Scott's Hotel in Binissalem, Mallorca is one of the most desirable places to stay on the island

George Scott spent his life until the age of fifty doing almost everything except what he really wanted to do: write mystery novels.

He made documentary films, traded in gold and silver, ran a charitable foundation, flew planes and restored historic houses. His life was far from dull.

But during all that time what he really longed to do was lead a relaxed life, meet an abundance of interesting people, have time off for travel and reading and music and sports and the chance to pursue that elusive hobby — penning those murder mysteries.

Regrettably, for a half century he never found anything to do that wasn’t time consuming, long on stress and short on leisure. Everything seemed to be so all or nothing. Or else it was boring.

Love at first glance

Until one day back in the middle eighties, when he and his partner Judy, an architectural designer, were on the island of Mallorca (or Majorca) and ran across a lovely 1783 historic ruin – no electricity, no drains, no water, and with a tree growing through the roof. It was the old cliché of love at first glance.

Comfort and attention to detail are what Scott's provides for its clients

The building was decidedly all wrong for them — a potential money pit that would involve bureaucracy, a sheaf of permissions, and the logistics of working in a language neither of the Scotts spoke, and all this in a medieval wine village with dusty streets of golden stone whose cobbles had rarely been trodden by a foreigner, unless it was someone from the next town up on the map, (three miles away but decidedly foreign territory).

In spite of all the drawbacks, something kept bringing George and Judy back to that town and that historic ruin, and after three years, more money and more work than they ever could have imagined, Scott’s Townhouse Hotel opened its doors to immediate and virtually universal praise: from the press, from travel experts, but most important, from their guests.

And from then on, George was able to begin living that original dream; fascinating people did indeed come to visit, including many famous folk looking for a secret hideaway, a place where they were treated as special, not because of who they were, but because the Scotts treated everyone as special.

The work itself of running the place was soon a routine which could easily be delegated, and finally there was time to be semi-retired, to visit places long on the Scott’s wish list, explore opportunities that came up via the new friends their guests were becoming. Some guests became virtually part of the Scott family.

Along the way, as twenty-some years rolled by, awards came, their reputation grew, and it even turned out that George finally had the time to have a go at those books he’d always wanted to write.

The first one, The Bloody Bokhara, about a murder that takes place inside the hotel; fiction, but based on a real Bokhara rug that’s outside one of the suites, sold well in the UK, but then went on to became a top bestseller in Germany and eventually Book of the Month for Europe’s largest book club.

His second one, The Chewed Caucasian, sold out its first two printings and is even hard to find now on amazon.co.uk. A third one is now in the works.

Scott's Hotel in Galilea has one of the most spectacular views on the island

Looking back, George calls his life over the past two decades: “a programmed dream, all I ever wished for and clutches of lovely experiences I never could have imagined.”

However, all things have an end, and now at 75, with his health – and that of Judy – increasingly fragile, the Scotts are looking for someone to whom they can pass the torch, people who will maintain the standards and the reputation they’ve secured, and who they hope will find the same degree of creative fulfilment they did running a hotel that renowned hotel critic Alistair Sawday named in the Sunday Times as one of his six favourite hideaways in the Mediterranean.

Scott’s Townhouse Hotel: Fact Sheet

• Official Spanish government category: Hotel with 4 gold stars.
• Constructed: 1783. Completely renovated in 1995, well maintained since. Listed on the Spanish register of historical buildings.
• Location: In the central church square of Mallorca’s wine capital, a town of 7,000 just twenty minutes from Palma, the island’s capital, ten minutes from the mountains, and less than half an hour to sandy beaches, sailing, golf and other attractions. There is free parking directly outside the hotel.
• Rooms: 18, licensed capacity 33. Five double suites, one triple suite, six deluxe double rooms, six superior doubles, one of which is small enough effectively to be a single room.
• Size: Approximately 1,500 square metres of constructed space on a plot of 2,000 square metres.
• Amenities: Roman pool with swimjet and massage jets, two sun terraces, bar, breakfast room, private entrance hall, library, two sitting rooms, guest tea service facilities, WiFi, TVs on demand with satellite connection, patio garden.
• Reviews and reputation: Listed by the London Sunday Times as one of the Mediterranean’s six best hideaway hotels. Fine reviews from virtually all of the quality guides and hotel information publications and websites.
• The buyers we’re looking for: Having spent over twenty years building the reputation of Scott’s, we would like to find people who’d like to carry the torch forward, maintaining, even improving, on the loyal customer base we’ve built, and our impeccable reputation. The hotel can be run full time, or for as little as eight months a year, which means it could be an ideal semi-retirement project.

