Award Winning Champneys Championing the Way in Marbella

by Charlotte Ashton Spain

 

The award winning and highly prestigious UK based Champneys Health Resort group, leaders in the field of luxurious spa and wellbeing retreats, treatments and training, are about to take their celebrated brand a stage further with the launch of Champneys Marbella Spa Resort Apartments and Penthouses.  Champneys Marbella will be a combination of a magnificent Champneys Spa with real estate investment options for the discerning buyer and investor. Already the project has received immense international interest.
 
Enveloped within the breathtaking scenery above the famous resort of Marbella on the ever popular Costa del Sol, this new Champneys Spa Resort project is encircled by a beautiful national park, affording owners and guests uninterrupted views across the stunning Andalucian landscape down to the Mediterranean Sea. Just a ten minute drive from Puerto Banus and the beaches of Marbella, yet a world away from the hustle and bustle of these world famous resorts, If ‘location location location’ still counts, Champneys Marbella is set to become one of the most in demand international spa resorts in the world, just a short drive from a major international airport, fabulous boutique shopping experiences and world class golf courses, this groundbreaking Spa Resort is perfectly located.
 
According to the global spa resource ‘Spa Finder’, spa, health and wellness travel and tourism is an industry that is going from strength to strength and which has witnessed 40% growth in the last three years alone. Tony Roberts, UK Sales Director of Champneys Marbella can concur: “at Champneys we have invested thousands of hours research into the viability of an international resort.  Our findings led us back time and time again to the fact that internationally speaking, demand for luxurious spa resorts, which the Champneys brand undeniably champions, is growing significantly and sustainably with both women and men.  Men now make up 24% in terms of demand in the UK, and this figure increases year-on-year.  We have conservative projections to suggest that with just 65% occupancy levels at our flagship Marbella resort, those who choose to invest in Champneys real estate and partake in our unique rental pool scheme and enjoy up to 6 weeks personal use of their apartment or penthouse, can also benefit from annual rental yields of almost 8%. Investors should bear in mind however, that average occupancy across the board in Champneys resorts UK is nearer 80%.”
 
Set within parkland and landscaped gardens which are complemented with waterways fed from natural springs and private terraces, at Champneys Marbella, peace, comfort, wellbeing and the luxury of space take centre stage.  The properties for sale within the resort are designed and finished to the highest five star standards.  The two bedroom apartments have everything from interior gardens to state of the art gas fireplaces, with stunning interior courtyards that feature restful Moorish fountains as well as the highest quality marble and stucco bathrooms and fully fitted, high-tech kitchens.  Two storey penthouses feature the same range of first class features, with the added luxury of private lifts, double height ceilings, galleried second bedrooms and private plunge pools.  Of course, owners and guests of the properties have unrivalled access to the Champneys spa building and plaza as well as concierge services and indoor and outdoor swimming pools.
 
The exclusive rental pool scheme will allow property investors at Champneys in Marbella to achieve optimum yields thanks to the combination of the Champneys brand and increasing demand for overseas spa holidays, giving apartment and penthouse owners flexibility as well as peace of mind.  Owners place their property within the pool, it is managed, maintained and well looked after for them in their absence, it is occupied by visitors to the resort and because of the nature of the arrangement, owners can enjoy their holistic hideaway home at Champneys for any number of weeks they desire.
 
With property prices starting from just €633,186/ £505,462 for an apartment and €772,752/ £612,035 for a penthouse, isn’t it time you investigated the opportunity at Champneys Marbella for yourself?  For more information contact Champneys Marbella telephone: 01442 291200 or go online: www.champneysmarbella.com.

Enjoy the Finer Things in Life in Cyprus

by Charlotte Ashton Cyprus

 

The sun-kissed Mediterranean island of Cyprus has always been a destination favoured by those who enjoy the finer things in life.  Because of its geographic position it is a nation blessed with one of the most favourable climates in the world making it a fertile land of great abundance.  The quality of life in Cyprus is enhanced by this very fact; and the standard of living enjoyed by locals and expatriates alike is exceptionally high thanks to the fine foods and fine wines produced locally on the island.
 
