New South Wales

The bridge over Sydney harbour is world-famous

New South Wales is Australia’s most diverse state and home to the largest and most popular city for Britons to migrate to, Sydney. New South Wales is home to over 780 national parks and reserves that range from the bush and outback deserts to rainforests and waterfalls. With eleven universities in the region, NSW is worth considering for further study and education.

Sydney is a vibrant city and the financial and economic epicentre of the nation. New industries such as information technology and the financial services sector have their Australasian headquarters based in the Sydney Central Business District. There are five World Heritage sites to explore in Sydney including the world-famous Opera House.

Another city popular among those looking to relocate Canberra, the country’s capital city in Australian Capital Territory. It is the political centre with Australia’s federal government based there. Canberra was chosen as the nation’s capital in 1908, as a compromise between Sydney and Melbourne, the two largest cities. The median house price in Canberra is lower than Sydney and Melbourne but higher than all other capital cities.

Canberra experiences hot, dry summers and mild winters with heavy fog and a rare spot of snow. The city is a young capital often known for its pockets of bush land reserve. These bush lands have national park status and extend almost as far as the city centre and right across half of the Australian Capital Territory.

Victoria

Another state to consider relocating to is Victoria, the second most populous in Australia. Geographically it is the smallest mainland state and is bordered by New South Wales to the north, South Australia to the west and Tasmania to the south. Victoria is seen as the sports capital of Australia and is home to the Australia Rules Football and plays host to the Australian F1 Grand Prix.

Melbourne, the state capital, has Victoria’s highest centralised population with almost 75% of Victorians living there. Finance, insurance and property services are Victoria’s largest income producing sectors, while the community, social and personal services sectors are the state’s biggest employers.

South Australia

Australia is known the world over for its relaxed lifestyle

South Australia is home to Adelaide, voted the most ‘livable’ city in Australia by the Property Council of Australia. It has also recently been listed in the Top 10 of The Economist’s World’s Most Livable Cities and with a population of 1.1 million, is the fifth most populated city in Australia. The coastal city is renowned for its cultural influence on the country and hosts many art and music festivals throughout the year.

Despite all of the cultural sophistication connected to the region, South Australia’s economy is based on the manufacturing and defence technology industries. Almost half of cars made in Australia are built here at the General Motors Holden plant in Elizabeth.

Adelaide is the driest of Australia’s capitals and experiences a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and light infrequent rainfall during the summer. In winter, frosts are rare and most of the rainfall occurs in June. Adelaide has a rural feel, with close proximity to the wine regions and Adelaide hills, but still has all of the amenities of a large city.

Queensland

Further north is the state of Queensland, often referred to as the sunshine coast. It’s a popular destination in which to settle due to its stunning weather. Inhabitants experience mild winters and tropical summers allowing for a great outdoor lifestyle. To the north of the state is the Great Barrier Reef, a registered World Heritage Site and the world’s largest single structure made by living organisms.

To the south is the state capital, Brisbane, Australia’s fastest growing capital. It’s only a short drive north to the magnificent beaches of the Sunshine Coast or south to the Gold Coast, famous for its magnificent shopping, surf and nightlife. Brisbane has an average population age of 33, making it a youthful place to live. Over a quarter of the population was born overseas and more than 15% speak a language other than English as their native tongue.

Western Australia

Newcomers who make the decision to relocate to Australia will find that the country truly has it all

It is also worth considering Western Australia. Known for its wine region and mining industry, the main city is Perth. The State is known for being home to approximately 540 species of birds and a significantly large number of plant species.

Western Australia is steeped in colonial history, hence the reason why the region has an extremely high proportion of British-born residents. Perth is known for its strong community culture which is centered around the many beaches. The climate is warm year-round helping to encourage the relaxed outlook of residents.

However, if you are looking for an alternative slice of Australian life away from the normal hotspots to settle, why not consider the red deserts of the Northern territory or the wilderness of Tasmania? Whether you prefer the natural beauty of the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, the desirable lifestyle found in New South Wales or sports-mad Victoria, the choice is yours – Australia has it all.

For more information about worldwide destinations go to Crown Relocations at: www.moveoverseas.co.uk

Azuri will become a truly Mauritian, ocean front village

Azuri is a development project in Mauritius which is under the umbrella of Haute Rive Holdings Ltd. This is a joint venture between the Indian Ocean Real Estate Company (IOREC) and Flacq United Estates (FUEL).

Azuri offers potential purchasers the opportunity to invest in Mauritian property at a price that has not previously been possible, by offering investment at the earliest stage. At present, Azuri is a masterplan for a 420 acre site providing a luxurious ocean front setting, forest and agricultural land only 25 kilometres from the capitol Port Louis.

