Introducing Your Spanish Retreat…
The next event is going to be held in May 2008 at La Manga Club, one of the world's finest all-round sports and leisure resorts, located in Murcia on sunny south-eastern Spain's Costa Cálida, or 'warm coast', under three hours from most European cities.
Murcia region where the La Manga Club Resort is situated is characterized by its old history of commerce and agriculture. Its original inhabitants, Iberian tribes, established commercial relations with Phoenicians and Greeks. Later on it became first a Carthaginean colony, then a Roman colony. (Carthago Nova, today's Cartagena still reminds of that fact). The Moors established effective and modern agricultural production, which still today is an important economic factor, thanks to their advanced technologies.
Of major touristical interest is of course the Mediterranean coast, Costa Calida ("the warm coast"), with beaches of fine sand. The salt-water lagoon Mar Menor and La Manga del Mar Menor offer great possibilities for water sports. The inland is almost desertic, and you may visit several towns which still preserve their medieval structures.
The regional capital, Murcia, is a 45-minute drive from La Manga Club. Founded in 831 AD, it has inherited over the years a rich fusion of Moorish, medieval Christian and baroque influences that can still be felt by today's visitor. Murcia is a welcoming and friendly city, pleasantly modern whilst maintaining its traditions.
Its most important monument is the cathedral, which is characterised by the variety of architectural styles that overlapped during its construction (1394-1462). The Bishop's Palace, the Casino and several churches are also well worth a visit, as are its museums and art galleries. In the town centre, you can stroll down Trapería and Platería streets, named after the cloth merchants or silversmiths who plied their trades in each. Don't miss the Romea theatre and City Hall, built in the 19th century, with pastel-coloured façades and unusual decorative features.
The Holy Week processions in Murcia are an expression of 'fiesta' and deep religious spirit. The life-sized woodcarvings of the Passion by Murcian sculptor Francisco Salzillo date from the 18th century and are carried through the streets on the shoulders of the faithful. A week later, the Spring Festival is a joyful celebration of the Murcian people's origins. On 'Bando de la Huerta' day, the locals put on splendid traditional costumes and spend the whole day in the streets eating and drinking.
Browsing around the city's streets, you will also find good shopping in nice boutiques, as well as pleasant squares in which to relax and enjoy a drink or typical tapas at one of the many cafés, while you experience the special atmosphere of this authentically Spanish city.
No matter what time of year you choose to visit, there are plenty of things to keep you entertained and busy, always with the assurance of five-star facilities and service. You will find a seemingly endless variety of activities: golf, tennis, spa, swimming, fitness, squash, paddle tennis, cricket, professional football, lawn balls, pitch & putt, crazy golf, mountain biking, jogging and walking routes, beach, water sports, horse riding, go-karting, cultural tours, shopping, over 20 restaurants and bars, plus lively nightlife...
Location:
In south-east Spain, in the region of Murcia. Only 20 minutes from Murcia (San Javier) Airport; one hour from Alicante (El Altet) Airport.
