Start with the pristine and soul-caressing colour of turquoise ... as far as the eye can see.

It's the sky and surf of St. Kitts, melding into one dazzling vista on the coast of the Caribbean's last unspoiled island jewel.

More specifically, it's the view from Ocean's Edge, a new five-star international resort soon to rise in Frigate Bay, St. Kitts, in the eastern Caribbean.

Sales have already started to kick into high gear at Ocean's Edge, although 183 apartments of various sizes and styles have only recently been placed on the market. We'll go into those details a bit later.



Meanwhile, the first thing you need to know is that these luxury units are surprisingly affordable, considering their enduring appeal and matchless shorefront location. Even better, as members of the Ocean's Edge rental pool, you share an opportunity to offset the cost of your fully deeded, freehold investment while you're back at home, working towards your next exciting Caribbean vacation.

(In order to satisfy government requirements, 90 per cent of the accommodation at Ocean's Edge will be welcomed into the rental pool.) But here's better news: Due to a lack of supply of tourist accommodation, excellent long- and short-term rental returns are achievable.

As far as long-term investment potential, look no further: "It's our view that St. Kitts is at the bottom of an upward curve. Several major hotel firms have already announced plans to set up shop, beyond those, such as Marriott, which already enjoy a presence there," explains James Barnes, managing director of New Found Property International.

Barnes hastens to add that St. Kitts is a user-friendly place to do business. And it should go without saying that the beachfront apartments, hillside cottages and detached villas that make up Ocean's Edge will be outfitted with the finest amenities, including wall-mounted flat screen TV sets, designer kitchens, built in wardrobes and ensuite bathrooms as well as optional furniture packages.

If you're unfamiliar with the neighbourhood, you have a treat in store. Until recently, St. Kitts has generally been overshadowed by higher-profile tourist destinations. Why?

Sheer oversight, on the part of travel agents and snow birds alike. Frankly, they have no idea what they're missing.

"There's something special about the undiscovered Caribbean charm of this island," enthuses Barnes, who ranks St. Kitts several notches above the glitzy, frequently over-populated tourist destinations that grab most of the headlines.

"At Kitts, you can still watch the surf roll in from your seat at an exquisite beachfront cafe and taste the most succulent seafood you've ever eaten, all for a very few dollars," he adds, with a wistful look in his eye. In short, St. Kitts represents the authentic Caribbean experience. Crime rates are minuscule and local residents are warm, friendly and hospitable.

And yes, there's solitude. Moreover, modern infrastructure and modern services mean you're never too far from the good things in life, including some of the most sophisticated and altogether irresistible eating places you'll find anywhere.

Then, too, this tropical treasure, readily accessible by air from Toronto, offers every conceivable bonus to the winter vacationer.

Sail among the neighboring volcanic islands. Snorkel and scuba dive among the ruins of underwater shipwrecks and colorful coral reefs. Charter sport fishing boats. Go riding, swimming, waterskiing, surfing, hiking and climbing. Bookings are rarely a problem.

Don't forget golf. With the Royal St. Kitts Golf Club mere steps away from the elegant foyer of Ocean's Edge, it gives a whole new meaning to hitting your ball into the beach.

Except in this case, the gleaming white sand "hazard" is the sparkling strip of exquisite beachfront that lies directly abreast of the resort.

"You get the benefit of a real double whammy. Our headland is within easy walking distance of the clubhouse," grins Barnes.

And such a course. Never one to skip a chance to try his hand on a championship track, Barnes unabashedly declares the palm-lined Royal St. Kitts course one of the most scenic he's ever had the good luck to play.

About those details: The current offering includes 64 one-bedroom beachfront apartments, each approximately 800 square feet; 60 hillside apartments, featuring panaramic views of the Atlantic Ocean; 40 exquisitely-appointed and spacious garden cottages, clustered in groups of five around a swimming pool; and 19 executive villas that must be seen to be believed.

Let's talk communal leisure facilities. It's an impressive list, including fully equipped fitness centre; centrally located clubhouse and restaurant; and another spacious, open-plan restaurant to be situated on a picturesque spot overlooking the beach.

Why hesitate? For more detailed information, access this website: www.newfoundproperty.com. Or telephone a helpful sales agent at New Found Property's Toronto office: 416.234.2137. For additional info, e-mail your request to: canada@newfoundproperty.com.