ONE TOY, ONE SMILE – Christmas Charity Campaign

Each Christmas, Prestige Properties Ibiza takes pride in supporting a local charity and contributing to the well-being of those less fortunate in our community. In 2018, we decided to choose a campaign that was both close to our hearts and also directly linked to our workplace, through our colleague Nina Negru, the 4th Edition of ‘One Toy, One Smile’, organised by Food for Ibiza.

The "One Toy, One Smile" Campaign

Christmas is a time of hope and compassion. Children who live in poverty often experience Christmas very differently from what the seasonal retail marketing narratives would have us believe, and also often very different from their friends and peers.

Sharing and receiving a small gift, in the form of a toy has the ability to change a child’s entire perspective, value, self-worth, and simply send a small message of hope.

"One Toy, One Smile" is the perfect addition to offering food to families in need at such an incredibly special time of the year. As well as giving toys, each family also receives a €25 coupon per head to be spent on their own personal Christmas menu at their nearby supermarket. Making everyone feel loved and cared for. At Prestige Properties, we were overly happy to be part of such a wonderful project.

The event was marked by the element of surprise and overwhelming emotions, brought by a simple goodwill gesture to those who needed it most. We are very grateful to the team at Food for Ibiza for their incredible dedication, and for taking responsibility for the success of these initiatives here in Ibiza.

About ‘Food for Ibiza’

Since 2014, Food for Ibiza, a non-profit organisation, has been actively campaigning and helping to improve the quality of life for people in Ibiza, by fighting hunger and supplying some of the island’s poorest families with food and those basic necessities that we often take for granted.

The organisation solely runs on the support of volunteers and is dependent on the generosity and donations made by the local community, like other businesses, supermarkets, hotels, restaurants, and private household contributors.

The volunteers from ‘Food for Ibiza’ primarily drive to collection points across the island to pick up donated groceries, such as dried foods like rice, lentils, beans, pasta or canned meat and fish, oil, coffee, cocoa, and cookies and bring them to their warehouse where items are stored, sorted and the packages are prepared for delivery based on every family’s particular need. They are then distributed to the registered families once a month.

We are very proud to be working with one of the founding members of Food for Ibiza, our colleague Nina Negru, as part of our team of sales agents. Nina is a great professional in the real estate market who felt she needed to contribute more directly to alleviating some of the difficulties faced by those struggling to keep up in an economy progressively geared towards luxury and exclusivity.

Fundraising with ‘Food for Ibiza’

In September, Food for Ibiza held its annual fundraising event at the famous ‘Children of the 80’s’ Party at the Hard Rock Hotel: to enter the party you simply had to bring 3 kilograms of non-perishable food.

Nina Negru stated that the collection at this event proved essential in helping low-income families from the island during the winter ahead.

Poverty in Ibiza – The Facts

We live on an island that is known for its wonderful surroundings and its affluent and privileged lifestyle. It is often difficult to believe or even notice that some people experience very difficult and extreme situations of poverty and desperation. Some people have very little income, food, are homeless, or have few resources and opportunities.

From Prestige Properties Ibiza, we want to bring visibility to some of the charity initiatives that are organised by different associations of Ibiza. It is paramount we see the island as a whole and with equal opportunities for all, and where there are inequality and needs, we desire to stand together to make a difference and create long-lasting improvements for the health and well-being of our local community.

If you want to volunteer your time or get involved, check out the links below. Your support and help will be greatly appreciated by those who are struggling to care for themselves.

Food for Ibiza:

https://www.facebook.com/foodforibiza
https://www.instagram.com/food_for_ibiza

No time to spare? Donate!

Paypal: [email protected]

Or via Bank Transfer: OPENBANK

IBAN: ES67 0073 0100 5505 0541 8480

SWIFT CODE for a donation from abroad: OPENESMM

Some of the advantages of renting a holiday villa in Ibiza

Our holiday rental villa Can Mateus

Renting a holiday villa in Ibiza only has advantages. And the island, besides offering beach and party, has a lot of attractions: magical spots, sunsets, an excellent climate 365 days a year and the charm of its people. Do you want to know more?

