Another fantastic week at HR

We've Just returned tonight from another fantastic week at HRGR. Not a breath of wind, not a cloud in the sky all week. 30 degrees in the sun on our patio as the BBQ was cooking ribs, piri piri chicken, and butchers choice sausages for us and great friends we have made there, yes and just 5 days before Christmas, what a heaven to get away from the pre Christmas rampage in the UK.

However, strolling around all corners of the resort, no danger of stray golf balls as the number of golfers you could count on one hand, there was probably much less than 80 apartments occupied. I fail to understand why such a great setting is not used more, however the tranquility made the evening song of the swallows and wagtails even more enjoyable.

Although the evening temperature dips rapidly this time of year when the sun has gone over the escarpment which is why we have radiators (even gurgling ones), there is still so much to enjoy and keep on exploring in the area, especially at this time of the year.

I will always agree current facilities (woodhouse) is crap at this time of the year , 2 patio heaters and one Rubin has moved inside to keep himself warm while spending 5 hours after dark till 11.00pm with no one to serve apart from an odd lost eskimo, but all local establishments within 30mins radius are open. Why PW cannot extend the WoodHouse with a canopy and even a few plastic sheetings as walls to keep the punters warm (2000 euros would do it) at this time of year I do not and will never understand. Would the CEO of PW want to work behind the bar every night knowing that the potential punters will not come because their bits will freeze off???. Either build a temporary facility that is welcoming or loose alot of custom and profit.. Sorry to gripe but I see it as common business sense.

One other thought or worry is that if people are not using the resort and gof facilities then what is the sustainability of the golf course and its improvements in its landscaping etc.

I do not know anybody who has never enjoyed a stay at HR, but I find it amazing that 1800 apartments are being used by so few, I joked to our friends it should be renamed 'Haciendead Riquelme'. We have all invested to make this place happen so lets all get out there and enjoy it more.

Heres to a great 2009 and fun times at HRGR.

Graham & Gill Nicholas, Indico 15.

Hi Graham,

We have family out at our place at the moment so its nice to hear they have had some good weather.  Did you notice whether there has been any improvement to the roads up to the resort?  They seem to have been building some kind of motorway up near Sucina for ages but it never looks any different?  Also the roads around the outside looked (and felt) as if they had been bombed last time we were out, any change there?

Sorry to hear that the place is empty, I agree it is a great shame, but you have identifed the answer yourself - no facilities.  I sometimes wonder what business accumen PW has.  It seems they are very good at marketing and selling, but lacking in what I would consider to be very basic business skills.  Maybe they need a guiding hand?  If it will benefit the resort I wouldn't mind sharing my expertise with them.......for a price lol

Take care,

Ken.    

Hi Ken

As for new roads, Paraleja Golf to top end of HR (by passing the mega speed bump), all levelling seems complete, no work being done now which is good as the constant dust storm has stopped and our patios are now patios and not sand dunes. New Road from top end of HR to north of Sucina ( best route ) laid but  not tarmac'd ie no change. It will need work to take it over or under the new N301 motorway by passing Sucina to the west. which is why it is not open or surfaced. The N301 inew motorway is coming along well, work carries on 15 hours a day. There are plenty of jobs going if you want to earn a bit of petty cash holding stop/go boards for 15 hours a day.

My PERSONAL opinion is that our new roads, although prepared will not be surfaced or opened until the N301 motorway is ready to be surfaced ie they will surface and open all the local area at the same time. Makes commercial and logistical sense.

On resort, looks like 4 tennis courts now laid or 1 tennis court plus 5 a side pitch. Time will tell!!. Half way house toilets completed but locked. I tried the outdoor Gym, very good, simple apparatus that uses your own body weight instead of weights etc. I'm  not a gym person but it all seems well thought out. Maybe PW outsourced it!!.  No change to town centre.

Gate security better with I/C residents now having to register their hire cars number plate & address.

I did a Vindaloo as Jaipur Palace, defintely recommended. Next 4 flights already boodked.

enjoy,

Graham

Cheers Graham, sounds like progress to me.

Good to hear about the security at the gate, the last two times we visited we just gave the royal wave to gain entry so I complained. Maybe it is a coincidence or because I am a bloc president, but at least they appear to be taking it seriously now.

Where is Jaipur Palace?  We are out again in March for the AGM's, if you are around we could have a beer in the shed lol.

Regards,

Ken.