AB Property Marketing appointed to represent Wolf Worster Associates’ new eco-friendly boutique hotel in Belize

AB Property Marketing appointed to represent Wolf Worster Associates’ new eco-friendly boutique hotel in Belize

by Steve James Belize

Steeped in history, with a rich heritage and a world-renowned diversity of flora and fauna, Belize is a true melting pot of natural treasures and enticing cultures.

Situated in north eastern Central America, bordered by Mexico to the North and Guatemala to the South and West, the country has become widely known for its ranging ecosystems that include the Belize Barrier Reef, the second longest barrier reef in the world, home to five hundred species of fish and close to one hundred coral species, making it the country’s top tourist destination.

This, combined with Belize’s rugged geography, wide variety of wildlife, tropical climate and low human population, make the country an exotic and enthralling location to visit. However, with English the official language, Belize is also an accessible destination in which to travel.
It is these aspects, alongside a wealth of further natural treasures, which lend Belize so perfectly to a place in which to unwind and relax as well as to make the most of the mesmerising surroundings, making it the ideal place to rent property.

Global property consultancy Wolf Worster Associates, who specialise in the sale and rental of ultra-luxury villas in some of the world’s most sought-after locations, are launching a new high-end resort, The Baymen Lodge and Spa in the Cayo region rainforest of Belize.

Wolf Worster, MD of Wolf Worster Associates, explains why the region is an exciting addition to their portfolio,


“Following on from the success of our first project in Belize, Belize Ocean Club, we were really keen to promote a development that truly embraces the outstanding eco-diversity of this breath-taking country and The Baymen seemed the perfect fit. Its rainforest setting means the development is worlds away from the hustle and bustle of everyday city life. Enhanced by the ultra-luxurious elements of the hotel, where every detail has been carefully considered, guests are also enveloped by the natural beauty that Belize is world-renowned for: the ultimate in relaxation.”

Situated in a breath-taking jungle setting of 1,000 acres of private rainforest, The Baymen Lodge and Spa is an eco-friendly boutique hotel that offers the very best in luxury living, whilst being, at its heart, an environmentally sustainable lodge, in-harmony with its natural surroundings and Belize’s rich ecology.


With the majority of the lodge sitting amongst the rainforest canopy, The Baymen makes the very most of its location, boasting a luxurious spa with infinity pool and hot tub, a spectacular natural wine cave, as well as uniquely stunning natural Maya spring pools and a waterfall.

Each individual residence encompasses the notion of old world colonial charm, with four-poster beds, the highest quality finishes, stunning bathrooms with indoor and outdoor shower areas, and a large outside deck, all utilising natural materials of the highest specification.

It is the combination of each of these ultra-luxurious aspects with the outstanding location and eco credentials of The Baymen that make it the ideal investment opportunity, attractive for those looking to take advantage of year-round rental potential, commanding higher rates than coastal properties.

Offering the ultimate in luxury living, all of the villas include daily housekeeping and maintenance staff, for peace of mind and hands-off up-keep, as well as round-trip airport transfers from nearby San Ignacio Airport.

As a stunning new offering, Wolf Worster Associates has appointed leading international property PR agency, AB Property Marketing to raise the profile of this outstanding Belize development.

Charlotte Ashton, MD of ABPM, comments,”We at AB Property Marketing are delighted to be working with Wolf Worster Associates on the amazing Baymen Lodge and Spa. Belize is a country that has so much to offer, both culturally and environmentally, and the fact that this exquisite luxury development maximises on its eco-credentials to fit seamlessly into its stunning natural surroundings really sets it apart.”

As experts in luxury villa sales and rentals across the world, Wolf Worster Associates are available to share their adept comment on the high-end market, its buyers and Belize investment specifically.

To find out more about The Baymen Lodge and Spa, visit www.thebaymen.com or contact Wolf Worster Associates on free-phone 0808 169 6526.

What a generous bunch you are! Over £7,000 raised at the Frontiers Foundation charity auction

What a generous bunch you are! Over £7,000 raised at the Frontiers Foundation charity auction

by Steve James United Kingdom

As they say, charity begins at home and members of the overseas property industry did not disappoint with a staggering £7,750 raised for the Frontiers Foundation at a charity auction held at the OPP Gala Dinner earlier this week.

Hosted by guest auctioneer for the evening, Paul Owen, former Chief Executive of the AIPP and now Owner of sales training company, The Clear Path Company, the charity auction was a welcome addition to the prestigious OPP Awards of Excellence presentation ceremony.

Organised by the Frontiers Foundation, the charitable organisation founded by Ray Withers, Chief Executive of property investment agency Property Frontiers and Charlotte Ashton, MD of property PR agency, AB Property Marketing, the auction successfully raised the funds required to transform the Ket Wangi orphanage in Kenya, building 3 new classrooms and a toilet block.

