Spain has provided the perfect holiday haven for years, considered one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world with the second highest tourism revenue on the planet, while a study by Frontur recently found that 24.8 million holiday makers so far this year have visited Spain representing an impressive 7.5% increase compared with 2010.

Of course, when it comes to finding a place that provides beauty, tradition and tranquillity mixed with luxury living, beautiful people and pumping nightlife, the magnificent Spanish island of Mallorca wins every time.

It is thought that the writer Robert Graves first cemented Mallorca´s image as a fashionable holiday hub when he set up home there before the Second World War. He described the island as ´paradise´ and ever since, celebrities have followed in their droves with Mallorca becoming a notoriously popular playground for the celebrity elite having welcomed its fair share of famous international tourists as well as genuine blue-bloods like Princess Grace and King Juan Carlos to its shores with many snapping up second homes away from the bright lights of the paparazzi.

Ignacio Osle, Sales and Marketing Director of leading house builder Taylor Wimpey de España, explains,

“Although Spain’s biggest island, Mallorca offers private beaches and secluded mountain retreats, affording enough comfort and concealment to continue enticing celebrities with many choosing to remain in the privacy of their villas and private grounds. But of course, there is always the opportunity to spot a star dining out in one of Mallorca’s finest restaurants or soaking up the sun on one of the beautiful blue flag beaches.”

The list of famous glitterati visitors extends far and wide with the likes of Paris Hilton, Sting, Joan Collins, The Beckhams, Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt and Gwyneth Paltrow having been spotted holidaying on the island while residents who have succumb to Mallorca’s charms include Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones, unofficial ambassadors for the island who own a luxury house in S´Estaca and Boris Becker who has a £10 million estate in Arta. Furthermore, super model Claudia Schiffer who describes Mallorca as “the most beautiful place” and one that is “idyllic, romantic and peaceful with an amazing coastline, wild mountain landscapes, friendly people and excellent food” adored the island so much that she bought an entire mountain and had a £6 million paparazzi-proof lavish hilltop estate built in Camp de Mar.

An alternative method of dodging the public eye sees celebrities take to the glistening blue waters, sailing the stunning coastline in search of sheltered bays where you are likely to find the floating homes of Jim Carrey, Jenson Button and Bill Gates in the famous marina of Puerto Portals. Likewise, the owners of American fashion label Victoria´s Secret have a 90-metre yacht in Mallorca while Hollywood tycoon David Geffen recently arrived to the island in his $300 million yacht but was outshone by Russian businessman Andrey Melnichenko’s 390ft megayacht, said to be the 15th largest in the world.

Indeed, tourists who like to stay longer and visit more frequently, especially the rich and famous, have helped to keep the real estate industry thriving in Mallorca. The relatively stable climate of Mallorca along with the quality of life on the island has long been a popular place to invest in property and has kept property prices well above average at €431,700 (Kyero.com, June 2011).

Taylor Wimpey de España who recently received an 86% customer satisfaction rate for 2011, are providing the perfect opportunity for potential investors to view their luxurious yet affordable fully furnished ready to move into properties in Mallorca at their show home event until the 15th September 2011 with properties such as El Puerto II, Cala D’Or and Pollentia Mar in Puerto Pollença open to prospective buyers.

El Puerto II consists of two bedroom apartments located on the south east coast of the island, very close to the stunning celeb hangout of Cala D’Or marina costing from just €177,000 with furniture included. With 3 communal swimming pools available these properties are surrounded by outstanding natural beauty offering various other activities such as water sports, biking and golf in the local area.

Pollentia Mar located in the seaside town of Puerto Pollença on the north-east coast, within easy reach of the UNESCO listed Serra de Tramuntana mountain range is located just 50 meters from the beach and Pollensa’s famous Voramar promenade, priced from just €265,000. As a single block of apartments Pollentia Mar has a communal area, swimming pool and private parking with an abundance of facilities nearby as well as offerings of peace and quiet and beautiful views.

For more information on purchasing Mallorcan property and gazing at the stars please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com.  If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 244.
 

