resort life - issue 6 - summer 2015
DESCRIPTION
Quarterly Magazine by The Resort Group PLC www.theresortgroupplc.com Overseas Property Development in Cape VerdeTRANSCRIPT
ISSUE SIX SUMMER 2015
Cape Verde: travel & tourism hotspotThe Islands of Cape Verde are causing quite a stir on the travel circuit. With pure white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, it’s not hard to see why. FIND OUT MORE INSIDE
PLUS: The latest updates on Llana Beach Hotel and White Sands Hotel & Spa
ContentsPage 2-3
Travel & tourism hotspot
New Cabo Verde Diving
Page 4-5
Lagoon at Llana Beach
Ne Celebs at Dunas
Page 6-7
White Sand Hotel & Spa
New Inspection Trips
02
The Magazine from The Resort Group
WELCOME TO
Cape Verde: travel & tourism hotspotSituated in the Atlantic Ocean some 500 kilometres off the west coast of Africa, the Islands of Cape Verde are causing quite a stir on the travel circuit. With pure white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, it’s not hard to see why. Tourism is growing fast and it’s starting to rival the Caribbean for year-round holidaying.
Cape Verde is still relatively new to the
tourist scene, but there’s a variety of
things to see and do. At The Resort Group
our focus is on developing 5-star beach-
front resorts on the Islands. Outside of our
luxury hotels, there’s a lot to discover and
you’ll soon find yourself falling head over
heels with this tropical idyllic Island.
Sal and Boa Vista islandsAs an archipelago, Cape Verde is
made up of 10 islands, each boasting
spectacular scenery and year-round
sun. However, only two have so far
been opened up for large-scale tourist
development. Most of the resorts can
be found on the Islands of Sal and Boa
Vista, both of which have their own
unique charm.
A beach lover’s paradiseFor those seeking tranquility, Cape Verde
is the ideal destination. It’s a beach
lover’s paradise and because it’s still
largely undiscovered, visitors won’t be
sharing towel space with hoards of other
sun-seekers. Boa Vista translates as
‘Beautiful View’ and the biggest draw
to Sal is its 8km stretch of pristine white
sandy beaches.
Cosmopolitan islandsAway from the beach there’s plenty
to see and do. Sal is the most
cosmopolitan of the Islands. It is dotted
with small colourful towns like Santa
Maria, where cobbled streets are lined
with surf shops, market stalls, bars and
restaurants. There’s also plenty of al
fresco cafés. Sal Rei on Boa Vista is well
worth a visit too.
A melting pot of culturesYou’ll find a melting pot of cultures
whichever island you choose. The
Portuguese originally discovered the
Islands and there are many European
influences. Cape Verde was only
declared independent in 1975. Due to
its location, there are also strong African
influences. You’ll see it in the music, the
fashion and the food.
A haven for water sportsDue to their position within the winter
tradewind belt, the Cape Verde islands
offer near perfect conditions from late
November through to June for various
water sports. Sal has been popular for
windsurfing and kitesurfing for many
years. So if you’re a thrill seeker, book a
lesson and have a go yourself.
▼ Loggerhead turtles can also be spotted on Ervatao Beach between June and September.
Plus
Plus
Plus
G Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/TheResortGroupPLC U Follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/TheResortGroup
▼ Windsurfers enjoy near perfect weather
conditions in Sal.
03
Discover underwater worldsThere’s plenty of sea-life to experience
in the rich, fertile waters off Cape Verde’s
shores. Divers can head to the Island
of Boa Vista where there are numerous
opportunities for scuba diving and
snorkelling. As well as schools of tropical
fish, there are rainbow-bright reefs to
explore and shipwrecks litter the seabed.
Whale & turtle spottingIf you visit the Islands in spring or early
summer, it’s worth fixing your gaze on
Boa Vista’s horizon. Giant humpback
whales come here to breed and can
often be seen slapping their tails on the
waves. Loggerhead turtles can also
be spotted on Ervatao Beach between
June and September.
Fishing with the localsThe waters around Cape Verde are
teeming with life and there is a range
of fishing opportunities, whether you’re
looking for a relaxing day out or you are an
experienced angler. Catch small fry with
the locals on the edge of the pier or book a
day to go deep-sea fishing. You might get
a big catch such as a tuna or blue marlin.