Trustees of the Frontiers Foundations was overwhelmed with the generosity of the lots donated which included dinner in a top London restaurant, tickets to the Cartier polo, a professional photo shoot, signed novels, a weekend break in Cornwall, supercar track day and luxury holidays in Turkey / Florida and a French chateau! Sincere thanks go to Fish Market New Street, Barton Wyatt, Peter Ross, Transworld Publishers, Property Frontiers, Club La Costa and Barrasford & Bird for their generosity.

With spirits high and the wine flowing, bidding was prolific and at some points competitive but with each lot vastly exceeding its reserve, the target of £7,000 was smashed by the end of the evening.
Commenting on the success of the auction, Frontiers Foundation Trustee, Charlotte Ashton said,

“Tonight’s charity auction showed the very best side of the overseas property industry. Thanks go to Xavier Wiggins and the OPP team for allowing us to hold the auction, to all those fabulously generous companies who donated the lots and to all those who bidded, every penny raised will go directly to bettering the lives of the children of the Ket Wangi orphanage.”

Now that the required funds have been raised, the process of building the new classrooms and toilet block can begin and the Frontiers Foundation is already in contact with Emily Odera, Mother of the Ket Wangi orphanage regards the logistics and timings. Ray and Charlotte along with fellow Trustees are hoping to once again get their hands dirty by going out to Kenya and assisting with the construction work. Updates, pictures and progress reports can be found on the Frontiers Foundation Facebook page.

For more information about the Frontiers Foundation, the Ket Wangi orphanage or to find out how you can support the project please call +44 (0) 1865 202 700 or visit http://www.propertyfrontiers.com/who-we-are/frontiers-foundation.aspx

Does it pay to Tweet? Why Social Media really can affect your bottom line

by Steve James United Kingdom

When it was first introduced in the early 2000s, Social Media was seen by many marketing professionals as a fad. Something the ‘kids’ were doing which would fade away just as quickly as it appeared but nearly a decade later, it’s clear that Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and alike aren’t going anywhere.

The sheer scale of these social networks is rather scary – consider 750 million active Facebook accounts or the 340 million Google+ accounts which exist. And these are just a few of the more well-known Social Networks, for a more complete list visit this website which shows the true extent of Social Media.

However, whilst it’s great to be able to connect with friends and family on Facebook, tell the world what you had for breakfast on Twitter or get LinkedIn, calculating the ROI of Social Media for businesses has always been a little problematic.

James Dearsley, Founder and MD of Social Media specialists, The Digital Marketing Bureau, comments,

“A recent study by Adobe found that 88% of 750 surveyed marketing professionals felt they couldn’t accurately measure the effectiveness of their Social Media campaigns. Taking it a step further Social Media Today analysed online businesses and they state that 70% don’t even analyse ROI!

“It’s been a discussion that has dogged the market for many years now and one that worries and surprises me in equal measure. After all, how can you really tell the ROI of an advert in the paper or a series of TV adverts? The justification is that they are more tangible and business owners and more traditional marketers feel more comfortable with what they know.”


The situation is changing but it is important for companies to realise that Social Media isn’t a one trick pony and companies need to assess what it can actually do for them. Historically Social Media was thought of as solely an aid to helping sales and hence businesses wanted but struggled to justify its effectiveness – this was missing point of the social element to Social Media. Customer service is now seen as a major social media facilitator and thus a different ROI calculation is required.

Just as Google Analytics is used as a standard reporting tool, Social Media Analytics is becoming a growing market offering users a method of calculating ROI. It is now possible for companies to employ such tools to analyse both Customer Service and Sales Interactions using Social Media.

This is precisely what James Dearsley is offering his clients, he explains,

“More and more we are finding clients that are evaluating their Social Media presence and ultimately calculating what affect it’s having on the company’s bottom line. Executing a successful Social Media strategy takes time, energy, dedication and increasingly money for paid for promotion so it’s no surprise to hear people asking – is it worth it?

“In my opinion I believe that Social Media is one essential element of the marketing mix, appealing to a certain audience so should be implemented but fully in line with analytical tools so you know what is working, in what way and why. In today’s social world, it’s no longer all about selling to your client base but engaging with them, creating a relationship of trust and loyalty. Businesses should think less about the ROI of Social Media but more the ROE, the Return on Engagement.”

For more information about creating and executing successful property focused Social Media campaigns contact AB Property Marketing on +44 845 054 7524, become a Facebook fan or follow us on Twitter.

Or for more information about the Social Media Analytic tools available through The Digital Marketing Bureau, please contact James Dearsley on +44 1306 631 117 or follow him on Twitter.