The Location for Sunshine
We provide holidaymakers with the opportunity to stay at the Polaris World Resort of Hacienda Riquelme. It is located in Murcia - the region of Spain with the most days of sunshine and an average annual temperature of 21º C. Located in the south-east corner of Spain it has over 250 km of shoreline along two seas: the Mar Menor and the Mediterranean. It is noted for being a land of contrasts, with mountainous national parks, southern basins with steppe landscapes, and wonderful beaches such as those of La Manga, Mazarrón and Calblanque.
Murcia´s coastline is rich and diverse, areas of rough water contrasting with gentle coves and quiet beaches, dunes, salt flats and wetlands. The coastline of Murcia Region contains a considerable number of areas of indisputable environmental interest, many of them Nature Reserves.
The diversity of the landscape, the privileged climate and the cultural and historical richness make Murcia the perfect region to live in and enjoy the outdoors, practise water sports in the Mar Menor, explore its mountains, go hiking, rural tourism and, of course, play golf.
Family Security
One of the joys of being in the La Hacienda Riquelme Golf Resort is the fact that it is a gated complex – with a Florida-style security.
Access to the site is only via a manned main entrance and restricted to owners and their guests. All guests must register their vehicles shortly after arrival. Security patrols regularly drive round the resort and are always on hand to offer any help or assistance: we always find these staff extremely friendly and they have always been quick to help in minor emergencies, such as lost keys.
Each property has secure locks on the main access door and the external windows and there is a voice intercom system for remote access at the main door. There is also secure underground parking with electric doors and fob controller. A lift from the underground parking area provides access the property.
The pools all have picket fences around them and standard life saving equipment. However, there are no life guards in attendance. Within the resort there are a range of pools and a few have dedicated baby pools:
Quality Food and Drink
Eating out is one of the greatest pleasures when on holiday and Murcia is no exception: because most of the produce is of the very best quality and cooked fresh. The central hacienda complex on the resort is expected to be completely finished by summer of 2010 and it will offer a range of the finest quality restaurants and bars – within a few minutes walk. You also have similar standard bars and restaurants on the other local Polaris World resorts and these can be reached by free shuttle buses that run throughout of the year.
Outside the resort and within a short drive are a huge range of regional
and foreign eateries to choose from. The nearest are in local town of
Sucina – which has a Bistro, Italian and Indian restaurant to name a
few. The Bistro which has opened in the old English supermarket
(which may well still do Full English breakfasts) is highly recommended
for its fusion of English and Spanish tastes. There is also a wide choice
of restaurants in Los Alcazaras and San Javier.
Sandy Beaches
There are obviously lots of beaches to visit in the area and they all have sandy beaches. Most of the beaches are not too busy and they are far less crowded and much cleaner that the beaches of the Costa del Sol. There are also three coastlines to choose from with the Mar Menor Bay probably best for the very youngest children, having a warm sea and few waves: although the eastern side of the La Manga strip is exposed to the Mediterranean and better for sports like windsurfing and sailing.
The sea is also enjoyable throughout the year – we even swim at Christmas time!
We most like the beaches at Pillar de La Horadado - which are sandy, and have great beach café/bars, play areas and football nets. To get there just reach the AP-7 and then head towards Alicante for about 10 minutes and then turn off and follow beach signs. The exit near the Carrefour supermarket has our favourite beach.
For beaches it may be worth a day going to La Manga - the isthmus of land on the eastern side of Mar Menor Bay. Travel around via the Southern route (towards Cartagena) or you can get a ferry across for a few Euros. When you get to La Manga there are numerous little beaches and it is worth and trying out a few different places. To be fair I would avoid most of the other beaches around in the immediate area and resist any temptation to visit Torrevieja as the traffic and roads are not for the faint-hearted.
Many beaches (and almost all Blue Flag beaches) are very accessible and
safe for children. The seabed gradients are typically shallow, so kids can't get
into deep water too quickly, and there are lifeguards on duty throughout the
day so the wee ones can frolic in the surf in safety. There are also excellent
play areas for the kids and beach markers, so that children can always see
where their beloved parents are. This is the official tourist blurb:
Murcia's Blue Flag Beaches
Of Murcia's 191 beaches, 21 have received the prestigious Blue Flag honour. Mar Menor, the spectacular saltwater lagoon, and the sand spit that separates it from the Mediterranean Sea is simply laden with extraordinary beaches (seven being Blue Flag). Remember that the 170 beaches that aren't designated as Blue Flag are no slouches! Most don't receive the honour because they are too remote and lack cushy services – for the adventurous, these remote beaches, like Calblanque Nature Reserve's 3km-long Playa Larga, are heaven indeed.
