The COSTA ESURI Blog

2007-07-09T11:20:00.000Z

I'm moving this blog over to a WordPress platform at CostaEsuri-Spain.

Please visit the new site and bookmark that page / sign up for the RSS feed as I will not be posting here any more.

The new blog will be updated very soon with pages for photographs. property for holiday lets etc.

Thank you for your patience in the meantime and, of course, your loyalty.

Mark

Monte Rei Golf

2007-07-02T20:25:00.000Z

For those with a desire to play the best courses Monte Rei is a very short trip across the border into Portugal.

2 Championship Courses - the first now open and the second still in design stage.

Jack Nicklaus designed, Monte Rei features 5 beautiful blue lakes and over 7,200 yards of glorious golf set amongst the dramatic hills of the Eastern Algarve.

Although certainly not cheap at (currently) euros 150 a round, for any serious golfer a round at this prestigious club must be a high priority when staying at Costa Esuri.

For full details visit the impressive website - Monte Rei - but note that a handicap certificate is required - maximum 24 for men and 32 for ladies and soft spikes must be worn. Mind you, I can't imagine a hacker wishing to pay that level of green fee!

Clubs are available for hire and a brilliant club house awaits after the golf.

jack nicklaus monte rei monte rei golf monte rei golf course

Lost in Belfast

2007-07-02T07:50:00.000Z

I don't know if any of you are from Belfast but regardless I thought I would see if I can help a friend of mine raise awareness of a site he has created to help people who have gone missing.

Obviously, the Madeleine McCann story has brought this into the public eye recently but it's sad to say this is not an isolated occurrence.

If you know anyone from Northern Ireland please refer them to Lost Without You
( http://www.lost-without-you.info/ )

Discounted flights to Spain & Portugal

2007-06-29T10:27:00.000Z

Monarch have slashed fares to Spain & Portugal by up to 75% for flights booked before 5th July.

If you've been sitting on the fence nows the time to jump to Monarch Airlines

discount airfares spain cheap flights portugal cheap flights to spain

Early Summer Huelva Province

2007-06-28T08:55:00.001Z

I had to drive to IKEA in Seville on Monday (I know how to spend my time in Spain!) and was absolutely taken by the motorway,

No, I've not taken leave of my senses. More used to grey skies, endless traffic and the concrete of the M25 in England I was amazed that virtually every kilometre of the central reservation between Ayamonte & Seville was covered with pink and white flowering bushes (I think they're called Kalmia). The fields of Sun Flowers are in full bloom and the Pelican's nesting on telegraph poles added to the interest. The hour's drive passed very quickly.

On the return journey, however, my peace was shattered by a loud rumbling from a puncture! Unpacking a fully laden boot to access the spare wheel was not fun but at least I managed to crawl to a service station just outside Seville rather than unloading everything at the side of the motorway!

Costa Esuri Golf Clubhouse

2007-06-28T08:41:00.000Z

The new clubhouse is now fully built, pained and ready to open but...

Still awaiting the necessary licence, which has been promised for weeks. I'm told they are hopeful it will open by end of June. We'll see!!

In the meantime, I have to say I'm impressed with the temporary clubhouse - food is pretty good and sitting on the terrace in the warm evening sunshine last night made me remember why I bought here!

When the new clubhouse does open the temporary one will be moved to course two to be replaced by a more extensive driving range.

At the moment a twilight deal (after 4pm) of euros 40 is available. Bearing in mind it doesn't get dark until long after 9pm and the course is still very quiet I think this is great value. Clubs are available at euros 20 so 2 or 3 rounds a cheap would be cheaper than paying to bring your own clubs from UK.

Costa Esuri Photos

2007-06-18T12:46:00.000Z

I'll be in Costa Esuri next week and should have some up to date photos to post by the end of next week. Sign up to the feed so as not to miss them or remember to stop by next week.

Costa Esuri Squidoo Lens

2007-06-18T12:41:00.000Z

Regular readers will know that I created a Squidoo Lens about Costa Esuri back in February.

Today if you search Google using "Costa Esuri" it ranks number 11 out of 73,500 sites using that search term.

I’d dearly love to see this site at number one on Google - and you could help.

