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Hot Tubs and the beneficial effects of soothing warm water have been used for a lot longer than people are generally aware of. The Romans clearly new that the beneficial effects of the water was helpful to their general well being. I say this as the Romans had very large public bathing facilities for many hundreds of years, the majority of which were heated. This was accepted as being very much a daily activity for men of all classes and indeed many women. Bathing today is considered a private activity carried out in the home but bathing in Rome was very much a communal activity carried out usually in public baths
One has only to look at the Roman Baths and there is a prime example at Bath (so aptly named in Great Britain) that survive to see that in many ways they resemble the modern health spas although one imagines and hopes that they were less expensive.
The acceptance of bathing as the main event in daily life belongs to the Roman way of doing things and at the height of the Roman Empire, the thermal baths embodied the ideal Roman way of urban life.
Another culture in a different continent some many thousands of miles away with a very long history of hot tub use is found in Japan. These were Called ‘ofuro,’ and these smaller, stand-alone spas have been in use for many centuries by Japanese families.
The Japanese and eastern cultures have a long history of alternative medicine such as acupuncture reflexology and Reiki spring to mind In Japanese culture cleanliness is a concept which is on a par with compulsive behaviour. This can be seen from the simple but very important custom of taking off one’s shoes before entering a house, They say that in Japan cleanliness is on a par with or very similar to godliness. What is the point of all of this one might ask well it is simply that there is ample evidence that the Japanese of long ago undoubtedly understood the importance of hygiene and much of the therapeutic value of taking a simple soak in Warm Water on a regular basis.
Today in modern Japan the Japanese people continue to honour this simple but outstanding – age old tradition. In many Japanese Households you will find elaborate wooden hot tubs.
In the United States of America, the history of Hot Tubs spans at least two time lines.
In early American history before the 1800’s there are many stories that have been recounted legendary heroes – George Washington and Alexander Hamilton, are two names to mention – who were using natural hot springs to soak their bodies to help ease pains and relive the stress of those days.
Native Americans are also believed to have discovered and used the springs for the very same purpose.
Much later around the early 1900s, the resort spa movement began to grow in popularity in the United States in many ways following the European style of Spa that had been gaining in popularity for many years. The name Spa comes from the Spa resort of Spa in Belguim.
These Spa resorts were built around naturally occurring hot springs, and sometimes around man-made equivalents in some instances. Some of the Health Spas in Scottsdale near the Camel back mountain in Arizona spring to mind. These resorts tended to attract mainly wealthy patrons who were attracted by the idea of the therapeutic results for treating various ailments and of course that feel good factor. The combination of warm soothing water combined with massage and buoyancy delivers a sensation that not only relaxes the mind and body, but also helps to heal and soothe.
With jets strategically placed in the Hot Tub for maximum benefit, each & every Hot Tub offers supreme therapeutic support in a carefree setting. The Spa treatment helps to increase blood flow and aid circulation, reducing & relieving muscle strain, soreness, pressure and tension throughout your body.
Clearly this was something that the Romans were very well aware of. Calculated buoyancy coupled with that corresponding feeling of weightlessness blends perfectly with swirling warm water to provide a pleasant relaxing soak with healing properties.
In fact, you’ll feel noticeably better in just a short spell of say 20 minutes using a Hot Tub. Not only does the warm, bubbling waters melt away tension and strain, but they also provide a gentle and effective massage targeting your joints and muscles, helping you to a better night’s sleep and helping to relieve the pain of arthritis and other muscle-related injuries.
In summary both Hydro-Massage Hot Tubs and the original wooden Hot Tubs can both offer a great experience. It depends on ones individual preferences and proposed location of where the Hot Tub is sited as to which one to choose.
What are the real advantages of a Natural Hot Spring Spa compared with a modern portable Jacuzzi spa?
By a natural Hot Spring Spa I mean the kind of location that people would travel to take the waters. The actual word SPA is thought to have come from the Latin as Sanus Per Aquam (SPA) meaning health through water. Some people believe that in the days of the Roman Empire that their soldiers would seek out hot springs to help heal their battle weary limbs.
There are of course many places on Earth where natural hot springs can be found but it is accepted that the meaning SPA derives from the city in Belgium that is called SPA. The Belgium City that is famous worldwide “Spa” is the actual place where the very word “Spa” comes from. Then in Great Britain you have the City of Bath which is very aptly named with its very famous Roman Hot Baths.
In Iceland there are multi Hot Spring locations as there are in many parts of North America and New Zealand to name but just a few.
When one thinks of Hot Springs in Spain one of Spain’s well known hot springs is set in the beautiful Andalusian region of Malaga. In the Sierra foothills of the mountainside to the north of the Guadalhorce Valley is the well known spa village of Carratraca.
Carratraca has been renowned for hundreds of years for the natural curative properties of its sulphur-water hot springs. The English poet Lord Byron was a frequent visitor during the 19th century when the village was at its most popular. The ancient facility is constructed in the traditional Roman way using both marble and sandstone.
For many thousands of years it can be shown that warm water has been a natural relief for the various ailments that life brings. In ancient Times in Egypt, Greece & Rome it was a very common practice to enjoy long hot soaks, not only was it accepted to be a ritual but indeed more than that as it was known to bring relief from the aches and pains of life.
