Nip-tuck tourism is a new concept that could grow into an important property investor market as more and more of the super-rich . . . and the simply rich . . . opt for bodysculpting procedures to enhance their appearance, but have the surgery carried out as part of a holiday in a beautiful part of the world.

Developers in Brazil, the home of the body beautiful, have come up with the idea of a purpose-built resort where cosmetic procedures are provided along with luxury accommodation and an array of health and fitness facilities in a beautiful environment that aids relaxing recuperation Apartments at the Lagoa do Coelho Resort and cosmetic surgery clinic are to be launched in Ireland by Pruntys Overseas Properties, with prices for one-beds starting at 86,500.

Lagoa do Coelho is in the north of Brazil between the cities of Fortaleza and the state capital, Natal. It is a region reported by Nasa to have the purest air in the world. This is the part of Brazil closest to Europe and is famed for its sandy beaches, blue waters and beautiful forests, not to mention its 40,000 palm trees.

But while the natural beauty of the lagoon next to the Atlantic Ocean where the resort is being built is an enticement to stay, the real focus in terms of attracting hard rental cash from 'cosmetic surgery tourists' is the large 8,000 square-metres medical clinic around which the residential and leisure facilities are being built.

"One of the main tourist attractions of the resort will be the on-site medical centre with state-of-the-art facilities and advanced treatments that will offer the best in cosmetic and orthodontic surgery, " says Michelle Prunty of agents Pruntys Overseas Properties. "The developers insist that their clinic is designed to become a world leader, with some of the world's leading surgeons on hand."

The resort is being designed so that clients can have their dental or cosmetic surgery and then recuperate in beautiful and relaxing surroundings, which include a long list of amenities for which you need to take a deep breath to recite: spa, pools, gym, massage parlour, saunas, hydro massage, yoga, specialist therapists, aquatic park, fitness, football, basketball, tennis, martial arts, fishing, diving, canoeing, and a nine-hole golf course.

Apartments at the resort cost 86,500 for a one-bed, 100,700 for a two-bed and 117,800 for a three-bed. Michelle Prunty says buyers should allow for about 5% on top of the purchase price to cover transfer tax and legal fees.Buyers must pay a 4,500 reservation fee to hold the property for 29 days, after which a 25% deposit plus VAT payment is due. A further 15% is payable when construction starts in June and the balance when the property is completed.

The Brazilian property market has been opened up to overseas investors in the past few years. It is the world's 15th-richest economy and has growth rates of about 4%.

The resort is near Natal city, the capital of the Rio Grande do Norte state of Brazil, a modern city with a colonial flavour.

Pruntys Overseas Properties will launch Lago do Coelho next Saturday and Sunday, 25 and 26 March at Jurys Hotel Ballsbridge.