Gran Canaria´s hottest Real Estate News

Spanish mainland holiday home market double dips

2011-08-16T11:23:00.000+01:00

Property prices on Spain’s Mediterranean coast are now falling at nearly double the rate they were a year ago, according to TINSA.

The index shows prices in the region fell 9.5% in the year to the end of July 2011, compared with price falls of 5% a year earlier.

Interestingly, the pattern is not repeated on the Balearic and Canary islands where prices fell just 2.5%, significantly below the average Spanish house price fall of 6.4% and well below the declines seen in mainland coastal regions.

The most obvious explanation for the disparity is that the Balaeric and Canary islands have less issue with oversupply than areas such as the Costa del Sol. It is also likely that the statistics from these island destinations reflect the higher proportion of international buyers as a proportion of the total market.

Double dip

After sharp declines in 2009, the rate of price falls began to slow in 2010, prompting speculation from some commenters that the market was beginning to stabilize.

However, it seems much more likely that an illusion of stability was created by loose monetary policy (quantitative easing, low interest rates) and more importantly by Spanish banks not releasing stock onto the market.

The property boom was created by a huge credit bubble and the bust will not be over until the banks complete a painful process of de-leveraging. This means even tougher lending conditions and further increases in supply.

Of course the average figures are always misleading and a few prime areas will escape relatively unscathed.

If you want more information about the property market in the Canary Islands, especially in Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura GoldAcre Estates can help you. Great properties for sale, businesses, plots are available, if you are interested click on the following links:
http://www.goldacreestatesgrancanaria.com/english/index.asp or

http://www.goldacre-estates.com/english/index.html

Source: Global edge

The Irish company Ryanair, carried more than a half of all Spain´s tourists in July, Gran Canaria and Tenrerife being one of the favorite destinations

2011-08-15T11:38:00.001+01:00

The Irish company Ryanair, carried more than a half of all Spain´s tourists in July, Gran Canaria and Tenrerife being one of the favorite destinations

According to Ryanair, passengers flying to Spain Increased by 800,000 in July, which represents a rise of 25% compare to last month. During the month of July a total of 1.4 million passengers went to Spain, half of them with Ryanair.

Numbers of Ryanair ’s passenger have grown dramatically in all its major Spanish airports. The Canary Islands is one of the regions with the greatest rise in Spain. The airport of Gran Canaria saw a growth in traffic of 74% while the airports of Tenerife and Lanzarote experienced a growth of 92% and 89% respectively compare to last month.

The Canary Islands is the only place in "Europe" which offers sun and pleaseant temperature during winter time and it is only few hours away flight from northern Europe.

So if you are interested in buying or renting a property in the Canary Islands, GoldAcre Estates is there for you and will help you to find the property in Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura that meet your needs.

If you want more information about the Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura click on the following links

http://www.goldacreestatesgrancanaria.com/english/grancanaria/gran-canaria-information.html

http://www.goldacre-estates.com/english/pages/more/fuerteventura.html

Or about great opportunities in these both islands

http://www.goldacreestatesgrancanaria.com/english/index.asp

http://www.goldacre-estates.com/english/index.html

The XV festival of theatre, Music and Dance will finish this friday

2011-08-12T17:28:00.001+01:00

The XV Festival of Theatre, Music and Dance in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria will finish this Friday with the adaption by the Galician Centro Dramatico of “ La Opera de cuatro curators” of Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill. A great play theatre directed by Quico Cadaval, starring the actor Luis Tosar.

A total of 14 companies among local, national and international, have palyed in this Festival that started in early July with the show “Sueño de una noche de Verano”.

The event has changed its concept; it used to be only a festival of art and theatre with very few musical performances. This year we could enjoy a lot of concerts and in different places, not only in Santa Catalina.

Gran Canaria is a great place to live and hopefully tourists had the chance to know better this island and its culture during the festival. There are many things to discover and see, such as playa del cura or playa del ingles and great landscapes all over the island.

Besides to be one of the greatest places to live in Europe, the Canary Islands offers great investment opportunities. Amazing properties, plots, businesses can be found at a very competitive price, with always a very good rental potential, as the canary Islands attracts more than 10 million visitors a year.

Among all the real estate agencies in the Canary Islands, GoldAcre Estates stands out. With properties for sale in Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura, it has always been one of the favourite agencies for both locals and tourists because of its international team which can attend its customers in more than 6 languages.

If you want any further information about Gran Canaria or if you want to invest in businesses or properties, GoldAcre Estates will help and advice you.

Contact info@goldacre-estates.com, call 0034-928535044,

or click on the following link http://www.goldacreestatesgrancanaria.com/english/index.asp

The number of foreign residents increased by 4.4% in the Canary Islands

2011-08-11T13:47:00.000+01:00

The number of authorized foreign residents increased by 4.4% in the Canary Islands compare to last year, according to data collected by Europa Press.

In the end of December 2010, there were in the Canary Islands 250,033 foreign residents with valid residence permits .

Regarding the country of origin, the first place is occupied by Germany with 28,301 residents, followed by UK (25 295) and Italy (23 352) and Colombia (21,110), Morocco (19 090), Cuba (11,785) and China (8653) .

By provinces, 139,647 of the foreign residents are concentrated in Las Palmas, while 110,386 in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

The Canary Islands has always been one of the favorite place for north European citizens, especially for British and Germans, but Italians, Belgians and French are more and more numerous as well thanks to the great quality of life of the Canary Islands. The life is much cheaper as well and great opportunities can be found regarding property.

GoldAcre Estates, one of the leading real estates company in Fuertevenutra and GranCanaria is a very family and international business. It offers a large selection of property, plot and businesses for sale at a very competitive price. No matter where you’re from, the GoldAcre team will attend you either in English, Spanish, Arabic, German, Greek, Portuguese or French and will help you finding the property you have always been looking for.

If you want more information about the Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura click on the following links

http://www.goldacreestatesgrancanaria.com/english/grancanaria/gran-canaria-information.html

http://www.goldacre-estates.com/english/pages/more/fuerteventura.html

Or about great opportunities in these both islands

http://www.goldacreestatesgrancanaria.com/english/index.asps

http://www.goldacre-estates.com/english/index.html

The theme park of Grancaventura will open its doors in the beginning of 2012 in Gran Canaria, Canary Islands.

2011-08-08T11:47:00.004+01:00

According to GCI (Gran Canaria Info), the theme park of Grancaventura will offer a different kind of entertainment for tourists and locals. Anything to see with the usual past time of the island, no sea, no beach just thrill.

The construction started last week, the event was held in Arucas with the presence of the president of the Canary Islands, Paulino Rivero, the mayor of Arucas Angel Torres and the entrepreneur Ramon Ramos.

Grancaventura, in the city of Arucas, will be the first multi adventure theme park in the Canary Islands. Activities such as paintball, archery, trampolines will be at the disposal of the visitors.

The construction will take around 6 months and Ramon Ramos will invest 1, 5 million euros.

This is going to be so much fun; any lover of adrenaline will be delighted.

Anything you want to know about Gran Canaria or if you want to invest in businesses or properties, GoldAcre Estates will help and advice you.

Contact info@goldacre-estates.com, call 0034-928535044, or click on the following link http://www.goldacreestatesgrancanaria.com/english/index.asp

The province of the Canary Islands is the fourth area where property prices have dropped the most, 10.27% compare to last year.

2011-08-05T15:31:00.003+01:00

According to pisos.com, properties in Canary Islands in July of 2011 have an average price of 1756 euros m2. This figure means a drop of 1.64% compare to last month when the average price was 1785 euros m2. Compare to 2010, prices have fallen by 10.27%, at that time the price for one meter square was 1.957 euros. Tenerife and Las Palmas are the islands where the prices have decreased the most.

The Autonomous region of the Canary Islands are one of the cheapest places to buy a property. Invest in the Canary Islands now is very attractive, the economy is getting better and numbers of tourists have increased for the last few months. Places such as GranCanaria, Fuerteventura or Tenerife offer properties at a very good price, whether you want buy for a holiday home or to rent it out, the rental potential is very good as 10 million visitors come to the Canary Islands and during the whole year round because of the lovely dry and warm weather the archipelago offers from January to December with temperature which seldom descends below 15 degrees. Amongst the best opportunities on the market, one agency stands out. GoldAcre Estates SL has been offering great opportunities both for sale and rent and providing advice and help during the whole purchase procedure to all its clients. From apartment to big villas, GoldAcre Estates offers the most complete selection of properties in Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura

Anything you want to know about Gran Canaria or Fuerteventura click on the following links

http://www.goldacreestatesgrancanaria.com/english/grancanaria/gran-canaria-information.html

http://www.goldacre-estates.com/english/pages/more/fuerteventura.html

Or you are interested in buying a property in Gran Canaria or Fuerteventura click http://www.goldacreestatesgrancanaria.com/english/index.asp or http://www.goldacre-estates.com/english/index.html

Numbers of flights increased dramatically in the Canary Islands, sign that the economy is getting better

2011-08-04T17:36:00.000+01:00

Since the beginning of august numbers of flights coming to and leaving the Canary Islands have increased dramatically, according to ISLAND CONNECTION, more than 4700 flights will land and take off from the different islands. Gran Canaria, and Tenerife will be the busiest airports, compare to the same period last year, there has been an increase of 7% (14% for Fuerteventura).

Around 600,000 passengers are expected to pass across the airports in the next few days. Gran Canaria will receive around 165,000 passengers (+7.2% compare to last year) and Tenerife South around 142.000 (+9.8%).

All these figures are very encouraging for the Canary Islands which have seen the unemployment rates decrease quite enough and everything suggests it will go on this way. The property market is benefiting as well of all this improvement. GoldAcre Estates is one of the agency which has always offered the best opportunity for sale and rent in both Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura thanks to its knowledge and experience of the Canary Islands market.

For any further information about Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura or the property market GoldAcre Estates will be pleased to help you. Contact info@goldacre-estates.com, call 0034-928535044, or click on the following links http://www.goldacreestatesgrancanaria.com/english/index.asp or http://www.goldacre-estates.com/english/index.html

Playa del Ingles and Maspalomas will experience changes

2011-08-03T12:29:00.004+01:00

La playa del inglés y de las Maspalomas, the most popular beaches of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria , Canary Islands will experience some changes. The numbers of “beach bar” will be reduced but the ones remaining will be extended.
These beach bars will offer showers, locker rooms where customers could leave their belongings and more tables. The hammocks and beach umbrellas will be refurbished as well. The Consorcio Maspalomas Gran Canaria will take care of all these changes, and will invest around 500.000 euros.
These beaches which already enjoy a very good reputation amongst tourists and grancanarions will be even better thanks to its changes and the efforts made by the city.

If you want any other information about Gran Canaria or are intersting in buying a property there, GoldAcre Estates can help you. Contact info@goldacre-estates.com, call 0034-928535044, or browse options http://www.goldacreestatesgrancanaria.com/english/index.asp

More flights to Canary Islands

2011-06-22T10:35:00.006+01:00

Aer Lingus today announced 10 new routes as part of its winter schedule for 2011/2012 including a route from Cork to Las Palmas, Gran Canaria.
The new service will operate once weekly, commencing on Sunday October 30.
This route expands on the extensive choice already on offer to Aer Lingus customers travelling to the Canary Islands, with scheduled services also available from Ireland to Lanzarote, Tenerife and Fuerteventura. The Canary Islands is the only place in "Europe" which offers sun and pleaseant temperature during winter time and it is only few hours away flight from home. If you are interested in buying or renting a property, GoldAcre is there for you and help you to find the house in Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura that meet your needs.

If you need information about our company please contact info@goldacre-estates.com, call 0034 928535044, browse options http://goldacre-estates.com or visit http://buyin-fuerteventura.com

Source: Breakingnews.ie

Whats Next for Sterling V Euro Exchange Rates in Gran Canaria?

2010-11-29T11:06:00.003Z

What next for sterling V euro exchange rates in Gran Canaria?

Heres the latest round up from Callum at the Foremost Currency Group: The market last week for the Royal Pair has been characterized by range-bound trading, thin liquidity and a loss of risk appetite from investors nervous of a stuttering UK recovery. The exchange rate last week opened 1.167 to close of 1.18……

Early in the week there was selling pressure on the Euro as investors wanted to see if Ireland accepted the rescue package and what affect this would have on the wider Euro economy and particularly any anticipated contagion to the “sick men of Europe”.This resulted in a strong Sterling outlook resulting in 2 month high on Weds. However, gains were relatively soft as general consensus was that a Euro safety net lending capacity had been established for the weakest Euro economies and that lending would be accompanied by Euro currency buying by their central banks.

At home confidence in the pound was generally weak as eyes turned to Monetary Policy Committee’s (MPC) stance on Quantitative Easing (QE), Thursday’s inflation report hearing by the Treasury Support Committee (TSC) and the Q3 GDP report on Wednesday.Whilst Mervyn King’s comments that any inflationary pressure could be soaked up by spare capacity in the UK economy this was widely seen by MPC dissenters as in line with the MPC’s dovish nature and in agreement with the governments fears for the economy due to the lowest mortgage approvals since March 09 and weak domestic demand. The fact that Q3 GDP second estimate remained at 0.8% and hopes that exports could offset weak domestic demand did not make the squawk box busier for demand of Sterling.

This framed by the tensions in Korea, generally subdued global markets and the US holiday Thursday saw a quiet week with uncertainty the overriding feature.

Weekly Data:

Below we list the main data releases for the week that may impact on Sterling exchange rates. Over the last week it was developments in the Eurozone that dominated the markets and moved currency rates, so to make sure you are kept up to date with what’s happening in the market.

Over the course of the last month, buying €150,000.00 at the high compared to the low would have saved you nearly £8000.00 – clearly illustrating the importance of arming yourself with the necessary knowledge to help you make the decision on which type of contract to use, and when to fix your rate.

To ensure you receive the best rate you can contact the Foremost Currency Group directly or speak to Goldacre Estates regarding the best offers for Euro based property in Gran Canaria on 0034-928565613 or contact info@goldacre-estates.com.

Las Palmas Airport Extension Approved

2010-07-13T12:26:00.001+01:00

The Environment Ministry or EIA has approved the extension of Gran Canaria’s airport at Las Palmas-Gando after having carried out an environmental impact assessment. Following their guidelines the expansion is part of wider plans by AENA to invest €3 billion across the Canary Island airports. The expansion is required to accommodate the projected growth in passengers expected to be some 16 Million by 2015 with aircraft movement rising to 170,000 by 2025. Continued investment in the Island will benefit not just the yearly visitors but foreign residents as well as the cost and frequency of flights improve making it ever easier for home owners to visit the mainland and Northern Europe.

Golf Tourism Increasing In Canariy Islands

2010-07-05T17:21:00.003+01:00

Despite the recession, golf tourism in the Canaries experienced an increase in 2009 according to the Canarian department of tourism. Over 360,000 tourists from across the world and 15,000 from mainland Spain visited the Islands making an increase of 3.5%. The main Golf destinations are still those better known Islands of Tenerife and for Golf in particular La Gomera, however there has been growing interest in Gran Canaria now accounting for 30% followed by Lanzarote and Fuerteventura accounting for 13%. Gran Canaria has over 8 courses to choose from including the 2 at Anfi Tauro, Salobre Golf 18 hole, El Cortijo 18, the Maspalomas & Meloneras 18 holes, Las Palmeras 18 and the Real Club de Golf in Las Palmas. According to the statistics, over 55% of visitors arrange their accommodation via the internet with 32% staying in 4 star hotels for a longer than average of 12 days. Of course with the all year sunshine offered in the Canaries it is unsurprising to find that it is the winter season that is most popular, however there has been a move also towards the summer. Traditionally second home owners have chosen the winter months to enjoy their Island homes in the sun however summer holidays are as popular as ever and there has been increasing private accommodation on offer for those looking for a more personal experience.

Windsurfing Championships Gran Canaria is on!

2010-06-18T11:18:00.008+01:00

Windsurfing Championship Pozo Gran Canaria 2010 is on!

The PWA have confirmed the Gran Canaria Grand Prix is on this year between 6th and 9th of July at Pozo Izquierdo. All events seam to be cut down to 4 days and this year it looks like it will be a wave only event. Due to the late confirmation the entry period is rather limited with a closing date of 23rd June. Pozo has a reputation for strong winds due to its exposed position along the Vecindario coastline which makes it an ideal venue this time of year. The shoreline further South tends to be more sheltered with sandy beaches and protected coves. The last bay is Puerto Mogan, home to 'Little Venice' and its marina, popular with cruise yachts and visitors who enjoy the tropical microclimate the Mogan valley offers. For more information about the Island, events and properties for sale visit the 'more' section of http://www.goldacreestatesgrancanaria.com/

Work with us in Gran Canaria

2010-06-03T14:07:00.002+01:00

Work with us!
Sales advisors required.