The following list highlights Murcia's Blue Flag beaches and the communities in which they are found:
Los Alcazares has some of the finest beaches along the Costa Calida of Spain. The beaches at Playa de los Narejos and Playa del Espejo have won the famous Q Awards for their high standards. The beaches run along the Mar Menor and offers warm shallow waters and fine sand. Along the promenade there are various bars, cafes, restaurants selling local tapas and play areas for children. Just a short walk inland leads you into the town centre area of Los Alcazares.
San Pedro del Pinatar beaches are on the Mar Menor. By the windmill you can try the famous therapeutic mud's, known to prevent rheumatism and arthritis. Walking along from there is the wide promenade, lined with benches, play areas for children and lots of restaurants and cafes. All the beaches on the Mar Menor offer warm shallow waters and fine sand.
Santiago de la Ribera wide promenade leads on to a sandy beach. The seafront has just had a refurbishment and now offers a pleasant and charming promenade ideal for a morning stroll. Along the beach front there are many cafes and restaurants to sit and relax.
Torre de la Horadada has small private coves, along the Mediterranean Sea. This is an ideal spot to visit as it is at present a little more secluded. Small private coves with fine sand and warm clear waters. Just a short stroll takes you to cafes and bars.
World Class Golf
There is much more golf information about the Hacienda Riquelme Course resort on: http://www.luxury-spanish-golfholiday.com/golf.html As an owner I can get you a discount on green fees on this course and any of the courses that form part of the Nicklaus Golf Trail, and will email you the relevant form when your holiday is booked.
Children and adults can all play on the Hacienda Riquelme driving range: a bucket of balls is only €1. This is a great evening pastime followed by a cold drink at the Wooden Golf Hut!
Of course there are many other local golf courses and you can find out information about these at: www.clubmurcia.com
Club Murcia appears to be an excellent way of booking your golf holiday and you can review all the local courses and arrange all of your bookings. If you decide to try it out please let me know about their services and write some comments in the visitor’s book.
Fun for Kids
Play Areas
Hacienda Riquelme has many play areas and there are two excellent ones within walking distance – one towards the supermarket just beyond the Hacienda complex and the second, which is left, at the main door of our block and about 15 min walk on the right-hand side – near the outdoor gym and tennis courts (see below):
Fun Parks
There are several parks: three of which are superb water parks:
Benijofar near Torrevieja has a great water park for younger kids and entry is only around €18 for a family off our. It suits the under-13s and over 40s!! Lots of great water rides and very safe to let the kids wander round the park.
Aquopolis Waterpark (Torrevieja) - one of the biggest water parks on the Costa Blanca. Probably better for the teenagers.
For the kids there is a new Water park (Terra Aqua Murcia). The water park has 10 slides which includes the Kamikaze ride and the "lazy river" where you can relax and let the water take you along. This area includes a solarium where you can rent sunbeds:
The park, which is part of the Zoo Terra Natura, is 30,000m2 and is split into
three different areas:
Terra Natura (Murcia) is a new-generation wildlife park where you can discover the “Zooimmersion” experience – a new concept in habitat design which will enable you to come into contact with the animals as if there were no barriers between you – at least, no visible ones!
The 165,445 m² of the Murcia Park are divided into two themed areas: the African Savannah and the Iberian Peninsula.
For prices and opening times please visit their websites,
www.aquopolis.es
www.terramiticapark.com
www.terranatura.com
Cultural Interests
You may not want to do much exploring and we tend to spend our time by the
pool or beach. The historical city of Murcia is about 15 minutes drive away,
which is the large regional cultural capital. There is plenty to do there with
restaurants, museums and Churches. I think they also had a La Liga football
team (relegated this season for sure!). However, be warned the roads are like
any City and you can get hideously lost navigating in and out.
The ancient seaport of Cartegena (20 minute drive) is also well worth a visit . Steeped in history you can spend your time savouring the historical sites and naval museum, shopping ( great shopping!) or simply strolling around the marina and stopping here and there for a leisurely beverage. Advisable to find the tourist information office and collect a guide.
