Chairman's Blog

Chairman’s Blog – Edition Seven, December 2022

 

• Welcome to December 2022, it’s not long now to the big day and the management, the staff, the committee and myself all send you the seasons greetings and hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a safe and healthy New Year.

• We continue to be busy into December with higher than normal occupancy levels, which has meant we have not had to close La Solana as we would normally do, until 1st December.

• We have also enjoyed some fabulous autumn weather here on the Costa Calida and long may it continue.

• It’s been six months since I commenced these blogs and I am delighted to say that I have received nothing but positive feedback from you the members, so that’s a big thank you from me. Indeed even the staff read them.

• As mentioned, November has been a busier month than usual, (with continued higher than normal occupancy), continuing the trend since April with the weather remaining fair and warm. The higher than normal occupancy looks likely to continue into December and on into 2023 as we continue to receive lots of enquires and bookings. The benefit for the club is we may only need to keep La Solana closed until mid January 2023.

• A quick update for you. The date for the Spring Getaway is now confirmed as 25th March 2023.

• May I remind everyone again to spread the word that once we reopen, non members can come and eat at La Solana, and even attend our Monday night gala dinner. The latter is still being well supported by members and renters at the club.

• So here are some seasonal updates and information for the month of December about the people, activities and events happening in and around La Quinta, La Manga Club and the Cartagena/Murcia regions. As always this is directly to your email inbox but it is also accessible on our website www.laquintaclub.com

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A Very Merry Christmas From AlI Of Us At La Quinta Club

 

            Top, left to right: Juan, Santo, Diego, Isaac, Pablo, Domingo, Paco, Adrian, Manoli, Cynthia, Maria, Priya. Mª José, Pedro, Juanjo, Maxi

            Bottom, left to right: Angel, May, Laura, Carmen, Cling, Fina, Dani, Loli, Juani, Mª José, José, Lorena, Jay 

 

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A Recap of November Events

 

• November has been a stunning month with warm sunny weather and daily average temperatures of between around 23 degrees centigrade.

• Higher than average occupancy continues with the club being full or nearly full throughout.

• We have had a number of guests visiting from Sweden and they have been partaking in various activities including water aerobics in the pool.

• The November getaway was also very well supported and was thoroughly enjoyed by all that participated. Due to its popularity, we are going to host a ‘Spring Getaway’, week commencing 25th March 2023. Early booking is advised.

   

•  The Bellaluz community held their annual AGM in La Solana on Sunday 13th November. It was very successful with a number of attendees staying for lunch.

• As occupancy has remained high we have continued to host our Monday night dinners during November, with an average of some 40 guests attending each week! We continue to receive very positive feedback for this event. The evening represents excellent value for money and we still have quite a few non members from other communities enquiring and/or attending.

• Due to the very temperate November weather guests have continued to use the pool and the pool bar.

• As mentioned briefly in November's blog, LMC community hosted their 50th Birthday street party at La Sabinas on the 28th October. It was a fabulous evening attended by hundreds of people including myself and some of the staff and their families. There was food (including a hog roast), drinks, fire-eaters, Flamenco dancers etc. Happy 50th birthday La Manga Club!

 

• In celebration of the 50th anniversary of LMC a new La Manga Life publication has been issued.

• To view it visit: https://pub.marq.com/1fdf013c-8281-4721-aabf-f5ca0f04e23b/

 

International Tennis Federation World Masters Tour 21st- 26th November

 

• The Racquets Club at La Manga Club hosted the ITF World Masters Tour MT700 event from November 21-26th.

• It was a very well supported and strongly contested event.

• For full results see: https://www.itftennis.com/en/tournament/mt700-murcia/esp/2022/s-s700-esp-04a-2022/draws-and-results/

 

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Discovering Cartagena: a City Full of History

 

• There is no dish of the month in this blog, so I thought you might like to know a bit more about the nearest city to La Manga Club - Cartagena, so here goes.

• Cartagena is a well protected small port city on the Mediterranean located about 25kms from La Manga Club. Home to around 216,000 inhabitants it was founded in 227BC by a Carthaginian named ‘General Hasdrubal the Fair’.

