Embrace the Sun | Vacation Homes for the Perfect Summer Getaway
A wave of excitement and wanderlust is sweeping across the globe: summer is here. With all its promises of adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences, it’s the time of year when we yearn to escape the everyday routine and discover all the exciting places the earth has to offer. Whether you seek pristine beaches, vibrant cultural destinations, or anything in between, summer homes are the perfect space to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul.Come along as we tour five stunning vacation homes—from México to Spain. Grab your sunglasses, pack your suitcase, and get ready to uncover the most captivating homes that will make your summer shine.Tulum, MéxicoThis breathtaking, four-bedroom jungle villa boasts a dramatic contemporary style with Mexican-inspired elements and spaces. Located in the private, and exclusive, gated community of Aldea Zama, Casa Leonardo Tulum was built in 2017 and is perfectly situated between charming downtown Tulum and the beach’s abundant restaurants, boutiques, and bars. Enjoy captivating jungle views upon entering the villa’s main door, where you are greeted by an expansive dining room and additional outdoor living and dining areas. Soak in the Caribbean sunshine by the pool or have a hydro massage inside the Jacuzzi. Enjoy a BBQ on the exterior grill and relax in the art backyard, where you’ll find the mural masterpiece “More Love” by Mexican artist Jorge Tellaeche.Additional highlights of the property include its heated pool, private terrace, outside dining area, and rooftop access.Listed by Carlo Toluzzi of Engel & Völkers Tulum. Harpswell, MaineLong Point Island is an exclusive private island offering endless 360-degree water views, numerous hidden beaches, two meticulously maintained homes, and a park-like setting of meadows, paths, and stunning granite ridges. Eat breakfast watching the sunrise from your ocean-facing screened-in porch; dine with the sunset all around you on your south/west-facing decks; watch sailboats from your living room; and listen to the ocean waves from your sunlight-bathed kitchen. Outside, paths wind through this almost six-acre retreat, and granite ridges provide ample perches for fishing. A sanctuary perfect for both solo enjoyment and sharing with family and friends, Long Point Island is a rare and wonderful estate with a unique bucolic charm—all located within an easy drive to downtown Brunswick and a short car ride (or boat trip, should you prefer) to Portland.Listed by Bruce Davis of Engel & Völkers Harpswell. San Rafael, CaliforniaThis single-level, mid-century design, custom property offers the best of Marin County vacation homes. Exquisite front yard landscaping includes blossoms and a splashing pool, evoking memories of beach resorts worldwide. The moveable glass door brings the outside in, as the home’s architecture takes advantage of the area’s significant natural beauty. Large windows and an open floor plan make for a spacious, light-filled interior, the perfect place to entertain large gatherings. Highlights from the property include a bay window overlooking the outdoor dining area, and an expansive chef’s kitchen with storage, stainless appliances, a wine storage closet, and direct access to a 44-foot solar-heated pool. Located in proximity to the highly coveted Andy’s Market, the Marina, and accessible walkways.Listed by Christine Christiansen of Engel & Völkers Mill Valley.West Vancouver, British ColumbiaGood things come to those who wait, and after almost 60 years, this incredible property is finally on the market. Perched above the private and sandy Empire Beach, this lovely 3,800-square-foot home features stunning panoramic ocean, city, and mountain views. The three-bedroom property features a spacious primary suite and a main floor with a freshly renovated kitchen and family room, a formal dining/living room, a den, and a wrap-around patio perfect for summer BBQs. Spend your weekends playing bocce on the flat, grassy lawn. Take your boat to explore the majestic waterfront, or head out for a peaceful sunset paddleboard. Listed by Jesse Dean Cook of Engel & Völkers West Vancouver.Mallorca, SpainListed for $69 million (or €65 million), Villa Solitaire was designed by award-winning Italian architect Matteo Thun, who created the striking glass-front home to capitalize on the magnificent views. The abode took nearly eight years to complete and was designed to mimic boat sails floating through the air.The seven-bedroom, six-bathroom home overlooks the capital, Palma, and the Mediterranean Sea and features multiple living rooms, which open onto the infinity terraces, pools, and lush gardens. The basement surprises visitors with its own video art installation along with a Zen Garden, fitness room with treatment facilities, sauna, Turkish bath, and six spacious parking spaces. Other highlights include open fireplaces, a formal and informal dining room, a main and satellite kitchen, a bar, and a wine cellar.The property is so stunning, in fact, that Nicole Kidman stayed there earlier this year while filming the spy thriller series “Lioness,” in which she’ll star as CIA Senior Supervisor Kaitlyn Meade. Listed by Gabriela Muñoz of Engel & Völkers Mallorca.The post Embrace the Sun | Vacation Homes for the Perfect Summer Getaway appeared first on Engel & Völkers.