In those days they were often small pools of water with the benefit of having warm water piped into them from a natural hot spring.
We still have many of those today but these often have that rather strange smell of sulphur and are not always pleasant.
A modern portable Spa with the latest in design and fully adjustable water and air jets is much superior to a natural hot spring as it can provide a combination of both Hydro Therapy and Hydro Massage.
A portable Spa does not have the many thousand year old setting but it is undoubtedly outstanding therapy, and the water is better for your skin. As soon as one submerges in to a Modern Hot Tub Spa and you begin to enjoy the warm spa water, it causes two very important and beneficial events to occur in your body.
First there is the scientific fact that the warm water makes the capillaries in the body to increase and this then increases the blood flow through your body and of course to your skin. An increase in blood flow simply means better circulation and with that goes the life force that constitutes the Human Body with the essential nutrients that one needs to maintain life.
Second it slightly increases the heart rate and this adds to the additional blood flow through ones whole body. As we are composed of mainly water something like in excess of 90% is water, the fluids in our bodies are neutral (or nearly neutral) in weight. Our body fluids will then identify with the water in the Hot Tub simply as natural buoyancy.
This means that the effect or pressure of gravity on ones body and circulatory system is considerably reduced. This has the very clever and simple effect of reducing the distance between your heart and your feet. Although, of course, in reality, this is not the case.
The blood that in Chinese medicine is referred to as stagnant (very slow) is now able to be energized and is able to move much more freely and it is able to do this because of the combination of open capillaries (heat), and buoyancy (water).
There is however one other thing that one should do to enjoy the full benefit and that is simply to just let go and relax.
Then the beneficial benefits of Hydrotherapy and Hydro massage help to provide respite and healing. Simply the rate of blood flow is now in ones own body and not in your head, and then your mind can start to slow down and relax and be in a more restfull state.
Torrevieja, Spain is located a little over thirty miles south Alicante along the Costa Blanca coastline. It is in the Province of Alicante situated half way between Alicante and Cartegena and east of Murcia. No different than many of cities on the Costa Blanca, tourism is a central to Torrevieja’s economy and offers all tourists plenty to do during their stay. It is particularly a popular destination for British, German and Scandinavian tourists with its population largely European. The summer climate is very hot while the winters are rather mild. With its beautiful summer climate, though, it is one of the most popular vacation areas in the Costa Blanca.
The region around Torrevieja is known for its natural salt production producing about a half a million tons of salt annually. The salt is produced from its two nearby salt lakes. Originally, the city was only a small salt-mine and fishing village but with the growth in tourism, it has expanded to meet the tourism demand. Presently, salt, fishing and tourism are Torrevieja’s main economic forces but its salt production also has benefits for its tourists. The Natural Park of the Lagoons of the La Mata and Torrevieja is a protected park in the area and especially noted for its population of flamingos among other exotic birds. For the visitor, the park offers more than simply beautiful scenery but also offers relaxing salt baths. Salt baths offer many health benefits and are especially beneficial for illnesses such as arthritis and certain skin conditions.
There is no shortage of shopping opportunities in Torrevieja with thousands of shopping establishments as well as one of the largest open markets in Spain, offering fruits, vegetables, crafts, jewelry and many other goods. Note, though, that all markets are not open every day. For example, the main market in Torrevieja is only open on Fridays while the craft market is only open on the weekends.
If not shopping or enjoying the natural park, there is always golf to play in the Costa Blanca. The Torrevieja Golf Club is one of many great golf courses in the area. Fees range from thirty five to eighty Euros depending on the course and season. Because of its beautiful climate, Torrevieja has become a popular golfing destination. There will be no need to travel far to find the perfect golf course, as there are several large courses in the area.
The Alicante International Airport is the closet airport. Upon arrival at the airport, there are numerous transportation choices available for you to reach the city including the bus, a taxi or local car hire companies. Whether you simply need to reach Torrevieja or prefer the freedom of your own car, there is no need to worry about transportation during you stay in Torrevieja. You will quickly be on your way to a fabulous visit in one of the most popular destinations on Spain’s beautiful coastline.
Robert Carlton publishes mostly for http://www.alicante-spain.com , an online publication covering information on Alicante . His contributions on Torrevieja are found on his website .
Spanish house prices are slowing and in some cases reducing and for those seeking to buy a home in Spain this could well be the time to seek out a bargain. One area that will be worth giving some attention is the region of Costa Tropical.
Costa Tropical offers many opportunities for home buyers and real estate investors, from beach front property, to inland estates to something that allows you to ski in the morning and relax on your deck in the evening.
The Costa Tropical, situated between the Costa Almeria to the northeast and the Costa del Sol to the southwest, is a fascinating place on the Spanish coast for residents and visitors alike. This area has one of Europe’s most unique microclimates and some 320 days of sun a year. This subtropical paradise along the southern coast of Spain is an ideal location for those who want sun, warm weather and great beaches.
Stretching from one Granada provincial border to another, the Costa Tropical begins around La Rabita in the east and runs to La Herradura in the west. The coast along this stretch of Spain runs almost exactly east west, before curving to the north and south on either end. The climate here is affected by the winds and waters from Africa and the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the north. According to the World Health Organization, this is one of the healthiest places to live on the planet.
