Best of the bunch – Top 5 countries for enjoying some winter sun

Best of the bunch – Top 5 countries for enjoying some winter sun

by Louise Grenada Italy Portugal Spain United States , , , ,
  • Costa del Sol offers cheapest European winter sun breaks (Post Office)
  • Mallorca bookings up 68% in a single year (ABTA)
  • Euro approaching best rate since 2012 (Currency Index)

It’s that time of year when the novelty of cold mornings and rainy afternoons has worn off and families turn their attention to which country would be the best place for them to soak up some winter sun. This year the number of those leaving the UK in search of winter sun between October and December is expected to rise, as many families delayed their summer holidays overseas due to Britain’s fantastic summer weather.

The Post Office has provided some handy hints this year for travellers looking for good value from their breaks. Both Portugal (specifically the Algarve) and Spain (the Costa del Sol) have been recognised as providing excellent value for money in the Post Office’s Winter Sunshine Report. The barometer report examines eight tourist staples, including sun-cream, drinks and an evening meal, to judge which destinations offer the cheapest break. The Costa del Sol came in at just £44 for the list of items and the Algarve at £48. As the weather in Spain and Portugal can take a turn for the worse over the winter months, the report also highlighted the value of Tenerife, where the winter sunshine is a little more reliable. The island came in at £58 for the eight items.

Italy is another popular choice for those seeking a winter sun break and if the over-priced cities are avoided it can offer excellent value. In fact, the UK travel organisation ABTA observed at its recent travel convention in Slovenia that Italian bookings were up this summer due to “some great-value hotel deals.” ABTA also highlighted Mallorca as a recent success story, with summer 2014 bookings up 68% on summer 2013. The island’s increased tourism figures are expected to carry through over the winter season.

When it comes to long-haul winter sun destinations, Florida offers excellent value and families can enjoy Orlando’s theme parks without the extensive queues of the summer months. The Caribbean is another popular place for winter sun seekers, especially for couples looking for a relaxed, romantic escape. The luxury appeal of the island of Grenada is proving particularly attractive this year, thanks to its high-end spas and pristine beaches.

For those looking for more than just a holiday, each of these destinations offers a wide variety of options when it comes to property investment. From second homes to pure investment properties, the choice is endless. Those looking to buy in Europe are able to enjoy the cheaper Euro at present, with Currency Index observing that the US Dollar’s recent gains have had a particularly beneficial effect on Euro rates, which are approaching their best levels since 2012.

For those looking to profit from property in the top winter sun destinations, here’s a quick round up of the best opportunities on offer.

Spain – Costa del Sol

Modern 2 and 3 bed apartments and penthouses in Avalon – Los Arqueros Golf, the best golf resort near Puerto Banus, are available from just €290,000 from Taylor Wimpey España. Large terraces, spectacular views, a communal pool and beautiful gardens make this the perfect family resort.

Balearic Islands – Mallorca

Taylor Wimpey España is offering just 24 luxury two bedroom/two bathroom apartments from €242,000 at Cala Anguila II.

Canary Islands – Tenerife

From land plots costing €95,000 for those with imagination and time on their hands, to key-ready, ultra luxe apartments for €483,000, property portal Kyero.com has something to suit every buyer.

Portugal – Algarve

Ideal Homes Portugal has properties ranging from Central Algarve studio apartments in Alvor, costing just €57,419, to a four bedroom villa in the prestigious Vale do Lobo golf community, available to anyone with a spare €11,000,000 to hand. This plot of land with delightful timber house, coming in at just €69,000, is particularly interesting.

Italy – Le Marche

Italy’s stunning Le Marche region offers a good value alternative to the cities and has everything from beaches to mountains with excellent skiing facilities. A one tenth share in the luxury fractional ownership holiday home, Casa Tre Archi from Appassionata, costs from as little as £65,000.

Florida – Orlando

Beautiful two, three and four bedroom investment homes are available from Brookes & Co at The Club at Sunset Lake, from just £96,950. The fully managed properties are close to Orlando’s major attractions and perfect for those looking for a rental property that provides long-term income.

The Caribbean – Grenada

High-end hotel suites for investment in Grenada are available from Property Frontiers and include four weeks’ personal usage, allowing investors to enjoy Grenada for themselves, as well as making money from average projected yields of 10.5%.

 

For more information on the properties detailed above, please contact:

Taylor Wimpey España: +44 8000 121 020 or www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Those residing outside of the UK should call 0034 971 70 69 72.

