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Spain Property Guide Summer 2021

Welcome to the summer edition of the Spain Property Guide magazine. As travel has opened its doors now is the perfect time to start the journey to your dream home in Spain. Read about the property for sale and new developments. Find a villa in Costa Blanca amongst the other property for sale, or a sea-front apartment in Costa Calida, if you like golf then find the ideal villa overlooking a golf course in Costa del Sol, also find out why Marbella is one of the most popular places for retiring to Spain. You can learn more about the Golden Visa in Spain and get the most important tips about buying a property in Spain all of this with estate agent's latest property offers. To find an overseas property, holiday home or to live and retire in Spain then the Spain property guide is a must-read. Writer Michel Cruz has many interesting articles about the popular areas to live that include Ibiza. Get the latest currency exchange information with a special offer to get a currency exchange quote from the market leaders Currencies Direct.

Welcome to the summer edition of the Spain Property Guide magazine. As travel has opened its doors now is the perfect time to start the journey to your dream home in Spain. Read about the property for sale and new developments. Find a villa in Costa Blanca amongst the other property for sale, or a sea-front apartment in Costa Calida, if you like golf then find the ideal villa overlooking a golf course in Costa del Sol, also find out why Marbella is one of the most popular places for retiring to Spain. You can learn more about the Golden Visa in Spain and get the most important tips about buying a property in Spain all of this with estate agent's latest property offers. To find an overseas property, holiday home or to live and retire in Spain then the Spain property guide is a must-read. Writer Michel Cruz has many interesting articles about the popular areas to live that include Ibiza. Get the latest currency exchange information with a special offer to get a currency exchange quote from the market leaders Currencies Direct.

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BUYING IN SPAIN MADE SIMPLE<br />

ENGLISH<br />

EDITION<br />

PROPERTY<br />

.COM<br />

SUMMER > <strong>2021</strong> > COMPLIMENTARY EDITION<br />

GUIDE<br />

®<br />

SUNSHINE<br />

LIVING<br />

MAR MENOR<br />

GOLF RESORT<br />

TOP<br />

5<br />

GOLF<br />

COURSES<br />

Fun things<br />

to do this<br />

SUMMER<br />

AGENTS l LEGAL l RESIDENCY l CURRENCY l TAX<br />

£50 Amazon<br />

voucher<br />

Earn a<br />

GET A QUOTE


ONTENTS<br />

HORMITECH<br />

Sunset in<br />

Marbella<br />

04<br />

COSTA BLANCA NORTH 08<br />

EXPLORE THE ESSENCE OF THE<br />

MEDITERRANEAN 10<br />

COSTA BLANCA SOUTH 18<br />

TOP 5 GOLF COURSES 20<br />

COSTA CALIDA 26<br />

DISCOVER A WORLD BETWEEN LAGOONS,<br />

DUNES AND THE SEA 28<br />

HISTORY, CULTURE & ATMOSPHERE 30<br />

MAR MENOR GOLF RESORT 32<br />

COSTA ALMERIA 34<br />

BUYING A PROPERTY IN SPAIN 36<br />

LIVING IN SPAIN 38<br />

COSTA DEL SOL 40<br />

BENALÚS, EXCITING NEW GOLDEN MILE<br />

HOMES 42<br />

THE EDGE 46<br />

TOP 5 GOLF COURSES IN ANDALUCIA 48<br />

CURRENCY OUTLOOK 50<br />

FUN THINGS TO DO THIS SUMMER 52<br />

YOUR FIRST CLASS TICKET TO SPAIN 55<br />

MARBELLA A FAVOURITE FOR RETIREES 56<br />

DISCOVER THE COSTA DEL SOL 58<br />

BALEARIC ISLANDS 60<br />

IBIZA COOL 62<br />

TROPICAL DREAMS MADE REAL 64<br />

CONTACT<br />

SALES >> sales@spainpropertguide.com<br />

EDITOR >> editor@spainpropertguide.com<br />

DISTRIBUTION >> distribution@spainpropertguide.com<br />

DESIGN >> design@spainpropertguide.com<br />

Tel: <strong>Spain</strong> +34 966 94 20 22 • Tel: UK +44 7498984177<br />

COVER IMAGE: A cool dip with a view.<br />

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03


HORMITECH –<br />

a new way of<br />

constructing<br />

We think of concrete as a modern building<br />

material that has become pretty much<br />

universal over the past century, but in<br />

reality it has been used since ancient times. Thanks<br />

to on-going development, Spanish engineering<br />

firm Hormitech is now taking concrete into the 21st<br />

century.<br />

Concrete doesn’t always have a positive image<br />

in the public mind, which is not really fair as it is and<br />

for a very long time has been the main building<br />

block of civilisation. The ancient civilisations of the<br />

past already used early forms of it, and 19th and<br />

20th century engineers simply improved upon the<br />

durability, flexibility and structural strength of a<br />

material without which so much of the architecture<br />

and construction of the recent past would not have<br />

been possible. Concrete retains a central role today,<br />

but just as others are working to develop more<br />

advanced and sustainable ways of doing things so<br />

those producing building materials of this kind are<br />

not sitting still either. In fact, they are finding that the<br />

evolution of this manmade, purpose-built stone still<br />

has a long way to go.<br />

Hormitech is one of the European companies<br />

leading this development. From its base in Tarragona,<br />

near Barcelona, the firm has been a specialist<br />

supplier of prefabricated concrete building structures<br />

for over 40 years now, and while there have been<br />

improvements to the product throughout this<br />

time, the latest offering is the result of a quantum<br />

leap in concrete technology. So much so, that<br />

Hormitech has taken a step away from conventional<br />

construction to provide the building blocks for a far<br />

more efficient, high quality, environmentally sound<br />

and attractive way of construction.<br />

4<br />

l<br />

SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM


By Michel Cruz<br />

TECHNOLOGY FOR OUR TIMES<br />

The technology now makes it possible to meet<br />

contemporary needs for homes and edifices that<br />

are structurally sound, tremor resistant and offer new<br />

levels of insulation and energy efficiency, while also<br />

eliminating damp and ensuring ambient comfort.<br />

What’s more, the system is prefabricated to measure<br />

and not only suits modern architectural styles very<br />

well but is adaptable to all designs, scales and types<br />

of buildings, from private homes and apartments to<br />

offices, malls, factories and warehouses.<br />

The advantage of the system is the precision<br />

with which it is made, not cut or adapted on the<br />

building site, and also far surpassing the quality<br />

of conventional prefabricated concrete building<br />

materials. The superior characteristics of the system<br />

are derived from the specially treated concrete itself<br />

and the precision sealing that leaves behind anything<br />

achieved in construction so far, with superlative<br />

levels of sound, humidity and thermal insulation. The<br />

result is a comfortable, controlled environment free<br />

of damp and temperature extremes, which also<br />

leads to optimal energy efficiency and far lower<br />

heating and cooling costs, as well as offering virtually<br />

maintenance-free durability.<br />

BUILD SPEED AND QUALITY<br />

The manufacture of the panels takes 40 days,<br />

during which time the land is prepared for<br />

construction. The assembly of the structure then<br />

requires another 10-15 days, depending on the size<br />

and complexity of the building, and once this is done<br />

the rest of the villa is completed within another four<br />

months. All told, you can have a brand new house<br />

within six months using the Hormitech system, saving<br />

a year or more in comparison with conventional<br />

construction methods.<br />

SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l<br />

5


The reaction of the market has been keen, and<br />

Hormitech is now constructing primarily private<br />

villas but also apartments, offices and other types<br />

of structures across <strong>Spain</strong>, Portugal and the south of<br />

France. It takes concrete building into the modern<br />

era in many ways, from quality, energy efficiency and<br />

speed to living comfort, close to zero maintenance,<br />

seismic and fire safety and also environmental terms,<br />

as it not only reduces energy consumption but also<br />

virtually eliminates on-site waste material.<br />

HORMITECH - Madrid - Málaga - Valladolid<br />

Tel: 91 94 91 900 • www.hormitech.es<br />

6<br />

l<br />

SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM


(+34) 965 791 035<br />

rimontgo@rimontgo.es<br />

https://www.rimontgo.com<br />

Partida Montgo, Jávea l 5,700,000€<br />

Dénia<br />

l Price on Request<br />

RMG6126<br />

RMG3238<br />

Spectacular villa built to the highest standards, a unique style,<br />

beautiful views and a perfect enclave in the Montgó area in Jávea.<br />

This majestic villa is surrounded by a well-preserved garden. The property<br />

is organised into three levels, each of them with spacious rooms and a topquality<br />

equipment. The main floor fuses with the terrace, the pool area and<br />

a fantastic patio partially covered. All of it with beautiful views of the valley.<br />

<strong>Property</strong> with private pool and panoramic views of the golf, sea and<br />

the city in Dénia.<br />

Exceptional, 5 bedroomed modern architect- designed avant-garde villa, set<br />

within the privacy of the exclusive Golf Resort La Sella and Marriot Hotel,<br />

with magnificent panoramic views to Montgó mountain, the 27 hole golf<br />

course and the Mediterranean Sea.<br />

La Plana, Jávea l 895,000€<br />

Bocairent, Valencia l 1,930,000 €<br />

RMG6303<br />

Villa set on a plot of 13,000m2 in La Plana, a well-known area surrounded<br />

by the Montgó Natural Park in Jávea. Includes guest accommodation.<br />

The villa is comprised of the main residence and a guest apartment. The<br />

main property is arranged on a single floor consisting of a large fitted<br />

kitchen, living-dining room with fireplace, the master bedroom with an ensuite<br />

bathroom, guest toilet and a bedroom.<br />

RMGV1980<br />

Unique rural home, very integrated into the surroundings with open<br />

views of the valley and the spectacular swimming pool.<br />

Located in the middle of the Sierra Mariola natural park, this villa sits on a huge<br />

75,000m2 plot on top of a mountain. The house itself covers an area of 350m2<br />

and comprises four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a magnificent living/dining<br />

room with double-height ceilings, completed with a large kitchen.<br />

Vall d’Albaida, Valencia<br />

l Price on Request<br />

El Bosque, Chiva, Valencia l 620,000€<br />

RMGV2822<br />

RMGV4241<br />

Spacious country property surrounded by olive trees and vineyards in<br />

one of the most beautiful locations of the Valencian Community.<br />

Opportunity. Reduced price. Rimontgó guarantees that this property<br />

features an extremely good price in its competitive market set. For more<br />

information visit our Best opportunities section where you will find an<br />

assortment of the very best buying opportunities in rimontgo.com.<br />

Exclusive villa facing the golf in El Bosque, Valencia. Combination of modern<br />

and Mediterranean style, bright with a large plot, garden and private pool.<br />

Facing the prestigious golf course El Bosque, set on a plot of more than 1,200m2<br />

with a well-established garden and a large swimming pool. The outdoor design<br />

is Mediterranean with Ibiza-style touches and the indoor area benefits from a<br />

modern design also combined with Mediterranean classic details.<br />

SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l<br />

7


Levante Beach,<br />

Benidorm<br />

8<br />

l<br />

SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM<br />

An ancient coast of beaches, crystalline waters and<br />

rocky cliffs that lead down to secluded little coves and<br />

bays, the northern part of the Costa Blanca is often<br />

described as the most beautiful section of all – and one of<br />

the finest examples of Mediterranean lifestyle to be found<br />

anywhere.<br />

COSTA BLANCA NORTH<br />

Alicante provides the big city feel as well as a large international<br />

airport for the region, and as you head north from here the<br />

first significant resort town is El Campello, popular above all<br />

with Spanish tourists. From here to the pretty coastal town of<br />

Villajoyosa, with its multi-coloured houses, there are only tiny<br />

beachside spots dotted, and more of the same until you come<br />

to the most famous Costa Blanca resort of all: Benidorm.<br />

Famous for its package tourism, as humorously depicted in<br />

a British comedy series, this large resort town is redeveloping<br />

its look and offering to appeal to a more modern kind of<br />

tourism, complete with stylish resort hotels and a series of large<br />

theme park attractions such as Terra Mítica, Terra Natura and<br />

Aqualandia. From here, the coast becomes more rugged,<br />

with imposing capes and rocky cliffs and bays that together<br />

create breath-taking scenery against a backdrop of blue<br />

skies and green pine groves.<br />

Altea is a stylish resort town with a beautiful historic centre that<br />

ranks as one of the region’s highlights, while Platja L’Olla is a<br />

wonderfully secluded stretch of coast between distant cliffs.<br />

Just before you reach another iconic resort town, Calpe,<br />

Altea Hills is the first of a series of luxurious villas suburbs with<br />

stunning coastal views – one of several residential resort areas<br />

that offer an excellent choice of modern homes with all the<br />

latest styles, amenities and high-tech comforts. The views from<br />

here are truly stunning.<br />

COSTALANCA<br />

EXQUISITE SHORES<br />

Calpe is gifted with a stunning setting – a wide bay overlooking<br />

an iconic rock cape not unlike that of Gibraltar, as well as an<br />

inland lagoon known as Les Salines. This picture perfect spot<br />

first named by the Phoenicians provides the ideal setting for<br />

a resort town, and Calpe is the last large town before you<br />

come to the end of the Costa Blanca at Jávea and Denia,<br />

passing the pretty little coastal resort of Moraira. Beyond it lays<br />

gorgeous coastal scenery with idyllic bays such as Plata de la<br />

Granadella, with its turquoise water.<br />

Jávea and Denia are two pretty towns fronting sandy beaches<br />

and surrounded by attractive residential areas set within pine<br />

groves, with many following the undulations of golf courses<br />

such as the excellent La Sella Golf. The iconic Parc Natural<br />

Montgó crowns the natural beauty of this region, which is also<br />

less than an hour from Valencia, close to many more beauty<br />

spots and always just a short drive from country villages full of<br />

authentic regional charm.