Spain has always managed to maintain an advantageous position when it comes to international tourism with visitors enticed by the easy access, trusted warm weather and relaxed lifestyle. One of the top holiday hotspots with Brits, bookings to Spain are up 11% compared to last year according to latest figures from ABTA.

AENA (the Spanish Airports and Air Navigation public body) report that nearly 95 million people passed through Spanish airports in the first half of 2011, an 8.1% increase in passenger traffic, with 2.5% more flights compared to the same period in 2010. In addition low cost airline easyJet ranked Spanish destinations (Madrid, Alicante, Palma de Mallorca and Barcelona) four of the five most visited by Brits in 2011.

Ignacio Osle, Sales and Marketing Director of leading house builder Taylor Wimpey de España, explains,

“It is hardly surprising that destinations such as Palma de Mallorca made the easyJet top five list; considered one of the most popular locations in which foreign nationals search for a second home, holiday makers and indeed property hunters are undeniably attracted by Mallorca’s sunnier skies, blue flag beaches, celebrity residents, World Heritage sites like the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range and internationally renowned sporting events such as the Global Ocean Race 2011-12.”

Reflecting the high demand for property on this Balearic island, statistics from the Spanish House Price Index provided by Kyero.com, Spain’s largest English language property portal, have revealed that whilst the national average price for property in Spain is €263,000 Mallorcan property is priced well above at €431,700 (June 2011).

Further data from Kyero.com highlighted that 32% of Mallorca enquiries were made for property priced between €150 – €250,000 in H1 2011 while over half of enquirers sought apartments as opposed to villas. Moreover, 34.6% asked for two bedroom properties with 64% of enquiries opting out of having a pool.

Catering to the needs highlighted by Kyero.com’s independent research, Taylor Wimpey de España who recently received an 86% customer satisfaction rate for 2011, are providing the perfect opportunity for intrigued visitors and potential investors to view their luxurious yet affordable fully furnished ready to move into properties in Mallorca at their show home event until the 15th September 2011 with properties such as El Puerto II, Cala D’Or and Pollentia Mar in Puerto Pollença open to prospective buyers.

El Puerto II consists of two bedroom apartments located on the south east coast of the island, very close to the stunning Marina de Cala D’Or costing from just €177,000 with furniture included. With 3 communal swimming pools available these properties are surrounded by outstanding natural beauty offering various other activities such as water sports, biking and golf in the local area.

Pollentia Mar located in the seaside town of Puerto Pollença on the north-east coast, within easy reach of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range is located just 50 meters from the beach and Pollensa’s famous Voramar promenade, priced from just €265,000. As a single block of apartments Pollentia Mar has a communal area, swimming pool and private parking with an abundance of facilities nearby as well as offerings of peace and quiet and beautiful views.

For more information on stunning Mallorcan property please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com.  If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 244.
 

As part of its effort to increase its winter timetable, Irish airline Aer Lingus has just announced 10 new routes for 2011/2012, with a new route from Cork to Las Palmas, Gran Canaria due to commence a weekly service as of Sunday 30th October 2011.

The new service will expand on the already broad choices available to customers travelling to the Canary Islands who are keen to escape to sunnier climates with scheduled services also available from Ireland to Fuerteventura, Lanzarote and Tenerife.

In addition, Aer Lingus will host three weekly flights from Cork to Barcelona and a twice weekly flight from Cork to Rome whilst services will be further extended to include a twice weekly route from Belfast to Alicante and Rome.

For those departing from Dublin this winter, the Irish airline will also provide four weekly flights to both Milan Malpensa and Stuttgart while Aer Lingus Regional will continue to deliver services to the UK, with flights from Dublin to Aberdeen and Bristol and flights from Shannon to Edinburgh.

This news is welcomed by Taylor Wimpey de España who are happy to hear that the Irish will have a greater selection of routes available to sunnier climates such as the Costa Blanca on Spain’s east coast this winter with Ignacio Osle, Sales and Marketing Director of the leading Spanish builder Taylor Wimpey de España,  commenting,

“Aer Lingus, unlike its Ryanair competitor, hasn’t had as great an exposure to Spain, which is unfortunate especially considering the popularity of the Spanish market with Irish nationals. Now both holiday makers and property owners alike can enjoy easier and more flexible access to Spain.”

