February 2006

What's In a Name - "Super Luxury" Condominiums

By Jennifer Marko

Aqua at Pelican Isle Yacht Club is considered super luxury based on amenities, design and expansive living space - Real estate developers and marketers use many descriptive words to call attention to their properties. While most refer to specific aspects of the home, there are a few terms that have a specific meaning among industry insiders. One case in point is "super luxury", a term which denotes a level of amenities and architectural detail exclusive to a few choice properties.

Aqua at Pelican Isle Yacht Club is an example of a super luxury community, according to local real estate market analysts. While this term may not be universally defined, it has come to have specific meaning in the Naples real estate market. So the question becomes, what does one expect from a condominium community in this classification?

Super Luxury condominium communities offer home owners a series of upscale amenities, rivaled only by the "ultra luxury" class. These include such assets as direct water frontage and/or views, only three to four homes per floor, homes in the range of 4,000 to 5,500 square feet with 10- to12-foot ceilings, significant attention to architectural detail and numerous upscale amenities. In addition, in super luxury condominium communities, penthouses constitute about 15 percent of the mix.

Aqua is a perfect example of how this term translates into real life. The dual tower, mid-rise condominium community is situated on the Gulf of Mexico and boasts a yacht harbor, which can house yachts of up to 55 feet in length. This asset is special, not only because of the super luxury classification, but also because Aqua is one of a short list of area communities which can accommodate larger vessels.

As to the attention to detail, the list is nearly endless. Aqua offers many features which rival 5-star resorts, including an on-site concierge to anticipate the residents' every need. Some 40,000 square feet of common areas include a private theater, wine tasting and billiards rooms, social salon and spa and fitness center, which allow residents to enjoy their favorite recreational activities without leaving home. And the lush rooftop garden and sky lounge offer a tranquil spot to relax and watch the sun set on the yacht harbor and the Gulf of Mexico beyond.

Inside the elegant residences at Aqua, no detail is left unattended. Residents will enjoy many high-end appointments, such as designer appliances and other comparable appliance packages and customized wood cabinetry. Oversized screened and open-air terraces will allow home owners to enjoy spectacular sunset views, and smart wiring will make telephone and data communications more convenient.

Aqua's residences are 3 and 4 bedroom homes with a study and will range in size from 3,800 square feet to penthouses with up to 7,500 square feet of living space. Two of Aqua's penthouses have private rooftop gardens and 14 foot ceilings. Residences range in price from $1.9 million to more than $6 million. With these and many more elegant amenities, lavish appointments and other elements of style, Aqua proves that "super luxury" is not just a name, it is truly a way of life.