Charity gala at Cumbre del Sol in aid of Save The Children

Charity gala at Cumbre del Sol in aid of Save The Children

On 30 June we held our first charity gala at Cumbre del Sol in aid of the NGO Save The Children. The dinner was held at Restaurante la Cumbre, where a great time was had by all with music, entertainment and a chance for our neighbours and friends to meet up.

VAPF is a company that takes its social commitments seriously at both local and international levels, and as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility, it includes activities involving financial support to organisations such as UNICEF, Fundación Vicente Ferrer, Aldeas Infantiles, among others. Therefore this provided an ideal opportunity, in addition to having a good time, to hold an event that would benefit (including charity raffle) Save The Children.

A memorable evening

The event was held at 8 pm at Restaurante La Cumbre and was attended by over 80 people. Guests were welcomed with a cocktail to one of the most special nights of the year at Cumbre del Sol while neighbours and friends were either reunited or introduced to each other in a warm and welcoming relaxed atmosphere.

Shortly after, with appetites whetted, the guests were seated to enjoy the menu prepared by the restaurant. Exquisite local products prepared with care and love were enjoyed by all the diners..

charity gala

As diners enjoyed their dessert, tickets were sold for the charity raffle in aid of Save The Children. Gifts had been donated by local businesses and service providers at Cumbre del Sol including: Supermercados Pepe La Sal, Centro Clínico Dr. Thomas Dubrocki, Dreamsea Mediterranean, North Costa Blanca Paddle Club, Naútica Mengual, Restaurante La Cumbre, Montgó Verd, Hípica Cañada del Sol, Cumbre del Sol Preowned and Farmacia Cumbre del Sol.

Following the raffle and presentation of the prizes, the evening continued with a live music performance, and dancing, all adding to the fun atmosphere of the evening.

Results?

As well as having a great night out, the charity raffle made over 700 euros which will go directly to Save The Children. Thanks to their work of defending and ensuring the rights of children, this NGO manages to help over 133 million children in more than 118 countries throughout the world.

With this blog post we would like to thank everyone who attended the fiesta for their support and solidarity with Save The Children, and for demonstrating that there are many ways of collaborating with good causes. Why not take a look at VAPF’s Corporate Social Responsibility and we hope to see you at the next event: the Belgian fiesta on 21 July!

Alifornia: a province for summer living

Alifornia: a province for summer living

The province of Alicante is also known as Alifornia, especially during the summer months, a verbal pun combining Alicante and California, because the fact is the holiday vibe, the endless stretches of sandy beaches and the culture and nightlife have made Alicante and its coastal towns more than a match for the American Golden State.

Now that summer is here and the sun and the blue of the Mediterranean set the scene with a landscape bound to make anyone smile, we propose a series of plans and activities of all kinds to get the very best out of this little piece of California in Europe (or maybe California is the American Alicante? Calicante perhaps?)

Alicante – History and leisure

Just an hour’s drive by car from Cumbre del Sol, in the heart of Alicante city, you can visit the Castle of Santa Bárbara. This historic fortress makes the most of the summer months and until 4 September 2022 it has extended its opening hours from 10 am to 11 pm and alongside the extra hours a huge range of leisure and entertainment activities are available. From 15 to 17 July you can visit an area that offers gastronomy, decoration and a great atmosphere with pirate and medieval themed exhibitions.  Musicians and actors will be performing all over the place and there will be a market with craft stalls, along with games and children’s entertainment. There are many more activities that you can check out by clicking on this link.

Music and Mediterranean sea: a great combo

Music in the open air, an area with restaurants, cocktail bars and beach clubs Sounds good right? Well then this summer you need to take a trip down to the port of Alicante,  which will be hosting  the  StageConfetti y Fiera event. Rulo y la Contrabanda, Shuarma, The Levitans and Mon Laferte, are just some of the first acts who have signed up to perform on stage in the new venue at the Port of Alicante.

And for true music buffs, you couldn’t do better than take a look at the agenda of Área 12. It’s the perfect place in Alicante to take in a concert and then go for a drink at the Mahou Beer Garden. Leiva, Beret e Izal, and many more artistes will be performing there this summer. Other interesting possibilities are the music events Low Festival and Boombastic. You’re spoilt for choice. Take your pick!

Something a bit more chilled?

