Golf Properties In The Med - Does It Have To Be Spain Or Portugal?

The growing propensity for British and other north European golfers to seek golf properties in sunnier climes has resulted in a dramatic increase in the number of golf courses and associated real estate developments being constructed around the Mediterranean and in Portugal.

Most famous amongst these are probably the superb Vale do Lobo complex near Faro in Portugal and La Manga, just south of Alicante in Spain.

But whilst there can be no denying that these two resorts, along with the opulent sun City in south Africa, represent the cream of golf resorts in the sun, real estate in and around these venues has experienced a simply phenomenal growth in values and does come with a rather hefty price-tag attached.

These days of course, golf properties of any description represent a healthy investment potential due to the exclusive nature and scenic surroundings of most golf resorts. And so, most prospective buyers looking for a golfing investment in the sun are trooping to Spain and Portugal in search of the perfect property, when other locations still offer far better value for money, as well as a much greater potential returns on invested capital.

One such location is the Republic of Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea.

With only four fully-fledged courses currently operating on the island, the sport is still very much in its infancy in Cyprus. However, having recognised the growing demand for golf properties, the Cypriot government, in association with the CTO (Cyprus Tourism Organisation) have given the green light for the construction of a further eleven to fourteen golf courses alongside the already existing facilities in an effort to firmly establish Cyprus place on the international golfing circuit.

Whilst this construction programme of new courses is spread right across the whole Republic, its crowning glory must surely be the Secret Valley Golf Course and country Club near the fabled Rock of Aphrodite on the islands west coast.

First opened in 1996, two years after the Tsada Golf course north of Paphos, secret Valley has been a favourite part of the Cypriot golfing scene for many years. In light of the forthcoming expansion plans for golf in the Republic of Cyprus however, the secret Valley resort has become the subject of a huge expansion programme which, once complete, even the likes of Vale do Lobo and La Manga will struggle to compete with.

Aside from the complete remodelling of the existing course, secret Valley will see the construction of a further two 18-hole courses, as well as a par-3 pitch & putt course, golf academy, practice greens, multiple driving ranges, football & tennis academies and a host of other associated amenities.

Accompanying secret Valleys ambitious course expansion programme is the construction of many exclusive golf properties, ranging from hilltop villas overlooking one or more of the splendid courses to apartments set on the hillsides above the newly remodelled clubhouse.

Property prices in the resort do of course reflect its exclusive nature, but they are - as yet - far lower than their equivalents in Spain, Portugal and south Africa. Most experts and analysts do however predict that real estate in and around the secret Valley golf resort is amongst the finest property investments currently to be found in the Republic of Cyprus.

As you can see, when it comes to golf properties in the Med, it does not necessarily have to be Spain or Portugal. In fact, the smart money is in Cyprus.

brian Rettendon has lived and worked in the Republic of Cyprus since 2001. As a senior investment consultant for Aphrodite Property sales Ltd, he benefits from an intimate knowledge of the Cypriot property market and its current and future trends. Visit the Aphrodite web site for more information about golf in Cyprus and investment hotspots in the Republic.

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Adding Koi To Your Pond

Koi are a wonderful addition to your backyard pond. It is relaxing to watch these graceful fish gliding slowly through the water. To live a a long and healthy life, koi need just as much care as any other pet. Koi live an average of 25-35 years, although some have lived much longer. If you want to provide the proper care and environment for your fish, you need to do some research.

Make sure you do your research before you go to buy your koi. Read through books on koi care, browse the internet, and consult with koi experts.

Before you buy your fish, your pond needs to be properly prepared. It has to be big enough for the koi to swim around. A minimum of 1000 gallons, and 18 inches deep is recommended. The koi also need a quiet corner that they can retreat to. It is also advisable to have a number of hiding places for the fish so that they can avoid predators, such as racoons, or your neighbor's cat. The pH of the water should be between 7.5 and 8.5. Make sure that the filter has been running for a while, and that the beneficial bacteria in the pond have had a chance to establish themselves. These bacteria are important for maintaining the chemical balance of your pond once you add the fish.

It is always best to shop for your koi at a specialty store. Be sure too look for healthy fish with clear eyes, no missing scales and erect fins. Many variables affect the price of the fish, including size, pattern, shape, and availability.T Younger fish are usually a lot less expensive than the older and larger fish. Younger fish, about 3-4 inches long will probably cost less than 10 dollars. Older fish, 22-24 inches long can range from $1,200 and up, occasionally ranging up to $10,000. Butterfly koi are more expensive than regular koi due to their long flowing fins.

Be sure to add fish to your pond gradually. If you put in too many, the bacteria won't be able to handle all of the fish waste, and the chemical balance of the pond will be thrown off. Start with just one or two fish, and then after a week or two, go ahead and start adding a few more. Because of their metabolism is slower in the winter, it is best to buy the fish in cooler weather if possible. Koi do just fine in cold water, but you should avoid rapidly fluctuating temperatures. Even though koi are a warm water fish who prefer water temperatures of around 78 - 80 degrees F., they are capable of surviving in freezing cold temperatures and water over 86 degrees F. Deeper ponds are also preferable, so the water underneath the ice would not freeze. If you live in an area where the pond will freeze over, be sure to use a floating heater to keep a hole in the ice.

When the weather changes for the warmer, their metabolisms will speed up. Feeding of koi is quite easy by just feeding them koi pellets which are found online or at a pet store. Make sure to feed them twice a day. With some training, it is even possible to teach koi to eat out of your hand. When the weather and the water temperature start to cool off, you want to gradually reduce the amount of food that you feed the koi. When the water temperature drops to 50 degrees, then you should stop feeding them altogether until spring, when the water warms up again.

Koi will add a brilliant splash of color to your pond. And properly cared for, they will be in your pond for a long time, and provide years of enjoyment.

Isn't it time to get your water garden started? Visit Water Gardens & Fountains to find a wide selection of fountains, garden waterfalls, and much more.

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