• Over the decades the city has been ruled over by the Carthaginians, the Romans, the Arabs and finally the Kingdom of Spain. Its original name was Qart Hadasht, which was Phoenician for “new city.” After the Carthaginian defeat in the second Punic War, the Romans occupied the city, which was renamed to Carthago Nova and as such most of the ancient ruins that can be seen today date back to this time period.

• During 714 AD, the Moors conquered most of the Iberian peninsula and Cartagena was more or less forgotten until the 1700’s, when it became one of Spain’s leading naval ports.

• In 1873, Cartagena established itself as a self-governing canton for a period of 6 months and became the centre of Spain’s Canton Revolution. The city was heavily shelled and it’s estimated that 80% of the city’s buildings were destroyed before the end of the conflict. Today, Cartagena is one of three main naval bases in Spain.

• For visitors, there is so much to see and do in Cartagena, including numerous archaeological sites and includes; the Roman Theatre, (which was only discovered in 1988!), the Punic Wall, the world-class naval museum, the Cartagena Cathedral, the Roman Forum, the Augusteum and the historical military museum. There is also a charming old town steeped with modernist architecture.

• There are many tours available see: The BEST Cartagena Tours 2022 - FREE Cancellation | GetYourGuide or Top Things to Do in Cartagena, Spain (2022) | España Guide (espanaguide.com)

  

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Upcoming Events and Activities - December 2022

 

Ladies European Golf Tour Qualifying

 

• The La Manga Club North and South courses will host the pre-qualifier and final qualifying stages of the Ladies European Tour Qualifying School on the 8th December 2022. The top players will secure a tour card to play on the Ladies European Tour.

• Volunteers are being sought to help with the stages, so if you are at LMC and would like to help please contact golf@lamangaclub.com

 

Pro-Am Ladies European Tour Tournament

 

• La Manga Club will host the official ladies' pro-am golf tournament on Wednesday 14th of December 2022 where professional players who have qualified in the first round will participate.

• The tournament will start at 9.00 am with a shotgun start on the South course, followed by the prize giving ceremony.

• Rates are €75 for non members and €55 for Real Golf La Manga Club members. Prices include a light cocktail and prize giving. Registration can be made using the following links: Public click: HERE Members click: HERE

 

 

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La Manga Adventure Golf - A Fund Raising Event 

 

• On Saturday 10th December, La Manga Adventure Golf will be staging their 3rd Annual Jo Taylor "La Manga Cats" Fundraising Event.

• All monies raised go towards neutering and rehoming cats and kittens rescued in the La Manga area.

• There will also be a Tombola and Grande Raffle with some fabulous prizes. Tickets available directly from Jo Taylor (Jo Taylor | Facebook ) or from La Manga Adventure Golf (Call/Whatsapp on 0034 693 934 381). 

 

Cabo de Palos Market

 

• Due to development works in the Las Dunas shopping centre, the location of the Cabo de Palos market, which is held every Sunday has been relocated. It can now be found in Brezo street, next to the Spar and the Marina Centre.

 

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The Spectacular ‘Cascades of Moratalla’

 

• This looks like a fabulous place. Located in the northwest of the Region of Murcia about an hour from La Manga in the Sierra de la Muela, is an area where the Alhárabe river flows and cascades, creating this picturesque hiking trail.

• It’s an ideal place to visit especially during autumn or spring when there is an abundance of water flowing accompanied with lots of floral richness and colour.

• Cars can be parked in the parking lot of La Puerta Campsite, from where you can head to the banks of the Alhárabe River to see calm waters, rock pools and ravines, which slowly become steeper, with sublime pools and waterfalls.

• Eventually, you arrive at the Somogil Baths, which have two natural spa pools fed by underground water, that remain at a constant temperature of 26 degrees. A very beautiful and unique place to bathe at any time of the year.

 

 

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Three Kings Day in Spain

 

• As Christmas is fast approaching, I thought it would be interesting to provide an insight into the celebration of the Three Kings and the way people in Spain celebrate the festive season. Known as El Día de Los Reyes Magos, in Spain it is considered to be Christmas day, an event that is celebrated on the night of January 5th and on the actual day of the Three Kings January 6th.

