We are a business consultancy engaged in sustainable property and business development in the islands of the Azores. The company is based in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, the islands’ capital, and in Stonington, Connecticut, a New England fishing port with strong historic links to the Azores.
These nine unique islands lie along the most direct route between North America and Europe.
The largest, São Miguel, is home to the region’s capital and primary port, Ponta Delgada. There are direct flights from Boston, New York and several European cities. Flying time from Boston is 4:30h and from Lisbon 2:30h.
The Azores
The world’s first sustainable archipelago
Hiking
Sailing
Whale watching Fishing
Surfing
Diving
Canyoning
Breathtakingly beautiful, São Miguel is known for its dramatic landscapes, fishing villages, thermal springs, Technicolor lagoons, unique flora and fauna, and rich marine life. It is a nature lover’s paradise, with endless opportunities for adventure, uncomplicated but delicious gastronomy and a growing eco-tourism sector offering attractive business opportunities.
The island’s subtropical climate and volcanic soil create a terrain of extraordinary
fertility, which supports a rich agricultural heritage. Seemingly everything grows in this island, from tea to pineapples, oranges and lemons. The green pastures support a thriving dairy industry, which produces some of the best cheeses in Portugal.
Ponta Delgada is the hub of the island. The narrow cobblestone streets, elegant houses and picturesque old churches in the historic center have a great deal of charm, but the city also has a reliable, well established European infrastructure and services, such as healthcare, schools and transportation.
A new state of-the-art hospital was recently opened in the adjacent community of Lagoa, just 15 minutes from the city center and the island benefits from Portugal’s well respected public health system.
The city offers a wide variety of restaurants and bars, a daily farmers market and cultural activities, adding to the city’s appeal and the island’s quality of life.
To be leading innovators in sustainable property development in the Azores.
To support regional development goals by investing in local resources and creative talent.
To be passionate advocates for the Azores as a place for responsible investment in an area of outstanding natural beauty.
To promote the Azores as a transatlantic center for the study and application of sustainable development.
John Duerden.
Born in the UK, John is a seasoned business executive with a long career in senior executive positions on both sides of the Atlantic including: President and COO of Reebok International, Chairman and CEO of Dictaphone, Chairman and CEO of Crocs footwear and COO of the British FTSE 100 engineering conglomerate Invensys. John is a specialist in start ups and company turnarounds and in addition to his executive roles has served as outside director on the boards of several private and public companies including: Sunglass Hut International, Telewest Communications, Obagi Pharmaceuticals and a sports equipment start up, Xenith . In addition he is President and majority shareholder in HBI International, leading US designers and manufactures of high speed rigid inflatable boats (RIBS).
Kris Whelan.
Experienced business executive and entrepreneur with a successful track record in commercial real estate development and appraisal. Kris served as vice president of investment sales for Pizzuti/Lambert Smith Hampton Int'l. She also worked as a consultant for the US government evaluating large REO multifamily portfolios during the savings and loan crisis. Kris founded and launched four start ups. Three in the organic-environment-sustainable arena. Kris holds an MA in Real Estate & Finance from the University of Florida, extensive post-graduate studies in economics at the University of Central Florida where she also taught real estate finance. Kris is also certified in Eastern Modalities by the Urban Zen Foundation.
Carl Trop.
30+ years in US commercial property development, asset management debt and equity fund raising as well as direct investment and advisory services, across multiple real estate markets. Carl holds a BA degree from the Wharton School of Business and an MBA from Columbia University.
Gonçalo Belietere.- Lopez , SO Architecture & Design
Roberto Agiar- Continuum Theorem Ltd, Engineers
IVY 55
Four sustainable luxury apartments in the historic center
of Ponta Delgada.
Atalhada Spa
An ocean front fifteen room sustainable Luxury Boutique Hotel
and Spa in Lagoa / Rosario,
Antils Spa
An eight room sustainable boutique hotel and spa with its own natural thermal spring in Furnas.
IVY DUO
Two state of the art, sustainable ocean view executive
apartmentsin Lagoa / Rosario.
Authentic: The real deal
Responsible: Principles and profit
Imaginative: No boundaries, everything is possible
Passionate: Commitment to a cause
IVY 55
Four sustainable luxury apartments in the historic center
of Ponta Delgada.
Atalhada Spa
An ocean front fifteen room sustainable Luxury Boutique Hotel
and Spa in Lagoa / Rosario,
Antils Spa
An eight room sustainable boutique hotel and spa with its own natural thermal spring in Furnas.
IVY DUO
Two state of the art, sustainable ocean view executive
apartmentsin Lagoa / Rosario.