Feel Good with Serena Williams and GG magazine
We are pleased to welcome you to The Feel Good Issue of GG magazine—your global guide to living longer, happier, and healthier. From the stars pioneering a new way of living to the world’s premier wellness retreats, this issue is nothing short of a grand slam. In this issue, we join Serena Williams, the American tennis prodigy, who, now retired from playing is making waves again as a fitness entrepreneur. Following, GG magazine curated a dedicated guide to the trends, trailblazers, and companies forging a new future in the booming health and wellness industry. Be it the trend of forest bathing, a lesson from Michelle Obama, or Gwenyth Paltrow’s infamous company, GOOP, these are the ones to watch for those interested in the ever-expanding frontier of healthy living. Finally, unlock the serene and visionary preventative health experiences exclusively available at Austria’s Mayrlife Health Resort. Health—The New WealthLast August, Serena Williams announced the end of her tennis career in Vogue Magazine. As she stepped onto the courts in Flushing Meadow, home to the U.S. Open, 30,000 onlookers witnessed the final match of one of the greatest tennis players of all time; and, no less, it was held on the very same court where Williams won her first Grand Slam in 1999.Yet, Williams’ “play to win” mentality did not end on the courts that day. Now, you can find it as an integral part of the mission statement for her venture capital fund, Serena Ventures. And that she does. Serena Ventures, much like Serena Williams did in the world of tennis (a predominately white and wealthy sport), is setting a higher bar for venture capital; at the time of Serena Venture’s establishment, only 2% of venture capital went to women. As of last year, having raised $111 million in funding, her eponymous venture capital fund invested in 60 start-ups, 54% of which were started by women, 47% of which belonged to Black founders, and 11% of which were led by Latino/a/x founders.Forever YoungWith experts expecting the medical wellness market to reach nearly $8 trillion in its evaluation by 2030, it is clear that the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic is driving consumers to invest in a healthy lifestyle. And these trends, trailblazers, and companies are the ones to watch as the industry’s arena becomes more packed with competitors. With public figures like Elle Macpherson, Michelle Obama, Tony Robbins, and Selena Gomez (to name a few) stepping into the industry, stars, much like us, are considering and creating avenues for a happier and healthier life. From superfood companies to inspirational written, spoken, and documented tell-alls, the power of personal storytelling is an integral part of connecting with and learning from one another.And, of course, the spaces we live in can add exponential value to the quality of our lives. Enter architects like Ma Yangson and Peter Zumthor, and artists coalitions such as RxArt, who are collectively reimagining how mindful living interacts with the spaces we call “home.”Pushing the Recharge ButtonJoin GG magazine Editor & Chief, Michaela Cordes, as she explores the enriching preventative health and wellness programs of the famous Mayrlife Health Resort in Altaussee, Austria. We are very honored and happy that more than half of our first-time guests return to us religiously.Dr. Dieter Resch, CEO, Mayrlife Heath Resort AltausseeAnd Cordes is one of them. Despite this not being her first visit to the resort, this most recent stay was for one of its most booked programs. Follow along as this personal account of a rarefied daily routine, cutting-edge treatments, and tailored plans that introduce us to some of the world’s most forward-thinking doctors, lovely characters, and movie-worthy moments. For all of these articles and more, you can view the full issue below or click here. Enjoy your read.The post Feel Good with Serena Williams and GG magazine appeared first on Engel & Völkers.
Voices of Pride: Celebrating Our Diversity
June marks a time of vibrant celebration and reflection: Pride Month. This month-long commemoration holds profound significance as it honors and uplifts the LGBTQ+ community. Recognizing their resilience, achievements, and the ongoing struggle for equality, June is a dedicated time when individuals, communities, and businesses come together to collectively foster the diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives that promote acceptance and advocate for a more inclusive society. And what better way to do this than with the simple elegance of storytelling? A few gracious members of the Engel & Völkers network kindly agreed to tell us more about them: how they got into real estate, what their journeys have been like, where they would like to see the industry and world go, and their ideas on what we can do to get there. Chris MargettsCan you tell us about your career journey and how you found your passion in your field?I stumbled into a part-time administrative position for a real estate company over 15 years ago. I was in school for Business Management and needed to find a job to help fund my studies. From the moment I started, I found I really enjoyed what I was doing—helping others to succeed using the tools and skills I have. As the VP of Operations now, the goal is the same: being there to support and help our advisors here in Victoria in any way I can.What advice would you give to other LGBTQ+ individuals who are starting their careers and pursuing real estate?Be proud of who you are and embrace your authentic identity. Remember that your unique experiences and perspectives can bring value to your work. When you’re true to yourself, you’ll be more confident and better equipped to navigate challenges and seize opportunities.Look for real estate organizations that prioritize diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Research companies and seek out those with inclusive policies, LGBTQ+ employee resource groups, and a track record of supporting LGBTQ+ individuals. A welcoming and affirming work environment can contribute to your professional growth and overall well-being. And last, but not least, connect with other LGBTQ+ professionals in the real estate industry. Seek out mentorship opportunities and join LGBTQ+ professional networks or associations. These connections can provide guidance, support, and valuable insights as you navigate your career. What can the industry do to be more supportive of the LGBTQ+ community?On the brokerage and company level, Engel & Völkers is extremely supportive of the LGBTQ+ community. We act ahead of the curve in making sure everyone is supported and feels welcome in the industry. Victoria, British Columbia, is also a very accepting and supportive community. If all cities and companies could be as proactive when it comes to inclusivity and support for all, the world would be a better place. Who is a changemaker that inspires you? What lesson did you learn from them?My