 

What's its origin?

 

• As we know, according to the Bible, three wise men, Melchior, Gaspar and Balthazar visited the newborn baby Jesus in Bethlehem, bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The Three Wise Men, (or Three Kings as translated from Spanish) have been honoured in various European countries since the Middle Ages with the dates of January 6th and 7th being symbolic and representing the birth of Jesus. This is in contrast to December 25th as now celebrated in the western world, where the tradition of Santa Claus bringing gifts to children on Christmas Day became popular. Spanish culture adapted this and used Los Reyes Magos as the gift-bringers instead. 

 

 

What is done to celebrate this day?

 

• On January 5th, in anticipation for the arrival of the Three Kings, Spanish towns and cities across the country put on spectacular parades. These parades are known as the Cabalgata de Los Reyes Magos, or the Three Kings Day parade. They feature dancers, musicians, and street performers. The parades finish with the Reyes Magos riding camels on elaborate floats. The best thing about the parade for children are the ‘Three Kings’ themselves, who throw sweets and candy from the floats into the crowds.

• On the morning of January 6th, children open presents from the Reyes Magos. This is usually a family day with a big lunch prepared for all to enjoy. Another big tradition on January 6th is the ‘Roscón de Reyes’ or which is a ring-shaped cake that is covered with small pieces of candy that are supposed to represent the jewels of the crown. It's a sweet bread cake that can have cream inside and also dried fruit on top. The fun part of the cake is that there are two things hidden inside. One is a haba bean - whoever finds this is the unlucky one and their punishment is to buy the Roscón! The second surprise is a toy - whoever finds it becomes the king or queen of the day!

 

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Members Photographs

 

• We have received a flurry of great photographs from members and have recently uploaded some from the November Getaway and the subsequent visit by our Swedish guests. So please do keep sending in your holidays snaps.

• Just email them to webmaster@laquintaclub.com and we will add them for you.

• We look forward to seeing them and sharing your memories.

 

 

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• That’s it for 2022 and December’s blog as the year draws to an end. I would personally like to wish you and your families a very merry Christmas filled with happiness and good cheer and hope you have a peaceful and joyous New Year.
• I trust you are still enjoying the blogs and finding them informative and that they are keeping you inclusive when you are not at the club. There is always something going on at the club or in the local area.
• As you know I do always check activities and events at the time of publication but please don’t blame me if they are cancelled or rescheduled 😉.

• Also don’t forget to a) visit our website where we have lots of other useful information in the info+ section (see +Info (laquintaclub.com) and b) use the members' forum where you can swap, exchange, rent or sell weeks and share information, ideas, suggestion or just ask questions. 

• Thank you for continuing to read my blogs and as always I look forward to seeing you at La Quinta Club soon.

 

Take care and enjoy the holiday season….Mark.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chairman’s Blog – Edition Five, October 2022

 

• Seriously, where has this year gone? We are now well into the ‘ber’ months as October has arrived and although we are moving into the Spanish autumn, here in La Manga the weather is still warm and most importantly the sun is shining. Here we go again with some more updates and information for the month of October about the people, activities and events happening in and around La Quinta, La Manga Club and the Cartagena/Murcia regions. As always this is directly to your email inbox but it is also accessible on our website www.laquintaclub.com

• We have had a very good September and have enjoyed full occupancy levels. I am pleased to report that our Monday night dinners also continued to be really well attended and would once again like to thank our members for their support.

•  We also continue to deliver a wonderful selection of breakfast and lunchtime dishes including our daily specials.

• Although autumn is nearly upon us there is still lots to see and do at La Quinta, La Manga Club and the surrounding areas, which I have detailed below.

 

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Meet the staff

My regular feature of 'meet the staff' continues this month with a debut of two more of our La Quinta family. So please allow me to introduce Loli Exposito and Jose Ros.

Loli Exposito

• Loli has asked me to send her personal greetings to everyone at La Quinta and is delighted that members take time to read the blog. She has also said how much she enjoys working at the club and looks forward to seeing you soon.