NORTH<br />

Elche<br />

Rojales<br />

Orihuela<br />

Villa Martin<br />

Alicante<br />

Santa Pola<br />

Guardamar<br />

de Segura<br />

Torrevieja<br />

Denia<br />

Javea<br />

Benissa Moraira<br />

Altea Calpe<br />

Albir<br />

Benidorm<br />

Villa Joyosa<br />

SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l<br />

9


Explore the essence<br />

of the<br />

Mediterranean<br />

The northern part of the coastal region that has<br />

come to be known as the Costa Blanca has a<br />

character and beauty all of its own. In fact, in reality<br />

it is quite distinct from the southern region, and this<br />

becomes noticeable in the landscape the minute you<br />

leave Alicante behind and approach the resort town of<br />

Benidorm.<br />

Here the scenery becomes less arid, more classically<br />

Mediterranean, with white limestone cliff plunging<br />

towards the clear blue water. At Calpe and Altea,<br />

classic Spanish sea resort blends with stylish traditional<br />

seaside town, a scene punctuated by marinas and<br />

luxurious villas dotting the hillsides. Altea has a certain<br />

grandeur, following as it does the curve of the coast<br />

towards its pennon, or cape. Its historic inner town is a<br />

delight of Valenciano architecture, while Altea’s marina<br />

forms another scenic high point and a great place to<br />

enjoy freshly caught seafood.<br />

Look up and you see cars high up on the motorway<br />

disappearing into a tunnel amid spectacular mountain<br />

scenery. It’s a world of white limestone, green pine<br />

forests and clear blue skies here, and as you emerge<br />

on the other side you feel like a whole new chapter<br />

has opened, for now the landscape gently tumbles<br />

down towards Calpe and its spectacular towering rock,<br />

which from some angles looks like a smaller version of<br />

Gibraltar. Calpe is stunningly scenic, with wide beaches<br />

and azure waters that simply wills you to splash about,<br />

but if you can resist the temptation and have the<br />

energy to ascend the rock of Ifac – part of a protected<br />

nature reserve – you’ll be rewarded with some of the<br />

most amazing views you’ll ever have.<br />

THE NORTHERN TIP<br />

For the rest Calpe is simply an attractive resort<br />

town, but you’ll plenty of lovely beaches, coves and<br />

smaller coastal settlements hugging the shoreline<br />

between here and Jávea, one of the prettiest of all<br />

the destinations in this region. Perhaps the best way<br />

to appreciate this coast is to see it from the sea, so<br />

head out on a yacht or powerboat and take in those<br />

spectacular cliffs, coves and protected sections of<br />

coastline. Platja del Portet and Cala Ambolo are<br />

particularly beautiful, and if you can land in Platja de<br />

la Granadella and ensconce yourself within its soothing<br />

waters you may never want to leave again.<br />

Its little fish restaurants are wonderful ‘rustic’, which<br />

is to say basic and authentic, but what better way to<br />

10 l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM


enjoy a true Spanish seaside meal? The Restaurante<br />

Mirador de Jávea is a bit more tourist, but it’s an iconic<br />

location from which to contemplate the fantastic<br />

expanse of Mediterranean Sea below you, and from<br />

here it is just a short drive down through wonderfully<br />

wooded residential suburbs down to Jávea itself.<br />

JÁVEA, A TOWN OF THREE PARTS<br />

In reality the municipal area of Jávea is divided into<br />

three distinct parts. Most familiar to outside visitors is<br />

the coastal resort, tucked into a corner of a large bay.<br />

Here, luxurious apartments surround a coastal village<br />

that looks out at a fishing harbour and marina that<br />

eventually gives way to the resort hotels that dot the<br />

long sandy beaches of El Arenal. At the far end of this<br />

the coast rises to the spectacular cliffs that mark the<br />

Cap de la Nao area. It is here, within the pine-covered<br />

slopes overlooking the bays and coves, that a collection<br />

of luxurious residential area provides a privileged setting<br />

for a lifestyle that has been drawing people for many<br />

decades now.<br />

At the heart of it all, though, is the historic town of<br />

Jávea – the original country village that grew into a<br />

prosperous town thanks to its position dominating a<br />

large and fertile valley. Largely level, this agricultural<br />

area stretches for kilometres inland, eventually leading<br />

to the elegant Club de Golf Jávea, whose parkland<br />

landscape flanked by gold-toned hills provides an ideal<br />

setting for the game. You will also find some elegant<br />

five-star resort hotels and spas in this lovely natural<br />

location, all of them just a few minutes from those sandy<br />

beaches.<br />

The epicentre of the old town is the Church of Sant<br />

Bartomeu, an imposing structure that originally dates<br />

back to early medieval times. Like most of the historic<br />

quarter it is built mainly from local Tosca stone hewn<br />

for centuries from the coastal cliffs, and still bears the<br />

pockmarks of warfare sustained during the civil war.<br />

Today, however, the only invaders are the small groups<br />

of tourists drinking in the sights or relaxing in a quaint<br />

square as village life goes on around them. This is a<br />

town of cobbled streets, picturesque archways, historic<br />

buildings that reveal bewildering layers of successive<br />

cultures, and above all a mesmerising ambience.<br />

SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l<br />

11


ENTERING THE DOMAIN OF VALENCIA<br />

The area around the marina of Jávea is another<br />

one of those wonderfully scenic settings the Costa<br />

Blanca is so noted for, and it offers the opportunity<br />

to watch the sun set as you admire the cliffs of<br />

Cap de Sant Antoni. Follow the road up from here,<br />

between the villas and into the wooded Parc<br />

Natural del Montgó, and it’s dejá vu as you come<br />

down towards the sea amid the villas dotted amid<br />

those deep green pine groves. For all this, Dénia<br />

has a character of its own, a little more built-up<br />

town, but with a delightfully laid-back beach area<br />

and the kind of marina that’s welcoming in a very<br />

languidly Mediterranean way.<br />

Here you’ll find every kind of eatery and salsa<br />

bar, complete with designer brand boutiques, but<br />

if it is luxury and pampering you’re after, head a<br />

little inland, near the charming village of Jesús<br />

Pobre, and book into the Marriott La Sella Golf<br />

Resort and Spa – where, golf, health and wellbeing<br />

come together in one scenic spot. It’s a great<br />

way to conclude a voyage of discovery of the<br />

Northern Costa Blanca, though if you’re still feeling<br />

adventurous, the wonderful city of Valencia is less<br />

than an hour away…<br />

12 l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM


SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l<br />

13


COSTA BLANCA NORTH<br />

BUYING IN SPAIN?<br />

from our Extensive Northern Costa Blanca North Portfolio<br />

we’ll get you moving...<br />

Moraira 275,000 €<br />

Villa<br />

Ref: HO473758<br />

Altea 175,000 €<br />

Apartment Ref: HO354096<br />

Javea 1,095,000 €<br />

Modern Villa Ref: HO232889<br />

168m2<br />

Build<br />

828m 2<br />

Plot<br />

3 2<br />

Bedrooms Bathrooms<br />

Private<br />

Pool<br />

85m2<br />

Build<br />

NA<br />

Plot<br />

2 2 Community<br />

Bedrooms Bathrooms Pool<br />

374m2<br />

Build<br />

1000m 2<br />

Plot<br />

3 3<br />

Bedrooms Bathrooms<br />

Private<br />

Pool<br />

Denia 179,999 €<br />

Apartment Ref: HO593564<br />

Jalon 159,000 €<br />

Townhouse Ref: HO121316<br />

Calpe 575,000 €<br />

Villa<br />

Ref: HO350095<br />

105m2<br />

Build<br />

NA<br />

Plot<br />

3 2 Community<br />

Bedrooms Bathrooms Pool<br />

165m2<br />

Build<br />

NA<br />

Plot<br />

3 2<br />

Bedrooms Bathrooms<br />

350m2<br />

Build<br />

1600m 2<br />

Plot<br />

6 5<br />

Bedrooms Bathrooms<br />

Private<br />

Pool<br />

Moraira • Javea • Jalon • Calpe • Denia<br />

With 5 office located strategically throughout the<br />

Northern Costa Blanca, our portfolio of properties is<br />

second to none. Whether you’re looking for a lock-up and<br />

leave weekend escape, rental investment, or something<br />

larger and more permanent, contact us.<br />

Hamiltons Central Office<br />

(+34) 96 649 1883<br />

moraira@moraira-hamiltons.net<br />

www.moraira-hamiltons.net<br />

14 l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM


@<br />

@<br />

@<br />

+34 96 5744179 Avenida Madrid, 03724 Moraira<br />

info@tabairarealestate.com<br />

www.tabairarealestate.com<br />

CUMBRE DEL SOL 109.500€<br />

MORAIRA 699.000€<br />

3<br />

m 2 m 2<br />

m 2<br />

m 2<br />

2 1<br />

320m 2 845m 2 4 2 Pool<br />

m 2 m 2<br />

m 2<br />

m 2 m 2<br />

86m 2 Terrace Pool<br />

Ref: 30.332E<br />

m 2<br />

Ref: 20.3314E<br />

BENISSA 235.000€<br />

BENISSA COSTA 550.000€<br />

m 2<br />

137m 2 Terrace Pool<br />

m 2<br />

3 2<br />

m 2 m 2<br />

Ref: 10.268E<br />

MORAIRA 600.000€<br />

m 2<br />

m 2 Ref: 20.3177E<br />

203m 2 704m 2 3 3 Pool<br />

m 2<br />

m 2 m 2<br />

m 2<br />

JAVEA 1.250.000€<br />

m 2<br />

178m 2 897m 2 Pool<br />

m 2<br />

3 2<br />

m 2 m 2<br />

Ref: 20.3277E<br />

m 2<br />

m 2 Ref: 70.427<br />

393m 2 1.000m 2 3 2 Pool<br />

m 2<br />

m 2 m 2<br />

m 2<br />

SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l<br />

15


FEATURED<br />

PROPERTY<br />

016 l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM


@<br />

@<br />

@<br />

+34 96 5744179<br />

info@tabairarealestate.com<br />

www.tabairarealestate.com<br />

• South orientation with all-day sun<br />

• Good access to the town of<br />

Benissa<br />

• Large poolside veranda terrace<br />

• Independent guest<br />

accommodation<br />

• Floor heating with individual room<br />

thermostats<br />

• Wood burning stoves in both living<br />

area and dining area<br />

• Quality external PVC carpentry<br />

with mosquito blinds and security<br />

grills<br />

LUXURIOUS<br />

COUNTRY HOME<br />

IN BENISSA<br />

Located 5 minutes from Benissa town, this prestigious fourbedroom<br />

country home built in 2007 boasts beautifully<br />

presented interiors and premium construction quality and<br />

fixtures. The coastal areas and beaches of Calpe and<br />

Moraira are an approx 15-minute drive.<br />

This luxury Benissa property has 10,000 square meters of land<br />

all with a flat landscape, there are around 2,700 square<br />

meters surrounding the property, walled, landscaped and<br />

with pool area and large parking bay. The remaining land is<br />

rural, providing good distances from neighbouring properties.<br />

• Large garage for 4-5 vehicles<br />

• 10 x 5-meter pool<br />

• Excellent summer kitchen/<br />

barbecue dining terrace<br />

• Central courtyard with a well<br />

799,000€<br />

695,000€<br />

493m 2<br />

10,000m 2 4 4 Pool<br />

m 2<br />

m 2 m 2<br />

m 2<br />

m 2 Ref: 20.2637<br />

SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l<br />

017


COSTALANCA<br />

Named ‘the White Coast’ for its cliffs and beaches, the Costa<br />

Blanca is a world of sand-toned hues contrasting with the<br />

azure-blue of the Mediterranean and the generally deep<br />

blue of its skies. This is essential Mediterranea, a region imbued by<br />

this ancient sea and its cultures.<br />

Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Moors and Franks, they were<br />

all here, moulding today with the indigenous population with<br />

a culture that is Spanish, but also has its own distinct identity.<br />

Spanish is the main language, with English, German, Dutch and<br />

French also frequently heard, but the other official language<br />

is Valenciano, which can be considered to be a derivative of<br />

Catalan and also closely related to the local vernaculars of the<br />

Balearic Islands.<br />

As a tourist and residential region, the 200 kilometres of the Costa<br />

Blanca can be divided into a northern and a southern section,<br />

which border Valencia’s Costa del Azahar and the Costa Cálida<br />

respectively. Though the regional capital of Valencia – a jewel of<br />

a city, and second only to Madrid and Barcelona within <strong>Spain</strong> – is<br />

about an hour’s drive away, the nearest point of reference is the<br />

Mediterranean port of Alicante, itself a popular tourist destination.<br />

Alicante<br />

18 promenade l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM


SOUTH<br />

COSTA BLANCA SOUTH<br />

Moving up along the coast from the Costa Cálida, the<br />

Southern Costa Blanca is characterised by beachside<br />

resorts such as the chilled atmosphere of La Zenia, the<br />

amenities of Torrevieja – one of the icons of this coastline<br />

– and the smaller but equally popular Guardamar del<br />

Segura. This is a mostly sandy shoreline perfect for<br />

tourism but it offers a diversity of resorts, including<br />

the small-scale innocence of El Pinet la Marina, at<br />

the entrance to a large area of marshes.<br />

At its north end, in Bras del Port, high quality salt is<br />

produced close to the famous resort town of Santa<br />

Pola. Rounding the coast, one reaches the final<br />

part of the southern Costa Blanca, as it approaches<br />

the city of Alicante, which marks the dividing line.<br />

Here Monte Faro is a pretty coastal town set amid<br />

spectacular cliffs, and though Arenals del Sol and<br />

Urbanova are a little bigger, they too invoke a sense of<br />

endless beaches and classic summer holidays.<br />

Elche<br />

Rojales<br />

Orihuela<br />

Villa Martin<br />

Alicante<br />

Santa Pola<br />

Guardamar<br />

de Segura<br />

Torrevieja<br />

Denia<br />

Ja<br />

Benissa Mo<br />

Altea Calpe<br />

Albir<br />

Benidorm<br />

Villa Joyosa<br />

SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l<br />

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1 2<br />

TOP-5<br />

golf courses<br />

on the Mediterranean<br />

After the ‘Costa del Golf’, the next most important concentration of golf in <strong>Spain</strong> is situated<br />

on its eastern, Mediterranean shores, at the point where the Costa Blanca and Murcia meet.<br />

