Santiago Golf Resort

Santiago Golf Resort is a private company, with 2 share holders:  Group Sacramento Campos, a Portuguese group born 35 years ago, with 34 companies, selling more than 125 million Euros / year and specialised in four main business areas: construction materials distribution (they are leaders in Portuguese market), real estate promotion, real estate management and financial businesses;   Dr. Eugénio Inocêncio, Cape Verdean businessman, licensed in economy, Cape Verdean ambassador in Portugal, Spain, France and Algeria during the 90´s, former member of the parliament, Chairman of Cape Verde Telecom for 5 years and current Chairman of Santiago Golf Resort.

Size of development:

Santiago Golf Resort owns 650 hectares of land, with over 5 km coast line.

Builders

We have started, in September 2004, infrastructure works in "Quinta da Achada", the whole infrastructure of that site will be finished by September 2006. A Portuguese company named MARPE is doing the works, they are certified ISO 9001:2000 and have a large experience, and for example, they made the infrastructures of Expo 98 in Lisbon.

Architects

For the overall architecture we are working with a British company, named Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo (www.watg.com) who are the world’s leading design consultant for the hospitality, leisure and entertainment industries. It’s theirs the design of world renowned places such as “Caesars Palace” and “The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino” in Las Vegas,  “Claridge’s” in London, “Atlantis Paradise Island” in the Bahamas...

Property pricing:

Quinta da Achada, phase I”, a 50 hectares size macro plot, which will be fully infrastructuralized in September 2006, with plots ranging from 1.200m to 3.000m in size, has an average square meter price of 60 €.   Santiago Golf Resort developers believe that the best way to ensure the quality and success of this project is through the making of joint-ventures, especially in key areas like the Golf macro plot (120 hectares for: Golf Hotel (5 Star, 180 Keys), real estate, and greens) and the Harbour Area.   The price for the macro plots are subject to negotiations with the partners and, obviously, are lower than the 60€ m2 for completely infrastucturalized plots of “Quinta da Achada, phase I”.   We are currently engaged in conversations regarding the sale and development of macro plots, with Portuguese, Spanish, French and British companies. See Prices

Construction time frame:

The whole project, worth around 550 million Euros, is scheduled to be completed in 5 to 10 years, depending on the international market. The “Quinta da Achada, phase I” will be complete in September next year. We will start building villas during the first quarter of 2006.

Brief description of the project:

Location

The island of Santiago, in the idyllic Cape Verde archipelago, is characterised by one of the best climates in the world and an easy-going friendly environment.

Santiago Country Resort is situated on the southernmost coast of the island of Santiago, between the city of Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, and the mediaeval city of Ciudade Velha, first European city on Africa. The development is only a 20 minutes drive from the new international airport and the capital Praia, and is close to Ciudade Velha and the picturesque village of S.Martinho.