• She is 48 years old and has been employed as a member of the housekeeping team for over 11 years. Originally with a contract company for her first 2 years, she was then made a permanent employee and has worked for us ever since.

• Loli lives in El Estrecho, a small village between La Manga and Cartagena. She has been married to Pedro for 23 years who has worked at the Príncipe Felipe hotel here at La Manga Club for 36 years.

• They have two daughters, Ana aged 21 years and Lucia aged 16.

• Loli lives a simple and quiet life spending time with her family & friends. She likes nothing more than to be surrounded by the people she loves.

• She also enjoys doing art crafts and sewing and is a big fan of shoes and handbags 😀.

 

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Jose Ros

• Jose is 55 and has worked in the maintenance department here for 23 years. He was originally contracted to cover a member of staff who was off sick but after that staff member left the following year he was made permanent.

• He lives in El Algar, has been married to María for 30- years and has a daughter aged 23 called Noelia, who is a teacher in a primary school.

• Jose plays non competitive tennis on weekly basis with friends and enjoys hiking and hillwalking. 

• However his great passion is motorbikes and his pride and joy a Honda CBR 600.

• He also owns a classic Vespa scooter that his wife bought him as a present for his 50th Birthday and at 55-years old is same age as he is 😂.

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A Recap of September Events

• As mentioned above, September has been a wonderful month but was tinged with great sadness at the death of Her Majesty the Queen. It was only in June that we held our celebratory street party for her Platinum Jubilee, but on the 8th September we lowered our flags to half mast and held a minutes silence on the 9th as signs of respect. Rest in peace your majesty, thank you for 70-years of unfaltering service, we shall never see your like again. And now have a new monarch, King Charles III. So let’s wish him all the best for the future, ‘God save the King’.

• Monday night dinners continue to be very well supported. We have received some lovely feedback from members praising the quality of the food, the wonderful service provided by our staff and the great music from our two different entertainers. See further in the blog for an article on them both.

• We started offering free try-dives in partnership with local company - Adventure Divers & Activity Center in our pool in late August and this has continued throughout September. There has been a great uptake and adults and children alike have enjoyed experiencing what it is like to wear scuba gear and to swim and breathe underwater.

• La Manga del Mar Menor celebrated it’s Fiesta’s between 7th-11th September, sadly as details weren’t available at the time of publishing, this event was not included in September’s blog. There were daily activities over the 5-days including; fairgrounds, live music, entertainers, casetas (food stalls), a local Ruta de Tapas and a motorcycle rally. These events were held in the Plaza Bohemia area. An event to put in your diaries for next year perhaps?

• I have just returned from a short visit to La Quinta for various meetings including the La Manga Club General Community Presidents meeting, which was held in La Solana. These are some of the highlights from the meeting:

• The provision of medical services Saga continues and although all parties were ready to sign off on a new contract this has been delayed due to one of the Dr’s seeking further legal advice.

• Las Lomas have formed a community group and are taking legal action against Hesperia for breach of contract. They have also instructed a new management company Christie’s, so things should hopefully improve soon in the Las Lomas area.

• Although dialogue continues, plans for Par 47 and the La Manga community swimming pool still remain uncertain at this time.

• I also met with both our new social media provider and the Editor of Murcia Today, to discuss future product marketing.

• We will be holding promotion open days at La Quinta Club on Tuesday 4th and Wednesday 5th October.

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 Introducing our La Quinta entertainers:

Jesus (GSU)

• Jesus (GSU) started his musical career when he was 15 years old as a bass guitarist in a band that performed their own material.

• He then played in different groups also appearing on television programs until he launched his career as a solo singer.

• He later won second prize at the Benidorm song festival, and became part of a 'Grease Tribute Tour'.

• In 2002 he founded a band called La Saga. They performed throughout Spain until 2005 when they were signed by the Hyatt Hotel Group at La Manga Club as the resident band in Spike's Bar, where they sung for 2 years. Jesus continued his singing career with La Saga until eventually, they separated. 

• In 2017 he was selected for a television contest as most voted for artist by the public for his performance of Louis Armstrong and Brian Adams.