One of the best places is the the Punic Wall. I found the dancing skeletons fascinating, if not a little creepy. The tour lasted about 3 hours and took in 4 sites. There will be more to see soon when the Roman Amphitheatre and Roman Museum opens.
A rural fishing village, Mazarron is divided into Mazarron town and Puerto del Mazarron, by the coast. Mazarron is becoming more developed but it is still a peaceful place, even in the height of summer. The inland town with a population of 17,800 is has an attractive centre with a pleasant plaza. The port itself is fast becoming a popular destination, drawing a number of expatriates to the vicinity. Yet the seafront remains picturesque, it is not overcrowded by buildings as most of them are set back from the shore and the development that has taken place is low key.
Outside Mazarron, tracks lead from the main road to more than 35km of unspoilt beaches and coves. Very little building has been allowed in the area and the tracks can be difficult to access in a vehicle, meaning that the beaches have remained relatively untainted. There is a naturist beach in the area. The area lacks the space for developments on the scale of those on the Costa Blanca, although Mazarron will probably continue to expand over the next few years.
The most popular beaches are at Cabo Thioso and Punta Calnegre. Mazarron has supermarkets, English shops and some excellent seafood restaurants.
A couple of kilometres south of La Union, perched on the coast, is the village of Portman. The road from La Union to Portman winds its way through an unattractive landscape of abandoned mines. At the sweeping Portman Bay, evidence of the environmental damage caused by mining residue is plain to see. The damage is of such extent, with the bay almost completely blocked by the residue, that local fishermen have to use a channel to the east of the bay.
Mar Menor & La Manga:
The Mar Menor (the minor sea) is separated from the Mediterranean by a strip of sand 22km long, which forms a barrier and has created a shallow, warm lagoon. There are over 44km of beaches with protected bays and coves on the sides of the Mar Menor. The water is no more than 7m at its deepest point, this and the absence of tides make the Mar Menor an excellent location for all types of water sports as well as an ideal place for children. Longer, wider expanses of pure golden sand front the Mediterranean. Mar Menor’s waters warm up early in the spring and stay at a fairly consistent temperature throughout the year, on average the waters are 2 degrees warmer than the Mediterranean. Traditionally a holiday resort, the Mar Menor coasts are becoming popular as a residential area.
Apartments and villas are in high demand on La Manga, the strip of sand that separates the lagoon from the sea. The 30km peninsula, often likened to a miniature Miami beach, is currently roughly 80% developed. The concentration of salt and iodine in the water of the lagoon is reputed to be beneficial to sufferers of rheumatism and skin complaints.
San Pedro Del Pinatar
The name of this town means “St Peter of the Pinewoods” - reflecting the
surroundings of the area in the past. Today, San Pedro has a population of
15,200, although this can swell to up to 60,000 in the summer months.
Located on the dividing line of the Mar Menor, to the north, its famous mud
baths in the salt flat area are said to heal skin complaints and rheumatism.
There is a nature reserve on the salt flats that is one of the prime areas of
ecological importance in Murcia, serving as a resting place for migratory
flamingos on their way to Africa. This spectacular event can be witnessed
each September, along with numerous other species of nesting and migratory
birds. San Pedro has a good shopping centre and a weekly street market
takes place each Monday. The suburb of Lo Pagan has a promenade with a
marina and a lengthy beachfront.
San Javier
The town enjoys an excellent location next to the Mar Menor with the airport
just outside of the town. Its lovely church and narrow streets make it a
pleasant town to wander through. With a population of 16,700, it is a medium
sized town with a number of conurbations that continue to develop. The town
has all the usual banks, supermarkets and shops, as well as a hospital. There
are also lots of bars and restaurants and a range of excellent shops.
Los Alcazares
The town is the largest development on the Mar Manor, originally a typical
Spanish town, a week long outdoor fiesta with fireworks, music and shows
takes place each October in celebration of Los Alcazares’ municipal
independence which was granted in 1983. The town has a permanent
population of 5500 which increases dramatically during the summer. It boasts
a mile long promenade next to the gorgeous beaches of the Mar Menor and a
large marina.
Orihuela
This is very highly rated, although I have not been yet for its cultural and
historical interests. There are also markets and fiestas and it is rivalled
alongside Cartagena as a place to go.
Unique Shopping
We often get asked about in shopping in the region. Los Alcázares itself has a number of small boutiques and shoe shops which are well worth a visit, especially when the sales are on. The two markets: Tuesday and Saturday are also a great experience - here you can buy shoes, clothes, gifts, fruit and veg - all at very good prices. Most of the surrounding towns have markets - so any day of the week you can go bargain hunting.