Are you a sales professional looking for a fabulous opportunity in Gran Canaria ?
GoldAcre Estates is one of the most successful Estate Agencies specialising in Property, Commercial and Business sales Gran Canaria. Our success is built upon TEAM work, professionalism and honesty as well as efficient internal systems that are second to none. We are now looking for an additional professional sales advisor to join our team.

If you have a strong sales background, the ability think and act quickly and have an enthusiasm to earn, as well as learn, then we would be very interested in speaking to you.

You will need to speak English, but a second language, such as Spanish, Russian or other European Language would be an advantage. You will also be of a smart professional appearance and have your own car. In return you will benefit from a constant throughput of appointments made for you and generated by both extensive marketing campaigns and efficient lead management processes to add to your own investment in obtaining clients using the extensive resources made available to you.

You will be covered by professional indemnity insurance and have access to an extensive portfolio of exclusive new developments, resale properties, businesses for sale and commercial properties. With the support, training and backing of GoldAcre Estates, your potential for earnings will be unmatched.

To apply for this life changing experience in GoldAcre Estates, please email your CV to info@goldacre-estates.com along with a covering letter.

Stronger Sterling For Euro Property Buyers in Spain

2010-05-26T12:38:00.002+01:00

Latest Financial and Currency News from Halo Financial: As suspected, Sterling had rather a good day yesterday. The economic growth data (the change in gross domestic product to give it its proper name) was spot on forecast and at 0.3% growth was a slight improvement on the first estimate published a month ago. That, combined with further details of the UK government’s spending cuts and the Queen’s speech outlining the rest of their plans was enough to give Sterling a boost. It finished the day at higher levels against all comers. The lack of UK data today should prompt a bit of profit taking and that began even before the UK markets had closed yesterday.
The Euro was on the back foot all day yesterday while the debate about what is going to happen to the euro rages on. The financial support package is seen as no more than a sticking plaster (band aid) to mask the structural problems of the Eurozone. One commentator put it neatly, (in comments I read last night but can’t find this morning) so my apologies for the plagiarism but I can paraphrase his comments as, either the Eurozone needs to integrate fully on a financial basis or the Euro needs to be abandoned. It is a stark warning that fits my belief from day one of the Euro’s establishment. The member states were always fearful of taking that final step towards full currency integration; that of combining fiscal policy. And now that we have been through the last year of Eurozone drama, I find it highly unlikely they will be tempted to do so; well certainly the Germans won’t. However, Pier Carlo Padoan, the chief economist of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), said this morning that the weaker Euro is good news for the Eurozone and it may even be responsible for the EU avoiding a double dip recession. It’s a bold assertion but we have a long way to go before we can be certain the Eurozone is in a permanent path to recovery.
Elsewhere, the US Dollar remains the currency of choice amongst investors and traders alike. US consumer confidence hit a two year high this month; slowing job losses and stable inflation will have helped in that and the confidence that international investors have in the American government’s ability to both repair the economy and repay debt is keeping the US Dollar in demand. The Sterling - US Dollar exchange rate remains in a band between $1.42 and $1.45 and seems set to stay there until it is removed with a crow bar.
Overnight news that the Australian economy is in bullish mood came from the Westpac leading indicators index which posted its greatest gain in four months. However, this data is for March and a lot has happened in the interim including the Reserve Bank of Australia being cautious enough to virtually confirm they are not raising interest rates any further and a cooling of commodity prices which account for a large proportion of Australia’s exports. The Australian Dollar strengthened initially but that pace has slowed. However, I still think we will see another dip to A$ 1.72 or lower on the Sterling - Aussie Dollar exchange rate as the lack of UK data weighs on the Pound.
The Sterling - Canadian Dollar exchange rate has moved higher and consolidated in the last five days or so. It is back above the C$ 1.52 level that was a significant support level through March, April and early May. C$ 1.56 was the resistance level for that period so we have to be hopeful we will see another test of that line in the days ahead. Tensions in Korea, the failure of a Spanish Bank and a drop off in the recent high commodity market prices are all weighing on the Canadian Dollar but it does remain a very attractive economy in comparison with most others, so I am not expecting a massive dive in the value of the Canadian Dollar.
And finally, I don’t know if you clicked on Google’s main page in the last few days but the tribute to Pac Man’s 30th birthday was a playable version of the game. It was great and I must admit to having a sneaky play when I first saw it. All those nights in local pubs playing the table top version of the game shone through and I was pretty good at it even if I say so myself. Apparently I was not alone. It is estimated that 549 years of man hours were used up on the day as each visitor to the page stayed for an average of 3 times longer than normal. ‘Addictive’ is just too small a word for it. Gawd help us when it is Tetris’s birthday.... Or Donkey Kong’s...or Space Invaders....or Frogger’s... or Asteroids....

Hotel Expansion in Arguinguin Gran Canaria

2010-05-21T13:02:00.004+01:00

The Rezidor Hotel Group has announced that it will open a new hotel on Gran Canaria, Spain in 2012. The Gran Canaria Radisson BLU Residence will be a short distance from the village of Arguineguin and contain 144 apartments, all offering a sea view. Rezidor Hotel Group operates more than 190 Radisson BLU hotels in the Middle East, Africa and Europe, including Radisson BLU hotels in Oslo, London, Copenhagen, Stockholm and Gothenburg. "We are very pleased with the continued growth in Spain, where we recently opened the first Radisson BLU hotel in Madrid," says Kurt Ritter, president and CEO of Rezidor Hotel Group. "This opening also underlines our commitment to an ambitious growth of our young and stylish portfolio of hotels." "We are pleased that we can expand our cooperation with Rezidor and are confident that we will provide increased value to the Gran Canaria tourist industry, " added Lars Wenaas, owner of the new hotel.

This and other long term investments confirm faith in the Canary Islands as still being a popular destination for many tourists. Property prices have fallen by 6% less than mainland Spain, another good indicator. GoldAcre Estates of Mogan, Gran Canaria have also noticed a steady increase in enquiries for second homes.

Gran Canaria is one of Europe's southernmost outposts and is located just 150 kilometers from the north west coast of Africa. With a mild year round climate, Gran Canaria is a popular holiday destination for travellers to Spain and the island is famous for its idyllic beaches and stunning landscape.. The new Radisson BLU Residence will be located on the south coast of Gran Canaria along the oceanfront, near the popular village of Arguineguin. This is one of the most sought after locations on the Island, and the World Metrological Society believe it has one of, if not the best climates in the world.The hotel will offer a modern recreation area with pool, tennis court and a complete spa. At the hotel customers will also find five meeting rooms and a separate section for those who need to work while on vacation. About the Rezidor Hotel Group The Rezidor Hotel Group is one of the fastest growing hotel chains in the world. The Group has a portfolio of more than 385 hotels in operation or under development with over 83,000 rooms in 62 countries, including luxury hotels in London, Paris and Rome. Rezidor operates the brands the Radisson BLU Hotels & Resorts, Regent Hotels & Resorts, Park Inn and Country Inns & Suites in Europe, Middle East and Africa. Under a global licensing agreement with the classic Italian fashion house Missoni, operates and develops Rezidor also the new lifestyle hotel chain Hotel Missoni.

Sterling at 1.166 Euros and UK Property Sales Increasing

2010-05-11T17:52:00.002+01:00

What Does the higher Pound and increasing UK property prices mean for property buyers in the Eurozone and Canary Islands? Halo Financials latest report reads:
We live in very interesting times. The markets were loving the almost imminent agreement between the Lib-Dems and the Conservatives as evidenced by the strength of the Pound which rallied by two cents against the Euro and for cents against the US Dollar during Monday but those loving feelings were dashed when Gordon Brown was forced to announce his resignation in order to allow a dialogue between the Lib-Dems and Labour. Sterling slumped on the news. I am sure Gordon thinks that was because he was leaving and everyone was sad but, at the risk of disappointing our soon to be ex-Prime Minister, it was much more evident that the fall of the Pound had more to do with the ‘cuts later’ approach that the Lib-Dems and Labour prefer when they talk about the UK budget deficit.
Today is seen by many as being crunch time for the parties to agree a deal and it may well be that the party which received the most votes and won the most seats doesn’t get into office and the other possible outcome is a Lib-Dem /Labour coalition which would be a minority government with plans to delay tackling the budget deficit until next year. Sterling is not going to react well if that is the outcome.
The other major play of yesterday was the finalisation of the agreement within the EU and with the aid of the International Monetary Fund to stump up three quarters of a trillion Euros to avoid the Greek debt crisis pervading the rest of the Eurozone. Their efforts were bolstered by a massive cash injection by the US authorities as well but the debate still rages over whether this will stop the rot and whether it would be enough if the problem started to spread to the obvious candidates of Portugal, Spain and Ireland. These three plus Greece have, rather disparagingly been referred to as the PIGS and grouped together because of their fragile economic conditions. The announcement of the rescue package was initially greeted with Euro weakness against the Pound which was being bolstered by the hope of an agreement between the Lib-Dems and the Tories but as that deal looked more shaky and the questions started over whether the rescue plan was big and robust enough, Sterling slipped and the Euro was flattered by the effects. Against the US Dollar though, the Euro had rather a good day but these short term moves mask the longer term problems with the current arrangements. The Eurozone appears to be a little too happy to bend its own rules for most market participants’ tastes and the packages of measures outlined are less a cohesion of the Eurozone alliance than they are protection of some members against some others. That is an odd kind of gang to belong to and recent events have virtually destroyed the premise of the Euro as a reserve currency; an aspiration that the founders of the Eurozone held and an ‘inevitability’ that was being espoused as recently as the end of 2009.
For its part, the US Dollar has been exceedingly volatile in the last few days as it has been bought and sold by knee jerking international investors. Frightened about the Eurozone? Then buy US treasuries. Think the Eurozone problems are near resolution? Then sell the US Treasuries and buy something with a greater yield. The seesawing action that these swings produce and which will often take days to play out, has been very evident in a very short time span. Further uncertainty is almost inevitable and further volatility will follow.
I had an email yesterday from someone who, having read the Daily Currency Insight, said “None the wiser about the Long term” and having read the report back, I must admit I didn’t outline a long term projection. The reason is that with the two major UK and European stories still very unclear and mixed data coming from the US and elsewhere, long term planning is very much a lottery right now. Chart wise, the Pound ought to start to gain strength from here and it is in an uptrend against the Euro but perhaps a less obvious one against the US Dollar. Sterling is though at the very bottom end of its trading ranges against the likes of the Australian, New Zealand and Canadian Dollars at is as low as it has been against these three for roughly a quarter of a century. Logically, we should see a turnaround in the Pounds fortunes against these three as well but when their economies are so much more robust than the UK’s and their government debt is a mere fraction of Britain’s, there are no guarantees that the Pound will make headway any time soon. So short to medium term planning is the best you can do or you have to make a decision based on all the available evidence and remember not to kick yourself if hindsight proves you acted prematurely. Teh problem is that in order for us to get a lonmg term forecast right,we need politicians to do the right thing! I rest my case.
There have been other news stories though; a monthly Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors survey released overnight showed a net balance of 17% of surveyors reported a rise in UK house prices in April compared to just 9% in March but the British Retail Consortium reported a fall in high street sales. So if people are getting more for their houses, they certainly are not spending it on the high streets. We also had a non event in the guise of the Bank of England interest rate decision. No change in rates or quantitative easing levels and no press conference meant their meeting barely registered on the markets. Today’s big data releases are the industrial production and manufacturing output numbers. The weaker Pound may have helped in both regards but Sterling is unlikely to react while the government decisions are still in abeyance.
And finally, as we in the West live in an age where shamelessness is no longer a sin but more likely a route to celebrity status, a lesson in decorum comes from China where a chap called Xiao Chen, 25, a was walking to a river in Chongqing for a late night swim but became entrapped in a boggy patch full of duckweed. He had his mobile phone with him but didn’t call for help because he was too embarrassed at being caught in this predicament. And even when rescuers got to him and asked him to remove his trousers so they could drag him out of the sucking mud, he refused because he would not like to be seen in his undergarments. A man with standards; a rare commodity these days.

Strengthening Sterling for your Property Purchase in Canary Islands

2010-04-28T13:42:00.003+01:00

Latest on financial and currency exchange markets from Halo Financial with strengthening sterling vs euro for your property property investments in the Canary Islands:

I have the solution Greece’s debt woes; I saw an advert for a company that, as long as you are a home owner (I am sure the Greek government must own some property) takes all your debt, consolidate it into one affordable monthly payment and frees you from all your worries. They can even get you some extra money for a holiday or a new car or something. If they can do that for the smiling people in the advert, just think what they can do for Prime Minister Papandreou and it would let Angela Merkel off the hook too.
And Greece does need some urgent help because credit ratings agency Standard and Poors announced that it had dropped the rating for Greek government debt to ‘junk’ status yesterday. That puts it in a par with the likes of Romania and Azerbaijan and quite apart from the embarrassment for Greece and the rest of Europe, it will also make it much harder for Greece to raise the €9 billion it needs by 19th May without paying a hefty premium. S&P also downgraded Portugal’s debt level on the basis that the Greek debt contagion could spread. That’s a bit like your credit rating being hit because someone in your lottery syndicate failed to make his credit card payments, just in case you do likewise but S&P are unrepentant. Please do remember though that right up until they collapsed, S&P and the other agencies were still saying mortgage backed securities were cast iron safe.
To be fair though, I don’t think anyone in the market was unaware of Greece’s problems (probably no one in the Western hemisphere either) and that would explain the lack of a sudden drop in the value of the Euro after the announcement. However, many analysts are concerned that the markets haven’t yet reflected the gravity of Greece’s situation and the longer term effects of the downgrade within the pricing of the Euro. I am sure those who need to buy Euros will be hoping they are right and that a sudden epiphany will hit traders who will sell the heck out of Europe’s currency. There were effects elsewhere as the US Dollar was bought by safe haven seekers and that resulted in a drop in the Euro- US Dollar exchange rate which wasn’t reflected in the Sterling - Euro rate.
On the UK side of things, UK mortgage lending levels were up on last year but last year was the worst in decades so that is no great surprise. However, the month on month figure was disappointing and the news failed to move the Pound. Sterling also ignored the warnings from the Institute for Fiscal Studies that none of the three main political parties had outlined anywhere near enough cuts to hit their debt reduction targets. I think we could all work for that institute then because we all know they are being cagey about the depth of the cuts necessary; they don’t think we can handle the truth and are fearful that we will shoot the messenger if we are told the facts of life about Britain’s massive debt problem. Perhaps it will take a warning from the IFS before the truth outs.
Yesterday brought further UK election polls suggesting the potential for a coalition or minority government is undiminished. And despite what is being said in some quarters, the financial markets are not convinced this is good for the UK, so the Pound is notable to strengthen through significant technical levels. It is stuck below AUD 1.6666, below EUR 1.16, below USD 1.55 and below CAD 1.55 as well. Thankfully for those with Sterling to sell, we are still near the tops of these ranges but I think we have to thank heavens the election is only a week away so we can get on with trading the fundamentals rather than the election polls.
Today started with Australian inflation data which showed a 2.9 percent annualised increase; right at the top end of the Reserve Bank of Australia’s target range. Traders took that to mean further interest rate hikes would be forthcoming in spite of the RBA governor suggesting their base rate was near to average levels and the Australian Dollar remains strong this morning relative to the US Dollar but fairly flat against the Pound.
Today also brings interest rate decisions from America and New Zealand. No change is forecast from either central bank but each of their statements will be essential reading for those with an interest. We are looking for evidence of when and how the US Federal Reserve will start to reduce their cash support for the markets through the TARPS plan and we are wondering when the Reserve Bank of New Zealand will start to hike interest rates to bring their base rate back to a more normal (for New Zealand) level of 4 to 6 percent. All, some or none of this will be revealed today.
And that is about it for today. I’ll let you go because I know you are itching to get back in front of the TV to watch more election campaign interviews. Its riveting isn’t it....other than the fact that nothing is really happening, other than after the Thursday interviews.

Gran Canaria Anfi Tauro Golf

2010-04-22T12:50:00.005+01:00

Gran Canaria Anfi Tauro Golf in Gran Canaria has an 18 hole and a 9 hole course which has been designed amid a stunning array of lakes, palm trees and volcanic mountains. These courses boast the accolade of being created by world class golfcourse designers Von Hagge, Baril and Smelek. They gave them a flawless balance between exquisiteness and test. Anfi Tauro Golf is a striking haven for playing golf at any time of the year, owing to Gran Canarias' perpetual easygoing climate. Architects Von Hagge, Baril and Smelek are considered be amongst the top ten golf course architects in the world and have been recognized for designing over a thousand golf courses, which include the Horai Club in Japan, the Doral Country Club in Florida and the Costa Resort and Spa in California. Their work stands out due to their ability to read a landscape and combine delicate stylishness with exceptional beauty.
Anfi Tauro Golf courses offer a tranquil visual setting to advantaged coastal surroundings, where you will fully enjoy an immaculately maintained PGA Championship level course. It has been sympathetically designed in acres of rich vegetation, verdant green gardens, waterfalls and lakes. It is also surrounded by inspiring volcanic mountains. The courses are integrated into the environment and the original shape of the valley is preserved. The bungalows and villas adapt to the topography in a way that a balance is achieved with the natural surroundings.

