I tell my clients that we always work at their pace even if they are not looking to relocate until one years time or they want to arrive just next month. Well for Gary Marshall, he took this to the extreme and after an initial enquiry in May 2008 he has finally just opened his doors for trade here in Puerto Del Carmen. When Gary finally arrived I felt like I was meeting a long lost brother after exchanging emails, Christmas cards for so long. Gary had been visiting Lanzarote for many years and knew exactly what type of bar he wanted to open and immediately Dooley’s in the old town ticked all the right boxes. After taking a reservation and getting the lawyer involved it soon became clear that the landlord of the bar was being difficult to deal with and was not being as upfront and honest as we had initially expected. After many wasted weeks the lawyer could see no resolution and it was decided to start to look at other options for Gary. With the Berchen bar being established for over 10 years as a German bar it was not the obvious option but its location opposite the San Antonio hotel fitted perfectly with Gary’s idea of a good quality Cocktail bar that he could run himself.
With over 20 years experience working in the cocktail bar at the World famous "Dorchester hotel" in London it was an obvious choice to continue with what he knew best. With experiences of making cocktails for the likes of Rod Stewart and Tony Curtis to name but a few and also rubbing shoulders with Muhammad Ali, Christopher Reeves and many more stars it’s clear to see that Gary has that special personal touch that has been honed from his years of experience at this top hotel. With no obvious name for his new bar it was by pure chance that one of his best friends called him to see how he was getting on in his new life in Lanzarote. Within seconds of taking the call the name "Raffles Bar" became obvious as his friend was the manager at the world famous Singapore Raffles hotel who specialize in the world renown Singapore Sling Cocktail. So, for Gary, the days of serving the rich and famous are well and truly behind him but he is more than happy to give every customer that star treatment to make Raffles Bar one of the best places to enjoy some first class cocktails and also to find out from Gary what the stars really do get up to after too much Sex On The Beach!
You can find Raffles Bar upstairs on CC Costa Luz which is directly opposite the San Antonio hotel at the Los Pocillos end of Puerto Del Carmen. Gary is open from 7pm nightly till late and if its a bit of banter and a good quality drink you want then Raffles Bar has to be on your list to visit. Gary said "Its been a long road to get here and we have had our ups and down but finally the bar is open and already we have had the thumbs up from many people who have returned to see me night after night. I wanted to create a nice friendly atmosphere and already I have made so many friends who have have promised to return to see me on their next visit to Lanzarote.I also would like to thank Ian,Maria (The Lawyer) and Natasha (The Asesoria) who have provided me with solutions to problems and who have always been there to support and help me to finally get to this point. It’s not been easy but with the right team behind you its a lot easier and you never feel like you are alone on a new island. If you are thinking of making the big move then you must use the right people for the job and Ian at ¡Estupendo! has to be the first contact point for anyone looking for a business in Lanzarote".
We recently used the services of Zest in the UK for some graphic work after they were recommended to us by a client.
Based in Weybridge, Surrey, Zest offer a range of design and animation options to suit almost any business or domestic need. Focusing on four main areas; motion graphics, claymation, video editing and illustration. They worked with us from start to finish to ensure that we received exactly the right product for our specific requirements. We are delighted with our finished product design and would have no hesitation in recommending them to our clients.
Although based in the UK, Zest can liaise with you online so can work with you where ever you are in the world. For more information visit their website. Alternatively, email zest@markymc.com or call +44 (0) 7792 704 485.
Upon first meeting Elias I was very impressed with both his eye for detail and a passion for food! Here was somebody who was genuinely proud to be in the restaurant trade and his enthusiasm was clear to be seen by everyone who met with him.
With two buyers wanting to buy the same business (Cafe Cambusa) in Puerto Calero it was down to the landlord to meet both potential owners to see who could offer them the best prospect and business plan. With the other interested party flying in from Rome, have the meeting and then flying back to Italy in the same day it showed us just how popular the Puerto Calero location is for potential buyers. However, it was Elias who showed he had the right attitude, experience and product to take the cafe to a new level with his fantastic authentic Italian menu.