Near San Javier there is also the brand new shopping mall – Dos Mares with loads of fantastic shops. You can see it from the main road (AP-7) - though will come across it more easily on the coastal road out of Jan Javier. For the kids there is a 10-pin bowling alley, cinema (maybe in Spanish!) and arcades. If you miss junk food there is a Burger King and McDonalds and a few others. Ideal to get the take-home presents.
Further afield a 15 min car drive takes you to Cartagena. Here you have clothes shops like Zara and Mango, more supermarkets - Carrefour and Eroski and a brand new El Corte Ingles - six whole floors!! If you are looking for a small shopping center then "Dos Mares" near San Pedro is about 10 minutes away, in the opposite direction to Cartagena. This has a number of clothes, jewellery and gift shops, as well as a large supermarket - parking is free and usually plentiful.
For those who really take shopping seriously - just opened in Murcia - is "Nueva Condomina" - 200 shops - with many well known names like Primark & H&M's. We haven't visited yet, but we are looking forward to taking a trip over there, especially as IKEA is there too!
Outgoing Activities
There are many activities for the more adventurous holidaymakers:
Scuba Diving and Snorkelling
Nearby La Manga is the perfect place for diving and snorkelling with warm water temperatures, abundant marine life and good visibility. La Manga Dive School offers competitively priced diving trips, snorkelling trips and PADI diving courses between June and the end of October each year.
La Manga attracts divers from all over Europe: the Islas Hormigas Marine Reserve is the main attraction, but scuba divers are also drawn to the excellent shore, wreck, cavern and reef dives outside the reserve itself. La Manga also boasts a good variety of shore dives and boat dives, many of which are good for training and ideal for divers with less experience. For those with a higher level of training and experience, there is a good selection of more challenging wreck, reef and cavern dives in the area.
Snorkelling in La Manga
Our snorkelling trips use a high speed diving
RIB to take you to the shallower sections of
the local dive sites off-shore. Depth is usually
3 to 6 metres and there is plenty to see. You
need to be reasonably confident in the water
More information
For more information about diving and snorkelling in La Manga, please
contact Mervyn or Janice Patterson at La Manga Dive School. La Manga
Dive School is an authorised PADI Dive Centre and is licensed to operate by
the Murcia regional government:
http://www.lamangadiveschool.co.uk
Sailing
The Mar Menor, a saltwater lake in SE Spain, is a great playground for sailors. There are a large number od sailing clubs offering everything beginner courses for novices to the opportunity to join experienced crews in the Mediterranean. You can also qualify for the full range of professional qualifications. And of course, there is the full range of water sports equipment for hire. These are just a few of the useful sites:
http://www.sailingmarmenor.com/
http://www.marmenorseaschool.co.uk/
http://go-n-sail.com/mmss/
http://www.goletaelcid.com/newweb/index1.htm
Bowls
If you just can't live without your bowls, you can always drive north to the expat haven of Torrevieja on the Costa Blanca where there are several sociable clubs. Torrevieja is only a 35km drive from Murcia's San Javier Airport. You can also play boules on the Resort.
Outdoor Gym
There is a completed outdoor gym on the resort which has about a dozen machines and relies solely on your body weight for exercise. We use it in the evenings (honestly!) when it is a bit cooler:
Rock Climbing
There are several quality rock climbing sites and 26 crags dotted throughout the Murcian hills. The most highly touted spots lurk within the limestone faces of the Sierra Espuña. Follow some of these links for more information:
http://www.escuelasdeescalada.com/ingles/lista_i.php?comunidad=14
http://www.rockclimbing.com/routes/Europe/Spain/Murcia/
http://www.freewebs.com/costablancarock/murciaarea.htm
http://www.worldtopo.com/rots.php?masn=803
http://www.viva-murcia.com/the_espuna_adventure_p3576.php
Tennis
You will shortly be able to play tennis at La Hacienda, as three courts are nearing completion, and there should be some rackets and balls in the apartment.
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is possible in many of the parks and reserves as well as along sections of Costa Cálida and its glorious beaches. There are also numerous horseback riding centre’s, including two well-respected ones around Mar Menor. There are a few leaflets in the apartment and all equipment can be hired locally.
