VALENTINES MEAL AT HACIENDA RIQUELME

Whilst up at Hacienda Riquelme today I noticed they are holding a valentines dinner on 12,13 and 14th of February. See details below

Booking essential

I LOVE HOUSE@CUM LAUDE (GURU CONEXION)

This sunday 30th January at Cum Laude disco bar in Roldan "I LOVE HOUSE" which is held every last Sunday of each month.

From 5pm to midnight.
Free entry

As this is the first one of 2011, it will be bigger and better with the following dj´s playing:

PATRICIO MORENO (Loca FM)


ALEX CORBALÁN (Guru Dance Club / Loca FM)

SERGIO LACAL (Guru Dance Club)


SEBI GARCIA (Dutchie Music / Muzik X Press / Perception Music)

FORTHCOMING EVENTS FOR 2011

Mar Menor leisure comittee have released their forthcoming events for 2011, see below for the proposed programme, more details will be released closer to each event as info becomes available

The above phone numbers are internal numbers in the mar menor golf resort, alternatively you can contact the committee mambers on the below emails
Gilli Kirk-Bushnell        gillik@hotmail.co.uk

Lesley Clarke               lesleydivechick@gmail.com


Kath Penny                  brikathy@hotmail.com



Mel Dorey         mel-dorey@hotmail.co.uk

BURNS NIGHT AT MAR MENOR GOLF RESORT

Mar Menor golf resort will be holding a Burns night at the Clover tonight. 25th January,

8 till late
Free entry
Special Burns night supper with a glass of vino or beer, for 10 euros

Scottish dress optional

and HAPPY HOUR! yes from 9 till 10pm

Enjoy

FREE CYCLING TOURS ROUND MURCIA

Do You enjoy cycling? you don´t have to be a super cycler to enjoy these programes Murcia are putting on each saturday, The ofice of cycling are trying to get people into enjoying and using this form of transport by putting on, guided itineraries around Murcia.



The tours will show Murcia and its surroundings, at a leisurely speed, and will show the bike firendly streets of Murcia. These free tours hope to show people not only the city but also how cycling is a healthier and more enviro friendly form of transport.





TIME: From 10am to 2pm on saturdays at the Plaza Belluga, (where the cathedral is) infront of the Moneo Building.

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COST: Free, but must preinscribe via phone 968212518



5th February "from garden to garden by bike! "
19th February "The friendly streets of Murcia- La Ñora"
5th March "Carnaval by Bike, get in costume,"
19th March "Fathers day, with daddy by bike"
2nd April "The friendly streets Murcia- Aljucer"
16th April " Solidarity bikes"
7th May "The friendly streets Murcia - Monteagudo"



So what do you need? a bike, an urge to do something new and learn about what murcia has to offer and find places you never knew existed :)

MAR MENOR GOLF RESORT UPDATES AND EVENTS

In this entry will keep a running list of what´s happening at the Mar Menor Golf Resort, events, social activities ect...

On the link below you can see the forthcoming social events for 2011

http://polarisworldandbeyond.blogspot.com/2011/03/mar-menor-forthcoming-social-events.html

On the link below you can see more info on La Perla Negra pubs Loyalty card scheme


http://polarisworldandbeyond.blogspot.com/2011/03/loyalty-card-at-perla-negra.html

VALENTINES AT ARCHENA SPA

Saint Valentine's Day at Archena Spa, below are the current promotions, you could stay 1 or 2 nights, or you could just go for the day, they have a special day programme below which includes a massage, to see my blog post on archena spa click here:
http://polarisworldandbeyond.blogspot.com/2010/07/day-trip-to-archena-spa.html



Share an experience and unforgetable sensation for both


Two nights program Includes:






-2 nights stay and breakfast


-1 Archena massage, 1 Thermal Steam Room and 1 Termarchena


-1 Access to the circuit Balnea Termalium


(saunas, floating pool, esences, iglú...)


-Free access to the Thermal Pools ( Piscinas Termalium)


(jacuzzis, hidromassages, cervical and lumbars


childrens pools, currents of water...)


-Hotel Activities: pathing, aquagym...


-Room present






SPECIAL:


-Special Dinner in salon(sharing tables)


with music, roses, candles and champagne.


-1 drink till 1 a.m.


-Use of Thermal Pools from 1 till 3 a.m.






