‘Tipped for the Top’ – tourism triumphs on tropical terra-firma

by Charlotte Ashton World

 

Quite apart from the well publicised emerging markets of Eastern Europe and Central & South America, there is one destination that not only boasts amazing scenery and an intriguing culture but is also growing as a new property hotspot – The Philippines.
 
This group of islands in South-East Asia benefits from an intense mix of peoples and cultures, making it a truly exciting melting-pot and the country’s growing tourism and business sectors are a tribute to this. Figures recently released by the Department of Tourism (DoT) have shown that 2008 was a bumper year for the country – with a record number of arrivals – 3.14 million visitors, an increase of 1.5% on the previous year.
 
Not only this but interestingly, although South Koreans accounted for the highest number of visitors (recording an increase of 19.48% in the number of visitors in 2008), arrivals by Russian visitors were up even more significantly on 2007 figures – an increase of 34% year-on-year. As a good indicator of investor confidence, this huge increase in Russian arrivals is a significant sign for the country’s economy, predicting an even brighter future, as Ace Durano, Secretary of Tourism for The Philippines, recognised,
 
“Tourism is seen to be one of the strongest propellers of the economy for the year ahead.”
 
And with a great deal to offer, it is not hard to see why –  powder-white beaches, magnificent coral reefs offering some of the world’s best diving, crystal clear waters, lush mangrove forests to name but a few of the great draws of these some 7,000 islands. With so much to offer and a growing tourist market, this is perhaps the ideal time to invest in property in the country, as Steve Worboys, Managing Director of Experience International comments,
 
“As soon as you set foot in The Philippines it is easy to see why it is often known as ‘The Pearl of the Oriental Seas’: it is a country of beauty and great potential for those looking to invest. As a relatively new emerging market, The Philippines’ popularity is set to continue growing for many years to come and that is why now is a great time to buy into the boom, especially while property prices are relatively low and there are real bargains to be had – with excellent rental potential.”
 
One example of a low-entry level investment is the Blue Coral Resort and Spa on Mactan Island in the province of Cebu, a popular tourist spot in The Philippines with much to offer visitors, from restaurants to shopping and entertainment facilities, as well as an international airport, making accessibility easy. The five star resort is in close proximity to both the airport and Cebu city and boasts its own private beach, diving school, spa and infinity pool amongst other first class facilities.
 
Studio and two bedroom fully furnished apartments are available, as well as two and three bedroom villas with private pools, all with beautiful views. Prices start from £63,425 for a studio apartment, from £103,200 for a two bedroom apartment, from £129,000 for a two bedroom villa and from £182,750 for a three bedroom villa. For those looking to buy for investment purposes, the properties will be run as a managed hotel resort, offering high rental yields with a guaranteed net income of up to 20.9%.
 
For more information visit www.experience-international.com or call +44 (0)207 321 5858.

Credit Crunch Cribs – Invest in a property bargain on foreign shores

by Charlotte Ashton World

 

Now that the UK is officially in recession the government have confirmed something that most of the general public have known for quite some time, that it is getting more and more difficult to ignore the financial problems that are beginning to affect a wide proportion of the population. A large part of the problem is that UK banks and lending institutions have substantially reduced their lending and therefore there is a distinct lack of finance in the market, thus meaning that in turn increasingly fewer people are able to afford to buy property, which has come as quite a shock given the higher and higher levels of lending in recent years.
 
There is, however, still hope for those looking to buy a property abroad, where there are some excellent properties available at highly competitive prices and where those who are able to buy on a budget without finance – be it for relocation, retirement or as an investment – are able to make their money stretch a lot further. Therefore, if you are looking to move your money away from volatile banks and towards foreign shores, here are some examples of the cheapest and best value-for-money properties available:
 
Spain
 
Although there has been some bad press about Spain in recent times, it does not seem to have diminished in its popularity with us Brits – having been voted ‘Top Holiday Destination in 2008’ by the Office of National Statistics (ONS), with a total of 12,029,325 holidays attributed. And with an average property price in the country according to leading Spanish property portal Kyero.com still standing at €247,000 in Q4 2008, just €1,000 less than the same period in the previous year, prices are still holding strong, this emphasising the continued popularity of the market.
 
It is possible, however, even in these tough times, to find a bargain in Spain, especially if you choose the area and property carefully. For example the town of Lorca in the popular Murcia province offers good buy-to-let opportunities with investors able to capitalise on the student market of the new Lorca campus of the University of Murcia, as well as the fact that average property prices for a two bedroom property in the town are €162,000 – 14.7% lower than the Spanish average of €191,000 for the same sized property (according to Kyero.com).
 