The 9 hole course also has other amenities like a driving range, chipping area, a putting green as well as practice bunker. The golf courses have been designed in Arizona style and one of their main features of is the view of the desert merged with palm trees and rocks. A club house and golf academy are also situated in the 650.000 square meter site.

For more information on a golf property or any property in Gran Canaria please contact us at info@goldacreestatesgrancanaria.com or call 0034 928565613. Properties can be viewed at http://www.goldacreestatesgrancanaria.com/

Sterling/Euro Rates Stable for Property Buyers in Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Greece

2010-04-19T11:08:00.006+01:00

Latest news from Halo Financial on currency exchanges for the Euro for those Uk clients buying properties in Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Greece.
Airborne volcanic ash is still the main news item after a very quiet weekend for British and most European skies. If you believe what you read in the weekend newspapers, Nick Clegg has single-handedly changed the face of British Politics and no one in Britain is voting for anyone else; at least that’s what I think they said. Oh and Jensen Button accompanied Lewis Hamilton across the line in the Chinese Grand Prix for a fantastic British 1 - 2. You see; you didn’t need to read the papers, I have summed it up in one paragraph and managed to ignore the depressing stuff.
As for the financial markets, risk is a dirty word this morning as traders and investors run for cover after the US regulators announced they are prosecuting Goldman Sachs for misstating details on some of the Securitised Investment Vehicles (mortgage backed securities) they sold in the heady days before the market in these products collapsed and the world economy followed suit. This opens up the potential for further prosecutions but there has been no word on whether the credit ratings agencies will be sued as well; if you remember, these guys were valuing these SIVs as 'triple A' right up until the collapse.
Investors are also nervous about the future of the Chinese economy though after the level of home loans were curbed by the authorities. Apart from this being a signal that China will continue to try to calm their overheating economy, it is likely to have a knock on effect on raw material prices; especially things like copper and the raw materials for steel and concrete. So watch the Australian Dollar closely because if China adds further tightening measures, we might just see a glimmer of hope for those who need to buy Australian and New Zealand Dollars and would dearly love more attractive prices than these.
In other news, the Ernst & Young Item Club is predicting slim growth for Britain in 2010 followed by a stronger return to more normal levels of growth in 2011. That is perhaps why the Pound hasn’t fallen further after the prospects for a hung parliament loomed ever closer. A round robin of the various opinion polls over the weekend does suggest support for the three main parties is fairly evenly split and that is not liked by the financial markets. Neither will they be keen on the fact that this Friday brings the 1st estimate of UK economic growth during the first three months of 2010. The 1st estimate is based on just 40% of all available data but it is still closely followed; especially after the slim growth in Q4 2009. Most commentators are forecasting something around 0.4% growth for Q1 but as we saw last time, there can be a fair old variation in this first guess so the lead up to Friday could be a very edgy time for the Pound. We will get UK inflation, retail sales, unemployment data, the minutes from the last Bank of England meeting, money supply data and government debt levels before then so this could well be one of the Pound’s busiest weeks of the year.
I guess it wouldn’t be a Daily Currency Insight without some mention of Greece so I would hate to break with recent tradition. Greece is looking ever more likely to draw on some of the funds being made available to her from the EU and International Monetary Funds. However, we will have to wait for the Icelandic ash to dissipate before the interested parties can get together to discuss it in Athens. Have these people never heard of telephones? In the interim, the Euro will have a fair bit to contend with during the week; not least the raft of speeches by EU central bankers on Wednesday. At least they should be able to drive or catch trains to their destination in Frankfurt even if the skies are still off limits although knowing how the EU works, there will probably be a special dispensation for these guys while everyone else sits and fumes.
And that is about that for this Monday. This week does bring its fair share of data and plenty of reasons for volatility so don’t worry, it will be lively; a bit more lively in fact than the mayor of Tracy City, Tennessee, Carl Geary who sadly died whilst campaigning to become mayor and was therefore no longer alive when the votes were cast but who was returned to the position with a landslide majority. It reminds me of the story about a New York media agent who, when he was told Elvis Presley had died was reported to have said, “Great Career move”.

Easter Visitor boost to Canary Islands

2010-04-12T14:58:00.005+01:00

Large numbers of Brits are expected to book flights to Italy, Spain and the Canary Islands this spring, ABTA - The Travel Association has said.
GoldAcre Estates in Mogan, Gran Canaria realises that this will only help boost visitors and property buyers to the Canary islands with second home owners receiving an additional increase to their rental bookings.
Frances Tuke, a spokesperson for the organisation, said that destinations on the continent are especially popular over the Easter period. "Easter is a great time to go to places like Italy, Spain and the Canary Islands," she explained. "These are all good for a bit of sun this time of year."Ms Tuke went on to say that different countries have varied traditions during Easter, with Greece and its Orthodox faith taking it particularly seriously by holding a major festival. The travel expert also suggested that more Brits could be booking cheap flights to Spain during the holiday period as it tries to compete with non-eurozone countries such as Turkey and Egypt.
This is very good news for second home owners who already get a solid winter of holiday rentals, extending the season further.
Anyone looking for cheap flights can go to the travel section at http://www.buyingrancanaria.com/ or at http://www.goldacre-estates.com/.

Intercontinental Rally Challenge to be held in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria

2010-03-17T14:53:00.005Z

Stages of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge will be held on the Canary Islands for the first time this year after series organisers announced Rally Islas Canarias Trofeo El Corte Ingles would replace Rally Principe de Asturias on the 12-event IRC calendar.

The change was due to Rally Principe de Asturias bosses running into funding difficulties last month. However, it remains unclear how many IRC regulars will contest the famous island event, a mainstay of the Spanish asphalt championship. It’s timetabled to run from April 28-May 1, and organisers are hoping for a large turnout but will offer regular IRC entrants travel subsidies.

The rally will take place on the tarmac roads of Las Palmas Gran Canaria with great views for the lucky people with property on the route. The agreement is currently a one-off but IRC boss, Marcello Lotti, says he hopes to secure a long-term deal with the Canarias Sport Club, which runs the event. This year 5 of the scheduled events will take place on Islands.

Source Charlie Contadeli of MaxRally

Air Europa to begin flights from Miami to Spain and Tenerife

2010-03-04T12:09:00.002Z

Spanish carrier Air Europa has announced it will begin nonstop service from Madrid to Miami International on March 19th, 2010, and also will renew nonstop service to Tenerife, Canary Islands, starting on June 19th, 2010.

The Canary Islands have a comprehensive inter island flight service between Tenerife and Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote and La Palma and these new flights will be a great boost to the Canarian population requiring international connections.

Air Europa will operate four weekly flights to Madrid and one weekly flight to Tenerife using Airbus A330-200 aircraft. The airline first began operating at Miami International on June 20th, 2009, with just a seasonal service to Tenerife.

Residents and property owners on the islands are now benefitting from a host of new flights that have begun to serve the islands in recent months. This will also help the American tourism to the islands

New European Cruise Routes Announced Including Canary Islands

2010-02-26T14:00:00.004Z

The Canary Islands and Norway are to benefit from new routes announced by Fred Olsen Cruises for 2010. The new cruises will take passengers to the Cosmopolitan cities of Europe across diverse sea and landscapes in relaxed style. Gran Canaria, is included in the ‘Canaries Collection’ starting from the 5th of October 2010, leaving from Dover to Madeira, La Palma, Tenerife, Las Palmas Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Portugal, and returning to Dover. As an autumn adventure the cruise takes advantage of the sub-tropical temperatures the Canary Islands are famous for this time of year. If last October is anything to go by passengers should be in for a real treat as temperatures then were more akin to the summer months. In fact many of the islands visitors and second home property owners prefer to spend the winter months in Gran Canaria. The ship called ‘Braemar’ has been refitted and lengthened and was voted ‘The Best Refurbished Ship’ in Cruise Critic’s Editor Pick Awards 2009.

Further cruises travel to Norway and the Iberian Peninsular during the summer months taking advantage of the more traditional summer weather in Northern Europe. The ‘Norweigen Celebration’ starts on 15th of May, ‘Secrets of Spain’ begins 30th of July and the ‘Viking Voyager’ cruise starts 8th of August.

It is anticipated the additional exposure to the Canaries will bring new awarenes to Gran Canaria and boost its tourism industry which has recently also been aided by new flights. For more information on the Island, transportation, accommodation and properties for sale visit www.goldacre-estates.com or call (0034)928 565613.

Norweigen interest in Gran Canaria growing

2010-02-08T11:06:00.007Z

Norweigen interest in Gran Canaria is always highest during the 'winter season'when the tropical valleys of the South of the island offer warm protected santuary against the Scandinavian cold. Traditionally the better known areas of Arguinguin, Playa del Ingles and Puerto Rico are first for visitors as property and accommodation availability are more widespread. As visitors become better aquainted with the island and venture further South or inland they discover smaller, more private places to stay such as Playa de Mogan, home to Goldacre Estates situated in the lawned gardens of the Cordial Hotel. Alongside other Northern European visitors, the Norweigen market has also started to settle in with visitors now converting to property owners, taking advantage of the high rental yields available in such exclusive areas. For those looking to be in the centre of Mogan within the Marina area known locally as 'Little Venice'this one bedroom ground floor apartment is a stones throw from the Marina with its varied bars, restaurants and shops. Regular ferry boats run from the Marina to Puerto Rico and Arguinguin along with the local airconditioned buses so even having a car is not essential. For further information about this contact www.goldacreestatesgrancanaria.com or call (0034)928565613.

Irish Interest on the rise in Gran Canaria

2010-01-21T17:29:00.005Z

An increase in Irish online searches for winter sun holidays in Gran Canaria has been reported for the first 2 weeks of January 2010 compared to 2009. According to some hotel booking sites Gran Canaria saw a 50% rise ahead of Egypt 46%, Bali 30% and Phuket 27%. Unsurprisingly the weather seams to be the main motivator as Ireland and the UK have experienced extreme cold and snow while the Canaries have been enjoying a winter heat wave. Gran Canaria is well known as a winter sun destination especially amongst Scandinavian visitors, however new flights from the Uk and Ireland are raising the awareness of new markets to Gran Canarias warm winters. Visitors to the South of the Island know the beaches are more sheltered there facing away from any Northerly winds. Playa del Ingles and Maspalomas enjoy huge sand dunes for their beaches while Puerto Rico has a year round marina and further South is the tropical valley of Mogan, an exclusive marina front village with its own beach is particularly sheltered and always a few degrees warmer. Another reason for the interest from Ireland is currency convenience. Being in the Euro means there are no exchange fees to have to pay and holiday costs can be easily calculated without any loss through the exchange rate. If you would like to check our latest weather report or flight information just visit us at http://www.goldacre-estates.com/ or call (0034) 928 565613.

International Business Opportunity with leading real estate company in the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria

2009-12-30T17:13:00.003Z

Are you looking for a business opportunity in the Canary Islands?

Are you looking for a lifestyle change with High Rewards?
Do you want to run your own business and be supported by one of the most experienced Real Estate Companies in the Canary Islands?

GoldAcre Estates is looking for partners to fuel our expansion program in the Canary Islands.

Our Partnership program is looking to offer exciting opportunities to selected individuals that want to run their own business in the Canary Islands with ongoing existing business available for franchise.
Low Initial start up costs,Full Training and Ongoing Support provided.

Take the initiative today and invest in your career and lifestyle for a future in the sun!

For further details e-mail nicolast@goldacre-estates.com

Moarch Airways begin new flights to Gran canaria, in the Canary Islands

2009-10-21T14:05:00.006+01:00

Today Monarch Airways have begun their new flights to Fuerteventura from the UK. Monarch have increased their flights to all the islands and are offering more departure airports in the UK.

Flights to Fuerteventura will operate from London Gatwick, London Luton, Birmingham and Manchester. Yesterday Monarch flights from London Gatwick, Birmingham and Manchester began a new service to Gran Canaria.

Liz Savage, managing director of Monarch flights, said "We are delighted to be expanding our network to the canary Islands with the launch of scheduled flights to Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura. These will operate in addition to our existing routes to Tenerife and Lanzarote, and we have been overwhelmed with how well these new services have been received with over 35,000 advance booking already taken".This will be great news not just for the island and tourists but for UK residents who own property on the island.

For more information on these flights and others to the Canary Islands contact Monarch Airways

Puerto Mogan, Gran Canaria, To Host Underwater Photo Festival

2009-09-30T15:42:00.003+01:00

Puerto Mogán, Gran Canaria, will host next week's launch of the FotoSub festival where dozens of international photographers will gather to photo the waters around the port.

Two prominent photographers attending the event will be Charles Hood, holder of the BBC Wildlife Award, and Samantha Bean, prizewinner at the British Underwater Image competition. Other underwater champion photographers from France, Spain and Portugal will attend the event.

which begins formally on the 29th September and runs through to the 4th October. FotoSub will also be showing films on underwater themes on a giant screen for the public from the 30th to the 3rd at 9-30pm

Gran Canaria Eagle Eye

2009-08-26T12:41:00.003+01:00

Gran Canaria is hoping to take a leaf out of London’s book and install a giant wheel in the centre of Las Palmas. Local paper Canarias Ahora says the island’s tourist board has been in talks with the city council to look for a suitable site for the ‘Eye’, which it says will help sell the capital to visitors.
It appears, however, that not everyone in Las Palmas is keen on the idea and a squabble has already broken out about where best to place it. Although several potential sites have been looked at, none fulfils the established accessibility and safety requirements. Critics say if it is placed too near the city’s main roads drivers will stop to look up at it and could trigger crashes. The spot currently favoured is the plaza at the Santa Catalina Bus Station.
It would seem that it is early days yet as far planning but who knows…..

International Business Opportunities In The Canaries, Gran Canaria

2009-08-24T17:05:00.003+01:00

International Business Opportunity with leading real estate company in the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria.

Are you looking for a business opportunity in the Canary Islands?
Are you looking for a lifestyle change with High Rewards?
Do you want to run your own business and be supported by one of the most experienced Real Estate Companies in the Canary Islands?

GoldAcre Estates is looking for partners to fuel our expansion program in the Canary Islands

Our Partnership program is looking to offer exciting opportunities to selected individuals that want to run their own business in the Canary Islands with ongoing existing business available for franchise.

Full Training and Ongoing Support provided.

Take the initiative today and invest in your career and lifestyle for a future in the sun!

For further details e-mail nicolast@goldacre-estates.com
Or Telephone 0034 928 535 044

Jet2 Has Announced New Route to Gran Canaria From Manchester

2009-08-18T16:07:00.005+01:00

Jet2.com has announced three new routes for the summer of 2010 from Manchester airport to Gran Canaria, Venice and Kos.

The announcement came as Ryanair dislcosed plans to cut routes from the airport. Kos and Venice are new scheduled services not previously served by Manchester.

Jet2.com has also increased its frequency of its summer 2010 services to Lanzarote, Dalaman, Sharm el Sheikh and Tel Aviv. It will base a 737 aircraft at the airport, taking the total number of Jet2.com aircraft at Manchester to seven.

Destinations and starting fares for summer 2010 now on sale from Manchester include:

• Venice from £29.99 one way including taxes departing from 3 March 2010

• Kos from £69.99 one way including taxes departing from 26 May 2010

• Gran Canaria from £59.99 departing from 1 May 2010

• Budapest from £29.99 departing from 28 March 2010

• Rome from £29.99 departing from 28 March 2010

• Nice from £29.99 departing from 13 May 2010

• Pisa from £29.99 departing from 27 May 2010

Source Travelmole By Bev Fearis

Spain Announces Airport Tax Freeze For 2010

2009-08-12T11:14:00.003+01:00

Airport taxes will be frozen from 2010 the Spanish Government has announced. Spain's minister for public works José Blanco has said the move was devised to help stimulate the economy.

In a further initiative, the minister said discounts, which currently apply to travellers to the Canary Islands, the Balearic Islands and Melilla, will be increased to 30 per cent. Francisco Alaya opposition member of the People's Party insisted that the government's initiative was too late and should have been introduced this year. Mr Alaya also noted it is discriminatory to apply the taxes just to selected islands.

The Canary Islands are a favorite destination for expatriates and holidaymakers alike and this will greatly help the tourist industry. The news comes after several airlines annouced increased flights to the Canaries.

Gran Canaria, Canary Islands Well Established As Medical Tourist Destaination

2009-08-04T13:34:00.005+01:00

Gran Canaria is fast establishing itself as one of Europe's leading wellness and medical tourism destinations. The Canaries are renown for its temperate all year climate which is ideal for aiding recovery and recouperation.

The Gran Canaria Spa, Wellness and Health Association have brought together a host of medical and recouperation facilities to be able to put together a holiday medical package to suit indivdual needs. Every patient is supported and clearly guided through every stage of their treatment and cared for with the utmost attention to detail.