To view the wide selection of properties available in Alicante from Taylor Wimpey España call today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com.  If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 244.
 

Taylor Wimpey de España, the Spanish arm of the UK’s leading house developer Taylor Wimpey Plc, member of the Forbes 2011 Global 2000 leading companies list as well as being a FTSE Top 200 company, has been constructing award winning high quality homes in the Costa Blanca, the Costa del Sol and the Balearic Island of Mallorca since 1958.

With years of experience in building some of Spain’s most highly regarded properties, Taylor Wimpey de España’s masterful development skills have enabled them to not only construct a wide variety of property projects across Spain but also develop a solid and well respected brand.

Certainly, the continued success of Taylor Wimpey de España can be attributed to their well thought out business strategy which has allowed them to keep their finger on the housing market pulse and maintain their position as a leading Spanish house builder.

Focussing on delivering high quality homes in popular locations that appeal to foreign and Spanish buyers has been a major contributor to their achievements with all developments constructed close to charming towns, scenic countryside, glorious beaches or famous golf courses as well as stylish shopping and leisure facilities and major transport routes providing absolutely everything you could wish for and more.

With this in mind, personalisation is an important aspect for Taylor Wimpey de España who provide a wide range of finishes that allow their clientele to customise their properties to their own tastes and lifestyle requirements, undoubtedly a big consideration for British and foreign buyers.

In addition, Taylor Wimpey de España never compromise on quality, taking considerable care and attention when building their properties, offering anything from traditional Spanish exteriors to incorporating modern features and appliances all offered at surprisingly affordable prices and including a 10 year structural guarantee for peace of mind.

Indeed, Taylor Wimpey de España enjoys an ever growing reputation for unrivalled service and the unfailing importance of high quality local and international staff members who put customers at the heart of everything they do, providing a personal ´Customer Liaison Officer´ to answer all questions and concerns and a 24 hour support service both during and after the sales procedure to ensure customers are always happy even when they have settled in to their beautiful new home.

Recently, Taylor Wimpey de España conducted a national customer satisfaction survey which attained an overall 86% customer satisfaction rate for 2011 according to the findings while individual happy customers scored the company highly with a 93.7% satisfaction rate for a purchase in Puerto Portals and a 95.1% satisfaction rate for a property purchase in Puerto Pollensa, both in Mallorca.

One delighted customer, Mark White from Staffordshire, UK who purchased a 2 bedroom apartment in Puerto Pollensa, Mallorca with his wife this year were certainly impressed with Taylor Wimpey de España’s dedicated service throughout their entire purchasing process commenting,

“Taylor Wimpey de España was excellent throughout. We had seen the development 5 years ago when it was still a hole in the ground and again 2 years ago when we almost purchased that time. We were contacted again towards the end of April by their telesales department to see if we were interested in one of the last available apartments on the development. Most of the discussions were done via phone calls and emails, with nothing too much trouble. Even though we were a hesitant and unsure purchaser, the offer of an inspection visit was well received to remove any doubts and concerns we had. Upon our arrival to Mallorca, we were picked up from the airport, taken to the apartment for an inspection where we fell in love with the apartment. Throughout all of this we were accompanied by Taylor Wimpey de España who took all the stress out of the whole process. We were even taken back to the airport by them for our return home.”

With Taylor Wimpey de España’s experience and expertise as a leading Spanish house builder, clients wishing to purchase property in mainland Spain or on the Balearic island of Mallorca can be confident that they will be well looked after and that every need will be efficiently and effectively attended to from guidance on choosing the perfect Spanish location to advice on the very best financial plans available.

For more information on how you can enjoy a bright and spacious Spanish home please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 244.
 

