The Trump Organization unveils its latest Caribbean development, the Trump International Residences & Golf Club.

By Jennifer Seligman

The quaint village of Rio Grande is the site that Trump Organization handpicked for its latest residential development, Trump International Residences & Golf Club. Surrounded by the world famous El Yunque rainforest, Atlantic Ocean, and spread over 1,000 green acres of land, this Puerto Rican paradise serves as the ideal tropical getaway. The Trump Organization has partnered with Empresas Diaz, Inc., a construction conglomerate in Puerto Rico, and award-winning CMA Architects & Engineers LLP, an architectural and engineering firm based in Puerto Rico and one of the largest firms in the Caribbean, for this project. The Residences will entail 500 luxurious units-from condominiums to estate homes-with prices ranging from the $550s to $7 million, making this development the first of its kind on the island and throughout the Caribbean.

Considered the gateway to the Caribbean, Puerto Rico is one of the largest islands in the eastern Caribbean. It provides the perfect setting for an ideal and exciting retreat, thanks to the abundant colonial Spanish accents, rich culture, succulent food, friendly people, white sandy beaches, and an expansive tropical rainforest.

Unlike any other residence in Puerto Rico, Trump International Residences & Golf Club caters to a select group of buyers with discerning tastes. “I think the property sets itself apart in terms of the physical product, land, and amenities,” says Eric Trump, vice president of development and acquisitions in the Trump Organization. Trump actively participates in all aspects of real estate development, both nationally and internationally within Trump Organization, and Trump International Residences & Golf Club is one of his latest projects. “It has a really spectacular golf course and is located on a great peninsula surrounded by amazing rainforests, and it was designed by the best architects and master planners,” says Trump.

Recently awarded “Best Golf Course of Puerto Rico” by the American Academy of Hospitality Services, the impressive 36-hole golf course was designed by legendary golfer Tom Kite, creating both a Championship Course and an International Course with PGA-approved silica sand in the bunkers. In March 2008, the course hosted the first PGA Puerto Rico Open, welcoming more than 75,000 spectators.

The first residents of Trump International Residences and Golf Club will be selected to be part of the Trump Founders Club, an exclusive membership that will present an array of benefits including the use of a private jet, helicopter, limousine service, access to preferred tee times and reservations at the restaurant, 24/7 concierge services, and private cabanas at the pool. Also on the grounds is the 46,000-square-foot clubhouse with world-class restaurant, pro-shop, locker rooms, and a grand elegant ballroom. The 10-acre beach club offers an array of amenities and facilities including the golf course, gourmet restaurant, indoor and outdoor bars, first class spa and health club, fitness center, tennis courts, swimming pools, and various water sports.

All residences within the development will be beachfront properties. Purchase options include the $1.5 million Trump Beach Club Villas, $1.6 million Trump Founder Villas, $5 million to $7 million Trump Estates sitting on roughly one acre of land, and the $550,000 to $850,000 Trump Golf Suites, ideal for a weekend golf home.

Although Trump Organization has historically been a very “New York-centric” company, Trump explains that lately, there has been a push toward more international projects. Puerto Rico is a unique area for development in particular because it is on U.S. soil, making development efforts that much easier. “The Trump brand resonates well there,” says Trump. And because Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the United States, “you don’t need a passport or customs; it had all the right recipes for success.”

Trump International Residences & Golf Club is located only 15 minutes from Puerto Rico Airport, making getting to and from the residences quite easy. Helipads are also available nearby for those who want to forgo the 15-minute journey by car, although Trump assures that both routes are equally convenient.

“I give Puerto Rico a lot of credit,” says Trump. “We went into Puerto Rico after the government said they wanted to be affiliated with Trump. They were actually very proactive in getting us in there.” The PGA tour was also active in persuing the Trump International Residences & Golf Club as a site to hold its famed golf tournament. “Clearly we have two of the best golf courses in the Caribbean,” cheerfully boasts Trump. “The PGA is really picky and they chose our courses.”

Most residences will be available to purchase beginning in September and are slated for completion by mid-2010. “The project offers a tremendous amount to a buyer; they are truly buying a lifestyle,” says Trump. “You can golf on 36 holes, you can go to the beach, you can relax by the pool. We’re bringing a New York-type product and an element of luxury that people expect but have never before seen in Puerto Rico. In doing so we will far surpass any product currently on the market.”

For Inquiries call 1.877.Trump-5
www.TrumpGolfClubPuertoRico.com