The Vision

The masterplan for Azuri took nearly two years to prepare and will create a truly Mauritian, ocean front village. The developers have sought to create a new village providing education, hospitality, leisure and commercial facilities built around luxury residences. Azuri aims to be an evolving community of both year-round residents and seasonal guest. Azuri is not just a holiday destination but also a place to call home and will provide the ultimate experience for anyone in search of a better way of living.

IRS residential

An initial community of 169 foreign ownership qualified townhouses, penthouses and apartments in landscaped grounds, with basement car parking, moorings, club memberships and swimming pools, together with access to a wide variety of leisure activities both on and off site.

Local residential

Local Mauritians will benefit from a mixture of 100 townhouses and apartment units, clustered around communal garden areas, with dedicated car parking and boat mooring facilities.

The Centara Grand Azuri Resort and Spa

An 85 bedroom five star boutique hotel in the heart of the new ocean front village will provide the perfect place for visitors to stay. In addition, it will create jobs for local people.

Education

The interior of an apartment at Azuri

The Azuri village is not just a place for a holiday. It is also a place to live. A new international school will be established on the site to provide first class primary and secondary educational facilities to residents. The Azuri team is currently working with a variety of top Boarding Schools in the United Kingdom to transform Azuri into the most desirable area for education in both Mauritius and the Indian Ocean region.

Retail & restaurant

The island has recently become duty-free and the government plans to transform the island into a magnet for shoppers. The first phase of the scheme will provide essential amenities that will include new retail, restaurants and cafés to support residents and visitors.

Marine and leisure activities

In respect to the marine environment, there are to be six distinctive environments within 500 metres of the site, comprising the river area above the weir, the river estuary, the beach front, a protected lagoon and the areas inside and outside the reef. The site benefits from the island’s flora and fauna, creating a diverse environment for people both young and old to enjoy. Leisure activities will range from a relaxing picnic, a game of pétanque or scenic hiking to high-octane sports such as horse riding, mountain biking, “Go Aping” and quad biking.

Improved infrastructure

All residents will receive resort membership packages to the world renowned Le Touessrok Hotel’s international championship golf course, designed by Bernhard Langer, and voted one of the top 10 courses in the world by ‘Golf Magazine’

The north of Mauritius benefits from a modern road network unlike the area to the south of Port Louis. As such, journey times are far quicker and offer easy access to the extensive range of facilities and activities in the north and east of the island. Port Louis, the hub for business and commerce on the island, can be reached in only 35 minutes.

Automatic Mauritian residency

Buyers will receive automatic Mauritian residency by acquiring a property under an Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS). Launched in 2002 to allow foreigners to own property in Mauritius, the IRS properties must form part of an approved development, built to international standards, with world-class amenities and facilities. The acquisition of a property for residential purposes by a foreigner under the IRS rules, allows the purchaser, and his/her dependent family, to reside in Mauritius for as long as they retain ownership. To qualify buyers must acquire freehold property off-plan or during the construction phase with a minimum investment of USD 500,000.

A unique investment

Despite Mauritius having nearly 200 kilometres of coastline, only a very small percentage remains as freehold and Azuri is one of a few locations in Mauritius where freehold property can be acquired. Foreign buyers will be able to invest in IRS properties at a price that is significantly below the average price for other IRS properties on the island. They will be able to become a Mauritian resident a price that is more affordable, with prices at Azuri staring from USD 500,000 to USD 800,000 compared to an average price for other IRS properties on the island of around USD 1.6 million.

Strong economy and tax haven

Strong economic growth has rapidly increased average incomes and Mauritius now has the sixth highest GDP per capita in Africa

With a population of around 1.25 million, Mauritius is a serene tropical island nation off the southeast coast of Africa. Once under British rule, the island’s official language is English. Since its independence in 1968, Mauritius has evolved into a safe, politically stable nation, governed under democracy. Over the years Mauritius has developed from a low-income, agriculturally-based economy to a middle-income economy which has diversified to incorporate thriving industrial, financial, and tourism sectors.

Mauritius has achieved successful social-economic development by adopting an approach to economic liberalism that includes poorer sections of society. The approach includes programmes such as the IRS, which provide affordable housing and employment opportunities for local people. The island has many tax benefits. There is no capital gains tax, inheritance tax or wealth tax and the island has benefited in recent years by becoming completely duty-free, paving the way for the island’s transformation into a shopping Mecca.

Investors only have to pay a modest 15 percent on chargeable income when letting properties and a land transfer tax of USD 50,000 when selling. Mauritius has also become a popular country through which to invest into India due to the capital gains tax shelter on the divestment of equity in Indian companies by Mauritian residents (article 13 of the India-Mauritius Tax Treaty).

To enquire about buying an IRS property at Azuri, contact Hamptons International at  http://www.azuri.mu/.