Here, golf courses are veritable verdant oases in the landscape, creating impactful contrasts<br />

between tones of blue, sand-colour and green. Here is our selection of some of the best.<br />

5<br />

3<br />

20 l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM


1. La Manga Golf Resort – the ultimate sports resort<br />

Renamed Real Golf La Manga Club, this sprawling resort<br />

of luxurious homes set upon three 18-hole golf courses<br />

is deservedly famous across Europe for its spa and<br />

sports facilities, and golf ranks at the top. The original<br />

North Course was opened in 1971 and designed by<br />

Robert Dean Putman, followed by the South Course<br />

inaugurated in the same year by redesigned by Arnold<br />

Palmer in 2005. The West Course is the creative product<br />

of Dave Thomas, and it borders the Calblanque Natural<br />

Park.<br />

North Course – 5.755 metres, par-71<br />

South Course – 6.499 metres, par-73<br />

West Course – 5.714 metres, par-72<br />

4<br />

2. La Serena Golf – so scenic<br />

Situated right by the Mar Menor, La Serena is one of<br />

the most scenic golf courses you’re likely to find, full<br />

of bunkers and little lakes against a backdrop of the<br />

big lake, sandbar, resorts, the sea and the surrounding<br />

mountains. Few courses can have such a dramatic<br />

and also convenient location, with everything on your<br />

doorstep. The course was designed in 2006 by one of<br />

the Spanish greats, Manuel Piñero.<br />

Par-72<br />

6.168 metres<br />

3. Las Colinas – the ultimate landscape<br />

Las Colinas Golf & Country Club is just that, a large<br />

golf resort whose perfect green fairways lay as a<br />

Garden of Eden blanket across the softly undulating<br />

landscape between the Mar Menor and the southern<br />

coastline of the Costa Blanca. Not far from Torrevieja,<br />

this outstanding course was designed by renowned golf<br />

architect Cabell B. Robinson and opened as recently as<br />

2010 and is certainly one of the finest new courses of the<br />

21st century.<br />

Par-71<br />

6.033 metres<br />

4. Mar Menor Golf – the flattest course<br />

Like an oasis sprouting fresh and green from the desert,<br />

the Mar Menor Golf Resort is a visual delight a little west<br />

of the lake, near Torre Pacheco. It’s a pleasure to play<br />

on as well, with its pleasantly flat terrain and lofty palm<br />

trees in a warm but refreshingly dry climate. What’s<br />

more, when you’re done conquering the Polaris course<br />

designed by Jack Nicklaus in 2005 there’s a wonderful<br />

spa resort in which to relax and be pampered.<br />

Par-72<br />

6.153 metres<br />

5. La Sella Golf – Best in Costa Blanca North<br />

Part of a grand Marriott resort close to Denia, La Sella<br />

is a 27-hole complex that flows amid hilly terrain ringed<br />

by woods. It certainly is a beautiful setting and a<br />

stunning course, designed by José María Olazábal and<br />

opened in 1991. Not only are you surrounded by nature,<br />

beautiful views and a spa resort hotel, but there are<br />

luxury properties here too in a setting close to Denia,<br />

Jávea, beaches and coves. The perfect spot to have<br />

your own golf getaway!<br />

Par-72<br />

6.289 metres<br />

SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l<br />

21


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22 l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM www.blevinsfranks.com


We speak:<br />

Office: +34 965 020 204 UK: 01273 900966 Email: info@welcome-estates.com Web: www.welcome-estates.com<br />

LA FINCA Ref: 658154 474,000€<br />

11 modern villas which are over three levels and are the only purpose-built 4 -bedroom villas on the whole of La Finca golf resort. The landscaped gardens, breathtaking views across the golf course,<br />

8 x 4 private pool, and 3 bathrooms are just some of the features this fantastic property opportunity offers and is part of Welcome Estates Premier Collection. Located only a short walk to the local<br />

restaurants, bars, and shops on La Finca and the well establish five-star La Finca Hotel and Spa resort.<br />

Internal build size of 150m2 * Plot size from 317m2 up to 620m2 * Basement 61m2 * Terrace 59m2 * Ducted air-conditioning * White goods included * Completion time June 2022<br />