Mike Hamilton, Managing Director of local property experts Casas de Lorca recognises the buy-to-let potential,
 
“The main investment approach that has seen larger investors profit substantially on an ongoing basis is buying properties for rent within the larger commercial and university cities in Spain where domestic demand is showing strong growth. In fact, the city based buy to let property market in Spain has suffered nothing of the negativities of oversupply, with many urban areas actually suffering from a restriction of supply leading to increased demand. For those buyers who are able to purchase without the need for credit, Lorca is one place that offers some well-priced properties with excellent buy-to-let potential to the domestic market and with the Spanish government also offering potential incentives to buyers, this is an excellent opportunity.”
 
To take advantage of the cheap prices in Lorca and the rental prospects, Casas de Lorca are offering 2 bedroom apartments just 3 minute’s walk from the new Lorca campus, making these ideal student accommodation. With a guaranteed rental for a three year period and a sound long-term investment, prices start at €135,000/ £118,226 for a 2 bedroom apartment – even less than the average price for a 2 bedroom property in the town! And for those looking to make a slightly smaller investment, 1 bedroom apartments are also available from €78,000/ £68,308.
 
Caribbean
 
If, instead, white sand and pristine seas are more your scene, and you are looking to fulfil your Caribbean dream, you may think this is out of reach given the current climate – but you’d be wrong. There is one Caribbean option available to suit almost any budget that would certainly fulfil any dreams of a tropical paradise, as well as dreams of good rental returns. The Caracola Beach and Spa Resort, marketed by Emerging Earth, is situated on Isla Margarita, the Caribbean island outside of the hurricane zone yet with all the sun, sea and sand one would expect – making this the ideal year-round property purchase.
 
Situated on the Caracola Beach (Caracola is the name of a Conch shell indigenous to Isla Margarita), the resort overlooks long golden sands with sparkling waters on the edge of the island’s main town, Porlamar. One bedroom apartments start at just €79,000/ £71,029 and two bedroom duplexes are from €190,000/ £170,833, a price not out of reach to those looking to buy without finance and with excellent facilities that include a spa, gymnasium, beauty salon, high end retail outlets and beautifully landscaped gardens as well as restaurants and bars this is a bargain buy. A rental return of 7% per annum net for 10 years is also guaranteed, making this an excellent investment choice and if you are looking to purchase for your retirement, this project has the added benefit of being SIPP eligible, offering tax efficient freehold ownership.
 
Egypt
 
When looking to purchase in the current climate, one idea is to focus on property located outside the euro zone to avoid the further contraction of the strength of the Pound against the Euro that has been predicted to continue through 2009. One alternative to the euro zone is Egypt – a North African country that benefits from being close to the UK and has a rich history and culture that offers the perfect antidote to the euro zone. With a reliable climate and increasing investment by the nation into the tourism sector, this is one emerging market that is continuing to turn heads.
 
One development that is proving a popular and cost-effective choice is the Palme Royale, a resort on the Red Sea coast available through Experience International that even offers the fractional ownership options that are becoming increasingly appealing in today’s market. Here, beautifully designed studio apartments can be bought for as little as £58,840, set in tropical gardens and with access to facilities that include a health spa, infinity pools and a designer shopping mall.
 
Tunisia
 
If you are looking for an even cheaper property option outside of the euro zone, Tunisia might be one up-and-coming destination to consider. The Dunes Golf & Sand Resort in El Kantaoui has a range of property options available – from studios to one, two or three bedroom apartments – starting at just £20,650 for a studio apartment. The resort is gated and at just 100 metres from a private beach, with world class Thallasso Spa facilities onsite, a 20% residents’ discount on both spa and golf facilities and a 10-12% rental yield predicted, this really is one bargain not to be missed!
 
Steve Worboys, Managing Director of Experience International who markets the resort, agrees,
 
“Now is a great time to be looking towards emerging markets for a property bargain and Tunisia is one destination that is set to see growing numbers of visitors in coming years, following on from the country’s development of the tourism sector, making this an excellent time to invest – while prices are still relatively inexpensive.”
 
Bulgaria
 
If, however, you would prefer to investigate an emerging market closer to home, the business-centred capital of Bulgaria, Sofia, is a firm choice for investment. The city is seeing a strong increase in the number of multinational companies investing and in turn therefore business tourism is also on the rise. Now is a good time to cash in on this growth, and one idea is to invest in a hotel that offers accommodation to the business-market. The Aston Hotel Sofia is one example of a project that is set to offer healthy returns on limited investment: a 6% first year yield for investors is guaranteed, although Aston Lloyd, the company behind the project, claims that this is a “conservative” estimate and are expecting the yield to be upward of 11% based on strong research on occupancy rates. And with very low entry rates of €10,000 for en-suite bedrooms and €14,000 for suites, this is an attractive opportunity.
 
Joseph Upchurch, MD of Aston Lloyd, comments,
 
“Bulgaria, and Sofia in particular, is an attractive choice when looking to buy abroad as this is a region that is thriving and has to a large extent ‘bucked’ the recession. The Aston Hotel Sofia provides investors with a unique opportunity to buy into a different kind of buy-to-let project, where they can benefit from increases in the numbers of tourists visiting the city. Not only this but those who are eligible can also include the development in their SIPP, which could see some investors getting up to 40% of their money back.”
 
