How to live where you want while still investing

HOUSING affordability isn't a problem unique to Sydney and Melbourne.
The difference is Australians are probably more vocal about how unfair it is.
That's the view of property guru and investment expert Philippe Brach who said the great Australian dream didn't have to be a nightmare.
The author of Creating Property Wealth in Any Market said there was still money to be made in property even if the capitals were out of reach for many buyers.
The CEO of Multifocus Properties & Finance told news.com.au housing affordability was a huge issue in capitals such as Sydney and Melbourne.
"This is definitely a wider issue than we think," he said.
"Look at London and New York. Anywhere you have jobs means the dwellings are going to cost more.
"Sydney is ranked as among the most expensive capitals to buy and that may be true, but that also doesn't take into account things like stamp duty, and developers costs."
Mr Brach said Sydney had the lion's share of jobs in NSW which meant housing was always going to be in strong demand.
Victorians on the other hand had more regional hubs with localised jobs.
He said buying in Sydney wasn't impossible but buyers had to be prepared to make some sacrifices as most of the jobs in NSW were in Sydney.
"People commute from Wollongong or the Central Coast because most of the jobs are in Sydney," he said.

RENTVESTING
Mr Brach said people could still live their dream lifestyles and buy a home — it just might not be where they want to live.
"Reinvesting has its advantages," he said.
"You can still get onto the property market and will save for a lower deposit faster."
Mr Brach said buying in Bondi, in Sydney's east, was not an option for many people with a house costing an easy $2 million.
The rental repayments compared to mortgage repayments were easily a third less.
"That's a lot of extra money you could put towards a deposit or pay off a mortgage faster elsewhere," he said.
Investors also had good returns with good growth and rental returns in areas outside of Sydney.
Mr Brach said the obvious disadvantage was that people felt less secure renting somewhere themselves.
"You're basically at the mercy of your landlord," he said.
Long-term leases were a good option for renters who could secure them but he said they aren't common.

COMMUTING
People could also buy outside the capitals for a much more affordable price, but had to be prepared to travel.
Housing was much cheaper, but Mr Brach said the obvious disadvantage was people would spend more time driving or sitting on a train.
"Moving further out is a reality and houses in Wollongong and the Central Coast are still affordable," Mr Brach said.
"You can be at work in over an hour and if a high speed rail link is built your property will go up."

BUYING TOGETHER
Those who absolutely wanted to buy their Bondi Beach home could also buy with a friend, couple or even a family, Mr Brach said.
While complicated it didn't have to be impossible and sharing a home was a good way of splitting the associated costs.

FLIPPING
People looking at saving quickly or selling an investment for a profit could also consider flipping, but Mr Brach warned this was often risky.
Flipping is when a home is purchased, renovated and resold for profit in a short time.
He said this high reward option should be used only by those who know exactly what they're doing.
"TV shows make it look easy but the reality is costs always blow out," he said.
"If you do this make sure you have a savings buffer."
This profit could be used to go towards a house in an area where you want to live for example.
Mr Brach said even seasoned investors were reluctant to do this and developers and builders often reaped the best rewards from this method.

Experiencing the superyacht lifestyle in Barbados

The warm culture of Barbados offers a perfect starting point for your Caribbean season. Elizabeth Finney finds out how superyacht level concierge can be expertly blended with an authentic Barbados experience

Floating in warm glassy Bajan waters, a turtle glides elegantly below, peering serenely at the pairs of goggles and snorkels watching from the surface before spiralling to catch a snack towards the seabed. It's idyllic, the golden rays glancing off the surrounding silk-like waves, but the experience doesn't end here. Seconds after speeding back to the villa's private beach I'm sitting up on the lofty stone-walled annex patio watching one of the best Caribbean sunsets I've ever seen, an icy mango cocktail in hand that was presented to me as I climbed the stone steps up from Cove Beach.

The Blue Sky Luxury (BSL) Crystal Springs villa sprawls across 1,114 square metres of land, its five buildings intermingle with the surrounding verdant trees that envelop the ten en-suite bedrooms for up to 20 guests. Mango trees reach towards the sky while monkeys chatter on the rooftops. A gully path overflowing with tropical plants unravels below, leading to the soft golden beach, which is easily accessible by tender and is one of the best beaches in the Caribbean.

Each morning, I rise with the light that floods my poolside room. One day I stroll to the beach for a yoga session, where the pale sunshine bathes the bay while the rolling waves send a welcome breeze up the beach. On another, I opt for a sunrise meditation class serenaded by native birds. For a more invigorating start to the day, I conquer turquoise surfs atop a paddleboard, in spite of my lack of upper arm strength, it is the perfect exhilarating activity to work up an appetite before breakfast.