HOTEL TERMAS ****


Booking


-BB: 190 €


-HB: 231 €


-FB: 261 €






HOTEL LEVANTE ****


Booking


-BB: 188 €


-HB: 229 €


-FB: 259€






HOTEL LEON *** Booking


-BB: 169 €


-HB: 204 €


-FB: 218 €






* Price per persona in classic room(double); Vat included.Valid from the 11-02 till 13-02-2011


Improve your stay booking superior, terrace, saloon room...






One night program Includes:






-1 night stay half board


-1 Archena massage


-1 Access to the circuit Balnea Termalium


(saunas, floating pool, esences, iglú...)


-Free access to the Thermal Pools ( Piscinas Termalium)


(jacuzzis, hidromassages, cervical and lumbars


childrens pools, currents of water...)






SPECIAL:


-Special Dinner in salon(sharing tables)


with music, roses, candles and champagne.


-1 drink till 1 a.m.


-Use of Thermal Pools from 1 till 3 a.m.






HOTEL LEVANTE ****


Booking






-HB: 124 €


-Full Board suplement: 15 €






HOTEL LEON *** Booking


-HB: 112 €


-Full Board suplement: 9 €






* Price per persona in classic room(double); Vat included.Valid from the 12-02 till 13-02-2011


Improve your stay booking superior, terrace, saloon room...






Special Saint Valentíne's Day






-1 Archena massage


-1 Access to the circuit Balnea Termalium


(saunas, floating pool, esences, iglú...)


-Free access to the Thermal Pools ( Piscinas Termalium)


(jacuzzis, hidromassages, cervical and lumbars


childrens pools, currents of water...)






Monday to Friday: 53 €


Saturday and Sundays: 65 €










Information and booking :


reservas@balneariodearchena.com 968 68 8022. Vat included.Válid for full February.Improve your stay and book in any of our hotels. Ask disponibility and prices.

VALENTINES AT THE INTERCONTINENTAL

HOTEL INTERCONTINENTAL LA TORRE GOLF
Saturday 12th february
159,50 EUROS per person, includes night in hotel, romantic gala meal(menu below)followed by live music, one green fee or a thai treatment in the spa, buffet breakfast and a bottle of cava, also free access to gym, sauna, steam room and indoor pool. Supplement of 65 euros per person to stay the 11th or 13th night.

NEST WALKS

I blogged about THE NEST WALKS that take place up in Sierra Espuña. They organise easy social walks and outings, where you can discover beautiful places and scenery and make friends and socialise. See link below for more details on Nest Walks



http://polarisworldandbeyond.blogspot.com/2010/07/sierra-espuna-walks.html
 
Some new walk dates have been uploaded to the NEST website at http://www.nestwalks.info



Some of these dates aren�t available anywhere else, so always check the website first for dates!


The dates for walks (correct at 15th January 2011) are as follows:


Friday 28th January 2011 - Cave Walk.


Meet 10.30 El Berro Car Park.






We will then drive from El Berro to the start point of the 2-3 hour walk which will take in some beautiful pine-clad paths in Sierra Espuna as well as some tarmac. We will go past some caves which you are welcome to explore at your own risk although they are mostly easy to peer into. Bring a torch if you want to get a better view although that is probably slightly overkill! Afterwards we will go to our favourite restaurant in Sierra Espuna for menu del dia where it is sometimes possible to see wild boar but of course never guaranteed as they come and go as they please. Other wildlife can sometimes be seen if luck is on our side which can include Arrui and foxes as well as lizards, butterflies and all kinds of smaller insects. The smell of wild thyme and pine pervading the crystal fresh air direct from the unspoilt blue skies is also lovely in the mountains. Come and join us for a friendly easy walk with the opportunity to meet new people and make new friends. Not to mention the delicious meal afterwards!


Friday 18th & Monday 28th February 2011 The Almond Blossom Trail


Meet 10.30 El Berro car park opposite Camping Sierra Espuna


Two dates to choose from in order not to miss this yearly spectacle since we are all in Spain at different times. We set off direct from the meeting place for a beautiful maximum 3 hour walk, around the surrounding area to see the almond trees, which will be in fantastic full bloom, white and pink swathes of blossom decorating huge stretches of the countryside. This walk takes in some tarmac but much of it is along rubbly dirt tracks going through almond and olive-growing country, where goat herds ramble with their flocks and the birdsong and rustles of occasional breezes are the only sounds for miles around. Just feel the stress drop off as you admire the gorgeous blossom! You might catch sight of the occasional golden eagle if lucky too. To round the morning off, afterwards we drive to a restaurant via a stretch of countryside covered in mile after mile of almond trees, which will be stunning to look at if they are all in blossom. Normally (dependent on the weather following average norms) from the middle to the end of February most of the blossom is out everywhere and it is simply breathtaking.