Along this stretch of coast, there are three main towns, Almu?r, Motril and Salobre?nd a total of 26 beaches, many of which have been repeatedly awarded the Blue Flag, which confirms the cleanliness of both beach and water. Motril is the easternmost of these three towns although it is in the middle of the Costa Tropical, and is a lively and busy Spanish town of shops and business. It is popular in the summer for its seven beaches that offer a range of water sports and activities, and is often considered the second most important city in the province behind the capital and namesake Grenada.
Motril has seven beaches, a few of which have been awarded the accolade of some of Europe’s cleanest beaches. Spanish families in particular love Motril’s beaches. The most well known beach is the Playa Granada which has a very family friendly atmosphere. Younger visitors enjoy the more lively Poniente Beach with its promenade and the Playa de Calahonda with its deep, clean waters. Further from town there are water sports opportunities at Carchuna beach, a nudist beach at La Joya, or the shallow waters and fine sand of the beach in Torrenueva.
Spain will always be popular and like all other housing markets will have its ups and downs, one thing is sure it remains one of the most popular places to buy a second home for Europeans.
Part 2. The Free Property Inspection Trips to Spain – Warts n’ All.
FRESH OFF THE PLANE.
I have written this section of the article with the assistance of personal experience in the industry, having personally undertaken an inspection tour, family and friends who hae toured and most importantly experienced sales reps who still work in the industry, so they have no axe to grind but perhaps their conscience got the better of them. The only remuneration they received was a couple of cafe con leche’s each. The surprising thing was that I had arranged to meet two reps but when word spread half a dozen arrived with offer from many others.
Your tour should proceed along these lines. Show homes are close on Saturday afternoons and all day Sunday and flights are more expensive over the weekend so most tours tend to be during the midweek. Tour duration is normally 5 days 4 nights. For the purpose of this article I have formatted a Monday to Friday tour.
MONDAY:
A couple of years ago a trip to the arrival lounge at Alicante or Murcia airport would have seen you rubbing shoulders with dozens of agents sales reps / salespeople / property consultants / tours guides ( I will call them reps from now on) all standing there with their clipboards with their clients names printed on them, often looking nervously as passengers came through the sliding doors. Similarly a trip down the coast road from the airport you would literally pass dozens of agents cars all brightly liveried and each company with its own colour cars. The credit crunch has killed off the numbers but made the agents need to extract every last euro from clients almost an art.
Your rep will great you with a big smile and engage you in small talk as they walk you back to the car. The reps should also take the luggage off you or at least the wife. During the journey back to the hotel it is taboo for the rep to talk about property for fear of the client feeling under pressure. What the rep is doing here is selling themselves, after all who would buy off somebody that they either did not like or did not trust? Your rep is sticking strictly to step one of the seven steps. The holy gospel of the rep which is drilled into them from day one. The steps are as follows and I will refer to the as we progress. I will shortly be writing an article solely covering the seven steps in much greater detail.
1. SELL YOURSELF – Make yourself likeable to your clients
2. SELL THE COMPANY – We are established, trustworthy, large, family run, UK based….
3. SELL THE AREA – Sell the lifestyle, pace of life, cost of living, health, beaches ……..
4. SELL THE PROPERTY – Once sold on the lifestyle find the property within budget.
5. FINANCE – Sort out loans, mortgages, affordability etc.
6. CONTRACT – Complete a property purchase contract and get €3000 deposit.
7. CONSOLIDATION – Introduce to solicitors, open bank accounts and look after them.
When you rep gets you to the hotel, they will jump out of the car and open the door for you, they will get your bags and check you into a very swish 4 or 5 star hotel on the beach with stunning views (see # 3). Once they have checked you in they will take you up to the room, open the door and take you in. You will often find that the curtains will be closed in the room. This is an arrangement that the agent will have with the hotel. This enables the rep to do the great reveal. They will walk to the window and pull the curtains back with gusto revealing a beautiful view of the beautiful blue Mediterranean Sea. Having just left a grey, miserable, cold, wet and windy UK, this reveal makes the client feel that they have found heaven.
Most clients arrive late afternoon, so the rep will leave you for a couple of hours to rest and come and collect you for dinner (the tour will include all meals). The rep will still not be speaking about property, they will, still be selling themselves and the business. They will tell you about how they came to live in Spain, how great it is, how their kids love it…… this is undoubtedly true as I am willing to testify but it is all part of the sales process. The rep will also start telling you how great the company is and how good they are to work for and how well they treat their staff. The truth is that they are all non contract, commission only sales people who are in fear of their jobs from tour to tour because if they do not sell and hit targets they are out! The rep will also outline the itinerary whilst you are with them:
Monday: Arrive, settle in and go for dinner.
Tuesday: Pre tour meeting and area tour, go for dinner.
Wednesday: Look for properties in areas you have expressed an interest in.
Thursday: Continue search, or if purchasing complete contracts, payments etc.
Friday: Continue search or if purchased, consolidate and back to airport.
Following your nice evening meal you will be dropped off at the hotel and arrangements made to meet you in the hotel reception at 9:30am the following morning. As they leave the rep will be on the phone to their manager telling them what they think of you and the likelihood of you purchasing. You will be graded as red, amber or green or on a scale of 1 to 10 as a prospect with red or 1 being no chance. All clients start as amber or a 5 on the scale.
