RAFFLES BRINGS REBIRTH OF CHINA BEACH

Looking at this idyllic view of China Beach now it is hard to imagine US Marines storming over its golden sands as the Vietnam war got underway in 1965. Then, it was a battleground that later became a rest and recreation retreat for American troops. Now, recognised as one of the most beautiful beaches in a country that is well endowed with beautiful beaches, it is witnessing a new influx of Americans. 

They are part of a wave of tourists being encouraged by the Vietnam government, and reflect a growing interest in the country.  In the first half of this year, international visitor numbers were up by around 17 per cent on the previous year and though China and other Eastern countries account for the bulk of those visitors, Westerners are being attracted.  Among these are many former G.I’s going back to see the country at peace.

With an annual economic growth rate of 8 per cent, and a determined programme of privatisation to replace the old state-owned system, it is also attracting many international entrepreneurs and investors. Luxury residential properties combine investment potential with the most desirable of settings – yet some doubts remain about the security and future of such holdings.

That is where the backing of a world-renowned brand name and major player in the global hotel business comes in. Raffles is a name with connotations of traditional luxury, empirical stability and style, as personified in the legendary hotel in Singapore, on the right. 
And it is the Raffles brand, owned by global hotel company Fairmont, backed by Kingdom Hotel Investments, the  Dubai-based developer of luxury residential projects, that gives the China Beach development such appeal.

At a special presentation in London recently, the China Beach development plus another in the Seychelles and one in Manila were revealed.  These top residences are already attracting attention from investors, and London is seen as a key centre for marketing these exclusive homes.

The Raffles Residences at China Beach cover three beachfront buildings, offering luxury one, two and three bedroom residences, combining old world Indochinese style with the latest in designer chic, and cost from just $285,000 up to $1 million.

Kingdom’s man on the spot assured that all legal niceties are backed by the solid commitment of the authorities, as also in the Seychelles and Manila. Go to www.rafflesrealestate.com for more information.

THE WORLD COMES TO LONDON

For anyone set upon having the home of their dreams built to their specifications or finding that gem of a chateau, maybe a castle, or luxury uptown apartment, then the Exclusive Property Exhibition staged at Olympia this summer promised to provide the best that the world can offer.

A singularly low-key event for such high profile real estate, it presented lots of pretty model landscapes of developments and enticing pictures and brochures of properties and plans. But it seemed sadly bereft of actual punters, perhaps an indication that even the mega-rich are watching their millions.

However, from the numbers of developments and the far flung sites on offer, those looking to invest do need an event like this to consider the options. It is only the second one to be held, so perhaps next year - if things are looking up - it will have rather more visitors.

Exhibitors came from North and South America, Australia, China, Dubai, Malaysia, Thailand, Egypt, Qatar, India, South Africa, Morocco, Turkey, and throughout Europe, including England. From basic plots to the most luxurious of properties, from beaches to mountains to lakes, the variety covered billions of pounds worth of real estate and a host of services thrown in.

Orascom Real Estate has a major development at Taba Heights in Egypt, to give 5 hotels, a golf course, marina (as top) and spas. www.orascomhd.com For those seeking cooler climes, Petpeswick Hills is offering lakeside plots in Canada's pristine Nova Scotia,above. www.petpeswickhills.com