The UNESCO World Heritage Site Committee which strives to encourage the identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage sites considered to be of outstanding value to humanity across the globe has this year inscribed a total of 25 sites onto its list according to a statement delivered by the UN cultural branch in Paris earlier this week with the striking cultural landscape of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range in Mallorca now added to the renowned list.

Forming the northern strip of the island of Mallorca, the remarkable mountain range, described as ‘a landscape that has been very intensely shaped by man, testifying to the continued interaction between mankind and nature throughout the centuries’ has undergone lengthy restoration works on old stone walls, paths and mountain cabins over the years, many of which are open to the public as well as being marked by agricultural terraces and inter-connected water works that include water mills and dry stone constructions and farms.

With the support of 20,000 people, including famous glitterati residents and visitors such as Michael Douglas and rock star Patti Smith, as well as members of the Spanish royal family, Tramuntana it seems, was destined to have its name in the global spotlight with land commissioner and UNESCO candidacy representative María Luisa Dubón suggesting that the Tramuntana mountain range is the ‘jewel in the crown’ on the Mallorcan Island, sustaining elements of all civilisations as well as having a notably raw and dramatic landscape that rapidly climbs from sea level up to an altitude of 1,300 metres.

In light of the new World Heritage recognition, Mallorca, a traditional haven for holiday makers and property investors alike will certainly benefit from having its name inscribed on the list, helping to further boost tourism from a new kind of culture seeking visitor.

Ignacio Osle, Sales and Marketing Director of building masters Taylor Wimpey de España, comments,

“World heritage sites inevitably attract tourists and we are delighted that the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range in Mallorca has been recognised for its cultural and physical beauty. Achieving heritage status will show the world that Mallorca has so much more to offer than just beaches and the glamorous jet set lifestyle.

“Highlighting Mallorca’s traditional side and celebrating the cultural and historical wonders that we are so very lucky to have on the island is extremely important and we believe that the recent listing will certainly attract a greater number of fascinated visitors as well as prospective property investors wishing to soak up the benefits from such a prestigious acknowledgement.”

Leading house builders, Taylor Wimpey de España, are providing the perfect opportunity for inquisitive visitors and potential investors to view their luxurious yet affordable fully furnished ready to move in properties in Mallorca at their show home event until the 15th September 2011 with properties such as El Puerto II, Cala D’Or and Pollentia Mar in Puerto Pollença open to prospective buyers.

El Puerto II consists of two bedroom apartments located on the south east coast of the island, very close to the stunning Marina de Cala D’Or costing from just €177,000 with furniture included. With 3 communal swimming pools available these properties are surrounded by outstanding natural beauty offering various other activities such as water sports, biking and golf in the local area.

Pollentia Mar located in the seaside town of Puerto Pollença on the north-east coast, within easy reach of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range is located just 50 meters from the beach and Pollensa’s famous Voramar promenade, priced from just €257,510. As a single block of apartments Pollentia Mar has a communal area, swimming pool and private parking with an abundance of facilities nearby as well as offerings of peace and quiet and beautiful views.

For more information on the mountain of opportunities available please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com.  If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 244.
 

Over the years millions of overseas tourists have selected the Communidad Valencia as their holiday getaway with the vast proportion choosing to spend their time along the coastal strip of the Costa Blanca, while the city of Valencia in the past, was generally absent from the tourist map. However, as Spain’s third largest city, Valencia has drastically improved its position, seeing a boost in tourism, largely attributed to hosting the world famous European Formula One Grand Prix since 2008.

Kicking off today until the 26th June and playing host to the Grand Prix of Europe until 2014, Valencia’s streets surrounding the picturesque port at Juan Carlos I Marina and the golden beaches heading out towards El Grao have been converted into a Monaco-style track known as the Valencia Street Circuit, holding some 100,000 petrol head fans and attracting large numbers of curious tourists drawn to the glamour of F1 racing as well as other alluring attractions for those who love the jet set lifestyle including Valencia’s sophisticated restaurants, pumping nightlife and rich cultural history.