Kyero.com: www.kyero.com

Ideal Homes Portugal: on +44 800 133 7644 or +351 289 513 434 or www.idealhomesportugal.com.

Appassionata: +39 33154 13225 or www.appassionata.com.

Brookes & Co: +44 1621 875 925 or www.brookesandco.co.uk.

Property Frontiers: +44 1865 202 700 or www.propertyfrontiers.com.

 

Grenada tourism up 18.6% as the Caribbean booms back to life

Grenada tourism up 18.6% as the Caribbean booms back to life

by Louise Grenada
  • Grenada tourist arrivals up 18.6% in H1 2014 (CTO)
  • Boutique Grenada accounts for just 0.7% of Caribbean beds (Tourism Minister)
  • European visitors to the Caribbean up 6% (CTO)

As a region dominated by its tourism industry, the Caribbean suffered more than most as a result of the global economic crisis. As families across the world tightened their purse strings, international travel numbers reduced and the Caribbean’s paradise islands saw fewer visitors. Thankfully, tourism numbers are now on the rise again, with the ‘spice island of Grenada’ reporting an increase in tourist arrivals of 18.6% during H1 2014, according to the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO).

All things nice

Grenada is one of the Caribbean’s most exclusive destinations. While some islands have been over-developed in the face of mass tourism, Grenada has maintained a boutique approach, positioning itself as the Caribbean destination of choice for the more discerning traveller. With gorgeous beaches, restaurants ranging from fine dining to foodie snacks and several first-class spas, it offers visitors a distinctly Caribbean experience, but away from the tourist hordes. In fact, Tourism Minister, Alexandria Noel-Otway recently pointed out that Grenada has just 0.7% of the total beds available in the Caribbean, with less than 2,000 on the island.

Ray Withers, Chief Executive of property investment specialists Property Frontiers, which is known on Grenada for its stunning 5* Cinnamon Suites at Bacolet Bay, comments,

“Grenada is definitely the destination of choice for those looking for a more exclusive Caribbean experience. It blends ultimate luxury with breath-taking scenery to create the perfect level of appeal to tourists who demand nothing but the best.”

The Cinnamon Suites at Bacolet Bay certainly fit with this ethos. Available for investment from £248,500 (25% below independent real estate valuation), the well-appointed hotel accommodation forms part of a leading resort, packed with facilities to keep even the most demanding guests happy. Stunning sea views add to the development’s charms – as do financial returns of 10.5% average projected NET yield per annum for Bacolet Bay’s investors.

The big picture

Grenada’s success is set against a backdrop of improving tourist numbers across the Caribbean, with the region as a whole recording a growth rate of 5.2% during H1 2014, according to the CTO data. Winfield Griffith, the CTO’s director of research and information technology, has revealed that almost half of those visitors – 6.87 million of the total 14 million long-stay tourists – were from the US. Griffith comments,

“There is enough evidence to suggest that there is growing economic confidence in the region’s biggest neighbor and this is releasing much pent-up travel demand caused by a long recessionary period.”

This pent-up demand has also been released in Canada and Europe, with those regions showing increases of 4.3% and 6.0% respectively in terms of visitor numbers to the Caribbean.

As the world’s economic situation continues to improve, visitor numbers to the Caribbean look set to do the same, with Grenada in particular standing out as the region’s leading island.

For further details, contact Property Frontiers or call the team on +44 1865 202 700.

New WTTC report confirms Grenada as a golden opportunity in the globe’s fastest growing sector

New WTTC report confirms Grenada as a golden opportunity in the globe’s fastest growing sector

by Kate Grenada
  • Travel and Tourism sector accounted for 9.5% of global GDP in 2013 (WTTC)
  • Grenada to attract 120,000 international tourists in 2014, rising to 175,000 by 2024 (WTTC)
  • ‘Spice Island’ to host 2014 Cricket Caribbean Premier League starting on 11th July 2014

The just-released World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) report, in conjunction with research partner Oxford Economics, heralds ongoing good news for the global tourism sector and, in particular, Grenada in the Caribbean.

Travel and Tourism the fastest growing sector in the world

According to the report, 2013 proved to be another successful year for the Travel and Tourism industry as a whole, with the sector’s contribution to global GDP growing for the fourth consecutive year. In 2013 the Travel and Tourism sector contributed a significant 9.5% of global GDP ($7 trillion USD). This both outpaced the wider economy and also showed growth which was faster than any other notable sectors, including financial and business services, transport and manufacturing. In total, nearly 266 million jobs were supported by Travel and Tourism in 2013, constituting one in eleven of all the positions in the world.