Famous for its sumptuous and extremely healthy traditional Mediterranean cuisine, Cyprus is also equally famed for its ancient and superior yet earthy wines.  As a wine producing nation Cyprus is also quite possibly unique as it has the dual status of being one of the oldest wine producing countries in the world, yet having some of the highest standards and most modern production policies in place to rival the best of the new world wine producing destinations.
 
Home to Commandaria, the world´s oldest named wine still in production, the most famous wine-producing region of Cyprus is located in and around the ancient yet vibrantly thriving port city of Limassol.  Winding along a trail of some 20 kilometres north of the city, the wine region of the Limassol municipality takes in breathtaking countryside and is centred on the five pretty and traditional villages of Kalo Chorio, Zopygi, Louvaras, Ayios Pavlos and Ayios Constantinos.
 
Commandaria is a beautifully rich, amber-coloured delicious dessert wine made from Xynisteri and Mavro grape varieties; production of the wine is believed to date back to Ancient Greek times with a reference made to Cypriot wine as early as 800BC – although the name Commandaria was not given to this sumptuous drink until around the time of the crusades in the 12th century.  Today the Commandaria wine is the most famous of all in Cyprus, but the island also produces a whole range of varieties from Cabernet to Shiraz and from Grenache Noir to Maratheftiko, an ancient grape variety that the wine producers of Cyprus are working hard to revive.  So important is the production of wine in Cyprus to both the economy and the lives of rural communities across the whole of the island that every year the municipality of Limassol celebrates the success of the season by holding a ten day wine festival in September.  Despite Limassol being home to a whole host of other festivals and festivities throughout the year, the annual wine festival is one of the most popular events in the city and it is also a time when the city can showcase the fact that it truly embodies, embraces and represents many of the finer things in life.
 
Commenting on the appeal of Limassol, Martin Pearce, UK Sales Director of Aristo Developers comments: “often described as the Saint Tropez of Cyprus, Limassol is a city with a perfect blend of lifestyle and real life amenities and opportunities.  It is a large employment centre whilst being a cultural, historic and artistic city where the shopping, the wining, dining and entertainment options are all five star.  Limassol is also an active Mediterranean seaport from which travellers can set sail to visit the likes of the Greek Islands and many other European, African and Middle East destinations and is also used as a stopover for many of the luxury cruise ships crossing the Mediterranean. It is a city that has received millions of euros in investment and regeneration funding in recent years to transform it from a working city with a certain faded chic into a cosmopolitan European city of lifestyle and culture.  Today the greater Limassol municipality is increasingly becoming the destination of choice for those moving to Cyprus, retiring to the nation or seeking investment property within reach of the fastest growing city in Cyprus.”
 
One development proving particularly popular with lifestyle home seekers who enjoy the finer things in life and who are therefore naturally attracted to Limassol is Monagroulli Hills.  This low density, high-grade development of two and three bedroom villas, each with their own private pool, are within easy reach of the cosmopolitan hub of Limassol whilst lying within the beautiful wine growing countryside that surrounds the city.  The homes are therefore private and luxurious, yet within reach of beaches, shopping, restaurants and entertainment. 
 
The homes within the development range in price from €299,000 plus VAT (£233,593) to €423,700 plus VAT (£329,727), and for more information please contact Aristo Developers on 0800 082 0601 or visit www.aristodevelopers.com.

SIPPing Your Margarita and Enjoying Your Pension in Paradise

by Charlotte Ashton Venezuela

 

With uncertainty about the health and future of the UK housing market dominating the headlines in the British press, and similar stories appearing in newspapers across the globe relating to housing markets from America to Australia, does property as an asset class still make a sound investment choice?  According to the general consensus of expert opinion it does – because whilst housing markets the world over can suffer from volatility and slow periods, where there is a basic case that demand for real estate exists and especially where it outstrips supply, there will always be life in the property economy.
 
