Brian Taylor
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Hi Clive
You are the first member I know of who has tried to convert to a fixed week from a floating or points contract.In my contract if I wish to convert to the fixed underlying week, I have to give 18 months notice before the start of the next 5 year period – otherwise the flex contract renews and I have to give notice before the end of the next 5 year period.
I suggest you first check your contract as it sounds as if you have missed the 18 month notice. Perhaps yours is different and is 12 months?
The notice needs to be given formally as well – which means emailing customer services with details and confirming you wish to convert to a fixed week. (or whatever is stated in your contract)
Whether you can stay in AVC is a good question – you should be able to as you bought from Anfi and are just converting from floating to fixed. Then you would be able to bank the fixed week like any other AVC member.Worth checking given your health, whether you can just bank your floating week, which would solve your immediate problem – I thought you could though I have points rather than floating AVC. I have Monte floating week with AVC Weeks (as we bought that resale) and we can bank the week into the next year.
Getting a week in May out to be easy as May & June are the lowest occupancy – often around 60%.
I’m pleased to got to Richard’s practice in Wigan for the regional meeting – I’m afraid I can’t vouch for our commitee members choice of football team!!
If you wish to discuss direct please email me on treasurer@anfiukmembers.co.uk and we can set up a phone call
Kind regards, Brian
Hi Bob
Thanks for the info – be really interested to hear how you get on
Goldcar has a reputation for pressure selling of insurance and for poor customer service. Which? members have rated them the worst car hire company for 10 years now – so take care – and you may have a different experienceThe excess cover insurance is a good tip – I did this for a while and in the end I just pay the extra for most hires. With Autoriesen it is €2 a day for superinsurance, and capped as well & saves having to check car when I take it out, or when handing back.
I did reverse into one of the Monte car park pillars last year, and creased the wheel arch, and when I took the car back there was no problem at all with Autoreisen. Just a few minutes to fill in some details of where and when.Regards, Brian
I was looking again to book for October, meant to do earlier as you can always cancel and rebook. Autoreisen is now quite expensive, really gone up a lot and about 300€ per week.
With TopCar you can pay half of that price. I booked a Clio for €170 per week and you can get a Polo for less – price includes super insurance.Interested to hear what other members are paying.
Also worth noting in a recent Which? report on car hire that of the independents Autoreisen and Cicar come out as recommended (not sure if Which? measure TopCar as it used to be linked to Autoreisen before they split) I’ve found TopCar good though can be a wait at their desk, though nothing like the queues for Cicar.
Also although David found OKMobility good their trustpilot reviews are aweful, scoring 1.3 out of 5, and I read another review that warned of their poor service and upselling before you take the car – so take care if considering using.
to add my report in the latest Newsletter and a few additional points:-
Like the other Clubs, Monte’s elected members wanted an increase in fees of around inflation for 2024 to support the replacement fund.
Management imposed a lower fee increase and this means your replacement fund (RF) is under pressure this year. Though we are spending about €500k this year from the RF and we will have €600k left at the end of the year, this provides no cover for things like furniture replacement which will cost around €1m and is now expected over 2025-26.
It is also less than we expected as 2023 costs ended up higher than predicted and this comes out of your replacement fund.There are also uncovered costs for some of the lift controls issues (see below) and for things we would like to see done sooner, like renewing the old kitchen hobs and microwaves and finishing the bathroom replacement work.
A further concern is the state of the kitchens and cabinets which after 25 years are showing their age – despite my representations and lots of photos, Anfi have no plans to replace these for another 5 to 10 years yet they are really starting to show their age. Hopefully some steps for limited repairs will be done in in each year, though I have no real confidence about this.
A full kitchen replacement is pretty expensive and not budgeted for.Pools:
· The children’s pool has been fine since the work was completed earlier this year. Two of the main pools, out-of-use for repairs, have reopened. The larger pool and the smaller pool next to it had leaks from the drainage channels, and these have been resealed.
· Temperature gauges are now in place above the Monte Vista kitchen. There are two sets of gauges, one covering the main pool and the one adjacent to it. The other gauge is on the children’s poolside covering the 2 pools on that side. Puerto also has temperature gauges now.
· If you slip by the pool, please report to the lifeguard or to reception, so a record can be kept.
Furniture: A demonstration apartment will be opened this year, with replacement planned for 2025-26.
