Turtle Lake

Victor International Wins Prestigious 2009 CNBC Property Awards!

Andrea Austin — 12/30/2009 12:07:52 PM

Posted by Andrea Austin on 30 Dec 2009
Best Development USA - Bay Harbor

Best Marina Development Caribbean - North Sound Yacht Club

(Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands) - November 24, 2009 Leading real estate developer, Victor International, announces that two of its developments have won esteemed CNBC International Property Awards. North Sound Yacht Club has been named Best Marina Development and Bay Harbor has been named Best Development USA. Slated to open in fall 2010, North Sound Yacht Club is one of the most luxurious and technologically advanced super-yacht marinas in the British Virgin Islands. Bay Harbor is a 1,200 acre luxury resort community in northern Michigan.

The CNBC Property Awards, in association with CNBC Arabia and the New York Times, are judged by a panel of 52 independent professionals whose collective knowledge of the property industry is unsurpassed by any other property awards. The International Property Awards are also supported by 12 professional bodies and many of these are represented on the judging panel.

As well as entries from across the USA, the Caribbean, Mexico, Panama, Brazil, Canada, Belize and Bermuda were represented this year. There were 36 different residential and commercial categories in total. These international accolades were announced at a gala presentation dinner in San Diego.

Victor International creates upscale residential, resort and commercial real estate, and provides the highest quality lifestyle and leisure experiences through its developments. Victor International's mission is to create and facilitate unique living and working environments in ecological harmony with the land.

Situated on the North Sound of Virgin Gorda, well known for its safe harborage, North Sound Yacht Club is a world-class facility opening in November 2010. Featuring a state-of-the-art marina with up to 38 slips for super-yachts from 100-350 feet (35-100 meters), as well as on-site dining and boutique shops, North Sound Yacht Club can accommodate any super-yacht, both power and sail, offers privacy and optimal vessel security, and has been built in environmental harmony with the land, with deep water berthing and no dredging. In addition to all the amenities offered by NSYC, founding members will also receive access to Biras Creek Resort, a Relais & Chateaux property, and membership to the exclusive Oil Nut Bay Club, where amenities included hiking trails, a secluded beach, tennis, fine dining, a spa, and a nature center (Nuthouse for Kids).

A world-renowned, $1 billion resort community in northern Michigan, Bay Harbor was once the site of an abandoned century-old cement plant and limestone quarry. Bay Harbor is now a 1,200 acre luxury resort community extending along five miles of the Lake Michigan shoreline, featuring a world-class deep water harbor and marina, the Olympic caliber Bay Harbor Equestrian Club and the 27-hole Bay Harbor Golf Club.

Having earned these high accolades, winning developments including North Sound Yacht Club and Bay Harbor are now entitled to display the CNBC Property Awards logo with pride. This symbol of excellence has become recognized and appreciated by property buyers the world over.

About Victor International Corporation

With a 30 year history of integrity and a strong focus on creating one development at a time, Michigan-based Victor International Corporation is a leading real estate developer, founded by David V. Johnson. Victor has created more than 40 developments throughout its history, including, in the U.S., the Urban Land Institute’s Award of Excellence winner, Bay Harbor, Michigan, a $1 billion, 1,200 acre luxury resort community extending along five miles of Lake Michigan; and Turtle Lake, a premier, $400 million low density private community in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. In the Caribbean, Victor International is developing Oil Nut Bay, a generational family community featuring 88 homesites on 300 acres (www.oilnutbay.com), as well as North Sound Yacht Club, and operates Biras Creek Resort, top luxury destinations in the Caribbean and world. Victor International boasts no debt. www.victorintl.com

About North Sound Yacht Club

Sitting adjacent to Oil Nut Bay and Biras Creek Resort, awaits the North Sound Yacht Club, a Victor International luxury mega-yacht marina that will accommodate 100 ft. to 350 ft. yachts. A state-of-the-art marina facility, this boutique club will also host villas and upscale retail shops. www.northsoundyachtclub.com

About Bay Harbor

A world-renowned, $1 billion resort community in northern Michigan. Once the site of an abandoned century-old cement plant and limestone quarry, Bay Harbor is now a 1,200 acre luxury resort community extending along five miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, featuring a world-class deep water harbor and marina, the Olympic caliber Bay Harbor Equestrian Club and the 27-hole Bay Harbor Golf Club. www.bayharbor.com

Biras Creek Resort: Awards and Achievements

Andrea Austin — 12/30/2009 12:06:57 PM

Posted by Andrea Austin on 30 Dec 2009

The Biras Creek Restaurant received a 2009 Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator Magazine.

