Royal Westmoreland Introduces Prime New Homesites

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(BARBADOS) - Royal Westmoreland, regarded as one of the top golf and residential resort communities in the Caribbean, just launched a series of land plots in one of the highest and most scenic parts of the property known as "Jasmine Ridge."

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 square feet 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 $1.25 million (£799,000) and go up to $2.2 million (£1.4 million).

A four-bedroom villa in the Angelica design, would typically cost $2.25 million (£1.42 million) or $2.55 million (£1.6 million) with a guest cottage.

The exclusive Caribbean estate property 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 has a long association with the exclusive golf estate having bought a home there in 1995. His $7 million villa overlooks the 18th 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," Woosnam said. "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 gotten 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.

"These awards are a fantastic endorsement and are testament to the investment made over the last seven years to improve the golf course and facilities for residents and guests," Morphet said. "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."

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Marriott Residence Inn Edinburgh Opens in Scotland

(EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND) -- Marriott International, Inc., recently celebrated the grand opening of the 107-room Residence Inn Edinburgh, the first Residence Inn branded property in the United Kingdom. The hotel, operated by Marriott International under a management agreement with Gladedale Ventures Limited, is centrally located in the Scottish capital's new Quartermile development, the city's most exciting new address.

"Following the opening of our first Residence Inn in Europe in Munich in October last year, we are thrilled to introduce our first Residence Inn here in Scotland." Said Amy McPherson, president and managing director for Marriott International in Europe. "We are proud to call Edinburgh home and look forward to welcoming extended stay guests to this fantastic new hotel and providing them with everything they need to help them thrive and maintain balance while on the road."

Colorfully dressed stilt-walkers, Scottish bagpipers and giant pandas "Sweetie and Sunshine," representing Edinburgh's most famous new residents since their arrival at the Edinburgh Zoo in December, also joined in on the festivities to mark the occasion.

Boasting 107 stylish and spacious studio and one bedroom suites designed by acclaimed architect Foster + Partners and interior design house ICA Interiors, the Residence Inn Edinburgh is located near the picturesque Edinburgh Castle and the famed Royal Mile, as well as Edinburgh's bustling business district, University and Haymarket and Waverly rail stations. Each suite offers a kitchen and expansive living, dining and working zones, designed for comfort for travelers staying five days or more.

"We are delighted to welcome the UK's first Residence Inn to the Quartermile development," said Paul Curran, managing director at Quartermile. "It is a prestigious location in Edinburgh and I am sure visitors will agree it is the ideal base when in the city for business or pleasure. The presence of a large, international corporation like Marriott at Quartermile is a great testament to the quality of our product. Our commercial offering at Quartermile is off to a fantastic start in 2012."