Wednesday 31st March 2011 Fossilised Dinosaur Footprint


Meet 10.30 El Berro car park opposite Camping Sierra Espuna.


This is another really interesting 2-3 hr walk, which involves seeing a fossilised dinosaur footprint and crossing a small rope bridge which is actually very easy. It has a wide wood-slatted base (but DO bring cameras to show friends what an intrepid brave explorer you look like!) Lots of beautiful paths through pine-clad Sierra Espuna, culminating in going to our favourite restaurant tucked away in the mountains where it is sometimes possible, with luck, to see wild boar. Sometimes a whole herd with their babies can be seen but of course no promises as they are totally wild and free.


http://www.freewebs.com/louisalivingstone/

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS

Sunday 17th of January 2011 is the "day of San Antón Abad" who is the Patron Saint of Of the animals.

In San Javier at the Church Parroquia San Francisco Javier there will be a mass at midday followed by a blessing of animals and then again at 19.30. The evening blessing will be followed by a procession.

When I was travelling in Mexico I stumbled across this happening at a church in Oaxaca and there were crowds of people with their pets, taking them up one by one to the Priest who blessed each animal one by one:

Above is the picture I took with the Priest blessing a budgie in a cage :)

The church in San Javier is in the main square, you can park in the underground parking next to Bastida furniture shop, or in the Big carpark next to Iceland.

DELICIUS HOUSE SESSIONS

This Saturday 15th January 2011 at delicius discoteca

SPORTS FERIA

IFEPA in Torre Pacheco are holding a Sports Feria from the 28th to the 30th of January:

If you Print out the above image you will get 50% off entry to the Sports Fair.

If you go to their website it will show you how to get there
http://www.ifepa.es/

RESTAURANTE VENTA LA GARRUCHAL

Today we had a drive up to Garruchal, which is only a matter of minutes from La Torre Golf, El Valle and Hacienda Riquelme. We had heard about a great little Venta to eat in.

If you have never eaten in a Venta you should, for those who do not know them they look rather frightening from the outside, but once you get inside you get some great food.

This one has some stunning views:

From this venta is where the walks in the mountains start, I have heard there is a stunning 3 hour walk which starts and ends here, then afterwards you can have a good hearty lunch at the venta.
There is a map with a description of the walk

Now to the good bit, food:

The Venta has 3 parts to it

The bar area, which also has some tables and chairs

The large dining area

And this is where we sat, as it had lovely views of the mountains:

Now we went for the Menu del Dia

We had some yummy almonds to nibble on till the food started rolling in, with a salad to get us going:

There were about 5 choices of starters (Primero), but we all went for the tuna spaghetti, which was delish.

Again there was about 4 or 5 choices for mains (Segundo)

2 of us went for the Paella

And one for the Pork chops (chuletas)

Puddings (Postres) , well ....

Rice pud (arroz con leche)

Choccie cake (Tarta de chocolate)

And mine was Pan de Calatrava (which is inbetween creme caramel and cake mmmmmmm )

This was finished off with coffees

The whole meal, including coffees and 2 large litre bottles of beer for 3 of us came to 27 euros!

We then decided to drive on and drove through some great scenery and mountains

There are signs saying beware of frogs and reptiles on the road!

the road took us down to Murcia, we avoided Murcia by following the signs to El Palmar, which took us through the outskirts of Murcia

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From The marker on the map above where La Tercia  is go in the direction of the C3319 and turn right at  first cross roads, continue up this road till you see the Venta on your left.

From La Torre, go up past Valle Del Sol, when you get to the crossroads where you can turn left to El Valle Golf or Right To Hacienda Golf, Go straight on and keep going till you see it on your left.

Good food, great spot and very reasonable.
Go and Enjoy :)

THALASIA SPA

The other day we went for an afternoon at Thalasia. There are lost of different options of packages that include massages ect. but we just went for the simple package that included the pools and the maritime circuit, this cost 27 euros and includes sandals and swimming cap (that you must wear).

