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We bought on this development because it was in an area we liked, the property was a reasonable size for a second/holiday home, the facilities that it offered fitted in with our needs.
However the reality is something else, we still like the area, we still like the property, on the whole the development is finished off well, but, and their always is one, is the spa. It is not what we thought we would get, we did watch the dvd. We did not expect to have time limits put on it, when we could and at what time of day we could it, the fitness area, sorry gym is a major let down, the sauna and steam room worked when we visited every other day and did not get warm let alone hot. The pool, yes it had evidence of green mould along the edge, tiles missing from the bottom and sides already, does not look good for the long term future, as for the jacuezzi or as we called it the excuezzi, is nothing more than one you might have in your own back garden.
Before we take over from KM we need to these issues sorted out, then and only then should we take over from them, because as a lot of us have found, you pay them the money, do a snagging list and then wait and wait for them to do the jobs. We need to be pro active and force KM into doing something to put it right, I`m not sure what, I will leave that to greater minds than mine, but I will support anything that will get this sorted out.
We would like to thank Noreen, Andrew and Gareth for the time and energy that has been put into sorting things out on our behalf
Steve
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My view on the indoor facilties is that they are OK - I really do not think that there will be queues of people looking to use the facilties as they are currently installed - I think we should accept what has been provided. I do know there is a law in Spain that states that what is detailed in sales literature should be provided. However I have seen Keymare leaflets that make qualificiations in small print as to the borchure not necessarily representing the final outcome. Keymare are a professionaly run commercial business and would not leave themselves open in this way.
Any delay in moving to running our communtiy ourselves I feel would be counter productive
We need to move to this stage and get the complex (not just indoor facilties) running, with the help of Luis, to the benefit of all of us - this to be achieved by way of voting as the rules state - there are many varied mixed views on many subjects and we need to get stuck into the initial meeting and work together from there to make Thalassa a place we all want to be proud of and either live, stay or indeed rent to family, friends and/or third parties.There will be ups and downs - somethings will not be to everyones liking but as long as decisions are made according to the rules then I see no problems.
An important decision that will need to be made is who will take the posts that need to be filled - I am not sure exactly what they are but if anyone has any aspirations then please come forward. I for one will offer myself up for helping to inspect the books and try to make sure costs are allocated correctly and fairly.
I look forward to meeting some of you next Monday evening at the Wok Buffett - for those who do not know about this - please PM and I will advise further details
Cheers
Andy
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Andy
I respect your views, but.................
You really are satisfied that what you have paid for has been provided?
You cannot really believe that the indoor facility will only be used by a few at a time.
Had your property only have been supplied with two dining chairs, would that have been acceptable?
How can demanding that KM provide the facilities promised be counter productive?
You are absolutely right in stating that things may be changed (or not) by voting, but this is a separate issue to that of KM cutting corners. Regarding posts to be filled, it is, in my opinion, essential that when the time comes, the chairman should be one who has a good command of Spanish or a Spanish speaker with a good command of English and hopefully other members will also have language skills.
For those who have been so helpful on the forum and in assisting with our queries, including you Andy , I would like to applaud you all for your fine work, which at times must feel a thankless task..
Finally, please remember that the Brits are in the minority, the tone of some on this forum implies that we know best. I feel that to get anything done we need to be in touch and/or liaise with as many other non British owners as possible.
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My views on the Spa are as follows,
1, The size of the pool is ok, but the gym is very poor with not enough equipment, jacuzzi is also very poor, whilst i appreciate that we need to form a community quickly so we can control the the spa ourselves and therefore improve cleanliness,hygiene and maintenance which is also very poor at the moment, we must not let Keymare off the hook by accepting these facilities, and I fully support Noreens actions.
2, opening hours, one of the reasons for buying on thalassa was for the facilities it offered, from what i can remember the glossy brochures said " a spa and fitness centre at your home, every day in your new home you will be able to enjoy the facilities of an exclusive spa centre with views over the mediterranen , hence its name thalassa, which is greek for sea" i could go on but i am sure most of you have read this. It did not advertise a spa which " closed for half the year because some 'grumpy old git' wanted to save 2 euros a month ! " I would expect it to be open all year round , and from 6-7 am to 9-10 pm at least , the only thing that i can understand being closed is the indoor pool in the warmer months. What i would like to say to the people who would like to see it closed in the summer to save costs is, did you not realize that the development which you have bought on offered such facilities ? and if so did you not read the sales brochures ? Assuming that you did know about the facilities offered , did you not realize that you would have to pay for these facilities as part of a community charge ? to expect to have these facilites closed for half the year to save maybe a couple of euros each a month is crazy, selfish and not fair on the people who bought on thalassa, and who expected to enjoy exactly what it advertised. I hope that the majority feel the same way as i do, and when it goes to the vote on opening hours that common sense is the winner.