Please go over to the Costa Esuri Lens - rate it 5 stars by clicking on the “Your Rating” stars at the top. Then go to the Guestbook at the bottom of the page and add a comment with a link back to your site or blog.

When you’ve done that I’ll add you to my lensroll if you have a Squidoo Lens or visit your blog and add it as a favourite increasing it’s visibility.

Thanks in advance.

Costa de la Luz Green Fees

2007-06-11T14:50:00.000Z

I've just added a link on the Costa Esuri Lens to a site providing current Costa de la Luz Green Fees and offering good discounts if booking via them.

For example current Costa Esuri Green Fees are 65 € but Golf Links are offering a discounted rate of 52 €

Just go to the lens and scroll down the page to:

"Costa de la Luz & Portuguese Algarve Golf Courses "

Monarch Airline Discounts

2007-05-24T16:59:00.000Z

Monarch are offering up to 50% discounts on flights BUT only if booked before Tuesday 29th May so not much time.

Flights include Gatwick or Luton to Faro - here's the Monarch Site

Costa de la Luz Beaches

2007-05-15T13:36:00.000Z

I've just loaded a new section on the Costa Esuri lens detailing the best beaches in the area.

Here's the map and for information on each beach take a look at the Costa Esuri Squidoo Lens

CLICK THE MAP FOR A ZOOMED IN VIEW

Madeleine McCann

2007-05-12T13:36:00.000Z

I received this email today and thought it should be posted here...

On behalf of Kate and Gerry McCann and all the family, please help us
find Madeleine.

Madeleine, age 3, was abducted from her bed in the family holiday
apartment, Praia De Luz,

Algarve

Portugal

on Thursday, 3rd May.

Police and all of

Portugal

are trying to find her. The Portuguese
people, holiday makers and ex pats have been a great support to the
family and continue their efforts.

You, too can help. Please circulate this plea to publicise Madeleine's
photo and ask for information, no matter how small to be passed on to
the authorities.

Whether you are in the

Portugal

, Europe or beyond, please forward to
all your family, friends,colleagues and business associates.
Someone out there will have some information that will lead to Maddy's
return.

The internet can be a powerful tool in finding Maddy, who is so loved
and missed by us all.

Let's use it positively.

Please pray for Madeleine and all the family at this devastating time.

We need your help. We know you won't let Maddy down.

God bless,

Pat Perkins
(Family Friend)

Easy Jet Discounts

2007-05-10T07:22:00.000Z

EASY JET are again promoting big discounts on flights - need to fly by end of July.

If you are thinking of a visit could be a good time to book.

Monarch Airlines Discounts

2007-03-09T13:52:00.000Z

Monarch has just announced its biggest ever sale for flights booked before 13th March - including travel over Easter.

If you are thinking of a Costa Esuri visit in the near future it could be a good time to book your flight:

Monarch Airlines

Mark

Spanish Algarve and Eastern Algarve Golf Courses

2007-03-06T20:35:00.000Z

I've just added a new section to the Costa Esuri lens at Squidoo with a listing of the golf courses within easy reach of Costa Esuri.

There's a short write up plus a link to the websites.

If you've recently played any of these courses I'd love to hear from you - leave your comment in the Guestbook at the COSTA ESURI SQUIDOO LENS

eastern algarve golf
spanish algarve golf
spanish golf
spanish golf courses
costa de la luz golf courses

Costa Esuri at Squidoo

2007-03-05T10:17:00.000Z

I've just built a "lens" at Squidoo and I'll be really grateful if you could take a look and add links to any Costa Esuri (or Costa de la Luz) related sites that will be useful to other readers.

I'm thinking of good restaurants, local attractions, suppliers etc.

For those of you not familiar with Squidoo it's a great way of creating a simple "website" based on a theme, like Costa Esuri. No knowledge of any programming is required, everything is pre-formatted - you simply add your content.

Take a look - you may even want to create your own lens.

squidoo

Sky Dishes at Costa Esuri

2007-03-05T10:08:00.000Z

The latest information on the saga of installing a Sky satellite dish at Esuri...

It seems that if Fadesa (or the management company) has not already installed a dish on the block then any owner can do so. A charge could then be made to any other owners for connecting to your dish and thus recoup part / all of the cost.