Taking this advice on board, an investor therefore needs to think about where demand for property is strong and likely to continue growing, and they also need to consider property as a long-term investment commodity rather than an asset that will potentially turn them a fast profit if they are going to include it in their investment portfolio.  Which is why, when Gordon Brown as the Chancellor suggested that people would be able to put residential property into their pension funds thanks to the invention of the SIPP, (self invested personal pension), there was great interest with 6 out of 10 SIPP savers saying that they wanted to buy property with their pension and use it for long-term investment gains.
 
Unfortunately, when a u-turn came about and would-be pension investors were told they were now not allowed to buy residential real estate with their SIPP funds, many were left feeling angry and disappointed.  However, commercial property assets are still eligible for inclusion in a SIPP and there are some very attractive tourism based commercial projects available that are SIPP qualifying.  These give investors who wish to diversify their pension, and certainly include an element of real estate within their long-term savings plans, a chance to profit from exciting property projects in different parts of the world in a tax efficient way.
 
One SIPP qualifying property investment project is the Caracola Beach and Spa Resort on the stunning and exotic Caribbean island of Isla Margarita.  The island is attracting significant increases in annual travel and tourism numbers, witnessing a property boom and is believed to be a strong location for potential investment success thanks to the underlying fundamentals supporting the ongoing development and enhancement of the location.
 
The Caracola project qualifies for SIPP status because investors are able to buy individual or multiple units within the condominium hotel resort development for rental purposes – thus making the investment a commercial one.  Mark Andrew, Sales Director of Emerging Earth explains the details further: “to purchase an overseas property through a self invested personal pension the property needs to be designated as a commercial entity.  An apartment within a condominium hotel such as the Caracola Beach and Spa Resort therefore qualifies.  The benefit of buying a property in this way, i.e., through your pension fund, is that you have tax free purchasing power.  Over-demand and under-availability of good quality touristic accommodation on the island of Isla Margarita also makes purchasing an apartment at Caracola a very compelling investment proposition, especially using redundant or at best stagnating pension funds.”
 
In terms of the properties available for sale in this island paradise, they consist of one and two bedroom apartments which come with an insurance bond backed guaranteed rental income of 7% for 10 years.  Purchases at Caracola are also packaged to give owners relief from income and capital gains tax, and all in all Caracola provides a superb investment opportunity in an increasingly attractive emerging market.
 
Any buyer will ultimately own a potentially high returning, capital appreciating, tax enhanced commercial property asset in one of the best beachfront locations in the emerging Caribbean, where onsite amenities for guests are five star and high-grade ensuring this development stands out for the long-term. Onsite facilities include multiple swimming pools, a beach activity area, spa, nightclub, fitness suite, duty free shopping zone, sauna, kids club, conference rooms, beauty salon, restaurants, bars and cafes.  For more information about this incredible opportunity, the resort and the SIPP qualification criteria of Caracola Beach and Spa Resort, please contact Emerging Earth on 0845 604 1208, email team@EmergingEarth.com or visit www.EmergingEarth.com.

Buying in Egypt – It’s No Pyramid Scheme!

by Charlotte Ashton Egypt

 

According to Steve Worboys, MD of property investment experts Experience International: “the loose definition of an ‘emerging market’ in property terms is a real estate market that has yet to be tried and tested, where there is an element of risk hopefully offset by positive fundamentals for the potential of growth in terms of demand for property and the underlying value of land and real estate.”  This possibly makes Egypt one of the most promising emerging markets in the world then! 
 
In Egypt the emerging property market is being built on the tourism industry, the risk comes in the form of the nation’s once unstable economic past, the positive fundamentals for growth are centred on tourism, accessibility and the increase in interest in Egypt as a second home location, and so far, everything is stacking up in Egypt’s favour, but can this attractive situation last?
 
Taking the element of risk as the starting point for the analysis of whether Egypt will remain a positive property investment location, there has been a strong upsurge in the nation’s exports of oil and gas, revenues from the Suez Canal are soaring, and growth in the tourism industry is booming.  This all adds up to one thing, a sustainably strengthening economy according to the International Monetary Fund, that has stated that “the Egyptian economy will continue to grow at 7-8 percent” making it one of the fastest growing in the Middle Eastern Region.  In terms of the property market in Egypt as it stands today, according to the nation’s Prime Minister investment activity is up 40% that has helped increase foreign direct investment into the nation to over USD 10 billion. 
 
