25 Şubat 2013 Pazartesi

Visitor's Guide to Getting Around in Singapore

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Getting around in Singapore is easy thanks to a series of well-planned roads and expressways. Buses and trains quickly shuttle residents between outlying areas and larger cities. As with many popular tourist destinations, the area also has a thriving and highly regulated taxi industry.DrivingDriving in Singapore is serious business. Roadway construction started in the early 1800s featuring a simplistic grid-like system and paving to facilitate carriage passage. Many considered Singapore roads advanced for their time and the city continues to utilize advanced technology for a more effective commute. Drivers began paying tolls via electronic road pricing in 1998 to alleviate congestion. Cars attach a device and sensors deduct fees each time vehicles pass through toll areas.As a reminder, cars drive on the left side of the road. Visitors in the country less than six months may drive on their original license. A simple test grants access to a Singapore-issued document. 11 expressways provide fast transport from surrounding satellite towns to larger cities as of January 2013. Purchasing a vehicle in Singapore can be a complex procedure but car rental facilities are plentiful throughout the area.Public TransportationSingapore boasts one of the most efficient public transportation systems in the world. Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) rail system features scenic views of the surrounding area. MRT destinations include Woodlands, Jurong, Sengkang and downtown Singapore. Light Rapid Transit (LRT) transports passengers between satellite cities and MRT stops. All trains are handicapped accessible and accommodate all passengers, from families with strollers to travelers burdened with large packages.Passengers pay LRT and MRT train fares using ez-link cards. Card types range from one-way fares to 30-day re-loadable devices. Fare cards are available at ticket offices and platform vending machines.There are two types of bus service operating in Singapore. Singapore's Bus Services (SBS) transport passengers from MRT stops to surrounding areas. Northern sections of the country use Singapore Mass Rapid Transit (SMRT). As of January 2013, buses operate between the hours of 5:30 A.M. and midnight from Sunday to Thursday. On weekends and holidays special night shuttle provide extended service from midnight until 6:00 A.M.Passenger ticket levels include trunk, express and premium services. Travelers should inquire with local ticket offices regarding service levels. Buses accept cash or ez-link for fare payment.TaxisEight taxi companies provide service throughout Singapore. Availability becomes extremely limited between the peak hours of 7:00 A.M. and 9:30 A.M Monday through Friday. Evening rush runs from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Monday through Saturday. Passengers are subject to additional surcharges for rides between midnight and 6:00 A.M. Travel experts recommend arranging taxi services well in advance to avoid problems.Delicious cuisine, excellent shopping and extensive culture continue luring visitors to Singapore. Advanced transportation methods make exploration a simple, hassle free process. In many cases, getting around in Singapore is exciting as the actual destination.

England's Five Best Canal Holiday Routes

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I'd like to share with our readers, an article I just came across in the Times Online about England's five best canal holiday routes. Terry Ramsey and friends have taken an annual trip on England's waterways for the past 16 years.
Here are his favourites

I personally would love to take a canal holiday tour, and then stay in a cottage or vacation home for the rest of my visit to England.

Interior Design: Caribbean Property's Changing Face

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A fresh take on interior design is changing the face of Caribbean property across the region.
The following is an excerpt of an article on Interior Design in the Caribbean from The Caribbean Property Investor Magazine, featuring designers from across the region who have worked in Barbados, Jamaica, Antigua and London:
Grand Designs
Interior designthroughout the islands of the Caribbean is evolving. The dark colonial style isgiving way to a lighter, more contemporary feel.
“On Jamaica,the majority of interior designers have been trained in the USA and the UK bringingtogether an eclectic mix of styles.  Thecombination of the islands beauty, its rich culture and the number of businesspeople from abroad and professional Jamaicans who have decided to stay and makeJamaica their home has changed the face of interior design from a rustic Caribbeanand Spanish style to a sleeker cool contemporary look” says British interiordesigner Cleon Roberts, who works on the island.
Interior Design by Cleon Roberts, Jamaica
Interior Design by Cleon Roberts, Jamaica


Movingaway from the heavier, darker colonial style, today’s Caribbean designers seekto maximize the use of natural light and materials: “The Romanesque style usingcolumns and lion sculptures, small windows, masses of dark wood and heavydrapes is diminishing. People are opening up their homes, building roof gardensand terraces, and using natural and recycled materials,” Cleon adds.
Interior Design by Archers Hall, Barbados
Interior Design by Archers Hall, Barbados


TerriArcher, Interior Designer and Director at Archers Hall, Barbados,agrees: “We also see a preference for design that leans towards a moderninfluence yet still maintains the tropical ease and way of life. People havesteered away from the typical ‘plantation’ feel of monkeys and pineapples.”
This article continues in The Caribbean Property Investor Magazine. Register for free to read on.


