a cultural climate on Grand Bahama Island, with artists banding together in the spirit of cooperation to exchange ideas, share techniques, and experience camaraderie with organized activities and events. Donations towards ongoing art projects are gladly accepted.

For more information, find them online at:

www.artnu.wordpress.com

Pelican Point Coconut Festival April 9th, 2012

via thebahamasweekly.com

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama –The 14th Annual Coconut Festival has become a signature event on the community calendar, featuring Authentically Bahamian culture with special emphasis on cuisine, and century’s old social traditions.

Scheduled for April 9, 2012 and locally celebrated as Pelican Point's Homecoming Festival, family friends and guests will descend upon the small seaside village to a feast of coconut dishes such as coconut jimmy, coconut shrimp, barbecue ribs with coconut sauce, coconut rice, coconut tart, and more, as well as a variety of coconut beverages including the famous Bahamian drink gully wash – made of coconut water.

“There will be an "everything coconut under the tent’ display”, says Cathy Laing, organizing committee spokesperson and Cacique Award Winner in the Authentically Bahamian Handicraft category.The Grand Bahama Royal Bahamas Police Force ‘Pop Band’, ‘Avvy’ and ‘Geno D’ will perform throughout the day, and event-goers will participate in uniquely-coconut games and fun activities such as coconut eating and coconut-barking contests. Coconut shell crafts and souvenirs such as jams, soap, coconut-scented candles, and more crafts will also be available.

The Pelican Point community, comprised of less than one hundred residents, is located thirty-five miles east of Freeport/Lucaya and remains populated by descendants of the original residents to this day. The organizing committee headed by members of the Thomas, Laing, Roberts, and Cooper families, in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and corporate sponsors, are committed to keeping their ancient traditions alive.

For a full schedule of Coconut Festival events, click here.

Sold by Coldwell Banker James Sarles Realty: Island Palm Resort Property to Expand Hospital

Coldwell Banker James Sarles Realty was pleased to handle the sale of Island Palm Resort recently. The government's acquisition of the property, which adjoins Rand Memorial Hospital, is part of the Ministry of Health's ongoing renovations to upgrade the hospital to a state-of-the-art medical facility. This investment in the health of the nation will also add superior medical care to Grand Bahama's appeal as an ideal second home location, and an attractive site for medical tourism development.

For the full story of plans for the property and Rand Memorial Hospital's upgrade, see the The Freeport News story by clicking here.