Martinhal Beach Resort and Hotel is a sound investment MyZA

The picturesque surroundings make it easy to understand why the Algarve, the southernmost region of mainland Portugal, has been a popular hotspot for family holidaymakers for some years, with the majority of visitors to the region preferring to stay close to Faro. The historic fishing port of Sagres, Europe’s most south-westerly harbour town, was far less of a feature until 2010 with the opening of the Martinhal Beach Resort and Hotel. Located on a crescent stretch of the unspoilt western Algarve coast, the resort is positioned within the protected Costa Vicentina Natural Park. Known as one of the finest luxury family resorts in Europe, Martinhal is a blend between exclusive extravagance and all that the countryside of the quaint coastal region has to offer.

James Bowling, CEO of Monarch&Co in Johannesburg, a market leader in facilitating residence, property and investment options, says that investors who purchase property within the resort will be able to apply for a Portugal Residence Programme or Golden Residence Permit (ARI), provided they meet the requirements. This will allow them the benefits of being a part of the European Union without any obligation to permanently reside in the country. Any acquisition of real estate with a minimum value of EURO500 000 affords investors the right to qualify for the residence permit and enjoy the lifestyle that the Algarve coast affords.

He notes that thanks to the protected status of the Costa Vicentina Natural Park, no further development will take place along this stretch of coast, which means the area will maintain its exclusivity as a forgotten corner of the Mediterranean. The stylish, contemporary architecture of Martinhal has been designed sensitively to complement the organic personality of the resort, blending effortlessly into the indigenous landscape.

The 38-room, luxury hotel features three restaurants, five pool areas, a spa and gym, tennis courts and a seven-a-side football pitch. While the Martinhal Beach Resort and Hotel is a five-star luxury facility, it manages to maintain a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for the whole family, combining chic with child-friendly. The resort offers a wide range of children’s facilities and activities of the highest quality, catering for children from six months old to teenagers. Adults are also spoiled with access to the resort’s wealth of amenities, which include free wi-fi and ipod docking stations.

Behind the hotel there is a variety of one-, two- and three-bedroom villas, which comprise the Martinhal village resort. The houses are arranged around a central square and the pool areas. The interiors of the hotel and houses, which were designed by British furniture and interiors designer, Michael Sodeau, have an organic feel incorporating natural elements such as local stone and timber, alongside wicker and cork. The exclusive range of furniture is contemporary, attractive and functional, adding a natural dimension to the modern perspective.

Bowling says that there are a limited number of luxury two- and three-bedroom homes available for sale to investors looking for international holiday homes. “With the construction of the entire resorted completed in 2010, all of the resorts facilities are fully operational, so property investors can be assured that they buying a property with excellent return on investment potential. Not only is purchasing a property in the resort a sound investment option, it also allows the buyer to enjoy the lifestyle and facilities that Martinhal has to offer,” says Bowling.

He notes that all property for sale within Martinhal is freehold, and with the development being operated as full scale luxury resort by co-developer Four Winds SA, property owners can be assured of the best leaseback terms. The homes that are sold under the leaseback agreement are a freehold property purchase with a contract to rent the property back to Four Winds SA for an eight year period upon legal completion. A fixed 4% net return per annum on the purchase price will be paid back to the owner for the eight year period. “This is an ideal opportunity for investors,” says Bowling, “As they will receive a monthly income from their investment, along with the use of a fully maintained and furnished holiday home between four and eight weeks a year, depending on how they wish to utilise the property.”

Bowling adds that there is also the option of a touristic rental agreement, which is for those owners who wish to have more opportunity to enjoy the property while receiving some rental income. In this case the owner would receive 70% of the achieved rental income on the property, less services charges.

“Purchasing property in the beautiful Martinhal Beach Resort and Hotel is a sound investment option that gives buyers the opportunity to own a piece of paradise,” he concludes.