Jan 7, 2019 | Activities/Services, Benitachell, Cumbre del Sol
Gastronomy is one of the Costa Blanca’s main attractions; enjoying the famous Mediterranean diet, which is so rich and varied when it comes to rice, meat, fish, seafood, vegetables, and fruit is a big attraction not only for tourists but also for residents of the area, including those in Cumbre del Sol Residential Resort! Join us on a tour of Benitatxell’s typical dishes.
One of the most common dishes in Benitatxell is puchero. This is a type of stew with meat and different vegetables, typically presented in three courses. The first is the broth of the stew, accompanied by rice or noodles. Second, the meat and vegetables used to make the stew. Lastly, you will be served a sweet “ball” made from sugar, almond, sweet potato, cinnamon, and lemon. Although puchero is a typical dish in the area, this sweet dessert gives the dish its local touch, as it is only made in Benitatxell. This dish is normally enjoyed with family on Sundays or bank holidays and is very common at Christmas time.
Coca is typical in Mediterranean cuisine, also found in the region of Marina Alta. Its creation begins with flour, water, oil, and salt, and this dough is then accompanied by different ingredients. The most typical in the area are anchovies, pepper, onion, and aubergine.
Fish is a must in this coastal region and if there is one typical dish from Benitatxell’s fishing traditions, it’s cruet. This is made with rock fish, a typical fish in the area which adds a distinct and intense flavour, accompanied by potatoes and tomato. Other seafood dishes to sample in Benitatxell are arroz a banda, rice with cuttlefish, and octopus puchero, though these are not exclusive to the municipality and can be enjoyed throughout the entire Mediterranean area.
A typical product of the area is broad beans, known more often in the region as faves thanks to the influence of the Valencian language. The beans are used to make dishes such as rice with broad beans or the famous faves sacsades in which the beans are accompanied by sautéed vegetables with poached eggs, cold meat, and rice. A good way to discover some of the area’s typical dishes made with broad beans is by attending the Wine and Broad Beans Festival, held every year in April, in which these beans take centre stage. There are talks and a tapas fair to tell people about this local product and the different ways in which it is used.
As with all types of cuisine, sweet treats are a must! One of the most well known in the area are pasteles de boniato (sweet potato cakes), which have a similar shape to empanadillas but a very sweet flavour. It’s very common to see these around Christmas time.
Buñuelos (doughnuts) are another of the area’s typical sweet dishes. They are made with pumpkin mixed with flour and have a distinctive ring shape. They are normally served with sugar or chocolate sauce and can be found at fairs and markets such as the Christmas Market on the 16th December.
Caspell is another sweet dish which is typical in the area, made with flour, oil, muscatel raisins, and almond sugar.
If your taste buds are tingling and you would like to taste the typical dishes in Benitatxell for yourself, visit the restaurants in the area. For example, at Restaurant La Cumbre in Cumbre del Sol Residential Resort, you will always find high quality, local products. And, if you don’t want to miss out on the news and latest events in the area, follow our blog and our social media channels!
Jan 2, 2019 | Benitachell, Cumbre del Sol, Grupo VAPF
Christmas is still in the air! And, in Benitatxell, this year it’s more noticeable than ever: in addition to the programme of events, the Reyes Association has been formed once more, aiming to fill Benitatxell’s streets and houses with magic. Something new for this year is the creation of a tent in Plaça de les Pesqueres which aims to encourage the participation of residents and will become a meeting point during this special time.
This Christmas period, it’s all about the little ones in the house! On the 2nd January, children can give their letters to the messenger who will send them to the Three Wise Men so that they can get the presents ready in time.
The Three Wise Men will arrive in Benitatxell on Saturday 5th January at 6:30pm. Their route will begin at the town hall and they will be accompanied by all those who want to join them to the Plaça de les Pesqueres where they will give out presents for the little ones. Since we are all young at heart, don’t miss this parade! Benitatxell is home to people from all over the world and Three Kings Day is a memorable event and a time to appreciate one of the most important Spanish traditions. It’s an experience which must be enjoyed at least once in a lifetime!
In addition, here at VAPF we believe that while Cumbre del Sol Residential Resort is a spectacular place to live all year long, during the Christmas period its magic is clearer than ever. Come to enjoy it with us!
Dec 14, 2018 | Benitachell, Cumbre del Sol, Grupo VAPF
One of our goals is to keep the residents of Cumbre del Sol Residential Resort up to date with what’s going on and with the events happening in the community. That’s why we decided to create this magazine… and we’re now on our third issue!
The Cumbre del Sol Residential Resort magazine comes out once every six months, so we have lots to tell you! In this third issue you’ll find detailed information about our Lirios Sunrise development of luxury properties as well as a preview of the Montecala Gardens apartments, something new for 2019.
