Massive wildfires sweep through the Costa del Sol
AP7 Motorway at the Calahonda Tunnel – Friday 31st August
Massive wildfires swept through the Costa del Sol this week stretching from Marbella to Fuengirola.
The fires closed a few courses (Santa Clara, Marbella Golf & Country Club and Santa Maria) on Friday but only because access was closed off.
Unfortunately the fire caused the loss of one life and some serious injuries. All courses are now open. some of the surrounding scenery will be temporarily spoiled but it will recover.
V.A.T. Increases in Spain
As part of the recently introduced austerity measures by the Spanish Government V.A.T. on Green-Fees increased from 8 to 21% from Sept 1st 2012. This is despite the government stated intent not to increase tax on the Tourism sector which is one of Spain’s few thriving sectors.
The good news is that most Golf clubs are honoring any existing bookings. In some cases they do so if we prepay the green-fees before Sept 1st which we have done in order to respect all packages already sold or proposals in the pipeline.
Golf Experience has also been able to pre-pay green-fees at all our strategically important golf clubs at current rates (green-fee and VAT) meaning that we will be able to hold most 2013 prices at 2012 levels.
First come first served!!
VAT on accommodation has also increased buy by a modest 2% which has largely been absorbed by the hotels themselves.
News from La Quinta Resort – Marbella
La Quinta who recently held the Spanish Seniors Open seems to be going from strength to strength and winning over hearts and minds of the value and quality conscious golfer.
Feedback from this 27 hole course in Marbella / Benahavis is consistently excellent and in particular for the ground breaking level of service.
Having 3 x 9 holes courses means that the annual maintenance will not impact on the continuation of service. Each nine holes are closed in rotation meaning that 18 holes remain open at all times.
Another measure, which we like about in La Quinta, is allowing buggies on fairways. As you know, during the summer, we allow them circulating on the fairway but up to now we did not allow them for the rest of the yea.
From now on, buggies are allowed freely on the fairway throughout the year, as long as the weather conditions are favourable, and not just in the summer. This decision is one of the most important of recent years, so we expect it will be very warmly welcomed.
La Quinta Golf Resort
The San Pedro Tunnel
It’s open. 6 years late and €45m over budget. Still requiring some tweaking at either end due to some unforeseen traffic flow issues however we will take it.
For the golfer it removes a psychological barrier between east and west of San Pedro when it comes to selecting courses.
No longer is the doubt or fear of delays getting through San Pedro an issue and traffic is flowing very well in the entire Marbella to Estepona area.
The San Pedro Tunnel
Real Club de Golf Las Brisas
Las Brisas Remains closed to Visitors until further notice.
Due to the ongoing re-construction of 9 holes at Real Club de Golf Las Brisas the prestigious club will remain closed to visitors for the foreseeable future. A decision has not yet been taken on the redevelopment of the other 9 holes.
The Nearby Aloha Golf Club has stepped into the breach somewhat and are offering a wider choice of tee-times.
Aloha’s New Clubhouse
Aloha has recently completed the refurbishment of their Clubhouse and the course is usually in pristine condition.
Andalucia Masters at Valderrama
This year will see the Andalucia Masters return to Valderrama from Oct 18th – 21st.
Valderrama
***BREAKING NEWS! VALDERRAMA MASTERS CANCELLED!***
We have just received correspondence today from Valderrama informing us:
“We inform you that the Andalucia Masters 2012 will not take place. Therefore, we are now able to offer availability for bookings from the 8th to 21st of October with our usual hours from 12.00h to 14.00 h.”
While this is obviously very disappointing it also opens up more availablity for golfers to enjoy this fantastic course.
Golf Hotel Accommodation
Accommodation for hotels on the Costa Del Sol
We have recently strengthened our relationship with the excellent 4 star Marbella Barcelo Hotel which in situated on Guadalmina Golf Course and in the heard of a cluster of some of the best courses on the Costa including Atalaya, Flamingos, La Quinta, El Paraiso and Los Arqueros.
It is within walking distance of San Pedro de Alcantara or Guadalmina’s many shops and restaurants.
We strongly recommend the Marbella Barcelo for the golfer who does not feel the need to be within walking distance of hot spots such as Puerto Banus or Marbella – although these are only a short taxi ride away. The hotel offers excellent value for money all year.
Unbeatable Unlimited Golf offer from Barcelo Montecastillo Hotel Resort.
Barcelo Montecastillo (Jerez) Unlimited Golf Offer!
Espacar welcome back Antonio to Malaga Airport Duty
Our regular clients we join us in welcoming back Antonio to the Espacar staff at Malaga Airport. Absent for over a year due to an illness which prevented him from driving, We are delighted to say that Antonio is back to full health, thanks to exercise and products as kratom and the recipe for detox he got online.
This means that you will get through Malaga Airport even quicker than usual because nobody walks faster than Antonio.
Antonio, Jose & Paco – Your rent-a-car welcoming team at Malaga Airport.
Espacar has also opened a full-time office at the new Gibraltar Airport (on the Spanish side of the border). Remember you can pick up your car at Malaga and drop off at Gibraltar or visa versa at no extra cost.