Sao Nicolau mountain trekkingIt’s not all about sun-kissed beaches.
The Islands vary wildly in scenery, from
spectacular verdant mountain ranges
to jaw-dropping ravines and even some
volcanic landscapes. It is well worth
making the trip to Sao Nicolau to go
mountain trekking, while Santo Antão
offers amazing hikes with canyons,
gorges and valleys.
Quad biking on sand dunesWith 55km of coastline, Boa Vista is
famed for spectacular beaches and
untouched natural beauty. Less well
known is its desert interior. Accounting
for around a third of the Island, the Viana
Desert is made up of wind-sculpted
dunes that act as the playground for
quad biking and 4x4 safaris. The south
has the biggest dunes.
The salt mines of SalSal, which means ‘salt’ in Portuguese,
used to be famous for its salt mines.
These are all long gone but you can
take a dip in the saltpans that remain.
It’s a bit of fun because you’ll float to the
surface thanks to the buoyancy – a bit
like in the Dead Sea. Another worthwhile
stop is the Buracona Lagoon.
s Take a trip to the famous Salt mines
Cabo Verde DivingCabo Verde Diving specialises in providing a complete range of water sports and activities to the visitors of our resorts on the Island of Sal. Situated on the beach-front by our MELIA Tortuga Beach Resort and classed as our official partner, all excursions are bookable at our reception desks as well as in the office itself. The company is well established and has been showcasing all Cape Verde has to offer since it was formed in 2003.
Expect a family friendly environment, where all the divers are considered friends. You will share with us the most beautiful underwater moments on Cape Verde. Their mission is to satisfy clients by providing a wide range of water sports such as scuba diving, snorkelling and a variety of aquatic excursions. Everything they do is executed with the highest regard for personal safety standards.
n Cycle Hiren Catamaran Boat Tripsn Horse Riding Excursionsn Hummer Off-Road Toursn Island Toursn Segway Off-Roadingn Snorkling Tripsn Scooter Rentaln Quad Bike Rentaln Quad Bike Island Tourn Jet Ski Hiren Diving and Scuba Schooln Fishing Tripsn Kitsurfing and Windsurfing school and rental available
Tel. +238 9978824 [email protected]
Things to do in Cape Verde
▼ Exploring the Islands via quad bike is very popular.
P Subscribe to us on YouTube www.youtube.com/theresortgroup Follow us on Instagram www.instagram.com/theresortgroupplc
Official start of lagoon projectThe first stone was cast ceremoniously
into the water on 6th May by our CEO Rob
Jarrett and Construction Manager Pedro
Silva, marking the official start of the
construction phase of the lagoon project.
A small gathering of key employees were
there on the day to raise a glass and toast
the new enterprise.
Our own staff were joined at
the launch by a select group of
representatives from construction
firm CSJ San Jose as well as our
strategic partners, Meliá Hotels
International. It was a low-key event
to signal the official start of the build
and the lagoon project will be officially
unveiled to the press at a later date.
Haven for sunbathers & swimmersWorking with overseas investors, The
Resort Group has already opened
two successful hotel resorts on the
Island of Sal and a third is nearing
completion. Located between MELIÃ
Tortuga Beach and MELIÃ Dunas
Beach, our new Llana Beach Hotel will
open next year. Only a limited number
of properties are still available.
With beautiful sun-kissed beaches
and a tropical climate, the Island
04
New Llana lagoon under constructionThe Resort Group is pleased to announce that construction of a new lagoon is now underway just offshore Cape Verde on the Island of Sal. Once complete, holidaymakers at our three beach-front resorts will have access to a purpose-built pier, adding to the rental appeal of nearby investment properties.
G Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/TheResortGroupPLC U Follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/TheResortGroup
s CGI representation of initial designs
offers a tranquil setting for year-round
holidaying. Sal is also popular with
water sports enthusiasts though,
particularly wind and kite surfers,
and the idea behind the lagoon is to
provide a safe and peaceful haven for
sunbathers and swimmers.
Vital habitat for local marine lifeHere at The Resort Group we pride
ourselves on being socially responsible,
putting money into the local community
via the Cape Verde Foundation.
We also take our environmental impact
very seriously and a large part of our
decision to build the new lagoon is
that it will provide a vital habit for local
marine life.