In this issue, you will also find an article about our Corporate Social Responsibility department and the actions we have carried out in this field, the main organisations we collaborate with, and why we dedicate a large part of our efforts to the different causes that we are involved with.
Of course, we’ll also be telling you about the best events we have experienced over the last few months: we’ll remember the magic of Saint John’s Eve in Cala Moraig, the Belgian National Day party in Restaurant La Cumbre, and the 2nd Classic Car Rally. You’ll also find information about the opening of our new office, VAPF Store Moraira, because we want to be closer to you! There was also the fantastic party for the inauguration of our Blue Infinity luxury apartments in which we welcomed the new owners in this development and enjoyed music and the wonderful views of the Mediterranean Sea.
In addition, this Christmas we invite you to participate in the 2nd Cumbre del Sol Residential Resort Christmas Decoration Contest.
In this third issue of the magazine, we also talk about the different services that you can find in the area of Cumbre del Sol, such as Restaurant La Cumbre and Costa Blanca Expeditions excursions. You can also find out about changes at the Lady Elizabeth international school: the new secondary school campus facilities and the new headmaster, Chris Akin – read all about him in the interview we prepared for the magazine! You’ll also get to know Candy Cantillon, owner of VIP Salon in Cumbre del Sol, who did an interview with us about her career and the beauty services she offers.
Download the digital version of our magazine or pick up your print copy from our offices or other locations around Cumbre del Sol Residential Resort.
And, if you want to stay up to date with all our news, follow us on social media or subscribe to our newsletter by emailing us at cumbredelsol@vapf.com with the subject line “Subscribe to newsletter”, indicating your full name, telephone number and address as well as the email where you want to receive the newsletter.
Dec 10, 2018 | Benitachell, Cumbre del Sol, Events, Grupo VAPF
Immerse yourself in the magic of Christmas in Benitatxell! This year, December’s calendar will be full of Christmas events. The programme kicked off on the 8th December with the opening of the Nativity scene and the decorating of the Christmas tree and, from here on out, Benitatxell is offering a huge variety of Christmas activities. In many, music is the star of the show! For example, on the 12th December, don’t miss the performance by the Benitachell Christian Fellowship Evangelical Church choir, which will be taking place at 11am in the Plaça del Mercat. Later that day, at 7pm, there will be a concert by the Costa Blanca Male Voice Choir in the church.
In addition to music, this holiday season also has room for sports! On the weekend of the 14th to the 16th December, the Christmas Padel Tournament will be taking place in the La Font sports centre.
On the 16th December, don’t miss the much-awaited Christmas Market on Calle Mayor and Calle la Pau. There will be a variety of stalls where you can find everything from food to jewellery and clothes. The market will run from 10am until 2pm, during which time there will be something for everyone, such as activities and workshops for the little ones. Don’t miss the children’s batucada by the Music School at 11:30am or the traditional “Burreta de Nadal”, the Christmas donkey, accompanied by la Colla “La Llebetjà”. If you love Christmas markets, why not also make the most of this time of year to explore some of the best in the area?
Music lovers, don’t forget the Music and Dance School performances from the 17th to the 19th December at 7pm, taking place in the school itself. Similarly, on the 19th December at 3pm in the church, pupils in the international Lady Elizabeth School choir will be performing their Christmas concert.
On the 24th December at 5pm, Benitatxell will receive a special visit from Santa Claus and his elves, with a parade from Avenida de Alicante to Calle Mercado.
Then, on the 27th December at 7:30pm in the Plaça de les Pesqueres, there will be a fun Christmas snack time with activities as well as a performance by Wendo the Magician at 8:30pm.
On the 28th December at 7:30pm, don’t miss the Festival “Canta a la Navidad” in the church, with Christmas carols and poems. On the same day, also at 7:30pm, you can attend the award ceremony for the Nativity Scene contest. This will be an exciting moment, as the inhabitants of Benitatxell have displayed their most creative sides. In fact, the participants can choose whether they want the Nativity scene to be visited by the general public.
On the 29th December at 7pm, there will be a Christmas Circus and the comedy musical “Mi Prima Americana” will bring the programme of Christmas events to a close on the 30th December at 7pm.
While Cumbre del Sol Residential Resort is already the perfect place to be all year round, thanks to its Mediterranean climate and views of the sea, just imagine being here during the most magical time of year! Celebrate the holiday season in your own paradise on the Costa Blanca.
Dec 7, 2018 | Benitachell, Cumbre del Sol, Events, Grupo VAPF
Christmas, one of the most magical times of the year, is just around the corner! The biggest fans of the holiday season will surely have spent weeks planning their Christmas decorations while many have already started dressing up their homes with festive colours and lights. If you are one of them and you live in Cumbre del Sol Residential Resort, don’t forget that we are running a very special Christmas decoration contest. We love to spread Christmas spirit!