There are a myriad of activities to do in Barbados. Sportier guests can take advantage of the Apes Hill Club, offering polo, golf and tennis. With an 18-hole par-72 championship course to play with at the heart of Barbados' lush green forests, keen golfers will remain well entertained while others can opt for a polo lesson at the on-site school. These elegant ponies are ludicrously well trained, moving with the mildest commands. Sitting atop the sleek chestnut Furia, I canter around the paddock, letting my mallet pendulum towards — and past — the ball on the ground by her hooves. By the end of the session I've hit the ball a few times and while I won't be giving the professionals a run for their money any time soon, it made for a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon.

From my private beachfront yoga lesson at 6am to the candlelit saxophone concert on the gazebo terrace in the evening, this is everything I would expect of a bespoke vacation. It's a well-balanced cocktail of adrenaline-pumping pursuits, relaxing pastimes and exquisite cuisine. The concierge team at BSL has an uncanny knack for taking experiences to the next level — because what would a ‘spontaneous' trip up to the Cherry Tree Hill east coast vantage point be without sweet blue snow cones to enjoy with the extraordinary view?

Like on board a luxury yacht, every whim can be catered for. While I opt for a massage in the secluded teahouse at Crystal Springs after a few rounds atop the property's speedboat inflatables in the bay, guests can explore the island by submarine, go off-roading on an adventure safari, try scuba diving and spearfishing or go horse riding in the moonlight. While the service forms one reason for the myriad of repeat visitors, the Bajan people are also a huge factor. "By nature Bajans are friendly and caring, warm and welcoming, making every interaction and experience memorable," says Betty Cathrow, BSL marketing manager. "Many of our repeat visitors forge lifelong friendships with locals and other repeat visitors, which are renewed each year when they meet on the island."

Of course, it's not solely active pursuits. While Barbados is a pinnacle of the Caribbean lifestyle, it's a stunning island with its own fascinating culture. Rum connoisseurs can request a private tour of St Nicholas Abbey, a converted sugar plantation with 350 years of history in its colonially styled walls. Having watched heavy iron wheels crush huge branches of sugarcane between their teeth, I could taste the effort that went into producing the range of golden tipples, now bottled in the main house. Using only traditional methods, the St Nicholas Abbey rum is distilled through a vast copper pot still named ‘Annabelle'. Sipping a rum punch on the patio surrounded by swathes of shining green rainforest, which is alive with birdsong and chattering animals on the forest far below, I feel the clock slow down, allowing me to bask in this perfect setting.

Still curious about the island's history, I return to the villa to meet with Dr Karl Watson, university lecturer and local historian, for afternoon tea. While tucking into exquisite finger sandwiches and sipping Earl Grey he tells me about the Bajan timeline, from the initial British settlements in the early 1600s to the Sugar Revolution, which demanded the ‘imported manpower' of thousands of Britons and Africans either as slaves or as indentured servants. "Our history has been a bitter sweet history," Watson explains. "It's been a history of oppression and of slavery, so you have that tragedy of the past. A lot of young Barbadians did not want to engage in the sugar industry and from the 1960s tourism developed, which opened avenues. But sugar made Barbados what it is and the imprint of it is still very strong here."

British couple raffling Cyprus villa, some of proceeds to go to charity

A British couple from Somerset in England is offering their Paphos villa as a prize in a raffle with 10 per cent of hoped-for receipts going to three different charities in the UK.

Villa owner Joseph Moretti said that for  £2 a ticket, entrants only have to answer a question online for a chance to win.

He and his wife Fi, want to raise £40,000 to support three charity causes; the RSPCA, the National Autistic Society and Freddy's Fight for Life, a charity established to help a four-year-old. The couple wants to help raise the £100,000 needed for the child's surgery in the US to remove a fibroma from his heart, according to the Somersetlive website.

On the website, Moretti said they couple had bought the Paphos villa in 2012 and have spent every summer on the island since. "We are reluctantly parting with it as we need to realise the funds for a new venture," they say on the website.

"Instead of selling it the traditional way, we thought we would do something a bit different, and allow anyone the opportunity to own their own property in this beautiful country – whilst helping some worthy causes in the process, Moretti told Somersetlive.

He also says on the raffle website that they had chosen this method of marketing for three reasons:

the timescales involved in marketing a property abroad, the opportunity to raise additional funds for good causes and "to give anyone a serious chance of owning a villa in Cyprus!! The odds are far better than the National Lottery."

The raffle is open until February 1, 2018 but will be moved forward if they have not met their target of £40,000 goal. They hope to sell 200,000 tickets to cover the value of the property and all associated purchase costs, such as stamp duty, land registry tax, purchaser's legal fees,  and to complete any last minute jobs to ensure the house "is as perfect as possible for the next owner".