It may seem, therefore, on first glance that this is a poor time for property – with much talk of doom and gloom and negative equity – but you only have to look slightly further afield to find that this could well be an excellent time to invest in property outside of the UK. Times may be tough for many but if you can afford to buy without the tie of credit, there are incredible bargains to be had – and you may well prosper.
 
For more information on investing in and around Lorca in Spain, contact Casas de Lorca on 0844 734 8057 or visit www.casasdelorca.net.
 
For more information on the Caracola Beach and Spa Resort, contact Emerging Earth on 0845 604 1208 or visit www.EmergingEarth.com.
 
For more information on investing in Egypt and Tunisia, amongst other emerging destinations, contact Experience International on +44 (0)207 321 5858or visit www.experience-international.com for further information.
 
For more information on The Aston Hotel Sofia, call Aston Lloyd on 0845 260 0646 or visit www.astonlloyd.co.uk.

Riffa Views Invitational draws top golfers to Bahrain

by Viv World

The 13th to 15th November 2008 will see top golfing stars descend on the Middle East – as they head to Bahrain for the Riffa Views Invitational. Colin Montgomerie (winner of eight order of merit titles and 31 European Tour wins), Retief Goosen (twice US Open Champion), Michael Campbell (US Open Champion) and Camilo Villegas (twice victorious on the PGA Tour this year) will visit Riffa Views for this exciting Skins competition.

Riffa Views, known as ‘the most distinguished residential address in Bahrain’ and the first residential golf resort in the island Kingdom, features a Montgomerie-designed 18-hole championship golf course and it is the completion of this that the Invitational celebrates. Playing for a prize of $250,000 for their given charity, the golfers will go head to head to truly test the new course. Montgomerie is quietly confident, having said, “Although I will have some very stiff competition, I will be hoping that my ‘local’ knowledge of the course will give me a slight edge on the day!” Not only this, but the Invitational will also feature a pro-am with celebrities such as Boris Becker (who has a tennis academy on the site) and Sir Steve Redgrave taking part, adding to the anticipation of this three day event.
The Riffa Views Invitational is just another sign of Bahrain’s growth as a desirable market of interest with one of the world’s largest real estate advisors, DTZ, recently releasing findings that also adhere to this fact. Their ‘Middle East Market Update: Bahrain’ highlighted an increase in the number of real estate transactions taking place in the country, with 2008 turnover figures at BD 2,150 million, up 58% on the previous year. Quoted as saying that this is “being fuelled by strong indigenous demand, a relaxation of foreign ownership regulations in certain areas of the country, strong levels of liquidity in the regional market and improving financing options”, Bahrain appears to be one Middle Eastern country where interest is still growing and this is being actively encouraged, with this reflected in the property market, unlike some neighbouring Emirates.
With the spotlight firmly on Bahrain, and foreign interest not abating, more and more people are looking to invest in the property market in this politically mild country, and Riffa Views itself offers an excellent opportunity for this. As James Wyatt, partner of Barton Wyatt, explains why a golf property of this kind can be a good investment,
“When looking to buy a second home or an investment property abroad, golf properties are always a secure investment choice. Not only is golf a growing sport with more and more people now looking to play at courses overseas, golf courses also often come with additional facilities that increase their appeal as excellent long term investments choices. Riffa Views, Bahrain’s first development of this kind, is proving to be an exciting option for those looking to invest in the growing golf market and with events like the Riffa Views Invitational now taking place and a Colin Montgomerie-designed championship course, interest in the development is set to increase further still”.
This exclusive residential development comprises of 870 luxury villas set around Colin Montgomerie’s championship golf course, and a choice of 2 to 5 bedroom townhouses and villas are available. To play on the same course as the stars, Riffa Views property prices start at £260,000/ €342,200 through to £1,800,000/ €2,300,100.
For more information contact Barton Wyatt on 00 44 (0) 1344 843000 or visit www.bw-international.com.

Turks and Caicos take pole position

by Charlotte Ashton World

Turks and Caicos has come first in the Conde Nast survey of the most popular Caribbean destinations making a giant leap from its previous position of 10th in 2007.  This remarkable shift has seen the islands retain their appeal despite the recent brush with Hurricane Ike earlier this year which caused “no significant” damage according to officials.