Every afternoon, for the first time this Grand Prix weekend, The Valencia Street Circuit will be opening its doors free of charge to residents and visitors, allowing everyone the chance to walk over the race track finishing line, have their photograph taken on the starting grid and admire the beautiful celebrity guests from afar as well as having the chance to visit the street circuit via boat every afternoon when the dock bridge is opened up after the days racing in an attempt to involve a greater number of tourists and locals in the electrifying atmosphere of the European Grand Prix.

Ignacio Osle, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey de España, comments,

“Valencia has come on leaps and bounds the past few years now known as a leading cultural city-break. It is an ideal location for European Grand Prix tourists to visit especially since it was awarded European Capital of Sport for 2011 by the non-profit organisation ACES, putting it on the map as a prime sporting city and one that will be pulling in even more tourists and sporting fans alike. Our properties located on the Costa Blanca, traditionally a favourite destination for holiday makers and foreign property buyers; provide the best of both worlds, a popular laid back region that affords excellent blue flag beaches and a plentiful selection of amenities yet close enough for a short trip to Valencia and all the F1 action.”

Of course, the attraction of famous events such as the European Grand Prix and recognition as a sporting capital will certainly expand the regions profile and tourist numbers beckoning good news for potential property owners looking to capitalise on the appeal of sun, sea and sport as demand for rental accommodation increases.

Sitting on the boarder of the Mediterranean, Calpe, famous for the Peñón de Ifach rock and renowned for being a popular beach town in Costa Blanca, within easy reach of Valencia’s sporting action is a haven for potential property buyers with building masters Taylor Wimpey de España offering two superb developments.

The Calpesol residential complex is a new development consisting of spacious homes with landscaped gardens and a communal swimming pool. The properties have 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and costs from just €173,700. The properties include terraces, private gardens and outdoor parking all finished to a high standard; ideal for full time living or potential holiday rental opportunities.

Situated in one of the best regions of Calpe – Maryvilla and with only two units left, the Montesol residential complex provides 3 bedrooms, 2 bathroom apartments with a garden, sun terrace, air conditioning and hydro massage bath. With a price tag from €251,000, this development is a perfect investment, destined to attract buyers.

If you are gearing up to purchase stunning property on the Costa Blanca please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com

The gorgeous Spanish Island of Mallorca, a popular holiday destination for Brits and Europeans alike lured by the island’s charm, sophistication and diversity is currently gearing up for a jam packed summer on the sea.

As the longest running superyacht regatta in Europe, the annual Superyacht Cup has drawn in over 200 sailing superyachts to the occasion since it began back in 1996, gathering the world’s largest and most impressive privately owned superyachts to Palma every year to participate in the four day invitation only event.

Commencing on Wednesday 22nd June and designed to showcase the Balearic Islands as one of the best superyacht bases in the world as well as tourist destinations, this event which is also famous for its ‘apres sail’ dock parties, BBQ’s, and glamorous gala evening held at Es Baluard Museum of Contemporary Art, will not only see many boating enthusiasts preparing to set sail from the dazzling Mallorcan shore but an abundance of intrigued visitors flocking to the island.

For the more adventurous sailor, Mallorca will also be the launch pad and finishing point for the Global Ocean Race 20011-12 which will see entries from various nations battle it out on some of the planets toughest waters on the 25th September returning back in May 2012 helping attract thousands of sports fans from across the globe to the golden island.

International events of such magnitude help put Mallorca on a new global stage and while many sailing devotees are attracted to such events and the extras that go along with them, many more stay for Mallorca’s sun soaked climate, striking blue flag beaches and high class boutiques and restaurants.

Of course, the natural beauty and popular social programme of the island means that the demand for accommodation, in particular rental property increases, seeing homes close to marinas in particular become more desirable. The vast benefits of owning a home on the beautiful Balearic Island means that it can offer a great rental income throughout the year.

Ignacio Osle, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey de España, explains,

“Tourists as well as property investors desire a high quality of life and high quality property to match. They want to be somewhere where the sun always shines, where the beaches are pristine, where the infrastructure is of a high standard, where there’s an abundance of cultural and social events and where the facilities such as bars and restaurants are first class. Mallorca, although recognised as a growing hub for the rich and famous has plenty to offer in terms of affordable property and remains as popular today as it ever was.  It’s an investment goldmine with something for everyone.”