No more than 200,000 tickets will be sold and the raffle will be closed at that point, according to the terms and conditions.

If the maximum number of paid entries to the Competition is not reached by the closing date, the proceeds will either be deemed sufficient to award the villa as a prize at the discretion of the promotors, or the remaining funds will be allocated as a cash prize to a winner after the deduction of any expenses plus a charitable donation of 10 per cent of funds raised.

The winner of this Competition will be chosen at random by software, from all valid entries received and verified by the promoters, and in the presence of independent witnesses and a solicitor.

The villa in the Paphos village of Kathikas is described as having three double bedrooms, three bathrooms and an open plan ground floor and a pool.

According to Somersetlive, Moretti assures the raffle is legitimate after securing legal advice.

In Cyprus, licences to raise money for charities is the responsibility of the interior ministry. However, this raffle is organised in the UK so it's not completely clear what the implications would be in Cyprus in this particular case if someone on the island won the raffle.

Leading real estate agent Antonis Loizou told the Cyprus Mail it is not possible to raffle a house in Cyprus if the raffle was being set up in Cyprus, as a licence would not be given out. He said one person had tried it before – there was a case in 2015 – and he was simply not given a licence to do it.

Loizou said that since raffling houses is relatively new phenomenon there is not a lot of expertise on the ins and outs. "It's a grey area," he said.  "No one has touched it yet."

In this case, he said the raffle is being organised in the UK under British law so he did not see implications if someone in Cyprus won the villa. "I imagine it would be ok," he said, adding that the transfer of property would probably be made as usual at the land registry as in any property transaction as long as the required fees were paid.

Meet Abu Dhabi’s exclusive luxe community on Nurai Island

Nurai Island, Abu Dhabi, is a 10-minute boat ride from an air-conditioned jetty house on Saadiyat Island. As we board and speed away, past the mangroves, all thoughts of the bustle of the city melt away. Rounding a corner, we catch our first glimpse of the private, beachfront estates and water villas of Zaya Nurai Island, and could be forgiven for thinking that we've been transported to a luxury resort in the Seychelles.

This is Abu Dhabi's most exclusive address: all 23 residential, waterfront villas – each costing upwards of Dh20 million – on the 4.3-million-square-foot island have been sold. Nurai Island's master plan includes 32 luxury boutique retreats for hotel guests, a spa, restaurants, a marina, a non-motorised water sports centre, a yoga studio, a gymnasium, a tennis court, a helipad and more.

The resort and living environment have been designed for a community of successful, discerning individuals who want somewhere they can really relax, explains Nadia Zaal, the chief executive and co-founder of Zaya Retreats. "The wives had been saying: ‘We keep having to cancel our holidays.' So wouldn't it be amazing to give them a holiday environment, closer to home, which they could use more often?"

Just 20 minutes from Abu Dhabi, or an hour from Downtown Dubai, the island getaway was envisaged as the perfect antidote to city life – without international flights and extensive travel.

Each of the island's private residences sits on a generous plot – up to 65,000 square feet – and has uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf, not to mention the occasional dolphin.

Nadia has worked on the island's development since its acquisition in 2008, and explains that they wanted to create a "virgin island; the rationale behind the design was that you felt like it was integrated into the landscape and wasn't harsh on the eye".

Curved, eco-friendly "grass" roofing seamlessly joins banks of planted grasses to pull the estate villas into the island topography. Planting is still in progress, but this has already bedded the architecture to the land, creating an aspect that is both natural and enticing.

The island's only hotel, Zaya Nurai Island by Zaya Retreats, is due to open in the fourth quarter of this year, and will provide the island's residents with full concierge services, housekeeping, maintenance, security and catering. When a new homeowner queried what he needed to bring for his first trip, Nadia responded: "Just bring your clothes, that's it; everything else is taken care of." There are no cars on the island – residents can arrive either by a regular or on-demand speedboat service; there's also provision for private yacht mooring. On-land transport is strictly by buggy only.

To create a destination that's beautiful, functional and unique, and a location where people can "disconnect in order to reconnect with what's important", Nadia sought those who could respond on an emotional level to the vision that they had for Zaya Nurai Island. She decided to "take a chance", not with an architect, but with a product designer – Drow of Drow Studio – as she felt an immediate rapport with the young designer and his ability to think differently. Drow worked on developing the concepts for Nurai's architecture, creating the desired "virgin-island" homes, with buildings melded into the landscape.

Drow joined forces with AW2, the Paris-based architects responsible for a number of award-winning resort projects including The Nam Hai in Vietnam. The results speak for themselves.