LA FINCA<br />

REF: 410488<br />

Beautiful detached Canela<br />

style villa situated within the<br />

golf resort and has a frontline<br />

position with stunning<br />

views over the 7th fairway.<br />

The villa comprises of 3<br />

bedrooms and 2 bathrooms<br />

with a private pool. Build size<br />

of 118 m2 and sits on a plot<br />

of 400 m2<br />

339,950€<br />

GUARDAMAR DEL SEGURA<br />

REF: 658081<br />

Modern new-build 3 bed &<br />

3-bathroom townhouse situated<br />

just a short walk away from<br />

the beach and close to local<br />

amenities. A large open plan<br />

design living area, and spacious<br />

rooms with a private garage. The<br />

complex itself flows really well,<br />

plus there is a communal garden<br />

and pool to relax any time of the<br />

year. Build size of 126 m2<br />

219,000€<br />

LA FINCA<br />

REF: 658229<br />

24 beautiful apartments, 2<br />

bedrooms and 2 bathrooms,<br />

fully air-conditioned with private<br />

garden or solarium and communal<br />

pool. Located within the Grecia<br />

Residential Complex on the wellknown<br />

La Finca Golf Resort, Algorfa.<br />

These apartments are a new release<br />

and benefit from a modern open<br />

plan approach, providing you with a<br />

unique way of living.<br />

169,000€<br />

ALGORFA<br />

REF: 410477<br />

Great opportunity 2 bedroom<br />

apartment situated within the<br />

gated community of the Fontana 3<br />

complex. Well designed and high<br />

standard with modern kitchen, utility<br />

room, south facing with a covered<br />

terrace and a communal pool. Also<br />

with underground car parking and<br />

is located about a 5-minute walk<br />

to all the local amenities, such as<br />

restaurants, shops, and bars.<br />

87,000€<br />

CIUDAD QUESADA<br />

REF: 658184<br />

New build key ready<br />

apartment in a prime location,<br />

2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms.<br />

Ground floor apartment with<br />

glass sliding doors that take<br />

you out to the terrace and<br />

garden, which overlooks the<br />

central community area and<br />

pool. Close to all amenities.<br />

Build Sizes from 79m2<br />

upwards<br />

189,000€<br />

LOS ALTOS<br />

REF: 410490<br />

Stunning modern ground floor<br />

apartment, 2 bedrooms and 2<br />

bathrooms with private pool,<br />

located in Los Altos, in the<br />

Orihuela Costa area, close to<br />

local amenities. South facing,<br />

air-conditioned with an open plan<br />

living space. The build size of<br />

approximately 70m2 and has an<br />

outside area of 70m2 at the front<br />

plus a small back terrace of 15m2.<br />

129,950€<br />

SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l<br />

23


COSTA BLANCA SOUTH<br />

THE CASAS<br />

MANUEL<br />

FAMILY<br />

Benefiting from two strategically<br />

placed sales offices in Benijófar (Sales<br />

office, and a dedicated aftersales<br />

office) and La Zenia, Casas Manuel is a<br />

professional, family-run company which<br />

has been selling property throughout the<br />

Costa Blanca since 2001 offering both<br />

buyer and seller an exceptional strength<br />

of service.<br />

Since 2001, our reliable and professional<br />

approach to business has created for<br />

us many strong relationships throughout<br />

<strong>Spain</strong>, UK, Belgium, France, Iceland,<br />

Sweden, Russia, Norway, Czech Republic<br />

and Holland. We pride ourselves on our<br />

very personal and professional service that<br />

we deliver to ALL clients.<br />

As shown by our Testimonials page<br />

– Trust is earned though our collective<br />

Honesty, Hard Work, Transparency,<br />

Knowledge and Ethics.<br />

Our reputation for Values such as<br />

these has enabled us to provide serious<br />

property buyers the benefit of always<br />

Whether you are buying<br />

or selling, our approach to<br />

business is simple - To provide<br />

the best service possible to<br />

every client we meet.<br />

having a wide variety of well-priced<br />

properties to offer for sale on the Costa<br />

Blanca South. So, whatever budget range<br />

stipulated… whether from small beachside<br />

apartments, semi-coastal townhouses,<br />

traditional Fincas, right through to luxury<br />

villas – we will help you!<br />

When you consult our specialist advisors<br />

you will find we take your requirements<br />

very seriously indeed and because we<br />

listen to you we apply our extensive<br />

knowledge and capacity within Casas<br />

Manuel to diligently find you the perfect<br />

property in your ideal location.<br />

In simple: Our team is here to make your<br />

Spanish buying process as easy as possible<br />

and will be assisting you through every<br />

step of the buying process...<br />

If you are looking for something that we<br />

do not have in our portfolio then not to<br />

worry, you simply tell us what it is you want,<br />

and our team of dedicated agents will<br />

find it for you.<br />

In 2016 Casas Manuel were honoured<br />

to take part in a new Channel 4 property<br />

series “Sun, Sea and Selling Houses”. The<br />

success of the 1st show resulted in the<br />

series being re-commissioned by channel<br />

4 and was followed up by a further three<br />

series!<br />

FEATURED PROPERTY<br />

FEATURED PROPERTY<br />

Benijófar<br />

Stunning new build villas on the<br />

outskirts of the popular village of<br />

Benijofar. These villas are built over<br />

two floors boasting a open plan<br />

living/dining area on the ground<br />

floor along with a shower room.<br />

The first floor holds the two double<br />

bedrooms along with a family<br />

bathroom along with a roof top<br />

solarium.<br />

24 l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM<br />

€224,900 Cabo Roig<br />

KEY FEATURES<br />

• Beds: 2<br />

• Baths: 2<br />

• Plot size: 134m2<br />

• Build size: 90m2<br />

• Pool: Private<br />

• Parking: Off-road<br />

• Full furnished<br />

Ref CM6810<br />

New Build Villas located in Lomas de<br />

Cabo Roig, within walking distance<br />

to all the local amenities that Lomas<br />

de Cabo Roig has to offer. The<br />

properties offer 3 double bedrooms,<br />

3 bathrooms, spacious living and<br />

dining area with an American style<br />

kitchen. The property is sat on a<br />

spacious plot which has a private<br />

swimming pool, plus a roof solarium.<br />

€349,900<br />

KEY FEATURES<br />

• Beds: 3<br />

• Baths: 3<br />

• Plot size: 199m2<br />

• Build size: 131m2<br />

• Pool: Private<br />

• Parking: Off-road<br />

Ref CM7870


Benijofar<br />

Av. Federico Garcia<br />

Lorca, 15, Benijofar,<br />

03178, Alicante<br />

+34 966 714 719<br />

La Zenia<br />

C. Maestro Torralba, 2<br />

La Zenia,<br />

03189<br />

+34 966 714 719<br />

FORMENTERA DEL SEGURA 265.000€<br />

LOS ALTOS 139,750€<br />

110m 2<br />

m 2<br />

603m 2<br />

m 2 Pool<br />

m 2<br />

m 2<br />

m 2<br />

3 2 Pool 66m 2 Parking 2 2<br />

m 2 m 2 m 2 m 2<br />

m 2<br />

Ref: CM7747<br />

Ref: CM7872<br />

EL CHAPARRAL 49,950€ VILLAMARTIN 145,000€<br />

m 2<br />

41m 2 Parking Pool<br />

m 2<br />

1 1<br />

m 2 m 2<br />

Ref: CM7851<br />

DAYA VIEJA 124,999€<br />

m 2<br />

m 2<br />

105m 2 140m 2 3 2 Pool<br />

Ref: CM7479<br />

m 2<br />

m 2 m 2<br />

m 2<br />

CABO ROIG 88,000€<br />

m 2<br />

90m 2 133m 2 Pool<br />

m 2<br />

3 2<br />

m 2 m 2<br />

Ref: CM7868<br />

@ info@casasmanuel.com @<br />

m 2<br />

m 2<br />

71m 2 Parking 2 1 Pool<br />

Ref: CM7422<br />

m 2<br />

m 2 m 2<br />

m 2<br />

www.casasmanuel.com<br />

SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l<br />

25


COSTA<br />

CALIDA<br />

Less famous by name than some of <strong>Spain</strong>’s other costas,<br />

the Costa Cálida extends from the Costa Blanca<br />

southwards to the border of Almería province, covering<br />

a 250-kilometre stretch of shoreline within the province of<br />

Murcia.<br />

It’s a classic Mediterranean region of blue seas, rocky cliffs,<br />

secluded bays and coves, and golden beaches dotted<br />

with holiday resorts and traditional fishing towns. As its name<br />

indicates, this is a warm coast, with warm summers and very<br />

comfortable winters, and as rainfall is low the region also<br />

offers a healthy climate to visitors and residents, making it<br />

much-loved with families and especially retired tourists and<br />

homebuyers from northern countries.<br />

Formerly – and still – a rural area sprinkled with little country<br />

towns, this is now a major holiday and retirement destination<br />

that is marked by two distinct areas:<br />

MAR MENOR<br />

At its northernmost point, in El Mojón, the Costa Cálida<br />

touches the Costa Blanca. South from here is the Parque<br />

Regional de Las Salinas y Arenales de San Pedro del Pinatar, a<br />

coastal marshland protectorate named for the nearby town<br />

of San Pedro del Pinatar. The centre of town is surrounded by<br />

extensive residential and holiday resorts in suburbs such as<br />

Las Esperanzas, Los Imbernones, El Salero, Las Pachecas, Los<br />

Antolinos, Las Beatas, Los Sáez, Lo Pagán, Molino del Chirrete<br />

and Los Cuarteros, which front the main feature of this part of<br />

the Costa Cálida: the Mar Menor.<br />

Where the more inland resorts offer residential golf living<br />

complete with extensive on-site amenities and leisure facilities,<br />

the beachside area that extends southwards towards<br />

Santiago de la Ribera and fronts the western shoreline of the<br />

Mar Menor up to a military airbase provides a more classic<br />

beachside ambience. Though this is not the Mediterranean<br />

but a saltwater lagoon – at 170km2 Europe’s largest – known<br />

for its warm, shallow waters and delicious sweet fish. The lower<br />

section is dotted with smaller resorts and towns such as La<br />

Roda, Playa de Los Narejos, Los Alcázares, Bahía Bella, Punta<br />

Brava, Los Urrutias, Estrella De Mar, Los Nietos and Mar de<br />

Cristal.<br />

LA MANGA<br />

The saltwater lagoon conditions of the wonderful Mar Menor<br />

are created by a dry climate and the 22-kilometere long<br />

sand bar that extends from the protected Playas de La Llana<br />

down to the La Manga resort at its southern end, where the<br />

land spit joins the mainland at Cabo Palos and Playa Honda.<br />

26 l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM


Among the famous golf courses in this area are the Hacienda<br />

Riquelme Golf Resort, Hacienda del Alamo, El Valle and of<br />

course La Manga itself.<br />

COASTLINE<br />

If the northern areas surrounding the Mar Menor are where<br />

most of the tourist and residential resorts are located, then the<br />

coastline of rocky cliffs and bays extending from La Manga<br />

down to Aguilas is rather more natural and authentic. Here<br />

you will find a succession of fishing towns such as<br />

Puerto de Mazarrón and natural coastal reserves – as well as<br />

the historic port of Cartagena, a cultural gem first founded by<br />

Carthaginian traders more than 2000 years ago.<br />

In the later years of Franco’s rule, a US aeroplane accidently<br />

dropped bombs during naval exercises not far from the coast.<br />

It sparked a massive ‘search and rescue’ operation on the part<br />

of the American forces, who much to their embarrassment<br />

could not locate the errant devices. Fortunately, some<br />

locals managed to do just that several weeks later, and the<br />

potentially dangerous of equipment was returned to its redfaced<br />

owners. Ever since, the Costa Cálida has become not<br />

only one of the favourite tourist destinations in Europe, but<br />

thanks to its climate, scenery and good value for money, also<br />

a popular focus for year-round residence and retirement.<br />

San Javier<br />

Murcia<br />

Santiago de<br />

la Ribera<br />

La Manga<br />

La Azohia<br />

Cartegena<br />

Mazarron Isla Plana<br />

Aguilas<br />

The beach at<br />

Mazarron<br />

SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l<br />

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DISCOVER<br />

a world between<br />

lagoons, dunes<br />

and the sea<br />

If you thought you could pretty much picture<br />

the Spanish coastline, think again. There is a<br />

region so singular that its very description sounds<br />

mesmerising: a region where a narrow 22-kilometre<br />

long sandbar separates a salty lake from the sea.<br />

This is a world where dunes and beaches extend on<br />

both sides of this narrow slither of land between the<br />

vastness of water extends to the distant horizon. It’s<br />

a region with a healthy, dry Mediterranean climate<br />

that is at once singular yet also so familiarly Spanish;<br />

a place of ancient settlement and modern tourism,<br />

where golf borders the desert and a lake measures<br />

135km2 while never exceeding depths of seven<br />

metres.<br />

You may have guessed by now that we’re describing the<br />

Mar Menor, an officially fresh water lake big enough to be<br />

seen as an inland sea. The high level of evaporation makes<br />

this a little ‘Dead Sea’ in Europe, with accompanying saline<br />

levels that make it possible to float languidly on its warm<br />

waves. Contrary to what you might think, the fish caught in<br />

its waters is delicious and sweet – a contrast typical of this<br />

particular part of the world.<br />

A NARROW ‘SLEEVE OF LAND’<br />

The sandbar that separates the Mar Menor from the<br />

nearby Mediterranean Sea is called La Manga (the Sleeve)<br />

in Spanish, and while it is long (22km) the breadth varies<br />

between 100 metres and a little over a kilometre. This has<br />

not impeded the creation of a number of resort towns<br />

within this spectacularly scenic area, where two bodies<br />

of water – each with its own shades of blue-green – are<br />

flanked by hills rising in the distance.<br />

Both lake and sea offer beaches, water sports and<br />

little islands, with Cape Palos in the south a reference<br />

point that juts out into the sea. To the west of the lake’s<br />

quintessentially Spanish resort towns are golf country clubs<br />

popular with Northern European visitors and residents, while<br />

the La Manga Club near the sandbar is a first-class resort<br />

area with internationally famed sports facilities much loved<br />

by top athletes and football clubs. For culture, history and<br />

Spanish cuisine the nearby historic port city of Cartagena<br />

is a delight to visit, making this one of the most varied and<br />

fascinating of <strong>Spain</strong>’s many coastal regions.<br />

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History<br />

culture and<br />

atmosphere<br />

Everything described in earlier paragraphs takes<br />

place within the Autonomous Community of Murcia,<br />

which is located between Andalucía and the Costa<br />

Blanca. At its heart is the regional capital of Murcia, a city<br />

founded by the erstwhile Moorish rulers of Iberia. Set upon<br />

the Segura River a little inland from the southern Costa<br />

Blanca, the city lays within a fertile agricultural plain<br />

known locally as the Huerta, or the Orchard of Europe.<br />

Murcia is a lively city with a beautiful historic centre<br />

ornamented by Baroque buildings, medieval ruins now laid bare<br />

by archaeologists and grand boulevards. A tall statue of Christ<br />

standing atop an old Moorish citadel is the city’s icon visible<br />

from far and wide, while once inside its urban core you are<br />

surrounded by the unmistakable sights, sounds and atmosphere<br />

of a classic Spanish city. Less than half an hour from the resort<br />

areas of the Mar Menor, it is a popular cultural reference for<br />

Spanish and foreign residents alike.<br />

CITY OF THE ANCIENTS<br />

If you like watching movies such as Troy, The 300 and Jason<br />

and the Argonauts, the city of Cartagena will strike a chord,<br />

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for it was founded by the Carthaginians – you know, of<br />

the famous general Hannibal who crossed the Alps with<br />

an army (including elephants) and routed the Roman<br />

armies. That was back when the city states founded by<br />

Phoenician traders had grown into a powerful naval<br />

empire challenged by the up-and-coming Roman<br />

upstarts – who eventually won those Punic Wars.<br />

Over two thousand years ago, Cartagena (which<br />

means ‘New Carthage’) was the scene of major battles,<br />

and long after it continued to be a vital strategic<br />

port. So much so, in fact, that it continues to be the<br />

Mediterranean fleet HQ of the Spanish Navy today. But, in<br />

spite of impressive historic buildings and a stunning Roman<br />

amphitheatre, there is so much more to recommend this<br />

port city. Cartagena bustles with Mediterranean culture<br />

and energy, complemented by the fact that it is a naval<br />

port and a university town. You’ll love the dry, energising<br />

climate, the sights and atmospheric setting within a<br />

mountainous bay – all within a short drive from your home<br />

on the Costa Blanca or Mar Menor.<br />

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Sunshine Living<br />

Mar Menor<br />

Golf Resort<br />

Why oh why do people choose to live in <strong>Spain</strong>,<br />

and why have they done so for many years?<br />

Could it have something to do with the<br />

climate, the beach-focused lifestyle, the laid-back<br />

pace and the outdoor way of living? Yes, it has a<br />

lot to do with that, plus the fact that you can own a<br />

property or better yet – live in a stylish country club<br />

environment for far less than it would cost you back<br />

home.<br />

Of all the different parts of <strong>Spain</strong>, the Costa Blanca<br />

and Mar Menor remain among the most popular<br />

because they offer all the above, as well as fantastic<br />

value in a healthy climate close to nature. The<br />

amenities are geared towards quality of life and the<br />

sea is always near, and this is especially true of the<br />

Mar Menor Golf Resort – a residential country club<br />

set within the highly varied south-eastern corner of<br />

<strong>Spain</strong>.<br />

Here, the southern part of the Costa Blanca<br />

shoreline meets the 22-kilometre long sandbar of<br />

La Manga, which divides the Mar Menor lake from<br />

the Mediterranean Sea. At its southernmost point,<br />

the cape of Cabo de Palos, the ‘vertical’ coast turns<br />

‘horizontal’, heading west towards the historic port of<br />

Cartagena in a succession of caves and stretches of<br />

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long sandy beaches. After the city, the shoreline grows<br />

even more rugged, at the natural reserve of Cabo Tiñoso<br />

y Roldán.<br />

A PERFECT RESORT VILLAGE<br />

Set midway between all these points is the Mar Menor<br />

Golf Resort, a residential country club situated a short<br />

drive west of the famous lake, whose shallow, saline<br />

waters make it ideal for sailing and swimming. The<br />

country club is designed not like a typical resort but more<br />

like an idealised Mediterranean village, which makes it<br />

feel all the more like a perfect year-round community in<br />

one of the sunniest spots in <strong>Spain</strong>.<br />

In fact, it’s the kind of suburban area you’d dream of<br />

back home, with well-kept green zones and public areas,<br />

a gated community with space, views and security,<br />

where there is no passing traffic and children can roam<br />

freely. What’s more, the Mar Menor Golf Resort skirts the<br />

meanderings of a stunning 18-hole golf course complete<br />

with sandbanks and lakes, creating a beautiful setting for<br />

a lifestyle in the sun.<br />

Like the perfect village, this is a safe, pleasant living<br />

environment close to the sea, the Mar Menor and the<br />

cities of Cartagena and Murcia and their international<br />

airports. With a golf course, driving range, academy,<br />

clubhouse and also communal swimming pools,<br />

restaurants, shops, a gym and a spa available, the Mar<br />

Menor Golf Resort offers the ultimate lifestyle at highly<br />

affordable prices. The villa, meanwhile, are spacious,<br />

open-plan, well-finished and come with their own garage,<br />

garden and terrace, as well as private swimming pools.<br />

What more could you want from the ideal Mediterranean<br />

family lifestyle?<br />

FIND YOUR PERFECT HOME WITH US -<br />

multilingual property experts for 25 years on the Costa<br />

Email:<br />

Web:<br />

info@welcome-estates.com<br />

www.welcome-estates.com<br />

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COSTA<br />

ALMERIA<br />

Almeria<br />

Aguadulce Retamar<br />

Belerma Cabo de<br />

Adra<br />

Gata<br />

Almerimar<br />

Villaricos<br />

Vera<br />

Garrucha<br />

Mojacar<br />

Agua Amarga<br />

Las Negras<br />

San Jose<br />

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It seems most Spanish costas are around 200 kilometres<br />

long, and the Costa de Almería is exception, measuring<br />

217 kilometres in length. In essence, it is a continuation<br />

of the dry, warm, rugged terrain of the Costa Cálida,<br />

but as you head south towards the Cabo de Gata<br />

nature reserve the landscape becomes increasingly<br />

‘Martian’.<br />

The sleepy little resort community of San Juan de los<br />

Terreros marks the northern edge. At Pozo del Esparto<br />

there is a delicious sense beachside seclusion in the<br />

midst of a perhaps more lunar landscape, sure to delight<br />

nature lovers. This part of the coast is made for people<br />

yearning to get away from the madding crowd, and<br />

even at the little marina and resort of Villaricos there<br />

is no sense of a major high-rise town. It was in nearby<br />

Palomares that locals discovered missing bombs that<br />

the US Navy had waylaid but had not been able to<br />

relocate, despite large-scale searches.<br />

The beach<br />

at San Jose,<br />

Almeria<br />

A NATURAL AND NUDIST PARADISE<br />

This open-spaced, thinly populated coastline has<br />

attracted such a concentration of nudists that a resort<br />

dedicated to this kind of tourism sprang up in Vera,<br />

where the Playas de Vera is now one of the largest<br />

nudist resort areas in the world. Residents of the nearby<br />

inland town of Vera are not always pleased with the<br />

epithet, but it has put this part of the coast on the map<br />

and creates many jobs in the area.<br />

Just south of here are the resorts of Puerto Rey and Las<br />

Marinas, which are marked by low-rise development,<br />

Further along, at the marina resort town of Garrucha,<br />

this culminates in a bit more of a town feeling, complete<br />

with larger buildings and a historic centre. One of the<br />

highlights of the Costa de Almería is Mojácar, which<br />

is curiously divided into the original hillside town – a<br />

pretty collection of white-plastered houses – and the<br />

charming beachside resort of Mojácar Playa.<br />

Here too, the quaint Mediterranean ambience has been<br />

remarkably well maintained. Some more small resorts<br />

follow, before one enters a vast space of protected<br />

open coastal scenery en route to Carboneras, another<br />

pretty Andalusian style beachside resort village. At<br />

Aqura de Emedio, midway between Carboneras and<br />

Mojácar, the dramatic white cliffs and grey-white<br />

beaches stand out against a world of blue skies and<br />

water.<br />

It continues this way almost all the way to Almería<br />

city, marking this as one of the most rugged, secluded<br />

and natural of costas in all of <strong>Spain</strong>. For those who<br />

lament the authenticity of earlier years, before tourism<br />

became so large-scaled, the Costa de Almería is the<br />

perfect answer. Dazzling the eye and the senses with<br />

its roughhewn beauty, this is a place of small, intimate<br />

coastal resort and fishing towns, where you can sip<br />

a cold beer at a bohemian beach car or enjoy fresh<br />

fish to the uninterrupted sound of the waves. Not for<br />

everyone, but paradise who those who enjoy peace<br />

and natural pleasures.<br />

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LEGAL ADVICE<br />

Buying a<br />

property<br />

in <strong>Spain</strong><br />

THE PROCESS<br />

In <strong>Spain</strong> the buying process has been simplified to become<br />

easier and quicker since it was known to be complicated and<br />

lengthy, now the sale or purchase of a home in <strong>Spain</strong> has not<br />

