Aug
27
2010
Atop the Halcyon Hills site
Atop the Halcyon Hills site
Our second day’s tour of the south-east coast of the beautiful and unspoilt island of Samos culminates with the long awaited visit to the site of the forthcoming Halcyon Hills Marina and Beach Resort.
Set into the hillside and designed in village style, the Halcyon Hills site plan shows that virtually every Villa and apartment will enjoy the same spectacular views.
As we sat under a makeshift pergola (thoughtfully provided by the developer for their customer inspection trips!) sipping a small celebratory Samian wine from locally made Pythagoras Cups, it is hard not to be in awe of the natural tranquil beauty of this place.
Being here it becomes much easier to visualise the completed resort and it’s potential. All the site plans and computer images suddenly seem to fit together and complement what nature has provided, and the heart (and wallet!) begins to quicken at the possibilities.
Halcyon Hills when complete
The Resort…
We firmly believe that he resort itself as a European property investment is one of finest there is, and in the field of 5-star beach and marina resorts, unparalleled. Whether investing as a lifestyle choice or purely to enjoy the solid financial returns, Halcyon Hills should be at the top of the list.
Panoramic view
VIDEO : Check out this computer-generated Halcyon Hills “fly past” video (6:45) to see what will be…
There is a full investment analysis and independent due diligence reports on the HighGround Property Website under “Halcyon Hills”. Take a good look now, and we’ll unpack the detail in future posts. So much more to say!
View across to Turkey from site
Halcyon Hills beachfront
With all this in mind, though, let’s start to discuss some of the possible reasons why not to invest here…
>> What has the effect of the Greek economic problems been on tourism?
The important fact to remember is that the islands offer the same attractions they always have: consistent sunshine, fabulous beaches, a culture dating back millenia and a genuine warm welcome to every visitor whether it be singles, couples or families. This year has been an interesting one for tourism, but visitor numbers on Samos at least have remained strong. The tour operators report that the start of the main season in May was quieter than usual due in part to the infamous Ash Cloud causing European visitors to pause. However, end-of-season September bookings across the board are reported to be unusually high. The season seems to have shifted a month as visitors, influenced by the media, played a game of “wait and see”! Much relief for tourism this year and encouragement that enthusiasm for the island remains undiminished.
>> Will there be sufficient demand for high-end tourism to protect buyers’ investments?
The luxury high-end market which is the target for Halcyon Hills is the most resilient to economic pressures on visitors wallets and purses, and this too has been borne out as the few quality marinas on the island are seen to be packed with luxury yachts. Many at present choose to stay aboard for their accommodation, but the Halcyon Hills marina will attract this existing market where the facilities (including the best spa on the island
>> Why is the European Union funding good for investors?
Around €43m of the build costs for the resort is directly from ring-fenced EU grants. As investors, this is effectively money given to us towards the construction of our apartments or villas. Tangible benefits to us, as well as demonstrating the commitment from governments to the development.
New and improved roads on the island
The benefits of European Union grants can already be seen all over the island, road infrastructure, preservation of historic buildings and monuments. This is set to continue apace as the Greek government and the EU fully recognise that tourism is a key factor in the recovery of the Greek economy.
EU funding of €2.6m for a road improvement
European Union grant money is pouring into the island. Roadside signs abound showing funding for extending and improving the road network.
Thanks again for following in our footsteps on this fascinating journey. We want to know what you think – please share your views with us so far: post your questions, thoughts or experiences.
Aug
10
2010
Hi again - we continue our voyage of the island looking at its potential for true 5 star tourism and a solid European property investment…
Kerveli Bay:
The beach at Kerveli
From the Kerveli Village Hotel
Kerveli – just a brief detour to a quiet little village along the south coast – and my first experience of one of the many unspoilt beaches on the island. The clear warm water is simply too inviting to resist:)
While there we took a sneak peek at a local 4 star hotel, the Kerveli Village Hotel. One of the best on the island, but sadly no spa 
Continue Reading »
Aug
9
2010
Vathy Bay
Hi, and Welcome to the latest update of my exploration of the Island of Samos.
Samos Island is part of the North-eastern Aegean Islands. It’s an attractive island with verdant forests, beautiful beaches and picturesque little islands.
Even though it’s the most visited island of its archipelago, it has still kept its beauty, its attractiveness and its peaceful places. Samos is seen as a great destination for holidays as it has something for everyone: busy beach resorts, unspoiled villages, beautiful landscape and secluded coves…
Day 2 - we’re set for a tour of the south-eastern side of the island coast, ending with the “piece de resistance” – a visit to the site of the forthcoming Halcyon Hills marina and beach resort, just outside the charming little village of Klima.
