Archive for October, 2008
The Crane Barbados earns AAA Four-Diamond Award
The Crane Barbados
The Crane, a distinctive part of Barbados’ hospitality landscape for over a century, has just
received the AAA Four-Diamond Award, joining the ranks of only three other properties on the
island.
Developed from its original 18 rooms over the last eight years, today this world-class resort features 202 rooms, five swimming pools, and three restaurants (with two more to come). Emphasizing warm Barbadian hospitality, the hotel’s management and staff have placed increasing emphasis on service over the last number of years, and, along with the concurrent product development, these training and development efforts have been rewarded with the AAA designation.
Hallmarks of the Four Diamond level include an extensive array of amenities combined with a high degree of hospitality, service and attention to detail. AAA Four Diamond hotels and restaurants represent just three percent of the 60,000 AAA Approved and Diamond rated properties.
The Crane Special Offer with Select Resorts
Up to 25% off selected rates on all room categories. Plus a US$100.00 food and beverage credit per room.
Add comment October 31, 2008
A Great Time to Buy a Home in Spain
Buying Property in Spain
With negative stories in 2007 about buying property in Spain still casting a shadow over the property market, not to mention the current economic conditions it’s no wonder that the British public are nervous about making the move. Fortunately for those looking to invest in Spain, Select Resorts in association with Savills has teamed up with an experienced house builder, Taylor Woodrow de Espana.
‘We get many enquiries asking us about the market in Spain and although Spain did experience some bad publicity in 2007, we point out that these incidents are in the minority and that if clients do their research properly and go through a reputable company, Spain is still a safe place to buy and offers good long term investments.’
Not ignoring the current economic climate, Taylor Woodrow de Espana has reduced prices on selected apartments by up to 38%, in Mallorca a two bedroom property with large terrace can now be yours for just €182,000 and on the Costa del Sol for €173,000!!
Taylor Woodrow de Espana is the only major UK house builder in Spain and has been building quality homes there for 50 years. With a reputation for trust, the company provides an excellent service along with Select Resorts in helping and advising homebuyers through the entire process of choosing, buying and settling into a new Spanish home, safe in the knowledge that everything about the purchase is legally above board.
Add comment October 31, 2008
“PORTUGAL’S LEADING RESORT” Praia D’el Rey
Praia D'el Rey
The European winners of the 2008 World Travel Awards, dubbed “the Oscars of the travel industry” by the Wall Street Journal, were announced this week at a glittering awards ceremony in Slovakia attended by 300 guests from 19 countries across Europe.
Against stiff competition, the Praia D’El Rey Marriott Hotel, situated 50 minutes north of Lisbon on Portugal’s Silver Coast, was named “Portugal’s Leading Resort” for the second year running.
This caps a highly successful year for the Praia D’El Rey Golf & Beach Resort, already well known as a year round sporting destination by the world’s elite sportsmen. Recent visitors include football superhero Cristiano Ronaldo, since the resort’s Marriott hotel is currently the home-from-home for the Portuguese national football team during their World Cup 2010 training sessions.
Praia D'el Rey Golf and Beach Resort
“We are thrilled to win this prestigious award”, says Jorge Almeida, Resort Director of Praia D’El Rey. “It’s a recognition of how we have grown over the last 10 years to become one of Portugal’s best known resorts, with over 250,000 visitors a year.”
Launched in 1993, the World Travel Awards acknowledge excellence in travel and tourism.
Now, after fifteen years, both travel professionals and travellers alike regard the awards as an endorsement of quality. Votes are cast by travel professionals from 167,000 travel agencies, tour and transport companies and tourism organizations in over 160 countries worldwide.
You can book holidays at Praia D’el Rey or at Quinta do Lago, which was voted “Portugals Leading Golf Resort” with Select Resorts, who offer a wide range of villa, apartment and hotel accommodation on the resort.
Apart from its 5 star Marriott hotel, the 230-hectare Praia D’El Rey Golf & Beach Resort has an 18 hole golf course with full coaching facilities, water sports, a tennis centre and FIFA-standard football centre, shops and restaurants, and over 800 luxury villas, townhouses and apartments.
Add comment October 30, 2008
Great News for our Award Winning Resorts
The World Travel award winners have just been revealed and it means great news for Select Resorts clients.
Quinta Do Lago Resort
Confirming what we already know from our many satisfied clients Quinta do Lago Resort has been awarded Portugal’s Leading Golf Resort for 2008. The resort boasts four magnificent courses which are a focal point though there is a wide range of other sporting and leisure activities such as tennis, sunbathing, swimming, windsurfing on the lake, sailing, fishing, horse riding and beach combing.
There are also a further 12 courses within easy distance and a host of other exciting activities in the area, making Quinta do Lago the perfect holiday spot for all the family.
Praia D'el Rey Resort
Further great news was the recognition of Praia d’el Rey as Portugal’s Best Resort. The resort consists of 600 acres (200 hectares) with a landscape as richly varied as the surrounding countryside. The resort has a beautiful sandy beach of 2.5km, popular with surfers and sun seekers. Summer activities include football, volleyball and other supervised beach activities. Praia d’el Rey is the ideal place for those who wish to socialise, play golf, tennis, walk, windsurf or just relax – the list is endless!
