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<\/p>\nThe resort, which won the accolade at this year\u2019s World Travel Awards, sits in 330 hectares of Mediterranean woodland just 40 minutes south of Alicante, and has become a magnet for golf lovers seeking a second-home a short put from a championship course.<\/p>\n
Las Colinas was also named in the World Golf Awards 2015 as Spain\u2019s Best Golf Course. \u00a0\u201cIt is a very friendly course in great condition,\u201d said Tim Southwell, CEO of the specialist golf website Golf Punk. \u201cIt\u2019s great for all levels. It\u2019s challenging because the greens are tight and undulating. You never feel you are playing the same hole twice.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Las Colinas is ideal for the sportive retiree seeking a contemporary home to use part time or as a permanent retirement dwelling.<\/p>\n
In fact typical buyers are in their mid 50s who have a view of retiring full time in a few years.<\/p>\n
However it is not the place if you are looking for a typical Spanish style finca. The villas and apartments here are very contemporary\u00a0offering open-plan living and big windows looking out onto your\u00a0private\u00a0garden, communal pool or rural landscape.<\/p>\n
Most villas\u00a0have private pools and space for a lift, should you need one now or in the future, which you can install for \u20ac11,000. All homes have underfloor heating so can be used year round and if you want to swim with the family on Christmas Day for\u00a0an extra \u20ac4,500 a\u00a0heater can be installed in your pool.<\/p>\n
Properties are sold freehold and there are\u00a0no restrictions on use. \u00a0There is space for parking and you can even hire a motorised golf cart to get you around the resort. Buyers also benefit from five years free golf and 10 per cent discount in the shop and restaurant.<\/p>\n
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Situated seven kilometers from the nearest beach, the gated enclave is designed as a series of micro communities which gives it a village feel rather than randomly scattered homes peppering the countryside.<\/p>\n
Because it is low rise and low density there is little light pollution too so the skies are wondrously starry at night.<\/p>\n
The quirky clubhouse (left) which has some curious wall adornments has a large outdoor terrace, bar, a cafe serving burgers, soups and salads and a shushibar which may be a strange choice as a main restaurant. However if you love sushi you will not taste finer fare than here.<\/p>\n
My only criticism is that there are no comfy seating areas in and around the clubhouse which does lack a cosy feel (a case of design taking precedence over comfort in my view) . You would think it would be nice to flop into a squashy sofa or comfy arm chair after a long game of golf.<\/p>\n
However property owners and guests do get to flop onto a sun lounger and enjoy the facilities at the Las Colinas Private Beach Club 10 km away; a divine spot with an infinity\u00a0pool and bar overlooking the Mediterranean.<\/p>\n
For those\u00a0more into flora and fauna you can soak up the local scenery outside your property; there are pine trees, olive trees, oleander trees as well as a variety of herbs including rosemary, oregano, and bay trees right on your door stop, not to mention 3km of nature trails.<\/p>\n
Las Colinas, which has 24-hour security and fast broadband (a very important detail when buying a property overseas), may be\u00a0conveniently close to Alicante\u00a0airport which offers regular year-round flights to all over the UK, the pretty town of Valencia and the fascinating historic city of Cartagena yet you feel much further away.<\/p>\n
I did not hear a single plane or car during my stay. This is where you can experience complete tranquility \u2013 away from the golf course at any rate.<\/p>\n
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All you can hear is the birdsong. And if you want to get close to the bird life I recommend visiting the International School of Falconry onsite.<\/p>\n
Here you can inspect a variety of hawks, falcons, owls and goshawks and even learn how to fly them and take them for a walk.<\/p>\n
For\u00a0the more energetic there\u00a0are tennis and paddle-tennis courts.<\/p>\n
If you are looking for a golf resort with a difference Las Colinas is worth investigating.<\/p>\n
Residential\u00a0director Silvia Llanes, said: \u201c2016 has been a standout year for Las Colinas with an extra\u00a064\u00a0apartments and 36 detached villas built, due to such increased demand.\u201d<\/p>\n
Currently for\u00a0sale are two, three and four bedroom apartments and villas with large gardens or terraces, parking and green areas with communal or private swimming pools. Apartments start at\u00a0\u20ac270,000, with villas starting at \u20ac490,000. Prices are exclusive of 10 per cent VAT.<\/p>\n
Cristobal Guerrero, managing director of Las Colinas\u00a0assuaged any fears retirees may have about buying a home in Spain post Brexit:<\/p>\n
“Las Colinas and Spain as a whole has always been a viable proposition for the British property buyer and we believe it will continue to stay that way.<\/p>\n
“At this moment in time nothing has actually changed following the UK referendum, and in the long term I am confident that the UK will remain one of our most important markets for property buyers.<\/p>\n
“The appeal of Spanish sun and lifestyle is most certainly not going to diminish and these will continue to be major factors in keeping the market strong.”<\/p>\n