 Dear
Visitor,
My name is Giles and I would like to thank you for visiting
this site. The summer of 2006 saw significant changes
not least in the physical appearance of this website.
Over the course of the past 2-3 years, I have been very
encouraged by the growth in popularity the site has
been generating. As a result, the business developed
to the point where I had to formalise things further
and proceeded to register the tradename of "Sierra
Essence" which I feel captivates very much of what
I strive to offer you in terms of providing a true feel
for this stunning area in which I am fortunate to find
myself living.
As of November of 2006, Sierra Essence now forms
a large part of the newly established company name,
"Sierra Essence Ski & Mountain Center 2006
S.L.", alongside the recently registered tradename
and business, "British Ski Center". The company
is registered within Spanish legislation guidelines as an intermediary booking agent complete with its own
public liability insurance destined to the organisation
of accommodation, (hotels or otherwise), all manner
of outdoor pursuits as well as the instruction of snow
and mountain sports. It is also registered as an active entity within the Junta de Andalucia's, "Turismo Activo" segment, REF: AT/GR/00030.
The website is intended to create a clear
way to access the information through easy navigation,
clearly defined text formats and layout, improved images
as well as an "all-in-one" booking system
allowing you to place your requests for all aspects
of your trip into one simple format as opposed to sending
multiple emails for distinct products.
With anything related to IT technology, I always anticipate, (in as positive a way as possible), flaws to
occur. For this reason there will always be the
"Contact Us" link option available in the main
navigation bar or at the top right of the page providing the relevent
email addresses and contact numbers. In the event of
any discrepancies found within the site, I would urge anyone to let me know should anything be found
along these lines. You can contact me directly by email
at: giles@sierranevada.co.uk.
My intention in creating this site is to provide you
with 3 main services:
1. To provide you with as much useful information concerning
the ski & mountain destination of Sierra Nevada,
her surrounding valleys and the Province
of Granada in the south of Spain. Of particular focus
is the spectacular Genil Valley.
2. To introduce you to other rural areas & destinations
of interest within the Iberian Peninsula that you may
perhaps have never heard of before and may be used to
create a varied and highly authentic itinerary.
3. To offer you the opportunity to actively book everything
from your accommodation and airport transfers through
to any activities of interest to make for a uniquely
varied & interesting holiday all in your
own native spoken language!
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
I initially built this site back in 1999 to focus
entirely on the winter ski activities of the ski resort
in Sierra Nevada. However, I soon came to realise just
how little is known, in the UK, about Granada, its surrounding
areas & especially Sierra Nevada, (except the Alpujarras perhaps), out of the winter season.
I have lived on and off in Andalucia & the Granada
area since 1993 and have now been permanently installed
in the Genil Valley, near Granada, since July 2002.
When the ski season comes to an end, I find endless
pleasure in exploring the mountains & villages around
Granada. My travels have extended to many other regions
of Spain, both in and out of Andalucia. Since 2002 I
have spent significant time in the province of Jaen
and it's historic, laid-back mountain town of Cazorla
and the immense pine covered mountain range of the Sierra
de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas. Personal circumstances
have also introduced me to neighbouring Portugal and
the beautiful rural Eastern
Algarve.
Quite a bit is already known about the touristically
developed areas of Marbella & the Costa del Sol
as well as the western Algarve and Albufeira. However,
very little else around these areas has been exploited to the same extent.
I am continually developing my business to focus on the
"Rural Tourism" approach with the aim of creating
a friendly and simplistic facility for you to confidently
arrange your trip to "unknown" areas and hence
sample the true "Essence" of the local cultures.
You have the full flexibility of tailor-making your
trip with the confidence of dealing with someone who
lives and knows the area not to mention who also speaks
the local language fluently in the event you require
any assistance during your stay!
The accommodation section has developed through working
relationships with local agencies, hoteliers not to
mention contact with individuals looking at promoting
their own personal businesses. It is by no means intended
to provide an exhaustive list although it is expanding
on a gradual basis!! I make no garantees regarding the
general upkeep & management of any privately rented
accommodation provided BUT
I have included them, nonetheless, in the confidence
that I feel their respective owners are aiming towards
similar levels of quality & service that I intend
with Sierra Essence.
If you have accommodation in any of the areas covered
by this site, please contact me with your details and
we will look into including it on the site.
On a final note, I ask that when contacting me through
the Sierra Essence web site, you let me know of any
discrepancies you find or possible improvements you
think could be made. It is also very useful to me that
you state where you heard about this site and even of
any competitors you have used in the past who you feel
may have the edge for whatever reason. All comments
or suggestions regarding this web site and its contents
are always welcome!
Thankyou once again and I look forward to being of assistance to you!
Giles Birch
Proprietor of Sierra Essence
+34 646 178406
+34 958 100749
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