No two homes are the same, as owners select various permutations and functions for their rooms, as well as the hard finishes for their properties.

We visit an estate villa, where Nadia's mother, Lesley Zaal, an interior designer and the founder of Etcetera Living, is putting the final touches to the interiors and pool area of the property. The owner and his family are due to arrive shortly to view their new home.

Before the commencement of the project, a lot of research was done on how light influences mood and performance, and the estate villa's design optimises its naturally light-filled spaces. This forms a fundamental aspect of the philosophy of the architectural design of Nurai, which takes its name from the Arabic word nur, meaning "light".

The entrance to the villa is ­dramatic, with the pool, beach and sea immediately in sight. "People just can't believe the colour of the sea here," says Lesley, who has selected the exact shade of the extraordinary turquoise-blue of the sea around the mangroves for outdoor cushions at the pool and deck area.

The colour palette for the dining, living and pool areas is reflective of the colours of nature and the local landscape, in line with the island's design ethos. The project team discovered that the ancient Greeks also believed that referencing nature in their design environment made them calmer.

All the indoor seating areas of the living and dining room are covered in outdoor fabric by the American company Perennials, in recognition of its immediate proximity to the beach and pool and the challenges that brings to luxury furnishings. "You want it to look a million dollars and yet still want it to be hard wearing," explains Lesley. "I have been using these fabrics for projects for the past six years and they are all ­incredible; you can take them outside, hose them down and they will still retain a high-end interior look."

Another nod to the inside-out function of the downstairs areas is a non-slip coating applied to the opulent marble flooring to allow for children with wet and sandy feet to run straight in from the beach. All walls are white and glow with reflected light, as mirrors at each end of the room bounce reflections and illumination inward.

Aside from the extraordinary sea views, the focal point of the room has to be the large glass-and-silver-metal chandelier with hanging, crystal-like "icicles", which is by the Portuguese lighting company Serip. The structure is also evocative of the coral motif picked up in the napkins set out on the dining table. The distinct gold wall disc lights, as well as the large leaf lighting piece hung on the opposite wall of the room, are also from Serip, and all are distinctive pieces of art in their own rights. A number of the villa's large canvases were commissioned by Lesley from a Vietnamese art studio.

The master suite on the first floor is the designer's favourite room, especially for its silver-and-black wallpaper, which is from a new range by Zinc Textile. "When I opened the book, I had goosebumps – I just had to have it," enthuses Lesley, who also used Zinc Textile fabric alongside Armani for the room, a key inspiration for the design interior.

Floor-to-ceiling windows open out across the width of the room to the glass-fronted balcony to give unobstructed views of the sea and allow light to flood the dramatic interior.

But if there's one room in the home where magic and whimsy are allowed to reign, it's the suite dedicated to the five young daughters of the family. Lesley worked to a design brief of "pink" and has created a room for "sugar and spice and all things nice", with matching beds and butterflies. The centre point for the room is a rug made from New Zealand wool, which incorporates the girls' names, written in pink.

Nurai Island's villas were marketed with the view that they would be a convenient holiday and weekend location for owners. Yet, already, two families are considering making Nurai their full-time place of ­residence.

"Originally, they were looking at it only for weekends," reflects Nadia, "but now they have seen the end product, they are thinking of living here."

It's not hard to understand why. Where else could you be in the centre of a world-class, international city and all its attractions, then travel to your island retreat, all within the space of 20 minutes?

A tale of two villas, and a headache, on Abu Dhabi’s Nurai Island

He spends two thirds of the week in the Dubai villa in Al Barari and the remainder on Nurai, a tiny island off the coast of Saadiyat Island only accessible by boat or helicopter. The island has been developed as a 32-villa ultra-luxury boutique retreat, where the owner has a six-bedroom beachfront estate and a four-bedroom water villa.

The 18,700-square-foot, six-bedroom mansion is set in 38,000 sq ft of private grounds and on the market through Gulf Sotheby's for about Dh50 million. Showing us around, the owner says: "Sometimes I sit on the chair here and just look at the sea for hours. I love to be here because it is so peaceful.

At the moment, the island is full but you see nobody. You can see dolphins, turtles and all sorts of fish but you hear nothing."

The glass-fronted villa is dominated by views of the sea, the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Abu Dhabi Corniche in the distance.

A large open-plan living space is divided into split levels and opens on to a terrace and swimming pool area and then down to a private beach. There is also a gym, spa and sauna and the owner has plans to convert other rooms into a cinema.

The property owner then calls a golf buggy to transport us to the second Nurai abode, a slightly smaller 10,000-sq-ft, open-plan, four-bedroom villa perched on the edge of the bay. With a roof terrace and its own pool and Jacuzzi overlooking the ocean, it has private access to the sea and is on the market through Gulf Sotheby's for Dh21.5m.