• In 2021 he began a solo project as GSU performing pop-rock songs he composed during lockdown.

• In April 2022 he was contracted by La Quinta and appears on Monday nights every other week. He has been warmly received by members.

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Two Twenties (Javier Ruiz & Eugenio Fernández)

• Javier & Eugenio have been entertainers for some 25 years.

• Javier is a singer/musician who has performed in numerous bands and orchestras, as well as being involved with music academies and artist representation.

• Eugenio is a pianist, musical producer, arranger & composer who has also worked in the world of TV as a musical director, for over a decade. He currently produces and composes albums in his studio for a number of artists.

• They have been together as a duo since 2012 working on different projects and performing a variety of songs from artists such as Sting, Stevie Wonder, Elton John and Queen. They have been regularly performing at LQC as our resident band since 2017. From 2022 they now perform at the club every other week sharing their musical talent with Jesus.

 

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Upcoming Events and Activities – October 2022

 

Cabo de Palos Tour Fest - 8th October

• This is a day of cultural activities to be held on Saturday 8th October with performances by three local artists. Admission to the three concerts is free. The day will begin at 12:30 pm in Cabo port car park, with a performance by Lydia Martin.

• In the afternoon at 17:30, at entrance to the port it will be the turn of the Rio Viré group and then finally at 20:30, Jamones con Tacones will perform on the esplanade of the parking lot by the Cabo de Palos lighthouse.

• In addition to these performances, the festival will feature other entertainment, food trucks and a bar sponsored by Estrella de Levante.

• For full details see: The second edition of the Cabo de Palos Tour Fest festival presents its poster - Pledge Times

 

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The Farmfoods European Senior Masters Golf

• Between the 12-16th October, the Farmfoods European Senior Masters takes place on the South course at La Manga Club.

• This highly anticipated tournament will be hosted by Peter Baker, (a previous Ryder Cup star and three-time winner of the European Tour).

• There will be a host of players taking such as Ian Woosnam OBE, Paul Lawrie OBE, Michael Campbell, Thomas Bjorn, Barry Lane, Peter Fowler and Spanish players Miguel Angel Martin and Jose Manuel Carriles. - all hoping to take the crown from the reigning champion, Marcus Brier.
  

• La Quinta has a vested interest in the event as one of our members - Richard Hayes is taking part in the senior amateur section. So if you are at LMC during the above dates, please wander down and support Richard. We all wish him good luck. I will report back in more detail about this event in November's blog.

 

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Wine tour to Jumilla - 15th October

• Departing from either Cartagena or Murcia this 1-day tour takes you to the town of Jumilla, where you can visit the castle, museums and explore this historic town.

• Also included is a guided winery tour of the ‘Bodega Xenysel’ and lunch at the restaurant La Macarena.

• The price is €59 per person, for more info and to book see...

 https://m.murciatoday.com/october-15-wine-bus-trip-to-the-town-of-jumilla-and-a-leading-winery_1824143-a.html?search=true&subject=378&town=50&town_search=true&town_inside=1

 

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 Discover the Caves of Calasparra

• The Cueva del Puerto in Calasparra is a spectacular place to visit. The caves are part of the Sierra del Puerto mountain range, approximately 700 meters long and 50 meters deep, with much of the cave yet to be discovered. The Cueva del Puerto remains at temperature of 18 degrees all year round, which makes it an ideal place to visit during any season.

• The tour, which lasts about an hour, shows how all the different formations have been created over time. A fascinating and educational visit, with a magical atmosphere in breath-taking surroundings.

• For more information or to make bookings visit: www.cuevadelpuerto.es or call 643 70 10 56

 

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The Regional Park of Sierra Espuña

• In the west of the Region of Murcia lies the regional park of Sierra Espuña.

• It is an area protected by CETS; the European Charter of Sustainable Tourism and is ideal for all sorts of outdoor activities such as climbing, mountain biking, walking, hiking and birdwatching. There are over 100+ kms of green-ways, 11 marked paths and many other trails to explore.