TUESDAY.
A good hour or so before the rep collects you on Tuesday they will have a breakfast meeting with their manager where they will discuss in great detail their impression of you. The manager will produce all the paperwork that they have on you. This will be notes and transcripts of conversations that you have had with the companies telesales staff, or the home visit rep or even with the manager when they called to confirm your attendance a couple of days ago. All the questions that you have been asked no matter how innocent have the intention of garnering as much information as possible. This meeting that the rep ha with their manager will determine the course of action that they will be taking with you over the next few days!
The rep will come and collect you on time. They will be in their uniform, light pants, either white or blue shirt/blouse, brown shoes, sunglasses and immaculately clean company car (the cars are inspected each day and reps fined €50 for dirty cars). Your rep will then take you to a lovely café by the beach, or on a golf course or with fantastic views. This helps sell the lifestyle, but the choice of café is determined following your conversation the previous evening when they gleaned the information out of you to make this choice.
The purpose of the meeting is to determine what you are looking for i.e. holiday home, relocation, investment or business, your budget and your preferred location. The rep already has this information as this information has already been obtained from you when you arranged the trip in the first place. The one thing that the rep will do is promise never to show you properties above your budget, they will site affordability issues however the truth is that people who over extend when in Spain are 4 times more likely to cancel when they get back to the UK.
Meeting over you will jump in the car. One thing to note here is that the rep will always have a cool box or paperwork on the seat behind them. This means that the clients will sit in the passenger seat and the seat behind. This stop them being able to make eye contact with each other, communicate without the rep hearing and the rep will be able to see the client in the rear view mirror.
The day will be spent completing an extensive tour from Alicante in the North to Cartegena in the south and up to 50km inland. You will visit town, villages, beaches, golf courses, mountains, you name it they will cover it. Anything or place you express an interest in will be noted for use later. If you like a particular village or beach, they will stop for a look around or a coffee. Although you do not know it you will be following a pre determined route aimed at showing the area in its best possible light.
Whenever you do stop the rep will be glued to your side at all times. They do not want you talking to the natives because they may tell you something that you do not want to hear (i.e. how much commission the agents charge/make). The rep will always seat you away from other people, never at a café with free papers (other agents advertise in them) and never near an estate agent window because invariably they could have the same properties for sale for considerably less money! (most properties for sale are on with many agents).
Following completion of your area tour you are returned back to the hotel at 6pm, some 8 ½ hours after you were picked up and informed that the next couple of hours are your own and that the rep will pick you up at 8pm for dinner. As a parting shot the rep will warn you about “bar stool Johnny’s”. They will tell you to be suspect of anyone who approaches them in the hotel bar or foyer as they could be a con merchant who will know that they are on an inspection trip and will coerce them out of thousands of euros. There may be a modicum of truth in this, however its main reason is to stop clients talking to each other and comparing experiences. One rotten apple can spoil a barrel….. You will be picked up at 8pm and taken to a nice restaurant for a three course meal and wine and taken back to the hotel at 10:30pm. You have been with you rep for 13 hours.
WEDNESDAY.
Following the extensive and tiring area tour you will be hoping for an easier day today. Your rep will collect you again at 9am fresh from a debrief with their manager where the plan of attack will have been drawn up. Today is all about property, after all, this is the third day you have been in Spain and you have not seen any property yet.
There has been a lot of thought put into the art of showing properties. The rep will have listened to your preferences and listened to your opinions when on the area tour. You general chit chat will have been noted and the answer to innocent sounding questions during dinner will have been noted, analyzed and actioned.
When you arrive at a property you will be brought in on a route that shows the property and area to its best. The show home will be immaculate; it will be on a nice big plot or have great views and will invariably be the most expensive plot on the site. The show home will have been dressed by a designer. Your rep will now take you round room by room, telling you what is included and what is not, what the payment structure for this particular developer is
You will never be shown the best property first. The first property will often be chosen because it does not match many of your requirements. You will be asked for your comments regarding, size, location, views, rooms etc and asked to score the property on a whole out of ten and the area out of ten. If you score the property highly and area poorly we need to look at similar properties in a different area. If you score the area highly and property poorly, we need to look for different properties in the same area.
The rep should note your thoughts, comments and scores and move on to the next property based on your requirements.
Amazingly the reps I spoke to stated that if somebody was genuinely interested in purchasing that they only ever showed 3 or 4 properties before they found the perfect place.
Do not be surprised if at some point during this day that the reps manager accidentally bumps into you either in a show home or at a café somewhere (those furtive phone calls the rep makes or receives when they slope off out of earshot are the management gauging the progress of the tour. If you hear the rep saying amber or green you might know what they are talking about now). The manager is there to check on how well the tour is going, check up on the rep and try and point the clients in a new direction should they need to, or to reveal a deal that can be done or a special offer that has only just become available.
The pressure will be really on the rep towards the end of the day as you should have seen a property that meets all your requirements by now. The pressure exerted on the rep will be passed down to you in a more subtle way in the form of more direct or leading questions.