From an investment perspective, the
new lagoon will help to make our three
hotel resorts on the Island of Sal even
more attractive to holidaymakers and
add value to properties. So watch this
space and keep up to date with The
Resort Group for more developments
on this exciting new venture.
▼ Latest Llana Construction Images
Keep up to date with all the latest developments at www.theresortgroupplc.com/our-developments/llana-beach/lbh-gallery
05
Wonderful wedding and honeymoon destinationMore and more people are heading
to our MELIÃ Dunas Beach Resort
as a honeymoon destination
following their wedding in the UK.
With wonderful white sandy beaches
and guaranteed sunshine – not to
mention luxurious facilities on tap
– it’s little wonder we’re helping so
many happy couples enjoy their first
days of wedded bliss. The good
news is that we’re campaigning
for MELIÃ Dunas Beach Resort to
have the legal status to perform the
full marriage ceremony, enabling
couples to plan their entire wedding
experience in Cape Verde.
Celebrities at MELIÃ Dunas Beach Resort & Spa
MELIÃ Dunas Beach Resort & Spa
continues to be inundated with
celebrities. Many flock to Cape Verde to
enjoy it’s year-round sunny climate and
laid back lifestyle. With it's own personal
hashtag of #NoStress Cape Verde is the
perfect retreat to recharge your batteries.
Recently we have spotted Simon from
Blue and his girlfriend Jess Impiazzi
at the Resort. Simon even took time to
senerade a lady as a suprise for her
60th birthday and he also took to the
decks at the Gabi Beach Club as part
of our famous White Party which is held
every Monday.
U @simonwebbe1 @TheResortGroup
this is just what I needed,fantastic
weather,restaurants,and great activities.
#MeliaDunas #CapeVerde
Fellow DJ and TOWIE star Lauren Pope
also entertained holidaymakers at our
Friday night Gold & Fire party recently.
Fellow TV star Charlotte Crosby and
friends from hit show Geordie Shore also
enjoyed everything Cape Verde has to
offer enjoying a short break in 'paradise'.
FIND US ONLINE
G Like us on Facebook
U Follow us on Twitter
FEATURED IN
P Subscribe to us on YouTube www.youtube.com/theresortgroup Follow us on Instagram www.instagram.com/theresortgroupplc
U Charlotte Crosby @Charlottegshore
@MissHollyHagan @HollyGShore
Having an amazing time in #CapeVerde
#MeliaDunas #NoStress #Paradise
Image Courtesy of Stuart Campbell
Fundraising for foundationThe Cape Verde Foundation was founded by
The Resort Group to make a positive contribution
across a variety of projects in Cape Verde,
supporting its people and local communities.
Our core focus is helping the children of Cape
Verde, offering them new opportunities and
prosperity for the future.
To keep up to date, follow us on Twitter and like
us on Facebook.
U www.twitter.com/TheCVFoundation
G www.facebook.com/capeverdefoundation
06
“
“
White Sands Hotel & SpaWhite Sands Hotel & Spa will be our first
resort on the Island of Boa Vista. As part
of the same archipelago of islands as our
other three resorts, we will be able to apply
what we learnt on Sal. And with a similar
luxury spec, it will be delivered to the same
high standard as our previous resorts.
There will be 835 properties available.
On completion they will be marketed by
Meliá Hotels International, so you can
rest assured that a global hotel chain is
managing your asset and the rental of your
property. Inside, there’ll be an exceptional
choice of restaurants and bars, offering
fine dining and space for socialising.
The hotel will be family friendly with various
children’s facilities as well as dedicated
adult sections. All guests will receive the
highest quality of service tailored to their
individual needs. The beach area will have
modern al fresco bars, including the
illustrious Gabi Club - offering the ultimate
beach-club experience.
Guaranteed investment returnsWhite Sands is now available for off-
plan investment and we’re offering a
special 7% p.a. guaranteed return on
all cash purchases for a period of four
years. Thereafter, you’ll join our Hotel
Management Scheme and receive a
regular rental income from your buy-to-
let investment. There’s also the prospect
of capital growth.
We have a range of buying options for
investors. Properties at White Sands can
be purchased outright from £170,000
but smaller tranches are also available
with Fractional Investments starting
at £10,000. As well as the financial
benefits, full ownership gives five weeks
personal use, with one week per year
for purchases above £40,000.
