We have been hard at work building Oil Nut Bay, the best Resort in the Caribbean. A flurry of activity, Oil Nut Bay has transformed from vision to reality, with the Beach Villa and Arrival Dock nearing completion within the next 60 days and the Beach Club under construction. The Beach has been invigorated with new palm trees and spectacular Barbuda sand, and a Ridge Villa House will soon break ground.

And as what often happens when you travel at "Victor speed", something, or someone in this case, reminds me that I need to slow down and take everything into perspective, which for anyone who knows me, knows that slowing down is a challenge.

A few months ago, I was sitting at one of my favorite places in Oil Nut Bay, the "Blow-hole" as it has been christened, for the way the water rushes in, crashing over the dramatic rocks, and then escaping again, when an elderly gentleman in his 80's climbed up from below. "Do you need help?" I call to him, noticing he is laden down carrying pieces of drift wood, with nets and buoys strung over his shoulders.

"What are you doing?" I ask, puzzled, as it's a rare occasion to see someone else out here. Little did I know that his answer would provide me with an insightful learning experience.

"For my art. I am an artist and these," he says, lifting his arms revealing his collection of what some may call sea junk, "are nature's gifts." As he slowly walks away, leaving me sitting there, I ponder his words.

What many would call trash, refuge washed ashore, another man saw as treasure. One man's trash is another man's treasure. Life is all about perspective, how we choose to view events, objects, and situations. Taking the necessary time and energy to ponder and reflect only helps perfect and enhance the Oil Nut Bay vision.

So here we find ourselves "all in" with Oil Nut Bay, and I am knee high in the greatest adventure of my life. Oil Nut Bay is truly a spectacular place where you can unwind, relax, and recharge. A place that gives you a true perspective of yourself, remembering what is really important in life; family, friends, and creating memories. This leads me to another life lesson, QTR: Quality Time Remaining; but we'll save that for next time.

This is the first of many newsletters where we will provide you with updates, news and information. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me or one of our team members at info@oilnutbay.com or 800.761.0377. For a printer friendly version of the newsletter, please click here. Come and visit us at Oil Nut Bay!

The blow-hole will now forever be called Nature's Gifts as a reminder that one man's trash is another man's treasure. Its all in how you look at nature's gifts.

Sand Arrival

On April 22, approximately 5000 metric tons of Barbuda sand were delivered to the Oil Nut Bay Beach by barge. It was offloaded and spread across the expansive beach using tractors, trucks and rakes, resulting in a pristine white sand beach to compliment the wonderful setting of Oil Nut Bay.

With over twelve different types of sand analyzed from all over the Caribbean for color and granular size, in the end, two different Barbuda sands were combined, proportioned to create the perfect mixture. The Barbuda sand was chosen for its similar qualities to the indigenous sand of Virgin Gorda; white, fine and clean.

Barbuda is part of a three-island state with Antigua and Redonda, located in the middle of the northeastern Caribbean Leeward Islands. Barbuda is 150 miles east of Oil Nut Bay.

for additional photos of the sand arrival and the new beach!

Palm Tree Arrival

Dotting the beach with shade and the perfect place for an afternoon nap in the breeze, are 75 Green Malayan Coconut Palms that were planted last week, arriving by barge after an 1100 mile journey. The conduit for lighting and the sprinkler system will soon be added to the beach landscape.

Construction Update

Arrival Dock

Providing a stunning first impression, the Arrival Center projects into the water beckoning guests into the bay. As the structure takes shape, the framework and roof near completion, with Coral Stone tile on-site and preparing for placement.

Beach Villa

On the western tip of the beach, work continues on the two-bedroom Beach Villa and the outdoor stone work, from Oil Nut Bay stone collected on site, continues. The tongue and groove ceiling and the second bedroom, deck, and walls are progressing.

for more photos of the Jewel Box.

The Beach Villa bathtub has arrived on site!

Ridge Villa 4

Breaking ground in May and with architectual plans by Roger Downing and Partners, is Ridge Villa 4, whose concept is derived from the flow of water. Water is an integral aspect to the design, appearing in varying forms. Formal lily ponds mark the entrance, a pristine infinity pool continues around the front of the main building flowing into an organic pool below, and several pods form the villa cascading down the hill.

for Ridge Villa 4 architectural plans and inspirations.

Beach Club

Strategically located in the center of the Oil Nut Bay Beach is the Beach Club, the family social center of Oil Nut Bay. The main building, a dramatic open air palapa, provides the perfect place to relax, read, and spend time with family. The Beach Club also features an outdoor bar and grill, providing spectacular luncheon options both at the beach and poolside.

Architecture by Roger Downing & Partners, of the BVI, is complete as the excavation for the Beach Club has already begun.

Leed Certification

Oil Nut Bay recently brought on visionary Dr. Larry Oswald as Environmental Team Leader. Dr. Oswald spent the last 10 years at The Chrysler Corporation as CEO of Chrysler's Global Electric Motorcars LLC (GEM) subsidiary, growing GEM into a successful and profitable electric vehicle business, with nearly 37,000 vehicles sold world-wide during this time. Through Dr. Oswald's direction, ONB is setting a new standard in responsible, sustainable community developments.

Today, Dr. Oswald is funneling his passion for conservation, recycling and renewable energy generation into ONB by directing the planning, installation and operational assurance of ONB's integrated community services and energy management systems, making use of natures' abundance of energy - wind and sun. ONB is implementing a variety of eco-progressive initiatives such as using methane generated from organic waste to operate auxiliary energy generators, and capturing wind power to generate electricity for desalinization plants, air conditioning and refrigeration.

More:
- Road, pathway, dock and landscape lights will be solar-powered
- Most domestic hot water will be heated by solar energy, with electric heating back-up used when required
- Collected rain and treated grey water will be the main sources for irrigation water

Every community building in Oil Nut Bay is currently being built 100% to LEED Platinum standards, with the goal to obtain a Platinum certification for the entire development in the future. (While currently optional, residents are highly encouraged to design, build and certify their homes to the Platinum level of the LEED for Homes guidelines.) Additionally, Dr. Oswald will advise ONB residents, and their builders, on how to plan and build structures to the highest levels of energy efficiency consistent with the total ONB community.

LEED certification, which includes a rigorous third-party commissioning process, offers four certification levels -- Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum -- that correspond to the number of credits accrued in five green design categories: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources and indoor environmental quality.

"I am thrilled to have Larry as part of our team. We are committed to a unique environmental journey of the highest standard for Oil Nut Bay," said David Johnson

Oil Nut Bay in the News

North Sound Yacht Club

Biras Creek Resort

Recently added to the National Geographic Traveler 2009 Stay List, Biras Creek Resort has quickly earned acclaim from Conde Nast Johansens, Travel + Leisure, and Trip Advisor, among others.

Over the past two years, Biras Creek has undergone many upgrades including a new fleet of Boston Whalers for island hopping, the addition of private plunge pools to the Grand and Premier Suites, and complete suite renovations, to name a few. "We are on a continual journey of improvement," said General Manager, Rik Blyth. "These awards are a reflection of not only site inspections and surveys, but how our guests feel, which is the real reward."

Lasting Impression

800-761-0377
284.495.5400
info@oilnutbay.com

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