The advantages of renting a holiday villa in Ibiza

The island is one of the most in-demand places for visitors from around the world, a magical place, thanks to its combination of avant-garde and tradition. What advantages does renting a holiday villa in Ibiza have?

Its beaches

First of all, Ibiza is characterised by its wonderful nature. Coves and dreamy beaches of turquoise and transparent waters. Among the most popular coves are Cala Saladeta or Cala Gració, in the San Antonio area. Cala Molí, Cala Carbó or Cala Bassa, in the San José area.

And in the Santa Eulària area you have Cala Martina, Cala Llonga or Cala Lleña. If you want to enjoy the most natural area of the island, Cala Xarraca or Cala Xuclar in the San Juan area ideal for snorkelling and Diving.

Its hippy markets

In addition to its wonderful coves, Ibiza is known for its hippie markets. The most important ones are the Punta Arabí market in Es Canar and Las Dalias in San Carlos. The island also has many traditional markets with artesan products and local vegetable and fruit produce..

Its museums

And, if you think that on the island you cannot enjoy cultural leisure, you’re wrong. Ibiza has many museums, including the Contemporary Art Museum, the Archaeological Museum, the Puget Museum in Dalt Vila and the Ethnographic Museum in Santa Eulalia.

Photo by Ajuntament d’Eivissa

Open-air film screenings are held, such as the Movie Nights in Amante at the Amante Beach Club or the Cinema Paradiso Ibiza, with projections in the Baluarte de Sant Pere. Highlights include the showings of classic films that take place in the town of Sant Jordi. You can also enjoy a traditional cinema at the Multicines in Ibiza Townor the Cine Regio in San Antonio.

Its music and theatre

If you are a lover of music and theatre, enjoy live music at Sa Questió or in the Can Jordi Blues Station, the events organised by the Can Ventosa Cultural Centre, the shows of the Palacio de Congresos de Ibiza or the Teatro España. If you are renting a holiday villa in Ibiza, do not miss some of these activities.

Do you need more encouragement to visit Ibiza? What are you waiting for to rent your villa in Ibiza? Contact us today to help you plan your perfect holiday.

Our holiday rental villa Can Nena

Ibiza, October 2018

Prestige Properties: your best real estate option in Ibiza

Living in the countryside, surrounded by nature, and incorporating a more sustainable lifestyle has never been a more desirable life choice, than this year 2020, since the start of the pandemic.

From the summer of 2020 and onwards, the media have been reporting the consistent interest of the general population to escape from the globe’s busiest cities and to return to the countryside, whether in the short or long-term. People have been actively fleeing overcrowded cities, noise, and pollution, and alternatively seeking a drastic change, with life out in the open, in quiet and sparsely inhabited spaces; all to be as far away as possible from the adverse effects of the virus.

One of the main benefits of living in the countryside is the purity of the air. The reason is very simple, the low volume of vehicles and environmentally damaging components mean air pollution is low. In fact, a study by the UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs reveals that people living in the countryside have fewer respiratory problems due to this very reason.

Personal well-being and the practice of "Slow Living" is also a key benefit of countryside living. A lifestyle that invites individuals to become more aware of themselves, achieving a greater connection with Mother-Nature, and ultimately appreciating all that is good and beautiful in their surroundings and daily lives.

Imagine the scent of a wild rose… Or the sound of goldfinches singing and fluttering around at sunset… In practicing mindfulness, we learn to appreciate the beauty of nature and the multiple benefits of the rural world, developing an inherent sense of gratefulness, which is said to increase happiness and general well-being. Through slowing down and developing awareness, we ultimately improve our mental health and prevent disorders such as stress and anxiety.