In a country dedicated to luxury, the Sunset Water Villas continue to stand out as the finest accommodation in the country. Sleek, chic and undeniably sexy, each 360-square metre villa is set on stilts over the ocean in a private area of the lagoon and offers guests a private speedboat and personal butler. The spectacular glass-floored living room provides the ever-fascinating views of the local sea life illuminated by subtle floodlighting at night. The elegant master bedroom boasts a magnificent remote-controlled circular bed that rotates a full 180 degrees to view the breathtaking sunsets through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

The sleek, chic and undeniably sexy Spa Water Villas

The Sunset Water Villas also feature a second king-size timber floored bedroom, two large marble bathrooms; one with a deep circular bath and indoor shower; the other with an indoor bath and Maldivian styled ‘open air’ shower. A separate entrance for the butler ensures that all meals can be delivered without disturbing the guests. Extravagant detailing includes a luxurious Jacuzzi on the terrace and a private over-water swimming pool.

The Sunset Water Villas offer the most peaceful environment in the Maldives with all the in-villa amenities required to help guests find a thousand ways of doing absolutely nothing. As with all the resort’s accommodation options, the natural setting is complemented by the latest in designer amenities including flatscreen Satellite TVs, CD stereo with iPod connectors, DVD Player, Bose sound system, Bulgari toiletries and Bang and Olufsen telephones.

Room rates for the ‘Luxury for Less” offer begin at US$2,287 (approximately £1,430) plus taxes and service charge and can be booked directly through the resort or most tour operators.

About Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Set in a picturesque corner of the Maldives, the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island combines three distinct resort experiences on two islands, linked by a bridge and surrounded by a vibrant coral reef and lagoon. Accommodation includes 50 of the most luxurious Water Villas in the country, 79 exotic Beach Villas and 21 fabulous Spa Water Villas – the ultimate in pure indulgence.

For further information on the resort visit www.conradmaldives.com

Clever Moda Sporty Square Swim Shorts £32.50

The snow may have been falling, the winter winds might have been whistling down your chimney and the bottom falling out of your thermometer but just remember, somewhere on the planet, there’s a sunlit beach where the waves are lapping, the sun is shining and there’s a bar serving ice cold drinks.

The fact is that there are plenty of people who own a home in the sun where they have year-round swimming (heated pools in the winter or a wonderful climate) and there are even more who are planning a trip abroad this summer to continue their search for a bolthole in the sun.

HOM Flor Swim Short £40

Whether you are a year-round swimmer or lucky enough to enjoy beach-worthy weather at this time of year, it is essential for all of us to choose top notch swim and beachwear. Recent years have seen a trend towards sleeker, snugger and without a doubt more stylish designs for the men, with the shapeless, baggy shorts of years gone having been replaced with flattering briefs and chic boxer brief style swimmers.

When considering what men’s swimwear to buy, think about what function you want it to serve… Choose a sporty number for your daily laps at the pool, perhaps a solid colour with a contrasting flourish. Beach posers need only worry about eye-catching prints and enhancing cuts, but those who brave the waves might be looking for garments that are slightly more robust. And learn a lesson from the ladies, chaps – yes, white swimwear looks fantastic with a good tan, but without a lining you might end up showing off more than you bargained for!

HOM Vector Micro £27 available during February

Deadgoodundies.com stocks some fantastic swimwear styles for men all year round with something to suit all needs. Fast drying fabrics, sleek design and chlorine-resistantoptions are perfect for the pool while the bright, bold and beautiful choices from DGU’s seasonal collections are beachwear essentials whatever your location. Brand new 2011 collections will be arriving as early as February so keep an eye out for the season’s hottest styles.

And if you want the full monty, no tan lines look, there are swim briefs that are not only minimalist in terms of fabric, but the material also actually lets the sun’s rays shine through so you get an all-over tan. DGU commissioned special prints in their Solar Tan Thru styles – the pattern hides one’s modesty while the sunshine does its work!

For more information, go on-line at: www.deadgoodundies.com

For those looking for a second home in the sun, Egypt offers great access from Europe, an idyllic year round climate and cheap property prices. For those seeking an affordable place in the sun with excellent rental potential, the award-winning Port Ghalib on Egypt’s Red Sea Riviera has a range of apartments and villas starting from just £53,000, with rental guarantees of seven per cent.

Port Ghalib is the ground-breaking US$5 billion resort on Egypt’s fashionable Red Sea Riviera created by international developer, the M.A Kharafi Group. Set on over 21 million square metres of shoreline, Phase One comprises 11 zones incorporating homes, 25 hotels, leisure facilities and amenities. Phase Two comprises 19 zones and with a further 45 hotels. The resort combines the mysteries of Arabian nights with western technologies and all set in a superb location on the Red Sea, complete with endless sandy beaches and mountain backdrops

Port Ghalib Marina Residences

Port Ghalib Red Sea is the largest resort in the Middle East North Africa and is fast becoming Egypt’s leading holiday destination with visitors from around the world coming throughout the year drawn to its crystal clear waters, coral reefs, rare fish and wild dolphins. Located at the very heart of Port Ghalib Red Sea is the Marina, which is the core of the community. Featuring a five-metre deep harbour basin, it is a fully serviced port of entry into Egypt.

