Madeira – Hole in One

Plans for a new Nick Faldo designed golf course and luxury property development in the Ponta do Pargo region of Madeira, which offers an “excellent property investment opportunity” from as little as £5,750, are close to being finalised…

Following on from the success of the recently constructed Palheiro Golf resort on the island, planning consent has been award for the construction of a new 18-hole golf resort in the Ponta do Pargo.

Commenting on his website, Nick Faldo said: “The enduring feature of our project at Ponta do Pargo is the sheer dramatic nature of the site. The routing that we are currently developing makes full use of the cliff-tops of a broad headland that juts out into the clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean below; it is absolutely stunning.

“With many of the holes hugging the cliff-tops and views across the ocean from much of the course, this will certainly be an aesthetically appealing round of golf; but, most of all, this design will appeal to any golfer with a thoughtful approach to their game and an appreciation for the strategic elements that will characterise this exciting design.”

Property values in the Ponta do Pargo region are expected to boom over the next few years, on the back of the decision to give the golf scheme the go-ahead, and shrewd property investors have already started to take note.

Morgan Forbes, a low risk commissionable broker ship that specialises in asset backed investments, has already been given permission to build a high-end apart-hotel scheme, with off-plan units, available on a share certificate basis, offered for a deposit of as little as £5,750, with a low total investment of just £15,620.

A number of the rooms have already been reserved by international investors attracted to the high property investment returns potentially on offer.

Michael Nascimento, director of Morgan Forbes, reports that based on an average occupancy rate of 64% in the local area, the Ponta do Pargo Resort project is expected to yield an annual rental return of close to 11%.

In addition to the high yearly income, the scheme offers excellent prospects for future capital growth. Furthermore, all investors will receive a 0.1% share of any future sale of the resort, which has already been valued at €40m (£37m). That’s a whopping £37,000 per investor. Not a bad return on a total investment of just £15,620!

(source The Move Chanell)

A Portuguese double treat – Madeira and Porto Santo

Britain’s leading guided walks operator, Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, is offering a one week tour combining the wonderful Portuguese islands of Madeira and Porto Santo.

And, at the end of each day’s exhilarating walking, enjoy the comfort of four star hotels, Vila Baleira Thalassa (Porto Santo) and the Vila Galé Hotel in Santa Cruz, Madeira.

The holiday begins with a flight to Porto Santo staying two nights and enjoying leisurely walking on the island and even a game of golf!

After Porto Santo one visits Madeira for five nights in Santa Cruz where one can savour the island’s beautiful scenery.

Price from £955 per person includes, return flights, transfers, half board accommodation and the services of a tour leader.

For more information, visit ramblersholidays.co.uk.

(source Easier.com)

Property buyers toast to Madeira

Madeira, 1000 km over sea south-west from Portugal’s capital Lisbon, is famous for its sweet wine which was a staple purchase for exploring ships on route to the New World hundreds of years ago. Today this autonomous region of Portugal still pulls in the crowds seeking that taste of the rich liquor coupled with the relaxed and warm Mediterranean climate. Some still come by boat in the form of bustling cruise ships but more so via air and with new flights announced by Jet2.com for 2010, tourism is set to grow meaning an increase in footfall on to the island and good news for property buyers ready to open their doors to holiday rentals.

In 1963 the airport was opened in Madeira, full of eager passengers from Germany, Scandinavia and the UK seeking winter sun and a Mediterranean alternative to the Costa del Sol package holidays. This reigns true today with Madeira attracting a discerning profile of tourists throughout the year. Cruise arrivals to the archipelago are still popular with Funchal, the capital, still a favoured port on the Atlantic cruise routes. As well as for sunshine (and the wine!) visitors now come for holidays with a difference; Madeira has much to offer in the way of leisure activities including walking, surfing, deep-sea fishing and mountaineering. But of course the 20 beautiful blue flag beaches are still a huge draw!

Jet2.com the low cost airline will begin flights from Manchester airport from 3rd May 2010 for as little as £49.99 one way (including taxes) to Funchal. Ian Doubtfire, Managing Director at Jet2.com comments, “Madeira is a stunning island and an absolutely fantastic summer holiday destination which I am sure will be extremely popular with our customers in the North West and beyond.”