Some of the treatments that are on offer include, plastic surgery, breast augmentation, liposuction and corrective eye surgery.

For further information on the Gran Canaria Spa, Wellness & Health Association, to view the hotels and medical facilities and to book a medical tourism holiday in Gran Canaria visit grancanariawellness.com.

Source: easier.com and Gran Canaria Wellness

International Business Opportunities In The Canaries, Gran Canaria

2009-07-31T15:24:00.003+01:00

Seaplanes in the Canary Islands

2009-07-27T16:44:00.004+01:00

A Canadian company, Harbour Air Seaplanes have approached the Canarian port authorities in Los Llanos on the island of La Palma and Santa Catalina in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria to seek approval to begin flights. Harbour Air are the largest all-seaplane airline in the world, they want to expand and offer their services connecting the Canary Islands from 2010.

The company has already had a successful meeting with the local authorities and are currently in the process of confirming how the operation would work for the security and procedures. Very little work would be required at either of these ports to establish the first seaplane connection between the capitals of these islands. Each seaplane would be able to carry up to 19 passengers per flight, they could be run as often as every 40 minutes and the journey time would be half an hour with a cost of around 40 Euros per person. Once the first connection is in place, Harbour Air would be interested in opening other routes to connect more of the Canary Islands.

Source Lanzarote information 26th July 2009

International Business Oppotunities in the Canaries, Gran Canaria.

2009-07-21T10:59:00.004+01:00

International Business Opportunity with leading real estate company in the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria.

Are you looking for a business opportunity in the Canary Islands?
Are you looking for a lifestyle change with High Rewards?
Do you want to run your own business and be supported by one of the most experienced Real Estate Companies in the Canary Islands?

GoldAcre Estates is looking for partners to fuel our expansion program in the Canary Islands

Our Partnership program is looking to offer exciting opportunities to selected individuals that want to run their own business in the Canary Islands with ongoing existing business available for franchise.

Low Initial start up costs,

Full Training and Ongoing Support provided.

Take the initiative today and invest in your career and lifestyle for a future in the sun!

For further details e-mail nicolast@goldacre-estates.com

The 21st World Cheese Awards Will Be Held In Gran Canaria.

2009-07-14T11:58:00.006+01:00

After winning last year the 21st world cheese cwards will be held in Gran Canaria.

Between September 30 and October 3rd, 140 expert tasters and 3,000 products from all over the world will come together in an international exhibition with more than 300 participants.

Organised by the Guild of Fine Foods, for the first time in its history the World Cheese Awards will be held outside of the U.K. in the Auditorio Alfredo Kraus in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

Last year in Dublin, the Canary Islands won the best Cheese of the World award with a cured goats cheese bathed in paprika made by the Dairy Cooperative of Arico in Tenerife, followed by another fifteen awards in different categories to different cooperatives throughout the archipelago.

The councillor of Agriculture, Stockbreeding, Fishing and Diet indicated that is very important for Canaries and therefore Spain, to be the headquarters of a contest that each year attracts the attention of specialists from all over the world, who present such prestigious awards to those working within the food and agriculture industry.

In the words of the Guild of Fine Foods, "The World Cheese Awards are the cheese Olympics, the single event that unites the cheese world. It offers producers the opportunity to compete on a global stage where the prestige of winning Gold, Silver or Bronze can impact on sales enormously. In October 2009, at the invitation of the Canary Islands Government, the world’s largest international cheese competition takes place in Gran Canaria as part of a major global dairy event."3000 cheeses will be consolidated in their countries of origin and air freighted to Alfredo Kraus Auditorium, Las Palmas in readiness for the judging. Over 140 international experts from around the globe will also be flown in for the judging on 1st October before awarding Gold, Silver and Bronze to the best cheeses in the world. The judging will be filmed for broadcast around the world and on the Awards website."After the judges have completed their work, hundreds of buyers and retailers attending World Cheese 2009 will have their opportunity to taste competition cheeses and check if they agree with the experts’ verdicts."

http://www.finefoodworld.co.uk/news/WorldCheeseAwards2009/86.html

Cost Of New Housing Falls In Spain But The Canary Islands Is Less Affected

2009-07-09T16:23:00.004+01:00

Canary Islands Real Estate, Fuerteventura Tenerife, Lanzarote and Gran Canaria property better than mainland Spain.

The cost of new housing fell 2% in the first quarter of the year compared with the same period in 2008, the first annual decrease since the property market bubble started to deflate in mid-2007.

According to data published today by the National Institute of Statistics (INE), the price of housing as a whole fell by 7.6% between January and March, the biggest decrease since prices started to fall in the second quarter of 2008. The main reason for the fall is still the slump in prices in the second-hand-property market, brought on by owners selling just to clear bank mortgage commitments, but it is the first time that new housing in Spain has also seen a decrease.

House prices fell in all the autonomous communities in the first quarter, with the biggest drops being registered in Catalunya (13.7%), Comunidad de Madrid (11.2%), Basque Country(10.8%), Navarra (10.1%), Aragón (9.7%), Balearic Islands (8.1%) and La Rioja (8%).Below national average drops were registered in Cantabria (7.2%), Comunidad Valenciana (5.2%), Canary Islands (4.3%), Andalucía (3.9%), Castilla and León (3.3%), Castilla-La Mancha (2.5%), Extremadura (2.2%), Asturias (1.8%), Murcia (1.6%) and Galicia (0.5%).

For more information: Call 0034 928 535044 or visit www.goldacre-estates.com

Monarch Expands Canary Island Flights To Gran Canaria And Fuerteventura

2009-07-06T13:33:00.004+01:00

Monarch airlines are to start a new Canary Islands year-round service to Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura .

Flights to the Canary island destinations will run from Birmingham, Gatwick, Luton and Manchester airports. One flight a week will operate to Gran Canaria from Birmingham and up to two flights a week will operate from London Gatwick and Manchester from October 19.
One flight a week will operate to Fuerteventura from Birmingham, Gatwick and Luton and up to two flights a week from Manchester from October 21.

Flights have gone on sale via the airline’s website for travel until March 27, 2010, with fares including taxes starting at £52.99 one way. The introduction of services to Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura brings the total number of flights operated by Monarch to the Canary Islands to up to 64 a week, with almost 500,000 seats available this winter - a 32% increase on last year.

Monarch flights and holidays managing director Liz Savage said: "We are delighted to be expanding our network to the Canary Islands with the launch of scheduled flights to Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura in addition to our existing routes to Tenerife and Lanzarote.“We are seeing huge demand for our mid-haul destinations - in June we carried 59% more customers to Lanzarote and 16% more customers to Tenerife compared to June 2008 and the addition of Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura means even more people can take advantage of our low fares and award-winning onboard service to these popular sunshine islands this winter.

Source Phil Davies

Maiden Voyage Of Cunards Queen Elizabeth to include the Canary Islands

2009-07-03T18:39:00.005+01:00

Like the regal Queen Elizabeth I, Cunard has begun construction on what promises to be the premier cruising vessel on the high seas. She is scheduled for her maiden voyage in October of 2010, joining the Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria as the most famous ocean liners in the world.
Queen Elizabeth will feature the unique Cunard traditions, together with all the modern day luxuries Cunard’s guests have come to expect. In addition, some exciting new features will give the vessel her own sense of style and personality.
Named after the first Queen Elizabeth, one of Cunard’s greatest ships, the new Queen Elizabeth will reflect her predecessor in interior grandeur, décor and style. Art Deco features will pay homage to the original Queen Elizabeth and will allow the new ship to reflect an elegant era of travel. The extraordinary new vessel features 12 decks and carries more than 2,000 passengers.
In addition to the extensive Cunard onboard entertainment program, Queen Elizabeth will offer some unique strands such as country house parties at sea, evening piano sing-alongs and period dancing, from traditional ballroom to the jitterbug and the jive, all within the setting of this 21st-century ship. The ship will also reflect this great liner through artwork, memorabilia and its very own “Yacht Club.”

Queen Elizabeth will depart on her Maiden Voyage on 12 October 2010—a voyage which sold out in a record-breaking 29 minutes in April 2009. This 13-night celebration will leave from Cunard’s home port of Southampton and will call at Vigo (for Santiago de Compostela), Lisbon, Seville (Cadiz), Gran Canaria (Las Palmas), Tenerife (Santa Cruz de Tenerife, an overnight call), La Palma (Santa Cruz de La Palma) and Madeira (Funchal).
Her Maiden Season will run from October 2010 to January 2011 and include voyages to the Western and Central Mediterranean and the Caribbean. Fares start from just $1,195 per person for the five-night 26 November 2010 Gallic Debut voyage with ports of call at Amsterdam, Zeebrugge and Le Havre; while the 13-night Iberian Discovery voyage departing 1 December 2010 features fares from $2,395 per person, with ports of call at Vigo, Lisbon, Seville, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Palma and Madeira.
For more information and to book a voyage aboard the new Queen Elizabeth, call toll-free 1-800-7-CUNARD or visit www.cunard.com.

Entries have now closed for this year's Atlantic Rally for Cruisers

2009-07-01T13:02:00.002+01:00

Entries have now closed for this year's Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC), the 24th edition of the annual transatlantic rally. The Rally organisers, World Cruising Club, have now opened a waiting list after accepting 225 entries for the 2010 rally.

There are 28 countries represented in this year's event that starts on 22nd November in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. 200 yachts from all over the world, will cross the Atlantic to Saint Lucia, one of the most beautiful in the Lesser Antilles. The 2,700 nautical mile passage on the NE tradewind route takes typically takes between 14 and 21 days and the fleet reaches its destination and the finish line in Rodney Bay.

Whilst fundamentally a fun rally for cruising yachts, the ARC does have a more serious Racing Division, run under the auspices of the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC). Yachts in the Racing Divisions are not permitted to use their engines for propulsion (unlike the cruisers), although use of autopilots is allowed.

Source Yachting Monthly 30th June 2009

International Business Opportunity, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands

2009-06-26T12:16:00.005+01:00

International Business Opportunity with leading real estate company in Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands.

Are you looking for a business opportunity in the Canary Islands?

Are you looking for a lifestyle change with High Rewards?
Do you want to run your own business and be supported by one of the most experienced Real Estate Companies in the Canary Islands?

GoldAcre Estates is looking for partners to fuel our expansion program in the Canary Islands Our Partnership program is looking to offer exciting opportunities to selected individuals that want to run their own business in the Canary Islands with ongoing existing business available for franchise. Low Initial start up costs, Full Training and Ongoing Support provided. Take the initiative today and invest in your career and lifestyle for a future in the sun! For further details e-mail nicolast@goldacre-estates.com

Are you ready to POUNCE?!

2009-06-03T15:07:00.000+01:00

Having offices in GC and FUE often gives us interesting insights into the differences between the Canary Islands and the reaction of the property markets in each. As a more mature market GC has tended to ‘hold’ rather than reduce prices as it knows the true values will return and appreciate over the long term having experienced slump periods in the past. Developers realise there is less opportunity to acquire new land for development in the future and to sell out now would damage future earning potentials.

While many of the Fuerteventura developers would argue the same point and have echoed GC by not reducing prices at all, there have been one or two short term reductions on selected products giving investors and those individuals ready to buy a unique opportunity to pounce and secure a ‘never to be repeated deal’. The Fuerteventura office has seen an increase in sales as a result of this during the 1st and now 2nd quarter of 2009 in both the resale and new property sectors.

Gran Canaria has made few changes in contrast, however there has been a growth in recent activity where individual vendors have made exceptions to the rule due to their personal circumstances. In the area of Mogan and the exclusive beach and marina of Mogan valley itself there have been some snap buys as the occasional price has been reduced for a quick sale. High rental potential in the area means that any reductions bolster the capital return to buyers of holiday homes and investors alike.

This week a very special property in Playa de Mogan should do well, now priced below €200,000 with a position behind the Hotel Cordial with its lovely gardens and just 150m from the beach itself. For those actively searching for properties to buy now this 2 bedroom apartment offers some lucky purchaser a real deal. Likewise our property of the week in Maspalomas is just €87,000 for a position close to the golf course and famous sand dunes, plus it has its own communal swimming pool and would be an ideal holiday property at a fraction of the cost. The question is are you ready to pounce?!

Danish and Rumanian Routes to Gran Canaria

2009-05-12T08:19:00.001+01:00

18,000 new seats will be available from Cimber Sterling this August flying from Copenhagen and Billund in Denmark to Las Palmas Gran Canaria. The new route will serve the Danish interest in the island as well as offer an alternative departure point for the more established Southern Swedish market close by. The Tourism Minister Roberto Moreno along with the Tourism Department has been building relations with International Tourism sectors to boost the industry and widen access to the Islands from abroad. A further new route from Bucharest was also announced earlier this year broadening the islands client base. The Tourism Minister commented ‘the good news here is double, now that Cimber Sterling (company) not only have began to connect Gran Canaria from the Danish capital and another second Danish airport…but also they are beginning in August, when usually routes begin in October’.

Is Real Estate and the Economic climate starting to see a turn for the better…….

2009-04-29T13:10:00.005+01:00

Real Estate across the world is starting to see an upturn in the news being reported, Canary Islands and Spanish employment is being affected by Tourism numbers , United States consumer confidence is seeing a rise can this be the Obama effect….

US consumer confidence jumped the most in more than three years in April as the recent stock market rally dispelled gloom about the economy, but house prices in the largest US cities tumbled further in February. The 18.6 per cent drop in house prices followed a 19 per cent year-on-year decline in January. However, for the first time in 16 months the rate of decline eased from the prior month, offering some hope that the property market could be beginning to bottom out. Combined, the results add to the case that the US economy could be digging itself out of the worst recession since the Great Depression.
to the HIA.
Australian new home sales rose by 4.2% year on year in March following a significant upward revision to the February annual rate of increase to 7.8% from 3.9%, according to the HIA

29th April 2009

Telephone 0034 928535044
email info@goldacre-estates.com

Spainair Increases flights to the Canary Islands

2009-04-21T08:57:00.001+01:00

Between July and September Spainair is adding 10 direct routes from Mainland Spain to the Canary Islands. The summer schedule offers 67 domestic routes and over 47,000 flights in general with 27 routes open to the Canaries accounting for 7,000 flights. With it Star Alliance partners it also 20 International routes from Madrid and 19 from Barcelona making it the number one choice to Barcelona. Next summer, Spanair will operate 2 weekly flights from Madrid to Fuerteventura and 3 to South Tenerife. It will also increase from 2 to 4 its direct frequencies to Lanzarote, completing its service from Barcelona to the Canary Islands as it maintains its daily flights to Tenerife and Las Palmas. With this schedule, Spanair will be the only airline serving 5 direct destinations between Barcelona and the archipelago, and the only one flying as well to Fuerteventura and South Tenerife. The 50 weekly flights planned between the Catalan capital and the archipelago set Spanair as the best alternative in this market in flights and seats offered. From the 27th July and until 6th September Spanair will be offering 10 additional direct connections between the mainland and the Canary Islands: - From Seville to Las Palmas, South Tenerife, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. - From Santiago de Compostela to Las Palmas, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. - From Vigo to Las Palmas and South Tenerife. - From Bilbao to Fuerteventura.

Furthermore, Spanair operates code-shared flights from several Spanish cities to amongst other destinations, London, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Hamburg, Dusseldorf, Vienna, Warsaw, Geneva, Zurich, Oslo, and Philadelphia.

Monarch Report Strong Numbers for Canary Islands

2009-03-26T12:52:00.000Z

Holiday and flight provider Monarch have reported promising visitor numbers for the Canary Islands this winter. Gran Canaria along with Tenerife and Lanzarote are all listed in the top five of their ‘Whats Hot for 2009’ List.

Liz Savage, the managing director of Monarch Flights and Holidays, commented: “Despite early indications that holidaymakers were looking to head east for their holidays this year, the picture to date is somewhat different. The Canary Islands which benefit from year-round sunshine and are only a four hour flight time from the UK, are the surprise destination leaders for both holiday and flight-only bookings this winter, already 13% ahead of holiday bookings vs 2008

Loans Available to Improve Quality of Tourism

2009-02-23T14:58:00.001Z

Spanish central government have made available 400 Million Euros in low interest loans to touristic businesses under the ‘Plan Renove de Infraestructuras Turisticas’. Local Canarian enterprises are being encouraged by the Gran Canarian Tourism Minister Roberto Moreno to apply for the loans which are set at a low 1.5% interest. The Minister is also encouraging local government to ‘make realistic initiatives that are helpful in directing those involved in the daunting task of renewing Gran Canaria and the Canary Islands as a touristic destination of the twent first century and to contribute to modernising the sector and substantially improving the quality of what we offer and sell to our customers’

Is property going to go down any further in Gran Canaria…..