I hope this post has not offended anyone and if it has that it is only the minority
Regards...andy
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I agree with you Andy. The gym shown on the brochures was a separate purpose built area not a few bits and pieces thrown on the side of the pool and I think the jaccuzi is a complete joke.
Cheers Jay
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Attempting to seperate the facilities would be, in my opinion, be a pointless exercise.
How can one ensure that people will not swim in the indoor pool or use the jacuzzi? Covering them with aptly fitted covers will cost money, where will this money come from? Pool covers are not the safest things to have when the pool is situated within the Spa area, who will police the area to prevent accidents occurring? What cost would the maintenance be on installing the covers/removing them once the summer season is over/ storing them/checking their condition etc.? Would it not be cheaper to switch the pool heater off during the summer months as the sun will warm the waters and allow people to use it rather than try to stop them?
We were all aware that there would be community fees to find, I am sure that the actual charge being made on some individuals property may have come as a shock to the owners, and as such they are having to stretch their budgets somewhat, but in realistic terms this charge will not decrease, it will increase. If the people who complain about costs are the same people who "rent-out" their properties for financial gain, then how can they argue that closing the facility is the only way to go? Will they not have used the Spa facility in their advertising as a means to attract business? Will they not be receiving monies from their clients for the use of said facility?
I live here, I don't make money from renting, yet I am quite prepared to pay the charge, whatever it is. I will not "penny-pinch" and whine about the cost whilst making use of the "hot" showers so that I don't have to use my own electricity (yes, we've all done it!!) Nor will I argue that I shouldn't be paying for the ground-floor sprinkler system when I live on the fourth-floor and have to water my own plants!!!!
I believe there are more pressing matters which need open and frank discussion. I look forward to the reply that Noreen gets from the solicitor, and from the "lively" debate which, no doubt, will follow.
Regards,
Lorraine Braid.
_______________________ (already wearing the shades!! and looking cool!!!)
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I am not sure if your last post was directed at me, Andy. if so, I made not have made myself clear.
There are two entirely separate issues:
1) The operation of the Spa and facilities - this will be decided by majority vote of the home-owners in a democratic fashion and will should all abide by the outcome, like it or not.
2) The inadequacy of the facilities - it appears that the vast majority of us are bitterly disappointed with the standards and quantity. I am certainly not prepared to accept sloppy standards and what may be a possible breach of contract. Noreen has very kindly contacted the Solicitor, thank you Noreen, and perhaps we should now wait and see if there is a case for insisting that KM provide the facilities promised. If we allow the problem to go unchallenged, it may turn out to be the thin end of the wedge.
My remarks regarding use of the facilities by holidaymakers are based on fact. When people have worked all year and then take their holiday, they have come to relax and enjoy themselves - fair enough. However, most holidaymakers including myself and my family want to make the most of that precious break, maximising their use of every available facility. Understandable and no problem there. The question then must be asked "Should those who use the Spa contribute to the cost"?
I also chose Thalassa partly for the advertised Spa. When I asked both KM and my sales agent whether there would be a charge to use it, I was told that it had not been decided but it would probably be left up to the community.
I will be perfectly prepared to pay because I think that in the longer term it will be far more beneficial. A separate elected committee could use the funds to improve, replace or upgrade the equipment as requested by the users and not suffer criticism from non-users. Maybe employ a fitness trainer or a supervisor who could ensure that the facilities are not abused.
Ideas for discussion, I hope. But don't let KM off the hook.
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It's interesting to read this exchange of views as due to work pressures i have not see the forum for a while or contributed.
I have emailed Andrew direct with my views as i will not be at the meeting and my wife comes out the day after.
We purchased on Thalassa because of the whole development but the spa played a big part in our decison, we are happy to contribute as part of the community charge but would want acess all year.
We believe there should not be a seperate charge for the spa as that was the concept we bought into in the first place, we all knew we would have to contribute to the facilities and should not expect KM to. But we should expect KM to provide the equipment and facilities agreed initially and to finish the development to a good standard.
This debate will rumble i know but whatever the outcome of the meeting we will have to accept.
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I also support a seperate charge for the Spa,it could then still be advertised by those who rent and it would generate an income for the community.
I also support seeking advice in respect to our position regarding the Spa falling short of expectations and the promises made by Keymare,we can then commence an action if advised ,this will not prevent us having a community meeting .