Adapting to a "slower" lifestyle can initially feel difficult and the change quite abrupt. However, when considering our sensory dependence on the over-stimulation generated through contact with the city, initial ‘teething-periods’ and uncomfortable feelings are to be expected. Research demonstrates adaptation is usually quick and brings about very positive long-term changes, including an increase in energy due to the improvement of the quality of sleep, and its effectiveness in repairing and restoring cells to optimal health. In fact, in the United Kingdom and Ireland, doctors have begun to integrate into their prescriptions the idea of going for walks in nature as a measure to alleviate stress and improve mental and physical health.

In July of this year, Esquire Magazine talked about ‘The New Ibiza’, in which it drew parallels with the Ibiza of the ´80s, where visitors flowed with the breeze and to the rhythm of the New Age sound of Sade, connected with nature and its artistic sensitivity. Maybe some of you still remember?

Living in the countryside: The village of Buscastell, Ibiza

Today, we wanted to introduce you to one of the "healthiest" and most natural villages on our island: Buscastell. This small village of about 1,000 inhabitants, located between San Antonio and San Rafael, in the center-west of Ibiza, is the picture-perfect setting for those interested in the benefits of living in a rural setting.

Buscastell is an agricultural area with five square kilometers of fertile and cultivable land, distributed across beautiful Ibicencan terraces on different levels, and, not to mention, where the spring of es Broll resides, the most important aquifer of Ibiza. The feeling here is one of absolute peace and tranquillity.

Amongst the orchards, the murmur of the water coming from the torrent follows its course with small rises, passing pools, and numerous canals and ditches whose origins date back to the period of Arab domination.

It is here in Buscastell, where the prestigious architect Jaime Romano, created one of his most renowned projects: Villa Natura Buscastells. The property is the perfect blend of an authentic estate with all the modern comforts for contemporary living.

This property for sale has a fertile 80,000 m2 plot of land, with enough space to have your own vegetable allotment, and even start a new business venture, using the area’s natural resources in a sustainable way.

Villa Natura Buscatell in Ibiza's countryside

Villa Natura Buscatells Ibiza's countryside

The gardens are filled with flowers, plants, fruit trees, and a large vineyard as well as boasting an impressive 20-meter infinity pool, with plenty of chill-out spaces and outdoor showers.

The 450 m2 house is located in the southern part of the plot. From the main room and all of the bedrooms, the views overlook the wondrous valley in front. The spacious living room and dining room linked with an open-plan approach and huge sliding glass doors connecting the internal and external areas. The kitchen is certainly one of your favourite spaces, perfectly equipped for authentic Ibicencan and homemade cooking.

Villa Natura Buscastells also has a total of four spacious and luminous double bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. The Master is an outstanding room with views over the valley and sliding glass doors that can be hidden into the walls, creating a unique open and infinite feeling with the great outdoors.

If your dream is to be able to live with your family in Buscastells, don’t forget that the small village also has a public rural school for Infants and Primary School. And if you want to practice sport, there are also many routes and paths for hiking and cycling in the area.

We want to promote the continuous journey of improving health and quality of life! Everything can start with a simple step; exchanging your busy city lifestyle for a country home on the wonderful island of Ibiza could be the first one to take.

Interested in knowing more about the Municipality where Buscatell resides, San Antonio de Portmany? Then check out our in-depth guide and property article here.

Properties for Sale and for Rent in San Antonio de Portmany

Why Buy a Property in San Antonio, Ibiza

Let’s plant a Sabina!

