IRG Team Members invited to first practice day of the Superbike World Championship in Algarve

James & Jamie’s Dream Sports Car

Lunch at Vip Tower Box

Race Track Practice

The Superbike World Championship’s final round of the season took place at the well-known Algarve Race Track, also known as “Autódromo do Algarve“, in Portimão from 23 – 25 October 2009.

Jamie and I were invited to a VIP lunch on the first practice day, Friday 23rd, which included a full tour of the paddock, pits and VIP areas. The day was hosted by Parkalgar and we were treated to the best seats in the house in one of the VIP Tower boxes.

Upon arrival we were shown through to the inner circle and parked beneath the Tower where a livery of some fine sports cars, owned by Parkalgar, caught our immediate attention! A selection of BMW’s, Porsche’s and Ferrari’s greeted us and it was definitely a perfect photo opportunity. As we entered the box, we were treated with champagne and canapés from Bistro d’es Artes Restaurant in Almancil. They continued to serve us a first class selection of food and our host, Darren Malkin, a professional driver at the track informed us of the benefits of owning a box at the circuit…..very tempting!!

We thoroughly enjoyed the day and we highly recommend a visit to the circuit as the infrastructure is fantastic and there are a lot more high profile events to come in the near future.

James Carter
Algarve Brokerage Manager at IRG International Realty Group

IRG International Realty Group’s Hockey Pro

Mario Sardo at the Portuguese Hockey Challenge

Mario Sardo, Senior Property Consultant at IRG’s Algarve Brokerage in Quinta do Lago, participated in the Portuguese Hockey Challenge over the weekend. Albufeira hosted the first of four hockey matches to be played in various locations around the country over the next few months. The Algarve team played consistent throughout the preliminary round making it through to the semi-finals.

The semi-final was a closely contested match beating FPH 3 – 1 with two goals being scored by our Mario Sardo in the final minutes of the game, therefore ensuring their place in the finals. The experienced Lamas team from Porto controlled the final and proved they were a stronger team that day by convincingly beating the Algarve 2 – 0.

The fantastic weather and exciting hockey ensured a good time for all players and visitors attending the tournament.

We will be sure to keep a close eye on how the Algarve team is doing in the next coming months!

Mario Sardo at the Portugal Masters 2009, Oceânico Victoria Golf Course, Vilamoura

Portugal Masters 2009 in Vilamoura

The Winner – Lee Westwood

Oceânico Victoria Golf Course

Mario Sardo

I had the pleasure of attending this years´ Portuguese Masters which took place at the Oceânico Victoria Golf Course in Vilamoura, from 15th to 18th October 2009.
The golf course was in fantastic condition with this years´ event attracting many top golfers from around the globe competing for the €500,000 first prize. The weather was superb which gave me, and the thousands of people attending, an opportunity to relax in the sun whilst watching golfing legends like Colin Montegomerie, Padraig Harrington, Retief Goosen, Lee Westwood and many others compete for this years title.

The afternoon of the final day was spent with friends around the 18th green and keeping a close eye on the scoreboard as Francesco Molanari and Lee Westwood were neck and neck for the title. My afternoon almost ended earlier than expected when a stray shot from Gareth Maybin flew over the crowd missing my head by millimetres!! I soon recovered from the near miss to watch Lee Westwood birdie the 18th and take a well deserved victory in front of thousands of cheering supporters. After the prize giving and speeches from the sponsors, I was invited to the clubhouse where I had the pleasure of sharing a few drinks and laughs with South African golfers Hennie Otto and Andy McLardy.

The Portuguese Masters was an outstanding event in Vilamoura, which set a perfect stage for golfing, providing yet again that the Algarve is top international holiday and golfing destination.

Mario Sardo
Senior Property Consultant at IRG International Realty Group

Christie’s Great Estates sells the world’s most expensive private residence and also sets the record for a home in the United States this year.

Christie’s Grea Estates Global Annual Conference in Boston

Social Networking Panel

Some of Christie’s Great Estates’ Affiliates at Cheers

Christie’s Great Estates hosted this year’s premiere luxury real estate conference in Boston, from 14th to 16th October 2009, for owners and senior management. International executives gathered in Boston to converse about housing market data, social media trends, industry best practices, and much more.