Address: Plaza Iglesia 12, 07350 Binissalem, Mallorca, Spain

Telephone: (34) 626 486644

Websites: www.scottshotel.com and www.scottstownhousehotel.com

Argentina is home to a booming economy, a buoyant tourist industry and, of course, polo. It is also home to an expanding property market

Previously BA flights to the capital of Argentina involved a connection in Sao Paulo but due to passenger demand a new direct flight will be introduced making it even easier to reach South America’s second largest metropolitan area. In the decade since the economic crisis of 2001, Argentina has worked hard to establish economic prosperity, boasting five straight years of 9% GDP growth through 2007 and impressive GDP of 8% for 2010.

The nation’s booming economy, primarily based on agricultural and natural resource exports, manufacturing and telecommunications has attracted significant levels of foreign direct investment. Labelled by the Financial Times as ‘China’s New Investment Frontier’, Argentina has seen levels of Chinese investment go from millions to US$ 2.45 billion in the last decade.

In addition the tourism sector is also rapidly expanding; the Argentine Ministry of Tourism expected more than five million foreigners to visit the country in 2010, 15.5% more than in 2009, generating revenue of US$470 billion.

This increase in tourism numbers is in turn having a positive effect on Argentina’s housing market. Identified as a: ‘future high growth luxury residential market’ by the Knight Frank Global Property Wealth Survey 2010 and one of the ‘most favourable destinations’ for hotel investment in 2011 by Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels, Argentina offers a wealth of opportunity both for domestic and international property buyers.

Demand for high quality accommodation around Buenos Aires is particularly high with country clubs proving popular, both as retreats for city workers but also permanent residences in their own right. Offering the best of both worlds, country clubs such as the 5-star Camino Real Polo & Country Club located just 35 minutes from Buenos Aires, allow residents to enjoy the true Argentinian countryside, first class on-site amenities and easy access to the city for work.

As Steven Worboys, MD of Experience International, which is exclusively marketing the hotel suites available at Camino Real, comments: “Investing in aparthotels remains a popular choice for investors due to the high returns available and hassle-free management. Combining this booming asset class with a growing economy such as Argentina is surely a recipe for success.”

Hotel suites at the 5-star Las Rosas Hotel at Camino Real are selling fast. Set within the 770 acre Polo & Country Club, lake view hotel suites are available from £87,500 with up to 18.8% projected NET rental yield. Sixty per cent, 10-year non-status developer finance is also available along with two weeks annual stay with free polo lessons.

For more information on investing in Argentina and the Las Rosas aparthotel contact the experts at Experience International on +44 (0) 207 321 5858 or visit www.experience-international.com

Las Rosas

Las Rosas also boasts a Club House with a further restaurant, swimming pool, concierge services, tennis courts, football pitches and spa

A 5-star boutique Apartment Hotel is set within 770 acres of beautiful Argentinean countryside, close to the cosmopolitan capital, Buenos Aires. The Hotel is set in a lakeside location and offers owners and visitors use of a swimming pool and spa, bar and restaurant, children’s playground, lounge and games room, water sports, gym ad conferencing facilities.

The Resort also boasts a Club House with further restaurant, swimming pool, concierge services, tennis courts, football pitches and spa and, of course, fabulous polo facilities including an equestrian school and livery stables, three polo fields and the Equestrian Club House.

With occupancy rates forecast at 90% by Year Four and up to 18.8% project net rental income, Lаs Rosas presents a high yielding, hassle-free property in Argentina with a viable exit strategy – the established local market. Part of the luxury lifestyle resort of the Camino Real Polo & Country Club, each Hotel Apartment is part of the 20-room luxury boutique hotel and will be delivered fully furnished to a very high standard. The apartments are priced from £87,500.