But first off, I do a little bit of “off-piste” exploring of my own!
Follow us round the island Eastern Samos
Vathy:
Chapel at Vathy
This morning before the tour begins, I take a trip on foot up to explore the quieter village area in the hills above the bustling town of Vathy, where I’m staying.
It’s already pretty warm (around 30 degrees and sunny of course!) but worth the effort! Charming buildings like the little chapel I came across, the wild sounds of the crickets in the olive groves, and some fabulous views across the bay…
View across water - Vathy
VIDEO CLIP - Crickets!
Just have a listen to that amazing sound of the crickets in the groves – a typical summer sound in Greece: the backing track to both dramatic and charming scenery…
Coming Next – Check out my next blog entry, as we set off on the guided tour in the afternoon to discover some more stunning places on the island of contrasts.
See you then,
Graham.
Aug
5
2010
Samos Town Tranquility
Well, after all the planning and anticipation, I’m finally here! Direct flights from London are becoming more frequent so I’m told, which I took advantage of – flight time is under 3 hours 30 minutes. Most flights still connect at Athens (which certainly isn’t a problem for singles and couples) but as Samos makes a name for itself as a quality destination, the airlines take notice.
In fact the vast majority of travellers on the flight were families, which illustrates the wide appeal of the island.
I was met at the airport by Ruth, my guide, and escorted to my hotel courtesy of the developers at Halcyon Hills.
I am basically going to be following the format for the 2 day inspection trips offered to investors or those thinking of doing so: the cost of the inspection trip is refunded should visitors then decide to invest. A bit of a win-win really… These trips are completely customised to the interests of the visitors, so it could easily form part of a longer stay. My inspection trip includes an island tour and a view of the Halcyon Hills site, which Ruth tells me has to be seen to be believed. I’ll find out exactly what she means tomorrow when I check out the site for myself, and report back to you.
Meanwhile he’s a snippet of video of Samos from my hotel balcony 
VIDEO : Vathy Town from my window!
Please continue to post your questions to the blog or email to me about anything on Samos, Greek tourism, Halcyon Hills, or international property investment in general. Looking forward to chatting with you
As this is now her home, Ruth knows the island well and has the Insider’s view. I’m off to the best Taverna in Vathy tonight 
Much more soon…
Cheers,
Graham.
Aug
1
2010
They say Seeing is believing. Having been told of the wonders of this place for so long, and the opportunities for owning a small but perfectly formed piece of it, I finally get to explore the island for myself! This week!
This is something a little different – join me on a trip to a Greek Island. You’ll almost smell the sea
For seven days starting Thursday 5th August, I’ll be discovering the island, its culture, history, food, nightlife and of course the natural beauty of this easterly Aegean Greek island. I’m told the island feels like the unspoilt Corfu of 40 years ago, with as much or as little sophistication as you need. OK, personally I like a lot, but nothing tops a hilltop Greek Taverna for me!
I’ll be staying at existing 4 and 5 Star hotels on the island, as well as checking the progress on the latest and greatest, Halcyon Hills Marina and Spa Beach Resort, with its spectacular views across the water to the Turkish Coast. Pictures speak volumes so expect plenty of photos and video clips along the way too.
As well as the upside, I’ll be searching for the downside. I’ll find out more about how the Greek economic crisis might affect tourism on the islands in the short medium and long term, particularly at the High End of the market, where our investors are putting their faith.
Follow me via the Blog (I recommend you use the RSS feed, as posts may be coming fast!), twitter (@Graham_Turrell), Facebook (via the “HighGround Property Investment” fan page), and even Foursquare (“Graham Turrell”). Whatever suits you best, but do join me for the ride!
I’m looking forward to plenty of chat on the social media channels, especially from those investors with an eye for what could be the greatest opportunity in Europe today.
See you there!
Jun
3
2010
For all lovers of the Greek holiday experience (which includes me) here’s a rather interesting piece from last saturday’s Indie. A little known but stunningly beautiful Aegean Island called Samos – virtually a swim to mainland Turkey, and still with unspoilt charm…
http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/europe/samos-an-island-apart-1985789.html
I first visited the Greek Islands in 1986. Kefalonia was then as Samos is now: unspoilt, charming, peaceful, rejuvenating. It’s reassuring to know it’s still possible to experience those same precious things on a Greek Island!Turns out it even has a strong historical significance, as the birthplace of the great philosopher Pythagoras (the same guy who enthralled, or bored, us in school maths lessons). Enough though – read the article!
http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/europe/samos-an-island-apart-1985789.html
As it turns out its also a great place to invest, but that’s another story…
I’m planning my trip as I write
Graham
Jun
2
2010
Another blow to the prospect of a decent retirement in the UK for many ordinary people. Check out this report in last week’s UK national, The Daily Mail:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1281729/Pension-age-linked-life-expectancy-meaning-millions-work-longer.html
I’m a firm believer that as a nation we are better than this, but the only hope is to put savers back in charge of their long term future wealth and comfort. How?