Comprising 143 affiliates, Christie’s represents 900 luxury real estate offices in 42 different countries. Conference attendees shared statistics from their local markets, contributing to a truly global perspective on luxury real estate. After three days of presentations and discussions, brokers from across the globe came to a consensus that the luxury market is experiencing promising activity.

Luxury buyers are by no means dormant. Earlier this year, the Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Berge auction house sale in Paris featured the largest collection of art and artifacts in our lifetime, bringing in over $400,000,000 in revenue. Christie’s affiliate Sibarth Real Estate made the world’s largest home sale, a St. Barth’s property that sold for $80,000,000 to a Russian oligarch. And another Christie’s affiliate – Joshua & Co. – made the largest U.S. sale: a $43,000,000 estate in Aspen, Colorado. Apparently not everyone is suffering from the economic squeeze.

Ole Jespersen, owner of IRG International Realty Group (exclusive affiliate of Christie’s Great Estates in Portugal), participated in the Boston conference. He commented: “The results and figures shown are great in these times. This shows the strength of the top end individual brokers’ ability to link extremely expensive product to the very few clients around the globe based on our relationship with Christie’s. Remember, we are not franchise holders – we are owner brokers with a real connection with the world’s largest auction house – and it creates results!”
At the conference, Ole Jespersen gave a speech to the 150 participants from around the world about “Social Media in Marketing”.

Despite economic setbacks, Christie’s Great Estates is taking significant steps forward. Two additional headquarters of global referral offices are soon to open in New York and London, and Neil Palmer – the network’s newly appointed CEO – has concrete plans to launch a fresh website, update the magazine’s distribution, and expand Christie’s global presence in Asia and throughout the world.

For more information on international luxury markets, visit IRG International Realty Group’s website www.irgportugal.com or contact us for more information on +351 210 305 022

Ole Jespersen visits Madeira Palace Residences’ construction site, 7th October 2009

Ole Jespersen

Madeira Palace Residences

Last Wednesday, Ole Jespersen had the opportunity to view first hand the continued progress of Madeira Palace Residences.

IRG International Realty Group is proud to have been recently appointed as the exclusive agent for the marketing and sales of this prestigious resort, comprising of 100 homes ranging from one bedroom to four bedroom apartments, all with garage parking and storage, the development benefits from spectacular views over the Atlantic. Constructed around an interior garden, where exotic water features play an integral role, the development has been designed to provide a restful and elegant environment.

IRG International Realty Group appointed exclusive agent for Madeira Palace Residences

Madeira Palace Residences

IRG International Realty Group, the exclusive affiliate of Christie’s Great Estates in Portugal is selected to be the exclusive agent for the marketing and sales of the prestigious resort Madeira Palace Residences. In 2005 the Fibeira Group, owned by Engº Armando Martins bought the prestigious Madeira Palácio Hotel together with the project for Madeira Palace Residences.

Designed by Ricardo Bofill Associated with Atelier Caires – João Francisco Caires e Associados, the Madeira Palace Residences are a striking example of the best in contemporary architecture and quality living.

With 100 homes ranging from one bedroom to four bedroom apartments, all with garage parking and storage, the development benefits from spectacular views over the Atlantic.
Constructed around an interior garden, where exotic water features play an integral role, the development has been designed to provide a restful and elegant environment and will be forecasted to be ready in the summer of 2010.

A serene and private haven, Madeira Palace Residences represents the best in luxury living.

Residents will have access to the services of the adjacent five star renovated Madeira Palácio Hotel including spa, restaurants, room service, laundry and cleaning, and membership of the Beach Club.

The Hotel Madeira Palácio Hotel has a very rich history. It opened its doors in 1971 and was operated by Hilton Hotels between 1971 and 1973 owned by Robert Jabara Pereira Ganhão (Pastelaria Suiça), TAP and Hotel Palácio in Estoril. In 1982 the hotel was bought by the Albaker Group that owned the Marriott (formerly known as Penta), Eden Hotel, Hotel do Mar and Hotel Palácio Estoril.

