views on development

Hi all

As promised here are my views on the development with regards to my recent visit which I hope you may find of interest.

The development I think has been completed to a very good standard, the grounds are good will look better in the summer I imagine than the winter though, but still looked very nice, The facilities when fully operational ie four swimming pools and paddle tennis are an added bonus as usually you would only have one pool to share which I think will be a great benefit as people sunbathing will not feel cramped and you can have a choice of which to use.

The finish within the apartments look to be of a very good spec, and even have included hot/cold air conditioning systems which most complexes don't , and the intercom systems is excellent for security. The show apartment I viewed was excellent ,to all of you who have purchased a ground floor or top floor apartment then you have bought wisely but I did not like the apartment I viewed on the first floor as for some reason it felt hemmed in but thats just my opinion.The overall  feel of the place felt to be very nice and when up and running I would imagine it will be a very nice community for people who are to make this their home or an holiday base.

If I had any concerns with regards to purchasing in this complex then I think there is still alot of work to be completed. I know for alot of you the road is of a big concern with regards to the licence for your blocks,well I didn't see any evidence of this been completed asap on my visit,nobody was working at all on the road infact the only people working on the development  were the landscape gardeners which concerns me as to when the licence for the other blocks are to be signed off.

The apartment I viewed was in block 7 and what concerns me is this apartment is no way finished not even at snagging stage yet doors missing etc which is very surprising considering people are living in this block and completing on these, would be interested to see the other blocks and if the apartments in there are completed and ready for occupation. While I was looking around met Fossie (Dave and Sue) who are staying out for a month,they showed me around their top floor apartment in block 7 and I must say that they were very happy and it looked lovely. Thanks Dave and Sue on your hospitality. 

With regards to the area I for one was not overly impressed with Sablinnas (sorry about spelling) thought it seemed to be a working town mixed in with tourism and I also thought that down on the seafront the accommadation is very much in need of refurbishment, I much preferred the Duquesa port area which is about a 15 minute walk along the seafront from the apartment block just had alot better feel about this place.

Hope this is of use to you all and it is only my opinion as we no everybody is entitled to theirs.

Would I buy here possibly but not to use as a home maybe to rent out.

Steve  

I remember we preferred the port when we went in the closed season, but after being there in the summer, we much preferred Sabinillas. It has a very good vibey atmosphere in the busier times. 

Hi Steve,

My in-laws have an apartment in marina duquesa (I think that's what it's called) the big white block on the beach front, to the left of the marina looking out to sea. It is a lovely development and well established now. The BIG difference between there and arenal duquesa is the price. Last time we were there (a month ago) they were selling off a lot of the apartments as a hotel chain which owned a fair few, almost a block I think, went bust. From memory a 2 bed apartment overlooking the road was €200,000 and for one over looking one of the pools started at around €240,000.

Personally I'd much rather have a pool view apartment at arenal than a road view at marina duquesa and still save myself €60k.

Sabillinas is more traditional, we noticed it's the place where the Spanish go to eat, where as Duquesa port is your typical Brits abroad hangout. We like the idea of having both options near by.

I guess it is a gamble buying in the current climate and where the developer has gone bust but having looked at properties a lot over the past 3 years or so, Arenal does still seem good value.  Time will tell I suppose...

We are hoping our purchase goes through ok.

Good luck if you're still looking for somewhere to buy.

Kevin.

It is always interesting what each of us think about the development and surrounding areas.  I personally love Sabi, the town itself does lack that certain architectural Spanish charm, probably due to it originally being a small fishing village that has grown in popularity because of the increasing tourists and migration of Northern Europeans since the 60's, hence it lacks some of those beautiful old Spanish buildings, that you may find elsewhere.  You only have to look at the smallness of the original church in Sabi to realise that the population was once a lot smaller.  But, it is typically Spanish for a town on the Costa del Sol and many of the residents do not speak English.  I love to walk around Sabi, in and out of the little streets, there is everything that you could ask for within walking distance of Arenal and some fantastic tapas bars and Spanish restaurants.  Still each to there own and as they say 'one mans meat is another mans poison'.

I like Margo use to frequent the port, but once I discovered Sabi I frequent the port less and less.  I personally think the port at times especially high season is more like Torquay.  

Hi all

Having been here now for 8 days I can only agree with Laurden:Sabi is a great little town .(Met Tony,the Oracle!) 

We are so pleased with our apartment.We wondered if we would still like our furniture which we chose 18months ago-but were thrilled with it all. It really feels like home already. It is on the top floor-we get the sun all day and look across the pool and also can see the sea in the distance.The whole place is looking really good-gardeners and cleaners have been working most days.Our pool isn`t in use and looking green but aparently will be done soon, along with other bits and pieces(garage doors etc) for our blocks.There aren´t many other people here-in fact only one apartment in our block has someone there at the moment! Played padel tennis this afternoon,which was excellent fun-will be doing that most days I think-so watch out everyone,we will be so good at it by the time you come!

Looking at the road you can see why it is taking so long-it is a BIG job.They are making 2 lanes with pavements on both sides(with individual slabs).It is well under way but needs more layers of tarmac at the top end.We saw a couple of workers there today but most efforts seem to be going into the social housing bit at the bottom of phase 1(we counted 30 workers there the other afternoon at 5.30!Had a look at phase2 and 4 which are being worked on-haven´t been around inside as the gates were shut-will try to investigate further this week.

It will definately be worth the wait-the whole place has such a good positive feel to it.Hang on in there everyone who is waiting for the road!!(Either that,or change apartments like we did)

Will post again as Internet cafe is so convenient(2mins down road)In fact,from where we are everything is easy to get to. We love it.

Just off back "home" as Dave is getting the BBQ ready and a glass of vino awaits! Sorry....

Sue