The British Virgin Islands have been recognized as the “Best Caribbean Islands destination” in the prestigious Travel + Leisure Annual World’s Best Awards readers’ survey. Travel + Leisure’s World's Best Awards highlight the results of an annual, impartial survey that allows Travel + Leisure readers to share their opinions of their favorite travel experiences.

National Geographic Traveler named Biras Creek to their 2009 Stay List, a list of 129 recommended hotels worldwide.

Conde Nast Johansens, the international luxury hotel guide publisher, endorsed Biras Creek Resort as a "Recommended Property" in Recommend Hotels, Inns, Resorts & Spas 2009 - The Atlantic, Caribbean & Pacific.

Biras Creek’s luxurious two bedroom, two bathroom suite receives a private plunge pool overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Beginning October 16, guests can dip into the cool waters of their own pool while enjoying the quiet and private sanctuary of the Premier Suite.

Virgin Gorda was recently named the #1 Exotic Beach Destination by Trip Advisor.

Biras Creek was named one of Travel + Leisure's 500 Best Hotels!

Gayot.com, a professional resource on dining, hotels, travel and lifestyle, named Biras Creek one of The Top 10 Caribbean Resorts.

Biras Creek announces new General Manager Rik Blyth. Rik comes to us with many years of Caribbean hotel management experience, most recently as Managing Director of Caneel Bay, a Rosewood Property, in the US Virgin Island.

Biras Creek was named as 2008 Condé Nast Johansens Most Excellent Hotel in the Caribbean. The winners of the prestigious awards are premier properties throughout the United States, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Atlantic, Caribbean and Pacific Islands.

Travel + Leisure December 2007 article "The Ultimate Caribbean" cited Biras Creek Resort as the most romantic of Virgin Gorda - The Best Island for Peace and Quiet!

Biras Creek was chosen as one of Travel + Leisure's Top 500 Hotels Worldwide for 2007 and also was in the Top 25 Hotels of The Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas as part of the World's Best Awards 2007.

Travel +Leisure August 2006 issue named Biras Creek Resort #7 of the 2006 Top 25 Hotels in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas region.

Biras Creek was rated #6 of the 100 World's Best Hotels - 2006 by Luxury Link. The selection is based on service, facilities, location, uniqueness of property, and overall levels of luxury.

Travel +Leisure also named Biras Creek Resort one of the 2006 Top 10 Hotels for Service in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas region.

Seven Great Winemakers & Twelve World-Class Chefs At Eight Virgin Islands

Andrea Austin — 12/30/2009 11:54:35 AM

Posted by Andrea Austin on 30 Dec 2009

For Immediate Release For additional information
Contact Kelton Wright
284-494-8000 ext. 712
284-542-4452 (cell)
kelton@nailbay.com

SEVEN GREAT WINEMAKERS & TWELVE WORLD CLASS CHEFS AT EIGHT VIRGIN ISLANDS HIDEAWAYS COOK UP A UNIQUE WINE AND CULINARY EXPERIENCE

Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands. (24 June 2008) The BVI Charitable Fund announced today that twelve master chefs (including a James Beard award winner from the United States and a Michelin star recipient from Europe) will be coming to the Virgin Islands to prepare a series of five and seven course gourmet dinners to compliment wines that will be presented by seven great winemakers from Europe between July 25th and August 2nd at eight special locations throughout the British Virgin Islands as part of the 2008 Virgin Islands Winemakers Dinners.

The net proceeds from these dinners will be distributed by the BVI Charitable Fund to the BVI Red Cross, St. George’s School, Tortola; and St. Mary’s School, Virgin Gorda. The BVI Charitable Fund was started in March 2008 with a $25,000 challenge grant from Nail Bay Resort. The co-chairs of the BVI Charitable Fund are the Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE, Premier, British Virgin Islands and Ajit Mathew George, Managing Director, Nail Bay Resort.