You will be dropped off again at 6pm and collected at 8pm for dinner. The conversation at dinner will be a lot more focused. You may also find that on this evening all the reps and their clients eat in the same restaurant, often taking it over. The reps are allowed to bring their partners to this meal. This is all part of the sales process as the partner has been thoroughly briefed on what to say. The reps manager and partner will also be present, so the sales process continues until 10pm. You will be dropped off at the hotel at 10:30pm with another 13 hour day under your belt.
THURSDAY.
By this point in the tour, if you have not purchased the chances of you doing so are minimal. Not only will you be feeling the effects of the long days, but so will the rep as their working day is on average 15 hours a day. Be prepared for a battle of wills.
Yours reps phone will be a lot busier today as they are pressured from above to get a sale. You will almost certainly call into the office to have a look around, with the real intention of putting some pressure on from the manager, finance person, company owner etc. This pressure will never be too excessive as this could be off-putting, but it will be pressure none the less. “We have found you the property within your budget in an area that you loved that meet all your criteria…… its what you asked us to find and we have, so lets do the paperwork!” The rep will pull out the property scoring sheets with you favourable comments and score on the top property. You will be told that if you do not buy now then you never will. Your “bottle” will be questioned and you will be asked why you bothered coming out if you had no intention of purchasing I the first place.
This is the make or break part of the tour. The pressure to purchase will be considerable but not overbearing, more subtle than high pressure.
You will find yourself looking at properties that had previously been rules out because of comments made in other properties. If you comment in one property that the kitchen is too small, the rep will then rule out taking you to dozens of properties that have small kitchen and will only take you to properties that have bigger kitchens.
The rep will keep going because they are paid on a commission only basis and have nothing to lose. As a self employed, commission only sales person, if you do not buy, they will not be getting paid for working some 60 hours and they could be one step closer to getting fired, especially if the sales manager thought you were a good purchasing prospect. In Spain if you are not on a contract you have to pay approximately €250 per month to the tax office to cover social security as well as €50 towards your accountant. Even if they do not work or earn no money one month they still have to pay out €300. Their company will say that this keeps them lean and eager. The reps will say that it leads to unnecessary pressure and often hardship.
With the realisation that there is no prospect of a sale, most reps will give up come the end of the day. You will find that you will be dropped off at the hotel at 4pm, the rep will offer you the chance of going for a meal on your own (at your own expense) and you will be given the opportunity of a later collection on the final day.
The meal on this last evening if taken will be a more casual affair as the rep is resigned to a “no sale” tour. The meal will be taken earlier and finished quickly. The rep out of spite will often take you to a restaurant that you have expressed that you do not like. If you don’t like Chinese food guess were you will be eating come the last evening if you have not purchased.
FRIDAY.
If you have purchased you will have spent Thursday completing paperwork and contracts in the office. On the Friday the rep will have you out of bed at 5am and standing outside the local town hall in a queue to get your NIE number (needed for purchase). You will be taken to a bank to open a bank account and introduced to a solicitor. If you want the solicitor to have power of attorney you will need to go to the notaries office as well.
As a word of caution I would always advise you to seek out your own solicitor rather than one suggested by your agent. Your solicitor should be working exclusively for you and some agents have far to a cosy relationship with their solicitors. Just check out some of the internet forums for details.
If you have not purchased, this will be a more relaxed day. You will have to check out of the hotel by 11am but the hotel or rep will take your cases. You will need to fill in an end of tour report where you can comment on the rep, company and tour. You will have a little time to sunbathe , go shopping, go for a walk. The chances are that you will be dropped off at the airport a good 3 hours before your flight and your reps car will disappear in a cloud of dust ready for the next clients.
IN SUMMARY.
Taking everything into account would I recommend partaking in an inspection tour?
The case for yes:
If you are looking for a new or off plan or key ready property, the prices are set by the builder not the agent, so you will be paying the best price for the property. Despite the sales tactics, the reps in general have a fantastic knowledge of the area, builders and developments and despite what you may think, they are chosen for their personality more than sales skills. The agents can use their size and power in your favour and you do get free flights, accommodation and use of car and tour guide. You will cover more area and see more in one day with a good rep than you would do in a week on your own. If you do purchase you are actually paying for your free tour out of the agents commission. It’s a great way to learn the area and see property at their expense, however please remember that your rep will not earn a penny if you do not buy.
The case for no:
You only get to see the side of Spain that the rep wants to show you. You are never on your own and are always being questioned as to your opinions. If you are considering a resale property then you will have to pay the agents fees not the seller. Agents can charge up to 20% commission. One a villa valued at €200,000 the agent will put it on the market for €240,000 . An agent can make €20,000 on a small apartment. If you have an idea of the area or what you want and the sort of property you are after you can save a fortune doing it your self.
There is an alternative. There are now companies who offer the best of both worlds. They are independent of any builder, promoter or agents. You pay for your flights and accommodation and meals. They pick you up and take you out looking at areas and properties and charge you a day rate. The late afternoons and evenings are yours. People come out for 7 days, spend 3 looking at properties and the rest of the time on the beach. Because they are independent they have no loyalty other than to you and could save you thousands. In these times of hardship it really is the best solution to a problem you never even knew existed…. Until now.
Golf holidays in Spain are perfect for those travelling on a range of budgets as green fees can vary so much, it has been claimed. According to GO2Spain, Spain boasts sunshine and the “sparkling” Mediterranean Sea in addition to luxurious hotels and great restaurants and some of the best golf resorts in the world. You can save a considerable sum on green fees if you book your golf tee times in advance.