As these magical dates draw closer and we enjoy meetups with friends and family, it’s also time for the arrival of the Christmas markets. From handmade products to decorations to liven up any part of your home, there are a huge variety of objects to be found in them. In addition, there are also stalls selling food which is typical of the area – here in Alicante, don’t miss polvorones, a type of shortbread dusted with icing sugar, and turrón, an almond nougat.
This is your chance to discover the best Christmas markets on the Costa Blanca. Soak up their magic as you take advantage to buy something for your home or get presents for your loved ones. Here are five Christmas markets close to your home in Cumbre del Sol Residential Resort!
Altea Christmas market is taking place from the 6th to the 9th of December in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, from 11am-2pm and from 5pm-9pm. There will be more than a dozen stalls and children’s activities and you can also make the most of the chance to stroll through its old town, appreciating the charms of this lovely city’s paved streets and white houses.
In Calpe, there’s the 6th Fira de Nadal Calp, also from the 6th to the 9th December. It will be taking place in the old town with musical performances, children’s activities and products from associations and local businesses. Don’t miss it!
In Jávea there will be a handicrafts market located in the Plaza de la Iglesia which began in November and will be returning on the 8th December. Though this market is not just for Christmas, it is also full of handmade items and local products. In addition, in the Jávea parador on the 8th and 9th December from 11am-8:30pm you will find the fourth edition of the IT Market, a Christmas market with a variety of exclusive handmade products.
On the 16th December, there are two more Christmas markets to add to your calendar! One which takes place all day in Teulada on Avenida Santa Catalina and in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento. You’ll be able to find local, handcrafted products and all kinds of typical Christmas things.
Also on the 16th December, you can immerse yourself in the festive spirit at the Benitatxell Christmas market which is open from 10am-2pm in Calle La Pau, Calle Mayor and Calle Mercat. There is a full programme of Christmas events taking place throughout the morning: children’s activities, workshops and a batucada, as well as a visit to the traditional “Burreta de Nadal”, the Christmas donkey, which is a real symbol of Christmas magic in Benitatxell.
This Christmas, your home on the Costa Blanca will be full of holiday spirit! Make the most of Cumbre del Sol Residential Resort’s proximity to the area’s main cities and enjoy a wonderful festive period by the sea. Don’t forget to follow our blog and social media pages to stay up to date about upcoming events in the area.
Oct 31, 2018 | Activities/Services, Benitachell, Cumbre del Sol
Life in Cumbre del Sol Residential Resort offers a huge number of benefits; the warm climate, the stunning views of the sea, and the incredible nature make the area a real paradise. In addition, there is also a wide range of cultural activities and services which both the oldest and youngest members of the family will enjoy.
First of all, in Cumbre del Sol you will find the best choice for your children’s education: the Lady Elizabeth School, a mixed, private school which is considered one of the most prestigious international schools in Spain. The excellent international education offered here follows the British curriculum with English as the curricular language. Pupils also attend Spanish classes until the age of 16 and are given the possibility to study other languages both in their classes and through extracurricular activities.
As well as education, outdoor activities and sport are essential for your children’s physical and psychological development. At Cumbre del Sol, there are activities for all tastes.
Kids who love an adventure will be able to take full advantage of the nature surrounding Cumbre del Sol and explore the area through the many hiking and cycling routes available. For example, Granadella Natural Park is a privileged location beside the Mediterranean which brings together a great number of the unspoilt areas of the Levante coastline from where you can admire the perfect union of flora and fauna. In addition, the beaches found close to Cumbre del Sol are home to crystal-clear water and some extraordinary sea beds which are definitely worth admiring. If you like diving or snorkelling, don’t miss Cova dels Arcs, a magical spot in Cala del Moraig which is the starting point for an underwater cave, or Cala de los Tiestos and Cala Llebeig, both well known by those who love exploring the underwater world thanks to the wonderful dives here. Of course, for these activities children must be at least 10 years of age and have some experience.
If you would prefer to enjoy the fresh air through activities with animals, in the Cañada del Sol Horse Riding Centre you can go for a hack, do horse riding classes, and even experience the life of animals on the farm. This centre is also a great meeting point for those who love horse riding thanks to its facilities which include a bar and restaurant. So, what are you waiting for? Book now and enjoy a family day out on horseback!
In Cumbre del Sol Residential Resort you will also find several other sports facilities. If your child is a fan of racket sports or you feel like playing a game together as a family, you will be sure to love the tennis and padel courts at the Sports Centre. Here, you can sign up for classes with professional trainers as well as enjoy all the facilities, which include a social club, bar, and changing rooms.
To stay up to date with all the news and activities taking place in Cumbre del Sol, be sure to check our blog and social media pages!
