Ground Breaks on Hottest South Okanagan Luxury Waterfront Resort
1000 ft of Beach: Watermark Offers Premium Recreational and Investment Opportunity

Osoyoos, BC (May 30, 2007) Ground has broken and construction has commenced on the $75 million dollar Watermark Beach Resort. One of few properties of its kind, Watermark rests along 1000 feet of sandy beach on the shoreline of Lake Osoyoos. With over 70% of available Watermark suites sold in a one day event early last October, the on site presentation center is now open and the final phase of marketing is underway. The remaining 30% is expected to sell out before the end of the summer.
 
Located in the heart of Canada's premier wine growing region, Watermark is a four-star, four story, waterfront resort comprised of 123 whole ownership condominium suites and 30 beachfront residences. It features many amenities, including retail boutique store fronts along Main Street’s north/south promenade, an upscale restaurant and patio, an elegant pool-side wine and tapas bar, a health club/spa, and a 150-200 seat convention centre. 

Other luxury amenities include:
• A large .75 acre beachfront amenity area with an 1,800 square foot pool, two hot spa pools, kids’ waterslide, and other family amenities;
• Poolside wine bar
• Restaurant
• A scenic and professionally developed park pathway
• Event space for the town’s celebrated festivals, such as the “Cherry Fiesta”, “Christmas
Light-up” and local wine tour events

One of the first luxury resorts to recognize the recreational future of Osoyoos and the South Okanagan, Watermark will create year-round tourism revenue generating opportunities. Often referred to as the “Napa of the North”, Osoyoos is nestled in the heart of the south Okanagan, on the border with Washington State, and only 400 km from Vancouver.

The South Okanagan boasts:
• 56% of all BC vineyards
• 80% of all BC grape growing
• Canada’s warmest lake
• Canada’s only desert
• Very hot summers, mild winters
• Sandy beaches and recreational trails
• An extended golf season
• Plentiful fruit orchards

Being one of the largest resorts operating in the South Okanagan, and one of the few actually on sandy beachfront, Watermark offers favourable suite pricing and unparalleled value for buyers. Average prices run from the mid $300,000’s for a furnished one bedroom suite to mid $500,000’s for a furnished two bedroom suite overlooking the lake. 

Unlike many properties available in the Okanagan, Watermark offers buyers innovative revenue generating opportunities. A simple, easy to finance, whole ownership structure makes it convenient for buyers to purchase their vacation home, while having the property managed by the professional hotel management firm, Boutique Hotels & Resorts of British Columbia. This ownership structure combines the benefits of private real estate ownership with an opportunity to generate revenue when the vacation home is in the optional rental pool.

Mr. James Askew, president of rareEarth Project Marketing, the real estate project marketing group hired to represent Watermark says the ability to purchase premium real estate in such a sought after location is what makes Watermark a truly unique opportunity. “Having been involved in the creation and sale of over 1 billion dollars of recreational real estate throughout North America, I can say with confidence that well programmed condominium resort communities, such as Watermark, are an excellent and intelligent way to own recreational real estate.”

According to Mr. Askew, Watermark fulfills the three essential criteria that savvy real estate buyers look for in a property; prime waterfront location; the opportunity to generate revenue to offset ownership costs; and luxurious amenities.

Watermark’s unique combination of essential elements is attracting buyers from Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver. With its warm climate, captivating desert setting, beautiful lake and intimate personality, Osoyoos is set to become a dominant player in the Okanagan tourism sector.

Photo Caption...Photo Caption...Photo Caption...

Rendering of the Watermark Beach Resort

To order this photo or any other Watermark photo in high resolution, please contact:
Maria Zakharova
dHz Media
Tel: 403.229.9219
Maria.Zakharova@dhzmedia.ca

For more information or an interview, please contact:

Scott Henderson
Email: scott.henderson@dhzmedia.ca
Tel. 403.921.2001

Osoyoos Links

http://www.destinationosoyoos.com/
http://www.osoyooschamber.bc.ca/

Background

Watermark Beach Resort - www.OwnWatermark.com
Watermark Beach Resort is being developed by Osoyoos Shoreline Development Ltd. (OSD), a privately owned and operated development company, headquartered in Vancouver BC. The development team is comprised of 4 partner/owners, and 12 experienced and specialized consultants, including the award-winning Burrows Huggins Architects (Four Seasons, Whistler), Boutique Hotels of BC (Nita Lake Lodge, Whistler; Black Rock Oceanfront Resort, Ucluelet; Oswego Hotel, Victoria), and Coordinated Hotel Interiors Limited (CHIL) (Four Seasons Private Residences). 

Ground has been broken, and Watermark Beach Resort is scheduled for completion in 2009. The world-class, 4 story property is being built on the site of the old packing house in downtown Osoyoos BC. The 153 suite resort includes 5 town-home buildings with 6 beachfront residences per building (total of 30) on the site’s south side. As well, the resort will offer many public and private amenities, including retail store fronts along Main Street’s east downtown strip; a resort restaurant, fitness club & spa; and a 150-200 seat conference centre.

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