Apart-hotel homes on offer on the Costa del Sol

Purchasers with the winter blues could be tempted by Hooke & MacDonald's launch from plans at its Dublin offices of a new apart-hotel development at Mijas Golf on the Costa Del Sol. Mijas is an upmarket resort a few miles inland and with more character than the towns on the coast. One-bedroom up to three-bedroom apartments are planned at the El Marques scheme on a raised site beside the Byblios Hotel looking out on Mijas's two golf courses. Owners will have the use of the hotel facilities, including indoor and outdoor pools, Jacuzzi and fitness centre and a courtesy car will collect arriving visitors from Malaga airport 20 minutes drive away. Construction is under way at El Marques and completion is scheduled for spring, 2001. Prices for 500 sq ft to 600 sq ft one-bedroom units with sun terraces start at £150,000. This includes 7 per cent Spanish VAT and a furniture package valued at £20,000. Two-bedroom apartments from 900 sq ft to 1,000 sq ft with larger terraces start at £185,000 including £25,000 worth of furniture. Three-bedroom units of 1,100 sq ft to 1,500 sq ft are from £300,000 and are furnished to the value of £30,000.

The specification of the apartments, says the agent, are "unparalleled" and well above what an Irish owner will be accustomed to. Standard features will include marble floors, air-conditioning, a television and video in sittingrooms and bedrooms and a CD stereo system. Kitchens come equipped with all appliances and a full dining set. Bathrooms will have marble wall tiles, power showers and Jacuzzi baths in all main bedrooms.