If you are interested in visiting either of these fantastic resorts please visit our website or call +44 1202 786490
The full list of winners is available at http://www.worldtravelawards.com/winners2008-8
1 comment October 30, 2008
Christmas in La Manga
La Manga Club
For those of you looking to getaway from it all this Christmas why not consider La Manga Club, in Murcia, Spain. This fantastic 5 star resort is renowned for its fantastic golf courses, tennis academy and in luxurious spa. It has a reputation as a centre for sporting excellence with many international and club football sides training there. It is also not unusual to see some famous faces around the resort, including TV and sports stars.
The Hyatt La Manga Club are hosting a range of Christmas celebrations this year for guests at the resort. The festivities begin on Christmas Eve, with five course dinner and live music. This elegant affair will take place in the hotel’s Amapola restaurant.
On Christmas Day the hotel will host a Festive Family Feast which will also include a visit from Santa fresh from his exersions of the night before.
Forget about Quantum of Solace this New Year’s Eve, and relive your own Casino Royale in the Grand Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency La Manga. This fantastic casino style party will feature a 6 course dinner, live music, a firework display and plenty of dancing, not to mention an open bar. To make this great night even more dramatic the event is strictly Black Tie.
If this sounds a little to hectic for you there are also a number of other celebrations taking place in the Hotel and in Las Lomas Village so there is no excuses for not seeing in the New Year in style.
Contact Select Resortsto discuss your La Manga Club Holiday this festive season and chose from our wide selection of accommodation options including La Manga Club Villas, La Manga Club Apartments, and of course the Hyatt Regency La Manga Hotel and the Las Lomas Apartments and Townhouses.
Full details of the Hyatt Christmas Season Festivities in La Manga Club are available also.
Add comment October 29, 2008
Flower of Scotland takes root in La Manga Club
The reputation of La Manga Club as a centre of excellence for sports training camps has been further cemented by the arrival of the Scotland Rugby side to the Spanish resort for a week long training session in advance of their tough autumn international series against the mighty All Blacks, world champions South Africa and also Canada.
With that sort of punishing fixture list it would be now surprise if the players want to head back to the resort straight after to enjoy the more relaxing activities on resort such as the excellent golf, the spa and the tennis facilities, not to mention the various bars and restaurants. Visit www.SelectResorts.co.uk for more information on the resort and a wide range of La Manga Villas for rental.
Add comment October 28, 2008
One of My Favourite Villas by Carol Denson
Carol has been a reservations agent with Select Resorts for many years and has visited many of our Quinta do Lago Villa properties over the years. Here she discusses a particular favourite of hers in the ever popular Lakeside Village area of Quinta do Lago.
“I have visited the Algarve on many occasions now for holidays and work and I still feel that Lakeside Village in Quinta do Lago is an ideal location. The resort has much to offer with its proximity to excellent beaches, superb golf and wide variety of restaurants, and yet it manages to retain a sense of space and tranquillity.
One of the properties that I particularly like is a 2 bedroom semi detached Lakeside Village villa with its own swimming pool. This charming villa has recently been completely re-furbished and benefits from a new kitchen and bathrooms. The soft furnishings have also been replaced, and the proud owners are constantly improving the property with a guest cloakroom, gas fire and broadband as the most recent additions. The roof terrace offers views over the resort and towards the sea.
PV2-01 Lakeside Village
Lakeside Village is always a popular resort and is suitable for families or couples. On site there are tennis courts, communal pools, including children’s pools, and a snack bar which is open during the summer season. The resort is set on a man made lake which offers water sports, and is within easy reach of a few restaurants, the beach and, of course, golf! Writing this has evoked a lot of happy memories – I definitely need to book another trip!”
You can book your stay in this Lakeside Village property PV2-01 by contacting Select Resorts or why not take a look at our other fantastic properties in Lakeside Village or other parts of Quinta do Lago.
Add comment October 27, 2008
How will the current economic woes affect your 2009 Holiday Plans?
Please take part in our poll and let us know how you feel about the current economic doom and gloom, particularly in the media, regarding our economic outlook, and how it will affect your 2009 holidays….are you feeling the pinch?
We will publish the results at the end of this month. Please also feel free to leave a comment.
Add comment October 16, 2008
The Credit Crunch and Property Investment
THE CREDIT CRUNCH & PROPERTY INVESTMENT – Some Interesting Comparisons;
If you had spent £100,000 a year ago buying shares; this is approximately what you would have today;
HBOS = £9,500
RBS = £16,500
M & S = £34,500
Icelandic Bank = £50,000
If you had bought a property; it should be worth approx;
Spain = £75.000
UK = £87,000
France = £95,000
Italy = £95,000
If your property was rented returning approx. 5%, then you would be about even in France and Italy, 10% down in the UK and 20% down in Spain.
The above goes to prove that even in the worst credit crunch in modern times, property is still one of the most solid investments and one that you can see, enjoy and earn income from it!
If you are interested in property in exciting hotspots such as North Cyprus, Cape Verde, Turkey Or Egypt visit Savills Associate Select Resorts.
If you are looking for more traditional holiday home locations we also have great deals on Property in Spain and the Algarve.
Add comment October 14, 2008