Access cards: New cards, using proximity technology will replace the swipe cards currently in use. These will be more reliable and have to be used across the Del Mar resorts.
Lifts: The main lifts are awaiting new controls and floor indicators. The panoramic lift and the lift at Block C have the same control problems and will require attention. The Block C lift also had some indicators that were difficult to read. At Beach, new indicators and controls have been installed in some lifts and appear to work very well.
Bench seating: Seating past the pools was put in temporary locations earlier this year. We agreed to relocate 2 of the 4 benches to give members a better range of locations. The seating remains past the main pool areas, for those looking for a quiet place.
Façade: Work continues on the façade to secure the pebbles covering the walls across the front of Monte.
Shuffleboard: The shuffleboard area is due to be resurfaced and will be done like the Gran, where the markings are sealed in, which will reduce wear and give longer life.
Minigolf: Though not at Monte, it is notable that the minigolf area is looking much tidier; it is being swept and maintained, to an extent, by Anfi. But you still need to bring your own clubs or know someone to borrow them from.
Chromecast TV: Will be installed at Monte and all the Del Mar resorts, following a successful trial at Emerald.
The Monte meeting was held on the 20th June. As usual we had an informal walk around earlier in the week and discussed:-
– The children’s pool has been fine since the work completed earlier this year and the tiles have remained intact, so far!
– Two of the main pools were out of use. The larger pool and the smaller pool next to it had leaks from the drainage channels and these had been resealed and were due to be brought back into use the following week after testing.
– The new-ish temperature gauges are in place above the Monte Vista kitchen – there are two gauges, one covering the main pool and the one adjacent to it. The other gauge on children’s pool side covering the 2 pools on that side.
– The main lifts are awaiting new control electronics and floor indicators, and these are on long lead time. I pointed out the panoramic lift and the lift at Block C have the same control problems and require attention – if more than one floor is selected then, once the lift gets to the first floor the other floor selections are cleared, until reselected. The Block C lift also had some indicators that are difficult to read.
One of the Puerto lifts has the same selection issue, yet the other one is fine. Anfi are getting engineers to look further at the issues.
At Beach new indicators and controls have been installed in some lifts and appear to work very well.– Bench seating past the pools was put in temporary locations earlier this year. We agreed to relocate 2 of the 4 benches to give members a better range of locations. All the seating remains past the main pool areas and give quiet locations for those wishing to sit and read or think, or admire the views.
– There had been a report of a slippage near the pool, and we discussed whether any incident reports had been logged. And also the timing of the anti-slip treatment which is applied twice a year. If you do slip and fall please report to the lifeguard or to reception, so a record can be kept. (More details in my report to follow on the committee meeting.)
– The main building support pillar and adjacent wall area was screened off – this had raised some concern as to whether further work on the pillars was being done.
However, the work is only on the adjacent wall to fix the large pebbles that coat the wall, and is a follow on to the work on façade undertaken last year. All the work on the pillars was completed last year.– The occupancy in June is quite low, around 50%, and there were plenty of sunbeds free. The Monte Vista area gets busier around 3pm onwards for shuffleboard, then bingo and happy hour!
The shuffleboard area is due to be resurfaced and will be done like the Gran one where the markings are sealed in which will reduce wear and give longer life.– Though not at Monte it is notable that the minigolf area is looking much tidier – it is being swept and maintained to an extent by Anfi. You still need to bring your own Club’s or know someone to borrow from.
Please see my report, to follow, for more information following the meeting and about the replacement fund, furniture, and other items.
Interesting, Pam went in May and had a few tummy issues for a couple of days. Maybe a one off.
there is another Cabosuroeste just past Palm Garden – not sur e about holiday closures
I didn’t know about this one, will try to look in Ocotber when we are back at Anfi
Great to meet up with you Robert
Tiki bar does close late afternoon
The Anfitron coffee bar definitely has the best coffee
thanks Andrew, good to know they loved it – I hope the rest of your holiday was equally good.
Let’s hope the repair work lasts this time, with no loose tiles or leaks.There is a Monte committee meeting next week, so if any observations about anything Monte do let me know – I travel out on Sunday
Hi Robert
There are posts on Facebook saying Valentino’s is closed from 1st June for 3 months.
Palm Garden closed for 1 month
I’m at Anfi from Sunday for a week, will our paths cross at last?
