HomecareontheWeb Press Clippings by Shaw Marketing Services

HomeCareontheWeb and HolidayRentalontheWeb Marketing Activity In 2009 we have been running monthly email campaigns to our large International database to promote individual properties, areas and events. HolidayRentalontheWeb invited a journalist from prestigious publication Today’s Golfer to come and write a feature about the area and the 4 page feature came out in November. Our rental company HolidayRentalontheWeb has produced a bank of excellent articles on the area which have been published in the following media:  Christmas in the Costa del Sol o Birmingham Mail 17/12/08 o TravelBite website from December 08-December 09  You can have it all on the Costa del Sol o The Travel Magazine http://www.thetravelmagazine.net/i-3428-you-can-have-it-all-on-the-costa-del-sol.html o My Andalucia.com http://my.andalucia.com/articles/you-can-haveit-all-costa-del-sol  Top Ten things to do in Marbella o The Travel Magazine http://www.thetravelmagazine.net/i-3399-top-ten-things-to-do-in-marbella.html  Five Fantastic things to do in Marbella o Birmingham Mail 20/05/09 o Andalucia Travel Guide http://www.andaluciatravelguide.com/about-andalucia/five-fantastic-things-to-do-inmarbella/  Costa del Sol as a Year-Round Destination o Andalucia Travel Guide http://www.andaluciatravelguide.com/about-andalucia/enjoy-the-costa-del-sol-all-yearround/ o TravelBite website January 09-December 09 We have also produced a number of news pieces which highlight the area:  Costa del Sol Sporting Excellence o Andalucia Travel Guide June 09 http://www.andaluciatravelguide.com/about-andalucia/costa-del-sol-sporting-excellence/ o Included in Inside Out Health Newsletter July 09 o My Andalucia.com from December 09 (revised version) o Typically Spanish  Positive Signs for the Spanish Rental Market o Living in Spain Magazine July 09 o Andalucia Travel Guide http://www.andaluciatravelguide.com/about-andalucia/positive-signs-for-the-spanishrental-market/ o Typically Spanish We have three blogs which communicate news and views about the area: http://homecareontheweb.wordpress.com http://homesalesontheweb.wordpress.com http://holidayrentalontheweb.wordpress.com These blog posts are now also being distributed via Twitter

TRAVEL

Bonus at The Belfry From Sunday to Friday, The Belfry, England’s home of professional golf, is offering 36 holes including rounds on The Brabazon and The Derby courses, overnight accommodation, dinner, full English buffet breakfast and use of the leisure facilities for only £169. • Call 08709 000066 or book online at www.thebelfry.com and quote the promotion code TTT.

Chill out Caribbean style The Caribbean continues to be a popular destination for golf enthusiasts and Wimco Villas has a number of great value luxury properties available this summer that are perfect for a group of golfing friends and just minutes from championship courses. • Visit: www.wimco.com

Select a suitable offer

Marriott has launched three new offers at any one of ten golf and country clubs throughout the UK including £99 for 1 night b&b and 2 rounds of golf, £85 for 1 night b&b and 1 round of golf and £159 for 2 nights b&b plus 2 rounds of golf.

• To book, call 0800 0195888

DID YOU KNOW? Discount golf supplier Golf Service has joined forces with golf property rental specialists HolidayRentalontheWeb to offer golfers an affordable way to enjoy world class courses around the Costa del Sol.