Comprising over 50 islands covering an expanse of 193 square miles, the British overseas territory, Turks and Caicos, is found 575 miles off the coast of Miami. 2009 is set to see the island host some exciting events including the Indy Turks and Caicos Grand Prix in February and the Caribbean Amateur Golf Championship which they previously hosted in 1999.
The President of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), Enrique De Marchena Kaluche, comments that: “While recognizing that each Caribbean nation is confronted with challenges that are as unique as its cultures and have distinctive appeal to tourists, there are certain shared goals on which the industry must come together to attract not only higher numbers of visitor arrivals, but also a higher calibre of vacationer.” Conde Nast’s poll sees The Bahamas and Jamaica take 2nd and 3rd position respectively and the CHTA’s continued efforts are set to enforce measures for sustained growth over the next few years.
North Caicos is known as the ‘garden island’ of Turks and Caicos and is the 3rd largest island in the archipelago. With a population of less than 2000 people North Caicos is an exclusive location for those wanting to get away from it all and The Royal Reef Resort situated at Sandy Point is a development that offers just that; an area renowned for its natural, unspoiled beauty.
A truly calm tropical paradise, with pure blue waters, white sanded beaches and a barrier reef, the area is said to be the Caribbean’s best kept secret. The five star Royal Reef Resort provides unsurpassable facilities, including three restaurants, stunning gardens, four swimming pools, whirlpools, spa, fitness centre, a variety of shops, two tennis courts, and a stretch of white sand beach. Prices start from £215,000/ $425,000 for a completed studio apartment and the resort also gives you the opportunity to purchase completed hotel suites from £56,000 / $110,000. John Prior the principle of Undiscovered Properties highlights even more incentive as to why Turks and Caicos is increasing in popularity saying: “There is no annual property tax, income tax, corporate tax, inheritance tax or capital gains tax in Turks and Caicos so in the current financial climate North Caicos is an attractive and exotic prospect for the savvy investor.”
For more information contact Undiscovered Properties on 0870 7347968, email contact@undiscoveredproperties.com or visit www.undiscoveredproperties.com.

The Canaries are singing a new song

by Viv World

 

Once upon a time the Canary Islands were an exclusive holiday haunt for only a select few who actually knew where the Spanish archipelago was hidden in its tucked away corner of the North Atlantic Ocean. Then came cheap flights, package holidays and greater notoriety for the likes of Tenerife and Lanzarote, whose reputations as fantastic year round sunshine destinations rapidly saw them becoming some of the most popular winter and summer holiday destinations for thousands of Britons and Northern Europeans.
 
With mass popularity came rapid construction of hotels and required infrastructure, and what some would call a cheapening of the appeal of the main islands. This fact however did not escape the attentions of the authorities which govern the islands; since 2001 concerted efforts have been committed to raising the bar when it comes to tourism, lifestyle and culture across the Canaries. Nowadays one is far less likely to associate the likes of La Gomera and La Palma with their nightlife than with the incredibly impressive and high-end quality of life that they offer their increasing numbers of international residents and annual holidaymakers.
 
A recent article in the Times highlighted specifically the transformation of Tenerife from popular holiday hotspot to exclusive lifestyle location destination, and it commented particularly on the improvement of key infrastructure as well as architecture. Where ugly buildings were once constructed in record quick time to accommodate the increasing numbers of overseas visitors, one is much more likely to see these buildings coming down and sympathetic and stunning architecture taking their place nowadays.
 
One way in which the authorities have succeeded in changing the face of the Canaries is through the introduction of golf tourism across the archipelago. Golf courses attract an entirely different crowd who seek quality and luxury when they holiday, rather than cheap accommodation and basic facilities. By developing courses across the islands and improving the associated facilities, amenities and accommodation, the Canary Islands have gone from being a package holiday favourite to become a high-end choice for the discerning traveller.
 
One of the Canary Islands now particularly rising in popularity is La Gomera. Previously the island was more difficult to access than the likes of Tenerife and Fuerteventura; whilst it did not see the local economy thrive as a result of tourism because of this lack of accessibility, La Gomera did see the total preservation of its stunningly diverse natural beauty. The Garajonay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a fine example of the islands’ natural beauty covering some 40 km2 in the centre of the island. This park attracts thousands each year keen to experience the humid subtropical forest that once covered most of Europe some 65 million years ago.
 
The shipping magnate Fred Olsen discovered La Gomera over 100 years ago and truly fell in love with the majestic charms of this sun kissed isle. Since then subsequent generations of the Olsen family have made their mark on the island, and today there is a rapid and frequent daily Olsen ferry service to La Gomera from Tenerife, making it that much more accessible. You can also fly to the island from Northern Tenerife, and because you can now fly premium class to the Canaries thanks to Cadogan Holidays, you can arrive on La Gomera in style!
 
According to James Wyatt, Senior Partner of Barton Wyatt International and a regular visitor to the island: “La Gomera is another of the Canaries to benefit from the development of a premium golf course, and the current Fred Olsen lives in a villa backing on to the Donald Steel designed course. The course plays downhill from the 1st to the 18th hole and leads the golfer through incredible gardens planted with beautiful local flora.  Because of its location on the magnificent "La Lomada de Tecina" the course possesses breathtaking views of the Atlantic at every hole. The Olsen family are now behind the construction of one of the most significant and spectacular property developments on the island. The environmentally friendly residential development of high-end villas and apartments is called Pueblo Don Thomas, and it lies adjacent to the golf course allowing residents direct access to the greens and to the amenities and facilities that are part of the Tecina Golf Course.”
 