Regards Brian
Just to remind members that the next Monte committee meeting is on the 20th June – if you have any questions please do let me know upfront!
Regards, Brian
Hope you got sorted – sounds awful service
Not great from Ryanair either – though I had similar from BA who cancelled my Saturday return flight and offered Sunday flights instead.
Hi Henry
We have a guide document on the buying process for members, I’ll email it to you.Other members may have some comments about their experience too.
Regards Brian
Notes from the meeting 27th February 2024
It was my first time chairing the meeting, I wasn’t due to chair until next year, but circumstances changed and I will chair all 3 meetings this year.
Occupation levels are very high at the moment with little spare capacity.We spent quite a while going through Replacement Fund (RF) plans for 2024.
Work on new apartment furniture will progress this year, with a demo of new apartment furniture, and if things go well, it may be possible to start replacement.
There was less carried over than we expected from October as
a) more done in 2023 than expected &
b) the operations budget was overspent by more than expected hence came out of RF fund.Much of pillar work finished last year and there is only work on façade to complete this year. Balcony artificial grass will follow once the façade work is completed.
Lift indicators and related electronics are being ordered for the 2 main lifts near reception (though still can see problems with lift near block C panels and with glass lift which will hopefully be addressed separately ).
Other work will include replacement of some fan coils (the cooling units in each apartments ceiling), bathroom fittings and taps & Anfi are still looking at sliding patio door solution to worn alloy frames. Bathroom work will now include checks on toilet seats. Soap dispensers may be installed during this year, or at least started.
Chromecast units being trialled with TV at Emerald and will be rolled out to all resorts if the trial is OK.
Children’s pool – there have been problems on and off since Oct and if test works then will reopen in March.
Discussed kitchen cabinet condition and the visible deterioration of edges with splits and peeling surfaces – we agreed these will be checked during the maintenance week and work needs to be done on how to repair or replace.
4 benches now placed near block C and can be moved if we think another position is better. This gives some seating away from the sunbeds.
Childrens’ toilet near miniclub – these are locked when miniclub not in use – had request if they could be left open and Anfi have agreed to leave open and lock at 6pm.
Norwegian TV – a member raised an issue with subtitles not showing – initially with both channels and now only NRK1 – Anfi cannot control this and explained why. Anfi also explained all channels are streamed from a common source and not per room so if you notice any differences on particular channels it may be an issue with the TV in your room.
Members comms will be issued and include the children’s pool opening and Chromecast.
Monte Anfi Newsletter – March 2024 (from the Anfi website)
Just to emphasise the members’ online satisfaction questionnaire – please do take a few minutes at the end of your stay, and this is a most important feedback for Anfi and for your elected representatives.
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Dear Club Monte Anfi Members,
The Club Committee recently met for their first meeting of 2024, when the closing of the Club accounts for 2023 and the work carried out in 2023 from the Replacement Fund were discussed. The proposal for the work to be carried out from the fund this year 2024 was also presented to the Committee.
During this year the management will be carrying out a test in one of the clubs for installing Chromecast in the televisions. This will enable members to connect their other electronic devices to the television to view streamed content. When we are satisfied with the test result, Chromecast will be installed in all the other clubs as well.
This year it is planned to carry out work on the two main lifts in the Club to help improve their functioning. The software will be updated and the floor number indicators will be replaced, which we hope will solve some of the current problems. We are pleased to say that some benches have been placed in the garden areas in front of block C, for members who wish to sit and enjoy the views or just to read quietly away from the pool areas.
The children’s pool in front of block B has been having repair work on and off for some time now. We are confident that the repair work that is about to be completed will be the last for some time to come! This pool should be in use once again from 8th March.
Last year an online members’ satisfaction questionnaire system was set up. All members and guests receive an e-mail with a link to the questionnaire two days before departure. It is easy and quick to answer, and we kindly ask for just 5 minutes of your time to complete it before leaving for home, as your opinion is very important for all departments!
As usual, we ask you to please keep an eye on this web page, as we will do our best to keep you informed about what is happening in the Club.
We look forward to seeing you here again soon.
Your Club Monte Anfi Team
The timeshare calendar and the holiday planner can both be found in the Members’ area. Please check your dates and, if necessary, complete the holiday planner electronically, so that everything is prepared for your arrival.