"When I first invested in Nurai, I bought this villa, I preferred the simplicity to the big estate villas," the owner says. "Now I don't know. I want to sell one so I can retire."

Q&A: Ian Kirkby, director of luxury sales of Gulf Sotheby's International Realty, tells Lucy Barnard more about the Zaya Nurai Island villas it is marketing:

How easy is it to get to Nurai Island?

Very easy. Boats run from Saadiyat Island on the hour each hour during the day and take just 10 minutes. The island is also accessible by helicopter.

Does anyone actually live in the island full time?

My understanding is that one family lives in it full time.

How much interest have you had in these villas?

Interest has been significant. We have had a number of people looking at the villas as private homes, but there are also investors out there interested in buying them to lease out to the hotel on the island.

What sort of people can afford to buy on an island like this at the moment?

Any high net worth individual really. We've had most nationalities buying there, including GCC nationals, Europeans, Indians and Africans.

Isn't Abu Dhabi's villa market suffering a correction at the moment?

The Abu Dhabi property market has not been hit quite as badly as Dubai because there is a limited amount of stock in the city, which keeps prices a bit more stable. Yes, we have seen falls in the overall Abu Dhabi market. However, this sort of super-luxury stock has not been affected. The people buying this sort of villa don't look at the market, they just look for the best quality. They are usually buying their second or third home.

Koh Samui’s most romantic pool villas

You might remember the tropical Thai island of Koh Samui from its bygone bohemian days, when it was a mecca for backpackers in search of the fabled beach that inspired Alex Garland's cult novel The Beach.

But visitors to Koh Samui's shores will find the island much changed since then – barefoot beach shacks have given way to uber-luxe hotels, an upscale culinary scene and seriously sumptuous spas. With a host of luxury resorts offering palatial pool villas alongside scenery that's still as seductive as ever, the island now attracts an influx of well-heeled honeymooners and couples in pursuit of stylish escapism.

From boutique jungle boltholes to heavenly hilltop hideaways, here's our pick of the islands most tempting retreats for two.

Sala Samui

Sleek, stylish and oh-so-chic, Sala's signature pool villas offer inpidual pools set in their own private courtyard, sinky-soft beds and indulgent al-fresco bathrooms – complete with oversized freestanding tub and outdoor rain shower. Though you may never want to leave your room, a first-rate restaurant, two full-size swimming pools and the sands of Choengmon beach are just steps away.

Six Senses Samui

Set on a secluded headland on the island's north-east coast, this rustic-luxe resort is made up of seductive sea-facing pavilions nestled among the rainforest. Pool villas here boast floor-to-ceiling windows, a sunken bath, private pool and deck for total privacy in an intimate jungle setting.

Silavadee

Overlooking the silver sands and stunning rock formations of Laem Nan Beach on Samui's south-east coast, Silavadee's ocean-front pool villas offer guests inpidual infinity-edged pools, cavernous stone bathtubs, romantic mosquito-net draped beds and all-encompassing ocean views. Hashtag yes please.

Kamalaya

Located on Samui's unspoilt southern coast, wellness-focused Kamalaya is the ideal destination for couples looking to relax and rejuvenate together – with on-site yoga teachers, wellness centre and detox menu. Opt for a beachfront pool villa to enjoy both the remote rainforest setting and soothing sounds of the waves below.

Sensimar Koh Samui

For couples after tranquillity, Sensimar's adults-only policy means a stay free from any unwelcome interruptions (read: screaming kids). Beachfront villas boast private pools and lounging areas, with views out over the silky sands of Mae Nam Beach. Located on the island's north coast, you're just a 10-minute drive from the popular Fisherman's village and its tantalising array of restaurants and bars.

A luxury holiday to Lanzarote, courtesy of Optima Villas

THIS COMPETITION HAS NOW CLOSED

If you're dreaming of days spent soaking up the sun and evenings exploring a beautiful island, then you'll want to enter our competition to win a holiday to Lanzarote.

Together with holiday lettings company Optima Villas, we're offering one lucky winner the chance to enjoy a seven-night break in the breathtaking Villa Luna for up to six guests.

You and your guests will stay in the three-bedroom, three-bathroom villa, just a short walk from the centre of Playa Blanca. Whether you're firing up the barbecue or just relaxing on the terrace, you'll be impressed by this sun-kissed villa.

On top of this, you'll receive up to £500 off the cost of flights from the UK to Lanzarote. The villa is available to enjoy from 27 May until 3 June 2017.

For your chance to win a holiday to this glorious Canary Island, submit your details in the form below before 30 April 2017.