With more than 4.500m2 of sea water pools, marine circuit and marine treatment facilities, it makes a relaxing afternoon. The Salt water pools are maintained at 32-34ºC with different subacuatic massages, jacuzzis, water beds, high pressure jets, waterfall, for total relaxation; also a rehabilitation pool. Aquagym and exterior swimming pool at 24-25º with terrace. I would suggest taking goggles as the salt water can sting your eyes.

There is also a Relaxation room with views to the marine pools to relax in after thalassotherapy treatments.


The Marine Circuit consists of the following areas:


- Bithermal showers


- Sauna


- steam room


- Ice Cave with an icepool


- Relaxation Pool


The cafe has marvelous views of the salt lakes of San Pedro and serves yummy fruit juices.

You can also add on massages and treatments. To see full price list click here:
http://www.thalasia.com/dnn/Portals/5/pdf/TARIFAS2010.pdf

Thalasia is in San Pedro de Pinatar , If you go up the AP7 direction alicante, and take the exit 774 into San pedro de Pinatar, you get to a roundabout with a Boat on it! go straight over, and continue straight on towards the sea, Thalasia is there on your right. You cant miss it.
Enjoy!

ICE RINK AT NUEVO CONDOMINA

There is an ice rink at Nuevo Condomina shopping Mall in Murcia until the 15th of January 2011.
Price 5 euros for 25 mins which includes skate hire
Open 11am - 2pm and 5pm-10.30pm

Also at 8pm on the 11th of January if you are at FNAC store there is a learn origami class!

You can see directions how to get there here http://www.ccnuevacondomina.com/index.php?f=como_llegar
 Enjoy

DELICIUS DISCOTECA 3 KINGS CELEBRATION

On Wednesday 5th of January 2011, Delicius Discoteca in Los Alcazares will be holding a 3 kings night.

10 euros entry

Free cocktail on arrival

Free cd for first 100 people

Raffle for a free night in a 5* hotel for 2 (with every drink you get a ticket for the raffle) also prize for VIP passes for the year.

Animation, go go´s, Visuals

Vocalist PATRIZZE and DJ Daniel Palomares

Delicius is on the road from Torre Pacheco to Los Alcazares on the industrial estate past Mar Menor Golf Resort

THE 3 KINGS

6th of January is the 3 kings. This is a big celebration in Spain.The 3 kings replace Santa Claus for spanish children, as the 6th of January is the day the 3 kings arrived in Bethlehem and gave presents to Jesus. On the evening of the 5th of January throughout Spain there are processions with the 3 kings and floats where sweets and toys are pelted into the crowds and well worth a visit for young and old alike.

SANTIAGO DE LA RIBERA

Head down to Santiago de la Ribera to the beach front "Explanada Barnuevo" and at 6pm the 3 kings are shipped in by boat from across the Mar Menor, there are fireworks and a procession.

TORRE PACHECO, BALSICAS AND ROLDAN

All have 3 kings processions starting at 7pm throughout the centre

SAN JAVIER

At 6pm in the square "Plaza de España" the 3 kings celebrations will start, the townhall will be specially illuminated, there will also be a huge screen in the square with Christams carols on
There will also be giant dolls and the kings will arrive at 7.30pm.

CARTAGENA

The procession here will start at 6pm and run through the following streets: Esparta, Paseo Alfonso XIII, Juan Fernández a Juan XXIII, Sta.Florentina, Carmen, Sagasta, Puerta de Murcia, Mayor y Plaza Ayuntamiento.

MURCIA

The procession in Murcia will start at 6.30pm and run along the following streets: Paseo Corvera, Alameda Colón, Pza. Camachos, Pza. Martínez Tornel, Gran Vía Salzillo, Avda. de la Constitución, Pza. Circular, Alfonso X el Sabio y Avda. Gutiérrez Mellado.

Another tradition for the 3 kings is the eating of the "Roscon de Reyes"

In a way its like our Christmas pudding, because hidden inside the cake is a little trinket and the person who finds it in their slice is supposed to get good luck for the folllowing year, but also has to pay for the Roscon the following year!

On the 4th of January in Murcia there is a Fiesta where you can try a bit of Roscon, which is the Fiesta of the giant Roscon, and it starts at 5pm till 7pm in the Plaza San Bartolome.