With the ultra fashionable Palmyra Resort & Spa, New York native Robert Trotta has catapulted Jamaica onto the Caribbean real estate scene.
Long Island Mastermind Behind The Palmyra Resort & Spa
This beautiful island in the heart of the West Indies, where celebrities such as Naomi Campbell, Lennox Lewis, Keith Richards, Jane Seymour and Ralph Lauren own island retreats, is becoming increasingly popular among second-home buyers.
The driving force behind the Resort Properties Group, a major player in the luxury real estate and hospitality business throughout Europe and the Caribbean, Trotta is considered by many a pioneer. Over the last quarter century, the innovative group has seen remarkable success with major developments in Spain, Italy, Malta and Dubai and after spending several years looking for a Caribbean destination, Trotta finally found what he was looking for - an ideal combination of natural beauty, mature infrastructure and potential for growth - in the Rose Hall area on Jamaica's Gold Coast. Beautifully positioned on 16 acres of pristine oceanfront land adjacent to the famed Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort of Rose Hall, Montego Bay, The Palmyra offers the allure of three internationally renowned golf courses, a 23,000-square-foot signature spa, sandy white beaches and a private club lifestyle that is unrivalled in the Caribbean.
"When I went to Jamaica four years ago, I recognized where Jamaica was going," Trotta says. "It has a magnificent, new airport (Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay is just minutes from Palmyra) and 300 flights a week to and from the U.S. That is going to have a huge impact on the island. Jamaica is experiencing a veritable renaissance, particularly in the Montego Bay area, and The Palmyra is part of this revival."Trotta really beams when discussing the potential of The Palmyra as a place for Americans to recharge their batteries while connecting with the friendly local vibe. "The reason why Jamaica has always been my favorite Caribbean destination is the people," Trotta says. "They'd rather smile than do anything else. Jamaicans are, as a whole, the warmest, friendliest, most fun-loving people that I've met anywhere. The entire culture revolves around enjoying yourself and being welcomed. Some people are old enough to
remember turmoil on the island in the 1970s that's ancient history.
Now, Jamaica has a lifestyle of relaxation, comfort and security." The Long Island-born developer is especially proud of The Palmyra being his entry into the U.S. market. Currently under construction, the gated community is the culmination of Trotta's life work. It combines several of his passions - golf, local culture, luxury - with an amazing location. In fact, Trotta is especially excited about the fact that someone from his old Metropolitan New York stomping grounds could be in two feet of snow on Long Island in the morning - and be relaxing on the beach less than four hours later. "Jamaica is so easy to get to! You can get on the plane in New York in the morning and you're playing golf in the afternoon," he says. Only minutes from what are considered the island's top three golf courses: The White Witch, Cinnamon Hill and Half Moon, residents and guests at The Palmyra will have preferred access to all three courses while they are on the property. But golf is only part of the picture at The Palmyra. "Our 23,000-square-foot destination spa is going to be the Caribbean's most spectacular spa, and we are fortunate to have the world's most recognized spa designer, ESPA Founder Susan Harmsworth, as the designer," Trotta says. Other amenities at The Palmyra include Personal Concierges and butlers on hand to help fulfill all residents' needs whether it is arranging activities, a private chef, transportation, restaurant reservations, tee times or babysitters. "The Palmyra will offer the best of all worlds," says Trotta. Residents can relax by one of two pools that overlook the sea or enjoy an array of beachside amenities that include adventure gear for snorkeling, kayaking and more. Dining options within the community include an elegant signature restaurant or relaxed dining throughout the day at the Clubhouse, which also houses a 6,000-square-foot ballroom for those special occasions, as well as 4,000 square feet of meeting space.
Trotta sees the resort as an ultra-luxurious getaway, and a chance for families to invest in the booming Jamaican real estate market. With real estate prices considerably lower than on the other Caribbean islands, interest in property from foreign vacation homeowners has surged. "People are realizing that Jamaica is one of the last hidden gems of beachfront property and we're honored that so many families are choosing The Palmyra as their home away from home." "We've already sold more than 140 apartments at The Palmyra, and about 40 per cent have been to people from the Metropolitan New York area," Trotta says. "I've met owners here from Glen Head and Oyster Bay, where my parents are from and they're members at the courses where I used to caddie. I think people feel very comfortable to know that The Palmyra was developed by a New York guy, and I'm proud that I can share my work with people from the place I call home. I still think New York has some of the greatest beaches in the world - I'd just rather be on the beach at The Palmyra come January." The exceptional combination of weather, location, amenities and culture has Jamaica poised to become a top luxury travel and second-home destination for years to come. "The government is very stable and friendly to tourism, and the other infrastructure is there telecommunications, water, electricity," says
Robert Trotta. "The reality of investing in Jamaica is that growth is coming, and I see it being huge over the next 10 years. The Palmyra will be a big part of it, providing luxury in an atmosphere of relaxation, comfort and security."