Abu Dhabi villa prices fall 9%

Average apartment sales prices in Abu Dhabi fell by one per cent in Q1 2017 while villa prices dropped by nine per cent amid public and private sector downsizing, according to property agency Chestertons Mena.

"Sales prices are expected to further decline due to redundancies attributed to the shrinkage of the oil and gas sector. We believe the trend of downsizing or moving to more affordable areas will continue until 2018, when an expected increase in government spending could improve market sentiment," said Robin Teh, UAE country manager and director of valuations and advisory UAE, Chestertons Mena.

On average, villa sales prices fell by nine per cent in the first three months of the year. Al Ghadeer, Al Reef and Khalifa City witnessed the largest percentage drop resulting in prices falling to Dh915 per sqft, Dh897 per sqft and Dh747 per sqft respectively. Al Raha Gardens also witnessed a sales decrease, although less severe, of just under six per cent to Dh931 per sqft.

Apartment sales prices, on average, declined by one per cent in the first quarter of the year. Areas bucking the trend included Al Reef Downtown, which saw an increase of one per cent to Dh948 per sqft, Al Reem Island remained flat at Dh1,362 per sqft. Al Gadeer witnessed a three per cent decrease to Dh1,009 per sqft, while Al Raha Beach fared slightly better with a decline of just under one per cent to Dh1,601 per sqft.

Ivana Gazivoda Vucinic, head of advisory and research, Chestertons Mena, said: "Sales figures, particularly in the villa market, have been sliding gradually since Q4 2014. Housing benefit packages have been impacted by cost-cutting moves in many companies which may have had a knock-on effect on the villa market. "Sales prices are likely to continue to ease throughout the remainder of 2017 and into 2018, however we do expect the market to rebound with reinvigorated activity." Apartment rents declined by an average of three per cent in Q1 compared to the previous quarter, Al Raha Beach witnessed no change, while Al Ghadeer fell on average by one per cent. Al Reef Downtown fell by an average of six per cent and Al Reem by 4.5 per cent.

"Apartment rents have declined across the board as the trend for more affordable accommodation continues. A two-bedroom apartment in Al Raha Beach is now available for Dh155,000 annually; while in Al Reef Downtown and Al Reem Island, prices for a two-bedroom start at Dh92,000 and Dh125,000 respectively," added Gazivoda Vucinic. Similar to the apartment rental market, villas also witnessed softening across the board by three per cent. Villas in Al Reef, Al Raha Gardens and Khalifa City saw rental decreases of between one per cent and seven per cent.

According to Gazivoda Vucinic, new supply will hinder the market further. "An additional 4,000 apartments and villas by the end of 2017 will add further pressure to the rental market in Abu Dhabi."

Tuscan villas, Galway food and island escapes

NEWS To Tuscany
For families looking for. The collection of villas and apartments have lovingly been renovated from their former use as a traditional Tuscan farm, with dining areas, an outside terrace and private pool with a shallow end for little ones. Feast on the best of Italian cuisine, explore the nearby hilltop towns or relax with an in-room treatment.

Basket Case
Picnics are making a culinary comeback thanks to a new initiative by Galway Food Tours and McCambridges. The Galwegian food heroes have launched a gourmet picnic hamper packed full of fine Irish fare starting at €48 each. Each basket comes with a detailed map with all the best al fresco dining spots in the city and adult colouring books, just for fun.

Street Style
Britain's prettiest streets have been revealed via a survey conducted by National Express. The Shambles, York's famous 14th-century market road, took the coveted hot spot, with the Royal Mile in Edinburgh's old town and the Circus in Bath taking second and third place respectively.

CHECK IN  Island Escapes
St Lucia: GoHop is offering an adventure in the East Caribbean island for 10 nights from €2,999 per person including return flights, taxes, accommodation, one checked bag per person and return transfers.

Slumber Party
Kilkenny's four-star Hibernian Hotel has launched a new package perfect for hen parties or friends in need of some quality time. Check in to the hotel on a Friday night for a Suite Sleepover with sweet treats on arrival and a host of Netflix movies at your fingertips. Enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast the next morning before exploring the cobbled streets and shopping hot spots before returning to dinner and cocktails in Harper's Restaurant that evening. Finish your stay with a night on the tiles complete with a specially reserved VIP area in Morrisson's Late Bar and a bottle of bubbles.

Ibiza remains jewel in clubbing kingdom - but its high-end villas and spas mean it's top of A-list too

If five star luxury is what you're after, Ibiza is the place to go.

Of course it's home to the world's best clubs, but there's much more to it than that if you want to truly spoil yourself.

For a start, there's the truly astounding Hacienda Na Xamena, a hotel tucked away on a clifftop in a quiet corner of the island which few people even know about, let alone have explored.