• There is also an abundance of restaurants where you can sample authentic Spanish cuisine and a must visit to the thermal baths of Los Baños de Mura.

• For more information see: ! Murcia Today - Sierra Espuña, A Mecca For Nature Enthusiasts, Adventure Sports And Relaxation!

 

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LQC Halloween Party 2022

• La Quinta Club will be holding our Halloween party in La Solana on Thursday 27th October, (the last week of the half term holidays) and will be offering a special Halloween cocktail.

• So please come along and enjoy this spooktacular event!

  

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Breaking News...Plaza Bohemia

• For those of you that visit La Manga Strip. Work is due to commence on a €439K refurbishment project at Plaza Bohemia.

• This will create a new pedestrian space, green areas & a new car park with electric charging stations.

• For full information see: https://murciaplaza.com/asiseralanuevaplazabohemiadelamanga 

 

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Dish of the Month

For October I am featuring one of our specialities – Turbot with black garlic butter & lemon..

About this dish

• Turbot is a very succulent white fish which is available nationally throughout Spain.

• Without giving away our chef Adrian’s trade secrets the whole fish is cleaned, prepared and filleted. The fillets are then sealed in special bags to maintain freshness.

• How is it cooked?

• It can be either grilled or baked in Adrian’s special black garlic butter, which is absorbed by the fish to give a wonderful flavour.

• Originally only available as a special, due to it’s popularity we now offer this dish on our regular lunchtime menu.

 

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Members Photographs

• Members have begun sending in their holiday snaps, which can be viewed in the ‘members photos’ folder in our gallery on the website.

• If you haven’t already done so please email them to webmaster@laquintaclub.com and we will add them for you.

• We look forward to seeing them.

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• Well that’s October’s Blog complete. I hope you are still finding them informative.

• November’s Blog will be next, published towards the end of October. As you will appreciate, although there are still things going on in the winter months there will probably not be as much content as in the summer and as always I do check activities and events at the time of publication but please don’t blame me if they are cancelled or rescheduled 😉.

• Also don’t forget to a) visit our website where we have lots of other useful information in the info+ section (see +Info (laquintaclub.com) and b) use the members' forum where you can swap, exchange, rent or sell weeks and share information, ideas, suggestion or just ask questions. If you haven’t signed up yet, please visit: La Quinta at La Manga Club - Official Forum - Index (laquintaclub.com) to register.

• Thank you for taking the time to read my blogs and for your continued support. As always, I look forward to seeing you at La Quinta Club.

 

And…..don’t forget to submit your requests for 2023….Mark.

 

 

Edition Four, September 2022

 

• He we go with blog numero cuatro. Are you ready for some more interesting updates and exciting information regarding the people, activities and events happening in and around La Quinta, La Manga Club and the Cartagena/Murcia regions? Straight to your email inbox. And don’t forget that the blog is also accessible on our website www.laquintaclub.com
• Well as September has arrived, its time to reflect a little on this years wonderful summer here on the Costa Calida. Having spent nearly three weeks at the club during July & August I can report that for me personally, it has been really fantastic. It was just like old times but somehow even better. The weather has been very hot here too, but hey it is summertime in Spain after all. Thank heavens for air conditioning.
• There is a real exciting buzz at La Quinta, as members put the pandemic behind them and get on with the business of having a fabulous time. Everyone seems genuinely happy to be back and there is a real sense of togetherness. It was really busy during my stay and at all three Monday night dinners I attended, we had over 100 guests. Two-Twenties and our new solo singer Jesus provided the music and had everyone up and dancing. The service and the food at these events has been truly exceptional.
•  The new format Wednesday pool party has exceeded our expectations and has been really successful. So much so we have been starting it earlier with music from 5pm and food from 6pm. It has been great to see friends and families laughing and joining in the pool games with the rope pull being particularly popular. Drinks have been flowing at the pool bar and we having been doing an excellent trade in pizzas, chips and hot-dogs. 2022 has definitely been the year of the cocktail and long may it continue.  