This ongoing rise is said to be helped especially by strong demand from international travellers. Visitor exports (the measure of money spent by these international tourists) rose by 3.9% at a global level year on year to USD $1.3 trillion; and over 10% within South East Asia. Growth in demand from emerging markets continues with pace, as large rising middle-classes, especially from Asia and Latin America, are willing and more able than ever to travel both within and beyond their borders.

Forecasts remain positive for the next decade

The outlook for 2014 remains positive, with Travel and Tourism GDP growth forecast to reach 4.3%. This is largely driven by higher consumer spending as the recovery from recession gathers pace. Tourists are expected to spend more per trip and stay longer on their holidays in 2014. Profitability for travel companies (and other associated businesses) should also start to edge upwards, bringing further opportunities for new job creation. This good news looks set to continue for the next ten years, with predicted growth rates of over 4% annually.

Grenada continues to shine

In Grenada, specifically, the predicted figures are up slightly to a higher-than-average 4.5% per year, representing a significant 55% ten year growth. Grenada also continues to be forecast as the third fastest developing country in the Caribbean for tourism, behind St. Lucia and St. Kitts & Nevis. Grenada is expected to attract 120,000 international tourists in 2014, with this figure rising to 175,000 by 2024.

The island of Grenada is definitely attracting an increasing amount of interest, from investors and the Travel and Tourism sector alike. In addition to its stunning, internationally acclaimed beaches (including Grand Anse, Petite Anse, Morne Rouge Bay, La Sagesse and Gouyave Bay to name but a few), the Isle of Spice is fast becoming a hotspot for sporting events.

‘Pure Grenada’ becomes a sporting Mecca

Already well regarded as a world class sailing destination (Island Water World Grenada Sailing Week), Grenada has now been named host to the Caribbean Premier League opener for cricket. The Guyana Amazon Warriors and Antigua Hawksbills will contend the opening fixture of this year’s Caribbean Premier League at the National Cricket Stadium in Grenada on 11th July.

Grenada has also been chosen as host venue for the 2016 CARIFTA Games, the annual athletics competition founded by the Caribbean Free Trade Association. St. Kitts will host the 2015 fixture. Grenada won its 2016 host position over Turks and Caicos Islands, St Lucia and The Bahamas. A brand new, Chinese government funded, athletics and football stadium is under construction especially for the forthcoming event.

Investment opportunities as golden as the beaches

Ray Withers, CEO of Property Frontiers, comments: “It’s great to see Grenada attracting so much positive attention. The World Travel and Tourism Council report says “If the right steps are taken, Travel and Tourism can be a true force for good” and I couldn’t agree more. This is particularly true in emerging markets which offer favourable business climates and incentives for investors – such as Grenada, which is tipped to be the fastest growing market in the Caribbean between 2011 and 2021.”

He continues: “The appeal of Grenada is clear. It is less spoiled that some of its more popular neighbouring islands and, from an investment perspective, it gives you affordable entry into a luxury Caribbean market while also taking advantage of its emerging economy status and booming tourism trade. Add in currently favourable foreign exchange rates and Grenada offers investment opportunities as golden as its glorious beaches.”

Get in touch with Property Frontiers on +44 1865 202 700 or visit www.propertyfrontiers.com to find out more about investing in the Caribbean and how you can gain an average yield of 10.5% net pa from a 5* sea view hotel suite in the glorious Bacolet Bay Beach Resort in Grenada.

Caribbean property investment opens up as EU Parliament votes for visa-free travel

by Charlotte Ashton Grenada

The EU Parliament has just voted visa-free travel for the nationals of 19 third world countries one step closer.

In a press release issued last week on 27th February 2014, Commissioner for Home Affairs, Cecilia Malmström, revealed approval for 16 African, Caribbean and Pacific countries, as well as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Colombia and Peru.

The decision, which includes business, tourism and family visit purposes, will also open up opportunities and advantages also for EU citizens, as any existing visa requirement for EU citizens to travel to these countries will be eliminated.

Island visa waivers set to enter into force in 2015
The move was initiated in November 2012, when the Commission proposed to add five Caribbean Island Nations (Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago), along with ten Pacific Island Nations (Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Samoa, the Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu) and Timor-Leste to the list of third world countries and territories whose nationals are exempt from the visa obligation.