close friends inspire me on a regular basis. A number of my friends work in a similar industry or are also members of the LGBTQ+ community, and they all inspire me to be a better person each day. They have taught me to be more open and accepting because you never know what someone is going through behind the scenes. Patience and acceptance are powerful virtues. The leadership in my brokerage and within the Engel & Völkers Network are also always ahead of the pack when it comes to change and making sure everyone in our company is included and supported. When you are proud to be a part of this network, or any network, you feel inspired to follow suit. Chris Margetts is the vice president of operations for Engel & Völkers Victoria.Charli BullardCan you tell us about your career journey and how you found your passion in your field?I graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a Management Information Systems degree. I was fortunate enough to begin working for a local oil and gas company following an internship I completed during my junior year. I went on to work for the same company for 11 years but had a passion for remodeling and flipping homes—I loved being able to create something I found beautiful.Unfortunately but fortunately, I was part of a RIF (reduction in force) at this job for the oil and gas company. When trying to figure out my next career, I was drawn to real estate and anything encompassing homes. Although I was nervous about starting a new career, it led me into a business I absolutely love and will always appreciate. The past four and a half years in real estate have been some of the hardest, yet most rewarding. Have you encountered any unique challenges or opportunities in your career? How did you navigate them?Every day in real estate is a different day for me. It is one of the many reasons I love working in this field. You come across all kinds of challenges and are continually learning something new. For me, it is important to communicate well with your clients. And that means being completely transparent—being open and honest even when facing adversity. Of course, there are times you will mess up, but as long as you are honest and own your mistake, your clients will appreciate you more, because we are all human.In your experience, what are some benefits of workplace diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging—particularly for LGBTQ+ individuals?Growing up in a more conservative state, I experienced jobs where I did not have the same rights as my coworkers or felt like I was treated differently because of my sexuality. For a while, I could have been fired for being gay, regardless of my work ethic and experience. Since I experienced this, I never take for granted a workplace that allows me to be me and treats me as an equal. Engel & Völkers was the first company that made me feel this way, and I will always be grateful to them. What advice would you give to other LGBTQ+ individuals who are starting their careers and pursuing real estate?Be yourself, continue to work hard, and always lead with clear, honest communication. I would also suggest working for a company whose values align with yours and one that will treat you with respect and inclusion. I get asked if being a gay woman has ever negatively impacted my real estate career, and if it has, I haven’t known about it.If I come across a client who doesn’t want to work with me because of my sexuality, then I don’t want to work with them. I only want to be surrounded by people who respect each other and treat others how they would like to be treated. This career is very demanding, and you want to build relationships that last a lifetime with your clients… who you work with is as much a choice for you as it is for them.Charli Bullard is an advisor for Engel & Völkers Oklahoma City.Dan NicoloffCan you tell us about your career journey and how you found your passion in your field?From early on, I found myself captivated by the world of architecture and all its different styles around the globe… this same fascination fueled my curiosity and set the stage for my journey into real estate.My parents instilled in me that real estate could be an avenue for personal, professional, and financial growth, and it really resonated with me. I have always had a curiosity to learn more about the potential the real estate industry has to offer. Throughout my travels around the world growing up, I witnessed firsthand how greatly real estate varied from region to region, each showcasing the unique characteristics and cultural fabric of its community. Before real estate, I was in corporate franchising, but I got to a point where I needed something a little different in my life and decided to pivot into real estate where I already had so much natural curiosity and interest. Have you encountered any unique challenges or opportunities in your career? How did you navigate them?Honestly, I have always had a very outgoing personality and could strike up a conversation and connect with anyone. With that being said, the greatest obstacle I faced starting out eight years ago was being new to the business and lacking industry knowledge. Recognizing this, I discovered the importance of patience and learning every aspect of the industry. In doing so, I gained the confidence to effectively collaborate and work with clients while also experiencing personal and professional growth.Are there any resources or organizations that have been particularly helpful for you in your career development?Throughout the years, the ability to so easily connect with other members of the network at brand events, like EVX, has been fantastic for career development and connecting with innovative individuals. On top of that, other networks, like the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance, and local meetings with groups here in the Dallas Fort Worth area have created a real sense of local community for me. What can the industry do to be more supportive of the LGBTQ+ community?We work better when we work together, and if we continue to nurture inclusiveness and collaboration in our industry, we will continue to support our growth as a society. Dan Nicoloff is the director of operations and an advisor for Engel & Völkers Dallas Lakeside.On behalf of everyone at Engel & Völkers, we thank our network of LGBTQ+ members and allies for cultivating the inclusive and collaborative network of professionals that make our brand like no other. As we kick off this new month, we have yet another opportunity to support this incredible community we created together. To learn more about LGTBQ+ home ownership, please visit LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance, who we proudly partner with.The Trevor Project, The Human Rights Campaign, and GLAAD are notable charities for those interested in making charitable donations to LGTBQ+-related causes.The post Voices of Pride: Celebrating Our Diversity appeared first on Engel & Völkers.
Categories
Recent Posts