 

• La Solana has also been very busy at both breakfast and lunchtimes. We served our guests with 30+ breakfasts and a staggering 170 lunches on Saturday 13^th August, (a new LQC record) and all on the hottest day of the year so far too! The quality and variety of food and the service provided has been outstanding, so I am sure you will join with me in saying a huge thank you and well done to all our kitchen and waiting staff.
• The additional 65" Smart TV in La Solana has been well received and offers more flexibility for watching sporting channels in the club house through the DAZN App.

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Meet the staff

Here are some more members of our La Quinta family that I would like to introduce to you as part of my regular feature of 'meet the staff'. So this month a warm welcome to: Maria de Guía Jódar & Isaac Lorente.

Maria de Guía Jódar 

• Maria is 33-years old and has been working with us here at the club on reception since 2015. She has a lovely personality and is always smiling. A great asset and so helpful and efficient in her role.
• She was originally from Cartagena but now lives with her partner, Pedro in El Garbanzal, La Union.
• Maria is away at the moment, on maternity leave having given birth to a health baby girl, which she has also called Maria de Guia on 14th July 2022.
• While she is currently enjoying her new baby, she also likes spending time with her family, practising aerial Yoga and continuing to improve her English.
• Since the age of 16 she has taught privately; English, French and other primary school subjects.
• She plans to return to work next spring.

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Isaac Lorente

• Isaac was born locally in La Union and he still resides there in the El Garbanzal area of the town. He is multi talented, undertaking a dual role at La Quinta. For 6-months of the year he works in maintenance and for 6-months he works in housekeeping.
• Isaac is 34-years old and has been part of the La Quinta team for 7-years having joined us in 2015.
• He has been married for 10-years to Maria Elena and they have one daughter called Elena who was born on 17^th March 2020, at the same time that Spain went into lockdown due to Covid-19.
• Outside of La Quinta Club, Isaac’s main interest is football and he is actually a qualified football coach for the local ‘La Union’ youth team. Perhaps in the future he may invite us to watch his team play.

 

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A Recap of August Events

• August has been even busier than July and as mentioned above the new format Wednesday pool party, has been a huge success and great fun, so much so we have been starting earlier.
• In general our pool etiquette seems to be working well with members following the guidelines we have introduced. Securing a sun lounger on most days this summer hasn’t been a major issue, but children using the spa pool to some extent has. May I remind parents that children under 12 are not permitted in the spa pool unless they are physically supervised.
• Our lifeguards have been a great asset and were on duty daily throughout the month of August, including assisting and joining in at our pool parties.
• Our kids club, has also been very well received by members and children alike. Both Teresa and her replacement Maria, (who were running the club) did fantastic jobs and the kids really loved them.

• Christina Conesa, (who works on reception) will sadly be leaving on 18th September to complete a PHD in sustainable development at the London School of Economics. Although only working with us for 6-months during this time she has been extremely helpful and professional. I have received glowing reports from members and I would like to personally thank her and wish her well with her studies and future career.

• Monday night dinners have been brilliantly supported by members and we have had around 100 attendees each night over the last 4-weeks.
• 2022 has been the year of the cocktail and our extensive cocktail menu seems to have gone down a treat. Just so you don’t forget, here is the cocktail menu board’ again....

 

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Free - 'Try Dives' in La Quinta Club’s Pool

• We started offering this activity on 18^th August in partnership with local company - Adventure Divers & Activity Center.
• La Quinta guests can experience what it is like to Scuba Dive in our swimming pool.
• Adventure Divers will be visiting every week so please do come along to one of these taster     try dives. They are provided free for anyone over the age of 8-years. You will be overseen by a dive instructor and will be able to see what it is like to breath underwater!
• See: Adventure Divers & Activity Center | Facebook

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Kids Climbing Wall

• Sadly although ordered in advance of the summer, we were sent the wrong type necessitating a re-order. This is designed only for our younger children.
• Anyway it arrived in early August and although it seemed we needed a degree in construction to erect it, it’s now up and running.
• Hopefully the kids will have a great time honing their future climbing or mountaineering skills.                                       

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New Feature - Dish of the Month

For the first of this new feature, I am showcasing that quintessential of Spanish dishes - Paella.

So what is Paella?