_______________________ The secret of happiness is contentment
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I cannot see a point in a separate charge. Is there going to be an attendant at the door to collect the money! I do agree the Spa needs to open all year, as most people can only get out during the warmer months. I also beleive that there should be longer hours, it to be kept warmer and a time when adults only can get to use the facility without children diving in and out. Most people I know agree , and as soon as children arrive , they leave. I have kids but would fully support a time to be given to adults only.
What is the foot thing supposed to be!
** EDITED - Spam **
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Re charging for Spa.
The mechanics need to be worked out - daily, weekly monthly, quarterly, yearly, whatever is best for members. The legalities etc need to be checked, of course, as my suggestions may not be allowable.
However, i the spa is funded in this way, we may well be able to sublet a section or area for related specialist service providers, the possibilities are there to make the spa a serious feature of the development. In the longer term your property values should increase in value also make it more desirable to renters.
I am concerned that if there is unlimited access for all and sundry, it leaves the facility open to abuse.
If we are paying separately, then hopefully we will ensure that abuse does not take place.
Entry could be by coded lock, swipe card or other secure system.
For those owners who intend to rent out, if your guests also feel that the gym is ill-equiped and/or poorly run and maintained, it will do your credibility no good. If on the other hand, they can return home satisfied, they will be your best ambassadors for you and may well generate extra bookings for you.
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Things are certainly warming up, and i dont mean the weather now the community meeting is fast approaching. There is clearly widespread views concerning the indoor pool/spa which we consider adequate during the winter months but will probably be inadequate during the summer for those that choose to use the facilities ? We have visited AAT every month since the pool opened and there has never been more than a handful of people in there. Whilst I cannot imagine why anybody would want to use the indoor pool in the summer it seems pointless in closing it whilst the other facilities will probably be open and more frequently used, its just not cost effective. On the issue of making a charge to use the facilities, this needs to be clearly thought out as again the cost involved in running and most importantly monitoring the correct use of the equipment ect may again prove not to be cost effective. Whatever is decided we are happy to go along with as we knew that community charges would not be low from the outset so there is no point in penny pinching now.
Andy, I'm already on your e-mail list. Many thanks for your help on our behalf.
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two wasps
i sometimes when away use a indoor pool to keep out of the sun and do some exercise so does not seem extreme to me and it a choice
also for children sometimes to keep them out of the sun
hope fully all this will get sorted
lynda
This message was last edited by downsfennon on 2/13/2008.
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Lynda,
Not sure what you are saying? One thing I must say should be sorted is the heat in the area. The pool is cold as sometimes are the showers / Spa. However try doing a work out on the treadmill. You soon will warm up. The ventilation is poor . I don't know what it will be like as the temp rises. At Xmas it was roasting trying to exercise. I think there should be fans in the area. A water dispenser would be good too! Would it be feasable to have bar area above the pool with seating?It is big enough.
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Yes .I believe that charging has been put forward as a suggestion and why not.Income generated would go back directly into the urbanisation.
Admittance charge would be totally fair ,those who use the most pay the most.
The community charge is for a whole host of facilities and maintenance,not constant hot water for all .Yes and then why not keep it open all year round,I am all for that,those who supported Summer use will not mind their guests having to pay a small charge,we would be able to improve the facilities and equipment renewal and improvement.Use it as a community centre,for meeting and functions,invite skilled staff to demonstrate and teach.
The Spa would then be self sufficient and all for the benefit of all,the fee could be regulated according to how successful it was,and we would be collecting from out-siders who visit to rent apartments.
We are all aware that the heating tanks are small ,if a a duplex or apartment is full and the showers are inadequate ,why should we all be paying for anothers shower while we are not even over in Spain.
Those who are resident on Al Andalus Thalassa presently have access to constant hot water during the day,365 days a year,those who rent have access to hot water all day during there rental period all paid for by the community charge.
I pay for my council tax in the UK,but it does not include my electricity bill. Therefore why should the community on Al Andalus Thalassa pay for heating constant hot water.
My conclusion is therefore if you want it open 365 days pay for it and benefit all,it is not as if the money would be going out of the community and the potential for usage of the monies is endless and your choice.
Eventually as the books looked healthier ,the community might decide to reduce the community charge or stabilise it or employ more staff who are able to give children swimming lessons indoor or out-door.
Why not run the community like a co-operative business and our urbanisation will get well maintained and flourish and protect our investments ,cash strapped it will decline.
.
This message was last edited by kenshaz on 2/14/2008.
_______________________ The secret of happiness is contentment
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