In particular, it notes that the so-called “golf mile” is the “ultimate experience” for golf lovers and features five of Spain’s best courses. The green fees vary greatly at each course. And it was recently reported that a selection of golfers from Sussex were victorious at a recent golf tournament hosted by La Manga Club.
The Argus noted that the Sussex under-18s team beat the local Murcian golfers 8-2 at the seaside resort. La Manga Club is located on the Mar Menor inland sea and features several golf courses including accommodation that offers vistas over the North course and other greens. The green fees on each of the courses are the same. Golf enthusiasts often choose to take a holiday in Spain, particularly in the region of Murcia, because of the number of golf courses on offer in the area.
Murcia, which is also appealing to those seeking the perfect family holiday in Spain, is host to some of the world’s best golf courses, including Polaris World’s Condad de Alhama development, featuring three championship courses designed by pro golfer Jack Nicklaus. “It’s like a little community of its own, so even if you don’t play golf, there’s loads to do,” Elaine Wallace of Scotland told the Sun. “It’s going to be a great place for our family.”
La Manga Club boasts a number of quality golf courses, which are ideal for a golf holiday or for a golf break during a family holiday. Tee times and green fees can be pre booked. The club also offers a golf academy, as well as private lessons from PGA-qualified professional instructors.
More Britons are interested in incorporating sport into their holidays, such as their luxury holidays in Spain, it has been reported. According to the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO), an increasing range of sports-related holidays are now available from UK operators.
The news comes after figures from the Office of National Statistics Social Trends 2008 survey suggested that the number of UK residents regularly taking part in sport and exercise is on the increase. “People are much more aware of health issues and the fact that our sedentary daily lives leave us open to potential heart attack and stroke problems in later life,” Derek Moore, chairman of AITO, said.
He added that Britons no longer want to spend a two-week break sat on a beach “sunning ourselves”. Golf and tennis were cited as popular holiday activities by Mr Moore.
La Manga Club offers several championship quality award winning golf courses for such active holidaymakers.
The autonomous Spanish region of Murcia is situated between the better known regions of Andalucía and Valencia in South Eastern Spain. Murcia is approximately 882 square Km, and has a population of 1.3 million people, with about a third of these people living in and around the city of Murcia itself. The climate is warm, with an average winter temperature of 11 degrees and around 34 degrees in summer, and boasts more than 300 sunny days a year. A recent World Health Organisation study pronounced Murcia the cleanest province in Spain.
Murcia is easily reached thanks to its two international airports, Alicante which sees over 9m passengers per year, and Murcia / St Javier airport which sees 3m passengers per year. A third airport in Corvera is scheduled to open in 2009, to make the city of Murcia and surrounding areas even easier to reach. Railway links with Madrid and Valencia, as well as a good motorway network mean that Murcia is very accessible.
One of Murcia’s main features is the Costa Calida (Warm Coast) on the Mediterranean. It runs from Aguilas near Almeria in the south, to El Mojon on the boundary with Alicante in the north east. There is a n extensive and varied range of activities available including sailing, windsurfing, waterskiing and jet skiing, and much more, ensuring that there are plenty of new activities to try and something for everyone. From picturesque small fishing towns to mountains, the Costa Calida has it all.
Located in the south east of Murcia is Mar Menor, which at 170 square Km is the largest saltwater lagoon in the world. With its gentle winds and warm water, it is the ideal place for learning water sports as the high salt content makes it a safe place to swim. The waters are also believed to be therapeutic which has brought about spa tourism. The marshes surrounding Mar Menor have become a conservation area, and see a huge number and species of birds. Mar Menor is separated from the Mediterranean Sea by a 22km stretch of beach called La Manga del Mar Menor, which has become one of the most highly regarded resorts on the Mediterranean.
The region of Murcia is also rich with historical buildings and castles including those at Alamha, Mula and Lorca, whilst the port of Cartagena is a popular destination for cruise ships. San Javier is located just off the Mar Menor, and less than half an hour from both Murcia and Cartagena, making it very handy for the main airport and a number of golf courses.
Excellent golf facilities are another reason for the increasing visitor numbers. The most well known of these, is the La Manga resort, which includes a hotel, apartments and villas as well as world class golf courses designed by Robert Putnam and Arnold Palmer. The courses at Altorreal and Torrepacheco are also well liked.
The North and West of Murcia is mainly mountainous agricultural land, and the majority of Spain’s fruit and vegetable crop is grown around the river Segura. Indeed tomatoes, lettuce, oranges and lemons grown in Murcia can often be found in the supermarkets of other European countries.
The city of Murcia was founded in 825 by the Egyptians, and the region has been under varying political control throughout the centuries, including a period of independence in the 13th century and became independent again in 1982. The 18th century was a highly prosperous time for the region, mainly because of the silk trade, and the majority of the churches and monuments date from around this time. Nowadays, Murcia is the 7th largest city in Spain by population.
Standing on the banks of the river Segura, Murcia has been described as one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. The Moorish architecture and influence is very evident. The impressive cathedral was started in 1388 and took four centuries to complete. There are many celebrations and fiestas which take place all year round, and there is always plenty to do. Excellent shopping and varied cuisine are just two of the ways you can get to know Murcia better. Traditional arts and crafts such as weaving and embroidery remain popular. As well as celebrating its past, Murcia looks to the future with its impressive university building, and large student population.