As we mentioned at the start of this post, the Alifornian spirit pervades not only the provincial capital but it is also thriving in Costa Blanca Norte.  Live and enjoy the Summer any way you want. Who wouldn’t like something a little more relaxing from time to time. If you don’t feel like spending a day on the amazing beaches and sandy coves that line the coast, why not enjoy some theatre at Auditori de Altea or a guided walk through one of Benissa’s charming areas.

alicante vivir verano

Musical, cultural, historical, and natural activities … the leisure and entertainment on offer this summer within a few kilometres of Cumbre del Sol is both extensive and varied. Choose your favourite events and activities and get ready to enjoy the rest of the summer in Alifornia, and don’t forget to keep an eye on our upcoming blog entries.

Benissa: Much more than meets the eye

Benissa: Much more than meets the eye

Altea, Jávea, Dénia… These are probably the first three names that come to mind when thinking of the Costa Blanca Norte. These incredibly beautiful towns are known for their historic centres, beaches and surrounding countryside. But there is always something new to discover on the Costa Blanca. Just a few kilometres away from Cumbre del Sol, between Calpe and Moraira, in the Marina Alta district, there is a charming place with hidden coves, cliffs, beach bars and a whole lot of history. Still don’t know which place we mean?

Benissa, quite unfairly, does seem to be the “Cinderella” of the Costa Blanca Norte. Many municipalities and towns in the area are much more popular with both national and international visitors. Are you interested in discovering what this place, which is like an open air museum, has to offer? Carry on reading, and we can tell you now, there’s so much more to this place than meets the eye.

 

Wander around the historic centre

The historic centre of Benissa is unquestionably one of the best preserved on the Costa Blanca. Start your route at Plaza del Portal and stroll around the Placeta de l´Esglesia Vella, passing by the Andrés family and Pere Bigot homes, houses which together form a particularly original annexe of Alicante University. You can continue along Puríssima and Desamparados (where the ancient noble families of Benissa once lived), two of the town’s most iconic streets. You should also check out the Casa Museo Abargues and, close by, the Riberer Monument, which pays homage to the Benissa agricultural workers who went to work in the rice fields of the Valencian Ribera. To complete your visit to the historic centre, save the best for last, namely, the church of the Puríssima Xiqueta, known locally as the Cathedral de la Marina.

 

catedral benissa

 

A stroll along the coast…. Or a swim

The historic centre is incredible, but Benissa also has its own beach.  4 kilometres of coastline bordered by stretches of beach and coves that run the whole length of the municipal district. The Benissa Ecology Trail (the name given to the coastal route) is a pleasant path that joins a string of beaches, some of them very well-known, such as Cala Les Bassetes and Cala de la Fustera.  The trail was restored in 2006, with a view to protecting and conserving the cliffs and recovering the native ecosystems.

Even so, sometimes you just feel like kicking off your shoes and simply chilling in the waters of the Mediterranean. Apart from those we mentioned above, there are many more beaches to choose from such as Cala Pinets (with its incredible sunsets), Cala La Llobella, or Cala Baladrar (which has the best views of the Peñón de Ifach).

 

Sierra de Bernia

Benissa covers quite a large municipal area, which means that you can enjoy both the sea and the mountains in just one place. The Sierra de Bernia is ideal for enjoying countryside and discovering the local flora and fauna as you wander along one of its many trails. We recommend the following routes, La Solana, Molí del Quisi and dels Riberers.

 

Gastronomy

And why not? We are in the Costa Blanca after all, and its cuisine is one of its biggest attractions. Clearly demonstrating this combination of sea and mountains, one of Benissa’s most typical dishes is puchero de pulpo or octopus stew, made with pulses, potatoes, vegetables and rice. But there is so much more to discover about the Costa Blanca’s cuisine, here  you can find an article about Denia’s gastronomy that can equally be applied to the whole coastline.

 

Now you have seen everything that you can do in Benissa. Visit this little known jewel of the Costa Blanca and discover somewhere completely new. What are you waiting for? And besides, another advantage is its excellent location in Alicante province as Benissa is just a few kilometres from Altea and Calpe, where you can continue to enjoy more sea and sand.

Don’t miss our upcoming articles in this blog to discover more activities, places and curiosities in the area of  Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol.

Lady Elizabeth Summer Camp: summer with a difference

Lady Elizabeth Summer Camp: summer with a difference

Lady Elizabeth Summer Camp is just what your children need. For the duration they will attend a top international school with excellent educational facilities. And that’s not all, the exclusive surroundings of Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol.  are an extra bonus.  It’s an ideal way of making new friends, and creating summer memories that they will never forget, with a host of new and fun experiences.

How long will the camp be? The Summer Camp will take place throughout the month of July and the first two weeks of August. And it’s possible to sign up for just a week or for the whole duration. Your children will have the opportunity to make some unique friendships, speaking in Spanish, English or both languages at once. The Summer Camp is the ideal place for gaining proficiency in both languages and for developing new skills.  Not only that, but depending on your preference, you can choose half day (until 1.30 pm), or for two more hours, it’s possible to enjoy a whole day. Lady Elizabeth School is well aware of how important it is to adjust to the needs of every student.