Elias had ran his own restaurant in Italy for over five years and he had his sights on bringing authentic Italian cuisine to Lanzarote. Upon signing the new lease Elias wasted no time in making some changes to the cafe to make the business more a cafe/restaurant rather than cafe bar which has already proved to be a big hit with the local people and businessmen in the area. With a "Menu del dia" you can enjoy a starter, main meal and a drink in the great surroundings for only €10 per person! Using only the finest and freshest ingredients all the food is perfectly cooked and presented by loyal chef Antonio who has travelled from Italy to continue working for Elias. With starters such as "Slices of Veal with tuna sauce and capers" and a freshly baked lasagna that is as good as any I have ever tasted there is something for all taste buds. If you, like me, can always leave enough space for a desert then the Tiramisu is a must and certainly not for any weight watchers.
If its authentic Italian food with good quality service you want then you have to call in and see Elias and Antonio who will offer you great service, food and value! Open from 11.30am until 3pm and then from 6pm till late you can find Cafe Piazzetta in the plaza behind Submarine Safari in Puerto Calero. Elias also offers a takeaway service and also offers a function service for special occasions and also business lunches. Elias said,
"Myself and Antonio are so happy to now be open and to be able to offer Lanzarote people a real taste of Italy in a wonderful location such as Puerto Calero. Ian has been such a great help with both lawyers, asesorias and also simply being there for any help that we may need. Its a new business in a new country and Ian has been on hand to offer help and support even after we have signed the contract. I hope that we can continue our friendship with Ian and ¡Estupendo! for many years to come and we welcome all new customers to try our authentic Italian cuisine and to prove that Italian food is not just about Pizzas!"
From everyone at ¡Estupendo! we wish Elias and Antonio all the very best for their new business venture!
Puerto Del Carmen has got to try the fabulous new Italian restaurant “Mamma Carla” in the old town area of the resort.
Chef Gregorio and his brother Pierlo are both clients of ¡Estupendo! and Gregorio has travelled the world bringing the best of Italian cooking to London, Bournemouth, Miami, Sarasota, Boston, Goa, Navarra and now Lanzarote. Gregorio loves to live by the sea which is what attracted him to Lanzarote and after two years, he has opened his own restaurant on Calle Juan Carlos just down from the Biosfera shopping centre.
Gregorio isn’t the only Italian chef on the premises, the restaurant is named after his mother Carla and you’ll find her in the kitchen making her world renowned meat balls and other specialties. Then there is Daniele, the pizza chef who was trained at the Pizzaioli school in Rome and not forgetting Lorenzo for the front of house and Mounia for service with a smile.
The family has a long history with Italian cooking, there are photos of their mamma Carla back in the 1950’s on the walls and their papa who was a fisherman, with a swordfish. Pierlo is so proud of his family, he tells us that Italian food should be prepared with love and the best quality ingredients, you have to have a passion and want to produce the best possible dishes for your customers.
You have to try Mamma Carla’s Rigatoni and Polpette Fritte as well as some of her other hand made pasta specialties such as Scialatielle and Covatelli Fatti. Mamma Carla sources the highest quality ingredients direct from Italy and are proud to present them around the restaurant. You will find Peroni Nastro Azzurri beer on draught, four different brands of Italian coffee including Gimoka and Segafredo, Prosciutto Nazionale ham and Italian cheeses, sausage, mushrooms and sun dried tomatoes. For your comfort, the restaurant has been air conditioned and they also have a private area ideal for functions, Gregorio is planning to install Sky and Italian satellite in this area to watch football matches.