The key ingredient is rice, with a mixture of vegetables, meat, seafood and seasoning to produce a variety of flavours, which cater for different tastes and regions.

How did Paella get its name?

• Paella originated in the Valencia region of Spain and isn’t just the name of the food, it’s actually the name for the wide, shallow pan that it is traditionally cooked in. If you don’t cook it in one of these pans, its not considered proper Paella! It is likely that Paella got its name from the French word ‘paella meaning ‘frying pan’.
• Did you know at La Quinta we can offer a variety or Paella dishes cooked to your specification?
• So why not get a group together and experience one of Spain’s best culinary offerings?
• 24-hours notice is required with a minimum of 2-persons.

 

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Members Photographs 

• Don’t forget to send in your holiday photos so we can showcase them in our new members photos folder in our gallery on the website.
• Just email them to webmaster@laquintaclub.com and we will add them for you.

 

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Transport

• As mentioned in my last blog securing rental cars has been a challenge this year so early booking is essential. However many guest have been using taxi’s to and from the airport and to get around La Manga Club & the local area.
• With the police seeming to be tightening up on drinking and driving in the area the use of taxi’s when going out for the night is a sound idea. They are plentiful and reasonably priced.
• With most of the supermarkets also now providing a delivery service too, there is less onus on needing to hire a car.        
• Having said that a car does provide greater flexibility and I am sure that supply and rental prices of vehicles will be back to normal or near normal by next summer.

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Buggies 

• The use of buggies in and around La Manga Club remains a contentious issue.
• There were an inordinate amount on the roads during my visit, many being driven by young people and worryingly, some in a reckless manner.
• Here this is the latest guidance issued by the General Community in relation to their use:

 

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Upcoming Events and Activities - September 2022 

The Festival of Romans & Carthaginians

• This unique annual festival is held in Cartagena between the 16th-25th of September and attracts visitors worldwide.
• Originally started in 1990 it is a colourful and quite noisy spectacle, where locals dress in period costumes and weapons to re-enact the fierce battle that took place during the second Punic War over 2,200 years ago.
• It is well worth a visit.
• For more information visit: Carthaginians and Romans in Cartagena Spain, 16 - 25 September 2022 (allexciting.com)

 

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Rock Against Cancer Festival 9th-10th September 2022

• Want to listen to some great tribute bands whilst supporting a really good cause? Then head to at the Parque Soria, Torrevieja on the 9^th & 10^th September 2022 for this 2-day event.

• It has been organised by the Rock Against Cancer Association in support of AFECÁNCER and Alicante Para La Lucha Contra el Cáncer and features some of the best national and international tribute bands in Europe such as AC/DC, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Bryan Adams and U2.

For more information and tickets visit: Rock Against Cancer Festival 2022 - Entradium

 

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Serena Soul Weekender - Los Alcazares 16th - 18th September

• La Serena Golf Resort in association with Charity Soul, (a UK based cancer charity) are hosting another Soul Weekender over the weekend of the 16th-18th September. Start time is 7pm.
• There will be an international line up of DJ’s including Keith Money, John Parker and Terry Hopkinson from the UK, Bruno Jerez from France, John Berchtold from Denmark and Mark Forrest from Germany.
• The cost is £30 for a weekend pass. To book contact terry@charitysoul.com or see their website: Charity Soul – Somebody somewhere needs you (charity-soul.co.uk)

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  Well that’s the September’s Blog done and dusted. I really hope that you have been enjoying them.
• October’s Blog will be coming to an email inbox near you at the end of September and although activities and events have been checked and validated at the time of publication, please don’t blame me if they are cancelled or rescheduled.

• Also don’t forget to a) visit our website where we have lots of other useful information in the info+ section (see +Info (laquintaclub.com) and b) use the members forum where you can swap, exchange, rent or sell weeks and share information, ideas, suggestion or just ask questions. If you haven’t signed up yet, please visit: La Quinta at La Manga Club - Official Forum - Index (laquintaclub.com) to register.

           

Thanks for reading and I look forward to seeing you at La Quinta Club.

Take care, enjoy your holidays...Mark.