The villas are part of a 150-acre complex first opened in Sept. 2005. In addition to the villas, it includes an 80-room luxury hotel, a spa, and a casino.

[IMGCAP(2)]Project director Paul Siegel says the sales in Curacao are strong despite the downturn in sales and property values in the US. "Curacao is an easy island to fall in love with, and the demand is certainly here for a second home on this incredibly unique island," he says.

Built atop a stone bluff, each 2,300-sf villa will offer sweeping ocean views. A two-story great room, marble floors throughout, granite kitchen countertops, top-of-the-line appliances, and designer furnishings are just a sampling of the quality and luxury these accommodations will offer. Upstairs, the master suite features a private oceanfront patio, his and hers walk-in closets, and a Jacuzzi tub in the master bath. Each villa has a private stone terrace showcasing a gazebo and private plunge pool overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The villas, which are currently available for purchase, start at $850,000.

Two of the villas have already been sold, according to a company spokeswoman. Interest is coming from Dutch and American buyers, she says.

In addition, 10 of 16 plots of land are under contract in the development's Watamula Courtyard Homes. These plots of land, approximately ½-acre or larger in size, are situated in an exclusive neighborhood within the gated, secure Lodge Kura Hulanda community. Within Watamula Courtyard homes there are 16 sites that can be purchased, upon which owners can personally design and build their own unique, single-family home. Waterfront lots start at $375,000; interior lots at $250,000.

Project Kura Hulanda is the brainchild of Dutch entrepreneur Jacob Gelt Dekker, who together with business partner John Padget, developed the project. Owners have access to the amenities of Lodge Kura Hulanda & Beach Club including a free-form swimming pool, beach access, dive shop, business center with internet access, tennis courts, spa services, fitness center, restaurants and more. Further, if desired, homeowners have the option to place their villa in the hotel rental program when not in use.

In addition to the Kalki Caribbean Villas, the Lodge Kura Hulanda community also has plots of land available for purchase to build and design distinctive homes as well as the opportunity to purchase the individual studios and suites that make up the Lodge. Nestled in Curacao's west end, the Lodge Kura Hulanda and Beach Club, sits on a white sand beach. It is 30 minutes away from downtown Willemstad. The island is 35 miles east of Venezuela.