only become easier, but also quicker.<br />

The dual system involved joint documentation, the Land Registry<br />

with a written description of a property while the Cadastre had<br />

graphic representation in the form of a map or plan. There were<br />

sometimes errors where the two did not match, this led to legal<br />

disputes regarding boundaries. The Cadastre was not routinely<br />

cross-referenced with the Land Registry, details that showed<br />

alterations and extensions built that would not necessarily appear<br />

on the Cadastre, again leading to legal complications.<br />

The Spanish government took action to update the<br />

conveyancing process and ensure the two registries were<br />

consistent when describing a property. Amongst the changes is<br />

the requirement that Land Registry descriptions must include a<br />

‘graphic representation’ of the property in the form of a copy of the<br />

map or plan held by the Cadastre.<br />

This will ensure buyers know exactly what they are purchasing<br />

and the Cadastre will have to make note of any alterations to<br />

a building marked on the Land Registry records, and the two<br />

institutions will also have to use the same reference code for each<br />

property in order to avoid confusion and make the comparison of<br />

data between the bodies easier.<br />

Government officials estimate it will avoid the need for<br />

some 22,000 personal declarations a year, saving €1.8million.<br />

More importantly, it will provide greater security, clarity and<br />

transparency for people buying a property, and should speed up<br />

the process greatly.<br />

THE STEPS<br />

PLANNING<br />

· Review your desire and essential<br />

requirements<br />

· Set your budget<br />

· Choose the location/s<br />

· Arrange the finance<br />

· Allow for additional costs<br />

· Arrange legal representative<br />

· Plan your travel date<br />

· Arrange viewings<br />

· Research getting to know the<br />

areas of your choice<br />

Contact aradford@mylawyerinspain.com<br />

www.mylawyerinspain.com<br />

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ACTION<br />

· Get your NIE - Spanish tax<br />

identification<br />

· Open a Spanish bank account<br />

· Agent’s property brief and<br />

information pack<br />

· Viewings<br />

· Make an offer<br />

· Negotiations<br />

· Pay a reservation deposit<br />

THE NEXT STEPS<br />

· Review of property details<br />

· Survey – Advice<br />

· Legal documentation - Planning<br />

checks – Land Registry Checks<br />

· Draft of the reservation agreement<br />

· Review any conditions<br />

· Fixtures and fittings inventory<br />

· Signing of the pre-purchase<br />

contract<br />

· Pay the deposit 10% of the<br />

purchase price less any<br />

reservation deposit<br />

FINAL STEPS<br />

· Establishment of liquidation<br />

settlement including taxes<br />

· The resolution of mortgage/loan<br />

· The Notary Sign the deeds<br />

· Payment – banker’s draft<br />

· Registration and transfer of<br />

property documents and utility<br />

supplies<br />

· Key handover – once the title<br />

deeds have been signed and final<br />

payment made you receive the<br />

keys to your new home.<br />

POST COMPLETION<br />

· Quality monitoring<br />

· Agents support and advice<br />

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LEGAL ADVICE<br />

Living in <strong>Spain</strong><br />

38<br />

If you intend to live in <strong>Spain</strong> for more than 90 days<br />

in every 180 days then as you may already knowthe<br />

rules for non EU citizens have changed since<br />

January 31st 2001.<br />

We all love the weather in <strong>Spain</strong> the wonderful<br />

beaches and most of all the outdoors and lifestyle<br />

that is on the wish list for most UK citizens especially<br />

those who plan to retire.<br />

Therefore if you intend to spend any considerable<br />

amount of time in <strong>Spain</strong> and if you want to remain<br />

longer then 90 days in every six month period then<br />

it is required to apply for your Spanish non-lucrative<br />

visa. This must be done form you home country by<br />

application to the Spanish consul. It is also advisable<br />

to apply for an NIE number for things like opening<br />

a bank account, registeration of a Spansih mobile<br />

phome and also to buy a car. Infact the Spanish<br />

NIE number is used for most things so even if you<br />

intend to stay for shorter periods but live in <strong>Spain</strong><br />

part time you will find that life without a NIE is almost<br />

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impossible.<br />

For both the NIE number and the Spansih residency<br />

visa (non-lucrative visa) you will need to fill in forms<br />

in Spanish, also you will need to present the required<br />

documents, some of the documents would need to be<br />

translated and certified together with your passport,<br />

utility bills and bank statements all with multiple<br />

copies.<br />

This process can be discouraging for those who<br />

are considering a move to <strong>Spain</strong>, and expectadly<br />

difficulties with the language, as well as which<br />

documents to produce. Legal advice and support<br />

is recommended to the simplify the process and<br />

lead the way to a straight forward and stress free<br />

application process. The timing which is most<br />

important for those people wanting to buy a property<br />

at the same time as selling a property and then move<br />

to <strong>Spain</strong> as there are time restrictions on visas once<br />

granted and necessary to apply for the residency TIE<br />

card.


The<br />

Spanish<br />

power of<br />

attorney<br />

THERE IS AN EASIER WAY!<br />

By Michel Cruz<br />

Legal Services in <strong>Spain</strong> has produced a simple easy to follow guide<br />

under their website https://www.getspanishresidency.com/<br />

You can apply for your Spanish residency online or simply<br />

arrange a free no obligation 30 minute telephone consultation,<br />

that will save you time and headaches. Legal services in <strong>Spain</strong> will<br />

help you every step of the way to becoming a resident in <strong>Spain</strong>.<br />

· Assurance of the correct paperwork completed prior to visiting<br />

the authorities<br />

· An appointment made for you at a mutually convenient time at<br />

the Police station and the Health centre<br />

· Support of English speaking legal professionals on hand to<br />

answer any questions you may have and provide the advice you<br />

will need<br />

· Assistance to find insurance companies for you to choose the<br />

health insurance package that best suits your needs<br />

· Help with your health insurance agent to ensure all documents<br />

are issued correctly prior to presentation to the Spanish<br />

authorities.<br />

In <strong>Spain</strong> the power of attorney is known<br />

as poder notarial the document must be<br />

drawn in front of a public notary and it<br />

must clearly stipulate the types of activities<br />

that are granted to another person who can<br />

be a family member or a Spanish abogado<br />

(lawyer).<br />

To grant someone the power to act on<br />

your behalf must be carefully considered as<br />

well as the powers you are granting to that<br />

person.<br />

These powers are usually used when<br />

overseas property buyers instruct a lawyer<br />

to act for them. Simple actions such as<br />

opening a bank account and registering for a<br />

NIE number are amongst the common uses,<br />

they would normally include the power to sign<br />

deeds on your behalf to buy, sell or inherit<br />

property, or to issue legal proceedings.<br />

A power of attorney is a powerful document<br />

which authorises the appointed attorneys,<br />

and must be only be used for trusted people,<br />

to carry out wide ranging powers on your<br />

behalf.<br />

In <strong>Spain</strong> we have general powers of<br />

attorney and special powers of attorney. A<br />

general power of attorney is by its nature<br />

wide ranging with general powers to carry<br />

out a number of tasks. A special power of<br />

attorney is used for a specific purpose, for<br />

example to issue legal proceedings or to<br />

incorporate a company.<br />

If you want to get further advice and<br />

consultation with a lawyer contact Alex<br />

Radford legal abogado in <strong>Spain</strong>.<br />

Sponsored by<br />

a.radford@legalservicesinspain.com<br />

SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l<br />

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COSTAEL SOL<br />

Without doubt the Costa del Sol is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.<br />

Stretching from Almeria to Tarifa, it caters for all tastes, ages and nationalities; with such a<br />

wide range of facilities and attractions, there is something for everyone to enjoy.<br />

Miles of sandy beaches, fantastic all year round warm climate and modern facilities keep tourists<br />

flocking back year after year to resorts such as Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola, Marbella and<br />

Estepona.<br />

East of Malaga is less popular than west, but no less appealing, from Rincon de la Victoria, Torre del<br />

Mar and Velez Malaga, to Nerja; the area combines beautiful coastline, with white- washed villages<br />

and some of the most spectacular inland scenery of the Axarquía.<br />

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Malaga<br />

Nerja<br />

Marbella Mijas<br />

Torrox<br />

Torremolinos<br />

Benalmadena<br />

San Pedro Fuengirola<br />

de Alcantara<br />

Estepona<br />

Gibraltar<br />

History & Culture<br />

The area’s history dates back to the Phoenicians<br />

and has since been inhabited by Greeks, Romans<br />

and Moors, all of whom have left their mark on the<br />

architecture and culture of the region. The Costa<br />

del Sol is as much steeped in culture as any other<br />

region of Andalucia; from Picasso, to bullfighting,<br />

flamenco to the colourful ferias, the region has an<br />

immense cultural offering.<br />

Orilla del<br />

Mar in the<br />

Benalmadena<br />

province<br />

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BENALÚS,<br />

exciting new<br />

Golden Mile<br />

homes<br />

More than most, Marbella’s<br />

property market is built above<br />

all on the unique quality of life<br />

this area offers, and Benalús is a<br />

luxury new development on the<br />

Golden Mile made exactly with<br />

that lifestyle in mind.<br />

In most property markets a home is above all a place to<br />

live. It conveys the status of a good address, as well as style,<br />

comfort and wellbeing, but in the final analysis is a practical<br />

living necessity that needs to be close to schools, work, shops<br />

and other amenities. As such, it forms part of a working way<br />

of life. A Marbella property, on the other hand, is inextricably<br />

linked to lifestyle – and more specifically the lifestyle offered<br />

by this unique part of Europe. Naturally it also functions as<br />

a residence, offering all the cosy wellbeing and luxury of a<br />

good home, but here your property is part and parcel of a<br />

privileged lifestyle, and as a result is the ultimate reflection of<br />

it.<br />

For this reason many of the best properties on the Costa<br />

del Sol are designed and built around a lifestyle concept. The<br />

first and for many the most important part of this process is<br />

location, and it is here that the creators of Benalús kick off with<br />

the very best credentials one could wish for. If location is the<br />

golden rule of real estate, then this luxury new development<br />

of apartments and penthouses is a jewel indeed, for in<br />

Marbella it doesn’t get any better than an address on the<br />

Golden Mile. Add sea views and close proximity not just to<br />

the beach but also to Puerto Banús, the Golf Valley and<br />

downtown Marbella – with its shopping and dining options –<br />

and we’re talking about a truly special offering.<br />

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BOUTIQUE LIVING IN MARBELLA<br />

“It’s the very reason why Benalus is such a special<br />

project to us,” says Sergio Fernández, director of the<br />

project. “Such a top location deserves a property<br />

development that represents the best of what<br />

Marbella has to offer, so we have taken our time<br />

to create something that we believe can best be<br />

described as ‘boutique living’ in Marbella.” Marbella’s<br />

planning issues were a hurdle that has been overcome<br />

with a new project whose abundance of greenery<br />

makes it an exclusive garden development in<br />

which three elegant, low-rise buildings are discreetly<br />

distributed within the private park-like grounds.<br />

“While developing the concept, we had a very<br />

clear idea of the target audience for whom we were<br />

creating Benalus, and the kind of offering they have<br />

been looking for. Although Marbella’s is a market<br />

primarily aimed at high-income buyers, we feel it<br />

is saturated with villas at a time when many are<br />

looking more towards luxurious, low-density residential<br />

communities that offer space, comfort, luxury, security,<br />

privacy and also optimal convenience and the<br />

provision of on-site services.” It is with this thinking in<br />

mind that Benalus has been designed to offer a rather<br />

more creative range of property options than one<br />

would conventionally expect to find in a Marbella<br />

development.<br />

“We wanted to add to the fantastic credentials of<br />

Marbella in terms of its climate, setting, accessibility<br />

and facilities, with beautifully positioned modern luxury<br />

homes set within the privacy and seclusion of their own<br />

parkland. In this way, close to such Marbella landmarks<br />

of style as the Marbella Club and Puente Romano, the<br />

blend of ingredients and the lifestyle offered simply<br />

could not be bettered.”<br />

INNOVATIVE PROPERTY CONCEPTS<br />

It is the innovative range of apartment options that<br />

is one of the stand-out features of Benalús, where the<br />

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27 properties set within three, four-storey buildings enjoy a southwest<br />

and south-east orientation that ensures the spacious terraces<br />

linked to luxurious open-plan indoor living areas benefit from a<br />

combination of sun and shade both during the morning and<br />

later in the day. Buyers have a wider range of options than usual,<br />

including a 170m2, three-bedroom apartment on the first floor, a<br />

three-floor, three-bedroom, 370m2 penthouse with private pool<br />

and rooftop chill-out zone, and a two-bedroom, 200m2 ground<br />

floor apartment with private pool and also a 55m2 space with<br />

natural light that is at basement level.<br />

Normally that would be it, but Benalús provides two more<br />

choices: a top-of-the-range three-storey sky villa with four<br />

bedrooms, a whole list of luxury amenities and a total area of<br />

785m2. Perhaps even more unique is the duplex ground-floor<br />

apartment with private pool and garden, four bedrooms and<br />

no less than 460m2 of space, as well as the 55m2 lower level<br />

space with direct access to the garage. The properties all come<br />

with a storage room and two parking spaces standard, but the<br />

top-range penthouse has parking for four cars and double the<br />

storage.<br />

BOUTIQUE AMENITIES<br />

Endowed with views across the landscaped gardens, La<br />

Concha and the sea, Benalús also offers 24-hour gated security<br />

and an advanced system of volumetric sensors and panic buttons.<br />

In keeping with the architectural styling, top-end materials and<br />

brands are fitted, including Bulthaup kitchens, Villeroy & Boch<br />

bathrooms and modern home installation systems controlling<br />

among other things lighting, security and the energy-efficient<br />

Altherma hot water, air conditioning and under floor heating by<br />

Daikin.<br />

The penthouses also feature a private hydraulic lift that connects<br />

the three levels of the property, while the tasteful gardens surround<br />

resort-standard facilities with a large swimming pool and deck, a<br />

relaxed chill-out area and a spa with heated indoor pool, gym,<br />

changing rooms with showers and wellness amenities. Together,<br />

these communal and landscaped areas make up 5,700m2 of<br />

Benalús’s total of 9,326m2, with an additional 7,000m2 of private<br />

parkland created where residents can enjoy leisure facilities in<br />

spacious green surroundings.<br />

“We believe Benalús brings a new kind of luxury property<br />

concept to Marbella that more than ever is designed in keeping<br />

with the lifestyle that makes it so desirable. In other words, Benalús<br />

allows you to enjoy that way of life in the very best style.”<br />

Benalus l Tel: 951 194 646<br />

SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l<br />

45


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Front row seat at<br />

The Edge<br />

Some locations are so amazing you wonder how someone got hold<br />

of it. The Edge is situated in just such a spot; a perfect frontline<br />

beach location surrounded by greenery and sandy beaches on<br />

the west side of Estepona. Close by are a marina, two golf courses,<br />

shops, schools, restaurants and even a horse riding centre, but your<br />

gaze will mostly be fixed out to sea from the modern apartments,<br />

penthouses and also beach villas being created here.<br />

Designed by renowned Spanish architect Rafael de la-Hoz, who<br />

has been responsible for prestigious projects within <strong>Spain</strong> and<br />

internationally, The Edge is a luxurious frontline beach project situated<br />

footsteps away from the Mediterranean Sea and the scenic coastal<br />

pathway that leads towards Sabinillas in one direction, and the marina<br />

and broad beachfront of Estepona in the other – with Marbella just 20<br />

minutes away.<br />

A BEACHSIDE OASIS<br />

The views from this private, gated development are beyond<br />

comparison, offering panoramic 180-degree vistas across the sea and<br />

along the shoreline to Gibraltar and North Africa. The complex is set<br />

within elegantly landscaped greenery, complete with large swimming<br />

pool, sunbathing decks and cooling water features, as well as a wellappointed<br />

gym and indoor heated swimming pool with spa facilities.<br />

The 2, 3 and 4 bedroom apartments and penthouses sport sleek<br />

contemporary architectural styling with sensual rounded forms that<br />

also create a nautical feel on the panoramic decks, which extend the<br />

open-plan living room and modern kitchen outwards. In addition, The<br />

Edge also features four beach villas that offer a unique opportunity<br />

to own a luxurious sea-fronting property set right on the beach while<br />

enjoying the amenities and services of an exclusive gated community.<br />

Set in an upcoming beachside residential area on the Costa del<br />

Sol’s New Golden Mile, The Edge is one of the most exclusive new<br />

developments in the region – boasting a setting that few can equal, let<br />

alone better.<br />

Kronos Homes<br />

www.kronoshomes.com<br />

SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l<br />

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1<br />

TOP-5<br />

2<br />

golf courses<br />

in Andalucía<br />

It won’t come as much of a surprise that the top golf courses in Andalucía – which is, after all,<br />

about the same size as Portugal – are located on its southern shoreline. More specifically, on the<br />