AN IRISH SUMMER TREAT T golf resort and spa, located in he K Club, Ireland’s leading

550 acres of County Kildare countryside, yet only 30 minutes from Dublin airport, is offering some fantastic deals throughout this summer. From £245 per person for a one night package, based on two sharing includes two rounds of championship

golf with complimentary club hire, full Irish breakfast and dinner in The River Room Restaurant. Non-golfers can take advantage of £90.00 towards any treatment at the elegant K Spa, whilst outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a host of activities including clay pigeon shooting, horse riding, cycling and fishing. • To book, call 00 353 1 601 7200

Your holiday essentials Soothe away the strains of a journey with Molton Brown’s TravelReviving Cempaka Bath & Shower gel. You’ll feel revived and ready to enjoy your holiday. £16 for 300ml, visit: www. moltonbrown.co.uk

Keep your breath fresh and protect your teeth with a travel size Boots Smile Totalcare Mouthwash which can be carried on a flight in your hand luggage. 89p, visit: www. boots.com

These lightweight, compact and powerful travel binoculars from M&S are ideal for outdoor and sporting pursuits. £15.00, visit: www. marksandspencer.com

The Body Shop has a range of handy travel size products including eye makeup remover, shower gel, shampoo and conditioner. Visit: www.thebodyshop.co.uk

Golf holidays? - we’ll carry your clubs for you Save time, money and effort - GolfClubsXpress will pick up your clubs from you house or golf club and deliver them to your holiday destination so you do not have to carry them, queue at airports, or travel cramped in a car or taxi. No effort, no worries.

Visit www.xpressyour.com or call 01604 505030 Women_golf_ad.indd 1

22/05/2009 11:29

August 2009 WOMEN & GOLF

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30/6/09 17:53:39

spanish GOLF deals

walking on Sunshine

LA CALA

Par 72, 6,160 yards

This mountain retreat will quite literally take your breath away. La Cala, with its three 18-hole courses, is Spain’s biggest golf resort… and almost certainly its most spectacular. Standing on the amazing, elevated par-5 first tee on the America layout (formerly called the North), you see the up-and-down setting from the off. It’s the first of several high tees but on the other side of the coin you’re regularly firing into elevated greens so your approach work needs to be nearperfect, especially as you’re often trying to find small, wafer-thin greens

Costa del Sol has an array of cracking courses and with prices tumbling there’s never been a better time to go...

he signs spotted on the Mediterranean highway leading to Marbella say it all: ‘Welcome to the Costa del Golf’. This part of southern Spain – real name, the Costa del Sol – truly is a golfer’s paradise and it’s been that way for several decades now. Nowadays there are around 50 courses along this wonderful stretch of coastline, ranging from sensational seaside venues to momentous mountain layouts. Another gentle giveaway that this is the golfing capital of Europe is the sight of locals taking to the roadside to sell bags of golf balls carefully mounted on the bonnets and roofs of their cars, including some pretty impressive 4x4s. Business must be good! Many courses are based around magical Marbella which unbelievably was little more than a quaint fishing village in the 1960s and home to just a few hundred people. How times have changed. Variety is the spice of golfing life in this part of the world and if you’ve got the time – and the cash to spare – you can always try the formidable (but ridiculously expensive) Valderrama, scene of the 1997 Ryder Cup. Stunning San Roque and Sotogrande are nearby as is the excellent La Reserva, one of the new stars on the block. If you travel to Estepona you’ll discover the new class act of Finca Cortesin, venue for this month’s World Matchplay Championship. Owing to the economic recession, the region has generally been hit pretty Hi Graham, hard. golf We're doing the cost del solSome this month (263) courses and wonder-have been ing if you can plot the courses below as you did per accused of being over-pricey and fiveNormandy? Thanks. hour rounds have also caused criticism. However, when TG hit town (early Oct), Santa Clara La Cala there were plenty of Brits around and on Santana Monte mayor the course – no doubt lured by some of Los Naranjos the special discounted deals on offer. Cheers, When it comes to soaking up the sun, Kevin sand, sea, sangria – and golf – there’s still nothing quite like the Costa del Golf…

offering sucker pin positions. Because of the naturally-rolling terrain, be prepared to play from some dodgy uphill and downhill lies. There’s no doubt this track will severely test your game… and patience. Buggies are compulsory, but there are still several holes that will leave you breathless – the uphill par-5, 6th, with a gorge on the right, and the stunning par-3 16th.