2009-02-21T15:38:00.003Z

…Want a deal close to the beach and marina? real estate offers available today in the Canary Islands...
apartment with large terrace over looking swimming pool in exclusive valley of Mogan, walking distance to the beach and port of ‘little venice’ In an idyllic setting by the Marina close to Gran Canaria’s golf courses, high returns on capital through holiday letting. Reduced by €60,000 from 220,000 to 160,000 Euros!! …

For more information call 0034 928 535 044

email info@goldacreestatesgrancanaria.com

Gran Canaria, A Place In The Sun

2009-02-13T07:23:00.003Z

The popular TV house buyers program ‘A Place In The Sun’ was once again in the Canary Islands this January. Taking advantage of the winter sun the programmers visited both Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura to film suitable properties for their clients and once again Goldacre Estates were asked to supply properties and local information.

The collaboration with the TV program has now spanned several years and in the previous editions Goldacre consultants have presented properties themselves much to the amusement of their colleagues! This year it will be left to the professionals leaving Goldacres to concentrate on the properties! Look out for this years update on the Canaries and see if you can spot the Goldacre Property Portfolio!

EasyJet Offer Reduced Fares to Gran Canaria

2009-02-12T07:17:00.000Z

EasyJet have reduced fares on over 16 Million seats with up to 25% off flights between March 1st and June 30th 2009 including peak periods like Easter and the school half term. The discounts also extend to accommodation where travellers can get up to 75% off accommodation across Europe from now until October 2009. www.easyjet.com

Luxury Flights to Gran Canaria

2009-02-11T07:35:00.002Z

One of the many flight operators to Gran Canaria has announced a premium seat initiative for their clients. Cadogan Holidays as part of its 60th anniversary is offering a Diamond Class service in conjunction with BMI which gives premium service at check in, a Club Lounge, 32 inch seat pitch, 30kg luggage allowance and complimentary in-flight food and drink. The seats will be available on departures between June and October 2009 from Gatwick.

Flights depart from Gatwick, Manchester, Glasgow, Belfast and Edinburgh to Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote , Cyprus, Crete and Turkey.For more information and bookings, log on to www.cadoganholidays.com

New Liquid Gas Terminals in Gran Canaria

2009-02-10T07:28:00.001Z

Gran Canaria is to benefit from one of 2 new Gas Terminals on the islands. It has been reported by Reuters that a contract worth approx 450 million Euros was won by the 50:50 consortium Acciona / Tecnicas Reunidos to build the terminals of which one will be sited in Arinaga GC taking some 44 months to build.

Canary Island Property prices–what is the best bargain in Gran Canaria?

2009-02-06T12:09:00.007Z

Playa de Mogan apartment in Gran Canaria Spain has just been reduced by €60,000 to €160,000 and is close to the 5 star Cordial Hotel, beach and Little Venice Harbour. This offers a strong rental potential in an exclusive setting, don’t miss this opportunity from Goldacre Estates in the Canary Islands for a luxury one bedroom fully furnished property with sun terraces and communal swimming pool.

Price 160,000 Euros

6th February 2009

For further information call 0034 928 535 044
Or email info@goldacreestatesgrancanaria.com

New Flights to Las Palmas

2009-01-06T10:04:00.001Z

Bristol has always been a popular airport for those flying to Gran Canaria and the collapse of XL Airways could have been a real blow to many who relied on this route to visit their properties. As in most cases of course other airlines have snapped up the route taking advantage of the strong UK demand for this popular destination. Flight only specialist Teleticket have added the route in response to strong demand from many UK holiday makers who rely on the all-year round high temperatures and sunny beaches to thaw their gloomy winters. Jason Wescott, Bristol International Airport's head of sales, told the Bristol Evening Post: "It has been frustrating to hear from travel agents that customers want to fly from Bristol International when booking their holidays but can't because of a lack of availability." The service will start for Easter 2009 a popular time to visit the Island.

Gran Canaria Top Destination in Spain

2009-01-06T09:58:00.001Z

Canary Islands are still one of the top destinations in Spain according to a poll of European tourists despite a general prediction that tourism flows will slow across the board. The Islands performance bucks the trend of other destinations that have been more susceptible especially as the winter season is now here.

Cold weather in Europe has been a major factor for visitors to target the Canaries where shorts and T shirts are the fashion all year.
The same poll highlights Gran Canarias largest Municipality San Bartolome de Tirajana in which the Parque Natural de Pilancones is a special eco-reserve, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors a year. The importance of this park along with the varied terrain found in Gran Canaria has earned this island the designation of World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.

Local businesses are well aware the Islands unique qualities give it a strong advantage over other more Northerly European destinations, however improvements are always being made such as the motorway extension into Mogan Valley as well as maintaining and cleaning beaches and public areas. The quality and friendliness of local businesses is often mentioned – all good reasons for 2009 to be a strong year.

Mogan´s Motorway link

2008-10-22T11:12:00.003+01:00

The extension of the GC-1 motorway linking the Southerly resort of Playa de Mogan is to become a reality. A new 111.7 Million Euro contract has been signed by Gran Canarias transport counsellor Juan Ramon Hernandez to provide the 6km extension which it is estimated will take a further 4 years to finish. Being the last exclusive touristic resort in the South, Playa de Mogan will benefit from the faster link to Puerto Rico and the airport and the West of the Island will become more accessible to those who like to explore. Property investors and owners in Mogan area will also benefit from higher capital appreciation as there is a limited number of properties available in the area.

The ARC

2008-10-22T10:38:00.002+01:00

This annual transatlantic rally starting each November in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, has now become the most popular way for yachts to cross the Atlantic. This is the largest transocean sailing event in the world, and every year the ARC brings together over 150 yachts from all over the world. This is the 23rd annual event and this year’s entry stands at 225 craft. The Caribbean destination is Rodney Bay in St.Lucia, and the 2700 nautical mile trade wind passage takes on average between 12 and 24 days.

Yachts are now converging on the Canary Islands from all over Europe, before finally arriving in Las Palmas, before the start. Numerous seminars and safety checks are carried out by the ARC committee and the Cabildo provide concerts and entertainment for the contestants and spectators. The start is a fabulous spectacle with hundreds of spectator craft, warships and of course the contestants. We will be providing more information about this event in later newsletters.

Virgen del Pino Festival in Teror

2008-09-12T14:07:00.001+01:00

September the 8th was another big day in the Fiesta calendar for Gran Canaria with the celebration of the Virgen del Pino, Patron Saint of Canary Islands. The festival marks the visitation of the Virgin Mary in 1481 on top of a pine tree to a group of shepards.

The waters at the base of the tree were said to have magical powers and in the 16th Century the image of the Virgin was taken to Las Palmas as it had been without rain. Today the festival combines a mixture of popular sentiment, faith, pilgrims and visitors who come to the ancient village of Teror in the Northern part of Gran Canaria. This year was also the 300th anniversary of the tower that holds the bell used to announce that the Virgin has left the Basilica. Sunday the 7th started with singing and dancing, plus a procession of gifts from each municipality on the island as well as those from surrounding islands. Almost everyone on the island visits the village at some point in September to pay their respects. The festival continues until October so if you are planning to visit soon, there is still time to visit Teror.

Premium Class Flights to Gran Canaria on offer from Cadogan

2008-08-02T07:04:00.002+01:00

Cadogan Holidays are offering special ‘Cadogan Class’ seats on their BMI flights from the UK to Gran Canaria, Tenerife and Lanzarote. The up-rated seats offer an improved seat pitch of 32 inches, a 30kg baggage allowance, upgraded in-flight meals including free wine and bar service, as well as access to the executive airport lounge and check in service.

In all six separate flights will offer the seats bookable through agents on routes in December and January.

Loggerhead Turtles flown back to Gran Canaria

2008-08-01T09:28:00.002+01:00

Two Loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) washed up on beaches in Devon and Cornwall were flown back to Gran Canaria after being nursed back to health by the Blue Reef Aquaruim in Newquay.

In all 23 Loggerheads have been stranded off English and Irish coasts this year with ‘Dink’ and ‘James’ being lucky enough to be returned to the warmer waters off Las Palmas. Mr Slater from the aquarium said "It was absolutely beautiful. Let's hope no more turtles get stranded, but if they do we know we can look after them." Both turtles have been microchipped, so if they are ever spotted again, they can be identified by a tag in their flippers. After arriving in Gran Canaria, Dink and James were checked over and given the all-clear at the Wildlife Recovery Centre of Tafira. Some 150 injured turtles from around the Canary Islands are taken here each year. "Through diagnosis, treatment, operations, protein-rich food, fluid and antibiotics, we help save 80% of the turtles that we receive," said Pascal Calabuig the centre’s director. It was Mr Calabuig's excellent reputation and his centre's track record that helped Blue Reef decide to choose Gran Canaria as the release site. "We could also get cheap flights and the Canary Islands are the nearest land point to the loggerheads' migration route around the Atlantic," explained Mr Slater.

‘Free Software Desktop’ meeting to be held in Gran Canaria

2008-07-30T07:26:00.003+01:00

The GNOME Foundation and KDE e.V. today announced that they will hold their yearly conferences, GUADEC and Akademy in 2009 in Gran Canaria. The conferences will be separate events, but co-located and hosted by the same organizers, the Cabildo of Gran Canaria and its Secretary of Tourism, Technological Innovation and Foreign Trade in the famous Alfredo Kraus Auditórium.

"The GNOME community is very excited about the co-hosted GUADEC and Akademy" says Behdad Esfahbod, president at the GNOME foundation, "GUADEC has traditionally been a very important chance for our community to meet in person, build great working relationships and make new friends. We're looking forward to having the opportunity to extend those relationships to our KDE colleagues at Akademy/GUADEC."
KDE e.V.'s vice-president Adriaan de Groot adds "KDE e.V. is looking forward to a co-located conference, where the GNOME and KDE communities can mingle and cooperate as never before in one location. Gran Canaria is uniquely located at the junction of Europe and Africa, close to the Americas and is a fitting place for a historic 'meet-your-neighbours' conference."
GUADEC and Akademy 2009 will be held on Gran Canaria, an island of the Canary Islands archipelago. The tentative schedule plans the event from Friday, July, 3rd until Saturday, July 11th 2009 in the Alfredo Kraus auditorium and the adjacent Congress Palace in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
This co-located event will turn Gran Canaria into the capital of Freedesktop.org development for a whole week next summer.

Congress on CO2 emissions in Gran Canaria

2008-07-28T15:50:00.003+01:00

All across the world scientific experts are working hard at ways to limit CO2 emissions, and Spain is doing its part. This year, the 12 th annual Congress of Spanish Geologists is meeting in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria to look at ways to make a difference.

The congress runs from July 14 to 18 and will be based at the Alfredo Krauss auditorium, where 500 delegates will pool their knowledge and ideas. Representatives and speakers will not only be from Spain, Holland, Italy and several other European countries will be taking an active interest.As well as using the auditorium, some of the experts will be going out around the Canary Islands. Visits have been arranged to Roque Nublo and the Maspalomas sand dunes in Gran Canaria and even further afield to Tenerife, Fuerteventura and El Hierro.

Destination Spain – Holidaymakers choose Spain

2008-07-10T08:41:00.001+01:00

The number of British holidaymakers in Spain is set to increase this year according to a tourist official. Ignacio Vasallo of the Turespana Spanish Tourist Board in London said the country will continue to attract people from the UK, despite the impact of ongoing economic problems. Speaking to the Majorca Daily Bulletin, he was so optimistic that he forecast a 2 % increase in visitor number. Despite the relative cost of the Euro Mr Vallasco said property prices in Spain still compare favourably with many other European countries. He commented ‘Spain is still one of the cheapest eurozone destinations so the slight increase in a bottle of beer for example is not going to turn people away.’ Meanwhile Reuters has cited official figures showing that during the first quarter of the year, Spain attracted 10.6 million holidaymakers.

Spanish Lifestyle – a safe and affordable investment

2008-07-04T07:41:00.001+01:00

British people are increasingly buying homes in Spain in order to take advantage of its lifestyle, an expert has said. According to Paul Bradley of the Spanish Property Owners Guild, the country is a safe and affordable place in which to live or own a holiday home. Spain was described as an easily accessible destination where people can enjoy an outdoors lifestyle and a rich culture.
Mr Bradley added that the country appeals to older people in particular, as it is similar to how Britain used to be, only with better weather. He commented: "It reminds many baby boomers of how the UK was in their childhood: few rules, no cameras, little street violence and no binge drinkers."

According to the Association of International Property Professionals, Spain is still the most popular foreign market among British property buyers. The country was said to account for more than a quarter of the overseas property market in 2007.

Cities managed by FCC are the cleanest in Spain

2008-07-03T10:45:00.001+01:00

The cities of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Bilbao, Pamplona, San Sebastián, Oviedo, Vigo, Castellón de la Plana, Laredo (Cantabria) and the Ribera grouping of municipalities (Navarra), all of which are cleaned by Spanish construction firm FCC, have received the Platinum Broom awards as the cleanest cities in Spain.

The Platinum Broom is the highest award granted every two years by ATEGRUS (Technical Association for the Management of Waste and the Environment) in order to disseminate best practices in waste management and city cleaning, project design and the development of technologies for sustainable management of our environment; it also awards Silver and Gold Brooms and Special Mentions.

FCC first began working in urban sanitation in 1915 with a waste collection contract in Barcelona; today it is a leader in the sector. Other urban sanitation contracts in Spain followed and, at the end of 1980, it began to expand abroad. FCC operates in over 5,000 municipalities in Europe, Africa and Latin America.

GoldAcre Estates Expands Into Greece

2008-06-04T07:35:00.002+01:00

We are pleased to announce the expansion of our company into the growing market of Greece and the Greek Islands. GoldAcre Estates has just launched a new website www.goldacreestatesgreece.com offering properties throughout Greece.
Our new website offers information on all aspects of Greek life along with Tourism information as well as the important things such as how to buy a property safely in Greece, you will also find much information on the history of Greece as well as the many different islands and beaches and culture that is offered in places, like Crete, Corfu, Rhodes, Santorini, Patmos, Samos, Zakynthos, Kos, Naxos, Paros, Spetses and a whole lot more including Skiing and the Greek Ski resorts.
We have appointed an operations Manager for Greece Elena Panagopoulou, whose responsibility will be to develop GoldAcre Estates business throughout Greece.
GoldAcre Estates have been developing this project over the last 12 months to get us into a position where we can offer our full client services wherever you decide to buy in Greece.
For further information contact via email elenap@goldacre-estates.com or visit www.goldacreestatesgreece.com

Low Cost Winter Flights by JET2

2008-06-04T07:32:00.001+01:00

The low-cost carrier is offering reduced one-way fares to top destinations such as Lanzarote from £49.99. Other holiday spots included in the offer are Gran Canaria and Tenerife. Flights are available to book now and include taxes and charges.Those looking to escape the typically gloomy British winter can make bookings "right the way through until March 2009". Travellers can make their way from Manchester, Leeds Bradford, Newcastle and Blackpool airports.In an announcement on its official website, the carrier said: "If you like planning ahead and are looking to catch some winter sun then why not head to the Canaries with Jet2.com." For bookings refer to Low cost flights to Fuerteventura

Thomsonfly Low Fare Flights for Winter

2008-06-04T07:29:00.002+01:00

Thomsonfly is now offering winter holiday flights from nine UK airports including Gatwick and Manchester. Thomsonfly claims to offer the most comprehensive range of flights from UK airports beginning 1st Nov to winter sun favourite the Canary Islands, with flights starting from £54.99 one way.

“As well as offering great low fares and service options including pre-booked seating and quality, hot meals, Thomsonfly provides customers with convenience and flexibility by flying to many exciting destinations from their local airport. This is why Thomsonfly was voted ‘the consumers’ favorite leisure airline’ at the 2007 British Travel Awards,” says Thomsonfly commercial director, Guy Stephenson. Flights from Gatwick airport go to Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Malaga, Alicante, Paphos, Salzburg and Funchal. From Manchester airport Thomsonfly flies to Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote,Malaga, Alicante, Salzburg, Paphos, Marrakech and Funchal. During the winter season the airline will also be offering flights from East Midlands airport to Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote and Alicante,. The other UK airports included in Thomsonfly’s winter flights programme include Coventry, Doncaster, Bournemouth, Cardiff, Newcastle and Luton.

BuyIN Gran Canaria Out

2008-06-04T07:24:00.001+01:00

The 10th edition of BUYIN’ Fuerteventura and the 3th edition of BUYIN’ Gran Canaria is now available in hard copy throughout both Islands. The renowned property portals can also be visited directly on www.buyin-fuerteventura.com and www.buyingrancanaria.com where you can download both editions with their wide coverage of services, properties and useful information.

Gran Canaria Investors Market Analysis

2008-06-04T07:19:00.002+01:00

1. Online Enquiries put Spain on Top

Established markets in Europe are still highly popular with British property investors a new study has found. According to Global Edge, towns and cities in Spain have attracted more online searches from prospective investors than anywhere else in the world. In addition, many buyers were found to be very interested in buying a house on Spanish islands such as Lanzarote, Tenerife and other Canary Islands such as Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria.
Global Edge commented: "Five out of the top ten most popular search locations are Spanish and the top 103 locations are dotted with Spanish towns and coastal names." High on the list of searches was Fuerteventura, Corralejo, Calete de Fuste along with Lanzarote and Gran Canaria with places such as Puerto Rico.
Spain was rated as the most popular location overall, despite the strong competition from rival markets such as Turkey and Cyprus.