Those wishing to buy in to the exclusive Canary Islands and who are seeking the most elite opportunities should closely consider La Gomera and in particular the spacious and luxurious apartments and villas at Pueblo Don Thomas. Residents will benefit from the onsite Country Club with its superior leisure facilities, bar and restaurant and property prices start from £673,896/€850,000 to £951,382/€1,200,000.  For more information contact Barton Wyatt on 01344 843 000 or visit www.bw-international.com.

Experiencing the world

by Charlotte Ashton World

 

Where we live and how we live are elements of life that we are continually keen to adapt and explore; more and more people are seeking the next big adventure. A recent survey delves into where in the world people want to visit before they ‘kick the bucket’ marking the release of the blockbuster film The Bucket List on DVD. Some may condemn this as a morbid subject but in all reality there is a wonderful world out there to be explored and travel is on the top of the agenda for the British public in order to live life to the full.
 
The volume and diversity of holiday and buying abroad media is feeding our aspirations of where to go and what to do in a world that is becoming easier to access due to leaps in technology and travel; the Bucket List Survey highlights 10 top locations chosen by the public. The Grand Canyon steals the number one slot closely followed by the Great Pyramids in Egypt, The Great Wall of China and Niagara Falls also feature in the list. Overall the destinations, climate and activities cover a very broad spectrum.
 
Brits are not only making big decisions about where to travel in the world but also where to live. The market for overseas property, including second holiday homes and relocation destinations, is growing particularly amongst young professionals, families and retirees who want to see more of and even settle down in countries around the world. Recent statistics released from the AIPP (Association of International Property Professionals) featuring 2007 figures show that Brits bought approximately 242,000 properties abroad in 2007, an increase of 21% from 2006.
 
Steve Worboys Director of overseas property company Experience International comments, “Markets such as Egypt, Bulgaria, Morocco and Italy have seen between a 3.7% and 6% increase in foreign property buyers since 2006. I also think that countries such as Tunisia, an emerging market, will experience a growth foreign ownership in the coming years. Whether it is for investment or lifestyle the world has much to offer and perhaps this new film will give us a wider perspective on things.”
 
Experience International work in various markets around the world and they pride themselves on friendly and informative customer service, so whatever stage of life get ready to ‘experience’ the world. For more information visit their website www.experience-international.com or call 0800612 0901.
 
 
 
———- ENDS ———
 
Notes to Editors:
 
The survey was conducted to coincide with the release of the film The Bucket List starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, out on DVD and Blu-ray this week. For the two characters in the film who learn they are terminally ill and decide to make the most of the time they have, the items on their Bucket List include racing car driving, sky diving, climbing the Pyramids, a lion safari in Africa and a trip to the Taj Mahal.

When asked, “Which places in the world do you want to visit before you ‘Kick the Bucket’?” the top responses were:
  1. The Grand Canyon
  2. The Pyramids in Egypt
  3. The Great Barrier Reef
  4. Niagara Falls
  5. Canadian Rockies
  6. Great Wall of China
  7. New York
  8. Sydney
  9. Rome
  10. Venice
When split by gender, the results were slightly different. Women were more interested in visiting the Pyramids in Egypt (44%) compared to men (38%) and women were also more interested in visiting more cities for romantic breaks (New York, Rome, Venice) than men who were keen on going further a field to more exotic locations including Machu Picchu The Taj Mahal and Sydney.

Women would rather travel to:
  1. The Pyramids in Egypt
  2. The Grand Canyon
  3. Niagara Falls
  4. The Great Barrier Reef
  5. Canadian Rockies
  6. New York
  7. Rome
  8. The Great Wall of China
  9. Venice
  10. Tour of America
Men would rather travel to:
  1. The Grand Canyon
  2. Great Wall of China
  3. The Great Barrier Reef
  4. The Pyramids in Egypt
  5. Canadian Rockies
  6. Niagara Falls
  7. Machu Picchu
  8. Sydney
  9. The Taj Mahal
  10. Tour of America
When asked in general, what would they want to do before they Kick the Bucket? The respondents replied:
  1. Visit the Seven Wonders of the World
  2. Swim with Dolphins
  3. Go on Safari
  4. Learn to speak more than one language fluently
  5. Write a best-selling novel
  6. Take a trip in a hot air balloon
  7. Scuba dive off Australia’s Great Barrier Reef
  8. Watch all their DVDs
  9. Do a sky-dive
  10. Make amends with a friend of family member they have fallen out with
About the survey:

The survey by Opinion Matters / Tickbox.net of 1,519 UK adults aged 18+ was commissioned by Warner Home Video to mark the release of The Bucket List.
 