May
22
2010
Property developer and hotelier Harlequin Hotels and Resorts launched a prize draw of an all expenses paid 5* week in the in Caribbean in Friday’s Daily Mail newspaper. The winner will spend a week at the forthcoming luxury resort on Buccament Bay on the rather spectacular Caribbean island of St Vincent. Yes, you’ll need to sign up with the DM online to enter, but its free to do.
Here’s the link :
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-1280146/Win-fabulous-inclusive-Caribbean-holiday-two.html
Great though this will be, there’s only one winner. BUT anyone investing now with HighGround in any one of Harlequin’s 5* resorts gets
the same free holiday. Yep.
The free holiday can be valued at upwards of £5000. So invest from just £18k initially to own a 5* beach property (making you a high annual income for life) and take the holiday this year. You heard it first here. I’m preparing to have my arm bitten off when this goes public over the next couple of days, but I’ll live. Ask for details now: http://www.highgroundproperty.co.uk/contact_us
May
3
2010
Telegraph Property | Saturday, February 20, 2010
Greek Building
Imagine for one moment you have been planning to buy a property in Greece. Last summer, despite the unfavourable sterling -euro exchange rate, you spent-your holiday on the Athenian Riviera or in Crete and visited a couple of estate agents to sound out the local market But the prices were too high. A villa near the sea cost more than £250,000 in Crete and up to £3.5million outside Athens. You return home empty-handed and wait.
As the crisis surrounding Greece’s public finances unfolds, you breathe a sigh of relief that you didn’t make an irrational, Retsina-fuelled purchase. Property development companies in Greece are collapsing and insolvency among builders is at a 10-year high. The residential housing market has come to a virtual standstill. You start searching the internet for a villa to rent in August. Surely now is the time to buy your Greek second home?
Not so fast… The Greek second home market has been largely resistant to the global and national economic crisis. “In all the turmoil that has embroiled; Greece in the past couple of months, real estate prices have remained stubbornly high,” says Duncan Higgins of Caxton FX. “Since January 2009 prices have come down by just five per cent.”
It is too soon for the effect of the public finance crisis on the property market to be felt. “It’s going to be hard for some time,” says Robert Key of Cluttons in Athens. “But I don’t think prices will crash, the only falls we will see now will be for those who have a cashflow problem and have to sell.”
Buyers are as nervous about Greece as any other overseas market. Second-home owners looking to sell up this spring will struggle. But, according to George Eliades of Quintessentially Estates in Athens, your property’s value will increase in the long run. “After we have been stripped naked in front of the world, we will be more structured and values will go up.”
Greece’s second-home market was just taking off when the crisis hit in 2007, so there isn’t the oversupply of properties as seen in Spain or Bulgaria. Most of the proposed large-scale second-home projects have been shelved. “Developments in Greece are small; usually about three to 10 houses. There are so many blockers and this protects the natural environment,” says Key. But this has also protected house values. “Prices haven’t dropped dramatically because of a lack of development,:’ says Piers Williams of Aylesford.
Likewise, there has not been reduction in the rental prices of villas. According to hoIidaylettings.co.uk, in the past 30 days, Greece has had the 10th most enquiries per property in Europe. According to Williams, people will keep buying in Greece, whatever is happening in the economy. “There’s nowhere in the world like the Greek islands and beach-front property is nowhere near as expensive as ill France. The market might be quiet for a couple of years, but you won’t be making an unsafe investment.”
Let us not forget Britain was similarly volatile situation a year ago. “Greece is effectively six months to a year behind Britain. We went into the crisis later and will come out of it later,” says Key. “I’m from Norfolk and my family house has fallen more in value than my home in Athens.”
Armed with this knowledge, should you proceed with your plans to buy in Greece? “If you regard it as a five-year investment, you won’t go wrong,” Key says.
Apr
11
2010
We are delighted to tell you we now have full details on the opening of the most exciting new resort in the Caribbean.