Looking at the positive fundamentals required to ensure Egypt remains on track as a highly successful property investment location, one only has to look as far as the tourism industry.  It’s a fact that the country is seeking to diversify its economy through tourism and real estate – with increased tourism comes demand for short-term rentals which fuels a fly-to-let property investment culture.  Also with increased tourism comes a growing awareness of the fact that Egypt is one of the shortest haul destinations for Britons and mainland Europeans who want year round sun, making Egypt an increasingly attractive choice for second homes and retirement properties. 
 
But is all this just theory?  Not according to a report from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (WTO) that indicates that Egyptian tourism figures for 2007 rose by 20%.  According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) tourism is now on target for up to a 7% annual increase over the next decade, the Tourism Minister has a plan in place to attract 14 million visitors by 2011, and a new initiative targeting Asia, Europe and North America is expected to ensure a doubling of tourists by 2015.  Enabling this increase in arrivals in the fact that Egypt’s airports are now open to low cost carriers with Jet2holidays being the latest to announce cheap flights from the UK’s Leeds Bradford International Airport to Sharm el Sheikh for example. 
 
But does Egypt have lasting appeal and will it experience repeat visits, or is it a one-visit wonder?  Well, the nation’s currency is cheaper in relation to the pound than the euro which has resulted in Cheapflights.co.uk recording a 50% increase in flight searches for the resort of Sharm El Sheikh this year compared to last for example.  Then there’s the fact that Egypt is blessed with an exceptional climate, unrivalled history and culture, stunning beaches and increasingly attractive resorts into which millions of pounds worth of public and private investment is being ploughed for the enhancement of amenities for visitors and the improvement of facilities for residents.  It seems more than likely that Egypt therefore has lasting appeal!
As is abundantly clear then, the fundamentals are in place for the annual 25% capital growth being enjoyed in certain parts of Egypt as well as rental yields in double figures to last as Egypt continues to develop and emerge as such a hot overseas property prospect.  One of the latest property developments proving highly popular and attractive with both home seekers and investment purchasers is the Pyramids 2 resort in Hurghada.  Comprising studio, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, this development – which is located close to an international airport and a PGA professional golf course – has the best array of onsite amenities such as tropical gardens and swimming pools, it is located just steps away from the Red Sea and from pristine beaches, and with prices starting at just £15,000 is it any wonder that interest is so intense and the development is selling out so fast? For more information please contact Experience International on 0800 612 0901 or visit www.experience-international.com.
 

The Madre Vino of all wines

by Charlotte Ashton Spain

 

Jumilla, Yecla and Bullas… sound familiar? Well if not, these names may well roll off the tongue in the near future as the research group Credoc has recently announced that Spain is set to overtake France as the worlds largest wine producer.  The wines named here are popular wines from the province of Murcia where traditional methods of wine making are still very much part of the areas culture and history.
 
Spanish for ‘mother of all wines’, Madre Vino is a method of wine making that has served both France and Spain well. Used for the improvement of young wines it is a popular process in many vineyards across both countries and as predictions are set for Spain to take over France as early as 2015 this well known winemaking term could take on a whole new meaning. Spain indeed will be the mother of all wine makers in a very competitive market.
 
Set in the hills of Murcia near the town of Lorca lies land that is enveloped by vineyards and almond groves. Protected by law the land is restricted to only one property for every five acres of land which the environmentally sympathetic property development agency Casas de Lorca is currently offering buyers with the ‘nose’ for true Spanish living.
 
 “You design your own villa to specifications that suit your needs, views are guaranteed and land is plentiful in more ways then one, who’s to say that producing your very own wine is out of the question?” says Mike Hamilton Director of Casas de Lorca. “Resident farmers have been known to deliver a couple of bottles made from local grapes to households on the land and we have one couple that is already using their land to cultivate and grow their own vegetables, it really is a great opportunity to get back to nature and the simple Spanish life.”
 