Leading house builders, Taylor Wimpey de España, are providing the perfect opportunity for boating and property fans alike to view their luxurious yet affordable fully furnished ready to move in properties in Mallorca at their show home event until the 15th September 2011 with properties such as El Puerto II, Cala D’Or and Pollentia Mar, Puerto Pollença available for potential buyers to feast their eyes upon.

El Puerto II consists of two bedroom apartments located on the south east coast of the island, very close to the glamorous Marina de Cala D’Or costing from just €177,000 with furniture included. With 3 communal swimming pools available these properties are surrounded by outstanding natural beauty offering various other activities such as water sports, biking and golf in the local area.

Pollentia Mar located in the seaside town of Puerto Pollença with only 4 properties remaining is located just 50 meters from the beach and Pollensa’s famous Voramar promenade, priced from just €257,510. As a single block of apartments Pollentia Mar has a communal area, swimming pool and private parking with an abundance of facilities nearby as well as offerings of peace and quiet and beautiful views.

For more information on spending summer on Mallorcan land and sea please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com.  If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 244.
 

The prestigious ‘Blue Flag’ eco label bestowed upon 3,550 beaches and marinas in 41 different countries across the globe has awarded Spain 511 Blue Flags, more than any other European country, in recognition of the Iberian nation’s beautifully pristine beaches.

The Blue Flag is a highly recognised international award that pays tribute to beaches which abide by strict criteria with regards to water quality, cleanliness, safety, accessibility and services and is judged by an international panel under the prestigious Blue Flag Programme.

Indeed, the unfailing quality of Spain’s beaches continues to attract visitors from all over the world, drawn by the beautiful white sands, clear blue waters and perfect climate. Of course, the news that Spain has more Blue Flag beaches than any other destination (one in every six flags awarded across the globe going to a Spanish shore) will certainly signal good news for property owners as homes within close proximity to a blue flag beach will expect to retain a higher value over time and see greater rental appeal.

Ignacio Osle, Sales and Marketing Director of leading house builder Taylor Wimpey de España, comments,

“It is hard to find a better more beautiful beach haven than in Spain and we are lucky that many of our residential developments reside where Blue Flags fly high. Beaches across Spain have been vastly improving year on year and along with the relatively short flight times from anywhere in Europe combined with declining holiday costs, visitors will with no doubt continue to flock to Spain to sample its glorious beaches. Certainly, the declaration from The Blue Flag Programme only confirms that Spain is the best beach capital of the world.”

The Blue Flag Programme has awarded flags in many regions of Spain including Andalucía which has 66 flags, followed by 63 flags for the Balearics and 104 flags for beaches in Comunidad Valenciana where building giant Taylor Wimpey de España have several stunning developments.

Located in Marbella, Andalucía, home to blue flag beaches Artola and Casablanca, Los Robles de Los Arqueros consists of two and three bedroom apartments orientated towards the reputed golf course, Los Arqueros. Priced at only €251,000, this development offers a children’s paddling pool and adult swimming pool, communal gardens and underground parking in the glorious Costa del Sol.

El Puerto II, situated in Cala d’Or, south east Mallorca has 2 bedroom apartments surrounded by generous gardens with native Balearic plants and 3 communal swimming pools. Costing from €177,000 this sophisticated complex is within reach of the gorgeous blue flag awarded Cala Mondrago beach.

Consisting of spacious houses with beautiful gardens and a communal swimming pool, The Calpesol residential complex is situated in the small town of Calpe, Valencia along the sun drenched Costa Blanca home to various blue flag beaches including La Fossa and Cantal Riog beach. These properties have three bedrooms, a cloakroom, two bathrooms, terrace, and private garden and costs from as little as €155,000.

If you wish to find out more about these superb properties located near some of the world’s best blue flag beaches please contact Taylor Wimpey de España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. If you reside outside the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 244.