You can stay there of course, but we were sticking with our usual plan of our own villa, so we dropped by to spend a day of luxury in the legendary spa, La Posidonia by SkinCeuticals.

From the moment you arrive in this stunning hotel, which in the Balearic style blends the rustic and the modern beautifully, there's a sense of entering a different world.

We had opted for the famed Cascadas Suspendidas treatment, in which you make your way through a series of thalassotherapy pools heated at different temperatures which provide high pressure hydro jet massages starting from the soles of your feet and finishing with your head.

The key to the magic is the location - perched on the edge off the clifftop 180m above the Med, with simply spellbinding views.

This is followed by relaxing on the recessed wooden beds until you are summoned for your Pica Pica, or healthy tapas.

Whether you're ending a holiday of mayhem with an unwinding afternoon, or starting your break in style, this is the place to do it.

It's worth staying for dinner too as the food is sublime - and if you want to spoil yourself, splash out on an overnight stay, you won't regret it.

You're likely to bump into serious stars too, from Premiership and International football stars to Hollywood royalty.

The other way to do that is take to the seas, which is achievable on a much more modest budget than you might think thanks to companies like the brilliant Ibiza Speedboats.

They cater to all sorts of massive stars, but your own day of superstar treatment is surprisingly affordable.

They have different boats for different parties and budgets, and you can have a half day or whole day, or sunset cruise - whatever you want, these guys are there to help. Prices start from just 500 Euro for up to 10 people.

Martin and Pabs are real Ibiza faces - they've helped with the shooting of numerous TV shows on the island - and the perfect skippers for your ocean adventure.

Our morning was spent zooming around the coast, mooring off the legendary Es vedra - sadly almost goatless now - and then Atlantis.

We were showed a secret diving pool in a cave, and taken cliff diving in a truly terrifying moment I'm in no hurry to repeat.

Then of course there was chill time at a deserted beach and a cruise along the beautiful coastline from a unique perspective.

There's no attitude on board, which is why stars like Myleene Klaas and Rita Ora come back to these guys again and again - as will you.

It's all about having fun and relaxing, and Martin and Pabs make sure everyone does both.

Overall, it's an absolute must, and if you want to see this glorious island from the sea, Ibiza Speedboats are the winning option every time.

The ultimate in luxury tourism comes with a private villa, an absolute must and again, often cheaper than you might think.

We opted for the beautiful Villa Bellavista in Can Furnet near Ibiza Town, perfectly located close to the action but in your own little world.

Private, secluded and traditional yet modern, this villa is an absolute bargain and we WILL be back.

Villa prices can be ludicrous, so this level of quality at this price - starting at just 1500 Euro a week - is unbelievable.

Private pool, BBQ, garden, lots of room, parking - it's got the lot and we fell in love with it.

If you miss out on it, there's something for every budget at Chic Villas, so check them out.

8 reasons why Pattaya's new beach villas are a glorious escape from reality

If you're anything like us (and we like to think you are) then you're always on the lookout for a new destination that fulfills your deep, primal urge to sit back and chill the *bleep* out.

We totally get it – Bangkok life is exhausting and we all need to press the proverbial escape button every once in a while. Or maybe every chance we get…

X2, the boutique hotelier behind some of Thailand's chicest resorts, practically read our mind with their latest project. X2 (pronounced Cross To) is finally offering resort living all year round with the X2 Pattaya Oceanphere. Opening in 2018, the community of 59 single and 2-story villas is just 500 meters from a tranquil stretch of Na Jomtien Beach. Hey, anyone need a roommate?

Not only does the covetable vacation spot tick all the boxes, it basically blows those boxes out of the warm, tropical water.  And that's exactly why you need to know about it now, before anyone else. Because whether you're looking to live, vacation or invest in X2 Pattaya Oceanphere, you really can't go wrong. These villas are a magnificent escape from reality. Here's why.

Your view will be a 360-degree panoramic seascape.

Picture this: you're lounging by the pool in your own private villa and you lazily wander up the stairs to the second story balcony to gaze out the window. What do you see? A stunning 360-degree view of the warm waters of the Gulf of Thailand, white sand and shady trees. A few kids laughing and building a sandcastle, parents and couples snapping pictures by the sunset. Why, is that a dolphin in the distance? Maybe!

The X2 Pattaya Oceanphere is situated on a picturesque, private plot of land on Na Jomtien Beach. Your front yard will feature a panoramic view of the sea and the evening views will be unforgettable. You can look forward to a spectacular, blazing sunset view everyday.

You'll have access to the facilities and services of a 5 star resort.

Over the last 5 years, X2 has expanded to include 10 properties. One reason why people are so in love with X2's resorts is the 5 star service and amazing facilities. And X2 Pattaya Oceanphere is no different.