The people of Murcia are very friendly by nature, and are welcoming tourism and residents from overseas. This region is very agricultural and horticultural, and has not seen the economic boom and commercialisation experienced by other regions of Spain. The traditional Spanish values and way of life are still evident here. The rise in Murcia’s popularity with tourists, as well as investments from regional government is improving infrastructure and facilities. Some new property developments have been permitted and Murcia is becoming a popular holiday home location. Strict planning regulations do not allow high rise buildings, and ensure that towns and cities are not over-developed.
Murcia is a very exciting part of Spain to visit or to live in, with plenty for everyone. Whether it’s a beach holiday, a golfing weekend or your new home, Murcia can provide it all.
Every year many thousands of properties in Spain are sold to foreign investors. What is the attraction? Firstly the country has a great climate and that is particularly appealing to those people living under the grey skies of northern Europe. Getting there is both quick and relatively cheap. A flight from London in the United Kingdom to Malaga on the south coast of Spain takes only a little over two hours. It is possible to get some very cheap flights with either one of the well known budget airlines or by picking up a spare seat on one of the hundreds of charters that fly to Spain every day.
There is a wide selection of property to choose from both in type and numbers. Consideration of the following points will help to narrow the search. Size of the property, the garden and the number of rooms required. People planning to emigrate with children should check out what schooling is available locally. Consider the local health & social services. Choose between a built up area or open countryside. How near is the beach, a town, the shops, the bars and restaurants, public transport, its frequency and what time does it stop in the evening?
Many developers looking to improve their own cash flow will offer property for sale off plan. The potential buyer may be able to view a show home but in many cases they are literally shown a development plan or a scale model. An initial deposit is payable followed by several stage payments. A couple of advantages, if property prices rise between purchase and the completion of the project the buyer will own a property worth more than they have paid for it. Secondly, most developers will allow the buyer some say in style and design of both the inside and outside of the house. The down side is the amount of time buyers will have to wait until the development is completed, often in excess of 12 months. And of course they don’t know what they are getting for their money until the property is completed.
The cheapest property available in a finished state is likely to be an apartment. These are often on an urbanizacion or housing estate that will often include other types of property such as townhouses and villas. These small communities will include a pool and landscaped gardens. Some kind of security is often employed either in the shape of guards or CCTV cameras. A community charge is payable to cover these facilities. A word of caution. Many of these properties are let to holidaymakers during the summer months. Some to English people with children. The noise these guys make while on holiday has to be heard to be believed. If it’s not the kids during the day it’s their drunken parents in the early hours of the morning.
A detached, purpose built villa offers more privacy and seclusion but it will cost more than a comparative property within a community.
Buyers looking for a more of the Spanish experience should look at properties within an established town or village. Many of these properties look small but are surprisingly spacious once inside.
A Finca is a property standing on a plot of land in the countryside. It may be a tumbledown farmhouse or a just completed villa. Many fincas have a good deal of land and this may have fruit orchards or olive groves.
Finding the right property should be no more than a question of looking. Once a decision has been made on the location and the type of property it is time to talk to the estate agent. Make certain this person is registered with the authorities and holds a license. Many estate agents have a background in time share developments so the hard sell can be expected. Any claims made by agents should, wherever possible, be substantiated by an independent source.
Any offers to purchase a property should be made in writing and include the following: The price, how it is to be paid and in what currency. The amount of the deposit, to ensure the property is withdrawn from the market, and when it is to be paid. The completion date. Who is responsible for the payment of which taxes. And a detailed list of what is included in the price, furniture, fixtures and fittings and a proviso that all systems, air conditioning, etc. are in good working order. It is vital that this is done in conjunction with a solicitor. Many English speaking solicitors are to be found throughout Spain. No document provided by an estate agent or others should be signed without a solicitor having prior site of it. This cannot be stressed enough.
When an offer is accepted the solicitor should firstly make a check with the land registry. If all is well a private contract binding both parties to the deal is prepared. Following that is the preparation of the public deeds (Escritura de Compraventa) which must be signed before a Spanish notary. Upon completion the solicitor will fax the title deed to the local land register confirming the identity of the new owner and ensuring that the property cannot be sold a second time.
There are certain charges involved with yearly maintenance of the property and these may include, community fees, electricity, real estate tax, rubbish collection charges, water. If the property generates rental income the owner will be liable
for property income and wealth tax. The estate agent should be able to provide this information.
A mortgage application in Spain is relatively straightforward. The following original documents need to be shown, passport, if employed, the last three months payslips and if self employed, accounts of the last 3 years, an accountant’s reference, and tax returns.
A further 10% of the agreed price will have to be found to cover additional fees that include: Legal fees of approximately 1%, Notary and Land Registry Fees of approximately 1%, Title Deed Tax of 0.5%. A Valia tax, payable on any increase in land value may be payable. On a new construction IVA tax is levied at 7%. It is charged at the full rate of 16% for purchases of land. Purchases of used property are subject to a transfer tax and this like the IVA comes in at 7%.