Factfile

Green fees: Until end of Nov: £67. Dec 1-31: £42. Contact: 0034 952 669033 or www.lacala.com

by kevin brown

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Campo America is the hilliest of La Cala’s three sumptuous tests. This is the 6th.

How to save cash: Make sure you book outside school holidays and peak seasons. Also, if possible, opt for midweek flights rather than weekend ones -

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flights going out on Fridays and coming back Mondays are at a premium and will cost you more. Issue 263 TodaysGolfer.co.uk 119

Malaga’s port signals the eastern start of the Costa del Sol.

Expect top condition and sand wedge work at Santana.

4 Santa Clara offers you a remote, rollercoaster feel.

2 Elusive greens at mountainous Monte Mayor.

MONTE MAYOR G&CC

Par 71, 6,165 yards Monte Mayor is mountain golf at its most downright difficult. It’s a tough nut to crack, so high handicappers might want to give it a miss. Set high up in a valley and strewn with dramatic sloping, pencil-thin fairways, it guarantees a rollercoaster of a round. Any errors will be seriously punished most wayward shots will be lost in thick barranca or down ravines. Two of the best holes come early doors: the par-3 3rd leaves little room for error – you’re hitting down and through (hopefully!) an avenue of trees – while the 4th is a testing risk-reward par 5. You can score well but only with spoton course management… and a great deal of patience. Monte Mayor is worth playing for the sensational scenery and views although you’ll be aboard the compulsory buggy.

Factfile

Green fees: Nov & Dec: £50, inc buggy. Contact: 0034 952 937 111 or www.montemayorgolf.com

Where to stay & drink Marbella’s Old Town serves everything from authentic tapas to gourmet grub. Cost-wise it’s probably best to try outside the popular resorts and we can recommend the Restaurante Jose and the cheap but cheerful Cantonese II restaurant, both in La Cala de Mijas. We tried the selfcatering option through www. holidayrental ontheweb.com The new company has nearly 300 properties in Costa del Sol. It also has its own golf supplier in Golf Service who can secure some of the best green fee deals.

SANTANA G&CC

Par 72, 6,214 yards It’s hard to believe Santana is literally down the road from La Cala – it’s flat, easily-walked and there’s not a perimeter villa in sight! This excellent course only opened in 2004 and is something of a hidden gem as it weaves its way through a former avocado orchard. The course looks surprisingly mature and on our visit was in splendid condition with true, fairly-fast greens. Fairways are quite generous too but there is quite a lot of water around, most notably at the par-3 2nd and to the right of the 15th green. It’s also important to keep out of the clusters of bunkers. The star hole is the par-5 4th with a Roman aqueduct located just to the right of the green which sits over a dry ditch and is flanked by tall trees.

Factfile

Green fees: From Nov 29 until Dec 23: £60, includes shared buggy. Contact: 0034 902 517700 or www.santanagolf.com

Fun in the sun; Marbella and Fuengirola.

5 Trent Jones challenge at Los Naranjos.

two TOP DEALS Exclusive to TG readers! Deal ONE Colinas del Golf, La Cala Golf Resort. A spacious 4-bed semidetached villa with course views, private plunge pool and use of communal pool costs from £1,017 (£25pppn) based on eight sharing for five nights! Deal TWO The five-star La Cala Resort until December 31. One night B&B accommodation sharing a double room and one round of golf or one thermal circuit/spa experience at Caracala Spa for just £92. Call 0034 952 669 033 or visit www.lacala.com Car hire costs from around £100 for a five-day break. Check out Benalmadena-based Torremar Car Hire on 0034 952 448745 or visit www.torremarcarhire.com

Trip organisers: Check out www.golf-service.com; the site contains regularly updated lists of the region’s best discounted green fees. 120 TodaysGolfer.c0.uk Issue 263

Ronda’s bull ring has been converted into a museum.