Following discussions with the European Parliament and the Council, it was agreed to add the UAE, Peru and Colombia to the original list. The visa waiver agreements look set to enter into force in 2015.

Fiscal incentives for business and investment
This is excellent news for the growing number of companies doing business and investment in the Caribbean. Grenada, in particular, is currently enjoying a business boom, with investors attracted by a number of fiscal incentives granted to qualifying business enterprises. These include: exemption from custom duties on plant, equipment and raw materials; no restrictions on foreign ownership; no restrictions on foreign currency transactions; no restrictions on the repatriation of profits, capital and dividends; and double taxation relief.

A Grenada Citizenship by Investment program also came out at the end of 2013. Unlike some similar residency and citizenship programs which are invitation only, this option is open to those investing in Grenadian government supported developments.

Hotel investments get 5 star treatment
Hotel and resort investments look set to remain top on the list for the next couple of years, with additional sector support from CARICOM Development Fund’s $5.83 million pact to Grenada to develop lines of credit for the tourism and hotel sector, along with SMEs and energy efficiency.

Ray Withers, CEO of Property Frontiers, comments: “We’ve been involved with Grenada hotel investments since 2005 and have sold more property here than any other agent. Hotel room investment is a perfect win-win investment in an emerging market such as Grenada, which is also experiencing a boom in tourism.”

He continues: “Now the EU Parliament has voted in favour of visa-free travel, we can see a whole new level of investment opportunity opening up. Bacolet Bay Beach Resort is selling like hot cakes right now and we’re already investigating more easily accessible, high yielding options in this gorgeous Isle of Spice.”

With investment from £248,500 for a luxury hotel suite including a 3 year rental guarantee and 4 weeks´ personal usage, get in touch on +44 1865 202 700 or visit www.propertyfrontiers.com for more information.

Spice up your Christmas with a Cinnamon Suite in the Caribbean

by Charlotte Ashton Grenada

Tourism has long been the breadwinner for the Caribbean. Given tropical temperatures, sugar-like sandy beaches and a relaxed pace of life, it’s no wonder the Caribbean received 23.8 million global visitors in 2011, an increase of 3.3% over 2010 according to the Caribbean Tourism Organisation.

 


With this in mind, winter sun-seekers now have a new opportunity to make an exclusive lifestyle investment in the luxury Cinnamon Suites, on the Caribbean island of Grenada, predicted to be the fastest growing market in the Caribbean between 2011 and 2021 according to the World Travel & Tourism Council.

 


Part of Bacolet Bay Beach Resort and available through multi award-winning international property specialist Property Frontiers, these stunning 5* hotel suites offer attractive returns to investors with Chief Executive Ray Withers commenting,

 

“We have been at the forefront of the emerging market of hotel investments available to individual investors for a number of years now and identified Grenada as a fantastic place to invest back in 2005. Investing in the Cinnamon Suites will deliver owners value for money (properties are currently prices 30% below current valuation); potential for capital growth; a solid yield through rental as a hotel property and a defined, realistic exit.”

 

Bacolet Bay, with its secluded 300m long stretch of sandy beach, sits on the quiet southern shore of Grenada. It offers the peace of hidden luxury, away from the crowds visiting some of the larger Caribbean islands, but easily accessible from both the UK and the US. Regular direct flights are available and the Cinnamon Suites are located only 15 minutes from the island’s international airport.

 

Property Frontiers detailed local knowledge of the Caribbean; in particular Grenada means investors gain the peace of mind to buy with confidence with Withers remarking,

 

“Our exclusive deal provides $106,500 instant equity plus a guaranteed profit starting at $119,000 when the developer buys back at valuation price. With mortgage financing available, deposits from £46,000 and a 3 year rental guarantee more than covering the finance payments, I imagine units will be pretty popular with our investors.”

 

The Caribbean’s continuing presence as a top winter sun location, combined with this exclusive offer, make Grenada’s Cinnamon Suites the perfect lifestyle investment. 

 

For further information, please contact Property Frontiers on +44 (0) 1865 202 700 or visit www.propertyfrontiers.com.


Caribbean property market spices up with the launch of the new Cinnamon Suites at Bacolet Bay

by Charlotte Ashton Grenada

Having only narrowly escaped Drachmageddon with the election of Greece’s pro-bailout party, on-going instability in Italy and a further downgrade for Spain, more and more investors are looking outside the troubled Eurozone for their next property purchase.

