Chairman's Blog

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.

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.

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.

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....

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

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.                                       

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.

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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will add them for you.

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.

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:

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)

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

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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or see their website: Charity Soul – Somebody somewhere needs you (charity-soul.co.uk)

• ---

  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.

Edition Three, August 2022

• Hola y bienvenido to my third Chairman’s Blog, which continues to provide you with updates and 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. The blog is also accessible on our website.

• I can't believe it's nearly August already. Summer really is in full swing here at La Quinta ☀️

• I am currently on holiday at the club, having arrived on Saturday and I am happy to report there’s a great vibe here, it’s just like old times. Things are very busy and our members and guests seem to be really getting into the holiday spirit and enjoying themselves.

• La Solana is very busy at lunch times and the pool bar is buzzing with members having fun, enjoying the fabulous weather, eating Tapas and supping beers, wines, cocktails & Sangria. Late afternoon is particularly popular for sundowners!
• It’s been really good to meet up again with friends and members that I haven’t seen for a while.

• After the withdrawal of TV services by Sky in Spain and the resulting disappointment due to the subsequent loss of mainstream sports via Club TV, I am pleased to tell you that we have purchased and installed an additional 65" Smart TV on the wall in the raised area of La Solana. This will allow members to watch more than one sporting channel in the clubhouse through the DAZN App, or if desired, the same channel on both TV’s.

Meet the staff

As you know our staff at LQC are more like family, so continuing with my regular feature of 'meet the staff', this month I would like to introduce: Juani Garcia & Santo Angulo.

 Juani Garcia

• Juani is 58-years old and works in housekeeping.

• She has been with us here at La Quinta from the very start and is one of our longest serving members of staff. She began working for us as part of a sub-contracted company back when only the front row villas had been built!

• Then in 1986 she became a full LQC employee.

• Juani is divorced, but has three children Raul (41), Quique (38) and Pedro (27). She also is the proud grandmother to Jonathan (17), Africa (15) and Juan Raúl (12).

• She was born in Cartagena, where she currently still lives.

Juani is very family orientated and most of her free time is taken up with her children and grandchildren.

Santo Angulo

• Santo works as a general departmental assistant, carrying out a variety of roles across the housekeeping, cleaning and maintenance departments. Whenever you see him, he will always greet you with a ‘Hola’ and a cheery smile.
• He is 48 years old and was born in Ecuador but came to Spain some 21 years ago.
• Santo started working at La Quinta as part of a subcontracted cleaning company in 2003 but realising his potential, in 2005 we employed him directly.
• He is married to a Spanish lady called Mari Carmen and they have a son aged 15, called David.
  Santo very much enjoys his sports and participates in; Football and the martial art of Taekwondo. He also practises Krav magá, a military self defence system developed for the security forces. So clearly not someone you want to mess with 😂.

A Recap of July events

• July has been a busy month for us and the new format Wednesday night pool party, (which started on the 13th) has been a big success and great fun. Just a reminder that this now starts at 6pm and is very casual. So just stay down at the pool, enjoy drinks and great music at the pool bar and on the terrace and don’t forget food will be available when you or the kids get peckish. 

• Our new pool etiquette seems to be working, with members following the guidelines we have introduced. There are posters with full details by the pool bar and in reception. We have had lifeguards on duty during July and they will continue throughout the month of August.

• Monday night dinners continue to be well supported and are great value for money. Don’t forget we have two different acts now. Two-Twenties will perform one week and our new singer, Jesus the other week. So if you’re here for a fortnight there’s really no excuse not to come on both nights 😂.

• Wimbledon came to LQC on the 9th & 10th July when we hosted watching the Men’s and Women’s finals on the TV’s in the clubhouse at La Solana. Tapas, Pimms & Strawberries & cream/ice cream were served. It felt just like you were in the stands on centre court....🍓🧃🍧

• Our kids club, (open 2pm-6pm) is also proving popular, giving parents time to chill out and sample our extensive cocktail menu, which includes some new additions from the Florida Keys; the ‘Rum Runner’ and the ‘Key Lime Colada’....🍹

• Lastly, huge congratulations to Maria de Guia, (reception) who gave birth to a healthy baby girl, (which she has also been called Maria), on the 14th July. Mum and baby doing well.

Car Rental

• Securing rental cars has been challenging this year and prices seem very high, so I would advise early booking. There seems to be a reduced amount of hire cars globally, (which of course also affects Spain) as car hire companies struggle to obtain vehicles. This is in part due to reduced vehicle production, as a result of a scarcity of microchips that are component parts of the electronics in all new vehicles.

• Don't forget you can book with our partner car hire company, Conccord Cars, (who provide a meet & greet or delivery service), through La Quinta Club or via their website https://conccordcars.com/ They offer a discounted rate to LQC members and provide a small commission to us if you book with them through the club.

Upcoming events and activities - August 2022

San Javier International Festival of Theatre, Music and Dance - something for all tastes.