How you would police this I'm not sure unless you happened to know all of the other owners.

Alternatively each owner would be able to install their own dish - the last one may find a lack of space available though :)

The installation difficulties relate to the cabling to the individual apartments - for some very straightforward but if the trunking has been damaged when installed there could be problems. Unfortunately there is no way of knowing in advance.

I'd like to hear from anyone with success or horror stories & also any tips for the best place to buy TVs. Thanks in advance.

Costa Esuri Golf - Club Hire

2007-02-28T12:07:00.000Z

I've just heard that it is possible to hire a set of clubs at Euros 25. This is for a set of quality clubs (brand new at present) and may offer an attractive alternative to carrying (and paying excess baggage costs) your own clubs through international airports if you are only likely to play once or twice during a visit.

Costa Esuri Golf - Club Hire
Costa Esuri Golf

Property Insurance - Costa Esuri

2007-02-23T08:51:00.000Z

There's a discussion going on at the Costa Esuri forum (address in sidebar) about property insurance and in particular what is required if letting out the property for holiday lets.

If any one has any professional knowledge or personal experience please either leave a comment here or head over to the forum and join the debate.

Thanks

P.S. I thought I'd add a photograph of the Marina at Isla Canela here as I didn't like the Golf Course Fees list showing up at the top of the blog page from a previous post!

Esuri Golf Green Fees

2007-02-16T20:25:00.000Z

Here are the current Green Fees - I'm told we should expect an increase for the summer season.

Costa Esuri Golf Photos

2007-02-16T18:00:00.000Z

I've just posted a few recent photos of the Costa Esuri Golf Course on Flickr which should now show up in the frame on the blog. Several were taken when the light wasn't very good so are a little dark. I haven't quite got my bearings on the course layout yet so haven't labelled them - next time!

Eating Out - near Costa Esuri

2007-02-16T17:48:00.000Z

I don't make negative comments about places but do like to give praise where deserved.

2 quick recommendations. I have 2 young boys so my choice of restaurants is probably not as I'd really like due to the fussy nature of their tastes!

In Ayamonte we went to the Pizzeria (I think that's what it's called) just by the town car park near the 90 degree bend in the road where the river joins the harbour. Great selection of pizzas and very friendly staff. Quiet when we got there at about 8pm but pretty full by about 9.30pm.

The second is in the Marina at Isla Canela. At least that what I think it is but the card says Punta del Morai - must learn my way around!! It's about 15 minutes drive via Ayamonte but well worth it.

The owners, Les & Cyndi, are from Australia but the restaurant is called Bella Napoli (can you see the theme re my sons tastes?). We stopped for lunch yesterday and I was really impressed. Very child friendly - the Spanish waiter was really cool and very helpful. Both Les and Cyndi went out of their way to talk to us and check everything was OK. The food was very good and also good choice for the kids. Hopefully they can keep this up in the busier summer months.

Costa Esuri Golf

2007-02-16T14:52:00.000Z

Although I didn't have time to play myself this time the reports on the course are very good. The greens are excellent and although the areas near the pathways are a bit patchy a bit of growth over the next few months will improve this no end. The wind comes into play on several holes, particular those towards the river, and some of the par 3s are a challenge at around 200 yards. Here's the scorecard (not mine!!) but don't forget these are metres not yards.

Electrician - Costa Esuri

2007-02-16T14:36:00.000Z

Just got back from a few days in Esuri and have some good and not so good news.

First the not so good. The weather is still not great and the impact of this is that my apartment is really quite cold at night. Looks like I need to think about some form of heating for next year.

The good news.

Carlos from Flamingo Services has just fitted all of my new lights and it really makes a difference to the feel of the place - particularly compared to the plain light bulbs I had before! I am really impressed with Carlos - he turned up when he said he would, was very respectful to my property, he did a great job and asked exactly what I wanted before he went ahead and did it. He left everything very clean and I'd recommend him to anyone.

He also installs SKY TV and I'm looking for this to be done in time for my next visit. It seems that Fadesa has thrown in the towel on this and it is a free for all in putting up dishes rather than the original plan for one communal dish on each building!