2. Property Investors Looking Abroad for Better Returns

First time buyers (FTBs) from the UK are increasingly considering investing abroad, an expert has revealed.
Nick Fullerton, managing director of FC Exchange, stated that the housing market in Britain is currently in a state of "turmoil". This, he said, has led to people who are looking to get on the housing ladder for the first time looking elsewhere. FTBs do not wish to take a hit in the domestic market and believe that investing abroad offers better growth potential and value for money.He added that other buyers in the UK are concerned about the plummeting house prices in Britain and would prefer to invest in expanding markets overseas. As a result, FC Exchange has seen a surge in the amount of enquiries related to purchasing a house abroad. Mr Fullerton said: "These record figures are encouraging and demonstrate the continuing appetite to invest in overseas property."According to research by A Place in the Sun magazine, France and Spain are currently the two most popular markets with British property buyers.

Gran Canaria Holiday Market Analysis

2008-06-04T07:08:00.002+01:00

1. Self Catering Holidays Are Now More Popular Than All-in Packages:

Low air fares to most holiday resorts and a plentiful supply of accommodation to rent, means more people now take their holidays in self catering apartments and villas than package tours.

Renting an apartment or villa gives you more freedom than a hotel. You can have better control of your diet, come and go as you please, watch TV and there’s no fighting for space around the pool. The only disadvantage is you have to clean up when you leave – there are no servants to do that for you!The boom in property prices worldwide has also provided plenty of choice of accommodation, as owners have used equity in their homes to invest in a holiday home. Many owners stay in their holiday home during their vacation, then rent out the property at other times.Is buying a holiday villa a wise investment? First, let’s consider alternative places for your savings. The stock market has being going sideways or down for several years and many experts are talking about a long term downward move. Of course there’s always the bank but the return there is very low. The price of property may go down in the short term but it has always bounced back in the past and buying at a lower price is attractive; and property, unlike some stocks and shares, will never go bust!. Don’t forget you can use a second home for your own holidays, a perk not supplied with a savings account!So, if you decide to buy a holiday villa the next question is where to buy? Some areas attract holidaymakers all year round, and some just during the summer months. The weather is the reason of course. The Canary Islands are the preferred holiday destination for most Europeans as average temperatures vary little all year and holiday accommodation in Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Tenerife and Lanzarote should prove a worthwhile investment. As an apartment or villa in the Canary Islands will attract visitors 12 months a year, so the rental income is going to be higher than you would expect from, say, a cottage in Cornwall. Florida to gets visitors ,throughout the year, especially if you buy a villa or apartment within easy reach of Disney World and other theme parks but of course you have much further to travel and can sometimes be subject to severe weather something you do not find in the Canaries .Of course other European destinations and emerging markets do not offer year round opportunities to rent / let your property because of the closed winter season, unless of course you look at places like Crete which has a similar weather pattern to the Canary Islands but it can be 14-15 C in the winter months which is a little cooler than the Canaries. If you decide to buy a holiday home you will of course need to advertise your apartment or Villa to attract holidaymakers. The best way is on the internet. Most holidaymakers now use this to book both their accommodation and flights.
For the Canaries try www.buyin-fuerteventura.com and www.buyingrancanaria.com and for advertising Fuerteventura properties why not talk to www.roomtobreathesl.com.

2. Families Shrug off The Crunch for Summer Holidays

According to a recent article on holiday package sales, holidaymakers are ignoring the economic gloom and spending more than ever on their summer breaks.
The big tour operators say holiday sales are up eight per cent on last year, despite huge hikes in fuel, power and food bills. Some are shying away from Euroland and going to Turkey, Bulgaria and other countries based on price. But many know that for quality Spain is still No1 and also still cheaper than the UK by far and people seem to be spending more to escape the doom and gloom."Holidays tend to be the last to suffer and while costs are up in the traditional holiday hotspots, they still represent good value compared to prices here."Flyglobespan chief Rick Green said flight sales were up from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen. He said: "Although we are seeing strong demand for our non-Euro routes, our traditional European summer holiday destinations are still the most popular. There's been an upsurge in demand on key traditional routes as well as exceptional sales to Lanzarote, Tenerife and Gran Canaria.”Green added: "We have a loyal customer base who fly with us year after year, often returning to the same Euro destinations. The exchange rate has not affected their decision on where to holiday as they are confident that they will still find good value in these resorts, and know that we will continue to offer low-cost flights and accommodation packages to all our destinations.""The biggest increase of all seems to be in winter sun holidays, with November and December filling up fast - the Canaries being the most popular plus New York for shopping. When you live in our northern climes your prescription for good health is a holiday in the sun."

RIU Hotels & Resorts earn five 2007 HolidayCheck Awards

2008-04-03T10:42:00.000+01:00

Five RIU Hotels & Resorts are among the winners of the Third HolidayCheck Awards: ClubHotel Riu Funaná Garopa Resort (Island of Sal, Cape Verde), Riu Palmeras (Gran Canaria, Spain), Riu Don Miguel (Gran Canaria, Spain), Riu Festival (Mallorca, Spain) and Riu Palace Tenerife (Tenerife, Spain) were ranked by HolidayCheck portal users among the world’s best 99 hotels.
One of the hotel industry latest most sought after award is the ‘holidaycheck’ The results are obtained by the scores received by the 200.000 surfers of this internet portal. These scores for various hotels worldwide form the foundation of the world’s best 99 hotels that is recognized by the 2007 holidaychecks award.
The awards ceremony was held at the universal restaurant in Berlin on the 5th March as part of the International Tourism Fair that was running from March the 5th – 9th.
In 2006 holidaycheck acknowledged the Riu Oliva Beach Apartments in Fuerteventura, Spain as one of the five world’s best 100 hotels.

Gran Canaria to host rally tournament

2008-04-03T10:36:00.001+01:00

Once again Gran Canaria will host the yearly rally event giving motorsport fans an opportunity for a trip to one of the Canary Islands.

The El Corte ingles Rally will be held on the April 18th and 19th of this year, covering a distance of approximatley 600 kilometers. Over 100 Rally teams are believed to be competing this year performing on a range of different terrains from risky mountain roads to the high-speed dirt tracks around the island.
Visitors to the rally will have the best opportunity to visit the most hidden places of beauty in Gran Canaria - as long as they keep up with the race, including areas such as Tejeda,San Mateo and and Vallesco.
Rally fans will also have an opportunity to visit Turkey this year as the World Rally Championship visits the country from June 13th to 15th.
The race this year will take place in Kemer, just down the road from the tourist resort of Antalya.

Pension rights, the Canary Islands offers more for your money

2008-04-03T09:41:00.002+01:00

Canary Islands offers a better place to collect your pension.

A new survey shows that more and more Britons are choosing to leave the UK and retire abroad. Up to two thirds of higher rate tax payers plan to join the so called “Silver Flight” when they finish working.Many people are opting to purchase a home abroad sooner rather than wait for the actual retirement date and use the property for holidays and letting so reducing any mortgage costs before their pensions are due.According to the Department of Work and Pensions more than one million people already draw their pensions abroad.
In Spain more than 75,000 pensioners receive their benefits paid into their foreign accounts while enjoying the benefits of better weather, lower costs and an easier pace of life. Specific gripes mentioned are spiralling council taxes, high energy bills and a faltering NHS.
The findings follow emigration trends with figures from the Brits Abroad Report published by the Institute for Public Policy Research showing that 5.5 million Britons now live abroad and that a further one million may leave by the year 2011.
The Canaries are proving to be one of the most popular destinations for the Silver Flight as it offers an all year round summer climate just a short flight from the UK and still having the benefits of the EU.

Cost Of Living In Spain Still Cheaper Than UK

2008-04-03T09:34:00.001+01:00

The results of a Cost of Living in Spain survey prove it is cheaper than the UK, especially if you live like a local.
The Cost of Living in Spain survey, from Spanish property portal Kyero, reveals on average a couple can live on €644 per month in addition to any rent or mortgage payments.
Taken from a wide range of locations in Spain and calculating average monthly figures, visitors responding to the survey gave the following figures:

Monthly Charges:
Buildings & contents Insurance €25
Council Tax €20
Community Fees €20
Administrative Fees €7
Electricity €50
Gas €12
Telephone Standing Charges €20
Telephone Calls €30
ADSL €40
Mobile Phone Calls €28
Car Insurance €35
Car Road Tax €7
Car Service Costs €30
Grocery Bill €300
Satellite TV Subscription €20

Monthly Total: €644

The figures were collated from across all regions of Spain and some regions such as the Canaries came in with a lower figure due to such things as better home and car insurance premiums because of the low incidence of crime.The results of a Cost of Living in Spain survey prove it is cheaper than the UK, especially if you live like a local.
Another fact that came out of the survey was the substantially lower cost of a night out, with again the Canaries working out very inexpensive, possibly due to the duty free status of the island.

Easyjet Extends its service in Gran Canaria.

2008-02-18T08:28:00.000Z

Buying a home in Gran Canaria just became easier.. One of the low cost kings is now making your second home more accessible and cheaper.

The nearly perfect all year round weather in Gran Canaria makes it the ideal destination for those looking for plenty of sunshine and the opportunity of purchasing a great priced holiday or second home. The sea temperatures seldom are below 19°C the average temperature being 23°C.
Apart from the sunshine and warm water temperatures which allows visitors to enjoy outside activities all year round, such as windsurfing, scuba diving, sailing to mention a few but Gran Canaria also offers a diverse landscape and different climates which support its botanical gardens, indigenous plants and trees making the northern part of the island extremely attractive to nature lovers, walkers and those who prefer to be away from the golden beaches and warmer climates.
Accessibility to Gran Canaria has just become even easier with Easyjet, the low cost airline announcing this years new routes beginning the 31st March with Las Palmas, Gran Canaria being one of them, previously EasyJets only service from Las Palmas was to Geneva.
Flights will be departing from London Gatwick to Las Palmas, Gran Canaria from the 31st March 2008 and is part of the expansion programme, further popular destinations include Ibiza and Malaga
Easyjets recent purchase of GB airways based at London Gatwick will operate the 32 approved destinations for this summer, covering southern Europe and the north of Africa under the agreement in place with British airways {BA}
It seems that GB airways will operate all its 32 routes under the name of British Airways {BA} until the 29th of March, at which point the flights under GB Airways will then fly under the name of Easyjet.
The reason for this is that the clients who have already reserved their tickets with GB airways for the summer will have the choice of either flying with Easyjet or being reimbursed for their tickets.
Flights from Manchester airport to Tenerife and Malaga are also available. In total Easyjet offers 66 routes from London Gatwick and another 6 from Manchester airport.
For further information log onto www.buyingrancanaria.com and see the flight section.

Life in Gran Canaria just got faster

2008-02-18T08:25:00.001Z

Tenrifes success rekindles the plans for a new train for Gran Canaria.
Like many European capital cities one of its objectives is to facilitate the every day travelling for its inhabitants. According to the transport experts the use of trains aids in the reduction of traffic congestion, will increase the quality of public spaces in the cities and also the reduction in noise pollution and contamination.
Gran Canaria wishes to establish a rail network which links Las Palmas in the north to Maspalomas in the south. This safe, fast and comfortable way of travelling will automatically transform the connection between the north and the south of the island allowing more job opportunities, the offer of competitive services, another means of transport and generally an improvement in public transport making the accessibility between the municipalities easy to the inhabitants and to the many visitors to the island.
The proposed route is Las palmas de Gran Canaria – Telde – airport – Arinaga- Maspalomas, this project is part of the future and continual investment and growth for Gran Canaria and welcomed by many.

Canary Islands More Popular Than Balearics

2008-02-18T08:21:00.000Z

Property hunters in Spain choose the Canary as opposed to the Balearics due to lower prices and a year-round mild climate.
A survey of Spanish property agents has revealed the Canary Islands, situated 60 miles off the coast of Morocco are more popular with those looking for property in Spain than the Balearics, in the Mediterranean Sea. The Canary Islands (comprising of Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, La Gomera, El Hierro and La Palma) may be a better option for a lot of people because of the fact that that average property prices were substantially lower on the Canary Islands compared to the Balearics, €207,000 and €451,000 respectively at the end of 2007.Tenerife, received 46 per cent of all enquiries, and appeals to northern Europeans during summer and winter months due to its mild, sunny, year-round climate. And saw an increase in property prices of around 7.5 per cent.
In second place, commanding just over a quarter (25.6%) of enquires was Fuerteventura, the second largest and closest island to the African mainland. Receiving just over 4.6 million passengers in 2007, Fuerteventura is a quieter island however with Ryanair now starting to fly direct from most UK regional airports, owning a second property here remains affordable and increasingly more accessible.
The Balearics although closer to the UK and Ireland does not benefit from the potential of a 52 week summer climate and tourist season. This makes the Canaries a far better prospect for those wanting to permanently move abroad or investors looking for an extended season in which to rent their property.

Marks and Spencer in Gran Canaria , Canary Islands

2008-01-28T12:39:00.000Z

The outlook continues to remain bright in Gran Canaria with inward investment in the tourism facilities of the Island by the local town halls and Cabildo, along with outside investment coming from major UK companies such as Marks and Spencer.
Marks and Spencer continues to bring a little bit of home to Gran Canaria with the opening of another store on the island.

MandS now have over 500 stores in the U.K and 240 World wide. They also have stores franchised in 34 countries, in Spain there are 5 stores these are located 1 in Tenerife, and 4 in Gran Canaria the latest has been opened recently in Vecindario.

The store is situated behind the Atlantico shopping centre close to the GC1 in Vecindario so there is easy access off the motorway with an abundance of parking in the shopping centre car park or there is parking close to the store. Vecindario is the most cosmopolitan town in the area of Santa Lucia and close to the airport.Once surviving on agriculture alone (the area is one of Gran Canaria's most prolific for growing tomatoes), it is the industrial centre of the island.Her two commercial centres, La Ciel and Atlantico between them contain around 200 different stores and 17 cinemas and the Avenida de Canarias is lined with shops and other businesses.
Address:Taoro, 11 Esq Victor Jara Vecindario

Marks and Spencer’s History
1884: Michael Marks, a Russian born Polish refugee opened a stall at Leeds Kirkgate Market.

1894: Michael Marks formed a partnership with Tom Spencer a former cashier from the wholesale company IJ Dewhirst.

1901: A new warehouse and head office opened at Derby Street, Manchester. It was the first property that was built to their specifications.

1904: Acquired premises for a shop at the Cross Arcade in Leeds. This was a prestigious site and marked the transition from market stall to a covered arcade.

1905: Tom Spencer died on 25 July.

1907: Michael Marks died on 31 December.

1928: The St Michael trademark was registered.

1956-1979: The first stores in Continental Europe opened in Paris and Brussels. They now have over 500 stores in the U.K and 240 World wide. They also have stores franchised in 34 countries, in Spain there are 5 stores these are located 1 in Tenerife, and 4 in Gran Canaria the latest has been opened recently in Vecindario.

For best winter sun and essential value for money when Buying or Holidaying, visit the Canary Islands!