• From 12th-22nd of August the San Javier International Festival of Theatre, Music and Dance takes place at Almansa Park Municipal Auditorium, in Almansa.
  

• It offers a wide ranging programme of performing arts from the world of theatre, music and dance.
  

• For further information visit: http://www.spainisculture.com/en/eventos/murcia/festival_internacional_de_teatro_musica_y_danza_de_san_javier.html

Cante de las Minas

• Now everyone who visits Spain must go and watch Flamenco at least once.

• So why not treat yourself to an evening at the Annual Cante de las Minas Flamenco Festival in nearby La Union?

• It takes place from 28th July-6th August and is held in the old La Unión Public Market 

• This is one of the world's most important annual flamenco festivals and includes song, dance and guitar playing with competitions taking place in all categories.
  
  See: https://www.spain.info/en/calendar/festival-cante-minas/

Historic Cartagena

• If you are going to visit nearby Cartagena then why not check out the Roman Theatre, Roman Forum, Castle and Panoramic Lift?

• There are a number of different tours available to see these iconic sites with a combo ticket for around £12 per person giving you access to all four locations,

• See: CARTAGENA PUERTO DE CULTURAS | GetYourGuide Supplier for full details.

Evening and night markets?

• Why not visit an arts and crafts market? There are two on this summer. One at Plaza Bohemia on La Manga strip and one at the Marina de Las Salinas in San Pedro Del Pinatar.

• They are both summer evening/night markets, Plaza Bohemia is open from 7pm until 2am every day until 15th September and Marina de Las Salinas from 6pm until late every Friday.

• For Plaza Bohemia see: ! Murcia Today - Plaza Bohemia Summer Market In La Manga Open Every Evening Until September 15 and for Marina de Las Salina see Flamenco Market Marina de las Salinas. | Facebook

Who’s up for Adventure Golf?

• A great new miniature golf course is now open in Cabo de Palos. It’s called La Manga Adventure Golf and is run by a British guy called Ian and his team.

• Open from 9:30am-9:30pm every day. Booking is essential especially if you wish to play after 6pm, when it’s a bit cooler.

• The mini golf course can be found at exit 12 just off the RM12.

• For more information and reservations please call or WhatsApp on +34 693 934 381 or visit: (1) La Manga Adventure Golf | Facebook

Trips Summer Club

• Trips has re-invented itself and as well as a nightclub, it now offers a variety of shows, acts, DJ’s, bands and dancing in addition to six stylish restaurants (including Undersun at La Manga Club), with food prepared by some of the most influential chefs from the region of Murcia. They have entitled this new concept....‘Tasty Trips’

• Check out their website for full details of the restaurants and upcoming events:

Trips Disco | La Manga (tripslamanga.com)

New: members photographs

• Many members take lovely photographs during their stay and often ask us to share them. In answer to this we have added a new folder called ‘members photos’ in the gallery on our website. So please feel free to share your holiday experiences with us by emailing your photos to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will add them for you. There will also be an award for the best photo of the month, so get snapping!

• That’s a wrap for the August Blog, I hope that you have been enjoying them so far. Look out for September’s Blog, which will be published towards the end of August. As always, 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, 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 hope you have a fantastic holiday this year at La Quinta Club.

 See you soon at the club...Mark.

Edition One, June 2022

A very warm welcome from me, your new Chairman, Mark Pugsley. In response to members requests for more information, I thought it would be great to start a ‘Chairman’s Blog’. The intention is to keep you, the members, informed and updated regarding the activities and events happening in and around La Quinta, La Manga Club and the Cartagena/Murcia region. Each edition will also feature an article about a different committee member or member of staff to help you get to know us better.

The blog will be sent directly to your inbox, great for those who are busy or those that don’t do social media or websites.

In this the first edition I would like to quickly introduce myself and my family. I am a retired Metropolitan Police Sergeant, having served 34-years in a variety of roles, across a number of specialist departments including royalty and diplomatic protection. I am a corporate policy developer, a vocational assessor and a health & safety advisor. After leaving the police I was employed in the debt recovery/revenue protection industry specialising in gas & electricity utilities until 2021 when I fully retired. I am married to Stephanie, who was an events/exhibition organiser for the TUC and who like me is now also retired. I have one daughter, Harriett, who studied at the University of Warwick and is now a teacher. Our hobbies are tennis, cycling, swimming, keep fit, football, F1 & gardening to name but a few. Travelling is something we love, particularly to La Quinta but also to other destinations such as southern Florida and the Keys. We live in Kent, the garden of England, a county, which we have explored extensively over the years. Having first visited La Quinta back in 1994 as guests, we fell in love with the club and have been members now for some 22 years. We own weeks in both the blue and red seasons and with the exception of 2020, have visited LQC every year. I was elected onto the committee in 2016, took over as vice chairman last year before becoming Chairman in April.

A Recap of Recent Events in April/May 2022

Although the following events took place in April & May of this year, I think it’s good to recap and highlight to you some of the things that are on offer in these months for future reference.