For more information contact Experience International on +44 (0)207 321 5858 or visit www.experience-international.com.

Boracay beach

This has led to major investment in tourism in the Philippines. For example, a new airport is planned for Boracay, and new air routes have opened or are about to start operating. Boracay is a beautiful tropical island offering world-renowned beaches and reef diving.

Championship golf course

Being built by Filipino developer, Paradisya Land, Continent Fairways comprises 50 studios and two-bedroom apartments, of which 24 have been sold. The development is located in the established and popular Fairways & Bluewaters Golf and Beach resort, which boasts a par-72 championship golf course that draws a global guest list.

Guaranteed net yields are up to 14.2 per cent with apartment prices starting at US$110,035 while long-term bookings from major travel companies have been secured by the management company, Continent Group, which enable it to offer occupancy rates of 80 per cent, underpinning yields for investors.

Each apartment will have high-quality luxury fittings with guests having access to many luxury facilities, including a fully equipped fitness centre along with spa. In addition to this, the resort boasts a clubhouse with bar and cocktail lounge and restaurant for lunches and evening meals.

Over the first quarter of 2009 tourist arrivals in the Philippines rose by a staggering 51 percent to 1.3 million people compared to 858,244 during the same period last year, according to the Philippines Department of Tourism (PDoT).

Direct international flights

The new airport will be built on nearby Caraboa Island and is expected to be opened in 2012. It will be able to accommodate short haul and medium range Airbuses and similar aircraft, allowing direct international flights from new destinations such as Seoul, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Kuala Lumpur.

Continent Fairways

New charter services from Taiwan to Kalibo, the island’s current international gateway, were launched earlier this year while Mandarin Airlines will start flights in October.

China’s growth rose from six per cent for Q1 to eight per cent for the Q2 of this year. South Korea and Singapore have also increased output. India’s industrial output rose by eight per cent compared to last year.

For the first quarter of this year tourist arrivals from China rose by 10 per cent compared to the previous year, according to the Philippines Department of Tourism.

For further information about Continent Fairways, contact Asset Property Brokers at www.assetpropertybrokers.com or email: sales@assetpropertybrokers.com or Tel: +44 (0)1373 888112.

© Stewart Andersen and Stewart Andersen’s Property Blog, 2009. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Stewart Andersen and Stewart Andersen’s Property Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

The residents of each of the three main islands, Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza are fiercely proud of their homes and I remember once making the mistake of describing Ibiza as part of Cataluña, the region ruled over by Barcelona, in front of an elderly Ibicencan man.

His reply was a grimace, a lecture about geography, history, politics, culture, wine, fishing and agriculture and, I suspect, my parentage, although my Spanish wasn’t good enough at that point to understand what he actually said. The local dialects were banned during Franco’s years in power and residents were forced to speak Castillian Spanish.

However, once this law was repealed, the languages burst into full flower once again and with them, so did the future of the islands. Ibiza became a clubber’s paradise; Mallorca, which had been known as a package tourist’s paradise received government aid to completely refurbish its infrastructure, and Menorca, which had always remained slightly apart from the tourist explosion, gradually moved into building low rise developments aimed at foreign residents.

Foreigners who come to the Balearic Islands are a multi-cultural group, with people drawn from every corner of the world. Britons, Germans, French, Dutch, Americans, Australians, Canadians, mainland Spanish and the locals all rub shoulders happily on each of the islands both as tourists and residents.

Marine views

Each of the three islands has its own character in every sense of the word. Ibiza looks like a Cubist painter’s dream with small white farmhouses with room after room stacked up on top of each other, its tree-clad hills and its rich red earth; Mallorca with its majestic mountain range rearing up to Valldemosa and its links with Chopin, its central plain and coastal resorts; Menorca and its historic links with Britain, Nelson, ginger beer, cricket and its prehistoric monuments.

And then, of course, there’s Formentera, just a boat ride away. Flat, small and gentle, Ibiza’s delicate little sister is not for the seeker after overdoses of noise and nightlife. But Formentera, whose length you can cycle in just half an hour, is ideal for those wanting a beach, an umbrella and a quieter way of life.

