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Douglas Elliman’s Eklund | Gomes Team is making its entrance into North Florida’s 30A market with a new partnership with Emerald Coast developer Romair Group, the team has informed Inman.
With the partnership, the luxury team led by Fredrik Eklund, John Gomes and Julia Spillman will exclusively lead sales and marketing for Romair’s Kaiya Beach Resort, which spans 32 acres between Alys Beach and a nature preserve.
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The luxury development is made up of a resort and 131 residences, which include 63 condos ranging in price from $2 million to $7 million, 12 Gulf-view villas, 54 private villas and 20 townhouses that range from $5 million to $13 million.
Fredrik Eklund | Eklund | Gomes Team
“From my business and personal standpoint, I’m so obsessed with it; it’s so beautiful. But we are offered projects all over the nation, sometimes internationally, and we say no to most things,” Eklund told Inman. “But this particular location and this particular demographic is very aligned with what we are doing. It’s become like the Hamptons of the South and the price points can be up towards over $30 million, and price per square foot is really high. It’s like the last secret for the ultra-wealthy, and the secret is out now, I guess, because we’re doing this interview.”
Eklund added that many of the team’s existing clients are showing an interest in 30A, particularly those based in New York, LA, Miami and Tennessee, where Eklund is currently working on gaining a license. “It really fits our portfolio,” he said.
Prior to the partnership, Eklund | Gomes Team was operating in several Florida markets, including Palm Beach, Miami, Naples and Fort Lauderdale, but had not yet tapped into the growing luxury market of 30A. The team also operates in California, New York, Texas and Nevada.
Alexander Alford | Romair Group
“I think the partnership with us and Eklund | Gomes is really a market awareness situation,” Alexander Alford, director of Construction and Development at Romair, told Inman. “I think their clientele and their database and their ability to sell and market international and national-scale product and projects is something that’s been super attractive for us in this offering. Also, they’re great people and [we’re] excited to work with them and really bring our area on the map.”
The luxury complex features the Oyom Hotel and Spa, various food and beverage experiences, international art gallery Omaire Gallery and the Kaiya Club, which includes access to a beachside infinity pool, 250 feet of beachfront service, priority access to the spa, and the opportunity to rent out the resort’s Bahamas-based yacht, among other amenities.
Jason Romair | Romair Group
“When we found this land, we were inspired to bring something different to the market — something more intentional, more reverent,” Romair CEO Jason Romair said in a statement. “Our vision has always been to create a place that restores rather than disrupts, building on the legacy of the 30A communities before us while bringing a new level of hospitality to the area. Today, with the Eklund | Gomes Team as our partners, we are turning the page toward a new chapter — an evolution of Kaiya’s ethos, guided by excellence and a shared passion for living well.”
30A is largely known for its pristine master planned communities, beaches and its family friendly vibe. The Kaiya Beach Resort project seeks to elevate the area through more robust hospitality and services, Alford said.
“I think the big differentiator for us, the goal and what we’re looking to do, is add a world-class resort destination where the hospitality and the level of services is more resort-oriented with a cohesive hospitality experience from one outlet to the next within this kind of greater master planned community,” Alford said.
The project was designed through a collaboration with Khoury Vogt Architects, known for their work in Alys Beach, and landscape designer Fernando Wong.
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