Costa del Sol, which with around 70 top courses represents one of the greatest concentrations of<br />

the sport anywhere in the world. For this reason, it has also been nicknamed the ‘Costa del Golf’.<br />

Given so many excellent golf courses in so many different locations, it is very hard to choose a<br />

top-5, also because such a ranking would differ among different players and lovers of the game.<br />

However, there are a few that stood out for us for a variety of reasons.<br />

4<br />

5<br />

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1. Real Club Valderrama – because it’s legendary<br />

The now-iconic Valderrama in Sotogrande was originally<br />

inaugurated as Las Aves in 1974 until Jaime Ortiz Patiño<br />

took it over in 1984 and brought in Robert Trent Jones<br />

Sr. to redesign the course and set the tone for things to<br />

come. The perfectionism of Patiño led to the hosting of<br />

the legendary 1997 Ryder Cup, which continues to live<br />

on in the annals of the sport. The course has been rated<br />

the best in Europe by many, including none other than<br />

Nick Faldo.<br />

Par-71 course<br />

6.390 metres<br />

3<br />

2. Aloha Golf Club – scenic jewel in the Golf Valley<br />

If the Costa del Golf is the centre of golf in continental<br />

Europe, then Nueva Andalucía’s Golf Valley is the<br />

epicentre, for this is where several of the greatest<br />

courses can be found in close approximation. Las Brisas<br />

is actually a little more famous, having hosted many<br />

top competitions, but Aloha just cannot be beaten for<br />

its fantastic views, which include a parkland landscape<br />

with the iconic La Concha Mountain as a backdrop.<br />

Opened: 1975<br />

Designer: Javier Arana<br />

Par-72<br />

6.293 metres<br />

3. Parador de Málaga Golf – beachside history<br />

Once of the oldest golf courses in <strong>Spain</strong> is also located<br />

right near the beach in a spot you may not expect –<br />

within easy reach of the city, shopping and the airport,<br />

not to mention the Mediterranean Sea. This makes<br />

is very convenient for a number of reasons, but the<br />

combination of history and a parkland course set on the<br />

grounds of a Parador resort hotel gives this golf club a<br />

truly unique ambience of this own that rather stands out<br />

on the Costa del Sol.<br />

Opened: 1925<br />

Designer: Tom Simpson (of Turnberry, etc.)<br />

Par-72<br />

27-hole course, 6.173 metres<br />

4. Río Real – the beautiful setting<br />

If ever there was a golf course on the Costa del Sol that<br />

is so obviously a man-made Garden of Eden, it is the<br />

Río Real Golf Club’s. Part of an elegant golf resort, its<br />

scenic beauty derives from the fact that this is a largely<br />

flat parkland course set between hills populated with<br />

trees and private homes. Look the other way, and you<br />

follow the stream after which it is named flow along with<br />

the greenery to the nearby sea – making this one of the<br />

few golf courses in the region that skirts the beach, an<br />

experience to savour.<br />

Opened: 1965<br />

Designer: Javier Arana<br />

5. La Quinta – golf amid the hills<br />

Par-72<br />

6.000 metres<br />

Imagine a golf course that rolls between forested hills<br />

and luxury homes. Peak one way and you look further<br />

into the mountainous countryside, look the other and<br />

you see the sea glistening in the distance. It’s a rather<br />

magical setting, created above all by the unique<br />

topography of this course, whose excellent clubhouse,<br />

driving range and academy are the envy of many even<br />

on the Costa del Golf.<br />

Opened: 1989<br />

Designer: Manuel Piñero Sánchez<br />

27-hole course, three 9-hole courses:<br />

5.915 metres, par-71<br />

5.749 metres, par-71<br />

5.602 metres, par 70<br />

SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l<br />

49


CURRENCY OUTLOOK:<br />

Euro tumbles on renewed<br />

coronavirus concerns<br />

EURO<br />

EUR/GBP: Down from £0.86 to £0.85<br />

EUR/USD: Down from $1.20 to $1.17<br />

POUND<br />

GBP/EUR: Up from €1.15 to €1.17<br />

GBP/USD: Down from $1.39 to $1.37<br />

The euro struggled to attract support<br />

through March with the EU’s sluggish<br />

vaccine rollout remaining a key source of<br />

pressure for the single currency.<br />

Further diminishing the appeal of the euro was the<br />

startling resurgence of coronavirus cases across the<br />

continent, with Europe’s third wave forcing countries<br />

to tighten restrictions once more.<br />

Meanwhile, data coming from the Eurozone<br />

has been mixed over the past month, with some<br />

positive releases offering temporary respite for the<br />

single currency, but proving unable to reverse the<br />

prevailing selling bias.<br />

Looking ahead, barring a dramatic improvement<br />

in Europe’s vaccine rollout or a sharp drop in local<br />

coronavirus cases, it’s likely we could see the euro<br />

remain on the back foot through much of April.<br />

March has seen the pound struggle to maintain the<br />

highs hit back in February as a key pillar of support<br />

for Sterling (its successful vaccination programme)<br />

appeared to be under threat due to shortages and<br />

potential export bans from the EU.<br />

This stoked concerns that the UK government<br />

will need to alter its roadmap for easing lockdown,<br />

something which Boris Johnson also warned about<br />

when schools reopened at the start of the month.<br />

However, Sterling has still been able to find some<br />

support through the past month, with Chancellor Rishi<br />

Sunak’s budget providing a lift after he announced a<br />

more-generous-than-expected stimulus package.<br />

The pound was also able to advance on a broadly<br />

weakened euro.<br />

Turning to April, the focus for GBP investors will be on<br />

whether the government moves forward with its plans<br />

to reopen more of the economy on 12 April, with any<br />

delays likely to negatively impact GBP exchange rates.<br />

+34 965994830 | costablanca@currenciesdirect.com


@<br />

@<br />

info@marbella-estates.com<br />

www.marbella-estates.com<br />

MARBELLA 660.000€<br />

SAN PEDRO DE ALCÁNTARA 2.485.000€<br />

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m 2<br />

m 2<br />

286m 2 956m 2 4 4 Pool<br />

m 2<br />

R3628811<br />

LOS FLAMINGOS 5,450,000€<br />

m 2<br />

m 2<br />

m 2<br />

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509m 2 163m 2 4 4 Pool<br />

SIERRA BLANCA 6.950.000€<br />

m 2<br />

m 2<br />

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m 2<br />

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Fun things<br />

to do this<br />

SUMMER<br />

Each summer presents a new opportunity to enjoy<br />

the ultimate high season experience by the sea,<br />

the classic sun-filled adventure you’ve always been<br />

dreaming of. The longstanding favourite for this is <strong>Spain</strong>,<br />

and exactly what you do when you’re here depends<br />

on where you go, who you’re with and how you define<br />

‘relaxation’.<br />

For some it’s partying in a nightclub or a beach club in<br />

Ibiza, Mallorca or Marbella’s Puerto Banús marina. For<br />

others it is languidly lazing by the pool in a rented villa –<br />

or better yet, your own – or entertaining either at home<br />

in meeting up with friends in popular dining spots, be<br />

they traditional or upmarket.<br />

These days, the Spanish coastal resorts offer golf and<br />

a wide range of other sports facilities, shopping, fine<br />

dining, trendy beach venues, water sports, extreme<br />

sports and so much more. Whether your focus is social,<br />

sport, out to the sea or inland, there is a world of<br />

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possibilities – many of which you may not even know<br />

about!<br />

BY THE WATER<br />

Most of the coastal regions of <strong>Spain</strong> have large aqua<br />

parks designed for whole-day family fun, as well as<br />

classic diving platforms, paddlers and even floating<br />

obstacle courses right by the sea. A lot of areas also<br />

are also close to lakes for fishing, swimming, sailing and<br />

barbecuing, and if you want to make it more ‘official’<br />

head over to one of the many yacht harbours and hire<br />

a jet-ski, take scuba diving lessons or head out to sea on<br />

a yacht, catamaran or party boat.<br />

Follow the kite-surfers and ride the waves – quite literally<br />

– or take it a little easier in a kayak or paddle board. This<br />

can be down up and down the Mediterranean coast<br />

of <strong>Spain</strong>, but the ultimate place to soak up the ‘hippie<br />

chic’ atmosphere, with its atmospheric, laid-back<br />

beach parties is Tarifa, on the Costa de la Luz – about<br />

an hour west of Marbella.


IN THE PARTY SCENE<br />

A lot of people throw a party at their villa this time of<br />

year, and if you don’t feel like doing all the arranging<br />

and catering yourself, there are concierge companies<br />

and party organisers who’ll arrange everything from<br />

the food and decoration to the entertainment. You<br />

may just prefer to get together at a restaurant, spend<br />

the day at one of the many trendy beach clubs, or<br />

dance the night away at a lively nightclub.<br />

And if culture is more your thing, there is always a<br />

grand historic city nearby full of bustle and fascinating<br />

things to see and experience. Málaga is a jewel of a<br />

port city around 40 minutes east of Marbella, Palma de<br />

Mallorca is easy to reach from throughout the island,<br />

the old town of Ibiza is a rustic delight and if you’re in<br />

the greater Costa Blanca/Mar Menor area, there many<br />

cities such as Valencia, Alicante, Elche, Murcia and<br />

Cartagena to choose from.<br />

DISCOVER THE HINTERLAND<br />

Ever wondered what lies behind that curtain of<br />

mountains you can see from your property or hotel<br />

room? Explore it and you will be well-rewarded,<br />

whether you head into the beautiful country villages<br />

of Mallorca, explore the villages of the Alpujarras that<br />

extend inland from Nerja, or head into the deep green<br />

valleys, towering mountains and pretty white pueblos<br />

of the Serranía de Ronda – just inland from the Costa<br />

del Sol.<br />

There’s more on offer here than pretty road trips,<br />

country fare and relaxing boutique hotels and spas.<br />

Such inland areas also offering spectacular scenery<br />

for hiking, ballooning, mountain biking, horse riding,<br />

swimming in fresh rock pools, mountain climbing,<br />

hang gliding or simply spending the day by the water<br />

in beautiful hill country lakes. With so many options<br />

available, what are you going to do this summer?<br />

SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l<br />

053


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visa for investors, in September 2013<br />

this was in order to support entrepreneurs<br />

and internationalisation.<br />

The golden visa program provides a great<br />

opportunity to make an investment in <strong>Spain</strong> and<br />

make it your home or residency, especially if<br />

you want to invest in property. This type of visa<br />

is especially suitable now for UK nationals and<br />

citizens of USA, India and China.<br />

The reason that the golden visa was<br />

introduced was to promote the economy in<br />

<strong>Spain</strong> and to create new jobs because the visa<br />

for investors makes it easier to gain a residency<br />

permit through making an investment, more<br />

common with the purchase of a property but it<br />

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· <strong>Property</strong> investment of a minimum of<br />

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· Invest 1 million euros in Spanish company<br />

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· Deposit 1 million euros into a Spanish bank<br />

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· Invest 2 million euros in Spanish public debts.<br />

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· The main applicant must be 18 years old.<br />