For more information on Casas de Lorca and all the property company has to offer visit www.casasdelorca.net or call 0844 734 8057.

Nova Scotia hails a ‘New Start’ for many miserable Brits…

by Charlotte Ashton Canada

 

It is not new news that the general mood in Britain is down. Hiked fuel prices, the mortgage crisis, youth violence and the general credit crunch are all to blame, and often highlighted so in the media. It is as a result of this negative feeling at the state of Britain today that many people are making the decision to start a new life abroad – with the Office of National Statistics reporting that 385,000 Brits emigrating from the country in 2007.
 
A great deal of those leaving the UK for a new life abroad choose to do so in a country where English is predominantly spoken and where they feel they can keep the benefits of UK-living yet combine them with the appeals of a new shore. Canada is one such country that has always had great appeal to the British, with estimated figures for British tourists arriving in Canada at 908,000 in 2007, and many of those visiting choosing to make the country their new home.
 
It is not only the language that appeals to those emigrating from the UK, the four season climate and the similar culture have always attracted emigrants, but given the current economic climate and negative feeling in Britain, it is the high quality of life and the fact that Canada remains mostly unaffected by the global economic slump that is drawing more and more people to its shores.
 
If it is the similarities to Britain that attract many people to move to Canada, it is clear why Nova Scotia is one Canadian area growing in popularity. Literally ‘New Scotland’, Nova Scotia is in some respects a home from home, with nearly 30% of the population of Scottish heritage and the climate similar to that of northern Europe. Latest (as yet unreleased) figures from the Canadian Tourism Commission show a 40% increase in visitor numbers to the area from 2006 to 2007 (up to 27,000) and this hot new area of Canada is set to attract more and more visitors if early indications from 2008 are to be believed.
 
Dubbed ‘Canada’s Ocean Playground’ with a marina, waterside living, sailing and whale watching, Nova Scotia has much to offer those who like life by the water or simply enjoy the great outdoors. Direct flights are also available from the UK to Halifax in Nova Scotia and a transfer flight can be taken to the popular and award winning island of Cape Breton a growing emigrant destination.
 
Cape Breton Island was first explored in 1497 by Italian John Cabot and the Cabot Heritage Trail on the island still celebrates this, where visitors can follow in his first footsteps. 2006 saw Cape Breton, Nova Scotia ranked the 4th Best Island to Live On by Conde Nast and this year, 2008, the island was voted the best island destination in Canada and the USA, and 10th in the World by Travel & Leisure magazine. The history of the island can be celebrated in Louisbourg, a charming seaside town located on its eastern shores. 2008 is set to see the 250th anniversary of the 2nd Siege of the Fortress of Louisbourg and various summer events will be taking place with cultural heritage days throughout July and siege re-enactments and fireworks on 26th July.
 
To take advantage of the proud history of the island 2 to 5 bedroom lodges, set on 1 acre plots can be bought on the Louisbourg Resort Golf & Spa , set on the edge of the Grand Lake. With fantastic facilities including 2 Nick Faldo-designed 18-hole championship golf courses, The ‘Fortress’ and also a par 3 executive course. The golf courses will become part of the circuit for golf enthusiasts of Internationally acclaimed golf courses on the Island. In addition, amenities will include bars, restaurants, European Spa, gym, tennis and squash courts, equestrian centre and airstrip for light planes, and a unique setting the Louisbourg Resort Golf & Spa is the ideal location for a second home or for relocation.
 
The island with its International ranking as top destination makes Cape Breton a must visit venue with a firmly established tourism business, as Cape Breton Island is accessible by land, sea and air from neighbouring Canadian and US states and well an International clientele. All this will combine to make rental returns to investor clients an important consideration in their choice of where to invest.
 
Both the mountains and the ocean are very accessible and boast activities that include skiing, diving, snowmobiling and hiking. Each property on the resort comes with a basement, sauna and Jacuzzi as standard and is built to a very high standard. An ecologically friendly in-floor or geothermal heating and air conditioning system is also installed in each property. Prices start from £215,000/ €269,600 and for more information contact Undiscovered Properties on 0870 7347968, email contact@undiscoveredproperties.com or visit www.undiscoveredproperties.com.
 