Four young men from Ibiza, nicknamed "The Sabina Boys", who grew up together and were schoolmates, José Fernández, Guillaume Desager, Patrick Nagel and Andrés García, left on July 10th from Ibiza and are driving to Mongolia, arriving at the end of this August, they are participating in the famous charitable challenge "The Mongol Rally" that was created in 2004.

https://thesabinaboys.wordpress.com/

The Mongol Rally is an annual event that attracts people who like adventure and are keen to take on the challenge, the journey covers roughly 30,000km through mountains and desert, from Europe to Asia. Without support equipment, driving a basic vehicle, in their case a Renault Kangoo, and without an established route. It is a charity race in and each team supports an NGO of their choice.

https://thesabinaboys.wordpress.com/about/

"The Sabina Boys" chose the NGO Ibizaconciencia.org and will pass their donations to the next campaign of "Reforesta Ibiza", where reforestation days will be organized by students of schools on the island, re-establishing native forest area devastated by fires. Their aim is to replant one juniper (Sabina), at least, for every 100 kilometers traveled.

https://thesabinaboys.wordpress.com/charity/

At Prestige Properties we also want to help replant the burnt areas of the Ibizan landscape. Planting the junipers (sabinas), make them grow and help our beloved island retain it’s native flora and fauna. For this reason, Prestige Properties is donating € 500 to "The Sabina Boys" through the NGO Ibizaconciencia.org for the reforestation of the island.

You can also donate!!: https://www.migranodearena.org/reto/18842/100-km-1-sabina-mongolrally2018#.W0czf5OgOks.link

Why you should sign an exclusive mandate with Prestige Properties

Many people ask us why they should offer us their property exclusively, if they can also offer it to other agencies and thus have access to more customers and have a greater possibility of sale. This is a good question, but it turns out that in fact this logic is less favorable for a sale than it seems at first sight.

We are one of the most steady agencies in Ibiza with more than 35 years of experience and therefore, we have access to a very plentiful client portfolio. The reality is that, as Ibiza is small, many clients make what is called "agency shopping", which means that they call or go through several agencies and charge all of them the same searches.

As many agencies have the same properties, there begins the struggle for customer protection with the owners – this means that every time an agency offers its property to a customer, the seller has to sign and confirm that this customer has not been previously submitted by another agency. Therefore, they will have lists of client names for each agency to control the protection of each client – in cases that have signed with an agency for a client, and then are forgotten and another agency is presented with the same client and the sale is made legally, will be obliged to pay the two agencies their full commissions (in total about 10%) – these cases must be avoided having everything well controlled.

Working with just one agency, the owner does not have to deal with the issue of customer protection – because all customers will go through this single agency. As we collaborate with the biggest and most professional agencies in Ibiza, through the Association of Real State Professionals called APIBIZA, as well as with international portals like Rightmove and Zoopla, the owner does not lose access to any potential clients.

Another very important benefit of having a single agency managing the sale of your property is the control over the marketing of the property. Like all products, in order to be able to sell at the best price and in a desired period of time, you have to create a marketing strategy customized to the product. As Product and Marketing Manager, I would be personally managing the commercialisation and marketing for your property. To begin with, we would offer your product through our internal networks to selected customers. Our exclusive product marketing service also includes a professional photo report, floor plans and a video drone of the interior and exterior of the property. Then we select some agencies and portals to publish the house in a uniform and controlled way – the worst thing that can happen to a product, is to be published on too many websites, without selectivity, and with disinformation – Serious customers are looking for Several sites and will quickly realize if a product appears everywhere, devaluing the product – in high ranges as their product, the exclusivity is a very important factor in the decision to purchase customers. When a product appears wildly and with erroneous information in the market, it does irreparable damage to its value.

Therefore, the control of each customer viewing with each "feedback" for a correct sales follow-up will be more effective when is analyzed in only one central point.

For the seller, having access to 100% of potential customers and at the same time receiving a personalized and exclusive service from a single agency, ensures that the sales process is a pleasant and comfortable experience at all times.