• Early April (Holy week) saw the famous Semana Santa de Cartagena take place, which consisted of a variety of Easter processions and celebrations. Visit: https://www.murciaturistica.es/en/holy_week_cartagena/ for full information.
• The annual Cruces de Mayo, (Crosses of May) festival took place on 6th-8th May. It is a celebration and fiesta of street music, food and displays and processions of crosses made entirely of flowers. For further information visit: https://m.murciatoday.com/may-las-cruces-de-mayo-the-crosses-of-may-a-spring-fiesta-across-the-region-of-murcia_2787-a.html?search=true&subject=717&town=4&town_search=true
• On the 21^st of May the Noche De Los Museos, (Night of the Museums) was held, a special event where all the Museums in Cartagena opened for free from 7pm – 1am with guided tours and free activities. See: The Night of the Museums - Cartagena City Council for more information.
• La Quinta took part in the Los Belones/La Manga Club Ruta de la Tapa which ran from late March until the 10th April. See: The gastronomic route of La Manga Club and Los Belones (65ymas.com)
• Unlike the one we entered in 2021, this was not a competition but designed for encourage people to visit bars and restaurants and sample a variety of Tapas. It was an opportunity for those establishments to showcase their culinary skills. Our entry was El Chato Enrollado – a Murcian based pork crispy spring roll.

• In early May, LQC held a wine tasting evening in La Solana run by a local winery - Bodegas del Rosario, Bullas Bodegas del Rosario It was very successful with a selection of local wines and tapas available for sampling. Members who attended said they really enjoyed the evening. We are looking to organise further events either at the club or trips to visit the winery itself. 

Upcoming Events & Activities – June 2022

Thursday June 2^nd sees LQC host our Platinum Jubilee Street Party at La Solana. A buffet including a beer, sangria or soft drink for a very reasonable €20 for adults and €15 for children. Stephanie and I have compiled a playlist of 70- songs, one from each year of the queens reign. Booking direct at the club or in advance This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or +34 968331121

There are many other events scheduled in the area during the month of June, these are a selection that may be of interest to you.

June 20^th - 29^th Festival of San Juan (Hogueras de San Juan’ (Bonfires of St John)

The Festival of San Juan dates back to pre-Christian times and marks the arrival of the summer solstice. It is celebrated all over Spain but especially in coastal regions, where many people head for the beach, build bonfires and party throughout the night. There are over a week of celebrations in Alicante and surrounding areas. See: Hogueras de San Juan | Bonfires of Saint John | Spanish Fiestas (spanish-fiestas.com)

For all you rockers out there on the 24th-25th June there is a 2-day music festival called the ‘Rock Imperium’ being held at the Parque de la Cuesta del Batel, Cartagena. An impressive line up of rock acts will be playing at this event!

For more info see: Rock Imperium Festival | Rock Imperium Festival 2022 | 24·25 · Junio · 2022 · Parque El Batel · Cartagena · Spain

Now, if you are looking for something a little bit more chilled out, why not try the ‘Festival of Soul and Motown’ at la Serena Golf Complex, Los Alcazares from 3rd-5th June. A mixture of Soul & Motown music supported by local Orihuela Costa DJ’s too.

Again for further info see: Charity Soul at La Serena Golf Complex, Murcia - Weekenders - Soul Source (soul-source.co.uk)

Not just held in June but throughout the year are astronomy tours. There are a number of different activities on offer during the day or night, including a night time cruise. This could be something different to try whilst on holiday. They also have an event at their static venue called ‘Finca Astronomica’ every Saturday evening.

See: (1) Astronomy tours - Finca Astronomica | Facebook or visit: Home - Astronomy Tours

Fancy a boat cruise from Cartagena?

Again not strictly confined to June there are two choices:

The ‘Barco Turistico’ departs hourly Tues-Sun from 11:00-16:00 daily from the port at Cartagena and explores the port, docks, castles, lighthouses etc.

Visit: Tourist Boat | Transport | Cartagena Port of Cultures for more information.

‘Flippa Boat’ offers a variety of trips every day, departing from La Manga (Club Nautico La Isleta) see: www.flippaboat.es

La Manga Club - The Racquets Club

Lastly and nearer to home, just an update for those who play or are interested in tennis and/or keeping fit. The old tennis centre is now called the ‘Racquets Club’ and is being run by franchised owners. All the courts have been refurbished and seven new padel courts added. A state of the art fitness centre has been constructed along with new changing facilities and a new bar and shop.

Visit www.lmctennis.com or La Manga Club - The Racquets Club | Facebook for further information.

I do hope that you have found this, my first chairman’s blog useful and perhaps interesting. Look out for edition two,(covering events in July), which will be published at the end of June. 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...LOL.

Also please don’t forget we have lots of other useful information on our info+ section of our website +Info (laquintaclub.com)

My best wishes to you and your families and enjoy your time at La Quinta Club

Mark.