I have no vested interest in this but anyone interested in any general work; electrical; satellite installation etc can contact Carlos via Jackie at Flamingo Services email: flamingoservices@rfor.co.uk

My "wilderness" has also been converted to a full patio with an automatic irrigation system for the small border. The bougainvilleas had just been planted but had a few flowers on bloom. Hopefully, after a short period of growth much of the "tennis court" fencing will be covered!

I was amazed at how much progress had been made with the Hotel and Golf Clubhouse (and Villas alongside) in the last 6 weeks. The place is really starting to take shape and with so many more people obviously around now it's starting to feel a bit more like home.

Skype

2007-02-05T20:37:00.000Z

You've probably already heard of Skype but if not you really ought to take a look because your phone calls could cost you nothing! If you're calling Spain from the UK or have internet access in Spain calls back to the UK can be made via the internet for free.

I'll let Skype explain it to you - they're so much more accomplished than me!

If you use the Firefox web-browser, which in my opinion is so much better than Internet Explorer, you even get a Skype add-on that highlights the phone number on any website so with a click of a mouse you are connected via Skype. That type of call does cost (very, very low) because you will be calling a normal line rather than another Skype number.

Have fun

TV Free Zone?

2007-02-05T09:06:00.000Z

So what is happening about the satellite dish installations? I'm hearing conflicting information. Fadesa were supposed to have cabled everything so one dish per building was required. Then a simple job of connecting cables for those who wanted to install.

It now seems that Fadesa didn't install the trunking or cables and each property has to put up it's own dish. Apart from the additional cost the potential for masses of dishes isn't appealing (at least the sun is so bright people will tend not to look up). Google Earth will no doubt tell it's own story in time with a picture of a huge radar station!!

I'll let you know more when I return from Esuri next week but will be interested to hear from anyone with first hand experience in the meantime. Please leave a comment below if you have had a dish installed or know anymore. Thanks.

costa esuri

Costa Esuri Weather

2007-01-26T19:22:00.000Z

Thanks to Derek at Widgets Lab I found a weather widget to add to the blog. The nearest location I've been able to find is Faro (at the moment) but hopefully I'll be able to track down a nearer weather station.

If you have a blog take a look at Derek's blog - there are some great free tools there - and he's really helpful, but whatever you do - don't send him any spam mail!!!

Costa Esuri Forum

2007-01-24T08:50:00.000Z

I was contacted a few days ago by Andy who runs the Costa Esuri Forum. I just registered and see that they are already doing what I planned to do on this blog - create an informal golfing society for Costa Esuri.

Rather than duplicate efforts I recommend anyone interested in golf (or anything to do with Esuri in fact - it's a great forum) registers at the Costa Esuri Forum. Remember to come back here though - don't leave me all on my own :)

Mark

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costa esuri forum
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View across Esuri

2007-01-05T19:12:00.001Z

CEGolf3
Originally uploaded by Mark S Wilson.

Taken in early 2006. Sand showing through is because of the heavy rain in October '05 which washed away much of the seed.

Costa Esuri Course 1

2007-01-05T19:05:00.003Z

So this is how a golf course starts!!

Taken in July 2005 during my first visit to Costa Esuri

Weedless?

2007-01-03T19:34:00.000Z

I'm delighted. I've just agreed to have the wilderness, or should I say patch of land knee deep in weeds that masquerades as the "garden" at my apartment in Esuri, covered in tiles.

That will reduce maintenance and make the property look lived in at last. Hopefully it will be complete in time for my next visit at half-term. Looking forward to getting a round of golf in at Esuri at last. Hopefully there will be a few more inhabitants than just before Christmas.

If anyone is likely to be around please let me know - I'd love to meet up.

Mark

Costa Esuri Photos

2007-01-02T15:10:00.000Z

I'm hoping to provide a regular update of progress / developments at Esuri in photo format and will be posting them at Frontline Golf Property on a regular basis. There are some photos of the golf course from sand base until late summer 2006 HERE

As I'm not in Spain again now until February could anyone with any recent photos let me know so I can add them to the site.

Thanks

Zappers required

2006-12-19T11:39:00.000Z

The "barriers" are now being used at Costa Esuri so if you are not currently resident - and if you are I hope you are not too lonely :) - remember to bring your "zapper" with you next time you visit.