Phuket tourism rising above global worries

by Charlotte Ashton Phuket

Constantly rising oil prices have been taking their toll on the travel and tourism industry, especially with airlines raising prices or cutting flights and routes – or both. As a result, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recently announced a downward revision of its predictions of tourist figures for 2009.

 
This is not to say that the TAT expects the number of tourists visiting the ‘Land of Smiles’ to fall compared with 2007. No, what it means is that the number will not go up by quite as much as originally expected.
 
In fact, even the revised “low” figure of 3.3% growth would be the envy of most other established tourist destinations, and for 2009 the TAT is still targeting a 5% growth in revenue from tourism.
 
This optimism in the face of general pessimism in the industry worldwide is due to a number of factors, with two being particularly pertinent: a general move to “higher quality” tourists and the appearance of new international markets.
 
Phuket, Thailand’s No 1 island destination, is a good example of how this has worked. The island has recovered completely from the Asian Tsunami disaster of 2004, which naturally put a huge dent in tourist arrivals, especially as it happened at the very peak of the annual “high season” for tourism.
 
But in the past three years the growth in the number of tourists coming to the island has outstripped the national average. Partly this is due to confidence returning after the tsunami but already, by last year, the number of visitors had exceeded the 2004 pre-tsunami figure – 4.8 million in 2004 and just over 5 million in 2007. Although figures for 2008 are not yet available, local TAT staff say that they are running ahead of those at this time last year.
 
Also steadily rising has been the amount the average visitor spend per day in Phuket. From 3,295 baht a day in 2004, the amount rose to 4,120 last year – in increase over three years of 28 percent. Over the same period, the amount of time foreign visitors spend on the island has also increased, from 5.20 days to 5.57.
 
As a result, Phuket’s income from tourism has expanded from 86 billion baht in 2004 to 94 billion last year.
 
So tourists clearly like Phuket. Why? One reason is the drive to make the island more attractive to “higher quality” visitors. The TAT has for years aimed at such visitors, though its aims have always seemed rather modest, targeting a small annual increase in the average daily spend.
 
The island’s authorities have worked hard at improving the infrastructure. A second terminal has been added to the international airport and runway expansion is talked about. Roads are being widened, internet connections, which were slow and expensive five years ago, are now approaching respectable speeds, and many hotels, restaurants, bars and cafés offer free WiFi connections.
 
The private sector, too, has not been slow in raising the bar. The variety of cuisines available is now huge, allowing just about anyone to find the comfort of food they enjoy at home. Shopping centres, hospitals and cinemas have improved out of all recognition.
 
There has also been a significant swing to villa resorts to cater for truly high-end tourists. The average daily spend may be 4,120 baht (equivalent to about US$125, €77 or ₤61) but this simply reflects the large numbers of mainland Chinese, Taiwanese and Korean tourists on package tours.
 
At the top end, tourists are prepared to spend 15 times as much per night, or more, on accommodation alone. Much of this accommodation is in large villas with swimming pools, maid service and drop-dead gorgeous views of the sea.
 
Five years ago, very little such accommodation existed, and demand far outstripped supply. Property developers, swiftly realizing the potential, turned from a more traditional “you buy it and we’ll try to rent it out when you’re not here” model to a more sophisticated one involving villas being built around a central resort area, sometimes with a boutique hotel as well.
 
A good example of this model is The Village – Coconut Island on Koh Maphrao (Coconut Island) just off the east coast of Phuket.
 
The location was carefully chosen to appeal to families. Sheltered from the May-October southwest monsoon, it suffers little of the strong winds and heavy seas experienced on Phuket’s west coast and is therefore capable of attracting guests year-round.
 
The front row of villas – which range in size from two bedrooms to five – sits right next to the beach, facing out across the uniquely fascinating panorama of Phang Nga Bay. For those who would rather not swim in the sea, each villa has its own large pool in the garden.
 
