London City More than Doubles Winter Flights to Spain’s Balearics

PALMA DE MALLORCA, Spain - April 25, 2013 - PRLog -- Having debuted regular flights from London City Airport to both Ibiza and Mallorca in winter 2012/13, British Airways CityFlyer has enjoyed such success that it’s more than doubling its service for winter 2013/14.  Balearic agent Sotheby’s International Realty is delighted with the vote of confidence.

Managing Director of Balearics Sotheby’s International Realty, Daniel Chavarria Waschke, says, “In winter 2011/12 British Airways did not operate one single flight direct from the UK to the Balearics, but for winter 2012/13 they made the brave decision to extend their twice weekly flights throughout the season.  The decision seems to have paid off as the flights have proved so popular that next winter, from 27 October, two flights a week will become five for Ibiza and four for Mallorca.  British Airways is currently the only airline offering direct flights from the UK to Ibiza during the winter months – perhaps others will follow suit.”

London City Airport’s Docklands location has great appeal to the Balearics’ affluent target audience due to its proximity to the City’s financial district, smart central London addresses and wealthy suburban areas.  With a unique minimum check-in time of 15 minutes for hand baggage passengers and as little as 20 minutes for hold baggage (free up to 23kg with BA), holiday home owners and mini breakers can make it from London to sunshine in just over two and a half hours – little wonder the seats have been snapped up.

Luke Hayhoe, BA’s General Manager Commercial, London City, said,  “We decided to extend our new routes to Ibiza and Mallorca through the winter last year because our customers wanted to get there all year round.  The flights were so busy all winter that we have decided to add even more capacity and frequency for this year.”

Off season Ibiza and Mallorca have just as much to offer travellers as in the summer months.  Daniel continues, “Mallorca is particularly known for its golf, hosting 24 of the archipelago’s 26 golf courses, and the climate allows for year-round play, usually without having to book far in advance or have a membership.  Capital Palma and the southwest in particular remain "open" and lively throughout the off-season with shops, restaurants and bars, whilst the rural heartland offers the chance to enjoy outdoor life that’s tricky in the summer heat, such as walking and cycling.”

“Ibiza may be sleepier over the winter months but Ibiza Town still has plenty going on whilst the Island’s stunning turquoise waters, white sands, laid-back atmosphere and breathtaking spring displays of almond blossom are a treat to be explored.  More flights from British Airways means more second home owners and tourists will be able to take advantage of these Mediterranean paradises.”

British Airways’ announcement comes at a good time for the Islands.  Flight arrivals and hotel occupancy in the Balearics were both up in March on last year’s figures with a total of 266,939 tourists flying into the Islands.  With March in the UK ranking as the second coldest since records began with an average temperature of just 2.2ºC, it’s hardly surprising that Brits made up over 20% of this total hankering for 20ºC plus Spanish sunshine.  

On the Market in Mallorca:
Ref 6177 – Villa, Port Andratx, Mallorca
This stunning designer villa is the handiwork of renowned Uruguayan architect, Alberto Rubio,  famed for his curved gull-like roofs and wide open-plan living spaces.  The property has spectacular views across the Mediterranean, Port Andratx, Dragonera Island and the peninsula of La Mola.  

Surrounded by beautifully landscaped Mediterranean gardens with wonderful lawns, the villa has a spacious entrance hall flowing through to the open living room, dining room and fully equipped modern kitchen, all arranged at different levels.  On the first floor there is an additional living room with open fireplace leading to the main bedroom with two en-suite his and hers bathrooms, a walk-in wardrobe and private terrace with Jacuzzi.  A few steps lead down to three further bedrooms, one en-suite, all leading to a terrace with access to the swimming pool area and gardens.  At this level there are two more bathrooms and a further en-suite bedroom currently in use as an office.  

Outside there are ample open and covered terraces, a summer kitchen with barbecue area, a chill-out terrace and a further dining area with outdoor sauna.  A guest/staff apartment with a separate entrance living area, kitchenette, bedroom, bathroom and a small terrace, completes the offer.  The restaurants, cafes and shops of Port Andratx are just a two minute drive.  
Six bedrooms, Six bathrooms
Built area 537m², Plot size 1,510m²
Price – 7.5 million euros (approx 6.43 million pounds)
Contact Mallorca Sotheby's International Realty on telephone 00 34 971 67 48 07, email mallorca@mallorcasir.com  or visit www.mallorca-sothebysrealty.com

Ref 6202 – Villa, Port Andratx, Mallorca
This one-off luxury newly built villa is set in the sought-after residential area of Monport in Port Andratx, within five minutes drive of shops, bars and restaurants, and golf.  It has panoramic views of the sea and across to the harbour of Port Andratx.  

Accessed by a rear courtyard with a beautiful ancient olive tree centrepiece, the basement has a spacious two-car garage and Spa area with sauna, steam room, gymnasium and relaxation zone.  A lift takes you to the ground floor with double height main entrance connecting to the large living-dining area with full height glazing accessing both the rear courtyard and the terrace with swimming pool and incredible views.  There is also a designer kitchen with dining area on this floor. The lift once more takes you to the first floor with master bedroom with fireplace, two en-suite guest bedrooms and an annex with a further two bedrooms sharing a bathroom between them.  The property also has a wine cellar, intelligent domestic electrics and an integrated music system.  
Five bedrooms, Four bathrooms
Built area 590m², Plot size 1,250m²
Price 7.4 million euros (approx 6.26 million pounds)
Contact Mallorca Sotheby’s International Realty on phone: (+34) 971 67 48 07, email mallorca@mallorcasir.com or visit www.mallorca-sothebysrealty.com
Pictures by Marco Richter

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