If you don't have yours yet I suggest you contact Fadesa as soon as possible, particularly as parking is very limited at the end of each Manzana.

Mark

It was eerie!!

2006-12-04T10:39:00.000Z

I needed to check on my snagging list progress and sort out some furniture in my apartment last week. I arrived in Faro at about 7pm - mine seemed the be the only flight - and the airport was virtually empty.

When I got to Esuri the theme continued and I felt that I was the only person in the world as clearly the place is not inhabited by more than a handful of people at the moment.

I was delighted to find that the water was not working - having transferred from Fadesa to my name the mains had not been turned back on. That was quickly resolved the next day but only after a trip to the Parador Hotel to use their bathroom facilities!!

In the light of day it is clear there have been some great strides made - the commercial centre, hotel and golf clubhouse are all coming along and the villas along the edge of the car park are starting to look like buildings rather than just frames. I think I need to enjoy the solitude of Costa Esuri while I can - it won't be like this next year!

I have to say I was very impressed that Fadesa had resolved most of the snags and now I have some furniture in the apartment is starting to feel like a home - the echoes are subsiding now as well.

A trip to IKEA in Seville loomed for me that day but at least the queues at the check outs have been short (each time I've been anyway) compared to those in London. My wife cannot get me to go to IKEA in the UK anymore - I hate it!

I also visited Leroy Merlin (better range of equipment than say B&Q at home) and came back with some DIY tools, curtain poles and bathrooms fittings.

Unfortunately Hiper Lampars was closed when I got there and as I had little time left to get to Faro my lighting will have to wait until the next visit. If anyone needs directions to these stores just let me know by posting a comment here.

I also got talking to guy called Carlos who runs a business called Flamingo Services - he can pretty much do any work required - electrical installations, general maintenance, handyman, broadband / TV installations etc. He speaks excellent English and has carried out loads of work at Esuri - you can contact him direct:

mobile: +34 663 687 371
email: flamingoservices@rfor.co.uk

I have also been very impressed with Sue & Yvonne at Spanish Algarve Services who have helped me with my furnishings and offer a maintenance and letting service. They can be contacted:

phone: +34 606 056 843
email: sue@spanishalgarveservices.com

If anyone else can recommend services please let me know. This isn't a list of anyone and everyone but people and services that can be relied upon.

Finally, the golf course is due to open in less than 2 weeks - the furniture has been delivered to the temporary clubhouse so it's looking feasible. I didn't have time to look too closely at the course but the recent rain seems to have had a positive effect - although very young looking the greens and fairways are looking very inviting.

Golf at Esuri

2006-11-09T08:53:00.000Z

Don't hold your breath but the first course is set to definitely open in December.

Fadesa has appointed Aymerich to administer the golf courses.

It seems that Fadesa will not pass on names of any owners who had previously registered so it will be necessary to start again if you are interested in membership.

Email your details to ggdelasheras@aymerichgolf.com who will place you on the list.

Membership is to be limited to 1500 people.
The joining fee is said to be 9000 euros for 20 years for the bearer, spouse and any children under 25 years old.

If you are a Fadesa property owner you are entitled to a 30% discount reducing the cost to 6500 euros.

There is also an annual fee for all members of 700 euros for the bearer, 400 euros for the spouse and 150 euros for each child.

Green fees will be 4 euros each day of the week.

I do not have details of green fees for non-members yet so if anyone has this information please let me know

Mark

Welcome

2006-11-07T08:24:00.000Z

Hi

My name is Mark Wilson and I own an apartment at Costa Esuri, which I bought in June 2006.

The idea of this blog is to create a community of owners at Esuri, whether living there permanently, using as a holiday home or for holiday lets.

Everyone is welcome to post comments with a view to keeping in touch with others, updating everyone about developments; arranging to meet for a round of golf (if the course every opens!!); giving advice and recommendations about restaurants, tradesmen or anything else that would be useful to other owners.

You can keep in touch with posts here by subscribing to the email service or of course the usual RSS feed.

Anyone thinking of buying or renting a property at Esuri is more than welcome to contact me and I will happily share my experience - both the good and not so good.

Please let me know if there is anything particular you would like to see on this blog.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Mark