If you only want quality Italian coffee then try theirs as they only use bottled water for the coffees and cooking. For those who love Pizzas then you wont be disappointed with top quality toppings to please everyone. They also offer some fantastic wines with the house house wine at a very good value of only €9 per bottle, but how about enjoying a bottle of Barolo (Piemonte) or even Sassicaia Bolgheri (Toscana). If you fancy a night in, you can also get great food to go at Mamma Carla’s and not just pizzas.
Restaurant Mamma Carla in Puerto del Carmen really brings the tradition and passion of Italy to Lanzarote, you can enjoy the very best of Italian food and service but you don’t have to pay the price. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet the chef that used to cook for the celebrities in London such as Princess Diana and Elton John.
Mamma Carlais open Daily, Telephone: 928 515 732 for Reservations.
I first met Baofeng and Stefan Schmidt back in December 2010. They own a very successful Dive Centre in Puerto del Carmen and were looking for a 3 bedroom villa in the Playa Blanca area. From looking at our website they had a shortlist of potential properties and it didn't take them long to find their dream home.
As with all property sales in Lanzarote the first port of call was to choose a lawyer to oversee the buying process. With that ball rolling it was then just a matter of picking a suitable time for both owner and buyer to complete at the Notary Office. This whole process from start to finish normally takes 2-4 weeks.
Below you will see the RC Diving Tarriff and contact details. RC Diving offer a Tryout Session for only € 50:
Contact Details: R.C. Diving S.L., C.C. Aquarium, Avda. de Las Playas 38, 35510, Puerto del Carmen Tel: 928 514 290 Email: info@rcdiving.comWeb:www.rcdiving.com
With Puerto Del Carmen being the largest and most established resort in Lanzarote its always hard to find a business that is totally unique (Niche) or can be improved on. In walks Dominic and Mandy with their ideas for a "Revolution" in the Bike rental business!! After an initial email in October last year and then a meeting in November at both our Playa Blanca and Puerto Del Carmen offices to take a look at possible sites for their new business venture. With both location and price being of utmost importance to get the business off the ground this was certainly a professional couple who had done all of their market research and they knew exactly what they required. Dominc has a fifteen year background in engineering and marketing and is also a patented inventor which together becomes part of how this couples way of "Thinking Outside Of The Box" has come together. Mandy has the customer service and admin skills having run a hotel in Somerset which are just as invaluable in any businesses success and together they have the perfect combination for a great business success! With the help of Natasha at EBF Consulting to advise them fully on their paperwork and licensing requirements it was time to find the right location. After viewing several locations and over a period of time we finally found the right location that suited the business needs with its great footfall location, closeness to the main "Strip" of PDC and also a large outside terrace area. As the business expands it can also retain its established location and grow into the extra space.
They have tried to cater for all needs and their stock consists of a selection of brand new "Specialized" mountain bikes and town/city bikes for adults and cater for all ages of children and starts with child seats for babies to 21 speed mountain bikes for pre-teens. All customers are offered....
1. Tried and tested cycle routes for all levels.
2. Full support and contact number....just in case!
3. A selection of cool boxes that fit onto the bikes and also cater for families with baby seats
4. Other rentals include sun/wind shelters,body and skim boards
5. Family fun bikes including 4-5 Seater from promenading!
This dynamic and friendly couple are on hand to offer all the help and advice you will need to get the most out of your bike rental and a map of the island is also available to offer alternative routes.If you want to simply take a relaxed bike ride along the long promenade of Puerto Del Carmen then simply just rent your bike and off you go! If you want to make the most of your time on the Bike and see the most important sites then Dominic and Mandy are on hand to offer the most suitable routes available with photos to see what you will be seeing along your journey or they can help you to make your own route to suit your needs. For families the 4 wheeled bikes with Canapies will be available shortly.