Are the Balearic Islands a good choice for buying an overseas property?

There’s so much choice, but where should you look for a home? The first question is: What do I want? The fact is that the Balearic Islands provide the property seeker with a world of choice. From crowded beaches full of suntan cream, naked bodies and beach bars, through family resorts with quieter restaurants, calmer harbours and homes set back from the hustle and bustle to serene farmhouses set on hillsides clad in majestic pines, the islands have it all. And getting there is simple from almost anywhere in Europe.

Mallorca

Traditionally the capital of the Balearic Islands, Mallorca woke up about 10 years ago and realised how far down the slippery slope it had gone in terms of quality of tourism. Always a popular holiday destination, Mallorca has attracted many foreign residents who bought apartments and house in almost every corner of the island, but the quality of the infrastructure had suffered badly. The island was a tired old lady in severe need of a facelift and several weeks in a health farm.

The islanders set about changing their home and billions of pesetas were invested in roads, water, drains, telephones, the airport and cleaning up the beaches and today, Mallorca ranks high in the list of places where the jet set goes. The image of the island today is one of an up-market destination where property purchasers can enjoy a superb quality of life. The capital is Palma de Mallorca, a fine city with excellent restaurants, great hotels and superb shopping and a great airport linking it with the rest of the world.

Home to golf courses, an opera house that features stars from all over the world, harbours and marinas where some of the most luxurious boats in the Mediterranean tie up, Mallorca has property developments second to none with some of the most elegant homes in Europe.

A number of international celebrities own home on the island. They include film stars such as Michael Douglas and his wife Catherine Zeta Jones and former F1 star, Michael Schumacher, while Don Juan Carlos, King of Spain and his wife Sofia enjoy summer holidays there

Menorca

Menorca has always been modest about its achievements and its many qualities. Perhaps the fact that it was owned by Britain during the 18^th century makes it slightly different to the other Balearic Islands. Certainly the locals are proud of their Georgian architecture, their dairy farms and their enjoyment of gin.

Menorca hasn’t repeated the mass tourism mistakes made by Mallorca and Ibiza. Rather, it has concentrated on developing its shoe industry and only in recent years has it started to encourage foreign residents.

Low level developments are being built around the coast, but great care is being shown and perhaps those seeking to buy a property on Menorca will be looking for a quieter, more laid-back lifestyle. The two main towns, Maó (or Mahon) and Ciutadella are different from each other.

Maó is where the tourist will find the most typically Georgian buildings and has a distinctly international feel, doubtless thanks to its wonderful harbour, while Ciutadella retains more of a Spanish air and in the past has provided palaces for wealthy Catalan families.

You’ll find that the island of Menorca is pretty much bisected by one main road which connects the two towns. Between, there is a rural landscape of dry stone walls, market towns and factories which produce everything from ice cream to shoes.

For those that love the sun, sea and sand, look for names such as Cala D’Algairens, Cala En Turqueta, Cala Macarella and Cala Pregonda. These aren’t the typical tourist beaches but there are properties to be bought and if it’s a typical tourist development you want, head for Cala Santa Galdana.

Menorca is emerging carefully into the tourist 21^stcentury and with it, there are more and more places for the property purchaser to think about. But this is an island where tradition counts, and you can be sure it won’t allow the island to be spoiled by too much concrete.

Ibiza

Ibiza (or Eivissa as it’s known locally) is the Balearic Island that’s known the world over for its nightlife and for its clubs. But don’t be put off by this if staying out till dawn isn’t your thing. The locals are going through a similar process to the ones in Mallorca and they are putting their house in order. While this doesn’t mean they’ll be closing down the clubs, emphasis is being placed on the quality of the lifestyle for the permanent island residents.

As in the rest of the Balearic Islands, it is now recognised that tourists are great for about four or five months of the year, but it’s the year-round residents that keep things going for the rest of the year. Towns and villages such as San Carlos, San Jose, Santa Gertrudis and San Juan are still home to many who love Ibiza for its many fine qualities and these days the facilities, such as water, phones and electricity function as they should.