Blakstad architectural history: The Traditional Ibicencan Finca

The traditional "Casa Ibicenca" essentially conformed to a broad room [porxo] that has an entrance on one long wall and a succession of rooms opening off the other three walls. The porxo was used as a living room and work place. Little chairs were lined up against the walls and a table set on one side. If needed, the table was moved to the centre of the room and chairs set around it. This gave the room adaptability for various activities.
Windows in ancient Ibicencan houses were very small and did not contain glass. They were not used primarily for light, but for air; light, and warmth generally came from the south-facing front door. Here you could see farmwomen shelling almonds, embroidering or spinning wool. The farms themselves differed from those on the other Balearic Islands, in that they were generally smallholdings. Although these were self-sufficient, the families on them relied on the help of their neighbours for the olive harvest, or on matanza day.

These houses were built and rebuilt well into the mid-twentieth century, using the biblical ‘long cubit’ [approximately 52.5cm], a unit of measurement introduced along with the architecture by the Phoenicians. There is virtually no evidence of Hellenistic, Roman or Islamic influences of any importance in the basic design elements of a rural Ibicencan house.

The cultural invasion of the island has changed the agricultural-based economy to one of tourism, making continuity with the past next to impossible. Basically, it has rendered many traditions irrelevant today."

In 1956 Rolf Blakstad came to Ibiza from Canada and was so impressed by the city he found when arriving at the port that he barely left the island since then. The little houses in Dalt Vila, the people in the street, the nearness of the manners… As he himself said:

"The whole city, even the streets, had the informal air of a living room shared for everyone. We did not feel as foreigners"

Once Ibiza was established as his permanent residence, Blakstad started to study the rural houses and the traditional building techniques while he developed a deep respect and fondness for the Ibizan culture and its natural environment. It’s in Ibiza where he starts his work in the field of architecture, restoring rural houses and, lately building new ones inspired by the millenarian "casa payesa" (traditional Ibizan rural house). Soon, his sons became part of his projects and, nowadays, they are the ones that keep running the architecture studio in Ibiza.

Ibiza, November 2017

5 Romantic restaurants in Ibiza : Prestige Recommends

Ibiza, often hailed as the island of love, undoubtedly offers an enchanting setting that has all the ingredients for a romantic escape, making it an ideal destination for couples. If you’re seeking to surprise your partner with a magical evening, Prestige Properties has curated a list of five of the most romantic restaurants in Ibiza that will undoubtedly leave you both spellbound.

Although some of these charming establishments may close during the winter, fear not, as others such as Sa Capella, La Brasa, and Can Berri Vell provide the perfect ambiance for a romantic winter night.

La Brasa. For those seeking a romantic setting, this restaurant is an absolute classic. With a carefully chosen and varied menu boasting a huge emphasis on Mediterranean cuisine, you’ll find this lovely restaurant in the old quarter of Ibiza. Worth booking a table on the terrace even in winter, as its heaters always keep you warm. – Ibiza town

Can Berri Vell. Feel more ibicenco in Can Berri Vell. A place wrapped with tradition, charm and typical delicacies elaborated with innovative techniques. Do not forget the camera. We assure you that the first thing you want to do when you arrive is to immortalize the beauty of the place. – San Agustin

Restaurante Amante. Locked away in the stunning natural setting of Sol d’en Serra bay, Amante is another of those restaurants on the pricier side which deserves at least one visit, so as to enjoy that which surrounds it. Open during the winter and summer months, it’s the perfect restaurant to celebrate any occasion. – Cala Llonga

L’apéro. Exquisite cuisine, quality raw materials and the know-how of its owners make l’apéro one of the best restaurants in Ibiza. Exquisite French and market cuisine in an intimate restaurant where good taste and authenticity breathe as soon as you enter through the door. – Ibiza town

Sa Capella. Of all the restaurants on this list, Sa Capella is probably the most visually stunning for those who pass through its doors. The main dining area is found in the Romanesque chapel of St Agnes (XVIII Century). On it’s menu you’ll find meat, fish and vanguard dishes which do not disappoint. – San Antonio

Ibiza, September 2017

APIBIZA – Don’t be led astray, choose the safe way

In this blog we would like to introduce you to APIBIZA: a recently established Association of Real Estate Professionals in Ibiza, of which Prestige Properties is proud to be one of the founding members. The goal is to combat the increasing activity of so-called "real estate pirates" on the island and to minimise fraudulent, unprofessional and disappointing experiences amongst first-time buyers in Ibiza.

