With a new store in the UAE, La Martina continues to export the Argentina polo lifestyle worldwide.

After the success of its first Middle Eastern location at the Dubai Mall, La Martina has opened a second UAE outlet at the Mall of the Emirates.

Established in 1936, La Martina made a name for itself as a designer and purveyor of polo uniforms and leather goods. Over the years, the company has expanded its offerings to include polo-inspired fashion for men, women and children.

Today La Martina stands as one of Argentina’s most prestigious brands, offering customers not only a glimpse at the high-class world of polo, but a chance to become part of it. The new store has been designed in keeping with the brand’s rustic-chic signature style, made “to evoke an ambience of coziness, as if [customers] are visiting a Polo champion’s house.”

The opening of the 4,300 square foot location is a critical part of the brand’s attempts to enhance its presence in the Middle East. In fact, says owner Lando Simonetti, the company has “witnessed double digit growth in most prominent markets worldwide including the UAE. Our UAE sales are higher than many other major global markets.” The new store at the Mall of the Emirates is similar, not only to those found in Argentina, but also those found in some of the world’s most prestigious locations, including Saint-Tropez, Deauville, Madrid, Mykonos, Surrey and Capri.

For more on the polo lifestyle and living in Argentina, check out the VanityBA archives and download our premium newsletter, InvestBA Privada.

The Polo World Cup on South Beach

The Sport of Kings is gaining mass appeal thanks to events like the Polo World Cup on South Beach.

Polo continues to gain mass appeal thanks to high profile events like London’s Polo in the Park or last month’s Polo World Cup on South Beach. The annual events, which both feature teams and sponsors from Argentina, is a prime example of how the Sport of Kings can be a key driver of tourism across classes, cultures and nationalities.

The heightened interest in polo is also leading many one-time spectators to pursue a more participatory role in the sport, and travel operators are taking note. London’s TTG says “Polo is no longer the reserve of the rich, as it grows as a spectator sport and for novices wanting to have a go themselves.”

TTG lists five countries that are cashing in on polo tourism and #1 on the list is Argentina. The Polo Championship in November kicks off a five-month window when polo reigns, and Argentine estancias like El Colibri and Los Potreros offer both clinics and private lessons for aspiring Cambiasos. “The UK is a key market for polo tourism, and one of the fastest growing niches in Argentina,” writes TTG adding, “Clients need not venture into the sticks, with ranches such as Villa Maria just outside the capital, and the Jumeirah Culu Culu resort opening this September.”

So if you’re ready to move beyond the Land Rover tailgate and become the next Nacho Figueras, Argentina is waiting for you. But in the interest of full disclosure, the Los Potreros website offers fair warning: “This could be the start of an extremely expensive habit!”

Members of the La Aguada Polo Team relax at their training facility in Buenos Aires province.

Members of the La Aguada Polo Team relax at their training facility in Buenos Aires province.

In yesterday’s post, we learned why one global investor believes Argentina offers some of the best real estate values in South America. Today, the Financial Times’ Oliver Balch explains why the mega-rich, ”especially those with a passion for polo,” are riding out the recession in Argentina. (Full article)

InvestBA readers know October to December is polo prime time in Argentina, but Balch explains that interest remains strong year-round given Argentina’s plentiful and inexpensive prairies…the world-class quality of its bloodlines…(and) its crop of exceptional players (Of the 12 best-ranked players in the world, 11 are Argentine). Cutting-edge breeding and affordable embryonic transfer facilities are also cited as competitive advantages for Argentina’s polo industry.

“Death and bankruptcy are the only reasons to quit polo,” says Balch, “As long as the country’s mega-rich patrons remain healthy and wealthy, its polo industry should as well.” And thanks to Argentina’s relative affordability, it’s not just the mega-rich who can enjoy the polo lifestyle. Polo tourism has grown exponentially in Buenos Aires province thanks to the number of estancias offering polo clinics like La Aguada, El Venado and La Araucaria. So, as long as you’re going to ride out the recession, why not create your own polo uniform and ride it out in style?

For more information about real estate opportunities in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Uruguay, download the new issue of InvestBA Privada.

 

Bariloche

Mendoza

Uruguay

© 2011 InvestBA.com