Mallorca – the Global Ocean Race and the property race
Already renowned as a luxury location favoured by the yachting and sailing communities with classy restaurants, gorgeous properties and of course the magical Mediterranean Sea, Mallorca has just been announced as the start and finish of the Global Ocean Race 2011-12. With over twenty entries from at least eleven nations it puts the Island on a new international stage. Although many boating enthusiasts are attracted by the facilities, many more stay for the beautiful climate, excellent food and luxury premium property close to the marinas.
Now, the Great Race announcement looks set to start another race in property as rental prospects surrounding the Race begin to climb and Mallorca is firmly put back in holiday home purchaser’s sights. Visitors will be clamouring to stay close to the Spanish Island’s shoreline in desirable locations including Puerto Portals. Even the bars and restaurants here ooze wealth and pleasure such as Wellies, Bistro Key West and Tristans which boasts two Michelin stars.
Mallorca is particularly proud of it coastline and puts a great deal of effort into maintaining and improving its beaches and marinas. This year eighteen marinas have been awarded a Blue Flag, one more than last year. Spain as a whole has been given more awards than any other nation with a total of 605 and according to the Association for Environmental Education the Balearic Islands have secured the largest increase this year across the whole country with eighty-five in total.
The combination of glamour and the outdoor lifestyle in Mallorca is highly appealing and has not escaped the attention of the A List celebrities. Many celebrity homes are dotted around the area and TV stars and famous personalities can be spotted in bars and restaurants in the Port. One or two even own boats here including Steve McFadden (Phil Mitchell in EastEnders), former Blue Peter presenter Anthea Turner and her husband Grant Bovey, and nightclub owner Peter Stringfellow.
Dining and drinking aside there are also many popular leisure activities on offer in the area of Puerto Portals such as scuba diving, water-skiing and of course sailing, all of which are year round hobbies in Mallorca with mild winter climes. For those who prefer to keep their feet on terra firma there are also activities such as beach volleyball and cycling. In addition, festivals and exhibitions showcasing sports cars, flowers, books and comics provide a continuous stream of activities throughout the year with family groups and children specifically catered for. The traditional Spanish celebrations throughout the year are events not to be missed, the locals and visitors alike all come together on prominent religious dates in Mallorca and across Spain.
Unsurprisingly, the increasing desirability of all that Mallorca has to offer has pushed up visitor numbers markedly throughout the years. In 1960, Majorca received half a million visitors but by 1997 this had increased to 6.7 million. Today, around 23 million passengers pass through Palma de Mallorca Airport with an additional one and a half arriving by sea. With such a demand on the island, more than half of the population works in the tourist sector, accounting for approximately eighty per cent of the Mallorca’s GDP.
Like with any international event, the tourism sector will put huge efforts into the opening and closing ceremonies and it will be no different for the Great Ocean Race in Mallorca. With support from Government bodies and corporate partners, the build-up to the start and finish of the race will be spectacular. The Island is highly regarded in the world of water sports and already hosts premium yacht racing events such as the Copa del Rey, the Palma Velas as well as the Superyacht Cup. It has high-quality marine services, fantastic sailing conditions, stunning scenery, a rich maritime history and a vibrant onshore scene.
Taylor Wimpey, who has over fifty years of property development experience in Mallorca, has just completed a new residential complex close to the marina in Puerto Portals. Victor Sague, their Sales & Marketing Director says,
“The local area is already noted for being fashionable, desirable and fantastic for boat owners and beach lovers alike. News of the Great Ocean Race will only increase demand for this attractive location. With one year to go until the race begins, savvy buyers have the opportunity to purchase their holiday home today and with only a few units remaining buyers need to act quickly.
“Mallorca’s property market has not been affected by the recession like some regions in mainland Spain mainly due to the lack of stock available compared to the demand for homes on the Island. Spain as a whole is a very fragmented market and good locations and quality property will always sell well whatever the market conditions. International events just add to their appeal. We’ll certainly by reserving our front row seats for the Race next year!
Portals, Puerto Portals, Mallorca
This new residential complex consists of 7 luxurious and spacious 3 bedrooms properties of approximately 143 m2 with 34 m2 terraces. The complex has private underground parking spaces, lush communal gardens and a communal swimming pool. The ground floor properties have a private patio area and the rest have magnificent terraces. The properties provide fully equipped and furnished kitchens, with top quality finishes. The Royal Bendinat Golf, whose president is King Juan Carlos I of Spain is close by.
Taylor Wimpey de España’s luxury apartment complex is very well connected by road to Palma de Mallorca by the Ma-1 motorway and only 15 minutes drive away. It is also well connected to the Son Sant Joan international airport, with excellent connections to UK and most European cities.
These properties are available now from €600,000. Contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com for more information.