Comprising 11 zones, each with their own identity, a large conference centre, 160 retail and commercial outlets, Phase One at Port Ghalib Red Sea is now over 40 per cent complete with the Marina, four operating international hotels including the six star Palace by Intercontinental, The Oasis and The Sands by Crown Plaza and Marina Lodge, and a wide range of luxuriously fully furnished villas and apartments ready for occupation.

A four-lane, ten-pin bowling alley, horse academy, children’s centre and water sports all associated with such an international destination are all up and running. The resort also benefits from Six Senses Spa, which has just been named Egypt’s best spa at the World Travel Awards. When fully complete, Phase One will incorporate 21 further hotels, in addition to a yacht club, an 18-hole golf course and further entertainment facilities and services.

Ibrahim Saleh, spokesman for Port Ghalib Red Sea and Group Vice President of the Al Kharafi Group comments: “Marsa Alam is set to become one of the biggest stories in property in the next decade. While Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh are known as some of the hottest destinations in the world, Marsa Alam is a new destination with low property prices and a young tourist market which is set explode in coming years. The villas and apartments at Port Ghalib are finished to a high standard and we are currently offering a guaranteed rental income of seven per cent.”

The Marina Residences at Port Ghalib Red Sea are a collection of 600 luxurious apartments and villas, with views of the marina. Each home comes fully furnished and air-conditioned, with kitchens that are equipped with appliances, cutlery, and crockery. Residents enjoy 24-hour security and the use of full community services such as maintenance, parking and garbage collection, and also have access to landscaped courtyards. Port Ghalib Red Sea’s onsite amenities also include an optics ring that covers the whole resort and provides state-of-the-art broadband, TV and telephone services.

Port Ghalib Red Sea is located 65km south of Al-Qusair city and 210km south of Hurghada and just five minutes drive from Marsa Alam International Airport, which services over 2.5 million passengers each year from a number of European destinations including London, Paris, Rome and Berlin as well as daily domestic flights from Cairo. Flight times are: one hour from Cairo; two and a half hours from the Gulf; and five hours from Europe. Port Ghalib is also easily accessible by sea, via the new Port Ghalib International Marina, and by road, with the Valley of the Kings just two and a half hours away.

There are currently a wide range of studio, one, two, three bedroom apartments and four bedroom villas available at Port Ghalib Red Sea, with prices starting from £53,000. For further information, please visit www.portghalib.com

Egypt’s Amer Group launches the latest jewel in its Egyptian crown – Porto South beach

Egypt’s leading developer and operator of luxury destination resorts, the Amer Group, has launched its latest Egyptian development Porto South Beach. Located in the heart of ‘Ain Sokhana’ on the warm waters of the Red Sea, and just 130km from Cairo, the resort’s destination offers access to one of Egypt’s best-kept secrets.

Based on 267,000 square metres of prime Egyptian land, Porto South Beach provides purchasers with an opportunity to buy a luxurious holiday home in Egypt’s newest destination resort. The Amer Group’s Porto Home store and services at Porto South Beach, provide the furniture range, home accessories and interior design services to furnish the apartment. In addition, the resort management company will provide a rental scheme for owners

Amer Group Porto Marina

Porto South Beach provides 1,020 luxurious homes and timeshare properties, a 275-room five-star standard hotel, shops, restaurants, cinema, health spa, and private beach. Porto South Beach is designed around a central lazy river, swimming pools, luscious landscaped gardens and children’s play areas.

The Porto South Beach architect-designed apartments offer ten different unit types ranging from studio to two bedroom homes. The buildings are arranged on three terrace levels to enable all apartments to have sea views with a small number benefiting from mountain and garden views. Ranging from 50 square metres to 110 square metres in size, a selection of the single storey studios open directly on to the beach.

Serviced by the resort hotel, the apartments have the benefit of housekeeping and concierge services that can provide anything from porters, dinner reservations or purchasing cinema tickets, filling the fridge or refreshing and supplying the bathrooms with towels, soaps and shampoos.

Porto South Beach resort also offers facilities including tennis courts, water sports, a go-cart track, underground tenpin bowling arcade and a paint ball park. A private residents club offers exclusive use of a gym, aerobics room, spa treatments plus yoga spaces.

Peter Riddoch, CEO of the Amer Group (Porto World resorts) comments: “Porto Sokhna provides our European customers with an opportunity to invest in a destination that is relatively new to the market. A well-kept Egyptian secret, Ain Sokhana offers stunning panoramic views of the Red Sea and a wide range of facilities and amenities.”

Property prices at the resort start from £44,000.