SANTA CLARA

Par 71, 6,114 yards Although sited just off the Mediterranean highway and next to the local hospital, Santa Clara has a real country feel about it and is where Miguel Angel Jiménez takes full advantage of the excellent practice facilities. The course itself is a real rollercoaster of a layout and though it has its moments and some cracking holes, it also features a number of rather strange ones. The short, blind par-4 3rd over a dry riverbed falls into this category while short holes don’t get any tougher than the par-3 6th - you’re asked to strike a Sunday best long iron into a tiny green on the side of a hill! There’s a strong finish too, a par 4 where you need to spank a good drive through an avenue of trees before hitting into a green guarded at the rear by an eye-catching water feature.

Top tips

LOS NARANJOS

Factfile

Par 72, 6,568 yards Los Naranjos has bags of pedigree – it was designed by leading American architect Robert Trent Jones and is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Featuring sweeping fairways sprinkled with numerous strategically-placed bunkers, big undulating greens and water hazards on several holes, it’s arguably one of the stiffest tests on the whole of the Costa del Golf. Water comes into play on the short par-5 5th, with its elevated green and the splendid par-3 12th. A small lake on the right and two huge bunkers on the left protect the 12th green. There’s a sting in the tail too. The 18th hole is a tough par 5 which dramatically sweeps to the left while about 150 yards short of the green, a lake menacingly appears on the left. A memorable finish to a memorable round.

Green fees: Until Nov 29: £139 for two players and buggy. Contact: 0034 952 850111 or www.santaclaragolfmarbella.com

Green fees: Nov: £81. Dec: £63. Contact: 0034 952 812428 or www.losnaranjos.com

H It’s obvious we know, but make sure you take of plenty of fluids with you onto the course… and that you’re well protected from the sun’s rays. H Driving a buggy on some hilly layouts, such as La Cala, needs due care and attention – so take your time and stick to the flattest routes. H Some courses have a strict dress code so make sure you’re wearing the proper attire otherwise you’re likely to miss that tee time.

Factfile

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS What to do in Andalucia Many will head for the glitz and glamour of Marbella, with its 18 miles of golden beaches, and neighbouring Puerto Banus. Puerto Banus is a playground for the rich and famous who flock there in their super-yachts, flash cars and private jets. Just walking around the luxury marina, lined by bars and restaurants, is an experience in itself – Marbella and ‘The Port,’ as Puerto Banus is known locally, are always buzzing – day and night! Marbella is also home to SphereMania – a centre near Los Naranjos that offers you the chance to hurtle down the hillside in a giant inflatable bubble! Family fun can be gleaned at the likes of Fuengirola Zoo, home to 500 animals, Benalmadena’s Sealife Centre... or you might fancy a spot of dolphin and whale watching at the Straits of Gibraltar just to the west of Marbella. Provided you don’t suffer from vertigo you’ll love the spectacular vistas from the summit of Mount Calamorro, reached by the Teleferico cable car (Benalmadena). Breathtaking views are also guaranteed while standing on the 18th century bridge spanning El Tago Gorge at the mountain retreat of Ronda, the birthplace and mecca of bullfighting. The bullring itself is now a museum dedicated to this most controversial of sports.

GETTING THERE Easy peasy. There are flights into Malaga from most UK airports and there’s likely to be even more next year when Malaga’s new terminal is due to open. Flight time is about twoand-a-half hours and if you’re playing several courses, it’s still best to take your own sticks even though budget airlines will charge you about £50 for transporting them there and back (it costs about that to hire one set).

When it comes to the best flight deals around, put yourself in the know with a visit to www.Skyscanner.net Issue 263 TodaysGolfer.co.uk 121

You can have it all on the Costa del Sol :: The Travel Magazine

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Holiday Rental Costa del Sol Wide selection of quality-assured self-catering villas, apartments and townhouses with pools on Spain's Costa del Sol.

We all associate the Costa del Sol with the sparkling Mediterranean Sea lapping against fantastic sandy beaches, and it’s certainly a great place to soak up the sun, immerse yourself in the relaxed atmosphere, and enjoy the worldrenowned nightlife. However, what many people don’t know is that Andalucía as a region also offers Europe’s Southern-most ski resort, with great skiing from December to the beginning of May.

