JULY 2009
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www.opp.org.uk Industry interview
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Frank & Kimberly DeLape, Island Living Resorts
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29
luxury in more detail, Kimberly been very responsible and, while We decided not to work with brands like Marriott, Ritz Carlton
says that it’s designed for a more the environmental impact process or Starwood because the experience tends to be the same
INDUSTR
philanthropic consumer. “Today’s has been very rigorous, they were wherever you are. We are looking at vertical branded hotels
wealthy buyer is more aware of more prepared to compromise than like Sixth Sense and Banyan who are more open to our eco-
brands that are carbon neutral, or in the US – which is more static on luxe concept.
contribute to sustainability, and they regulations. Frank DeLape
Y
feel empowered in choosing the right “It’s an evolving country, but
option,” she says. “People want guilt- Panama has a very stable dollar very reasonable for Caribbean island Emerald Monkey resort will include
free luxury these days.” economy that’s attracting investors beach property.” the Harbor of the Americas Marina,
ILR is looking at ways to of_f er from the US, China and Europe. It’s the a hurricane-free mega-yacht marina,
carbon of_f -setting to its resort world’s number two banking centre Perfect timing designed by Frank and Kimberly.
members. “It’s something that is after Switzerland so it’s seen as a safe “I never considered changing the Emerald Monkey is a personal
more straightforward for the whole destination.” product or the model,” adds Kimberly. project for Frank and Kimberly, that PEOPLE
ownership units but we may be able Despite the global downturn, the “In fact I think the eco-luxury allows them to explore the carbon
to of_f er it for the fractional owners as DeLape’s are both conf_i dent that this concept is launching at exactly the neutral model and apply the lessons
well,” says Frank. right time because the world has a learned to other developments in
Kimberly DeLape is an active Today’s wealthy buyer greater sense of social responsibility the pipeline – including ‘The K’, a chic
supporter of UNICEF, and has already is more aware of brands and more of a conscience about resort on one of the other islands
earmarked the Bocas Del Toro region that are carbon neutral, or wealth.” This is an issue that Kimberly in Bocas del Toro. “This is a learning
to have 16,500 children immunized. As contribute to sustainability, explored further in a presentation process that the entire industry
part of its commitment to supporting and they feel empowered in she was recently invited to give at a can benef_i t from,” Frank concludes.
the native community, ILR has choosing the right option. Forbes 500 conference at Gleneagles “And it’s launching at a time when
DESTINA
employed an agronomist to educate People want guilt-free in Edinburgh on ‘Inconspicuous people are more receptive to it,” adds
local villages on how to grow fruit and luxury these days. consumption’. The wealthy want to Kimberly. “Not just because of the eco
vegetables. “This is not only to help Kimberly DeLape enjoy their wealth but the world has element, but because they are looking
them feed their families but we will changed and they don’t want to f_l aunt for unique experiences. We want to
TION
help to commercialise it by selling resort concept is launching at the it, she explains. be able to of_f er a cultural experience
organic food to the resort,” says Frank. right time. “There is pent up demand “The only thing that would have that’s worth the journey.”
“We will also drill wells to provide a for island waterfront investments, made me change my mind about
clean source of water.” and because of the fractional of_f ering this project was hurricanes,” she adds. Starting in August, OPP will be following
This commitment to the local buyers can get it for under $40,000,” “We’re still just getting over the ef_f ects Frank & Kimberly’s progress on Emerald
community has helped ILR to gain Frank explains. “Buyers only need to of Ike so if there was any chance it Monkey over coming months - from
the support of the Panamanian put a 20% deposit plus 30% when would have been a no-go. But there construction through to sales and
government. “Panama wants us to it’s delivered and we’re of_f ering a 10 have never been hurricanes in this marketing - to track the challenges of
BUSINESS
be vocal about sustainability ef_f orts,” year interest only mortgage at 8% for part of Panama.” their carbon neutral approach to resort
says Frank. “The government has fractions starting at $75,000. That’s Located in Almirante Bay, the development
DE
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