Further information on the Amer Group’s portfolio of ‘Porto World’ resorts can be found at: www.amer-group.com

Blue Lagoon, Malta

Minimoons in Malta – a royal tradition… Follow in the footsteps of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip and enjoy a Minimoon on the romantic island of Malta. This classic royal retreat, which could well be on the honeymoon short list for HRH Prince William and Kate Middleton, boasts a year round favourable climate, historic charm and spectacular sea views at every turn. Only three hours from the UK, the island is full of romantic hideaways for couples to enjoy, with a large selection of restaurants and hotels to suit every traveller. Air Malta offers departures from Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham from as little as £99*return (*£139 return from Heathrow including taxes and charges), and best of all – you can avoid the hassle of time-consuming trawling through separate hotel, insurance and car hire sites by booking it all online at www.airmalta.com

The underwater restaurant Ithaa, at the 5 star Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Follow in the footsteps of celeb royalty… Spread across two spectacular islands, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is an exotic paradise, and the perfect honeymoon destination for a future King and Queen and those looking for the ultimate luxurious retreat. The resort has played host to many high profile personalities, including music industry royalty, so you’re sure to be in good company during your honeymoon. At the resort, couples are treated to endless opportunities for romance; from gazing into the turquoise waters below as they enjoy a tailor made couples treatment at the Over Water Spa, to enjoying a private picnic on a deserted island or a romantic dinner at the resort’s underwater restaurant, Ithaa. What’s more, honeymooners will benefit from complimentary champagne and fruit basket on arrival, a three-course candle-lit dinner at Mandhoo Spa Restaurant, a romantic bath experience and a half-day excursion to nearby islands to explore the Maldivian culture. Kuoni (01306 747008 or www.kuoni.co.uk) offers a seven night Honeymoon at the five-star Conrad Maldives Rangali Island from just £2,265 per person based on two sharing a Beach Villa on a B&B basis. The price includes return international flights from London Heathrow with Sri Lankan Airlines and seaplane transfers. Valid for travel between 1 May – 10 July 2011. To book: quote KU9306.

The Beach House Maldives Water Villa

Honeymoon hideaway… For couples like HRH Price William and Kate Middleton who wish to escape the pressures back home, there is no better place to honeymoon than the stunning boutique hideaway that is Beach House Maldives, a Waldorf Astoria Resort. Beach House Maldives offers couples a discreet and timeless paradise where they can relax and enjoy each other’s company. A stunning two-storey underground wine cellar offers the couple an outstanding dinner location while the resort’s coral reef, deserted beaches and private pools in each villa present endless options for the two to share their first days as a married couple. Situated in the northernmost atoll, the resort enjoys an exclusive location and from December 2010, can be reached from Male in just one hour by a seaplane transfer. The resort’s honeymoon package includes complimentary champagne and fruit platter on arrival, couples’ Spa Treatment in the sumptuous Modun Spa and one excursion of the couple’s choice. Destinology (www.destinology.co.uk/0800 634 2866) offers a seven night honeymoon at Beach House Maldives from £2,169 per person. The price includes return economy class Emirates flights from Gatwick, Heathrow or Birmingham, accommodation in a Water Villa on a B&B basis and all domestic flights and transfers. Valid for travel from 28 April – 31July and 22 August – 30 September 2011.

A deserted island near the Hilton Maldives Iru Fushi Resort & Spa

Chic to chic retreat… Budding style queens will enjoy a luxurious honeymoon at the uber-trendy Hilton Iru Fushi Resort & Spa. Book the ‘Celebrity Retreat’ so you and your partner can honeymoon away from the other guests while enjoying the seclusion of your very own private beach and luxury boat, which is on hand to whisk you away to the nearby deserted islands. Designed as a private villa over two floors, the 600 square meter Celebrity Retreat boasts three luxurious bedrooms and bathrooms, a billiards room, a gym, enclosed garden with swimming pool, sun deck, lawns, water features, lush vegetation and an outdoor dining pavilion where gastronomic delights can be delivered around the clock. The lounge is kitted out in the latest digital technology (including private karaoke) and guests can indulge in luxurious spa treatments in the suite’s own private spa pavilion, ensuring they never need set foot off their own piece of paradise. One night costs from $5875 (approx £3,689) per Villa including breakfast (sleeps up to eight). Price excludes tax and services charges. For bookings: visit www.hilton.co.uk/maldivesirufushi.

A busy day at the Grand Mauritian Beach

Mauritian magic… Follow in the footsteps of the rich and famous and enjoy a luxurious honeymoon on the enchanting island of Mauritius, staying at The Grand Mauritian, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa. Surrounded by vibrant coral reef and lush sugar cane fields, couples staying at the resort can do as little or as much as they like. Those wishing to relax and unwind can indulge in a sumptuous spa treatment at Mandara Spa, while more active couples, like HRH Prince William and Kate Middleton, can enjoy the many complimentary water sports available from the Boat House. As the sun sets, couples can relax with a romantic candlelit meal for two on the beach, lovingly prepared by renowned chef, Stephane Brallet. Virgin Holidays (www.virginholidays.co.uk, 0844 557 3859) offers a seven night honeymoon at the 5v Grand Mauritian from just £1,525 per person on a half board basis based on two adults travelling together and sharing a deluxe king room. The price also includes return scheduled flights direct to Mauritius, transfers, champagne upon arrival, in-room flower arrangement and a 30-minute couples massage at Mandara Spa. Prices are based on departures from 26 April – 29 June 2011 and include all applicable taxes and fuel surcharges which are subject to change.