The Adventure Company

This winter wonderland is just a stone’s throw from the Costa del Sol and on a good day you can even see the sea from the slopes. In fact it’s so close that you could combine skiing with a day on the beach to recover before you head home. It’s even possible to be on the slopes in the morning and then within two hours drive be enjoying a long afternoon of warm sunshine on the coast.

Warner Breaks

The Sierra Nevada (Snowy Mountain Range) near Granada offers plenty of sunshine, good snow and a varied mix of runs for beginners and intermediates, plus a handful of more challenging runs. Although it is not a huge resort, there are wide, well-pisted slopes, quick and efficient lifts, and good restaurants and bars to rest those weary feet. The aprés-ski is quite legendary too!

Over 230 trips, all offering genuine travel experiences: discover rugged peaks and remote wildernesses, uncover 'must see' cultural highlights, and enjoy local customs.

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Terrific towns and picturesque pueblos This area of Spain has been slammed for its concrete tower blocks and non-existent town planning. However, don’t be fooled by this negative press coverage. For every Torremolinos there are several stunning white villages nestled into the hillsides, not to mention vibrant, Spanish towns and cities with great architecture. Marbella is a fantastic town with lots of charm, a predominantly Spanish population, a beautiful beachside promenade and tons of bars and restaurants. It is often confused with the nearby Puerto Banus and thought to be an expensive, flashy place, but in fact this is a very real, working Spanish town and merits a visit. Marbella’s hidden gem is its historic and picturesque Old Town, or ‘casco antiguo’. This has changed little over the centuries and still features ancient architecture, a maze of narrow cobbled streets with charming white washed houses, and beautiful plazas adorned with fountains. At the centre is Orange Square, a beautiful and typically Andalucian square, full of orange trees and sweetly scented tropical plants. The Old Town is full of unusual shops and galleries, little chapels and churches, not to mention a fantastic selection of bars, cafes and

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mention a fantastic selection of bars, cafes and eateries, and is a great place to explore. Orlando, Florida

The picturesque Pueblos Blancos ‘white villages’ are a typically Andalucian feature and have been well-preserved, yet little explored by most tourists. If you are able to hire a car then you can spend several days driving around the stunning countryside, exploring these little villages and stepping back into Andalucia’s past. One of the most beautiful is Casares, built on the mountainside around an ancient Muslim fortress. Despite its proximity to the coast it has been un-spoilt by tourism and you can spend hours wandering its quaint, narrow cobbled streets, taking in the breathtaking scenery and enjoying its sleepy old-fashioned feel. A Sportsperson’s Dream For golfers, it features more than 50 fabulous golf courses, as well as hosting high-profile big prize tournaments such as the Volvo Matchplay in October. If you like tennis, there are over ten fantastic tennis clubs, as well as many outdoor courts attached to hotels and urbanisations. As the European city of Sport 2009, Marbella is putting on many events including the Andalucía Tennis Experience in April featuring Jelena Jancovik and Serena Williams competing for the crown. Marbella is also hosting the Davis Cup tennis semi-final between Spain and Germany in July. The region is a perfect place for mountain-biking and hiking in the nearby hills and mountains. For the more adventurous a hike up the iconic La Concha is a must, but as it is as high as Ben Nevis it isn’t to be underestimated. There are numerous companies offering quad-biking, horse-riding and walking tours to help you make the most of the stunning scenery just minutes from the coastal resorts. There are also a host of water sports to take advantage of the warm Mediterranean Sea, such as sea-kayaking, windsurfing, scuba diving, kite surfing or even learning to sail. Or if you want something potentially less wet, you can take to the sea for a spot of fishing, or enjoy a coastal day cruise to try and spot some of the native dolphins. Andalucia's unique cultural treasures Andalucía boasts some of the most amazing architecture and the most breathtaking sights to be seen anywhere in the world.