People planning to move to Spain for a period in excess of 6 months must apply for residency. Spanish property owners’ who do not have residency should appoint a financial representative and they must be resident in Spain. This can be a lawyer or tax adviser or to save a few Euros a neighbour or friend. It is to this person that all correspondence regarding the property will be sent.
Consider appointing a gestor or legal representative. They will look after all the paperwork and in Spain there’s plenty of it to look after. There’s that residency to begin with. People planing to work will need a work permit. If opening a business they can assist with the licenses and permits that will be required. They will also advise on the import of pets, cars, furniture and electrical goods. And they can sort out pension payments in Spain.
Not sure where to go for vacation? Well, Spain could be the perfect destination if you are looking for fantastic attractions, interesting sights, vibrant entertainment and night life, history, Spanish culture and recreation such as golfing, swimming and hiking, to name a few. The only problem you may face is the selection of great destinations from which to choose. You may have a hard time deciding where to go. Spain has so much to offer in terms of culture, interesting history, great adventure, fun and relaxation. A detailed map of Spain may help you make a decision as far as which part of Spain you want to visit. Regardless of your destination choice, you are sure to have a vacation of a lifetime with a full itinerary. Whether you are traveling alone, as a couple, with a group or as a family, you will find plenty for everyone to do and enjoy making Spain one of the most ideal vacation destinations. One way to help decide on a destination is to consider what sights you want to see, what recreational activities or hobbies you enjoy and any other preferences such as the beach or the breathtaking scenery of the countryside. For instance, if it is the beach you love, one of Spain’s popular coastal cities such as Alicante or Benidorm may be a great choice for you. Benidorm is particularly popular for its vibrant night life. If you want the hustle and bustle of the city and love museums and galleries, Madrid or Barcelona could be the perfect place for you. If you want to more deeply experience the Spanish culture, you may want to focus on one of the many smaller, quaint towns or villas found in both the countryside and along the Mediterranean coastline.
Another great aspect of vacationing in Spain is that you can find some affordable prices on flights and hotel accommodations. You can enjoy your vacation without the worry of overextending your finances and budget. The Internet is a great place to start your search, particularly on the many travel websites available which can offer great deals on hotels, flights and even health insurance. You can compare prices and packages at your convenience and in the comfort of your own home or office, as well as make the reservations. Ease of planning your vacation without hassle and inconvenience is, definitely, a great way to start your vacation even before arriving in Spain.
Johnathan Bakers writes articles essentially for http://www.alicante-spain.com , a website about spanish culture . His work on detailed map of Spain can be found on http://www.alicante-spain.com/spain.html .
Seasoned travelers to Spain who are looking for a new adventure should consider a road trip. Costa Calida is a superb starting point and home base for a day trip by auto. There are few better ways to see the beauty of the Spanish coast up close and personal. From the majestic mountains, to the white sand beaches and sparkling blue-green Mediterranean Sea, the scenery is breathtaking.
Costa Calida, located in the Murcia region of Spain, is gaining popularity with tourists. Rivaling neighbor coastal regions, such as Costa Blanca and Costa Almeria, the area offers some competitive advantages. It lags behind its coastal neighbors in urban development. This means that accommodations (hotels, villa rentals, resorts, etc.) in this region are often cheaper.
Much of the region’s natural beauty has been preserved. Where development has occurred, the goal has been to build in harmony with nature. Much of the area’s commercial and residential design blends with the surrounding environment. Trees, beaches, and mountains have been left largely undisturbed. The result of this careful planning may be evident in a recent World Health Organization report.
WHO rated the province of Murcia the cleanest in Spain. The clean air is just one more boost for tourism along Costa Calida.
Tourists can start their Spanish holiday at any number of Costa Calida accommodations. Self-catered holidays are extremely popular in Spain. Choosing a rental villa, private residence-for-hire or other self-catered accommodation allows travelers freedom to determine their own schedules. Self-catering is also less expensive. This is a great option for holiday-makers who prefer to spend most of their time sightseeing.
For tourists who long for a pampered vacation, there are a number of all-inclusive resorts to choose from. Clubs and resorts offer recreational activities, superb cuisine and even entertainment for children.
Seeing the sights of Costa Calida by auto is relatively easy. Many local attractions are within a day’s drive or less from the region.
For foreign travelers visiting Spain for the first time, hiring a local driver may be a wise option. A local guide will be more familiar with driving laws and the idiosyncrasies of Spain’s highways. This is especially true for visitors from outside of Europe and the UK. Visitors who are unfamiliar with driving in Spain may have difficulty getting around. It may also require obtaining a special driver’s license.
Depending on where a tourist’s accommodations are, some cities also have excellent public transportation systems. The cost is usually fairly minimal. Taxi service is also reliable, but can get costly depending on travel distance. A better option may be to join up with a bus tour. Companies run regular bus trips to attractions and sites in areas surrounding Murcia and up and down Costa Calida.
Traveling by bus allows tourists to relax and not worry about driving. Guides are professional and knowledgeable about the areas they visit. It’s an excellent way to learn about the rich history of Spain while seeing the sights.
It’s well worth a visitor’s time to take a road trip even without making any major stops. The entire Costa Calida can be driven in just a few hours. The variety in terrain and the contrast between cities and villages makes driving in Spain an adventure worth taking.
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How about Las Vegas next time?
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