On the back of the unprecedented
success we’ve had in Sal, we have a
proven investment model and we’re
predicting similar results for Boa Vista. With
tourism growing strongly, there’ll certainly
be plenty of demand for our hotels.
The enchanting island of Boa VistaWith 55 kilometres of coastline, Boa
Vista translates as ‘Beautiful View’
and is renowned for its stunning pure
white sandy beaches. It’s the most
easterly island in Cape Verde and the
third largest in the archipelago, yet the
least densely populated. Hence it has
an untouched feel and until recently
remained a well-kept secret.
Following the success of neighbouring
Sal, the Cape Verde Government has
earmarked Boa Vista for major touristic
development. As well as approving
plans for new hotels and resorts, they’re
investing in the Island’s infrastructure,
from roads to energy supplies and the
White Sandsinvestment opportunity
With tourism to the Cape Verde islands taking off, there are impressive returns to be made from investing in a luxurious beach-front property. Visitor numbers have almost doubled since 2013 and expected to top one million this year. By getting in early, there’s potential for strong capital growth and rental returns.
Boa Vista translates as
‘Beautiful View’ and is renowned for its stunning
pure white sandy beaches.
GUARANTEEDRETURN FOR CASH INVESTORS
7%pa
G Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/TheResortGroupPLC U Follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/TheResortGroup
07
airport. Boa Vista is therefore set to
become the next holiday hotspot.
The Resort Group has obtained prime
development land on Santa Monica
Beach - the jewel in the crown of Cape
Verde’s beaches. It enjoys a sheltered
position in the southwest, making it
ideal for sunbathing. White Sands
will eventually be joined by five other
resorts and we’ve also got plans for an
impressive marina.
The end goal for Boa Vista is to
transform Santa Monica Beach into a
truly exclusive and unparalleled beach
destination. We’ll have six resorts and
▼ CGI representations of the developments planned on Boa Vista7%pa
a marina, but a key consideration is
preserving the Island’s character and
unexplored edge. By capitalising on
tourism growth, it’s an exceptional
investment opportunity.
Last chance to invest in Llana BeachBut if you’re looking for something with a
shorter lead time, we’ve still got a limited
number of properties available at Llana
Beach. Act quick because it’s almost
sold out. Construction is at an advanced
stage and the Resort is due to open in
2016. Similar investment terms apply, get
in touch for details. Investment offers are
subject to availability.
P Subscribe to us on YouTube www.youtube.com/theresortgroup Follow us on Instagram www.instagram.com/theresortgroupplc
Why not come and have a look for yourself?Inspection trips are a great way
to experience first-hand the
appeal of Cape Verde, and why
it is such an attractive investment
proposition.
Inspection trips cost £750pp for
a maximum of two people. This
amount includes a week all-
inclusive stay at MELIÃ Tortuga
Beach Resort or MELIÃ Dunas
Beach Resort & Spa and your
flights. You will be given a guided
tour of the Island, including a
look at our existing resorts. We
can show you specific plots,
and tell you everything you need
to know about buying one of
our properties. If you go on to
purchase a property we will refund
you in full for the trip!
If you are interested in purchasing
a Cape Verde property, and would
like to arrange a trip, call Jackie
Edwards on 01332 387 818 or
email [email protected]
The Resort Group is a 5-star developer offering proven property investments in luxurious Cape Verde resorts
Financially very secure, and established as the market leader
in Cape Verde, our track record is unrivalled in the industry.
We work in partnership with Meliá Hotels International, the world’s
largest resort-operator, to ensure a world-class holiday experience
alongside an excellent rate of return for property investors.
Our proven property investments offer:
• A choice of property types across our luxurious resorts
• Payment options to suit your budget
• Entry level investments from only £10k
• 7% guaranteed return for up to 4 years*
• Cash or pension investments available
• Annual usage of the property for up to 5 weeks**
For more information about 5-star resorts with a guaranteed return
Terms and conditions apply. *Number of years on cash purchases may differ by resort. **Subject to investment plan selected.
Contact us on 01332 387 [email protected] or visit www.theresortgroupplc.com
Share in the success of our world-class resorts
Developing world-class resorts in Cape Verde
Delivering first-class returns for investors