Dominic said, "We have both wanted to make this move for years after both working longer and longer hours in the UK. It just seemed like life was passing us by and suddenly we decided that we had nothing to lose and hence the initial enquiry to ¡Estupendo! for help. We know that there is a market for bike rental with a difference and we are here to offer our customers an unrivalled level of help, service and support. For many people they rent a bike but don't have any idea where to go and what can be seen. At Revolution we have designed our own routes that make the most of the different areas and make the most of what is out there to be seen and also to suit your level of fitness including photos of what they will actually see! We care about our customers and want them to come back to hand back the bike after enjoying a great day! I would also like to mention both Ian and Natasha at EBF Consulting who have been with us from start to finish and it would have been almost impossible to have got this far without their guidance and extensive knowledge that has proved to be invaluable. I know that we would have absolutely no problem with recommending ¡Estupendo! or EBF Consulting to anyone!".
Find revolution at Calle Doramas, 50m down from the Hotel Hibiscos and just 20m up from the Avenida de las playas, close to Fund Grube or call 0034 616 087 803 or email Dominic and Mandy at revolution-pdc@hotmail.co.uk
Revolution is open from 9.30 - 5.30 Monday to Saturday & 9.30 - 1pm Sunday (back in the afternoon to receive bikes back).
Back in November 2010 I first met Eduard and Alessandra. They were relocating from Spain and looking to rent a property in Playa Blanca and buy a small business. Eduard had worked as a Dive Instructor for a number of years and was keen to find a Dive Centre on the island.
They didn't have to search too hard to find their dream business right in the heart of Playa Blanca. The already established Dive Centre was the perfect choice for them both and promises to be a great success in the years to come.
At Cala Blanca, Eduard and Alessandra offer full PADI Courses (http://www.padi.com), Night Dives, Wreck Dives, Nitrox Courses and Dives and cater for all ages and abilities. If you have always fancied trying a dive then you can with one of the team for just 60 Euros. They provide all the equipment that you need and you dive in the warm calm waters of the Playa Dorada Bay. If you are already a registered PADI diver and have your own equipment then you can go out with one of the team from just 35 Euros.
If you would like to join Eduard and Alesandra for a dive you can find them at Centro Comercial El Papagayo, Playa Blanca. Tel: 928 519 040 or 607 301 230. Email dive@calablancasub.com. Website: www.calablancasub.com
On a Friday afternoon last November I took a phone call and instantly recognized the voice! After working over two years ago with Sam on the popular TV program "A Place In The Sun" it was hard not to recognize her friendly tone of voice over the phone.After over ten years of a very successful show the TV company that Sam was working for had been commissioned to do a brand new show along the same lines of APITS but with businesses in the sun! With the housing market being in decline since the worst recession in history it was time for a new look and so "Dream Lives For Sale" was born.With an initial commission for 8 episodes for the first series it was a great fresh idea that suited perfectly with the current climate.
After two long years of "Doom and Gloom" in the UK with rising taxes, increasing crime, job losses, change of government, petrol hikes, bail outs of the banks and much more this program could not have been better timed. The program is going to do for business sales what APITS did for the holiday home market ten years ago.With many people now realizing that "working to live" really isn't any fun and the dream of a life in the sun running their own business appeals more and more.
Sam gave me some details of the criteria for the couple involved and off I went to find some small businesses that offered Lee, Nicola and their son Kieran the lifestyle that they were looking for as a family. The main criteria was that they wanted a business that gave them some free time to enjoy with their son and they would love the weekends off to enjoy as a family the life at the beach with Lee being a very keen Surfer. With only a week to find the businesses and produce a detailed account of the facts and figures for Jonnie Irwin who would then go through everything with a fine toothcomb prior to his arrival. Sam, the director, finally arrived and after a very long week of checking out every business detail and license with the help and advice from Natasha at EBF Consulting (www.ebfconsulting.com) it was time to start the filming. The show was filmed over a week and the couple got to spend a day at each business to get to grips with the daily routine and to ask as many questions as possible.
