☰

Empresas y finanzas

Roco Ki Resort Community Unfolds in Dominican Republic


    This has been a busy year for Roco Ki, the multi-billion-dollar
    luxury resort and residential development underway in the Punta Cana
    area of the Dominican Republic, as Phase I readies for opening in
    winter 2007/2008.

    In 2006, Sarasota-based Michael Saunders & Company was appointed
    exclusive broker for the new 2,700-acre luxury oceanfront community
    and a U.S. $85-million long-term loan package was signed and approved
    to finance the continuing development of Roco Ki. Upon opening, Roco
    Ki will be one of the largest resort community developments in the
    Caribbean.

    So Much To Offer

    Roco Ki looks northward on one of the most scenic untouched
    beaches in the Caribbean. The unique nature of the site has earned
    designation as one of the world's finest by UNESCO (United National
    Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).

    Phase I, now in active construction, will include:

    -- The Westin Roco Ki Beach & Golf Resort, a Starwood Hotels &
    Resorts Worldwide Inc. Hotel, with a combined total of more
    than 327 lodging accommodations and more than 130
    Westin-branded condominium residences in one, two and
    three-bedroom designs, an impressive conference center
    accommodating up to 500 persons, seven restaurants, a variety
    of bars, gourmet market, 24-hour room service and an
    18,000-square-foot full-service spa.

    -- The Campo Alto Verde Nick Faldo signature championship
    18-hole, par-72 golf course which winds along the beach
    through a tropical mangrove forest and stretches across the
    property's headland with stunning cliff-top views of the sea.

    -- A botanical garden reflective of the area's plant life and
    ecological features. Tobacco plants, dating back to the time
    of Christopher Columbus, have been found on the grounds.

    -- An interpretive museum showcasing ancient artifacts and relics
    representative of some of Roco Ki's earliest inhabitants, the
    Taino Indians.

    The Roco Ki Vision

    Richard Knorr, Founder and Principal of Chicago-based Richard
    Knorr International, is Roco Ki's visionary and developer. Knorr's
    work is already recognized in the Dominican Republic for the design
    and construction of the Acropolis office and retail center in Santo
    Domingo.

    "I fell in love with the beautiful surroundings of the beaches,
    mangroves and cliffs in the Macao Beach area near Punta Cana, where we
    are building Roco Ki," said Knorr. "It's something I never saw
    anywhere else in the Caribbean. I started to learn about the Taino
    Indians and the artifacts they left behind in the area."

    Knorr found the scenery and the rich Taino heritage to create a
    perfect combination for the concept of the Roco Ki resort community.
    In fact, Roco Ki's approximate translation means "honoring the land"
    in Taino.

    "Honoring the land and honoring the Dominican Republic is what we
    are doing every step of the way with Roco Ki," Knorr summarized.

    Exclusive Residences Like No Other

    The exclusive residences being sold at Roco Ki is another big part
    of the success story.

    "Roco Ki will add an entirely new dimension to the Dominican
    Republic, which is becoming the new place to be in the Caribbean. It
    will have new and different luxury enclaves, easy air access and
    unique cultural experiences," said Michael Saunders, CEO, President
    and Founder of Michael Saunders & Company.

    Roco Ki's private residences will be ready for occupancy beginning
    in 2007. The selection includes:

    -- Beachfront Residences. Three and four-bedrooms, dominated by
    soaring hand-tied palm roofs.

    -- Jungle Luxe(R) Bungalows. One and two-bedroom jungle bungalows
    with views of the sea and forest.

    -- Cliffside Villas. Stunning, 3,400 square-foot villas offering
    front-row seats to the magnificent Caribbean views.

    -- EcoDream(R) Villas. Impressive 6,200 square-foot residences
    with sweeping Caribbean vistas with entire floor dedicated to
    a gourmet kitchen, plus living and dining rooms and featuring
    wrap-around terraces on the second and third floors, with spa
    on private roof deck.

    -- Cacique Terraces. Enclave of studio, one and two-bedroom
    condominium residences between the cliff-frontage fairways of
    the golf course and The Westin Roco Ki Beach & Golf Resort.

    And there's more to come to make the Roco Ki residential
    experience exclusive, unparalleled and one of a kind.

    Roco Ki's Future is Bright

    Those who become a member of the Roco Ki family will see more
    upscale facilities and services, and future additions for the next 10
    years.

    Future phases will include:

    -- A full-service, world-class marina, slated for opening by the
    end of 2009.

    -- Other high-end hotels, within the next 10 years.

    -- Three more golf courses, within the next 10 years.

    -- A watersports center offering a myriad of water recreation
    activities like diving and snorkeling, sailing, kayaking and
    parasailing.

    -- Retail shopping areas accented by features that bring the
    culture, hospitality and color of the Dominican Republic to
    life, within the next couple years.

    For more information on Roco Ki, go to:
    www.michaelsaunders.com/newhomes/rocoki.

    Editor's note: 300 dpi jpeg illustrative images available on
    request.