Hi Robert
Thanks for the update & glad you’ve got your invoices – most members feel best to pay in Euro’s – if you pay in £ the Anfi payment provider offers a poor conversion rate (which you can see on payment screen before you choose)
I use Halifax Clarity which seems to give a good exchange rate – as do a number of cards & you are right to watch out for commission charges, but do keep an eye on the rate offered. Some offer zero commission but a poor rate.
You can look on Wise’s website to see the rates anumber of organisations offer – https://wise.com/gb/compare/
Also money saving expert has a page on best cards for for paying in Euros, $’s etc
Hi Robert
I hope you get it resolved with Customer Services but do let us know why no invoice was shown, as it may be of use to other membersKind regards
Brian
update from Anfi – March 2024
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Anfi del Mar, March 29th, 2024
Dear Members,
First of all, I hope you and your families are all well.
I am writing to you all, in my capacity as Chief Executive Officer of the Anfi Group of Companies, to share significant news which I consider to be very positivie and which, without a doubt, marks an important milestone for our company.We are pleased to inform that after the negotiation period, we have reached an agreement to approve the creditors’ arrangement of the companies under Administration, Anfi Sales S.L. and Anfi Resorts S.L. This approval is a decisive step towards the financial stability of our company and represents great progress in our strategy for growth and long term consolidation.
As we have informed on previous occassions, the Clubs and the other companies within the Group were not immersed in the Administration process. However, this is a very important step forward for the company as a whole, ensuring financial stability to allow us to concentrate on our principal operations in order to continue investing and offering new quality products to all our members.
With this approved creditors’ arrangement, it not only guarantees the continuity and the development of future projects that we have been working on for some years, but also means that we continue to be the leader of the timeshare sector in Europe.
We wish to reiterate our unwavering commitment to you, our valuable members.
I would like to take this opportunity of thanking you all for your support and confidence in the Anfi Group. We are convinced that this new chapter in our history will be beneficial to all our members and that it will contribute significantly to our mutual success.For any further information, please do not hestitate to contact us through the Customer Service Department. We are at your disposal to offer any further necessary information.
Thank you once again for your support and confidence and we look forward to a promising future together.Yours sincerely,
Jose Luis Trujillo
CEO
Anfi Group
Hi Robert
I put your query on our Facebook group as well – so far no one using Currensea though 3 comments I have copied below for you on what other members are using
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Marc Brunel-Walker
We just use revolut or plum. It’s safer and more secure. Also we are now increasingly just using a UK debit card
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John Pope
we are just using new santander debit card as no charges
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Bill Hennessey
I use Chase amongst its many advantages are the zero commission charges on currency transfers.
I found from London Gatwick BA can be quite a bit less than EasyJet for some flights and EasyJet have definitely hiked prices for 2024 – especially when all the add ons accounted for
For later this year BA were over £250 less for 2 people than equivalent EJ flightBut Easyjets check in with speedy boarding is generally a lot better than BA (unless you have a priority access with BA) – we recently went with BA to Lanzarote and delays getting on both ways though coming back it was a complete mess
I haven’t used Currensea – be interesting to hear if other members have
I use a Halifax credit card and have a Revolut and a Wise card – the latter two being prepayment type cards
(Wise are good if you want to receive payments in Euros as you can get bank accounts for various countries and the only charge is the small transfer fee if you swap currency and on reciept)
Wise can link to your bank accountWise show exchange rates for various providers – https://wise.com/gb/compare/best-eur-exchange-rates
Lounge costs have gone up a lot over the last year or two
Be good to know what you decide
Please note I have updated the files with the OGM documents for the reports on the independent review of the accounts – see the meeting documents on this link
thanks Kevin – glad it was of use to you
Hope you have a great time in May – my wife’s out for 2 weeks in May whilst I hold the fort at home!
There seems to be an anomaly on the EasyJet website right now when checking in with cabin baggage only – I’d booked tickets with small and large cabin bag and that appeared in the booking confirmation and itinerary
But when I went to check in on the webpage the “bag” screen only showed the small bag and wanted another £60 for each of us to add a large cabin bag (went back to itinerary and it still shows large and small bag) – the bag page has some wording about cabin luggage being sold separately
In the end I checked in via the app on my phone and this showed the correctly booked baggage & then I went back to laptop, and the updated booking page showed the Boarding Pass with correct luggageJust in case you find the same thing!!