One location heralded by many, including the Sunday Times recently, as a safe haven for investors is the Caribbean. Not simply the perfect combination of white sandy beaches, a tropical climate and relaxed pace of life, the Caribbean, and in particular the “spice island” of Grenada in the West Indies, offers a very attractive emerging property market, one with lucrative returns.

For much of the Caribbean, tourism remains the driving economic force with an estimated 23.8 million visitors in 2011, an increase of 3.3% over 2010 according to the Caribbean Tourism Organisation. The small yet idyllic island of Grenada, a protectorate of the UK, alone welcomed 116,398 overnight guests in 2011 (the majority from the USA, Canada and Europe) and an additional 309,574 cruise ship day visitors.

Ray Withers, Chief Executive of Property Frontiers, exclusive agents marketing the new first-time released Cinnamon Suites at Bacolet Bay Beach Resort, comments,

“Unlike some neighbouring Caribbean islands and indeed many other countries around the world, Grenada’s economy is growing with a 1.5% GDP increase expected in 2012 (IMF) and this turn is attracting rising levels of foreign direct investment, especially from China and SE Asia. Furthermore, the World Travel & Tourism Council has predicted Grenada to be the fastest growing market in the Caribbean between 2011 and 2021 making it a very attractive place to invest.”

In line with growing tourism demand, the Caribbean hotel sector as a whole is thriving with improvements seen in all three key performance metrics in 2011 according to data from STR Global. Occupancy levels rose to 61.8% in 2011 with the average daily rate up 2.6% to US$167.54 and RevPAR up by 5.2% to US$103.57 – the highest year-end occupancy, ADR and RevPAR reported since 2008. However hotel room supply in the Caribbean remains limited with only three new properties opening in 2011, increasing room supply by a mere 0.9% whilst demand in the region rose 3.5%.

And it is this discrepancy between supply and demand that the Cinnamon Suites at Bacolet Bay Beach Resort addresses. As Ray Withers explains,

“The 5* Bacolet Bay Beach Resort, located on a secluded 300m long white sandy beach on the southern shores of the tropical island paradise of Grenada, 15 minutes from the international airport, is already 50% sold out yet due to the rising demand for luxury accommodation on the island, the new spacious Cinnamon Suites which enjoy sea views from one of the highest points on the resort, are now available exclusively through Property Frontiers.”

The perfect lifestyle investment, Cinnamon Suites at Bacolet Bay Beach Resort are available from $248,500, 30% below independent valuations with a 3 year rental guarantee from 7.2% pa and 4 weeks personal usage. In addition the developer’s guaranteed Buy Back option 3 years after completion provides a profitable exit strategy. Completion and the opening of phase 1 is due in the second half of 2013 and the project will include waterfront restaurant, bars, swimming pool, spa, gymnasium, pontoon and walkways, tennis courts and a panoramic reception.

With only a limited number of units available with the assured Buy Back 3 years after completion, contact Property Frontiers today on + 44 (0) 207 993 8888  visit www.propertyfrontiers.com for more information.

 

Spice island of Grenada ranks as top overseas wedding destination

by Charlotte Ashton Grenada

Tropical Sky, the luxury travel specialist, has named the Caribbean island of Grenada as a top 10 destination to get married. Known as the ‘spice island’, Grenada has seen an increase in couples looking to tie to knot overseas in turn boosting local tourism and spelling good news for property owners.

The overseas wedding market has grown steadily in recent years with 1 in 6 British couples marrying overseas in 2008. Main motivators for weddings abroad include cost savings and the avoidance of stress, not to mention reliable weather! The Caribbean remains a top choice for couples seeking seclusion, sunshine and special moments and luxury resorts such as the 5 star Bacolet Bay Resort & Spa, situated on the south eastern coast, offer use of a traditional Grenadian wedding chapel, just meters from the beach and with stunning ocean views.
This trend for overseas weddings is proving lucrative for Grenadian property owners also who are enjoying:
ü Increased tourism to the island
ü Improvements in infrastructure and amenities       
ü Better accessibility such as increased flights by British Airways from the UK 
ü Demand for high quality accommodation
ü Year round rental returns of up to 14% p.a.
ü Strong capital growth
For those interested in owning a piece of paradise then a number of luxury hotel cottages are available to purchase at Bacolet Bay with just an initial cash outlay of £2600. For more information please contact Experience International on 0207 321 5858 or visit http://www.grenada-real-estate.co.uk.