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55


MARBELLA<br />

a favourite for retirees<br />

If you’re looking for a quality lifestyle, combined with<br />

a near perfect environment then these are some of<br />

the reasons why Marbella attracts more retirees than<br />

other expat hot-spots in <strong>Spain</strong>.<br />

Marbella is known for its micro-climate as it is<br />

mainly sheltered by the mountain range of the Sierra<br />

Blanca, in general the Costa del Sol offers a typically<br />

Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild<br />

winters. Outdoor living and exercise is made possible<br />

for most of the year, walking in the wonderful natural<br />

scenery and beautiful views of the mountains and sea<br />

views.<br />

Golf is an increasingly popular sport for all ages with an<br />

abundance of courses available in the area, or tennis<br />

clubs nearby, which are popular as a social sport for<br />

those who enjoy exercise, the Marbella area also offers<br />

many other popular outdoor activities for the retired age<br />

group including cycling and hiking, always accompanied<br />

by delightful views.<br />

Marbella is lively and offers variety of leisure and<br />

entertainment, as well many cultural events in the<br />

surrounding cities and country areas. A slower pace<br />

of life, and a stress-free environment where a quality<br />

lifestyle. The facilities around are also first class with<br />

health care at the highest level of hospitals for both<br />

state and private sectors, there is a broad range of<br />

private clinics and retreats. Fitness classes and gyms<br />

that suit the older generations offering yoga and Pilatus<br />

classes.<br />

Keeping healthy is these days something that most<br />

people are thinking about, so the easy-going way of<br />

life and sunny climate are accompanied by a healthy<br />

Mediterranean diet.<br />

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Fresh fish and local seafood, organic vegetables and<br />

lots of local fruit, the cuisine on offer is diverse with<br />

almost everything you want available, international<br />

cuisines from the abundance of local restaurants and<br />

cafes, there is a growing trend towards organic, natural<br />

and vegetarian or vegan venues too. Local cooking<br />

is prepared with olive oil, known to be one of the<br />

healthiest options along with a wide use of garlic and<br />

fresh herbs.<br />

Marbella is a friendly and extremely safe area with good<br />

security facilities, peace of mind in a beautiful setting<br />

is the ultimate way of life that Marbella has to offer, it<br />

is the ultimate place for romantic walks by the beach,<br />

watching the sun set behind Gibraltar as you enjoy a<br />

drink, or dinner with friends or to head out to into the<br />

surrounding countryside and explore so many other<br />

things.<br />

SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l<br />

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DISCOVER<br />

Costa del Sol<br />

The beautiful<br />

views from<br />

Ronda.<br />

One of the most famous of <strong>Spain</strong>’s sunny Costas,<br />

this coastal region extending for over 150<br />

kilometres from the provincial border with Cádiz<br />

– near Sotogrande – to around 50 kilometres east of<br />

Málaga city is the last major Mediterranean littoral resort<br />

before you reach the Atlantic Ocean. For this reason it is<br />

also the southernmost of the Costas, hence the one with<br />

the sunniest year-round climate and accompanying<br />

name.<br />

For the most part, the Costa del Sol is made up of a<br />

narrow coastal strip before foothills rise to become might<br />

sierra mountain ranges, such as the Serranía de Ronda,<br />

where pretty white Andalusian mountain villages appear<br />

to cling to rocky cliffs. Originally settled by Iberian tribes<br />

and later Phoenician traders, the region was ruled<br />

by Romans and Moors before it became part of the<br />

Spanish kingdom. For all its beauty, settlement was for<br />

centuries hindered by roving Barbary Corsairs, who<br />

raided town and took millions of captives to the slave<br />

markets of North Africa.<br />

Reborn as the Costa del Sol from the 1950s onwards,<br />

it has since become one of the ultimate lifestyle<br />

destinations in Europe, with Marbella at its centre<br />

flanked by coastal resort towns such as Mijas, Fuengirola,<br />

Benalmádena, Torremolinos and Estepona. The<br />

Costa del Sol is famed for its Mediterranean setting,<br />

70 golf courses, country clubs, luxurious hotels and<br />

exclusive residential areas. It is typically Andalusian and<br />

glamorously cosmopolitan at the same time – a place<br />

that has drawn international celebrities for decades.<br />

The true appeal of the Costa del Sol is the fact that it<br />

makes so many different lifestyle possible, from country<br />

living and (extreme) sports to luxury lifestyle and a heady<br />

social scene, making it popular with visitors and residents<br />

alike. The growing stature of Málaga – little more than<br />

half an hour from most parts of the Costa del Sol – adds<br />

yet another jewel in the crown of this coast of sun that<br />

simply has to be experienced.<br />

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By Michel Cruz<br />

Alcazar baths of<br />

rain water.<br />

SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l<br />

059


SLANDS<br />

BALEARIC<br />

For those who haven’t travelled there yet, the<br />

Balearic Islands are an archipelago in the<br />

Mediterranean off the Spanish east coast. The<br />

four main islands are Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca and<br />

Formentera – and though they share a common<br />

history, culture and local dialect of Catalan that<br />

is also closely related to Valenciano, Provencal,<br />

Ligurian, Corsican and Sardo (Sardinian) – each has<br />

a character and ambience of its town.<br />

PALMA DE MALLORCA<br />

By far the largest and dominant island is Mallorca,<br />

where the capital Palma de Mallorca is the main<br />

cultural, economic and metropolitan centre of<br />

the Balearics. This historic city is a treasure trove of<br />

imposing architecture, with cultural layers that date<br />

back to pre-Roman, Byzantine, Moorish and later<br />

periods, influencing the local cuisine, traditions, art<br />

and people. In addition to the many cathedrals,<br />

fortresses and elegant streets and plazas to enjoy<br />

are the picturesque old city, the harbour area<br />

with its old towers and of course the white sandy<br />

beaches within a stroll of town.<br />

MALLORCA<br />

If you avoid the built-up tourist town of Magaluf,<br />

which not long ago catered mostly to British<br />

60 l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM<br />

package tourism but is now being upgraded,<br />

skirting the southwest cape will take you through a<br />

series of rather stylish beach resorts such as Santa<br />

Ponça overlooking idyllic bays. Head inland to the<br />

pastel-coloured charm of Andratx or Valdemossa, a<br />

quaint mountain village reminiscent of the prettiest<br />

ones in Provence or Tuscany. The whole western<br />

mountain range and rocky coastline is a spectacle<br />

of pretty little towns overlooking spectacular cliffside<br />

scenery.<br />

Round this region and you reach the Bay of<br />

Alcudia, where mountains give way to plains<br />

and expansive, white sandy beaches. This too is<br />

a visitor’s paradise complete with stylish coastal<br />

resorts, and as you trace the eastern shoreline<br />

you’ll be rewarded with elegant little towns and<br />

in places gorgeous beaches that have a very<br />

natural and untouched fell. Round yet another<br />

spectacular cape and you approach some of<br />

the most spectacularly beautiful Mallorca coastal<br />

scenery in places such as Cala Pi, whose iconic<br />

aquamarine water pretty much sums up the island.<br />

IBIZA<br />

If Mallorca has captured the hearts of tourists and<br />

jet-set visitors such as Claudia Schiffer and Michael<br />

Douglas, then Ibiza will forever be associated with


The Port in<br />

Palma, Mallorca<br />

Ciutadella<br />

Andratx<br />

Pollenca<br />

Palma<br />

Inca<br />

Alcudia<br />

Cala Ratjada<br />

Maó<br />

MENORCA<br />

IBIZA<br />

San<br />

Antonio<br />

Santa Eulária<br />

des Ríu<br />

Ibiza<br />

City<br />

Cala d’Or<br />

MALLORCA<br />

FORMENTERA<br />

heady summer holidays and the birth of the beachside<br />

club scene. Many of the most famous DJs, such as<br />

David Guetta, cut their teeth here and the likes of<br />

Calvin Harris, continue to feature on a regular basis at<br />

landmark venues like Pasha, which turn partying into a<br />

resort occupation. There is, of course, also another side<br />

to this famous party island, as seen in the historic charm<br />

of its towns and country villages, as well as the natural<br />

beauty of much of its coastline, where areas such as Es<br />

Cubells are popular with high-end visitors and celebrities<br />

seeking privacy, luxury and seclusion.<br />

MENORCA AND FORMENTERA<br />

For more of that iconic beachside beauty in the form of<br />

green Mediterranean pine groves that grow right up to<br />

white sand beaches washed by azure waters, Menorca<br />

is the place to visit. More intimate and natural than the<br />

larger islands, it is a scenic paradise where the land feels<br />

like it spills into the ever-present Mediterranean Sea.<br />

Even smaller and more sauvage, Formentera is where<br />

lovers of nature, sea, sky and sandy dunes will feel at<br />

home – on land as well as snorkelling in its clear blue<br />

waters.<br />

POPULAR RESIDENTIAL AREAS<br />

MALLORCA<br />

When it comes to quality real estate, Mallorca is not a<br />

place of large concentrations, but rather of many little<br />

treasures dotted around the island. That said, you’ll see<br />

names such as Pollensa, Alcúdia, Port Adriano and<br />

Puerto Andratx appear frequently as they are among<br />

the finest, most popular residential areas overlooking<br />

gorgeous coastal scenery near all amenities.<br />

IBIZA<br />

The same is true of Ibiza, but those in the know look for<br />

homes in Sant Josep De Sa Talaia, Santa Eulalia Des<br />

Ríu and also Sant Antoni De Portmany – all perfect<br />

examples of privileged living on this golden isle.<br />

MENORCA AND FORMENTERA<br />

In Menorca, it will be hard to resists the atmosphere<br />

and scenic charm of the Ciudadela de Menorca,<br />

though others head to the coastal pleasures of Maó<br />

and Es Mercadal, while in Formentera Cala Envaster is a<br />

perfect spot on a bay in an island otherwise made up of<br />

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IBIZA COOL<br />

If you think Ibiza is just about clubbing and scores of youngsters<br />

on summer holiday packages, think again. Ibiza is cool,<br />

trendy and appealing in so many more ways, and the island’s<br />

booming tourist trade is proof of it.<br />

To many, Ibiza is about summer, beaches, open-air parties and<br />

late night clubbing. The capital of Europe’s summer clubbing<br />

scene has spawned its own genres of music, as well as numerous<br />

world famous clubs, but aside from techno, trance and chillout<br />

music – not to mention throngs of swaying, sweating bodies –<br />

there is another, more cultural side to this tourist isle that is being<br />

cultivated. Those in the know, like Richard Branson and other<br />

well-heeled latter day flower power children, have long since<br />

been enjoying its pleasures. Together with the creative types who<br />

helped develop the iconic Ibiza style, they are turning this super<br />

cool spot in the sun into one of the most must-experience places<br />

of the moment.<br />

Ibiza has long been associated with a brand of shabby chic<br />

style that is considered by many to be the ultimate in trendiness.<br />

Not entirely unlike our own Tarifa, this is a place where hip types<br />

like to congregate – surfers, models, pop stars, trendy millionaires<br />

and those successful in the world of design. Coming from similar<br />

hippy roots perhaps, the fashionistas and those who in spite of<br />

their wealth want to remain ‘with it’ and somehow spiritually<br />

grounded flock to the private villas, secluded low-rise boutique<br />

hotels and other hot spots overlooking paradisiacal coves or<br />

white yachts bobbing quietly on the turquoise water.<br />

More rustic destinations just inland are also very popular, and<br />

while this new international jet set likes to dip its toe into the<br />

feverish partying of the main tourist areas you sense that they<br />

are more at home enjoying freshly caught fish or organically<br />

grown vegetables at a quaint – but stylish – seaside venue. It is at<br />

unassuming locations like this where, on a good day, you could<br />

find yourself surrounded by Liam Gallagher, Kate Moss and Mark<br />

Ronson, if you care for that sort of thing.<br />

Shabby chic is therefore a word that has come to characterise<br />

Ibiza and in turn the style has drawn much inspiration from it. If<br />

there were a colour to represent the island and encapsulate its<br />

ambience it would be azure; the deep aquamarine blue of its<br />

coastal waters, the intense blue of its skies and the liquid freshness<br />

of sea air. Or perhaps the pure, stark white of its plastered walls,<br />

the sails that play against the horizon or the white linen that seems<br />

to become an inadvertent uniform for sophisticated urban types<br />

seeking summer epiphanies in the Med. Such descriptions are not<br />

unlike the islands of Greece, complete with pretty white-plastered<br />

windmills, and indeed, the quintessentially Mediterranean island<br />

of Ibiza is in many ways a reflection of its cousins on the other side<br />

of the vast sea.<br />

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Modern and trendy yet ancient and mysterious, the real Ibiza<br />

is a world removed from the shallow hedonism of its squalid club<br />

scene, where revellers feed on a cocktail of sun, drum beats and<br />

chemicals to achieve a trance-like state of oblivion. The physical<br />

Ibiza has an ephemeral quality, but one where it is the play of<br />

visual beauty, tactile senses and an altered pace of being that<br />

creates a mesmerising effect.<br />

Besides crystal clear waters inviting the visitor to swim, sail and<br />

scuba dive, Ibiza offers a surprising amount of beautiful nature for<br />

so small an island. From the cliffs and coves rises the pine cover<br />

that the island is famous for, converting into maquis heather in the<br />

hardiest of spots before opening up into idyllic valleys covered<br />

in green fields, blankets of wild flowers and almond trees. This is<br />

rustic Ibiza, a place of goats, donkeys, quaint villages and old<br />

rural traditions. It is also home to an amazingly stylish form of rural<br />

tourism in which easy elegance and comfort have been raised to<br />

an art form.<br />

A popular natural area is the Ses Feixes wetlands, a swampy<br />

lowland area bordering Ibiza Bay that is a wintering ground<br />

for countless species of bird. You will also find bats and reptiles<br />

where the Moors once cultivated land using a complex irrigation<br />

system of canals and water deposits. Here, where intense<br />

agriculture flourished for centuries in a man-made environment,<br />

nature began to reclaim its marshes and return them to their<br />

wild inhabitants from the 1960s onwards. Though threatened<br />

by property development, the islanders are now beginning to<br />

recognise the value of this natural spot with its deep historic<br />

connection.<br />

ANCIENT ROOTS THAT LINGER<br />

Much of what makes this island so haunting can be traced to<br />

its ancient roots, which though planted in a very distant and hazy<br />

past continue to produce fresh shoots. While it shares much of<br />

its story and characteristics with mainland <strong>Spain</strong> – Ibiza is just 79<br />