Work is advanced on these spacious single-storey detached five-bedroom, four-bathroom beachfront villas in the Dunas Beach Resort and Spa on Cape Verde’s Sal Island where The Resort Group Plc has sold more than three-quarters of the 1,205 fully-furnished properties planned

Bucking the trend in many overseas property markets, The Resort Group Plc has sold off-plan more than three-quarters of the 1,205 fully-furnished villas, apartments, studios and hotel suites planned for its flagship five-star development in Cape Verde, it was announced today.

The Dunas Beach Resort and Spa – to be managed by the world’s largest resort hotel group, Sol Meliá – is under construction on the west coast of Sal Island where work is advanced on the first properties scheduled for completion next summer.

Seven spacious single-storey, detached five-bedroom, four-bathroom beachfront villas – already snapped up by investors – form part of the first development phase of 54 villas, 80 apartments and a Meliã Gabi Club, a sophisticated bar and grill located right on the beach, with a pool, day beds and sun-loungers.

The latest construction images, which are updated weekly due to the rapid pace of development on site, can be seen online at www.dunasbeachresort.com/construction-progress.html

Pension investors

The first phase of construction on Dunas Beach Resort and Spa includes the Meliã Gabi Club (pictured), a sophisticated beach front bar and grill complete with pool, day beds and sun-loungers

Commenting on The Resort Group’s soaring sales, marketing director Adam Ellis reveals that many purchasers on Dunas Beach Resort and Spa are pension investors buying through a SIPP (Self Invested Personal Pension).

He says: “They have been attracted by our confident prediction – backed by global real estate services provider Savills – of annual capital growth of up to nine per cent over the next five years and double digit rental yields. All this means we only have a small number of our first phase properties still available.”

Current prices of the properties at Dunas Beach Resort and Spa, which vary with size and location, start at €139,950 for a studio rising to €449,950 for a three-bedroom villa.

For more details call The Resort Group Plc on 01332 378818, email enquiries@theresortgroupplc.com or visit www.dunasbeachresort.com

Follow Dunas Beach Resort and Spa on Twitter at http://twitter.com/TheResortGroup

The flagship development by The Resort Group Plc follows the success of the group’s first scheme on the island, the nearby Tortuga Beach Resort and Spa in which all but a handful of the 372 properties have been sold, most of them off-plan. The Tortuga Beach Resort and Spa will be fully operational in 2011.

The new pedestrianised Dunas Beach Resort and Spa will comprise a mix of 1,133 fully-furnished villas, apartments, studios and hotel suites set among landscaped gardens and footpaths within a secure gated community. Off-plan buyers of the properties at Dunas Beach range from investors seeking capital growth and rental income to others wanting a holiday home in the sun.

Sol Meliã will handle the management and letting of the privately-owned properties in the resort where facilities will include five bars, four restaurants, tennis courts, a gymnasium, pools and a Meliã Spa offering a range of treatments. A wedding pavilion, the island’s biggest conference centre seating 400 delegates and a medical centre are included in the plans as well as food and gift shops and a children’s club and crèche.

Alongside the resort, other developments include the first of four new 18-hole golf courses. Also in hand are plans for a 360-berth marina close to Dunas Beach Resort.

Sal Island's beautiful beaches are hardly crowded!

Dunas Beach has already has proved popular with strong pre-sales achieved despite the tough economic conditions, with investors purchasing 75 per cent of the properties off-plan to date. They were attracted by the assurance of a sustained rental income and strong capital growth. In addition to cash investors, many have opted to buy through a SIPP (Self Invested Personal Pension).

Designed by Malaga-based architectural practice HCP, which drew up the master plan for the Dunas Beach resort, the properties combine traditional Mediterranean-style exteriors with contemporary interiors designed for indoor/outdoor living. All the air-conditioned properties can be supplied fully-furnished and equipped.

Prices freehold properties vary with size and location within the resort. Current prices start at €139,950 for a studio rising to €449,950 for a three-bedroom villa. (The seven single-storey detached five-bedroom, four-bathroom beachfront villas priced at €799,950 have been sold).

The Resort Group’s investment projections:

The Resort Group’s investment projections are based on sound research and analysis undertaken for the group by Savills which, in 2007, provided data and intelligence backed by research into land values and rentals on Cape Verde’s Sal island compared with the rest of the global market.

