virna2015julysept-online

45 / 56

Here are three resorts that are making the most
of Italy’s sunny season:
Les Sables Noirs
Located on the tiny island of Vulcano, just north of
Sicily, Les Sables Noirs is situated in what must be
one of the most dramatic locations in all of Italian
timeshare. It’s right on the coast, and the resort’s
beach is a striking stretch of fine black sand (hence
the property’s name). Take a look in the opposite
direction, however, and you’ll most likely see
plumes of steam rising from the Gran Cratere (the
obvious inspiration for the island’s moniker). It’s all
quite surreal.
The resort itself is no less stunning. Each of the
29 units dedicated to timeshare — three studios, 16
one-bedrooms, and 10 two-bedrooms — have a
kitchen and an attached garden area or terrace.
They’re bright and airy, and outfitted with comfort-
able Mediterranean-style furnishings. Public spaces
include a swimming pool at the heart of the com-
plex, a rooftop lounge, and, of course, the private
black-sand beach, complete with lounge chairs and
umbrellas.
Sales and marketing takes place mostly on-site.
And, because Les Sables Noirs remains a mixed-
use operation, with 15 hotel rooms in addition to the vacation owner-
ship apartments, new leads arrive throughout the season. Prices for the
deeded weeks average €20,784 (US$22,671).
Residence Kamarina
The price point is a little lower at Residence Kamarina, where deeded
weeks sell for between €7,000 and €21,000 (US$7,638 to US$22,911).
For many families, that’s part of the appeal, but it’s also just the begin-
ning. The resort is known for its large assortment of amenities.
Sports fans can play basketball, bocce, and tennis. There are two
swimming pools, a kids’ club for children ages 4 to 12, and a small gro-
cery store and gift shop. Guests can dine on fresh seafood or wood-
fired pizza at the restaurant, and then dance under the stars at the
poolside lounge. There’s even an amphitheater that hosts various live
entertainment productions.
All of these facilities are spread out over
some 15 acres (6 hectares) on Sicily’s southern
shore, near Santa Croce Camerina. Which may
just be the most prized amenity Residence
Kamarina has to offer. When the Dekker family
broke ground back in the 1970s, it was still
possible to develop this particular section of
the coast. Current building codes, however,
prohibit seaside construction. Needless to say
then, the resort’s 176 one-bedroom units, 32 of
which are reserved for timeshare sales, enjoy a
privileged — and quite desirable — position
right on the Mediterranean Sea.
Residenziale Serra Degli Alimini 1
Serra degli Alimini dates back a few decades,
too. The resort was built in 1977, and has been
meticulously maintained — and consistently
updated — throughout the years, earning a repu-
tation as the crown jewel of vacation ownership
properties around Laghi Alimini in the Lecce
region of Puglia. For proof, just ask one of the
members of the HOA: It’s a tightknit group of
1,160 folks who all own at least two weeks.
Considering the resort’s location — just off
the Adriatic Sea north of Otranto — it’s easy to
understand why so many owners would also be repeat purchasers.
Guests can take a walk through a shady forest and emerge at a private
beach, or go for a bicycle ride around the property and surrounding
area. Ultimately, though, it’s the familiar, friendly community atmos-
phere that makes Residenziale Serra degli Alimini 1 stand out.
The accommodations consist of 222 vacation ownership units, all
of which have private parking, an equipped kitchenette, and a patio or
balcony for outdoor seating. There are 22 studios, 66 one-bedrooms,
115 two-bedroom apartments, and 19 three-bedrooms.
Amenities such as the mini-market, beauty salon, pizzeria, and
playground make guests feel at home —while the beach bar, live enter-
tainment, and assorted water activities ensure they never forget they’re
actually on vacation.
See page 2 for currency conversions.
43
fastfacts
Les Sables Noirs
Developer: Framon Hotels Group
Location: Vulcano, Messina, Sicily
Product: Deeded weekly rights
Website:
Residence Kamarina
Developer: New Kamarina SRL,
Dennis Den Dekker, resort director
Location: Ragusa, Sicily
Product: Deeded weekly rights
Website: kamarina.it
Social Media:
facebook.com/residence.kamarina
Serra degli Alimini 1
Developer: Comunione Complesso
Residenziale Serra degli Alimini 1
Location: Otranto, Lecce
Product: Deeded weekly rights
Website: serradeglialimini1.it
Social Media:
facebook.com/pages/Serra-degli-
Alimini-1/180890865295374
LES SABLES NOIRS
RESIDENCE KAMARINA, SICILY
RESIDENZIALE SERRA DEGLI ALIMINI 1