2008-01-28T12:34:00.001Z

Brand new research from the Journal of the American Heart Association reveals that vitamin D is critical in offering us protection against all sorts of serious illnesses and conditions such as strokes and heart failure, and that vitamin D also plays a vital role in supporting bone strength.
The findings of the research, which took five years to complete, have been published along with evidence that only around 10% of us ever has high enough levels of vitamin D in our bodies because we lack exposure to the one source guaranteed to top us up, namely the sun.
And how well timed is the publication of these findings? After all, in January we are more likely to be suffering from winter blues and post- Christmas depression than basking in sunshine and soaking up our daily dosage of essential vitamin D...which is where the topic of winter sun holidays certainly comes in!
In a recent article in the Guardian newspaper, a reporter cites ABTA, (the Association of British Travel Agents), as saying that because summer 2007 in the UK was such a washout, the 2007/08 winter sun season is going to be busier than ever with record numbers of Brits having booked to go abroad in search of the warm rays of the sun.
If you're one of the estimated 3.5 million Britons heading off in search of winter sunshine this season, which are the destinations that you should be focused on for guaranteed vitamin D levels, excellent affordability, ease of accessibility and a great holiday to boot?
Well, according to the Telegraph, ABTA and the Times newspaper, the number one location you should be considering in 2008 is the Canary Islands.
The Canary Islands an archipelago that make up part of the Kingdom of Spain. They are a dramatically beautiful group of islands in the Atlantic Ocean that enjoy year round temperate conditions making them ideal for winter sun, and also summer sunshine holidays.
Accessible from the UK in around 3.5 hours and serviced year round by a host of cheap flight operators such as Jet2fly, EasyJet and Ryan Air which has flights currently starting at only one penny and averaging GBP 49.99, the Canary Islands are a favorite with sun seekers and a favorite with travel correspondents from leading British newspapers this season it seems.
Interestingly enough, 2007 was a poor year for the Canary Islands – in terms of tourism arrivals.
Tourism arrivals declined to 7 million between January and October 2007 with predictions at the start of the year estimating arrivals during this period at around 7.25 million
According to Martin Dell, the managing director of the Spanish property portal Kyero.com, the Canary Islands now offer so much more in the way of value for money for would-be Spanish home seekers. For average property prices still remain 15% below the national average in Spain.”
The news about the tourism decline in 2007 caused something of a knee jerk reaction or perhaps an awakening in Spain, and in Particular within the Canary Island government and main Toursuim office and now a huge investment and a concerted drive has been made to once again promote the attraction of the Canary Islands which is why so many British journalists are now once again revisiting the delights of the archipelago and passing on their positive findings to their readership.
The islands derive almost a third of their entire GDP from the tourism industry and a further 20% from construction – so you can see how essential their travel and property markets are. Good news for the consumer going in to 2008 then – because the government and private sector are both behind a significant push to once again promote the delights of the islands.
What this means for the likes of you and me is that if we're looking for cut price holidays and reduced price Spanish property in 2008, along with our winter sunshine and our vitamin D fixes, the Canary Islands are the destination of choice. And offering a one stop shop for tourism and long term rental property as well as property for sale in the Canary Islands is the the well known wdsites of GoldAcre Estates.com and www.goldacreestatesgrancanaria.com for rentals visit www.buyinfuerteventura.com, www.buyingrancanaria.com and www.roomtobreathesl.com making it much easier for you to find a vacation home for a property inspection trip and a healthy dose of vitamin D, locate properties you might like to buy and arrange for a longer term rental home for you to move into whilst you wait for the completion of your property purchase to go through!
In terms of which Canary Island to choose from, well, you can select from Fuertaventura, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Gomera or Lanzarote for example - each island is popular and each is also distinctly different from the next and offers an entirely different travel experience.
For example – Fuerteventura is the least well known and also the second largest of the islands. It has the best beaches in the whole of the Canary Islands with some 167km of Golden sands that stretch as far as the eye can see the airport is in the centre of the island making all destination accessable it has one of the best climate and is underdeveloped with an excellent array of amenities and facilities to keep the entire family happy on holiday. This island is very best for holiday home buyers too, and as prices are so far below the national average you can snap up your own Spanish property bargain.
For nature lovers and those who holiday in search of tranquillity, you might be recommended to try La Gomera, and if you're interested in discovering a miniature continent, try Gran Canaria – home to more landscape and climate varieties than all the other islands put together.
As you can see, the Canary Islands offer more than mere winter sun appeal and essential vitamin D doses – they offer a diversity of geography and climate, a short haul, affordable and accessible year round sunshine destination, and a location which now offers would-be buyers better value for money.
2008 is likely to be a very good year for the Canary Islands
Source European Homes

The Guiniguada Project , Las Palmas

2008-01-28T12:29:00.000Z

The Guiniguada project is a plan to link the historic areas of Triana and Vegueta and then rejoin this area of Las Palmas to the sea.

Before the building of the main road that separates Triana and Vegueta, the barranco (dry river bed) that runs from the centre of the island to the sea, it was crossed by a series of bridges (see picture) . The area was a favourite with walkers, meeting friends and even for lovers.

They plan to restore old bridges over the lower part of the dry river bed a long with two of its historic bridges Piedra (picture) and Puente de Palo, (Stick Bridge).
Triana and Vegueta are separated from the sea by Maritime Avenue a 6 lane highway, this will be sunk into a half kilometre tunnel, Then some land will be reclaimed from the sea, This will create a large public park and promenade of almost 3 hectacres by the sea, which will have, grass, plants, trees,a water feature and places to sit or just amble away the time, and even a cycle way. This area will be large enough to hold festivals as well.
Las Palmas is not the first City to rebuild or replace lost features, but like other city’s they are doing something about it.
So come and visit GoldAcre Estates to speak to our consultants on how 2008 can be your year to buy your dream home in Gran Canaria.

Gran Canaria a continent in miniature

2008-01-14T13:15:00.000Z

Gran Canaria a continent in miniature offers many micro climates and some of the best air quality in the world today, this Island which is part of Spain, but set some 1,200 kilometers and 2.5 hours flying time from mainland in the mid Atlantic, offering one of the best all round climates with hours of glorious winter sunshine, diverse sports such as Golf, Wind surfing, Sailing, Mountain Walking and much much, more.
Perfect for buying Land or Real Estate, with opportunities for Beach front villas and apartments at very reasonable prices.

Low cost of living and special Tax exception from the European Parliament has made the Canary Islands and in particular Gran Canaria a favorite because of its duty free tax base and more and more overseas companies are finding out that the special ZEC zone that we are classed as, can be very beneficial to their overall growth

Investment in Gran Canaria’s real estate market has shown stable and long term growth opportunities which have been consistent over many years, view our continent in miniature and see why Gran Canaria has become the first choice of many European nationalities for their holiday, second or permanent home overseas.

HAVE A LOOK TO THE PPT ATTACHED

Gran%20Canaria.ppt

Gran Canaria real estate why rent when you can buy

2008-01-12T14:45:00.000Z

Gran Canaria, with its population of more than 800,000, is the most densely populated of the islands in the archipelago. It is also an island rich in culture, folklore and history, that can boast about having “probably the best climate in the world” (World Health Organisation report 2001).

The vibrant, cosmopolitan capital of Las Palmas is located in the north east tip of the island and can boast important educational, recreational and financial centres as well as a harbour that is large enough to play host to the world’s largest ever passenger vessel, the Queen Mary 2.

Las Palmas can also boast the first golf course opened in Spain, and along with several other championship golf facilities, has made the game one of the many attractions to this all year round sports paradise.

Tourism, along with agriculture and fishing, forms a major part of the thriving economy. Based in the south of the island, tourism dominates the area between San Agustin and Playa de Mogan. Its many varied resorts offer every kind of attraction, including miles of dramatic sand dunes plus many natural and man made beaches that are surrounded by the world’s finest hotels, restaurants and shopping and leisure facilities. These are facilities that offer everything from Four Basilicas to Four Tops, Bizet to Bingo and Lalique to La Belle.

However, just a few kilometres inland and you will discover another world of delights; the best Canarian food in “El Centro” Guayadeque, folklore in Arucas and Aguimes, the architecture of Teror and the mountain walks of Los Nieves and Cruz Grande, to name but a few. It is no wonder that our island is one of the foremost destinations on the world tourist map by virtue of its clean air climate, stunning facilities and for the lifestyle and business opportunities that it provides.

Its wonderful amenities are legendary, but coupled with the staggering natural geographical beauty and radiance, it is little wonder that the island is the main destination for over 3 million holidaymakers a year, many of whom return year after year and eventually make their homes here in Gran Canaria

Seniors Money Clinics on Gran Canaria

2008-01-12T14:29:00.002Z

Early January of this year, Blevins Franks International, held a second group of clinic sessions for interested persons on Gran Canaria. The result was another significant number of appointments and, as a representative of Goldacre Estates, another particularly happy client.

The conditions and requirements of “Seniors Money” – the releasing of equity in your property for the over 60’s – were very ably detailed by the Blevins Franks representative, Richard Smith. There are several potential reasons for wanting to do this, all of which are eligible in this scheme. You may wish to supplement a shortfall in income, or to carry out home improvements, you may need medical care, or you may want to take that holiday of a lifetime or indeed you may simply wish to help your family or dependants now.

The Seniors Money Lifetime Loan is designed to help people increase their income in retirement to do any of these things, and once one partner reaches the age of 60, you and your property may well meet the criteria for this loan. The loan is based on percentages of the property value with a minimum loan of 40,000 euros. This loan is not repaid until you sell the property, or until both partners have moved on to higher places, and…. you can top up the loan each year.

For more information contact Emma Cunliffe on
emmac@goldacre-estates.com

Announcement from the British Club in Las Palmas. Freemasonry is relatively new to the Canary Islands, but is growing steadily.

2008-01-12T14:29:00.000Z

“The Provincial Grand Lodge of the Canary Islands

The Provincial Grand Masonic Lodge of the Canary Islands is very pleased to invite all English speaking Freemasons, or English speaking men wishing to become Freemasons, who are residents of Gran Canaria, to become part of a new Lodge being constituted on this island.”

If you are a Freemason or wish to become one, and have a sincere interest in this matter, please contact info@goldacre-estates.com for full details.

Merry CHristmas and a Happy New Year from Gran Canaria

2007-12-19T11:33:00.000Z

Too Busy for a Friend.

One day a teacher asked her students to list the names of the other students in the room on two sheets of paper, leaving a space between each name.
Then she told them to think of the nicest thing they could say about each of their classmates and write it down.
It took the remainder of the class period to finish their assignment, and as the students left the room, each one handed in the papers.
That Saturday, the teacher wrote down the name of each student on a separate sheet of paper, and listed what everyone else had said about that individual.
On Monday she gave each student his or her list. Before long, the entire class was smiling. "Really?" she heard whispered. "I never knew that I meant anything to anyone!" and, "I didn't know others liked me so much." were most of the comments.
No one ever mentioned those papers in class again. She never knew if they discussed them after class or with their parents, but it didn't matter. The exercise had accomplished its purpose. The students were happy with themselves and one another. That group of students moved on.
Several years later, one of the students was killed in Viet Nam and his teacher attended the funeral of that special student. She had never seen a serviceman in a military coffin before. He looked so handsome, so mature.
The church was packed with his friends. One by one those who loved him took a last walk by the coffin. The teacher was the last one to bless the coffin.
As she stood there, one of the soldiers who acted as pallbearer came up to her. "Were you Mark's math teacher?" he asked. She nodded: "yes." Then he said: "Mark talked about you a lot."
After the funeral, most of Mark's former classmates went together to a luncheon. Mark's mother and father were there, obviously waiting to speak with his teacher.
"We want to show you something," his father said, taking a wallet out of his pocket. "They found this on Mark when he was killed. We thought you might recognize it."
Opening the billfold, he carefully removed two worn pieces of notebook paper that had obvi o usly been taped, folded and refolded many times. The teacher knew without looking that the papers were the ones on which she had listed all the good things each of Mark's classmates had said about him.
"Thank you so much for doing that," Mark's mother said. "As you can see, Mark treasured it."
All of Mark's former classmates started to gather around. Charlie smiled rather sheepishly and said, "I still have my list. It's in the top drawer of my desk at home."
Chuck's wife said, "Chuck asked me to put his in our wedding album."
"I have mine too," Marilyn said "It's in my diary."
Then Vicki, another classmate, reached into her pocketbook, took out her wallet and showed her worn and frazzled list to the group "I carry this with me at all times," Vicki said and without batting an eyelash, she continued: "I think we all saved our lists."
That's when the teacher finally sat down and cried. She cried for Mark and for all his friends who would never see him again.
The density of people in society is so thick that we forget that life will end one day. And we don't know when that one day will be.
So please, tell the people you love and care for, that they are special and important. Tell them, before it is too late.
And One Way To Accomplish This Is: Send this message on. If you do not send it, you will have, once again passed up the wonderful opportunity to do something nice and beautiful.
If you've received this, it is because someone cares for you and it means there is probably at least someone for whom you care.
If you're "too busy" to take those few minutes right now to forward this message on, would this be the VERY first time you didn't do that little thing that would make a difference in your relationships?
The more people that you send this to, the better you'll be at reaching out to those you care about.
Remember, you reap what you sow. What you put into the lives of others comes back into your own.
May Your Day Be As Blessed As You Are Special

Know when to Fiesta 2007

2007-11-29T18:19:00.000Z

Thursday 6th and Saturday 8th of December are national holidays in Spain. The 6th is Constitution Day and the 8th is the Day of the Immaculate Conception. This is good news if you are doing a pub quiz here in Gran Canaria, but also if you are planning a shopping trip whilst you are here. Some shops and businesses will be closed on these days and others may well make a long weekend of it (called a “puente”), closing on the Friday as well. The Christmas period has not really started here yet – in the UK it starts in August – so check carefully to save a wasted journey, or call the Mogan office. One of the team will be pleased to help as we shall be open and at your service, of course.

EASY jet…. are here in Gran Canaria

2007-11-29T17:51:00.000Z

The low-cost airline EASY jet, are using the Las Palmas, Gran Canaria airport at last. They are currently only flying to and from Geneva, but the sight of one of their jets on the tarmac has sent air waves around the island. The word is that it will not be long before they have a toe-hold on some flight slots from the UK.
That will have repercussions across the industry, and all the other budget fliers will want to be part of this huge marketplace. More cheap flights will signal another boom in every aspect of the flourishing economy of Gran Canaria.
Watch this space for further developments, and talk to our team in Mogan about your flight dates.

Freemasonary, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands.

2007-11-29T16:23:00.000Z

Some of our clients may be interested to read this announcement from the British Club in Las Palmas. Freemasonry is relatively new to the Canary Islands, but is growing steadily.

“The Provincial Grand Lodge of the Canary Islands

The Provincial Grand Masonic Lodge of the Canary Islands is very pleased to invite all English speaking Freemasons, or English speaking men wishing to become Freemasons, who are residents of Gran Canaria, to become part of a new Lodge being constituted on this island.”

If you are a Freemason or wish to become one, and have a sincere interest in this matter, please contact info@goldacre-estates.com for full details.

The Canary Islands Are Tops For Winter

2007-11-12T08:07:00.000Z

Holidaymakers looking for package holidays to Spain are opting for the Canaries – rental property owners, take note!

No matter what an estate agent tells you, any expat who lives in Spain will tell you it's not sun, sun, sun on the mainland all winter, and the further inland you get from the Mediterranean coast, the greater the likelihood of it being a bit chilly. The only genuine year-round sunshine in Spain is to be found in the Canaries, and holidaymakers are clearly aware of this fact as some new statistics from Travelsupermarket.com shows that in the week starting 22 October 2007, four out of the top five searches for package holidays to Spain were looking for Canary Island breaks. Gran Canaria was most popular, followed by Tenerife. Mainland Spain makes a showing at number three with searches for the Costa Blanca, but then Lanzarote and Fuerteventura rounded out the top five.These figures should be of interest to anyone thinking of buying a rental property in Spain. While mainland Spain is by far the most popular location for holidaymakers during the summer months and you can earn a good income during peak season, if you're looking for year-round rentals the Canaries are definitely worth considering. As well as holidaymakers going for a week or two, you'll also be able to cater to elderly people keen to escape the British climate for a couple of months.

Sales Executives Job Opportunity

2007-10-23T13:24:00.000+01:00

As part of our success and General expansion program GoldAcre Estates are looking to recruit the following personnel
Sales Executives..

If you have the ability to sell or are looking for a whole new career, GoldAcre Estates would like to talk to you!

Do you like people and have a lively personality??

We will provide you with full training to unlock your full potential.

Provide us with your C.V and contact telephone number marked for the attention of Emma and we will arrange a time to discuss our available opportunities.

mailto:info@goldacreestatesgrancanaria.com

The 13 hottest hotels for winter sun

2007-10-01T11:58:00.000+01:00

Summer was a washout. And now we have those cold, dark, car-won’t-start December mornings to look forward to. Anyone fancy some winter sun?
The good news this season is that there’s a raft of destinations that are hot in every sense. Mozambique gets its first super-luxurious boutique next month; Australia is raising camping to a new level in luxury; the Maldives continue to unveil ever more dazzling resorts; Tenerife is becoming – wait for it – trendy; and Grenada is ever more gorgeous. Here is our choice of the highlights.
— Double room rates are per night, B&B; a package is often much better value, and the prices we quote there are per person for a week, B&B, based on two sharing, including flights from London.

THE MALDIVES

It’s already a travel fantasia of underwater spas, beds that revolve to follow the sunset and suites with water slides into private pools. The stakes have just risen again, with Banyan Tree Madivaru (00 960-666 0760, http://www.banyantree.com/) introducing the African safari to the Indian Ocean, in the shape of vast handcrafted tents, each with its own spa. Already sizzling is the 19-room Naladhu (664 1888, http://www.naladhu.com/), which teams antique writing desks with flower-strewn terrazzo bathtubs, and minibars full of foie gras with VGCs (very good chaps) – a butler by any other name. Sounds expensive, and it is – £1,190 a night. If you’ve not yet won the lottery, the Beach House at Manafaru (http://www.beachhousecollection.com/), which opens in November, looks set to be this winter’s five-star bargain. Its 50 villas have Frette sheets and flatscreen TVs, and cost about £100 a night. The package: Abercrombie & Kent (0845 618 2212, http://www.abercrombiekent.co.uk/) has Madivaru from £4,965, all-inclusive; Naladhu from £3,549; and the Beach House from £1,065. Flights are with Emirates via Dubai.

