Greetings from warm and sunny Costa del Sol.
Well, 2022 was a record-breaking year for tourism on the Costas and while the industry struggled post COVID to cope with the influx, tourists were visibly delighted to return and enjoy their old familiar stomping ground, their favourite golf courses, bars and restaurants.
Since the beginning of COVID, the Costa del Sol in particular has seen a big increase in people opting to live and work remotely from our shores. The war in Ukraine has also added to the influx of people from there and neighbouring countries, preferring to be at arm’s length from the conflict.
All this has added to a very busy year which has been a shot in the arm for the local economy.
Golf News.
Demand is very high for courses in Spain and Portugal but despite this our price inflation is running at a modest level – well below the underlying general inflation. As demand remains high our consistent advice to group organisers of 8+ golfers is to plan 8 or 10 months in advance. By so doing you get the best rates with all the early booking discounts and those juicy 11.30 tee-times that are swept up very early on. You also avoid the frustration of not being able to get accommodation at weekends.
Golf
La Hacienda Alcaidesa Links Golf Resort has re-opened to great acclaim. The new lay-out has made even better use of the unique piece of land in terms of optimising the views, some of which are breath-taking. A new 5-star Fairmount hotel will open at the resort later this year.
Alcaidesa’s newly re-opened “Links” – re-branded La Hacienda Alcaidesa Links Golf Resort
Meanwhile work has now started on redevelopment of the adjoining Heathland course to bring it in line with standards at the “Links” course.
Estepona Golf
Once a very popular mid-range course but one which suffered badly during COVID has now been taken over by new investors. We are happy to report that big improvements have been made and client feedback is positive. So, one worth considering again!
Estepona Golf
Hotel news
El Fuerte Marbella Re-opens.
Fuerte Hotel Marbella originally built in 1954!
The hotel’s warm Mediterranean character is reflected in its classic interior design that offers guests timeless quality, first-class gastronomy and professional service that puts the finest details first. Boasting more than 60 years’ experience and history, El Fuerte is one of Marbella’s oldest hotels. The hotel has been given constant refurbishment and maintenance over the years, evolving to become a renowned 5-star hotel.
In the rooms of the Hotel El Fuerte Marbella you will feel as comfortable as at home. This design forms the perfect backdrop for an establishment with its own unique character and decades of history. Comfortable and cosy, most of the rooms feature doors that open onto the Mediterranean, taking advantage of the beautiful natural light this part of southern Spain offers us. The rooms are kitted with all the facilities designed for your maximum rest and convenience and are sure to meet all of your needs. For those who desire the most exclusive experiences, the ‘Selected’ service is an option that will surpass expectations.
New 5-star El Fuerte Marbella
Occidental Hotel Banus
We are delighted to announce the re-opening of this very popular hotel under the management of the Barcelo chain. This hotel is within 3 minute walk of the Marina in Puerto Banus but unlike others in the area it is a Full Service hotel with swimming pool and restaurant.
Occidental Banus Hotel
Óbal Urban Hotel Marbella
The new Óbal Urban Hotel located in the very heart of Marbella’s historic centre, it is also just 200 metres from the Seafront and the beach.
Renovated in 2023, the hotel will now be able to offer 110 rooms, 45 of which will be Premium. There will also be 4 Junior Suites and one Senior Suite.
A brand-new addition to the hotel will be the 360º Blue Sky Bar. Covering an area of more than 425 m2, this rooftop bar will be quite unique in Marbella and will feature a swimming pool and a selection of healthy cuisine and cocktails created with your leisure and relaxation in mind. There will also be a new street-level reception area, 2 meeting rooms, a gymnasium and a massage cabin.
The Alameda restaurant will be able to host events for up to 200 people and together with the refurbished patio with its retractable roof, it will provide a wide range of gastronomic delights.
Óbal Urban Hotel, Marbella
Óbal Urban Hotel Central Marbella
Solheim Cup
The Solheim Cup is fast approaching (Sept 22nd to 24th) at Finca Cortesin.
As an official agent for the event, we have access to the full variety of tickets including Day passes, full event passes, Opening and Closing ceremonies and VIP passes.
Club-hire
Due to continuing increased demand we have made a significant investment in our range of golf clubs for rental. This now includes Taylor Made M4 & M6 sets, Callaway Rogue, MacGregor, Wilson and Spalding sets. We deliver anywhere along the Costa del Sol and the Algarve. Prices range from €45 to €75 a week. We have Ladies and Gents sets, right and left-handed, steel and graphite shafts.
Expansion at Golf Experience.
It was with great regret that we said goodbye (again) to Gerry who has returned to his native Tipperary. We half expect him to re-appear shortly as he keeps telling us about the rain back home.
To replace Gerry we have had to make two new appointments. Mari & Tony. Mari has joined us with years of experience at the Golf and Reservations departments at the Melia Atalaya Park Hotel. Tony, who is a scratch golfer (or so his CV says – time will tell) has been living in Spain for years and had too much time on his hands.
Tony Wilkinson
Mari Lozan
Algarve Representative.
We have also appointed a new Algarve Representative John Peters who looks after our Algarve based clients.