Says The Resort Group’s marketing director Adam Ellis: “The research showed that, although the global average for occupancy of rented resort properties was 68 per cent, the average for Sal is 80 per cent with the highest occupancy rates on the island reaching 95 per cent. Despite the recent recession there has been little change in these figures.”

Rental yields based on these figures range from a conservative 9.4 per cent to 13.1 per cent on a one bedroom apartment, but go as high as 22 per cent on a Presidential hotel suite based on occupancy of 95 per cent (the current best-on-island occupancy rate).

“On the basis of these rental returns, and the on-going tourist development of the Cape Verde islands, we expect investors who buy properties at Dunas Beach Resort could achieve an annual capital growth of six to 12 per cent for the next five years,” says Adam.

The figures are supported by market intelligence available from international tour operators and the Cape Verde Government’s growth figures. The Cape Verdean economy should grow between four and five per cent this year, according to the head of the bank Banco de Cabo Verde.

Dunas Beach Resort and Spa

Cape Verde is tipped to see a big increase in tourism following the launch of a new inter-island ferry service. Figures recently released by the National Statistics Institute (INE) show an increase in visitor numbers of 5.5 per cent in the first quarter of 2010 compared with the same period in 2009.

Cape Verde Fact File

Location

Cape Verde – the Atlantic island group 450 km off West Africa, midway between Portugal and Brazil – is located 1,000 km south-west of the Canary Islands and is on the same latitude as Barbados. These are the closest tropical islands to the UK within five and a half hours flying time. Local time in Cape Verde is one hour behind GMT in winter and two hours behind BST in summer. The location and climate of Cape Verde has prompted the description of the islands as ‘the Caribbean without the jetlag.

Cape Verde comprises ten islands, nine of which are inhabited (population 506,000). In the forefront of those attracting tourists and developers are Sal, Santiago, Boa Vista and Maio. Their landscapes range from ‘lunar’ to lush and from white sandy beaches to verdant mountains.

Economy

Economic stability is underlined by the way in which the local currency – the Cape Verde Escudo – benefits from a fixed exchange rate with the Euro (110 Esc = €1). The Euro is accepted in many hotels, restaurants and elsewhere in Cape Verde.

Language

Portuguese is the archipelago’s official language but English is widely spoken.

Climate

Cape Verde’s ‘all-year summer’ climate is tropical and dry with no hurricanes. Winter temperatures are ten degrees warmer than those of the Canary Islands. Sunshine averages ten to 12 hours a day and the usual temperature is around 25°C. There is minimal rainfall (about 260 mm) between August and October.

Getting there

Dunas Beach Resort is located 20 minutes by road from the airport on the island of Sal. From the UK there are weekly direct flights to Sal from Birmingham, Manchester and Gatwick. Flying time is around five and a half hours. Alternatively travellers can fly at other times from other UK airports by changing planes in European centres including Lisbon, Madrid, Amsterdam and Paris. Transport between the islands is available by air and catamaran services.

For more details, contact Property Investor Partnership: 01603 268083, or visit www.dunasbeachresort.com

Bungle Bungles

Purnululu National Park

If you’re looking for sensational scenery, then a visit to Purnululu National Park (and the Bungle Bungle range) should be your first stop. One of Australia’s most fascinating and geographically remarkable landmarks, the Bungles is an amazing landscape of beehive-shaped sandstone formations that has taken millions of years to form. One of the best ways to take in the grand scale of this landscape is by plane, although exploring on foot or by 4-wheel drive are great cheaper alternatives. You can also camp within the national park.

Skiing in New South Wales or Victoria

Skiing in New South Wales or Victoria

If you’re a ski or snow boarding enthusiast, head to the mountains in New South Wales. Among the fantastic scenery there is skiing terrain in popular resorts such as Thredbo, Perisher Blue, Charlotte Pass and Selwyn.

The Australian ski season traditionally starts on the Queen’s birthday holiday weekend in June and ends on Labour Day weekend in October. There are also many snowfields in Victoria’s alpine regions, so depending on where you’re flying into, you may want to ski in Victoria which is closer to Melbourne, or New South Wales which is closer to Sydney.

Overland track in Tasmania. Picture credit: Tourism Tasmania and Don Fuchs

Bush Walk in Tasmania

If you’d rather stroll than ski, visit Cradle Mountain in Lake St Clair National Park, Tasmania. Exploring the Enchanted Walk is suitable for all age groups and takes you along a cascading river through the magical old-growth rainforest. It’s a renowned bush walk which takes around a week to complete. In winter, however, it can be a bit risky and is best left to hardcore explorers. There are many other shorter walks that are less demanding and perfect for novice walkers wishing to take in the breathtaking scenery. At the foot of Cradle Mountain is the stunning, shimmering Lake Dove, which is another relaxing walk, taking just a few hours to explore.