The results of the show were aired last week on the 16th February and already the Lanzarote show has been given a massive thumbs up! Lee and Nicola ended up purchasing the Ink and Media shop in Costa Teguise through our Costa Teguise ¡Estupendo! Office and they are now the proud owners of their own business. The business offers the island a way to recycle old ink cartridges and also offers ink cartridges and stationary at very realistic prices. With many new ideas to expand the business with a delivery service and much more this dynamic couple are determined to make the business and new lifestyle work for them. With opening hours of 10am until 4pm and no weekends the business fits in perfectly with their dream lifestyle that only six months ago with a small idea. You can find their shop at Coronas Playa hotel, Avda del Mar and they will be more than happy to offer you a first class service and products.
Lee said, "Its been a very brave move for us as a family but now that we are here its fantastic and life just couldn't be any better! We have to thank everyone at the TV company for working so hard to help us find the right business for us and also to ¡Estupendo! for their continued hard work to make sure everything was legally done before we paid the money and signed the contracts. We are now neighbors to the Costa Teguise office who already have been buying their ink and stationary from us so we hope this is the start of a long and fruitful relationship".
If like Lee, Nicola and Kieran you want any help to find the right business for you in the sun then don't hesitate to get in contact with either of our three offices covering the whole island. We are the islands most reputable and experienced commercial agency and your future is safe in our hands!
Back in November 2010 when I first met Barry and Claire Bidwell and their sons Jack and Jordie it was very clear to see that here were clients who had been in business before and knew exactly what was expected from any potential business.With an initial enquiry for only quality businesses for sale it was soon apparent that only a prime location business would be suitable. After deciding on Woodley's wine bar and restaurant on the frontline of Puerto del Carmen it was time to go through the business details to see how it could be improved, and, of course, to increase the turnover and profitability.
The wine bar had only been established for under a year but it had already managed to gain an excellent reputation with both locals and tourists for high quality meals at realistic prices. Take into account the prime location and wonderful layout of the bar/restaurant with its fantastic open plan dining areas and amazing sea views then its not hard to see why Barry and Claire could see the extra potential of the business. With opening hours starting at 4pm it became clear to Barry and Claire that the business was missing out on the day trade for good quality lunches over a glass of chilled wine or a quality coffee whilst relaxing and enjoying the views.
From Monday the 28th February the new daytime menu will start which is simple "bocadillos" (Spanish sandwiches) and fresh salads that are enough to save room for a return for the excellent night-time menu! From Monday, the new opening hours are from 11am till 4pm for lunches and then from 4pm the evening menu starts as normal with many specials displayed on the "Specials Boards" to temp customers further. With head chef Wayne the business has one of the most versatile chefs on the island who has a passion for all types of food and with the main ingredients being quality, taste and freshness! After dining at Woodley's recently with our friends we can definitely say with hands on hearts that the food and service were excellent from start to finish with the Garlic prawns for starters being to die for!.
A very proud new owner Barry tells me, "With this business we had a great solid foundation with which to build upon and with new longer opening hours, new daytime menu, new signage and new head chef we have a great business for the future. We would also like to thank ¡Estupendo! for their continued help and support and we hope to see you all again soon for another great evening!"
If you would like too join Barry and Claire for a great day or evening then find them at the start of the main Strip of Puerto del Carmen at the San Antonio end. Everyone is welcome and why not treat yourself to excellent service, location and above all food at Woodley's wine bar!
The lights are up…..the poinsettias are planted…..the tinsel glitters in the sunshine and the Carol Singers and Christmas Fairs are well under way. Lanzarote is in Christmas mode! There are lots of local traditions in Lanzarote which help to make it feel like Christmas here despite the temperature being in the twenties! The nativity scenes (Beléns) are being worked on ready for their unveiling ceremonies and the children (and adults) are looking forward to the Three Kings (Los Reyes Magos) arriving with their presents. The old capital of Teguise is one of the most desirable places to be this New Year; Everyone is given a glass of cava, 12 grapes and a fantastic firework display at midnight, there’s a great atmosphere in the square and its free of charge!
