Luxury tourism strategy pays off for the Balearics
Balearic Tourism and Sports Minister, Carlos Delgado, has expressed his optimism towards British tourism. Speaking at November’s World Travel Market in ExCeL, he said the UK market is on an “upward trend” and “good” forecasts are in place for the Islands for next year. Luxury tourism is largely to thank.
Daniel Chavarria Waschke, Managing Director of Balearics Sotheby’s International Realty, with offices in Mallorca and Ibiza, says, “Whilst other markets such as Greece, Egypt, Turkey, may have lowered their prices to attract more tourists, the Balearics have taken the bold decision to target the high end. Levels of quality, the calibre of hotel stock and prices have all gone in an upward direction and the plan has worked. Comprising 26.16% of the total Balearic tourist market, Brits have spent 8.5% more in the Balearics in the first nine months of 2013 over last year and flight arrivals from the UK are also up 7.9% to 3,046,681 for the same period.”
Serious hotel operators are now in action on the Balearics. Jumeirah chose Mallorca for its first foray into Spain opening five star Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa in 2012. Sheraton Mallorca Arabella Golf Hotel has just re-opened after a nine month 13 million euro refurbishment and the golf-front Park Hyatt Mallorca is set to open in 2015. They join existing five star establishments such as the St Regis Mardavall and La Residencia by Orient-Express. Across in Ibiza the upmarket Ushuaia Ibiza Beach Hotel opened in 2011 and the Ushuaia Tower this summer, joining such establishments as the five star boutique hotel Hacienda Na Xamena and Ibiza Gran Hotel and Casino in Ibiza Town.
Melia Hotels International, founded in Mallorca in 1956 and now with 350 hotels in more than 39 countries, has also announced grand plans for the Balearics. Speaking this month at an event in ME London, a hotel within the ME by Melia premium range, Chief Executive Gabriel Escarrer said it would open ME Mallorca (formerly the Beach House on Calvia Beach Resort) and ME Ibiza (formerly Sol S’Argamassa in beachfront Santa Eulalia) for 2014.
Escarrer said at the London event, “We are reaffirming our commitment to the Balearic Islands, investing in the transformation of two products that will be drivers of change to enhance our position as a holiday destination of quality.”
On the Market with Mallorca Sotheby’s International Realty:
Ref 6405 – Villa in Camp de Mar, Port Andratx, Mallorca
An impressive newly-built designer villa set right on the edge of the Mediterranean with magnificent views and direct sea access. In the residential area of Camp de Mar, close to golf courses, beaches, restaurants and Port Andratx, this property is divided into two separate buildings. The first of around 781m² hosts four bedrooms, four bathrooms, open plan living space and a covered terrace of 82m². The second of around 287m² accommodates three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a living room and kitchen and a total of 117m² of terraces. A two bedroom guest/staff apartment with bathroom completes the estate. A heated indoor pool, large outdoor infinity pool, lush lawns and outstanding Mediterranean views make this one of the best homes in the area.
Nine bedrooms, Eight bathrooms
Built area 1,070m², Plot size 1,980m²
Price – 16 million euros (approx 13.3 million GBP)
For more information, visit mallorca-sothebysrealty.com.
On the Market with Ibiza Sotheby’s International Realty:
Ref 6455 – Villa in Cala Jondal, Ibiza
Skilfully fusing ultimate luxury with classic Ibiza styling, this villa incorporates top quality fixtures fittings and materials to create the highest standard of living. The home has five bedroom suites and spacious reception areas that flow into the outside space, all designed to embrace the Island’s love of outdoor entertaining. Features include a professional-grade DJ booth adjacent to the main terrace, an outdoor gymnasium and tennis court and a beautiful swimming pool flanked by sunloungers and day beds. Pathways meander through the landscaped gardens filled with well-stocked flowerbeds and mature trees of both indigenous and tropical species. The property is available fully furnished and with a Lincoln Navigator 4x4 SUV thrown in. The conservation area of Cala Jondal is accepted as one of Ibiza’s most desirable locations, only ten minutes from the Airport and home to the infamous Blue Marlin beach club.
Five bedrooms, Five bathrooms
Built area 450m², Plot size 22,000m²
Price 6.5 million euros (approx 5.4 million GBP)
For more information, visit ibiza-sothebysrealty.com.
