Ian Woosnam comments on Royal Westmoreland
January 19, 2012

The exclusive Caribbean estate Royal Westmoreland in Barbados recently clinched the very top award of 'Best International Golf Development' at the International Residential Property Awards, in association with Bloomberg Television and Google, after competing head to head with national finalists from around the globe.

Masters Champion (1991) and 2006 Ryder Cup Captain Ian Woosnam OBE has a long association with the exclusive golf estate having bought a home there in 1995. His US$7 million villa overlooks the 18 th fairway with westerly views of the coast. He is a big fan of Barbados, having holidayed there for 30 years, before buying his home at Royal Westmoreland.

"The award is a great achievement and I am proud to be part of it. It has been nice to see how the estate has improved over the years, to see how it has developed and what it has become. I was one of the first people to buy on the estate way back in 1995 so I have been very much part of the journey. I have seen new houses being built and many new facilities added; the golf course has improved, especially with regards to the bunkers and the cutting has got better.

The design of the golf course is fantastic and has the best layout of all the courses on Barbados. The par 3s are particularly good and the course is generally a good test of golf. Royal Westmoreland is one of top places to live in the world and the amount of famous sports people who have bought here is a reflection of that."

The estate was bought by leading British leisure entrepreneur John Morphet in 2004, who has since invested approximately $50 million in the estate. He says: "These awards are a fantastic endorsement and are testament to the investment made over the last 7 years to improve the golf course and facilities for residents and guests. We provide all the ingredients for a truly exceptional lifestyle in one of the most beautiful and sought after regions of the world, so it's wonderful to see recognition of this."

It is estimated that homes on the estate have increased in value by over 200% since Morphet bought the estate.

Ian Woosnam explains how he spends his time when in residence. He says: "When I am here, which is mainly in the winter months, I like to play 2-3 times per week with golfing pals like Lee Westwood, to keep my hand in. I am looking forward to playing in the Royal Westmoreland  Senior's Tournament on 18 th Jan this year. We also like to go to Mullins Beach, it's a lovely spot to relax and have a bite to eat.  I use the estate's gym, which is very popular, and my wife uses the spa. We also have lots of friends from the UK and Jersey that come out here that we enjoy catching up with."

The estate also won six other awards, including Best Multiple Development Caribbean and Best Development Caribbean, at the glittering event held at The Savoy, London on Monday 12 th December 2011.

President of the International Property Awards, Stuart Shields, says "Winning a coveted World's Best award is a huge accolade for these companies.  They have demonstrated the height of excellence in their field and proved themselves capable of winning against the most accomplished property companies in the world. This global recognition puts them at the pinnacle of the international property arena."

Royal Westmoreland, a golf, beach and spa estate, is set across 750 acres of lush, tropical landscape in the prestigious parish of St. James. The estate, made up of über-luxurious villas, apartments and penthouses is also home to one of the finest championship golf courses in the world. Designed by renowned golf architect Robert Trent Jones Jr. the par 72 18-hole course has enticed many high profile celebrities and sports stars to purchase second homes at the stylish retreat. A short drive inland from the 'Platinum Coast' and the chic shopping district of Holetown, access to the resort is granted by appointment only ensuring residents the tranquillity and seclusion they wish for.

Just launched on the estate is 'Jasmine Ridge', a remarkable group of land plots on one of the highest and most scenic parts of the estate. The release of this land presents a last opportunity for purchasers to have a custom built home on the estate's only remaining ridge at the award-winning golf resort.

The 23 plots of land ranging from 15,000 to 37,000 sq. ft have panoramic views over the emerald green fairways of the golf course and the shimmering blue Caribbean Sea.  All homes will have either a west or south facing aspect and benefit from the cooling trade winds. Prices for the plots start from US$1.25 million (£799,000) and go up to US$2.2 million (£1.4 million). A four bedroom villa in the Angelica design, would typically cost US$2.25 million (£1.42 million) or US$2.55 million (£1.6 million) with a guest cottage.

For more information phone +44 (0)1524 782649, Email rwsales@royal-westmoreland.com

Or visit www.royalwestmoreland.com