There's the narrow, bustling cobbled streets and ancient architecture of the Jewish Quarter in Seville; the harmonious blend of two thousand years of Christian and Muslim religious history in the stunning Mezquita in Cordoba; the worldfamous Alhambra set against the snow-covered peaks of Sierra Nevada in Granada, and the golden dome of Cádiz cathedral shimmering high over the white-tipped waves of the blue Atlantic ocean.

These cities’ treasures are no more than two or three hours away by car from the Costa del Sol and make fantastic day trips to spice up any Costa del Sol holiday itinerary.

Spain’s capital, Madrid, is also within easy reach of the Coast now, with a two hour journey by high-speed train bringing all of the city’s immense heritage right to your door.

Even closer to the coast is the lovely and often overlooked city of Malaga. Malaga is so much more than an airport. Its long history has left a host of beautiful monuments such as the Cathedral, Gibralfaro Castle, the Alcazaba and the Roman Theatre. There are also a selection of beautiful historical gardens, and over 20 different museums to choose from.

However, it’s the city's artistic heritage that is its biggest claim to fame. Malaga was Picasso's birthplace, and has the fantastic Picasso Museum to honour and celebrate the city’s most famous son. This gallery has over 200 examples of works by Picasso on permanent display, including oil paintings, sculptures, drawings, sketches, etchings and ceramics housed in a stunning 17th century Renaissance building.

Relax and Rejuvenate A holiday in Spain is a great way to get rid of the stress and strain of working life. Visit some of the beautiful beach clubs, stroll down the

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the beautiful beach clubs, stroll down the promenade and enjoy the laid-back pace of life. In addition, there are some amazing luxury spas and health clubs where you can pamper yourself and ensure you come back rested, relaxed and rejuvenated. If facials and treatments just aren’t enough to achieve the desired result then you can combine a relaxing holiday with a spot of cosmetic surgery, for a truly rejuvenating trip! There are several world-renowned clinics to choose from in this area, and it can often be a more affordable and discreet option than the UK. All clinics have fully-qualified, English-speaking surgeons, excellent after-care and an opportunity to recover gently from the surgery before returning home. Family Fun Spain is a very family-friendly place and kids are welcomed wherever you go. The Costa del Sol has a whole host of fun places to go and things to do, ranging from days spent on the beach, swimming and playing ball games, to great amusement parks like Tivoli World in Benalmadena and the water park in Mijas-Costa Families also enjoy spending a day at Funny Beach, near Marbella, with its go-karting track, trampolines, electric bikes and cars, and children’s rides, as well as a restaurant serving kiddie-friendly fare and a bar with a live band on Sundays. For animal lovers there’s conservation-minded Fuengirola Zoo, Selwo safari park in Estepona, and the SeaLife aquatic wildlife centre and Dolphinarium in Benalmadena. There are also a number of cinemas showing English films, children’s theatre at the Black Box Theatre in Marbella, plus bowling alleys near Malaga and Marbella. For more teenage fun, there are many good organisations on the coast who offer such adventures as scuba diving, quad-biking, jeep safaris in the National Parks, mountain treks on horse-back, canyoning in the region’s gorges, and paintballing. Eating and Drinking One of the many pleasures of a visit to the Costa del Sol is the fantastic food. There are so many great restaurants to choose from, serving all types of food. The chiringuitos on the beach are great and tasty tapas is an excellent way to sample some of the local Spanish fare. You don’t have to walk far to find a good restaurant, the main problem is knowing which one to choose. Ask the Experts Contact HolidayRentalontheWeb.com, who offer a portfolio of fully-managed, quality-assured holiday rental properties along the Costa del Sol, from villas with heated pools, to luxury apartments, with many beachside and golf course locations.

With thanks to Marbella Town Hall for the photography, copyright Excmo. Ayuntamiento de Marbella. 30 May 2009 Share on Facebook

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