The seven winemakers, who have all donated their wines to these dinners, include four highly rated VDP Riesling producers from Germany such as Gerhard Grans of Weingut Grans-Fassian, Oliver Haag of Weingut Fritz Haag, Thomas Haag of Weingut Schloss Lieser, and Theo Haart of Weingut Reinhold Haart. Their wines, which have been consistently ranked by the prestigious Wine Spectator Magazine between 90 and 99 out of a maximum score of 100, serve as proof of Riesling’s emergence as a superstar in the wine world.

In addition, Bernhard Kirsten of Weingut Kirsten and Lothar Kettern of Weingut Kettern, two other award winning wine producers from the Mosel area in Germany, will also be present. Last but not least, the well-respected Italian wine maker Alberto di Grésy of Tenute Cisa Asinari dei Marchesi di Grésy will present a wonderful selection of great red wines from the Piedmont region. According to Mr. George, co-chair of the BVI Charitable Fund, it is truly amazing that so many master chefs from around the world accepted the invitation to come and support this brand new culinary event in the Virgin Islands. These chefs, all of whom volunteered their time and talent, include Chef Roberto Donna, Galileo, Washington, D.C.; Chef Vikram Garg, American Karma, San Francisco; Chef Thomas Hannum, Hotel du Pont, Wilmington, Delaware; Chef Clif Holt, Little Savannah Restaurant and Bar, Birmingham, Alabama; Chef Alain Ivaldi, Lycée Hôtelier, Marseilles, France; Chef Christopher Koetke, The School of Culinary Arts, Kendall College, Chicago; Chef Michele B. Mitchell, Hotel du Pont, Wilmington, Delaware; Chef Bruce Moffett, Barrington’s Restaurant, Charlotte, North Carolina; Chef Mark Salter, The Inn at Perry Cabin, St. Michaels, Maryland; Chef Hubert Scheid, Restaurant Schloss Monaise, Trier, Germany; Chef Stephen Stryjewski, Cochon Restaurant, New Orleans; and Chef Paul Tinaglia, The School of Culinary Arts, Kendall College, Chicago.

These master chefs will collaborate to create eight fabulous nights of five and seven course fine dining that will coalesce their distinctive styles of Indian, American Southern, Cajun, Asian Fusion, French and Mediterranean cooking into a culinary adventure. With one chef preparing a single course in any given evening, attendees at the 2008 Virgin Islands Winemakers Dinners will enjoy a one of a kind gastronomic experience with multiple chefs each night.

The Winemakers Dinners will be held on eight successive nights, each at a special location in either Virgin Gorda or Tortola. His Excellency, the Governor David Pearey will host the first of the eight Winemakers Dinners on Saturday, July 26, 2008 at Government House in Tortola. The seven remaining dinners will be held as follows: Sunday, July 27, 2008 at Full Circle, Nail Bay, Virgin Gorda; Monday, July 28, 2008 at Rosewood Little Dix Bay, Virgin Gorda; Tuesday, July 29, 2008 at Villa Aquamare, Virgin Gorda; Wednesday, July 30, 2008 at Mooney Bay Estate, Virgin Gorda; Thursday, July 31, 2008 at Biras Creek Resort, North Sound, Virgin Gorda; Friday, August 1, 2008 at Allamanda Estate, Beef Island, Tortola; and Saturday, August 2, 2008 at Baraka Point, Nail Bay, Virgin Gorda.

Seats for the eight dinners are very limited and will be made available only as part of a sponsorship package. Sponsorships are available on a first come first serve basis and may be booked online at www.winemakersdinners.com or by calling Kelton Wright at 284-494-8000 ext. 712. The 2008 Virgin Islands Winemakers Dinners will be kicked off by a VIP Reception on Friday evening, July 25, 2008 at the Sugar Mill Ruins of Nail Bay Resort in honor of all the visiting chefs and winemakers as well as the sponsors and hosts. A limited number of tickets to the VIP Reception will be available to the general public at $50 a person, the proceeds of all such ticket sales will be contributed to the benefit of the Culinary Program of H. Lavity Stoutt Community College.

A small wine auction will be held at each of the wine dinners and at the VIP Reception featuring very special wines donated by each of the winemakers and some collectors.