Central facilities will include restaurants, a delicatessen, a large resort swimming pool, tennis courts, a gym and fitness centre, and access to a variety of boats, from canoes to Hobie Cats. Guests can, in fact, spend the whole of their holiday there without lacking for anything. But if they do get an urge to see the sights of Phuket or shop for items not available at The Village, transport to and from the big island takes a matter of five minutes (any time of night or day) on the resort’s fleet of speedboats.
 
The Village is not alone in offering this kind of holiday (although it is one of only a handful planned with this end in mind). Major five-star hotels are adding on villas, and villa developments are adding restaurants and other central facilities. The attraction of such a place to wealthy visitors is not hard to see.
 
Another factor adding to Phuket’s inexorably rising arrivals and revenue figures is the rapid emergence of new tourist markets.
 
In 2003 the then-President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, came to Thailand for an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. While in Thailand, he and many of his entourage headed for Phuket for a little R&R. They lazed by the pool, swam, took in the sights and went game fishing.
 
They were enchanted and, after they returned to Moscow, word of Phuket’s attractions spread in ever-widening ripples through Russia’s elite. In the TAT’s figures for 2005, Russian visitors still came in such small numbers that they were lumped among “Others” in the stats. But by last year Russian arrivals had risen to 122,000 and Russians formed the seventh-largest national group among the island’s visitors.
 
The TAT, too, can take some credit for boosting arrivals from countries outside Phuket’s traditional markets – northern Europe and Asia. Thanks to roadshows and promotions it has staged in “new” markets, a much greater variety of people visit Phuket these days.
 
Eastern European countries apart from Russia are not yet listed individually, but together they brought 63,000 people to Phuket last year – more than Italy did. India (41,000), Saudi Arabia (5,000) and the United Arab Emirates (4,000) have all emerged from the “Others” listing to merit their own national entries.
 
The tourism industry in the world’s most popular destinations will probably take a huge knock this year from rising oil prices and global economic uncertainty, but it seems that, for Phuket at least, there is still plenty of upside.
 
For more information please contact The Village, Coconut Island on 00 66 878 888 082 or visit www.thevillage-coconutisland.com.
 
 

The ´Credit Crunch Bolt-hole´ in the sun

by Charlotte Ashton Turkey

 

Don’t put your dreams of buying an overseas property on hold. Described as the ‘Credit Crunch Bolt-hole’ by The Times*, Turkey has great value property in the coastal resorts from as little as £35,000 and proven capital appreciation rates of 15-20% per year in the best areas. Whether for investment or fantastic holidays in the sun, Turkish property offers a ray of light in these gloomy economic times.
“Thanks to a rapidly growing economy, increasing tourism and huge investment in the infrastructure of the coastal tourist areas, property in the Turkish resorts represents an excellent investment,” explains Dominic Whiting, editor of the Buying in Turkey guide. “However, like all market’s you need to do your research and choose the best areas.”
Below is a round up of the best value apartments and villas in the best areas on the Turkish coast this summer according to the Buying in Turkey guide.
 
Gokdere Apartments, Ozdere, from £36,500
Amazing value two-bedroom apartments just 5 minutes walk from a lovely beach in the resort of Ozdere, which is largely undiscovered by foreign buyers. A very high-quality build for the price.
Sun Complex, Altinkum from £40,000
Spacious and well-built apartments in a fantastic location near the beach in the popular resort of Altinkum. Ready for use in August.
Akkaya Gardens, Dalaman, from £46,200
Two-bedroom apartments with stunning views and excellent facilities in the beautiful Akkaya valley. A winner in the Best Turkish Development category of the CNBC Property Awards, these are a great buy for holiday use and investment.
The Melito Villas, Kusadasi, £67,500
These hugely popular four-bedroom villas are fantastic value for money. Walking distance to the beach and with a large pool, they are ideal for family holidays. Proven rental potential too.
 