AUSTRALIA
Camping down under has been given a real kick in the shorts by an outback safari camp that’s as decadent as most hotels. Bamurru Plains ( 00 61-2 9571 6677 , http://www.bamurruplains.com/; doubles from £700, all-inclusive), on the edge of Kakadu National Park, promises wild-bush luxury, with stylish suites built into the savanna so you can spot kookaburras while nibbling on crocodile canapés.
Combine it with the Great Barrier Reef’s hot new resort, Qualia (2 9433 3349, http://www.qualia.com.au/; doubles from £550, full-board), on Hamilton Island. The Aussie billionaire Bob Oatley bought Hamilton in 2004, and Qualia is his all-singing new flagship property. The 60 contemporary pavilions are plunge-pool plush, while the spa’s signature treatment is a hot-stone massage that uses 300m-year-old stones harvested from New South Wales. Strewth! The package: Bridge & Wickers ( 020 7483 6555 , http://www.bridgeandwickers.co.uk/) has 10 nights at Bamurru and Qualia from £4,412, full-board, flying with Qantas to Darwin and back from Sydney. The price includes domestic flights to Hamilton Island.

THAILAND
No country does the chic boutique quite as well as Thailand. The hot tickets are the Library (00 800 3746 8357, http://www.designhotels.com/; doubles from £175), an architectural oasis in Ko Samui’s good-time resort, Chaweng Beach, with stark designer interiors and a darkly dramatic red-tiled pool; and the Paradee ( 00 66-38 644283, http://www.samedresorts.com/; doubles from £225), on sleepy Ko Samed, two hours from Bangkok, which has 40 traditional teak and Thai-silk, muslin-draped havens.
Finally, Evason Hideaway at Yao Noi (76 418500, http://www.sixsenses.com/; doubles from £460) opens in November on an eco-island just off Phuket. All 56 villas have sensational views to the limestone karsts of the Ao Phang-Nga National Marine Park (as seen in The Man with the Golden Gun) and are loaded with Bond-girl glamour. The package: Tropical Locations (0845 277 3310, http://www.tropical-locations.com/) has the Library from £1,305, Paradee from £1,555 and Yao Noi from £2,325, room-only, flying with Thai Airways to Bangkok, then Bangkok Airways onwards.

TENERIFE
Are you sitting down? Tenerife is becoming trendy – or, more particularly, the Abama (00 34 922 126 000 , http://www.abamahotelresort.com/; doubles from £240) is. It’s a huge, glitzy resort on the less touristy west coast, with a spa from the team behind Thailand’s Chiva-Som and 10 restaurants presided over by a chef with three Michelin stars. Despite glowing reports, some sceptics still sneered. Now, Abama is about to receive the hospitality industry’s equivalent of a course of steroids – Ritz-Carlton, a luxury chain famed for its exacting standards, has taken over the management. As R-C’s methods have no harmful side effects, and the Canaries are just a four-hour flight away, we’re already getting pumped up. The package: ITC Classics ( 01244 355550, http://www.itcclassics.co.uk/) has Abama from £1,049, flying with British Airways.

SEYCHELLES
Prince William’s recent trip to Desroches Island (00 230 698 2222, http://www.naiaderesorts.com/; doubles from £500, full-board) with Kate Middleton has boosted this archipelago’s profile. Desroches is a coralline cutie – just 20 villas, 8½ miles of white beaches and excellent food – but it’s more Swallows and Amazons than Swarovski and Anne Sémonin. If you’re after trendy, the “six-star”, £1,000anight Maia, on the main island, Mahe, is attracting attention – but, to be honest, we think it’s pretentious and overpriced. Instead, take a chopper to the recently revamped Frégate Island (00 49 6102 501321 , http://www.fregate.com/). It’s where Liz Hurley honeymooned, and its 16 colonially cool villas are the last word in romance . . . which they should be for £1,600 a night, full-board. The package: Seychelles Travel ( 01202 877330 , http://www.seychelles-travel.co.uk/) has Desroches from £1,990 and Frégate from £6,306, both full-board, flying with Air Seychelles.

OMAN
This is Dubai without the Disney staging: pristine beaches, preserved forts and a proud culture. Muscat has been a must-visit since the opening of the six-star, 180-room Al Husn at the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort (00 968 2477 6666 , http://www.shangri-la.com/; doubles from £220) last year. Its location is magical – surrounded by jagged mountains and deep blue sea.
Even so, in December, it may well be levered from the limelight by the Evason Hideaway at Zighy Bay (00 971 9 244 3060 , http://www.sixsenses.com/; doubles from £305, room-only), two hours down the coast. Its 82 villas will be Omani-meets-Armani cocoons, with some novel approaches; you can arrive by paraglider, strapped to the hotel’s professional Mr Safehands. It’s a full-on, Alist adrenaline hit; to prove it, even the bar is called Drinks on the Edge. The package: The Private Travel Company ( 020 7751 0880 , http://www.theprivatetravelcompany.co.uk/) has Al Husn from £1,641 and Zighy Bay from £1,976, flying with British Airways.

ST LUCIA
The twin peaks of the Pitons make this one of the prettiest islands in the Caribbean; a host of classy new hotels means it’s now also one of the coolest. For low-key luxe, opt for Discovery at Marigot Bay ( 00 1 758 458 5300, http://www.discoverystlucia.com/; doubles from £142). Carved into a hillside near Castries, and overlooking a palm-fringed beach, it has Philippe Starck furniture in the bar, espresso machines in the 124 dark-wood, whitewalled rooms, and life-changing courses on everything from fitness to flirting. Seriously.
Up in the hills of Morne Chastanet, the 24 suites at Jade Mountain ( 0800 894057, http://www.jademountainstlucia.com/; doubles from £500, room-only) are an almost ridiculous redefinition of the hotel experience. Forget impersonal corridors, think suspended private bridges. Forget four walls – each “personal sanctuary” has one side open to the elements. And the real clincher? Light controls allow you to change your bathwater to your favourite colour. Because that’s important, right? The package: Caribtours ( 020 7751 0660 , http://www.caribtours.co.uk/) has Discovery at Marigot Bay from £1,381 and Jade Mountain from £2,811, flying with Virgin Atlantic.

VIETNAM
The destination address right now is the Nam Hai ( 00 84 510 940000 , http://www.thenamhai.com/; doubles from £275), on a pristine stretch of China beach, near the Unesco World Heritage Site of Hoi An. The attention to detail in its 100 sleek villas is awesome: intricate hand-carved screens, eggshell-lacquered baths, temperature-controlled private pools. No less than expected, given that its owner is Adrian Zecha, whose fans range from Nelson Mandela to Kate Moss. The package: Western & Oriental Travel ( 0845 277 3355, http://www.westernoriental.com/) has the Nam Hai from £1,679, flying with Thai Airways via Bangkok (and Vietnam Airlines to Danang).

MOZAMBIQUE
We’ve raved about the private islands of the far-north Quirimbas archipelago – the rustic chic of Quilalea (00 258 272 21808 , http://www.quilalea.com/; doubles from £420, full-board) and the blue-sky Swahili styling of Vamizi ( 00 27 11 884 8869, http://www.maluane.com/; doubles from £590, all-inclusive).
This year, Azura (00 27 11 258 0180 , http://www.azura-retreats.com/; doubles from £475, full-board), on Benguerra, in the more accessible Bazaruto archipelago, looks set to outdo both by combining their Out of Africa escapism with air con, butlers and a decent spa. Yes, this is the place for new Africa hands (ie, Hollywood types) who like their Robinson Crusoe with hair by John Frieda. The 15 villas are huge, the decor is contemporary, the wine is flown in from the owner’s chateau in the Loire Valley – and, before November 14, it’s almost a bargain, with opening rates of £315, full-board. The package: Audley Travel ( 01869 276250, http://www.audleytravel.com/) has Quilalea from £3,095, Vamizi from £4,495 and Azura from £3,011 until November 14. Flights are with South African Airways via Johannesburg.

DUBAI
The arrival of the oil-rich emirate’s first boutique property may persuade sniffier sorts to risk a visit. Desert Palm (00 971 4323 8888 , http://www.desertpalm.ae/; doubles from £185), from the outfit behind the ever-so-trendy Huvafen Fushi, in the Maldives, is set on a private polo estate, well away from the Wagmagnet strip. It has just 24 muted modern suites – with not a tassel or gold tap in sight. The package: Seasons in Style ( 01244 202000 , http://www.seasonsinstyle.com/) has the Desert Palm from £1,565, flying with Emirates.

GRENADA
Spice Island Beach Resort ( 00 1 473 444 4258 , http://www.spicebeachresort.com/; doubles from £350) is the Six Million Dollar Man of the Caribbean. It was barely alive after the devastation of Hurricane Ivan in 2004, but the owner rebuilt it better and stronger than before – so much so that it’s wooing the more discerning from Sandy Lane, on Barbados, and Carlisle Bay, on Antigua.
How? For starters, Grenada is most aficionados’ pick for the perfect island: great beaches, thriving rainforest and limited tourism. Location helps, too. Spice Island sits snugly among the sea grape and palm trees on two-mile Grand Anse, one of the world’s best beaches. The new, improved hotel sports tastefully tropical decor, souped-up dining options and none of the Tango tans that plague Barbados. The package: Azure (01244 322770, http://www.azurecollection.com/) has Spice Island from £1,895, all-inclusive, flying with BA.

EGYPT
The producer of Holidays from Hell has a job only because of travel experiences such as the average Nile cruise. Next month, however, you’ll be able to sail in the vessel that 5,000 years of cultural riches deserve, when the elite hotelier Oberoi floats its new boat, the Zahra (00 20 2 377 3222 , http://www.oberoizahra.com/; one week from £1,625pp, full-board). Its 27 elegant suites are the last word in luxe; there’s even an on-board spa. The package: Bales Worldwide (0845 057 0600, http://www.balesworldwide.com/) has an 11-night itinerary, including seven, full-board, on the Zahra, from £3,075, flying with BA.

MAURITIUS
It has been the Indian Ocean’s Cinderella of late, but two new big hitters should ensure that visitors have a ball here this winter. Shanti Ananda ( 00 91 11 2656 8888, http://www.shantiananda.com/; doubles from £325)opened recently on the unspoilt south coast. It’s a sister property to one of the world’s best spas, Ananda, in the Himalayas. The Mauritian incarnation offers similarly excellent practitioners, but here ayurvedic beauty comes with a beach.
On the fashionable east coast, the first phase of the Anahita complex (http://www.anahitamauritius.com/) will open in January. The 70 waterfront L’Adamante Residences will, apparently, be more luxurious than anything yet seen in this millionaires’ playground, with top-notch contemporary furnishings, Michelin-starred chefs and an Ernie Els golf course. The package:Carrier (0161 491 7630 , http://www.carrier.co.uk/) has Shanti Ananda from £1,815pp and L’Adamante Residences from £1,675, flying with BA.

What about the weather?
THIS WINTER will see the continued development of La Niña, the big, stroppy sister of El Niño. It causes lower than normal sea temperatures across the central and eastern Pacific, but warmer waters on the western side. These changes can interact with the atmosphere and influence weather patterns across the world. The result is usually an increase in thunderstorms and heavy rain pretty much everywhere we go looking for winter sun.
But this season could be different. A similar phenomenon, the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), occurs further west. In its present phase, the IOD has the same effect as La Niña – warmer waters in the west, cooler in the east – and, where they overlap, the two effectively cancel each other out.
What does this mean for your tan? In short, if the IOD remains influential, Thailand, Sri Lanka and the Maldives should be fine, but expect more rain and cloud in the Caribbean, South Africa, the Seychelles and Mauritius. As for Egypt, Oman and the Canaries: scorchio.

Golf in Gran Canaria

2007-09-30T18:05:00.000+01:00

Gran Canaria is rich with choice of different golf courses now, with even more in the planning.

Located all down the east cost, round to the South West of the Island, from Las Palmas (the capital) down to Anfi Tauro, which is located South West, with the exeption of one, which is located inland at San Bartoleme. Having such a wide selection to choose from, you not only have the choice of course to play on, but also the conditions in which you play, as the temperature can vary a few degrees from North to South, with the North being in general 2 or 3 degrees cooler than the South, you also have a slight breeze on the East coast between Las Palmas and Maspalomas.

As with most golf courses, there is also a wide choice of Golf Course properties on offer, visit our website www.goldacreestatesgrancanaria.com for further information. Prices starting from 275,000 euros.
http://www.goldacreestatesgrancanaria.com/

Gary Marlborough, New member of our Gran Canaria Staff

2007-09-30T17:02:00.000+01:00

Gary Marlborough moved to Gran Canaria 12 months ago in pursuit of owning his perfect property abroad and to ensure he had more quality time with his wife after many years of work in the United Kingdom. Gary’s previous positions of employment have been based around the demanding roles of Supermarket Management to Regional Sales Manager which has given him an abundance of knowledge and experience in both customer facing situations and understanding the needs of clients and colleagues alike all of which has been gained over the last 34 years.
After choosing Gran Canaria and settling in Puerto Rico, Gary would like to help others with the experience that he has gained in achieving his personal goal to be able assist others to do the same.
Gary can be contacted by e-mail on garym@goldacre-estates.com or Tel 0034 928 565613

Karen Moore, New member of our Gran Canaria Staff

2007-09-30T16:58:00.000+01:00

Karen Moore moved to Gran Canaria with her Husband to fulfill their dream and Karen is living proof that dreams can turn into reality, Karen brings with her 20 years of customer service and sales experience, 14 of which spent working in the financial services sector in the Isle of Man.

After spending time settling into her new life Karen has now joined GoldAcre Estates and is looking forward to helping others with the valuable experience she has gained through her own move, to realize their Dream of owning a home in the sun.
Karen can be contacted by e-mail on karenm@goldacre-estates.com or Tel 0034 928 565613

Pensions in Gran Canaria – relevant to those of us getting very close to claiming our bus passes.

2007-09-30T16:56:00.000+01:00

The Department of Work and Pensions and the British Consulate in Gran Canaria recently organized an Information Day for this group of “ex-pats” at the British Club in Las Palmas and then another in Meloneras.
On hand was the departmental team responsible for advising all of the ex-pats of pensionable age and the feedback from all those that attended was that the British Consulate team did a very good job. Should you require further information on your pension rights in Gran Canaria please e-mail either karenm@goldacre-estates.com or garym@goldacre-estates.com for a full contacts list or give Karen or Gary a call in the Mogan office on 0034 928 565613 or simply visit www.goldacreestatesgrancanaria.com

In addition, one of Spain’s leading financial groups, Blevins Franks, is holding a seminar on Gran Canaria for those over 60s who may want to release a bit of equity in their property.

GoldAcre Estates resident expert Graham Hiscock will be going, and will advise all our clients of all the relevant information or….. if you also are interested in attending give us a call and we shall let you have details.

Low Cost Airlines: Jet2.com adds Gran Canaria to its expanding network

2007-09-30T16:35:00.000+01:00

Jet 2.com the budget airline started their operations about 25 years ago as a carrier service, but did not start their passenger services until 2001 Jet2 started their low cost division in 2003,since then the company have been slowly expanding their area of operations to many European destinations.

GoldAcre Estates are pleased to announce that Jet2.com are about to commence a service direct to Gran Canaria ( LPA) on October 29th 2007, although initially this will be for only for the winter season which will end in March 2008 at the moment there are no other times available but we hope this proves to be a success so hopefully the route to Gran Canaria will be extended to become a permanent destination on their routing schedules .
Jet 2 will be flying from these U.K airports only. Newcastle, Blackpool, Manchester, Leed’s and Bradford and Belfast. The price’s start from around ₤49.00,(one way).
For further information and to visit Jet2 website simply click on http://www.buyingrancanaria.com/

Anfi Tauro Golf Course : One of a Kind

2007-09-30T16:29:00.000+01:00

It’s the moment that many of you golfers have been waiting for! GoldAcre Estates are pleased to announce that on the 19th October 2007 the back 9-holes of the 18-hole championship golf course at Anfi Tauro is opening, located in the South of Gran Canaria within the lush Tauro valley.

The challenging course, par 72, was designed by world-renowned golf course designers von Hagge, Smelek and Baril, acclaimed for their innovative approach and unforgettable designs. The course was created in the Arizona desert style; players revel in the striking flora and fauna typical of the region, imposing cacti rise from between dramatic rock formations transporting the player to another land.

Facilities at Anfi Tauro Golf also include a driving range that covers an area of 40,000m², where beginners and pros alike can hone their skills. There is also a practice tee and practice course, chipping zone, golf academy and there will also be a luxurious Plantation style Clubhouse to round off play.

Javier Suarez, the Manager at Anfi Tauro Golf believes that it will become the best course in the Canary Islands over the next couple of years, so why not experience the strategically placed grass bunkers, huge lakes and the formidable 18th hole. This course is a truly bewitching course, that will captivate and exhilarate all passionate golfers.