Archive for October, 2008
October 7th, 2008 at 12:22pm
Under Algarve
Not many people realize that the word “Algarve” is of Moorish (Arabic) origin. The word stems from the Arabic word “Al-Gharb” meaning “The West” the Moors occupied the region for almost 600 years from 711 to the late 13th century; the region was their westernmost outpost in continental Europe. The castle walls of Silves and Tavira are a physical reminder of the occupation.
Another constant reminder which can be seen all over the Algarve and Portugal is the sight of the typical Arabic chimneys and the vivid colours of the houses with contrasting windows and doors surrounds.
The last 30 years have seen dramatic change in the Algarve, the infrastructure has been modernised to support all the new hotels, resorts and all the thousands of privately owned properties. Many British and Irish people have second homes there and many thousands have relocated and made the Algarve their first home.
This is not surprising as the Algarve enjoys one of the best climates in southern Europe and does not get as hot as other Mediterranean areas. It is easily accessible from many parts of the UK and continental Europe, which is another reason why it is so popular.
Vale do Lobo was perhaps the first tourist resort to be built, soon followed by Quinta do Lago. The area along the coast encompassing these two resorts and back to Almancil is often referred to as the “golden triangle”. In this area you can certainly find some of the most luxurious homes in Europe supported by some of the best facilities, golf courses and beautiful sandy beaches.
If you own a holiday home elsewhere in Europe, you could potentially stay in a luxurious holiday home in Quinta do Lago for free by joining Select Exchange. You can view some of the properties on the website www.selectexchange.co.uk
By admin
October 7th, 2008 at 07:48am
Under About Villa Exchange+ Save Money with Villa Exchange
The global economic crisis will have many people wondering how they will manage their holiday plans for next year. The sharp rises in fuel costs, coupled with the uncertainty in financial markets and inflationary pressures will mean people look to make cost savings where they can.
One area where people will want to make savings but without missing out altogether is on their holidays. A great way of reducing costs is home or villa exchange, where you swap homes or villas with another party. This cost effective holiday reduces obvious costs such as hotels and accommodation, whilst some parties may even be able to offer car swaps etc.
More and more people have also invested in second homes overseas and this scheme allows you to get even more value from these second properties by using them to see the world.
So how do you start:
Join an Exchange Scheme:
Firstly join an exchange scheme such as Select Exchange. Schemes vary in cost but $20-$50 would be fair. I would recommend joining more than one as it will give you increased opportunities.
List Your Property including photos:
When you have joined a scheme ensure that you list your property in as much detail as possible – people like information, the more you give the easier it will be for them to decide. Put on as many photos as you can – it may be a cliché but it is true “a picture paints a thousand words”.
Be Proactive:
Don’t just sit there – get out and contact owners. When you have joined a scheme don’t just sit there, go out and contact owners yourself letting people know you are interested in visiting their property. Remember though be polite and be friendly in your emails.
Think Ahead
A home exchange can take time plan ahead at least 6-9 months to give yourself the best opportunity to find what you want.
Be Flexible
A home or villa exchange can require you to be more flexible – do not confine your self with very restrictive dates – you have more chance of getting an exchange if you say you want something for July than saying you need something in the first week of July.
Offer Additional Benefits
If you have a car for example offer to include that (make sure it is adequately insured though). It you can offer discounted golf or golf access, include that as well. The same applies of ski passes etc.
Supply lots of relevant Local Information
Sell the benefits of your area. Identify the local attractions as well as the local shops and restaurants. Holiday makers want a full experience so the more you can offer them the happier they will be, and the more likely they are to want to exchange.
And finally the most important point is “Honesty is the Best Policy”. Keep this important point in mind in when villa exchanging.
By admin
October 6th, 2008 at 03:24pm
Under About Villa Exchange+ Save Money with Villa Exchange
It is estimated that over 260,000 Britons own a second home abroad, with these owners purchasing properties for a variety of reasons including lifestyle and investment purposes.
These owners make use of their properties for on average 2-4 weeks per year with the remainder rented or simply left empty. Villa owners are also still travelling to other parts of the world, and not simply holidaying in their vacation home.
Villa exchange is a concept designed to allow owners to contact like minded villa owners across the globe and exchange weeks in each others properties. A member of a program can exchange a week in their Spanish villa property for a week in the Caribbean or a week in the Alps. As these properties are generally rental properties you most likely will not have to exchange simultaneously.
Why exchange? The main reason to exchange is cost – a stay in a quality villa property can cost not just hundreds but thousands of pounds – by exchanging you remove the accommodation cost to your holiday allowing you more money to spend on food, drinks, air fare upgrades etc. or to simply save a little.
Select Exchange is a specialist website allowing owners of villa properties to exchange with likeminded owners, using their villa properties as their passport to see the world.
By admin
October 6th, 2008 at 11:19am
Under St Lucia
Discovery Marigot Bay is a luxury hotel and apartment complex in St. Lucia. This 5 star hotel complex is made up of privately owned luxury apartments which are leased back by owners to form part of the hotel complex. The bay itself is also fast becoming become a favourite celebrity hangout.
Discovery at Marigot Bay is a unique resort offering fabulous treehouse-style accommodation on the lush green hillside running down to Marigot’s deep natural harbour. Discovery is on the sheltered, Caribbean coast of St Lucia, 5 miles from the capital, Castries, and close to both the lively nightlife in the north and the natural beauty of the south. This lovely island, with its tropical rain forests, waterfalls, mountains and secluded beaches is rapidly becoming one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean.