Resort

The development covers an area of 650 hectares, permitting a comfortable layout of facilities, each within easy distance of residential centres, harbour areas, golf resort town centre and the various hotels, permitting ample space an uninterrupted sea and mountain views.   Santiago Country Club is a development consisting of a limited number of luxury villas and condominiums in an around the golf resort area including the harbour west and east areas which overlook the old seaplane base.   The hotels, the residential units, spa, beaches, and golf / sports facilities will be both accessible and private. The commercial town centre and clinic are located adjacent to the golf resort entrance and are more public. For the discerning tourist looking for the more indigenous Cape Verde atmosphere by way of a separate resort entrance will access the public waterfront areas, one will pass through the stroking landscape of the S.Martinho an encounters the valley experience with its natural landscape, trails, Wildlife, equestrian facilities, activities centre and a special area devoted to a botanical gardens / nursery produces all of which creates local employment and in turn cultivating some of the lush plants found around the islands for view or sale. On arrival at the waterfront you will have passed via the beach promenade facilities and the low key family orientated hotel, on to the historical seaplane harbour with its boutique shopping village, with the Spa Hotel adjacent on its own private peninsula.  By careful consideration the resort has been laid out to create natural or enhanced buffer zones so as to balance the need for accessibility against privacy. In contrast to the S.Martinho valley entrance which leads to a more public waterfront recreational activities; zone F will be developed more densely yet in sensitive urban style so as to act as a buffer between the potential urban sprawl of Praia an the Golf Resort, with the aim of providing more affordable residential / commercial units. In addition a 200 metre naturally landscaped buffer zone along the north side of the main boundary road of the whole resort will also be developed with the aim of safe guarding the resort exclusivity.   In Contrast the golf resort with its various styles / sizes of residential units, golf courses, and clubhouse and conference hotel facilities will be accessed via its secure entrance thus managing the degree of privacy and control necessary to protect such special places yet allowing outside access to those that wish to invest in this experience. The introduction of villas along the fairways provides the integration and lifestyle demanded today of the golf villa investor balanced against a choice of smaller affordable residential units around their own residential clubs.   The architectural character of the various resort centres will be a mix of three distinct styles within the principle areas that reflect the indigenous character, with historical references and bold colours that will create a balanced style within the Cape Verde environment and make a special place to remember. Santiago Golf Resort is a spectacular and beautiful setting, surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery, enclosing intimate valleys and ravines. It is this intrinsic quality which will be enhanced and developed to create a world class resort community and golf course.   Landscape will be enhanced as and where appropriate to its surroundings that blend with the fertile nature of the land. Natural areas will be protected and maintained to provide an indigenous character. Areas adjacent to built development will have extensive planting of lush native species that are naturally sustainable in their environment. Road corridors will be basalt cobbles, no kerbs with footpaths made of natural material with informal tree and rock boulders to produce a natural landscape. In addition the use of low level lighting will be adopted wherever possible to reduce the light pollution levels.

Villas & Apartments

Owners can choose from a range of architecturally designed homes, to be built on their chosen plot to suit their specific needs. The units are all conceived to combine individual tastes with a homogeneous whole and can be adapted within a wide range of options, which can include an in-door or out-door pool, verandas and porches, an annex, etc. Besides the infrastructures, landscaping is also included and is, in fact, obligatory.  Finishing is to the most demanding specifications, with the most modern plumbing, wiring, air-conditioning and insulating systems as well as the highest quality ceramics, woods, bathroom and kitchen fittings and appliances.  Alternatively, custom built designs or owner’s contracted builder are permit access to the site to construct an approved design. The finished homes is not just a unit in which to be comfortable; it is also a possession of which to be justifiably proud.  

Activities

The range of planned activities is outstanding from land sports to water sports, to culture, health, entertainment, the resort will cater for all preferences, all set in a protected natural environment.  Land sports will include golf courses, golf academy, a tennis academy, an equestrian centre, 4-wheel drive safaris, botanical gardens experiences.  The golf courses are to be designed by the team that was responsible for the most recent courses at the “Quinta do Lago” in the Algarve and take advantage of the exceptional landscape, having an unusual number of links fairways.  For the pre-handicap player or the perfectionist, a golf academy will be available, with qualified professionals.  Members of the Santiago Country Club, including home-owners in the “Quinta da Achada”, will become members of the Golf Club, Riding Club, Health Club, Tennis Club as well as enjoying numerous other privileges. Water sports will include sailing, windsurfing, scuba and Deep Sea fishing, plus boat and seaplane trips to near islands such as Fogo with its 2.800m high volcano attraction.

Facilities

All of this complemented by the Resorts range of facilities a Golf Clubhouse along side the Five stars Golf Hotel with international Conferences and Tennis Academy facilities plus its own secluded beach. Nearby is a boutique Hotel developed partly for owners to reside in during construction phase of their villas.  Four star family orientated Beach Hnment’s.  All the hotels will be equipped with differing degrees of Conferences and business facilities appropriate to their needs.  Because of the proximity to the international Airport at Praia, and the subsequent easy access to four continents, Santiago Golf Resort will be a popular Conference location both for Private organisations and Companies, as well as for Government and Non-profit-making entities.  At the entrance to the Golf resort is the commercial centre providing adequate retail and health care needs. The clinic will contain medical care facilities that are required for a resort environment. The retail will be centred on a market type square theme servicing various requirements including offices located above the retail units both needed to service the resort and surrounding communities.  Villa and apartment residents can relax on their verandas, appreciate the spectacular sunsets, swim in the privacy of their own pools or mix in their own residential Club. Members of the Santiago Country Club, including home-owners in the “Quinta da Achada”, automatically become members of the Golf Club, Riding Club, Health Club, Tennis Club as well as enjoying numerous other privileges.  otel located adjacent to the main beach and its promenade facilities plus various recreational activities.  Plus a secluded Spa Hotel set on its own private peninsula adjacent to the old seaplane harbour where there are several restaurants and bars plus boutique shops and craft centres which produce their own nightlife entertainment.

