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News

Welcome to Kayifi's News page. In this page, you will find announcements, Agents of the month, upcoming Webinars, acknowledgement of the month for countries, and new agents that we welcome.

Kayifi News

Mar 2022

Kayifi Outreach is coming Soon! At Kayifi, we recognize the importance of Caribbean youth as a pillar of the future of the islands. We are excited to introduce a new program: Kayifi Outreach, aimed at giving Caribbean youth knowledge, resources, and tools integral to their success. Check out the following links for more information!

Welcome to Kayifi Outreach! (blog)

Introductory Video (includes signup form)

Facebook Group

Aug 2021

Great News Everyone! We are always looking for new ways to improve Kayifi and keep the listings fresh! For all buyers and tenants, we want you to be able to find what you are looking for.

For all sellers, real estate agents, brokers, and landlords we want you to get many inquiries on your listings. Please edit your existing properties to reflect the date that your verbal or written contract to sell or rent expires. When you enter new properties, please add the date in there too. By default, all properties will expire in 120 days from the date of entry. But don’t worry, you will receive an email notification with easy access to update 1 week prior to the expiration date.

Let’s stay fresh! Kayifi is Your Caribbean Connection!

Apr 2021

As you may have noticed, we have changed the layout of our homepage and the functionality of our property search to make finding your perfect Caribbean home even easier! If you have any problems, questions, or feedback on the new look, click here to contact us. Thank you for using Kayifi!

Mar 2021

Coming Soon! Kayifi Vacation Rentals. List your short-term and vacation rental properties. Contact us for more information and to be updated!

Tutorials Section

We have added tutorials to our Youtube page, to find out how to register, how to upload profile and property pictures click the link below https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu8TgI-NstRIS0ehKlby2Bg

Caribbean News

Major tourism developments across the Caribbean

Even amid a changing global backdrop, tourism-oriented real estate in the Caribbean seems to be back on track, with 2026 promising new construction, expansions of existing retreats, and strategic alliances. 

For investors, couples, families, and digital nomads looking to spend a few months by the warm waters of the Caribbean, here is a summary of major tourism developments across the region.

Turks and Caicos Leads the Real Estate Expansion in 2026

Sun, Sand, Refinement, and the Signature Touch of Hyatt: Andaz

Still under construction, Andaz Turks & Caicos is scheduled to open in 2026. It will welcome both residents and tourists with spectacular residences in one, two, three, and four-bedroom options. Units with lock-off bedrooms will be ideal for those seeking flexible solutions or looking to rent their units.

The project's highlights are definitely the Sunrise Studios. These lower penthouses will be one-of-a-kind, with panoramic east-facing ocean views. Residents will be treated to mesmerizing views of Caribbean sunsets.

In terms of location, Andaz is unbeatable, situated on the famous Grace Bay Beach, which was named the number one Caribbean beach in TripAdvisor's 2024 Travelers' Choice Awards.

Come for the Beach, Stay Forever: The Park at Grace Bay

Hyatt's Andaz seems to have competition, as another project is also scheduled to open at Grace Bay Beach this year. The Park is more oriented toward permanent residence, being a gated community with the vibe and feel of a five-star resort, the place to go if you want to live like you're on vacation 356 days a year. 

Its spacious interiors mirror the serene outdoor spaces, providing a seamless connection to the lush nature of the tropics. Yet residents will be minutes away from the best beach in the country, boutique shopping, and the island's coastal scenery. Unique amenities include a clubhouse, a fitness center, and a covered game area with table tennis and pool tables.

Bold Alliances, Bolder Dreams: The Caribbean's Luxury Revolution

It's all about splendor in St. Lucia

The Helen of the West is no slouch in the vibrant real estate landscape. It presents a project 100% oriented towards luxury living and tourism: Sapphire Sands. Bay Gardens Resort has chosen the lively Rodney Bay and its breathtaking Reduit Beach for this stunning project. 

Those staying at Sapphire Sands will live like the crème de la crème, enjoying personalized butler service, suites with exclusive interior pools, plus a fitness center and a spa. Sapphire Sands is already open for booking and eagerly awaits investors and tourists.