kilometres east of Valencia – this is above all a Mediterranean<br />

world. As a result, the Pine Islands – the name for Ibiza and<br />

its smaller neighbour, Formentera – have always been a little<br />

removed from their mother nation. Claimed by the Catalan as<br />

their own, the people speak a local dialect of that tongue, yet<br />

could also communicate with the Corsicans and Sardinians with<br />

whom they share an almost invisible yet ancient bond.<br />

Beaten by the salty sea winds and the voyagers they carried<br />

here, these tiny islands have been invaded, sacked and pillaged<br />

more times than you’d care to know, but the many stones have<br />

produced an interesting mosaic. There must have been people<br />

on the islands when the Phoenician traders from the other side of<br />

the Mediterranean founded the town of Ibossim, but by the time<br />

control passed to the Carthaginians the islands had a strong Punic


By Michel Cruz<br />

culture also touched by traders from Greece and Rome, which<br />

would later come to rule the territory under the name of Ebusus.<br />

A popular attraction are the remains of a Phoenician<br />

settlement at Sa Caleta, one of the finest examples of its kind,<br />

while a small cluster of islands on the east coast draws scores<br />

of visitors for a variety of reasons. Famed as the spot with the<br />

third most powerful magnetic energy in the world, the islands<br />

of Es Vedra and Es Vedranell certainly exert an irresistible pull on<br />

hippies, travellers and those who can drag themselves away<br />

from the clubs for a little cosmic introspection. But Es Vedra also<br />

holds a mythical place in ancient history, alternatively cited as<br />

the Island of Sirens in the Homeric epics, the holy island of the<br />

Phoenician goddess Tanit and the birthplace of the Carthaginian<br />

general Hannibal.<br />

It is said that sacrifices were performed here by ancient<br />

cults, whilst others say it is the tip of the sunken civilisation of<br />

Atlantis, thus explaining why it is such a popular landing spot for<br />

intergalactic travellers. The hippies who tell you this will also say<br />

they’ve seen UFOs shooting over here, but maybe that’s down to<br />

the kind of ‘tobacco’ they smoke. Either way, it’s a wonderfully<br />

mysterious spot in which to indulge in wild theories and feel the<br />

otherworldly atmosphere as you – per tradition – make a wish the<br />

moment the island comes into view.<br />

Later invaders, such as Germanic Vandals and Hellenic<br />

Byzantines would pass through Ibiza too, as would the Moors,<br />

before the territory passed to the Kingdom of Aragon in 1235,<br />

paving the way for inclusion into the unified Spanish state.<br />

Perhaps of greater influence even than all these invaders and<br />

conquerors were the pirates that infested these islands for so<br />

many centuries, plundering, murdering, raping and dragging<br />

entire populations off to be sold as slaves in their dens. From the<br />

earliest days to the medieval incursions by Vikings, Normans and<br />

Crusaders, the people of the Pine Islands suffered relentlessly.<br />

No more so, though, than during the centuries of raids by the<br />

Barbary Corsairs, whose enslavement of tens of thousands of<br />

islanders ended only when France conquered Algeria in 1830.<br />

Until then, most of the beautiful seaside that now draws so<br />

many people was devoid of population, made uninhabitable<br />

by fear. The seaside villages we see today date in the main from<br />

the 19th century, before which you needed an impregnable<br />

fortress to retire to when the raids came. The town of Ibiza is a<br />

fine example of this. Though it now houses almost half the island’s<br />

125,000 people, it was for long little more than a small port<br />

protected by the Almudaina Castle. This large walled fortress,<br />

which stands at the top of the picturesque Dalt Vila (Old Town),<br />

provided the protection that made life here possible, but from<br />

the mid-19th century onwards Ibiza’s capital developed quickly,<br />

a process that was further boosted by the rise of the tourist<br />

industry from the 1950s on.<br />

A SENSORY EXPERIENCE<br />

The old walled town is so pretty that the entire area has<br />

been declared a world heritage site by Unesco, complete<br />

with castle, churches and the quaint houses and little plazas.<br />

Here you will almost stumble over the history of the island, or<br />

simply drink in the atmosphere, while on the other side of the<br />

bay luxury yachts lie in the trendy marina fronted by luxury<br />

boutiques, eateries and lounge bars. Much of the nightlife<br />

continues to be concentrated around calle Barcelona, while<br />

the town is also home to some of the most popular clubs,<br />

among them the famous Café del Mar, where revellers come<br />

to chillout and watch the sun set.<br />

They are just some of the more than 40 clubs and trendy<br />

bars that dominate the summer clubbing scene, and though<br />

the island has tried to become more upmarket the popularity<br />

of nightlife tourism shows no signs of diminishing. New hotels,<br />

however, have all been five-star in recent years, and the overall<br />

trend has been towards smaller scale and greater character.<br />

The result has been that Ibiza has been tapping into the cool<br />

chic scene that is so strongly associated with it, catering in the<br />

process not only to young revellers and cultural tourists but also<br />

the well-heeled visitor wishing to remain young at heart.<br />

What Ibiza offers visitors is therefore becoming increasingly<br />

diverse in nature, but always based around a strong sensory<br />

experience – from the release offered by the clubs to the<br />

relaxing, almost spiritual atmosphere to be found along the<br />

pretty little coves and secluded beaches. Where the package<br />

vacationers follow the well-beaten path to the 18 kilometres<br />

of large sandy beaches such as those at Calls Bassa and<br />

La Salinas, those occupying the private villas and low-slung<br />

boutique hotels will seek out secluded spots far away from<br />

the madding crowds. Lying ensconced within small pinecovered<br />

estates, the private lodges they stay at offer peace<br />

and anonymity in what is a typical Ibiza mix of laid-back hippy<br />

style complete with Thai or Indian influences, yet suffused with<br />

comfort, luxury and first-class service.<br />

After all, a Richard Branson or Jean-Paul Gaulthier may<br />

seek out hip venues where they can chill out and get closer<br />

to nature, but they will not easily forsake the subtle pleasures<br />

and comforts of life. As a result, the Ibiza chic venue is earthy,<br />

designed in a way that appears to be random and informal<br />

yet is actually demanding of creative energies, and provides<br />

five-star services in an ambience that seems to want to decry<br />

earthly luxury and opulence in favour of a more ethereal<br />

way of being. Some will even feature yoga classes and<br />

detox regimes amid the fragrance of flowers and incense,<br />

while others are more starkly minimalist in their avant-garde<br />

sophistication.<br />

Either way, they combine with the shabby chic simplicity of<br />

favoured seaside fish restaurants in pretty little coves or villages,<br />

days spent lazing on secluded beaches, watching the sun<br />

set on yachts and trekking into the rustic countryside – as well<br />

as heading off to the most exclusive of the lounge bars and<br />

clubs – to produce a style of Ibiza-branded experience that is<br />

drawing more and more visitors to the dramatic beauty of this<br />

coolest of Mediterranean islands.<br />

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DISEÑOS TROPICALES<br />

Tropical dreams made real<br />

Ever dreamed of creating a tropical sense of wellbeing<br />

under the Spanish sun? The team at Diseños y Tejados<br />

Tropicales can turn their hands to just about any design<br />

or tropical thatched structure you can imagine, so dream<br />

away and let your creativity take flight.<br />

Aurelio Guido de Abreu is a man with a special gift.<br />

Not only is he incredibly handy at making things but he<br />

is also creative. It’s quite a rare combination in a sector<br />

where you are usually either technical or design-oriented,<br />

yet in Aurelio’s case there is a third element that is just<br />

as important: he loves his work. Though trained as a civil<br />

engineer and blessed with a natural ability to create<br />

beautiful structures from timber and natural materials,<br />

his work is also marked by a very sensitive and personal<br />

approach to the projects he takes on.<br />

First of all, he takes great interest in them, allowing the<br />

time to get to know his clients and understand not only<br />

what they are looking for but also how best to integrate<br />

it within their home and lifestyle. “Another important<br />

consideration is the suggested spot where the structure is<br />

to arise and its orientation,” says Aurelio. And in this case<br />

orientation means not only optimising views but also taking<br />

into account sunlight, gradient and the intended use. The<br />

latter, in turn, affects the design, which has to plan for heat,<br />

humidity and the use of natural light, as well as how best to<br />

utilise the available space.<br />

“Once I have a clearer picture of all this I don’t come<br />

up with standardised solutions but give myself a little time<br />

to absorb the location, the requirements of my clients and<br />

the practical aspects of the project. This is what makes<br />

each one different, regardless of whether you’re building a<br />

poolside chill-out gazebo, a large outdoor entertainment<br />

area or even an enclosed Rondavel thatched hut that<br />

range in scale from a shower and changing room to an<br />

independent guest cottage.” It is this ability to come up<br />

with original ideas that fit the needs and property of his<br />

clients like a glove that sets Aurelio and his team apart.<br />

His is a philosophy that shuns serialisation and the selling<br />

of a range of standardised products. Indeed, Aurelio does<br />

not offer pre-designed and made thatch huts, gazebos<br />

and outdoor entertainment areas but rather made to<br />

measure originals. Even the tree huts and children’s garden<br />

play equipment he makes is designed just for you (well,<br />

your children). Does this bespoke way of working make him<br />

more expensive? “No,” says Aurelio, “we may not be the<br />

cheapest option in the market, but we are efficient enough<br />

to be competitive with our prices and offer true creativity<br />

and craftsmanship.”<br />

THE ORIGINAL THATCHING COMPANY<br />

After almost 20 years his reputation is such that much<br />

of his business comes from word of mouth. Not only was<br />

Diseños y Tejados Tropicales the first company to build<br />

timber thatched structures of this kind on the Costa del<br />

Sol and <strong>Spain</strong>, it was actually the pioneer in the field,<br />

introducing the concept of thatching to our region and<br />

showing homeowners and businesses just how it could<br />

be used to create wonderful outdoor environments that<br />

highlight the local climate and add value.<br />

“In essence what we make is a lifestyle product, usually in<br />

the form of hard landscaping, gazebos, pergolas, decking<br />

and complete entertainment areas,” says Aurelio, “but<br />

restaurants, hotels and other businesses soon realised the<br />

potential of such structures for creating venues with a<br />

real sense of style and occasion.” Before long Aurelio and<br />

his team weren’t only adding thatched shaded areas,<br />

chill-out lounges and outdoor kitchen and dining areas<br />

to the poolside zones of luxury villas, but also building<br />

restaurant dining rooms, clubhouses and even entire shops<br />

in evocative tropical styles that added a touch of Balinese<br />

glamour to Marbella.<br />

“We have completed over 40,000m2 of thatching<br />

throughout <strong>Spain</strong>, Portugal and Morocco, working on<br />

all types of villas, luxury apartment complexes, beach<br />

clubs, restaurants, shops and hotels, either directly or<br />

commissioned through architects such as, among others,<br />

Hugo Torrico, Miguel and Diego Tobal, Ángel Taborda and<br />

Juan Salvador Schvartzberg. If you think of it, it is quite a<br />

portfolio, and now something that was unknown 20 years<br />

ago is a much-loved part of design that adds a whole new<br />

range of decorative and entertainment options.” Indeed,<br />

from Hotel Barceló Sancti Petri, Holiday World Resort, Sunset<br />

Beach Hotel and others to the multi-million euro villas<br />

decorated by interior designers such as Sandra Billington,<br />

Lorenzo Queipo de Lano, Juan Carlos Morel and Liliane<br />

Laredo, Aurelio’s designs and sturdy workmanship are<br />

visible across the country.<br />

AN AFRICAN TRADITION<br />

Thatch is an ancient material that mankind has been<br />

using in home construction for millennia. It’s durable,<br />

attractive and practical – and universal, ranging from<br />

the thatched cottages of Europe to the exotic huts of<br />

Polynesia, South East Asia, the Americas and beyond.<br />

Thatch structures as created by Diseños y Tejados<br />

Tropicales, however, build above all on a distinctly African<br />

tradition, and so it is not surprising to find that Aurelio too<br />

has links to Africa.<br />

Born in Cape Town to Portuguese parents, he became<br />

accustomed to the kind of sun-kissed seaside environment<br />

that also marks the Marbella lifestyle. An early love for<br />

woodwork might have taken him into teaching, but a civil<br />

engineering qualification (HND, Cape Town), military service<br />

and a six-month backpacking trip through Europe were to<br />

take him on a different path that would eventually lead<br />

not only to Marbella but also back to what he loves most:<br />

creating and designing exteriors. “Art is not something that<br />

one possesses, it’s our ability to connect with the divine in a<br />

moment where inspiration is present,” says Aurelio.<br />

Aurelio has come to know, master and love all natural<br />

materials, focusing originally on African reed but later<br />

expanding the range of natural materials he uses to<br />

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include European reed, Bali ‘Alang Alang’, Latin American<br />

‘Piaciava’, African ‘Makuti’ and local ‘Brezo’. “They all<br />

have their own visual and practical characteristics, and<br />

therefore their own strengths and weaknesses, so deciding<br />

which type of natural material to use can be a factor of<br />

personal aesthetic preference or practical considerations<br />

such as climate and use. Sometimes we even use them in<br />

combination, for instance with African reed on the inside<br />

and the lighter European reed on the outside, especially on<br />

long spans where we don’t want an obstructive pillar in the<br />

middle – or Piaciava or Alang Alang for naturally flowing<br />

overhanging roofs or the more rustic finishing of Makuti or<br />

Brezo. It all depends on each unique area, its possibilities<br />

and of course each individual client’s needs for their very<br />

special project.”<br />

But as Aurelio says, “If you want a typically African effect,<br />

then the thick, smooth flowing textural look of African reed<br />

combines beautifully with wooden poles and floor decking.<br />

As for the large outdoor entertainment areas we design and<br />

construct bar kitchen areas, al fresco dining room and cosy<br />

chill-out lounge with or without games area or jacuzzi.<br />

He advises clients on the best application to use, but<br />

ultimately respects their preference.<br />

“The structures we create can be used to turn a negative<br />

into a positive, such as to cover an unsightly view and in the<br />

process create a great new space. It can also be meant<br />

to be a feature that adds lustre and style to your home,<br />

but when its an entertainment area it should be designed<br />

in such a way that it becomes a place where people want<br />

to spend time. Either way, an exclusive design along with<br />

good quality construction should add double its cost to your<br />

home’s value.”<br />

Whether essentially conceived for practical, aesthetic<br />

or purely hedonistic purposes, the timber and thatched<br />

structures created by Aurelio and his team at Diseños y<br />

Tejados Tropicales turn flights of fancy into a reality where<br />

you can relax, entertain or play.<br />

www.tejadostropicales.com<br />

Tel: +34 952 588 011<br />

Mobil: +34 656 82 6446<br />

info@tejadostropicales.com<br />

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065


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