The renovation of the hotel has been designed by WATG associated with Atelier Caires – João Francisco Caires e Associados – Projectos de Arquitecture Lda.

An extensive program has been implemented to give the Madeira Palácio Hotel a five star luxury rating according to international demand including a sophisticated interior design for the rooms and public areas.

For further information, please contact IRG International Realty Group on +351 289 397 653 or info@irgportugal.com

Naturarte, a jewel in the Alentejo

Kayley Moxon

Naturarte, Odemira

My partner and I were no strangers to Naturarte’s charm, we got married there only 3 months ago, but to go back under much more relaxed circumstances was heavenly. Welcomed as usual by the friendly staff we were shown to our room – named the romantic wing, simply perfect for a honeymoon. The owners and gracious hosts were on hand to make us feel very welcome once again and full of ideas for days out and places to eat – brilliant recommendations each and every one.

There is plenty to do once there, from horse riding, tennis, cycling, walking, fishing to picnics on the beach or just sampling the many restaurants and bars in nearby Vila Nova de Milfontes and surrounding areas.

We wholly recommend Naturarte not only for romantic breaks but also for corporate getaways. Naturarte is fully equipped for a team building, work related break with its very own conference room perfect for seminars and tutorials for IRG’s Real Estate Academy in a unique relaxed atmosphere.

Naturarte is only one and a half hours picturesque drive from central Algarve, situated north of the town Odemira and 10 minutes east of the charming seaside town of Vila Nova de Milfontes.

To visit Naturarte go to www.naturarte.pt and reserve your very own tranquil weekend or mid week break guaranteed to relax and sooth the soul.

IRG International Realty Group’s Sponsor Day at Quinta do Lago Gala Week, 19th September 2009

Quinta do Lago Golf Members

IRG International Realty Group was the proud Sponsor of the Quinta do Lago Gala Week on Saturday, 19th September 2009 and this year something completely different was done for the fellow golf members.

It was an early start for the Chef/Patron, Jonathan Pratt and the team of Restaurant Bistro des Z’Artes in Almancil, with fresh Irish soda bread still baking at 3am the night before to ensure the freshness for the golf members of Quinta do Lago to enjoy on their final day of the annual gala week.

The Irish soda bread was served with fresh smoked salmon, all the trimmings and a tasty glass of fresh orange juice or a splash of champagne; the members seemed to thoroughly enjoy the event. After the front nine, when the men reached the tenth and the ladies turned to the 1st tee, it was clear whose score card was impressive and whose was ‘for the fun of it!!’ Those that indulged in the champagne after nine holes seemed to be those that perhaps weren’t as serious as others about winning, but the atmosphere was fantastic.

After some refreshing champagne and tasty canapés, everyone rested a little before the Gala dinner and prize giving at the Quinta do Lago Hotel that night.

Join IRG International Realty Group at Troiaresort’s Clubhouse Wine Dinner, 3rd October 2009

Troiaresort's Clubhouse Wine Dinner

For further information about this premium event, please contact IRG International Realty Group at +351 289 397 653 or e-mail info@irgportugal.com

Kayley’s relaxing weekend at Armona Island, Olhão

Kayley Moxon

Armona beach

On Friday morning we drove to Olhão, and caught the ferry to Armona, which only took 10 minutes! In no time at all we were away from the hustle and bustle and on a beautiful island for a weekend of relaxation…. Once we arrived at the island we walked to the far side (aprox 2kms) to find our accommodation – Casa das Palmeiras – without doubt one of the prettiest houses there. Here we spent the next 3 days relaxing in the hammocks and taking long walks around the Island.

The beach was right on our doorstep, white sand, calm warm water and a beach bar serving amazing caipirinhas! Perfect while watching the sun set! Once the tide was out, a kind of lagoon was created, full of fish, conquilhas (clams) and other sea creatures. We spent an hour ‘clamming’ and soon had enough for our lunch – done on the BBQ with a little garlic and a squeeze of lemon – delicious!

At Armona, we found peace and quiet right on our door step.

Kayley Moxon
Algarve Office Administrator at IRG International Realty Group