The goal of the BVI Charitable Fund is to raise at least $100,000 from sponsorships of the 2008 Virgin Islands Winemakers Dinners and in vacation packages contributed to “The BVI Dream Vacation Collection”.

The Founding Sponsors to date include Nail Bay Resort, OHMS, Allivictus, Alexy Universal Infotech, Studio Najbrt, Tamarind Consolidated, Crowley Caribbean Services, and BDO Binder Limited.

###

Biras Creek Resort Undergoes Million Dollar Renovation

Andrea Austin — 12/30/2009 11:42:13 AM

Posted by Andrea Austin on 30 Dec 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jaime Rae Turnbull
248.364.2466

Biras Creek Resort Undergoes Million Dollar Renovation
Resort is restored to its natural beauty

VIRGIN GORDA, BVI – (November 16 2006) Upon Victor International’s recent acquisition of Biras Creek Resort located in Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands, owners Pam and David V. Johnson have invested more than $1 million to restore the Caribbean gem to it luxurious stature. Continuing to complement its surrounding nature and ideology, the refurbishment features new Donghia furniture in the Arawak Room as well as Janus et Cie outdoor furniture on the Arawak deck, dining room/bar deck and suite decks, upgraded water sports equipment, marina enhancements, and much more, offering guests the best vacation experience. “We are passionate about restoring Biras Creek to one of the Caribbean’s premier luxury, eco-friendly resorts, while staying true to its beautiful Caribbean Nature and great history” says David V. Johnson. Biras Creek Resort will be unveiling its new look on December 7, 2006.

Other upgraded amenities include Caloi bicycles for touring the property and new Boston Whalers for island hoping in the North Sound, as well as kayaks and beach equipment.

Computer services are also being updated. A new fitness center is being created featuring Nautilus elliptical and treadmill machines.

Victor Properties Posts Nearly $13,000,000 in Sales at Heron Park

Andrea Austin — 12/30/2009 11:40:17 AM

Posted by Andrea Austin on 30 Dec 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jaime Rae Turnbull
Vice President, Sales & Marketing
248-364-2466

VICTOR PROPERTIES POSTS NEARLY
$13,000,000 IN 2006 SALES AT HERON PARK

Auburn Hills, Michigan, October 25, 2006 - Victor International Corporation announces the completion of Heron Bay, a luxury gated community located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, with sales totaling nearly $13,000,000 in 2006 within Heron Park, the final phase of Heron Bay.

Victor International Corporation, an award-winning real estate, resort development and management company, began development of Heron Bay in 1985, recently releasing the final phase, Heron Park. Consisting of 14 single-family estate lots spread over 30 acres, the Heron Park development is a 24-hour guarded gatehouse community with secluded, heavily wooded home sites on a permanent, dedicated nature preserve, and with Forest Lake access.

According to David V. Johnson, the developer of Heron Park, “the sales at Heron Park exceeded our expectations and prove that our quality rises above the short-term market conditions. Our commitment to high quality and low density communities will support property values within each of our growing communities.”

In addition to Heron Park, Victor International Corporation is recognized for its Turtle Lake development, a private, 24-hour guarded gatehouse community offering 114 single-family estates located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. With an additional 20 homes completed in 2006, Victor International Corporation continues to maintain current prices at Turtle Lake, emphasizing the high exit value of the properties for the property owners.

Within Turtle Lake, there is limited availability among the seven distinctive enclaves that comprise the available homes and build sites. “The Shores” set along beautiful shoreline, features large sites ideal for estate size homes. With only one home site remaining, “The Cove” provides dramatic views set upon Upper Long Lake, an all-sports lake. “The Ridge” offers Turtle Lake frontage sites and sites tucked into nature preserves for the utmost private retreats. “The Woods” features dramatic, densely wooded sites set along a private cul-de-sac. Offering dramatic elevations and sweeping views overlooking Turtle Lake, “The Bluffs” offers the convenience of a turn-key neighborhood. “The Pond” includes detached stone villas along Turtle Pond within a turn-key neighborhood. “The Preserve” comprises large building sites backing up to nature preserves and wetlands including excellent walk-out options and multiple builder opportunities.

Victor International is also known for its achievement in creating Bay Harbor, situated on five miles of Lake Michigan shoreline between Petoskey and Charlevoix. In addition to the luxury resort community, Bay Harbor hosts a world-class deepwater harbor, an Olympic caliber Bay Harbor Equestrian Club, and a 27-hole Bay Harbor Golf Course.