Overseas properties:
 
 
The Dunes at El Kantaoui
Studio, one, two and three bed apartments in a low rise, beachside setting in a prime residential area close to Port El Kantaoui and all facilities including a 36-hole golf course, marina and restaurants. The development hosts world class spa facilities. Prices from only £20,000. Call Experience International on 0800 612 0901 or visit www.experience-international.com for further information.
 
Apple Gardens, Marrakech, Morocco
With breathtaking views, yet just 15 minutes from the centre of Marrakech, Apple Gardens is a gated development with first class facilities and three bedroom townhouses, starting at €240,000/ £189,000 and three bedroom villas starting at €280,000/ £221,000. For more information contact Experience International on 0800 612 0901 or visit their website www.experience-international.com.
 
Khamsin Beach Resort, Hurghada
 
Khamsin Beach Resort offers excellent facilities and is set in a private beachfront location on the Red Sea coast in Hurghada. Studios available from £18,900 / €23,929, 1 bed apartments from £22,775 / €28,835, 2 bed apartments from £40,997 / €51,906 and 3 bed apartments from £82,725 / €104,737. For more information please contact Experience International on 0800 612 0901 or visit www.experience-international.com.
 
 
———- ENDS IT ALL ———-

Boost for Bulgaria

by Charlotte Ashton World

 

Results from a recent Saga Travel Money survey have unveiled Bulgaria’s popularity with the UK retirement community, these findings were released in the same month that the Bulgaria Register showed an 18% increase in foreign visitors from around the world travelling to Bulgaria.
 
Lisa Harris, spokesperson for Saga Travel Money says: “There is some evidence to show that less likely destinations such as Bulgaria are becoming increasingly popular with retirees who wish to spend their post-working life overseas. There are a number of factors that attribute to this increased popularity, such as its relatively low house prices which are seeing a steady increase due to the country’s recent connection into the EU. In fact the recent connection has caused even more interest it seems.”
 
Greg Marshal from Solihul, has bought a property in the Sunny Beach area of Bulgaria, he is very happy with his property and in a recent interview said: “I wanted to purchase in an area that was emerging and was relatively new as a tourist area. Traditional areas such as Spain or Portugal didn’t really interest me as I felt the market there was at its peak and the purchase prices of property reflected this. Making a return from my purchase was also a smaller part of my reason to buy and I rent the apartment out myself through my own website so I am making a return on my investment as well.”
 
According to the AIPP (Association of International Property Professionals) there are many more people like Greg out there still keen to purchase in Bulgaria; results from 2007 show that Bulgaria is still top of the list for Brits buying property abroad with a 6% increase since the previous year. Steve Worboys, Director of Experience International a specialist property agency for Bulgaria comments, “The Sofia News Agency has reported an increase in property investment for the beginning of 2008, we are certainly receiving a lot of interest still for Bulgaria from holiday home buyers as well as investors. As Bulgaria prepares for its winter season we are expectant that buyers will again be looking for ski properties in the mountains alongside people like Greg Marshal who chose Sunny Beach for a milder and more affordable winter option than the UK.”
 
For more information on buying in Bulgaria call Experience International on 0800 6120901 or visit www.experience-international.com.
 
 
—— ENDS —–
 
Properties for sale:
 
      Borovets Gardens, Borovets
A luxury, gated resort set in a stunning pine-clad mountain location, Borovets Gardens in         Borovets, Bulgaria offers excellent facilities including a fitness club, sauna, restaurant and bar and studios from €49,970/ £39,136, one bedroom apartments from €88,977/ £69,686 and two bedroom apartments from €127,540/ £99,881. For more information please contact Experience International free on 0800 612 0901 or visit www.experience-international.com.
 
Costa Bulgara, Sozopol, Bulgaria
Luxurious 1 and 2 bedroom apartments with stunning views of the Kings bay on the black coast. Prices start from £24,422 / €35,386 for more information please contact Experience International free on 0800 612 0901 or visit www.experience-international.com.

For true relaxation, buy a luxury golf villa

by Viv World

When you buy one of the world’s best golf villas, you should be on the greens, practising your putting, not having to mow your lawn. For those with wide enough purse strings, help is at hand at the most salubrious developments across the world in all manners of ways from gardening to concierge services and even secretarial help!

At stunning La Reserva Rotana, in Majorca, two £2million bespoke villas come with full concierge facilities, including gardeners, waiters and cooks, so the only work you’ll ever have to do is adding up how much you are under par on the free, nine-hole private golf course. Not only that, but one of them has its own vineyard, so you can toast your latest hole-in-one with your own vintage Riesling.

Both villas boast five ensuite double bedrooms; a solarium; 100-square metre pool; office and 18,000-square metres of land, so the gardeners can be put to good use! On-site, is a small, boutique hotel – one of the best in Spain – with a top gourmet restaurant and a heliport.