Trust only in real professionals

APIBIZA is the new Association of Real Estate Professionals made up of 20 PIMEEF (Association of small and medium business in Ibiza and Formentera) members doing realiable, long-game work in the field. APIBIZA real estate agencies have got the quality assurances to ensure a happy ending whatever the endeavour- buying, selling or renting property. Our mission is your peace of mind, so our accredited agents are here to work with you year-round, from dedicated offices and with minimum five years experience. Trust, credibility, honesty, legal savvy, commitment and dependability…these are the core values that each one of our members embodies and your guarantee for professionalism and security.

Ibiza’s most on-point team of real estate experts, at your service

APIBIZA services:

Personalised advice and legal compliance.
Counsel on land-use and legal aspects of every transaction.
Estate agents guaranteed to possess all required acceditation and professional insurance.
Not fully satisfied? We take client complaints very seriously.

What do you feel like doing today? Activities to enjoy Ibiza island

Discover Ibiza´s fantastic natural environment while working out your body or learning and practising a new, fun activity. It´s time for some fun in the sun!

Get some workout on the beach
The Workout Club Ibiza offers a great way to get started for the day. They offer personal training sessions of Yoga, Pilates and aerobic training on the beach either for yourself or in small groups. Their workout is based on the Russian kettlebell system and will help you to quickly get rid of unwanted body fat, give you strength and energy as well as lift your mood and motivation. Additionally, they provide coaching to give you advice on how and what to eat, strength and breathing principles and on how to lower stress levels.

Surfing without waves

Paddle Surf or Stand up surf is the new way to discover the Mediterranean sea these days. This sustainable activity will give you a completely new perspective of the Ibiza coastline. Paddle surf has become quite popular in the Mediterranean in recent years, as well as kite-surfing. But while you can practise kite-surf only on a windy day, paddle surf or SUP as the locals call it here, can be practised even during the hottest summer months, when the Mediterranean sea is usually as flat as a plate. It´s fantastic to work out your body, get a healthy tan, and at the same time you go on a trip around the little idyllic coves and bays this island has to offer. SUP boatibiza provide group excursions such as the "sunset surf" and individual training. Prices start at 45 €.

Diving in the Mediterranean sea
One of the best ways to get a closer look at the beauty of the Ibicencan underwater fauna and flore is by diving. Ibiza has some great natural underwater treasures, such as the Posidonia prairies, which are protected and were declared natural heritage in 1999. There are also differenty types of dolphins living around the island, which can be seen at any time of the year, especially in the southwestern part of Ibiza, around Es Vedra island. But also starfish, octopuses and flying fish are quite common around the island as well as different types of indigenous fish, which only live in the seas around Ibiza, such as the Rotja or the bigger Sirvia. There are various diving centres all along the Ibizan coast, such as Orca Sub Diving in Cala Taridaor Punta Dive in Cala Llonga and Port des Torrent.

Surfing the waves
And if you are really longing for some serious waves, Bam Bu Ku Ibiza located righton the beachfront in San Antonio Bay has the remedy. Their system of artificial waves called Flowrider allows you to surf like a Hawaïan native within an hour or so. The activity is a mix of surfing, skateboarding and wakeboarding with your exhaustion point being the only limit. Surf House Ibiza provides a personal instructor, who is monitoring at all times as well as all equipment. Children must be taller than 1,30 m to be able to practise this activity. Prices start at 20 € / hour for kids and 30 € / hour for adults. However, they also offer group and full day prices.

Ibiza, July 2017

Some of the advantages of renting a holiday villa in Ibiza