Golf at The Palmyra
As a youngster, Robert Trotta learned the game of golf as a caddie at several courses around Glen Cove and the Metropolitan area. Piping Rock was his main place of employment, but he also toted bags at the Creek Club, Glen Head and Nassau Country Club. "What a great job for a young man, a great way to make some money and learn a lot," Trotta remembers. "It exposed me to people who had a lot more than my family had, and it helped me see what it took to get to that level of success. I also loved seeing what a club was all about, the idea of giving people a chance to feel truly at home, to feel like they belonged someplace special." Trotta has shaped The Palmyra to create a relaxed, luxurious private club atmosphere - with the benefit of referred golf access.
Residents and guests at The Palmyra can play at the White Witch, Half Moon Golf Club or the Cinnamon Hill Ocean Course in summerlike weather all year long. Jamaica's mountainous topography provides an outstanding setting for golf, and Rose Hall's courses include layouts that stretch from the windswept seaside to the densely wooded hillsides. The warm sea air helps keep the courses in superb condition, and the courses don't "brown out" like other island courses during the summer. Each course has experienced caddies with local knowledge, as well as practice facilities and golf instruction available from golf professionals.
$3 Million Dollar (U.S.) Tropical Beach
More than $3 million (U.S.) is being invested in the creation of a spectacular white sand beach with an abundance of palm trees along The Palmyra's oceanfront. Says Trotta, "We recognize that visitors coming to the Caribbean want the luxury of a wonderful, white sand beach with the signature tropical palm trees, and we are going to give our residents just that." Butterflyfish, angelfish, parrotfish and Doctorfish are only some of the tropical species that inhabit the waters in front of The Palmyra.
In accordance with local NEPA requirements (National Environment Planning Agency), 23,000 square feet of marine sea grass has been relocated to the outside of the breakwater. In addition, 97 coral heads including finger coral, star coral, starlet, hill and fire corals have been relocated offshore, to allow dredging of the ocean floor. Says Trotta, "We want to do our part in creating an environmentally friendly beach environment and preserve the abundance of marine life that exists on our coastline. By moving the sea grass and the coral, we are able to dredge the bottom and provide a clear, sandy swimming beach for our residents and guests."
A 400-foot walkway along the western groynes leads to a beautiful gazebo, perfect for a tropical island wedding.
Interior Design for All Generations
Working with SB Architects is The Gettys Group, a Chicago-based interior design firm. Ariane Steinbeck, senior vice president and principal of Gettys, says of The Palmyra, "The natural palette of The Palmyra's adjoining shores, mountains and greens inspired the color palette for the residence's interior décor. "Rich stone and sumptuous floors, as well as soft textured walls will immediately invite you into your home away from home. Furnishings throughout are a medley of clean lined upholstery, timeless seating styles, and modern accent lighting," Steinbeck says. "Comfortable tonal fabrics complement the furnishings with accents of tropical pattern and color bringing the outdoors inside. Architectural niches reflect the colors of the island resembling the ocean's clear waters and the warmth of a Caribbean sunset." Steinbeck adds, "These residences are designed to appeal to today's guest as much as providing a lasting impact for generations to come."
Luxury Beachfront Living
The Palmyra will provide maintenance-free living at a level of luxury not found elsewhere in the Caribbean. "More than a place to live - it will offer a new way of life." says the Miami-based architect Joseph Andriola, vice president and principal of SB Architects. "The Palmyra Resort & Spa encompasses a private village of Caribbean Suites, one-, two-bedroom and three-bedroom condominiums, penthouses and three-bedroom villas built in a tropical village setting. Each of the residences has been carefully positioned to capture the views of the turquoise Caribbean Sea and designed to capture the style, spirit and scale of its surroundings." Masters in the art of creating luxury communities, SB Architects have extensive experience to draw on from projects such as Fisher Island, Calistoga Ranch, Auberge Resort and Starwood Luxury Collections.
"The Palmyra Resort is breaking new ground in resort environment creation by incorporating the latest in modern conveniences with the natural beauty of its location. The resort design draws on the architectural history of Jamaica and the British West Indies." says Andriola.
According to Andriola, the wonderful climate of Jamaica has afforded the architects many opportunities to create outdoor living spaces ranging from private courtyards with individual plunge pools in the estate villas and penthouses to large wraparound terraces with direct kitchen connections in many of the residences. "Generous balconies and open-framed roof areas extend the living space outside and enhance outdoor living for residents by allowing full use of the additional space," he adds.
Luxurious Signature Spa
"The difference between a good spa and a great spa is the attention to the finer details. The Palmyra ESPA offers a superlative spa journey and a therapy team who will provide world-class treatments second to none," says Susan Harmsworth, CEO and Founder of global spa specialist ESPA. The Palmyra ESPA is a destination in itself for pampering and rejuvenation, organized around a beautiful garden courtyard with private outdoor areas for treatment and relaxation. Much of the guest's experience in this two-level spa will take place outdoors on the many terraces, water gardens and connected courtyards. "Our concept for The Palmyra ESPA is to merge the spa's natural setting and beautiful architecture with our natural healing and relaxation practices, providing our guests with an unforgettable experience as they move from being into well-being," says Harmsworth.