La Reserva Rotana is just one of a range of elite golf properties marketed by leading agent, Barton Wyatt International. Senior Partner of Barton Wyatt International, James Wyatt, says, “We feature the hottest destinations, including the Caribbean and Spanish islands, as well as popular Cyprus & Spain or up-and-coming Bahrain.”

If you want a real blockbuster, try Villa San Lorenzo, at La Zagaleta Country Club – one of Europe’s most exclusive developments, which developers say is “the best place in Spain for the super-rich”. The bespoke villa features a home cinema, wine cellar, gym, Turkish bath, an indoor pool and five ensuite bedrooms with dressing rooms and carries a big-budget price of around £5million. An illuminated 45-square metre outdoor pool in its spacious grounds overlooks one of Spain’s top golf courses, La Zagaleta. A second on-site course, Los Barrancos, also offers additional challenges for golfers.

The complex also includes an equestrian centre and three fishing lakes. Like La Reserva Rotana, there are many services available to residents, including laundry; cleaning; gardening; maintenance; babysitting; chauffer and secretarial help. Even the beautician makes home visits, so all you need to do is lie back and relax.

The airport in Malaga is only 40-minutes away and the Country Club provides a private transportation link, making travel quick and convenient.

Exclusive golf properties attract exclusive buyers, such as former England cricket captain Ian Botham and decathlon champion Daley Thompson, who both have bought homes in Desert Springs Resort and Golf Club, in Almeria, Spain. Top-end, gated, four-bed villas with private pools, fronting the championship golf course, fetch £1.1million. On site are numerous sports and leisure facilities and restaurants.

Sir Ian, who spends as much time there as he can, says, “Desert Springs Resort and Golf Club is a place close to my own heart and, I think, the best family retreat in Europe.” And Daley Thompson adds, “Desert Springs has lots of activities to keep me fit and my family happy.”

Other affluent golf property buyers have fallen in love with the Aphrodite Hills resort, in Paphos, Cyprus, where you can not only improve your golf on the challenging 18-hole course, but your tennis as well, as it boasts its very own tennis academy. There is also a luxury Retreat Spa – judged to be among the top 10 in the world – to ease those golfing muscle strains.

Aphrodite Hills has won numerous other awards, including being among the world’s top 10 Golfing Developments. Prices for bespoke villas on the championship-standard course with four bedrooms cost around £1million.

Further a field in the Middle East, one of the most distinguished developments is Riffa Views – the first golf course development of its kind in Bahrain. It features a signature Colin Montgomerie 18-hole PGA Championship course plus a nine-hole course and golf academy to help improve your game. There is also a Boris Becker Tennis facility, spa, state-of-the-art fitness centre, country club, shopping centre, restaurants and even an international school.

Luxury villas in the gated community range from three to five-bedrooms and Grand Villas have additional accommodation. They cost up to around £1million.

But not all luxury golf developments require millionaire status. Ginn sur Mer, on Grand Bahama, features properties costing £315,000-£750,000, and still comes with all the benefits of ‘the good life’, such as a private airport and helipad, super yacht marina, equestrian facilities, grand palace, the island’s biggest casino, 15 dining options, luxurious spas and romantic gondola rides and water taxis through the development. Golf course or oceanfront plots are available for those who want to design and build their own home.

Ginn sur Mer features golf courses designed by two of the sport’s most famous names – Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. There is also a state-of-the-art golf training facility.

For more details, contact Barton Wyatt International on 0134 484 3000 or visit www.bw-international.com.

The Best of the Best Golf Courses and Golf Properties to Satisfy the Discerning Golf Traveller

by World

 

There are certain facts about golf and golf based travel that are significantly striking and which mean that globally speaking, where a country or a location depends heavily on tourism related revenue for economic success and development, focusing on golf based tourism and developing golf centred holiday and residential resorts make sound fiscal sense.
 
For example, globally speaking golf tourism is worth in the region of ten billion euros annually; and as a leisure sector, golf tourism is growing at a rate of up to two and a half times faster than other leisure based travel sectors.  Adding to these obvious attractions of targeting the golfing traveller is the fact that the sport draws affluent individuals who spend significantly more per capita, per day’s travel in the resorts that they frequent than other types of visitor. 
 
Additionally, golf tourists are considered to be consistently loyal and likely to revisit favourite destinations frequently. 
 
But golfers are highly discerning individuals and they are not only looking for the best golf courses, they want the best hotels or the best private accommodation as well as the best amenities and facilities – which is why they are attracted to some of the most famous locations in the world which manage to combine some of the most fabulous and challenging golf courses with fantastic real estate and amazingly well equipped luxury resorts.
 
Locations such as Grand Bahama, La Gomera, St Lucia and Majorca have really managed to achieve the balance perfectly so that golfers, golf widows and their families and friends can all enjoy the ultimate travel experience, both individually and on a group basis.
 