St Vincent's Marlon Roudette GQ Man of the Month

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In Issue 2 of The Caribbean Property Investor Magazine, we featured an interview with St Vincent's Marlon Roudette, singer-songwriter who has had Number 1 hits across Europe, including 8 weeks at Number 1 in Germany.

We were delighted to discover that Marlon, an exceptional talent from St Vincent & the Grenadines, was recently GQ Magazine's Man of the Month.

St Vincent & the Grenadines' Marlon Roudette
St Vincent & the Grenadines' Marlon Roudette


Here's a brief excerpt from our interview

“I grew up on the Leeward Coast of St Vincent in the Buccament Valley. The natural setting granted us a unique freedom as kids; from bathing under waterfalls to helping the fishermen with their nets in return for a fish or two!” says Marlon, who is looking forward to a solo career after seven years as lead singer of the band Mattafix. “I am based in London now but I try and get home at least once or twice a year. It has become a refuge for me away from the chaos of the metropolis."

"My family and I moved to St Vincent from London when I was 9 years old and arriving there from the bleak backdrop of the UK was a surreal experience. The first thing I was struck by were the colours. From the deep greens of the rain forest to the oranges and purples of a breathtaking sunset. I'd never seen anything like it."

My favourite spot on the island is my home. We have a small open plan purple heart house surrounded by all the fruit trees you could ever need. Its a very hard place to leave!"

This article continues in in Issue 2 of The Caribbean Property Investor Magazine.

St Vincent & the Grenadines is a truly inspiring landscape with a number of exceptional properties for sale.

This 8 bedroom property for sale in St Vincent & the Grenadines is outstanding. Located on 3 acres of land, 10 minutes from Mustique and just a 1 minute drive to Port Elizabeth and Admiralty Harbour, the villa offers one of the best views in St Vincent & the Grenadines.

St Vincent & the Grenadines Property for Sale
St Vincent & the Grenadines Property for Sale


The property is finished to a very high standard and includes a beautiful pool and path leading directly to the beach.

St Vincent & the Grenadines Property for Sales - Pool with a View


The reception rooms are spacious, classical and private.

St Vincent & the Grenadines Property for Sales - Spacious Reception Rooms


7th Heaven Properties is the Caribbean property specialist, offering homes, villas, land and commercial real estate for sale from across the entire Caribbean, including St Vincent & the Grenadines. Please see our website for all kinds of St Vincent & the Grenadines property for sale.

Montserrat's First Steps Towards Island Re-launch

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Montserrat launches new brand

Montserrat begins its exciting new start with re-brand led by London-based leading Caribbean real estate and destination marketing specialists 7th Heaven Properties

July 2012: In the first step of its exciting re-launch and as plans for a new capital town and tourism drive gather pace, the Caribbean island of Montserrat has unveiled a new brand identity. With the new look soon to be rolled out both online and offline, this re-branding process has been led by luxury Caribbean real estate and destination marketing specialist 7th Heaven Properties who worked with a wide selection of local stakeholders to establish the island’s new identity.

The re-branding is the initial phase of a new high-end, low-density tourism strategy that aims to attract private sector investment into the new capital at Little Bay and to encourage visitors to the island.

British Overseas Territory Montserrat currently attracts a relatively small but dedicated number of overseas visitors. Montserrat entered the international spotlight when Beatles producer Sir George Martin opened the iconic AIR Studios in Montserrat in 1979 and music stars such as Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Elton John, Sting and Eric Clapton came to record on the island. Many of these artists fell in love with Montserrat and returned year after year, some investing in holiday homes.