I love seeing the local Belén’s these are really detailed nativity scenes but typical of Lanzarote so include the villas, palm trees, traditional costumes, features and landscape from the island. The other event not to be missed is the King’s procession on the 5th January, this is known as Los Reyes Magos. The kings will visit each pueblo the main towns will have a full procession with camels, some of the villages in the outskirts have kings that travel in style on quads and jeeps from the local police so they can get around to see all the children.
This year the Playa Blanca office has taken on a new employee, ME! I moved to Lanzarote to join the family business back in February and by the second day of living here had settled into the Lanzarote lifestyle and forgotten all about the UK. My love of triathlons has led me to sign up for the Lanzarote Ironman in 2011 and join a local triathlon club. ¡Estupendo! have sponsored my club, TriYaiza. You can spot us a mile away as we are sporting a very bright pink outfit. If you are a keen swimmer, cyclist or runner then please do pop into the office as I am always on the look out for new training partners.
The Puerto del Carmen office has been featured this year on T.V!! Back in the summer Ian did a shoot with A Place In The Sun; Sadly Ian's first T.V performance ended up on the editors floor, however, Ian has been promised his T.V debut in the new Year when he will be on a new relocation programme called Dream Lives For Sale.
The Costa Teguise office has also featured in the latest TV filming for Dream Lives For Sale featuring two of their properties, one in Costa Teguise and the other in the Villa de Teguise so now we have two offices being featured on television!! Not only that Sue who owns the Costa Teguise office has been busy performing in a Christmas show in San Bartolome with the LADS (Lanzarote Amateur Dramatics Society) 'A Christmas Cracker' despite extreme opposition from the widely acclaimed Russian Ballet performing in Tias and various other charity functions happening locally on both Friday the 10th and Saturday the 11th December the Sociedad in San Bartolome hosted an excellent audience on both nights who thoroughly enjoyed getting into the Christmas spirit with mince pies, mulled wine and Christmas Carols, the sun maybe shining but Christmas is well and truly here in Lanzarote.
Christmas/New Year Events:
13th – 24th December – Santa's Grotto in Puerto del Carmen
17th - 19th December - Mercadillo "Costa Teguise a precios de Saldo(Costa Teguise)
23rd December - Pasacalle de Papá Noel / Christmas Parade (Costa Teguise)
24th December – Father Christmas Parade (Puerto del Carmen)
29th December – Concierto de Navidad (Tías
31st December – Noche Vieja (Puerto del Carmen) Fireworks on Playa Grande at 2am
31st December - Campanadas de Fin de Año, celebrate with music, fireworks, grapes and champagne. 11.30pm in the Plaza de San Miguel de Teguise (Teguise)
4th January - 7pm Three Kings Procession (Playa Honda)
5th January - 5pm Three Kings Procession (Playa Blanca)
5th January – 9pm Three Kings Procession (Puerto del Carmen
5th January - 8pm Three Kings Procession (Teguise)
Are you planning a trip to Lanzarote in the New Year for some winter sunshine? If so, please call into your nearest ¡Estupendo! office and say hola! We would love to see you.
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The Costa Teguise office has also featured in the latest TV filming for Dream Lives For Sale featuring two of their properties, one in Costa Teguise and the other in the Villa de Teguise so now we have two offices being featured on television!! Not only that Sue who owns the Costa Teguise office has been busy performing in a Christmas show in San Bartolome with the LADS (Lanzarote Amateur Dramatics Society) 'A Christmas Cracker' despite extreme opposition from the widely acclaimed Russian Ballet performing in Tias and various other charity functions happening locally on both Friday the 10th and Saturday the 11th December the Sociedad in San Bartolome hosted an excellent audience on both nights who thoroughly enjoyed getting into the Christmas spirit with mince pies, mulled wine and Christmas Carols, the sun maybe shining but Christmas is well and truly here in Lanzarote.