The Best Golf Courses
 
One of the thrills of golf based leisure for the avid and experienced golfer is encountering some of the best courses in the world for the first time, and many of the best courses happen to be located in the most fabulous island locations because of the natural attributes that such terrain presents course designers. 
 
These types of course are known as ‘links golf courses’ and they are considered by the majority of golfers to be the most challenging and rewarding.  They are found on islands and on headlands where the land used for the course actually links the mainland to the ocean – hence the name ‘links golf.’ 
 
These types of course are typically less manufactured than parkland courses, rather they follow the natural terrain of the landscape, they are exposed to the natural elements and they afford the golfer incredible views and demanding challenges.  What’s more, they really require the golfer to use a mixture of skill and imagination to come in on par.
 
The Best Locations
 
As stated, many of the world’s best links courses are in fantastic island locations because the terrain and environment in these locations is perfect for the creation of the ultimate course.
 
Locations now famous for their thrilling courses include St. Lucia in the Caribbean where Greg Norman has added his signature to a course at Le Paradis Beach, Golf and Marina Resort where it is reputed the 14th hole will become one of the most photographed in the world.  It’s a 175 yard one-shotter on to an infinity green that seems to give way to the beautiful Galet Bay beneath it.  On three sides of the hole the golfer is looking down a 100 foot rugged cliff drop to the stunning ocean, meaning that even if they miss the shot they will not go home disappointed. 
 
The Best Amenities and Facilities
 
The Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer golf courses at the Ginn Sur Mer resort on Grand Bahama may be world class, unique and specifically designed to enhance the game of golf, but the courses are merely a small element in terms of the leisure amenities and facilities available at this one of a kind mega and luxurious resort.
 
For golfers, golf widows, their friends and families the Ginn Sur Mer resort has to be seen to be believed – it offers everything from casinos to a marina, from spas to a private airport, from a beach club to a kids club, gardens, fountains and pools, multiple fine wining, dining and retail experiences to a Grand Canal which will intricately link the multiple elements of this 2,200 acre resort and provide stunning and practical waterways which will be alive with maritime activity.
 
The Best Properties
 
In each of the above mentioned resorts there are incredible real estate options available which are appealing to keen golfers, those seeking a holiday home in a stunning overseas location and people who want to live within an incredible community.  What’s more, the real estate options are also appealing to savvy property investors well aware that such resorts make the very best investment locations for both a high yielding rental strategy and a strategy relying on consistent capital appreciation and consistent resale demand.
 
For example, at Le Paradis Beach, Golf and Marina Resort on St. Lucia you can buy lavish one, two and three bedroom residences starting from £385,000 / €582,100 and be buying into a resort with not only the aforementioned amazing golf course, but a spa, concierge services and direct access to fabulous, unspoilt, white sandy tropical beaches.
 
At the Ginn Sur Mer resort there are even more property based options and you can even buy your very own piece of land and build a bespoke villa or mansion on it!  Ocean front or golf course facing plots of land are available for sale from £310,000 / €407,600 and they go on up to £750,000 / €986,100.
 
Other seriously attractive locations that offer the best golfing, the best amenities and the best property options include: –
 
Costa Teguise Golf in Arrecife on Lanzarote which features an 18 hole course designed by the US amateur champion golfer and landscape architect John Harris.  Located at the foot of a dramatic volcano and with breathtaking ocean views, this resort is also home to multiple sport areas and hotels, open green areas, two shopping centres, leisure areas and a large communal central square for social and cultural activities.  Properties available include apartments, town-houses and luxury villas and they are priced from £156,700 / €199,000.
 
Fuerteventura Golf Resort at Caleta de Fuste which is set around a well established course which was home to the Canaries Spanish Open in 2004 for example.  Here buyers can purchase front line golf duplexes and apartments or 2 and 3 bedroom villa homes priced in the region of £146,000 / €184,322 to £177,000 / €223,459.
 
Pueblo Don Thomas on La Gomera in the Canary Islands in Spain where buyers are being invited to buy bespoke villas off plan within a resort where they can become members of the Country Club and benefit from amenities such as swimming pools, putting greens, bars and restaurants.  The villa properties for sale are all customisable and come with a range of base designs which start from £652,000 / €850,000.
 
And finally the highly exclusive Rotana Villas development on Majorca in the Balearic Islands of Spain which comprises of just two unique and totally bespoke villas on plots of either 15,000sqm or 20,000sqm.  The villas are set around a private golf course for the exclusive use of the residents of the homes as well as the guests of the small 23 room luxury boutique hotel which is also on site.  One of the villas comes with its own vineyard and full concierge services are available to all villa owners and their guests.  Services available include having private chefs, waiters or gardeners on hand for example.  There is also a heliport on site at the Rotana Villas development, and the properties are priced in the region of £2,680,900 / €3,500,000.
 
For more information about golf properties around the world please contact Barton Wyatt on 01344 843 000 or visit www.bw-international.com.