The White Island, or La Isla Blanca, Ibiza is dotted with fincas, or farmhouses, have grown just as the families grew. As another generation came along, so an extra room was added and the whole thing was whitewashed, making it look as the house has been built with a child’s building blocks.

This is a truly international community and foreigners have bought fincas, modern houses and apartments all over the island. Go out to dinner and, just like Mallorca, Menorca and Formentera, you’ll be surrounded by a dozen different languages, and they’ll all be saying the same thing; “Isn’t this a great place?”

San Antonio in Ibiza is still the main destination for those seeking long nights and lazy days. Clubs and bars abound but for those with the energy to get up and go to the beach, there’s plenty of choice as well. Boats make regular trips up and down the coast and there are plenty of beach restaurants for long lunches before heading back to the serious business of a long night of fun.

Ibiza town is the capital of the island and main administrative centre, as well as having great shopping, restaurants and bars. Check out the La Marina area and wander through the cobbled streets of D’alt Vila up to the Cathedral. See whether an apartment in town would suit you.

There again, perhaps Santa Eulalia will be your ideal local village, with its sugar cube church sitting atop the village, its easy-going lifestyle and its many bars and restaurants. Nearby San Carlos was originally the haunt of the island’s original hippies back in the 1960s and there are developments in this part of the island with houses and apartments to suit all tastes.

In fact, despite all the things that have been said about Ibiza in the press, it would be hard to find somewhere (apart from Mallorca or Menorca – choices, choices!) that had as much to offer the second home buyer or retiree.

Formentera

Formentera is the little sister of Ibiza and, so far is only within reach by boat (or your own private helicopter). Two high plateaux one in the west and one in the southeast are linked by a flat part in the middle. On either side of this lie two beaches, Platja de Tramuntana to the north and Platja de Mitjorn to the south. Formentera harks back to an earlier time and even if you buy a property on one of the other islands, don’t miss the chance of spending time on the smallest of the Piutiusas, the little gems of the Balearic Islands.

© Stewart Andersen and Stewart Andersen’s Property Blog, 2009. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Stewart Andersen and Stewart Andersen’s Property Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

John Scott, finance director at Asset Property Brokers, the investment property specialist promoting the resort, said: “The beautiful island of Boracay is a major attraction for tourists. Combined with the appeal of a world-class golf course and facilities, this provides even more of a draw, resulting in high yields for investors.”

Located within the grounds of the Championship Fairways and Bluewater golf course, the resort will offer 56 units, comprising studio and two-bedroom apartments, at prices starting at $110,035 (£66,836) and guaranteed yields of up to 14.2 per cent.

Boracay white sand beaches

Each apartment will have high-quality luxury fittings with guests having access to many luxury facilities, including a fully-equipped fitness centre along with spa/Jacuzzi, in addition to this the resort boasts a clubhouse with bar and cocktail lounge and restaurant for lunches and evening meals.

Continent Fairways golf development

For those looking for more adventurous excursions there is horseback riding on the beach, and various water sports. Long-term bookings from major travel companies have been secured by the management company which enable it to offer occupancy rates of 80 per cent, underpinning yields for investors. The development will be run by the Continent Group.

Unit owners will benefit from a free-stay period at their property. As corporate members, they are also able to enjoy use of the 18-hole par 72 golf course and the club facilities. Up to 50 per cent developer financing is available on the purchase price.

Yahoo Travel’s Most Popular Beach

Just an hour’s flight time from Manila, Boracay has extensive powder white sand beaches, clear azure seas and shady palm trees that are perfect for relaxation. The island has also much to offer the active tourist, such as coral reef scuba diving and wind surfing, while the nightlife has something for everyone, from peaceful restaurants to vibrant bars and clubs. Boracay was ranked as the world’s number one beach destination in Yahoo Travel’s Most Popular Beach in 2007.

Over the first quarter of 2009 tourist arrivals to the Philippines rose by a staggering 51 percent to 1.3 million people compared to 858,244 during the same period last year, according to the Philippines Department of Tourism (PDoT).

Call: 01373 888112 for more information or go on line at www.assetpropertybrokers.com