Author: Robert Allcock
Jurmala is often called the seaside resort of Riga but in fact there is no resort of Jurmala as such. Jur-mala means 'seaside' in Latvian and Riga's seaside runs for about 30km between the Gulf of Riga and the Lielupe River with several small hamlets and resorts forming the seaside area.
In the days of Soviet Union occupation this was a favourite destination for high level Communist Party officials and leading figures from the Kremlin as well as various generals in the armed services. They liked to spend their summers away from the noise and heat of Moscow. It was even a favourite spot for Brezhnev and Khrushchev.
There are some very grand beach houses and hotel spa complexes along the beachfront. Abandoned by the soviet high-ups many of them have fallen into some disrepair. They look eloquent but sad as they stand in line along the sea shore.
Others have been renovated since Latvia gained independence in 1994. Now with the book in house prices in Latvia they are well beyond the reach of many local people and prices for £500,000 plus for a decent property.