Dominican Republic’s first tokenized hotel 

Punta Cana will set people talking in 2026, as this year it will host an unprecedented development. Archipelago Internacional, the largest private hotel management group in Southeast Asia, has chosen the land of merengue to build the Grand Aston Coral Resort & Spa by Cáicu. 

In addition to featuring 200 hotel rooms, 325 residences, and an exclusive coral golf area, this will be the first tokenized hotel in the country. This means that investors will put their money into tokens and receive returns according to the amount of tokens they hold. The 160-million-dollar project will have golf as its main concept and will overlook an 18-hole golf course with a 48,000-square-meter lake.

The alliance between the Asian giant and the Cayacoa Group Dominicana looks set to deliver an ultra-luxurious resort that will appeal to both tourists and investors.

In 2026, Caribbean real estate is nothing short of surprising and promising. This is thanks to the numerous initiatives that promise to bring job opportunities and prosperity. They will certainly bring more options for tourists to discover the magic of these islands for the first time, or choose the Caribbean as their destination once again this year.

Author: Cecilia Kleiman

See more articles

Carribean Acknowledgement

US Virgin Islands

Learning About the US Virgin Islands 

The US Virgin Islands are officially known as the Virgin Islands of the United States. They are a group of Caribbean islands considered a territory of the United States and located in the Leeward Islands. The main islands belonging to this group are St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas. However, an additional 50 smaller islands and cays surround them. 

Here, there are jewel-toned waters, rare wildlife, and welcoming residents greeting visitors with contagious smiles. The endless adventures range from kayaking tours and underwater exploration to fascinating historical sites and lounging on pristine beaches. 

History of the US Virgin Islands 

The original residents of the US Virgin Islands were the Caribs, Ciboney, and Arawaks. Like most Caribbean islands, the native people disappeared shortly after Christopher Columbus visited in 1493. However, Columbus and his crew weren't solely responsible for the end of these peaceful and skilled tribes. England, France, Holland, and Denmark also attempted to settle the islands. 

Until 1733, the French successfully claimed St. Croix after overtaking the previous Spanish inhabitants. St. Johns and St. Thomas were colonized by Denmark. They thrived in plantation agriculture during the late 1600s and the early 1700s. Eventually, the Danish bought the third island from France, and the region became known as the Danish West Indies. 

Enslaved people were forced to work long and exhausting days on the plantations. Thousands of enslaved people were set free at the rebellion in St. Croix, but far more remained the colonists' property. Finally, slavery was abolished in 1848. Following this turning point in the islands' history was a collapse of the fragile economy. The next few years were a challenging time for the islands' residents, characterized by several devastating natural disasters and a struggling economy. 

In 1917, the USA purchased St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas, which became the US Virgin Islands. The United States improved the declining economy by establishing a tourism industry, which wasn't too difficult with all the islands offered to visitors. Today, the US Virgin Islands is known worldwide as a famous vacation destination. 

Culture in the US Virgin Islands 

The unique culture of the US Virgin Islands is a beautiful blend of Caribbean and American customs, events, values, and arts. For instance, the music you may hear at restaurants and other establishments could be anything from reggae and calypso to blues and American pop.   

The friendly people in the US Virgin Islands are primarily of African or European descent. However, you'll quickly observe that the diverse population comprises Americans, Hispanics, and people from modern-day Europe, too. Most residents speak, write, and read-only English with a distinctive accent. 

A significant part of the culture in the US Virgin Islands is the people's dedication to religions, like Baptist and Catholic Christianity. But they also mix traditional Caribbean values into their practice, like superstitions and stories passed from generation to generation. 

The cuisine for these islands is primarily based on seafood, like many other Caribbean nations. If you're taking a trip to this stunning destination, enjoy the national dish, Fish and Fungi. This unique combination of foods dates back to when Denmark ruled the lands. Hefty portions of fish are served with tender dumplings made from salted cornmeal, shortening, and water.It’s a culinary adventure you’ll not soon forget. 

 

CITED: Wikipedia.org, Visitusvi.com, Vinow.com 

Sunni Baerwalde

Author

Written by: Sunni Baerwalde