Dominic Whiting tells us why is Turkey such a good buy:
·         Fantastic scenery, great beaches and friendly people
·         A rapidly developing economy with rising income levels and a growing domestic property market
·         A major tourist destination, with over 25 million visitors expected this year
·         Huge on-going investment in infrastructure and tourism projects, such as marinas, golf courses and airports
·         Low cost of living – about 60% lower than in the UK
·         Property values are well below the EU average, though rising fast
  • 15-20% price increases per year
 
A free copy of the best-selling Buying in Turkey guide, first published in 2005, can be downloaded at www.buyingin.co.uk
 

* Bricks & Mortar section, The Times newspaper, Friday July 4th

Improved accessibility to and within Cape Verde boosts tourism appeal

by Charlotte Ashton Cape Verde

 

 
It has been announced by Cape Verde news agency Infopress that the end of 2009 will see the first of three new ferry links between the islands of Cape Verde, making the archipelago more accessible to both residents and holidaymakers alike.
 
The investors in the project have been given the go-ahead to test the ferry in the waters surrounding Cape Verde and if successful, construction of the first ferry will begin. This vessel will hold 102 passengers, 16 small trucks and 2 large trucks and shall link the islands of Brava, Fogo, Santiago and Maio, traveling between Brava and Fogo in 20 minutes and between Brava and Praia in 3 hours.
 
The build of the first vessel should take around 12 months and, once ready, the fleet of three ferries will cost around 20 million euros. One will remain in Praia linking Sal with Sao Nicolau, another will link Sao Vicente with the windward islands, and the third will stay on Brava.
 
The new ferries will increase accessibility within Cape Verde and with new flights from the UK scheduled for Autumn 2008 travel times will be reduced. Currently, Thomsons fly on Mondays and Fridays from London Gatwick to Sal and on Tuesdays from Manchester to Sal. From October, however, a new route is planned from London Gatwick to Boa Vista and flights from Birmingham to Sal will be launched in November.
 
Adrian Lillywhite, Managing Director of Cape Verde Property Ltd – the first UK company to market property in Cape Verde – is looking forward to the launch of both the new ferries and the new flight routes “This is a very exciting time for Cape Verde with accessibility set to improve hugely within the next 18 months. New flights to the islands will open the region up to more UK people looking to invest in a growing market with a good climate and the new ferries will improve accessibility no end between islands, allowing people to further explore this stunning archipelago.”
 
For more information on buying property in Cape Verde please contact Cape Verde Property Ltd on 01753 859233 or visit www.capeverdeproperty.co.uk. 

Venezuelan Beauty Wins International Acclaim

by Charlotte Ashton Venezuela

 

With striking scenery and spectacular landscapes Venezuela is a country of undeniable beauty but it’s the equal beauty of its residents that is now hitting the headlines. Dayana Mendoza has been crowned Miss Universe 2008 at the 57th annual Miss Universe pageant held in Nha Trang, Vietnam.
 
Miss Venezuela, a trilingual 22nd year-old from Caracas, took the crown late Sunday night, beating runners up from Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Russia and Mexico. In taking the top prize, which included the $30,000 tiara, a prestigious New York flat, and access to designer fashions and beauty treatments, Dayana Mendoza joins the long list of Venezuelan beauty pageant winners making it the nation that ranks highest in the number of international titles won, with five Miss Universe winners, five Miss World winners and five Miss International winners.
 
The internationally acclaimed beauty of the residents of Venezuela is echoed in the splendour of the country, with stunning beaches and year-round warm temperatures. Mendoza recently commented: ‘being in Venezuela… It doesn’t matter what happens, you always have a reason for smiling.’ A beautiful destination that is appreciated by residents and tourists alike, Venezuela also boasts the fact that it sits outside of the hurricane zone, making it the perfect place to purchase a second home.
 
Caracola Beach & Spa Resort on Isla Margarita, just off the mainland Venezuelan coast, makes the most of the country’s beauty, set on pure sandy beaches with mountainous terrain and lush vegetation nearby. Prices start at €79,000/ £63,000 for a one-bedroom apartment and onsite facilities include including restaurants, bars, swimming pools, spa and gymnasium as well as beautifully landscaped gardens. For more information, please contact Emerging Earth on 0845 604 1208, email team@EmergingEarth.com or visit www.EmergingEarth.com.