Golf

The terrain occupied by the Resort is ideal for the construction of a Golf Course with unique characteristics, comparable to the most spectacular, from the point of view of both the landscape and challenge for the golfer.   The vast area available for the construction of the courses includes both excellent topographical characteristics and also affords the opportunity of using the coastline for the construction of links fairways associated with some of the most exciting courses in the world.   The projected development of an 18 hole course, with a further 9 holes, plus a clubhouse. Next to the clubhouse will be an academy and driving range, ample parking facilities and views of the final holes of each set of 9.   The plans that have been conceived adapt the fairways to the terrain, reducing the need for extensive earthmoving. The difference in the level of seashore and the terrain further inland, which ranges from a marked slope to veritable cliffs, allows us to project each set of 9 holes on a similar level, in the interest of avoiding excessive and uncomfortable unevenness.   Since the prevailing winds are North-easterly, the course is varied in direction, sequence of length and par.  

Sense of place

The Santiago Golf Resort seeks to reflect the island’s unique sense of place, drawing inspiration from its landscape, history and culture.

Masterplan

The Resort Masterplan follows the natural landscape features. The mix of tourism, commercial and residential uses creates a fully integrated resort.  

Harbour Resort

This zone will be a principal tourist attraction. The lively Beach Promenade and charming Harbour Village provide a broad range of attraction for both residents and guests.

Harbour Village

Boutique Retail and Apartments gather around the bustling waterfront of this historic natural harbour, continuing its tradition as a port for sea and air travel.

Beach Promenade

This rare sandy beach is a natural gathering place within the resort. Markets, restaurants, bars and entertainment make the most of a thriving popular destination.

Beach Hotel (4 Star, 240 keys)

Located between the Harbour Village and Beach Promenade, this hotel provides for an ideal family holidays, with immediate access to the broadest range of activities.

Spa Hotel (5 Star, 150 keys)

Surrounded and protected by a rugged coastline, this elegant hotel offers a natural retreat, and provides the finest hotel and spa facilities within the resort.

  Golf Resort

Santiago’s first golf resort offers an active lifestyle to residents and guests. Championship quality golf and tennis take full advantage of their island setting.

Golf Hotel (5 Star, 180 keys)

The Golf Hotel enjoys prime views over the ocean golf course. All Guest Rooms and Facilities share sunset views along the dramatic coastline.

 Boutique Hotel

The intimate atmosphere of this hotel gives a taste of the lifestyle that residents can enjoy all year. The restaurant takes advantage of panoramic ocean views.  

Resort community

A critical mass of commercial and residential uses contributes life and energy not only to the resort, but back to the island community as a whole

  Commercial

The commercial centre is conceived as a traditional town, with public promenade of lively streets and plazas, typical of Santiago’s historic towns.

  Residential

The apartments and villas cater for abroad range of residents needs, but all contribute to building a consistent quality and streetscape character throughout.

Resort landscape

The landscape contrasts plateau’s panoramic ocean views with hidden valleys. These valleys are protected and enhanced as unique landscape corridor for native flora and fauna to thrive.

S.Martinho Valley

Harbour Resort visitors enter through S.Martinho, a fertile valley of farm, stables and gardens, before arriving at a surprise view of sandy beach and ocean beyond.

Circulation

Roads are kept to a minimum, with sensitive lighting and surface treatment. Landscaped pedestrian routes make walking the resort a delight in itself.

Exploration

The islands themselves are a landscape waiting to be explored, from mountain to ocean. The Santiago Golf Resort provides all you could need to explore them all.