The Rt Hon Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St Vincent & The Grenadines, will be present on both days to talk about this wonderful island and the Government’s support for our stunning new resort. Also present will be several Government Ministers and Caribbean High Commissioners for St Vincent & The Grenadines, Barbados, St Lucia and the Dominican Republic, the islands where Harlequin will be opening their other resorts during the next few years.
Harlequin’s Ambassador
Andy Townsend, ex-Chelsea and Republic of Ireland player, will be compering the weekend and will provide an update on the Harlequin Sports Academy.
Ex-Liverpool footballer, David Fairclough, and other Liverpool personnel will also be on hand to talk about the Liverpool Football Club Soccer Schools, the first of which will be opening at Buccament Bay Resort in July.
Pat Cash will be talking about the Pat Cash Tennis Academies, the first of which will be opening at Buccament Bay Resort in July, as well as the new Pat Cash Tennis Hotels that Harlequin are planning to build at the Buccament Bay Resort, Las Canas and The Marquis Estate.
Harlequin Performing Arts Academy. We are proud to announce that stars from the West End and Broadway will be performing in a new music and dance extravaganza, Bringing the Best of Broadway to the Caribbean, on each day at 4pm. This is a show not to be missed! Performers will include Michael McCarthy, West End and Broadway star, famous for his performances of Javert in Les Miserables and Paul Morrissey, who has recently finished performing in Phantom of the Opera in the West End.
Harlequin Hotels & Resort’s Hotel Management Team.Gary Sims will be introducing members of Harlequin’s Senior Management Team whose experiences in five star resorts around the world will be key in delivering the quality and high standards at Buccament Bay Resort. The team’s management experience encompasses Le Touessrok in Mauritius, the Beverley Hills Hilton in Hollywood, the Waldorf Astoria in New York, the Starwood Group which owns hotels such as the Westin, W Hotels, Sheraton and St Regis, and Nikki Beach. This demonstrates the strength and depth of experience of the management team that is in place to help guarantee the success of Harlequin’s resorts in the Caribbean.
Interior Design
Harlequin have been travelling the world designing and commissioning furniture and fittings exclusively for the interiors of the accommodation and restaurants at Buccament Bay Resort. At Wembley Harlequin will be re-creating the interior of one of the villas to display the furniture so that you can see the high standard and quality of the furnishings that are being manufactured to achieve a truly five star resort.
Restaurants
Harlequin have worked with the team from Trader Vic’s to design six new restaurant concepts to ensure that guests at the resorts will have a variety of cuisines and dining experiences during their stay. Members of the team from Trader Vic’s will be joining us for the weekend to talk about these exciting new concepts and will have table settings, menus and uniforms for the staff available for you to see. We will also be serving the famous Trader Vic’s’ Mai Tai cocktails!
Spa
Harlequin’s unique spa resort, Alaia, will be designed and operated by ESPA and will include the Alaia Spa as well as 50 spa villas in an exclusive, private environment. ESPA is the world’s leading spa company and has created award-winning spas across the globe, including the Mandarin Oriental and Bulgari. ESPA will be present during the weekend to show you some of their treatments and products.
Launch Site
Harlequin have created a website which will be updated regularly leading up to the event with news of what will be taking place during the weekend, special offers and opportunities for you to take advantage of. www.buccamentbay.co.uk/launch
Holidays
We hope that you will take the opportunity to visit Buccament Bay Resort in the coming months. During the weekend there will be special offers to entice you to book your holiday, including a minimum of 50% discount. For everyone who joins us at Wembley there will be a free raffle, drawn at the end of Sunday, 25th April, for a holiday for two people (terms and conditions apply) up to the value of £2,000.
Investing in a Harlequin property
If you book a holiday at Buccament Bay Resort during the event and, in the future, you decide to invest in a property at one of Harlequin’s resorts, Harlequin will refund the cost of your holiday (terms and conditions apply).
RSVP
Following the launch of Harlequin Hotels & Resorts at The Grove last year, many people mentioned that they wished they had brought along family and friends to see the stunning resorts that Harlequin is creating and the fantastic investment opportunities available. This event at Wembley provides the perfect opportunity for you to bring guests so they can fully appreciate and understand the concept of Harlequin’s resorts.
Places are strictly limited for this event so to ensure that we are able to cater for everyone we would recommend you book your places as soon as possible by e-mailing rsvp@highgroundproperty.co.uk.
If you are bringing guests along, Harlequin & Wembley Stadium request that you please also state their name, email address and contact number to ensure smooth access to the venue.
We will then email you and your guests the programme for the weekend, including all timings.
We look forward to seeing you there!