The community Clubhouse is the perfect hangout to take in the view or grab a drink between leisurely laps in the rooftop pool. Indulge your mind, body and soul in refreshing treatments at Yan Spa by X2 Resorts. The spa will be even more relaxing if you challenge yourself first. Work off those sunset cocktails at the X2 Fitness Center with state-of-the-art gym equipment including cardiovascular and weight training machines.

Their signature on-site restaurant, 4K will serve up delicious Asian fusion dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There's also a 24-hour Reception desk and Housekeeping Center to serve all your needs and a peaceful Library where anyone in the community can read, work or just chill. Basically, everything's designed to cater to your needs.

Your villa will be luxurious by design.

You can sum up the X2 design philosophy as "luxury by design". Each single story, one-bedroom unit and 2 story, 2-bedroom unit is designed with functionality, sustainability and modernity in mind. The style is a simple blend of contemporary minimalism and tropical vibes that combine to satisfy the spirit and make a very comfy home. Everything from the furniture, to the kitchen appliances, to the bathroom fixtures is top quality.

You will be surrounded by creative, glamorous people.

When you own a villa at X2 Pattaya Oceanphere you become a part of the X2 community. And you'll soon find that with its boutique feel and unique design, X2 attracts a certain type of clientele. They're sophisticated but approachable, professional but love to have fun. They value ingenuity in design. They're often from industries such as fashion, tech and online media. There's a wonderful diversity among X2 clientele, which means you get to rub shoulders with some of Thailand's most interesting people, the modern, jet-set generation of Southeast Asia.

You'll go on a free X2 yacht trip valued at THB80,000.

Here you're not just part of the club, you're welcomed with open arms into the family.  That means going on a fabulous yacht trip, totally free of charge. The complimentary yacht trip is an all day excursion to the islands off the coast of Pattaya. Lounge onboard, sip some champagne or jump off the yacht and swim in the warm water. Life is yours! We can almost feel the salty spray of the waves and the warmth of the sun.

All the best things about Pattaya city are just a short drive away.

X2 is both tranquil and convenient. The community is positioned midway along the 9 kilometer stretch of Jomtien Bay and is just 15 minutes south of the vibrant hub of Pattaya City, Bangkok's beachy backyard.

People in the know are now flocking to spend their holidays in Pattaya. Maybe it's because it's just over an hour's drive from Bangkok, or maybe it's because there is a new wave of chic restaurants, boutique hotels, brunch spots and shopping centers that are making Pattaya very attractive for holiday seekers from Bangkok and beyond. And those who are really in the know? Well, they're buying up all the most beautiful beachfront property.

Your investment will absolutely pay off.

If you're interested in owning an X2 vacation home as an investment, first of all, congratulations! Second of all, smart move. Purchase a villa at X2 Pattaya Oceanphere on a freehold basis, with an optional rental management program run by X2 Resorts. The investor rental program guarantees a rental income of 7% for 5 years.

That means a high-yield return for investors, and a guarantee that the 5-star services and top quality facilities will be maintained. In case you need more convincing, X2 projects are members of international property groups "Tablet Hotels", "Kiwi Collection" and "Best of Boutique," providing further assurance that international property owners recognize X2 as a true high-quality investment.

You'll suddenly be the proud owner of holiday homes around the world.

Ready to get even more exclusive? As an X2 owner you automatically join X2 Owners' Club! That means you're entitled to swap holiday time at other X2 resorts in exotic destinations around the world. It's a gift that just keeps giving as the X2 brand just keeps growing and opening new properties all around the globe.

Want to see more? We thought so! Click here for more information about X2 Pattaya Oceanphere and how to own your own little slice of heaven on the beach.

St. Barth’s New Luxe Boutique Hotel

There's a major new luxury hotel on tiny St. Barth: Villa Marie.

The self styled "tropical chic" five-star property is the brainchild of the Sibuet family, whose Maisons and Hotels Sibuet label is on a host of hotels in the Alps (like Les Fermes de Marie in Megeve and Altapura in Val Thorens) and the South of France (Villa Marie Saint Tropez and La Bastide de Marie in Provence).

And their first Caribbean hotel is a stunner, with 18 unique, colorful villas and bungalows, a lush tropical garden and a "Pure Altitude" Spa that's a signature of all Sibuet hotels.

The restaurant gets its name from the Francois Plantation that once sat on the site of the Villa Marie, serving classic St. Barth South of France-meets-the-West-Indies fare led by Chef Emmanuel Motte.

And then there's the bar, with an emphasis on rums from around the Caribbean and Cuban cigars.

In other words, your kind of hotel.