Just got back from CDS.

Had a lovely weekend. Weather great. Just thought I'd pass on a few observations. Apologies if this repeats previous posts.

The roads at the rear of the site seem to be closed again. We drove round and couldn't find a way out. This is obviously good for security as are the regular Guardia Civil patrols. We saw three in a couple of days and the on-site patrols were very regular too.

There was not as much noise or dust from construction traffic. The aparthotel is coming along. We couldn't get over how big it is.

The clubhouse is open at Casares Golf. We were shown round by the manager and were very impressed. There is an attractive reataurant/bar area with a connected terrace overlooking the course. The restaurant is due to open in approx 4 weeks. The bar is nominally open now between 0800 - 1900 for beer and soft drinks brought in by the manager to serve golfers. If you say you're from CDS you will only pay €20 per round of golf rather than €25. The current deal is golf and buggy for 2 after 1700 for €55. The club is awaiting planning permission to build a driving range.

The manager at the golf course said he'd received a letter from the local council informing him that the road-widening scheme is starting now and there were workmen measuring and doing road markings on the CDS entrance while we were there. He suggested that the road will be 4 lanes with proper lighting and pavements. I don't know how far up it will stretch or whether they will take any of the frontage from CDS. If they do it's a worry for us as we're in Block 2. Anyone have any info on this?

We heard more gossip about Disney from a tradesman who said he knows a developer and lawyer who both say that the initial plans have been sanctioned for Disney to start the infrastructure build for a new development at Manilva. This tradesman said he was trying to get further verification.......

The same tradesman also indicated that tenders wre in to build a full security fence around CDS. Great news if it's true.

Went up to the Roman baths in Sabinillas. Well worth a visit and we'll definitely swim there next time.

Went to Estepona for the first time. The old town seems worthy of further investigation. We had a very enjoyable meal in a typically Spanish reataurant down by the marina, where the choice is extensive.

Our flights wrere in and out of Granada. This is a wonderful city to visit, especially the Alhambra. We were struck by the large numbers of skiers on the flight who'd come for the slopes of the nearby Sierra Nevada, which appeared to have a lot of snow. Maybe beach and ski next time!

Trying to get out again early March. Let me know if anyone's around. We still haven't met any other owners on site. It's so quiet.

The new road is to go from the A7 the coast road all the way past CDS to the Toll Motorway and the plans are viewable in the little castle on the Casares roundabout at the bottom of the hill.

Going out on Sunday for a few days so plan to use the clubhouse and course and hope they are still giving free golf to owners on Golf Gardens.

Ian

Thanks for that update. I recall posting the road improvement information, some time last year, which I spotted in The Manilva Life. It was suggested that this project would be part funded by Local Government, The Builder/Developer and or The Owners on each side of the road. More expenses?

Thanks for the update, really useful - looking forward to going out in about 10 days - haven't been since October. Regarding the perimeter fence, I'm sure I  recall a post from PM2 President saying that PM2 were getting quotes for perimeter security fencing, which does not mean the rest of us who are not in PM2 are getting it!!!!

We're also in block 2, so also marginally concerned about the road widening and how close we will be to the road, but not worth worrying about something I can't change! Although it would make the journey to / from the airport(s) easier and quicker - it will be great to come off the motorway and be on site within a few minutes instead of all those roundabouts past Estepona. Might pop into the pepperpot and look at the plans.

The Disney thing rears its head on the main EOS forum now and again - also quite recently with same info posted here - who knows what will happen?

I think it is more than possible to do beach and ski in the same week - how lovely. I remember way back in the days just after we reserved our apartment and trying to speak to one of the sales people and him telling me he was on his way back from a day skiing.

Emma

I am not sure, that it actually joins the Motorway but the road is widened just as far as this Bridge. On another point, I also recall that Manilva Life, also suggested that the Promenade may be extended from Sabinillas, to possibly the Chiringuito, at the roundabout of the road to Casares. That would make a very pleasant walk into Sabinillas.

Hi Chills,

You are correct on both points, it doesnt join the toll and there are plans for the prom to stretch from the chiringuito at casares roundabout to sabinillas which means it will stretch all the way to duquesa marina.

My understanding of the funding is that all the developers in the area have already put into the pot to cover the cost of the road widening as part of the planning application.

Ian

when we were out 2 weeks ago there were a couple of diggers and several workman levelling and working around the chiringuito, car park and edge of beach.

it looks like the council are investing alot of money in the areas infreastructure which can only be good news.

i also understand in the overall long term plans, a sports centre is still earmarked for the bottom end of the developement and also in school,

noddy

Come to think of it, when we went past the motorway bridge on the way up to Casares an earth ramp had been constructed  down to the road where a couple of diggers were at work. This was only on the side of of the carriageway coming from the direction of Estepona, so I don't know whether a new junction is under construction or not.

We counted at least four restaurants on the way up to Casares. Has anyone tried them?

It was the first time we'd actually walked into Casares village for an exploration. We were taken with its size and really enjoyed wandering up to the ruins and church on the other side.

There is a tiny restaurant tucked away by the mirador at the castle ruins and a couple were eating what looked like a delicious lunch al fresco. Not bad for 29th January. We also noticed some other appealing looking bars/restaurants in the main square. So, plenty on the list for next time!

We've been to Casares village once, it is lovely. As for restaraunts on the way up - the first on the left (Venta Chozar) didn't ever seem to be open until we were last there in October, but we didn't have time to eat there. 2nd on the left (Venta Garcia) is one of our favourites - must book for a Sunday lunch time though. The Forge (on the right after Venta Garcia) has an excellent reputation from various sources, but apparently you do have to book. If you turn right opposite Venta Garcia - the road that leads to Estepona - there is a restaraunt called La Paloma which I have also heard is excellent from various sources. My Mum has eaten there with friends, but we haven't been there ourselves. The main EOS forum has a restaraunt review section which I have used too.

Emma

La Menorah  - Finca Cortesin 

This is the new restaurant that has opened in the Finca cortesin commerical shopping area (to be) we tried it out at the begining of January and we were very impressed more so that we can walk back to casres del sol from it   . In the summer it has a fab terrace with lovely panoramic views of the coast. It felt very opulant and the food delicious. Bottle of house white 12 euros and red I think was 16euros . I would recommend the lamb !!

If this is a sign of things to come  in this area I think we wount be dissapointed in the long run. The Cortesin hotel due  to open in the spring 2008 but possibly late summer will also have 2 restaurant in it so we will have  a choice of restaurants we can walk to.