Duarte Ferreira, Director at Madeira Airport, goes on to say, “The launch of this new scheduled route is extremely positive news for Madeira and will open up this beautiful region to many more visitors. The creation of this brand new link, especially at a time when other operators are looking to cut costs and services, plays such an important role for tourism in the region, benefiting the local economy and people working and living on the island. We hope that this partnership with Jet2.com will result in the opening of several new routes from the UK in the near future.”

For Experience International, the overseas property agency, Jet2.com’s news simply reinforces their reasons for offering property on the island especially at this time when people are more cautious of investing overseas or are unsure of where is a safe option for their hard-earned cash. Their new off plan development, Azulara, situated on the hillside overlooking Funchal bay and the capital city, comprises of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments for investors with as little as £11,307 cash to spend. With entry levels of only €251,530, Azulara is sure to be a big hit providing the opportunity for holiday lets whilst allowing owners the option of enjoying the property themselves.

Funchal is without doubt the busiest town on this relatively quiet island, it has the appeal of the port plus amenities such as restaurants and shops to satisfy every visitor plus the added bonus of the most sunshine on the island!

Steve Worboys, MD of Experience International comments, “The Azulara Resort matches up with the high expectations that visitors have coming to Madeira with its 5* amenities – spa, gymnasium, swimming pools and exclusive Members Club plus build finishes to exacting standards. Every effort has been made to provide investors with value for money and a secure investment platform including deposit protection for the buyer. The location on the hillside above Funchal speaks for itself in terms of its appeal, it is without doubt a prime spot on the island; there are 180 degree panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean – the perfect place for our clients to enjoy a glass or two of Madeira wine!”

For more information, visit madeira-property.net.

(source Easier.com)

TAP Portugal Pilots to Strike

TAP Portugal has announced that, due to an industrial action called on by the pilots union, some disruptions in its operations are expected for Thursday and Friday, September 24 and 25.

The company says that it has taken all measures to minimize its impact on operations and to ensure, as much as possible, that ticketed travel is granted with its own fleet or on alternative flights.

Flights operated by TAP’s regional airline Portugalia (PGA) are not affected and will maintain their actual schedules. As defined by law, minimum services are also granted in order to ensure connections within Portugal on both days, namely between Lisbon and the Azores (all flights) and between Lisbon and Madeira. Flights to Luanda, Angola and to Luxemburg are included as well.

In addition to those, TAP is also re-programming operations as follows: Long haul flights (Brazil, Africa, Venezuela and U.S.) are to be operated mainly on other carriers’ chartered flights. In order to grant services to medium haul destinations, namely Europe, the company is currently working on alternative solutions, which are to be made available at this site as soon as possible. Whenever possible, customers with existing bookings that wish to change their flights to alternative dates may do so (subject to availability).

In order to avoid further inconveniences and have access to updated information on flights, Passengers are kindly requested to contact the company’s Call Center (phone: 707-205-700 in Portugal or 011-351-707-205-700 outside Portugal), consult www.flytap.com or contact travel agents prior to travel.

TAP also advises customers to contact the company’s staff or its Handling Agent assisting personnel at the airport for further information.

(source Travel Agent Central)

Madeira spas, sun, sea and hot sands

A raft of new hotel and spa openings has repositioned the island of Madeira as one of Europe’s leading spa destinations, and new flights to Funchal from Manchester with Jet2.com, starting in May 2010, will make the island increasingly accessible for travellers from the north of England. Read more

Madeira Paragliding Meeting

The Madeira Paragliding Championship 2009 takes place from 1 – 5 October, with various events being organised around the competition which is held on the Saturday and Sunday afternoons (3 and 4 Oct). Read more

Forget Monaco, welcome to Madeira

Toss the orthopaedic footwear and bring on the Manolos! Madeira may once have been a destination for primarily blue-rinse coach guests, but it has evolved into a stylish island discovered by a new generation of travellers. Read more

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