Nature Parks and Reserves
Murcia is blessed with some magnificent nature parks, both inland an on the coast. They are an ideal opportunity for walking, photography and bird watching:
Parque Natural de Sierra Espuña
This amazing park, with its limestone peaks, hiking trails, carrasco pine forests and remote mountain villages, is more than a highlight of Murcia – it's a highlight of eastern Spain.
Salinas y Arenales Nature Reserve
Part of the fabulous 170-sq-km Mar Menor (Europe's largest saltwater lagoon), this 2250 acre reserve comprises some of eastern Spain's most important wetland.
Most of it is off-limit to the public, but the sections that are open comprise dramatic dunes, pine forests, stunning sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. From these confines, you'll have the chance to witness the extraordinary migration of flamingos in September when they rest here on their African migration.
During the rest of the year there's always a plethora of other bird species on display. If bird watching doesn't float your boat, we're sure sailing, windsurfing, scuba diving and snorkelling in the lagoon will.
Calblanque Nature Reserve
Set on the coast south of Mar Menor and east of Cartagena, this reserve hosts large dunes, desolate beaches, azure sea and unique flora.
Combing the shoreline is a vast array of birdlife. It's a great spot for walking, bicycling and horseback riding. The best beach must be the 3km-long Playa Larga – it has three glorious empty kilometers of golden sand. Though be warned... clothing is optional!
Sierra de la Pila Regional Park
This 8836 hectare mountain park sits just north of Fortuna and hosts a wide variety of wildlife and 50 km of hiking trails. Birdlife is especially prolific and there are several areas within the park officially protected to care for certain species like the chova piquirroja (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax).
During your walks through the carrasco pines and large oaks, you'll undoubtedly witness eagles, hawks and the odd owl hunting. Though they exist in the park, carnivorous animals like the wild cat, beech martin, tejón and genet are notoriously hard to spot.
Humedal del Ajauque y Rambla Salada
The protected landscape of Humedal del Ajauque and Ramba Salada is another interesting park near Fortuna that is worth exploring. Although the harsh conditions from the water's high salinity (the highest in Europe) has stunted most vegetation, there's plenty of wildlife around.
Like Sierra de la Pila, it has been officially protected as a bird habitat. Herons and ducks lurk in the channels, common kestrels sit on the shores and large eagles patrol the sky.
Music – Jazz
The Jazz Festival each year in San Javier is a world renowned event amongst Jazz enthusiasts and takes place in July. There are many famous musicians performing and we take regular bookings for the Festival:
http://jazz.sanjavier.es/en/index.htm
Check it out and record in the visitor’s book.
Outdoor Spa
If you are looking for a day of relaxation for all the family then we do recommend visiting the Spa - Balneario de Archena. Situated in an ancient spa town just outside Archena - just North of Mucria City. It is best reached via C3319 and AP-7 – go past IKEA – and I am quite sure it is signposted Molina and Archena.
The spa has hot and cold plunge pools, a large warm natural water swimming pool, a lazy river and a number of Jacuzzis and saunas. There is a separate pool area for small children and in the summer there is also a large outdoor pool. The pools have fantastic views of the Ricote Valley, you really feel like you are in another world. Massages are cheap as well.
The price is very reasonable at 10 Euros for adults and you can stay all day. It does get busy from about 5pm. You will need to either take or buy a bathing cap to wear while you are in the spa area and there are some in the main bedroom drawer. Also take flip flops/footwear and toweling robes (if you have one). Towels are also not provided. The changing facilities are excellent, clean and plentiful. You cannot eat picnics inside but there is a café, and we ate our picnic in the hotel gardens which was nice (but cheeky).
Hotel & Thalasso Centre looking for a spa weekend, relaxing holidays, sea and sun? Thalasia Hotel & Thalasso Centre: a luxury resort with one of the most modern thalassotherapy centre of Spain, in a wonderful environment, by the Nature Park of San Pedro del Pinatar (Murcia, Costa Cálida), near the Mar Menor and the Mediterranean Sea. At few kilometres from the Costa Blanca, 70km from the airport of Alicante, 15km from the airport of San Javier. One of the most complete and attractive offers for leisure and health, beauty and wellness tourism.
Polaris World Resort of Mar Menor also has a luxury spa and beauty therapy treatments which you can book in advance.
Group Bookings
We know you will enjoy your holiday. However, if you would like to come back and bring family and friends then we have a range of other apartments that can be booked as well: groups of 30 should be no problem. I can email you more details and a selection of photographs of available properties.