As the newest addition to the Victor International collection, Biras Creek, located on the Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands, is recognized as one of the top luxury destinations in the world. A member of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux hotel group, Biras Creek is known for its world-renowned hospitality, fine wines, and gourmet cuisine.

For more information about Victor International Corporation or its developments, call 248-364-2400 or visit www.victorintl.com; www.turtlelake.com; www.bayharbor.com; and www.biras.com.

Victor International Corporation Acquires Biras Creek Resort

Andrea Austin — 12/30/2009 11:19:33 AM

Posted by Andrea Austin on 30 Dec 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jaime Rae Turnbull
248.364.2466

VICTOR INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION ACQUIRES
BIRAS CREEK RESORT

Auburn Hills, MI – 10/16/2006 -- Pam and David V. Johnson of Victor International Corporation have announced their acquisition of Biras Creek Resort in the British Virgin Islands – one of the Caribbean’s premier resorts. Plans include an immediate renovation of all guest room suites. Victor has designated Mike Deighton as Interim General Manager for Biras Creek effective October 16, 2006.

Biras Creek is situated on a stunningly beautiful peninsula on Northern Virgin Gorda with dramatic views and unrivalled physical beauty. The only access is by helicopter or water. The resort consists of 33 luxury suites, which will be totally refurbished and upgraded by December 2006. A new spa facility, enhanced marina and docks as well as the addition of a luxury villa are in the immediate plans to meet the ever-changing needs of the luxury traveller, whose interests include adventure and ecotourism.

Commenting on the resort, David V. Johnson said, “Biras Creek perfectly complements our portfolio and philosophy with its relaxed luxury environment and the exceptionally friendly and professional staff who are dedicated to exceeding our customers’ expectations. Our passion for the BVI keeps us focused on our goal to be God’s caretaker of the land and to leave it better than we found it.”

Pam and David V. Johnson are committed to the success of the BVI and are proud to continue the strong history created by Bert and Analia Houwer while transforming this leading boutique hotel into an even more phenomenal travel destination. According to Pam Johnson, “The renovated Biras Creek suites will feature a more simple, sophisticated, comfortable and elegant décor and will capitalize on the outside beauty.”

Recent accolades for Biras Creek include: named one of the 2006 Top 10 Hotels for Service in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas region by Travel + Leisure, and ranked one of the 50 World's Best Hotels - 2006 by Luxury Link. The selection is based on service, facilities, location, uniqueness of property, and overall levels of luxury.

Page 2

Russell Harrigan, Chairman, BVI Tourist Board says, “We are proud to be associated with Pam and David V. Johnson and their company, Victor International, with its 30 years of experience of high quality, low density resort development which parallels the world-class quality and long-term goals of the BVI.”

Brenda Homick, North American Director of Relais & Châteaux, states, “We are enthusiastic about the opportunity to work with the Victor International organization through Biras Creek. The resort’s combination of charm, character and especially its cuisine embodies the soul and spirit of Relais & Châteaux.”

Relais & Châteaux is the prestigious global association of 453 privately owned hotels and acclaimed restaurants of charm and prestige in 50 countries. Founded in France and headquartered in Paris, the association serves as an ambassador for the French “art de vivre” and the highest culinary standards. Each establishment embodies the association’s quality charter of the five “C’s” - Courtesy, Charm, Character, Calm and Cuisine. For information or reservations, call 800-735-2478 or consult the website at www.relaischateaux.com.

The US-based Victor International Corporation is an award-winning real estate, resort development and management company which has a tradition for creating ‘unique living environments in ecological harmony with the land’. Victor International’s accomplishments include the prestigious Bay Harbor Resort located in Bay Harbor, Michigan and the premiere Turtle Lake community, located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.

For more information on Biras Creek Resort and Victor International Corporation contact 248-364-2400 or visit www.biras.com; www.victorintl.com; www.bayharbor.com; and www.turtlelake.com.

Click here to view the PDF

Turtle Lake Featured Article

Andrea Austin — 12/30/2009 11:18:57 AM

Posted by Andrea Austin on 30 Dec 2009
Michigan Blue, May/June 2006
Click here to view the PDF