Mid-Winter Festival
While you’re in Tasmania you must see The Antarctic Mid-Winter Festival which is held each June and is a 10-day celebration of Tasmania’s rugged natural beauty. The festival draws more than 40,000 people with activities such as dog-sledding, ice carving and Antarctic films. Don’t miss out on the beautiful candlelit parade which kick starts the festival and marks the mid-winter solstice and countdown to spring.

Queensland

A busy day on the Barrier Reef

With 13 different regions waiting to be explored, Australia’s second largest state should be last on your list. Known as the Sunshine State as a sizable proportion is in the tropics, you can expect an average maximum temperature of about 20 degrees. With so many stunning natural spots and a laid-back vibe, Queensland attracts a real mixture of travellers and holidaymakers. There’s something for everyone, from the Great Barrier Reef islands to the lush rainforest or rugged outback. www.austravel.com are currently offering a number of great deals on holiday packages and flights to Sydney. For example, a 10-night holiday package exploring Sydney and Cairns is now available for just £1,499pp (saving customers £282 off the original holiday price).

Travelers will spend four nights in Sydney at the 4-star Mercure Hotel, followed by two nights at the amazing Kings Canyon Resort in Watarrka National Park. The last leg of the trip will end in central Cairns, with four nights stay at the 3-star Discovery Resort. Flights depart on 15 September 2010 and are from London Heathrow.

For further information and deals on Australia holidays or flights to Australia, readers should visit:

http://www.austravel.com/offers

Port Ghalib Marina 3

Around 13 million visitors head to Egypt to enjoy the country’s ancient history, comfortable climate, spectacular scenery and vast range of activities. Offering all of this and more in one lively and convenient resort, Port Ghalib is located on the west coast of the Red Sea and attracts family holidaymakers, yachtsmen, marine sports enthusiasts, golfers, tennis players and fitness tourists, as well as the business traveler, eco-tourist, and adventurers.

A stunning stretch of coastline

Peter Riddoch, Chief Executive Officer at Port Ghalib Resort Company comments: “Port Ghalib is, without doubt, one of the most exciting things to happen to Egypt in recent years. We are investing funds to transform a stunning stretch of coastline into Egypt’s largest resort destination, which appeals to a wide audience and opens up this corner of the country to the rest of the world.”

Comprising nine villages, each with their own identity, a large conference centre, 160 retail and commercial outlets, Phase One at Port Ghalib is now over 40 per cent complete with the international marina, four already operating hotels including The Palace by Intercontinental, The Oasis and The Sands by Crown Plaza and Marina Lodge, along with a substantial residential offering built and ready for occupation.

A four lane, ten-pin bowling alley, riding academy, children’s centre and all the water sports associated with such an international destination are all up and running. When complete, Phase One of the development will incorporate 19 more hotels, in addition to a yacht club, an 18-hole golf course and further entertainment facilities and services.

Fully furnished and finished

For investors looking to capitalise on Egypt’s booming tourist trade or those looking for a holiday home with a difference, Port Ghalib has a range of apartments and villas for sale including timeshare properties which start in price from just US$80,000. The homes vary in size from the 48 m² studios to the 315 m² Arabian Villas and all come fully finished and furnished.

The latest residential phase, Coral Reef Village, is a destination in its own right and has been designed to combine residential units with a mixture of recreation facilities and commercial outlets. It incorporates a water garden, a bazaar, numerous canals running down to the sea and a wide range of shops, restaurants and other entertainment. The Village features 215 luxury seafront villas, complete with private pools and gardens or beaches, in addition to a number of studio, one, two and three bedroom apartments.

Marina Residences in Port Ghalib

Facing Coral Reef Village across the marina is the Marina Residences – a range of 600 luxurious apartments and villas that come fully furnished and air-conditioned, with fully fitted kitchens. Residents enjoy 24-hour security and the use of full community services such as maintenance, parking and garbage collection, and also have access to landscaped courtyards, the whole range of Port Ghalib’s commercial and leisure offering and a fibre-optics ring that covers the whole resort and provides state-of-the-art broadband, TV and telephone services.

Backed by mountains, deserts and oasis containing Bedouin encampments and natural fauna and flora, Port Ghalib is located in the town of Marsa Alam in south-eastern Egypt where the Arabian Desert meets the Red Sea. Port Ghalib is located just five minutes drive from Marsa Alam International Airport which, after opening  in 2001, is already handling an average of 40,000 passengers from across the globe every month.

Approximate flight times to the airport are: one hour from Cairo; two and a half hours from the Gulf; and five hours from Europe. Direct flights from a number of European countries include the UK, Germany, Italy, Russia and France. Port Ghalib is also easily accessible by sea, via the new Port Ghalib International Marina, and by road, with the Valley of the Kings just two and a half hours away.

There are currently a wide range of studio, one, two, three bedroom apartments and four bedroom villas available at Port Ghalib, with prices starting from US$80,000. For further information, please visit www.portghalib.com or contact Integrated Marketing Services on +(2022) 404 4091/3.