Through their research with local stakeholders and repeat visitors to Montserrat, 7th Heaven Properties identified that Montserrat’s appeal lies in its offer of tranquillity away from the crowds surrounded by warm, welcoming people and dramatic natural beauty; the new identity has been designed to reflect these assets.

In addition to the island as a whole, an identity for the new capital at Little Bay and port at Carr’s Bay has also been developed:

Little Bay, the new capital of Montserrat

The logo - which incorporates a Celtic Five Circle Symbol - takes inspiration from the surrounding natural beauty, the new capital’s role as a future port town and the island’s Irish heritage. Having been inhabited by Irish settlers in the 17th Century, Montserrat retains strong links with the Emerald Isle; St Patrick’s Day is a public holiday, the national colours are green and orange and Irish place names and family names are commonplace. Additionally, the interlocking circles reference the elements of nature, ever present in this stunning island, and represent the points of a compass.

The former capital and its port were destroyed by the island's volcano and the development of a new capital town and port in the North, an area protected from the volcano, are central to plans for Montserrat’s economic development. The Government of Montserrat believes the new identity and strapline "Relaxation Refined" will be fundamental to re-positioning the island, raising its profile and attracting private sector investors.

John Cox, Director of the Montserrat Development Corporation said:

"The Government of Montserrat is delighted with the new tourism identity for Montserrat. The branding reflects the islanders’ view of the tranquillity and friendliness to be found in Montserrat; essentially, the Caribbean as it should be: "Relaxation Refined". The new branding will help attract investments in tourism and other sectors."

Robert Cooper, Director of Branding at 7th Heaven Properties, which has been working very closely with the Montserrat Development Corporation on plans for the new capital town also commented:

"Outside the island, Montserrat is primarily known for its volcano and for AIR Studios. However, the primary reason repeat visitors continue to come back to Montserrat year in year out is because it offers total relaxation, peace and quiet against a backdrop of lush, green mountains and sensational sea views. The new branding reflects this unique offering."

See the Montserrat Government website for more info on the Montserrat's new brand identity.

24 Şubat 2013 Pazar

England's Five Best Canal Holiday Routes

To contact us Click HERE
I'd like to share with our readers, an article I just came across in the Times Online about England's five best canal holiday routes. Terry Ramsey and friends have taken an annual trip on England's waterways for the past 16 years.
Here are his favourites

I personally would love to take a canal holiday tour, and then stay in a cottage or vacation home for the rest of my visit to England.

Interior Design: Caribbean Property's Changing Face

To contact us Click HERE

A fresh take on interior design is changing the face of Caribbean property across the region.
The following is an excerpt of an article on Interior Design in the Caribbean from The Caribbean Property Investor Magazine, featuring designers from across the region who have worked in Barbados, Jamaica, Antigua and London:
Grand Designs
Interior designthroughout the islands of the Caribbean is evolving. The dark colonial style isgiving way to a lighter, more contemporary feel.
“On Jamaica,the majority of interior designers have been trained in the USA and the UK bringingtogether an eclectic mix of styles.  Thecombination of the islands beauty, its rich culture and the number of businesspeople from abroad and professional Jamaicans who have decided to stay and makeJamaica their home has changed the face of interior design from a rustic Caribbeanand Spanish style to a sleeker cool contemporary look” says British interiordesigner Cleon Roberts, who works on the island.
Interior Design by Cleon Roberts, Jamaica
Interior Design by Cleon Roberts, Jamaica


Movingaway from the heavier, darker colonial style, today’s Caribbean designers seekto maximize the use of natural light and materials: “The Romanesque style usingcolumns and lion sculptures, small windows, masses of dark wood and heavydrapes is diminishing. People are opening up their homes, building roof gardensand terraces, and using natural and recycled materials,” Cleon adds.
Interior Design by Archers Hall, Barbados
Interior Design by Archers Hall, Barbados


TerriArcher, Interior Designer and Director at Archers Hall, Barbados,agrees: “We also see a preference for design that leans towards a moderninfluence yet still maintains the tropical ease and way of life. People havesteered away from the typical ‘plantation’ feel of monkeys and pineapples.”
This article continues in The Caribbean Property Investor Magazine. Register for free to read on.