Marigot Bay
The bay itself is home to a variety of yachts, and super yachts so don’t be surprised if you meet a celebrity or two coming of their yacht and into the hotel. Recently Prince Charles and Camilla visited as part of their Caribbean tour, whilst shortly afterwards Hollywood royalty Eddie Murphy arrived on board his 229ft yacht. Among other stars to cruise into Marigot Bay are Morgan Freeman, Oprah Winfrey, Nicolas Cage and John Malkovich
The apartments offer spacious suites with large balconies and magnificent views over the bay. The apartments offer high levels of furnishings as well as complimentary internet connections, flat screen TVs, music systems, and well equipped kitchens.
Discovery in Marigot Bay
Many of these owners are also part of Select Exchange, our villa and apartment exchange scheme. This gives people a fantastic opportunity to stay in this 5 Star hotel for a fraction of the cost of your normal holiday.
Our members in Marigot Bay are keen to find exchanges, particularly for property in the US and in high quality European resorts. If you own such a property, why not register and join today.
By admin
October 3rd, 2008 at 01:57pm
Under About Villa Exchange+ Save Money with Villa Exchange
You have made a considerable investment by buying your holiday villa which you enjoy visiting several times a year, but the running costs can be excessive and even if you are renting it out, it can still be very expensive to keep!
Here are some tips on how you can maximise income and benefits from your investment or make less expensive to keep, as follows;
• Increase rental income: work with your letting agent.
You may still have some vacant weeks that you want to fill before the end of the season, so work with your letting agent to offer great deals to encourage business. In addition to the usual channels such as contacting earlier enquiries, joining rental websites etc. it is worth letting your agent know that the property is available and the discount you are prepare to accept for last minute booking.
• Extend your rental season;
If your villa has a pool, you can extend the rental season from 6 to 8 weeks either side of the main holiday season by installing a heat pump. Generally pools in the Mediterranean region are not warm enough in May/June and September/October for a pleasant swim, especially if they are not covered at night. By installing a heat pump and a pool cover you can extend the season and you could cover the expense of the equipment in just one season. Also you can charge extra for pool heating so the running costs are covered.
• Save Water;
Water is a precious and scarce resource especially in the Mediterranean region. If you have a garden with grass, you should consider replacing the grass with attractive colourful gravel over a porous membrane which lets rainwater seep trough but the weeds cannot grow through it. Also it is best to plant your garden with tropical plants which do not require a lot of water.
• Solar Water Heater and Solar Panels;
Installing a solar water heater can produce a good amount of hot water during the summer months which will reduce your water heating bills. These can be screened with trellis so they cannot be seen. Cell Solar panels producing electricity are a more expensive option and take longer to recover the original investment, but remember that some countries enjoy more then 300 days of sunshine per year, the panels can produce electricity even when you or your guests are not there and in some countries you can sell your surplus electricity back the national grid and get paid for it so it’s worth checking with the local authority and do the sums.
• Join a Villa Exchange programme;
By using the rental value of your holiday home, you can visit other destinations without having to pay rent. Every property is rated, like hotels so you know the standard of other properties. You may wish to do this for a change of scenery or for visiting a warmer country in the winter or even a skiing property.
Select Exchange is a specialist exchange site focussed on holiday and villa homes. Visit www.selectexchange.co.uk for more details.
By admin
October 3rd, 2008 at 11:51am
Under Barbados
Orchid World
A paradise of colourful orchids nestled in the tropical surroundings of Barbados. Take a journey along the waterfalls, streams and Sweet Vale Valley as you enjoy this colourful show.
The Sunbury Plantation House
This 300 year old great estate home is a treasure trove of antiques and paintings, where every room is open to the public. Visit the cellars, originally used for vegetables now hosting some magnificent carriages and artefacts reflecting the history of Barbados.
Francia Plantation House
This old plantation house is designated a home of architectural interest by the Barbados National Trust. The home is surrounded by tropical gardens, terraced lawns and beautiful fountains. The home is still occupied by descendents of the original family.
Andromeda Botanic Gardens
Overlooking the Atlantic the Garden of Andromeda Botanic is one of the islands most beautiful settings. The gardens bring together flowers from around the world as well as beautiful native flora such as Bougainvillea and orchids.
Flower Forest of Barbados
These glorious Botanical Gardens are situated nearly a 1000 feet above sea, about a mile from Harrison’s Cave. This is an ideal place to relax and enjoy Bajan food and fruit juices.
Select Exchange currently has a number of clients seeking villa exchange opportunities in Barbados. If you currently own a property on the island please let us know, we can register you and get you in contact with fellow exchangers.
Select Resorts holidays offer a superb choice of luxury Barbados Villas to rent, including Royal Westmoreland, please visit our website for more details. http://www.selectresorts.co.uk/
By admin
October 2nd, 2008 at 04:19pm
Under Spain
The rain in Spain…………………..
It actually fell everywhere! Spain, especially the eastern coast saw a week of heavy thunderstorms at the end of September. In the county of Murcia, local peoples said they had not seen so much rain in living memory!
After 4 months of arid hot weather without a single drop, the countryside certainly needed it and the reservoirs needed refilling.
The Murcia region is considered the Garden of Spain, not so much because of flowers but the fruit trees like oranges, lemons, almonds and all the salad crops which are exported all over Europe.
The growing number of golf courses need a lot of water also, there are plans are for at least 30 new courses to be built in the next few years and although it is a requirement that every major golf project has to be self sufficient for water through desalination plants, there is nothing like pure rain water for greening things up.
For golfers, autumn in Spain is one of the best times of the year for visiting; temperatures are mild and the courses un-crowded. After the kids go back to school, accommodation is plentiful, hotels and private owners are keen to do deals.
Select Exchange has a selection of property in La Manga and in Murcia in general so if you own a villa and would like to visit the region why not register and contact one of our owners? Imagine, you could stay for free by exchanging your property with an owner on one of the many existing golf projects in the region!
Visit www.selectexchange.co.uk for an overview of available exchange possibilities!
By admin
Next Posts