 

Programme of activities according to age

The skills learned during the Summer Camp will depend on your children’s age. Nursery age kids will enjoy activities such as swimming and dancing. They will also have art and craft classes to encourage their creative side. All the activities will be supervised and taught in English.

For children aged from 5 to 11 years, the programme includes a wide variety of classes. From circus skills to cookery, taking in sports like tennis or karate as well. At this age it is very important to provide a variety of activities, as this will help children to discover their skills and to develop these in future.

Students aged 11 years and over will have a very special programme, carefully prepared to combine academic material with different activities. Carpentry, photography and also outdoor sports such as Stand Up Paddle. These are just a few of the many activities and experiences that they will enjoy at Summer Camp this year.

What if you don’t have a house in Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol? Thanks to the excellent Residential Programme, children can lodge with a host family or at the school’s own hall of residence.

 

Lady Elizabeth School: A top international school

If you want to learn more about the school, you might like to know that it is one of the best international schools in Spain. In fact, it is extraordinary in that students attending the school represent over 51 different nationalities, making it an international hub, just like its location.  In addition, the school follows the British curriculum, which can provide pupils with greater opportunities for the future.

Furthermore, Lady Elizabeth School is acutely aware of the need for students’ learning to include other areas, aside from their academic subjects. As a result, there are plenty of after school activities available. The school also likes to encourage healthy competition between students through different sports activities.  The facilities are excellent, with classrooms set aside specially for music and computer studies. There is also a heated swimming pool, an indoor gym and courts for playing a number of different sports.

It is essential to point out that in 2019 we signed an agreement with Lady Elizabeth School. As a result, the children of VAPF’s clients can take advantage of studying at one of the best international schools in the area. The children of our employees are also able to attend the school.

 

For further and  more detailed information about the Summer Camp at Lady Elizabeth School, you can contact them directly by telephone: 680 769 427 (English) 636 946 521 (Spanish). Or, if you prefer, you can email them at  s.alexander@laudelayelizabeth.com or s.altamira@laudeladyelizabeth.com.

 

The importance of culture in Costa Blanca Norte

The importance of culture in Costa Blanca Norte

The Costa Blanca is a favourite tourist destination. It is just like an open air museum filled with history, culture and festivities. Aside from its fabulous beaches, there are many places of interest that are worth a visit, and the splendour and cultural heritage of its villages invite you to explore and discover them further.

Romanesque churches, historic neighbourhoods with their Arab architecture, or castles from a bygone age. Fiestas, monuments and tradition which will take you back to remote times as you explore the cultural heritage of the villages in this area. Discover some magical places just a step away from the Mediterranean seashore!

 

Festivals and fun on the Costa Blanca

There’s a festive spirit in the streets of the Costa Blanca’s towns and villages all year round. Participation in these celebrations is always a popular activity. You have probably heard of the night of San Juan or the Moros y Cristianos fiesta. However, first things first, what do you actually know about their origins?

 

Moros y Cristianos

Altea, Denia, Calpe, Villajoyosa or Alcoy are well known for their popular celebrations of the Moros y Cristianos festivities held in honour of the patron saints of these Costa Blanca towns.

As the oldest residents will tell you, faithful to their religious beliefs, thanks to these patron saints, the Christians were able to overcome the Muslims in battle. This historic celebration spans a period of 3 to 5 days and is held in a number of cities and at different times of the year. The highlight of this fiesta is the Desembarco – the disembarkment – which commemorates the arrival of the Moorish troops on the coast and their battle on the beach with the Christian forces determined to reconquer the land. It’s an impressive spectacle!

 

  • Altea Fiestas

Altea is synonymous with festivity. Almost every month there is a fiesta in this municipal district, but it is in summer that the fiestas really come into their own.

Easter Week and Corpus Christi are the main religious events of the year. In February the streets are vibrant with colour as the residents celebrate their famous Carnaval. Meanwhile, Castell de l’Olla celebrates on the Saturday that falls closest to feast of San Lorenzo in Altea. It holds Spain’s biggest fireworks display from the sea. It also celebrates its own Moros y Cristianos fiestas.

 

San Juan Bonfires

When summer comes, this area of the coast attracts worldwide interest. The San Juan Bonfires begin on 19 June, and the ‘Mascletás’, the Proclamation, processions, street parades, firecrackers and bell ringing are all part of the festivities, culminating in the famous bonfire night the ‘Cremà’ (24 June).

 

Fireworks

The culmination of all these festivities and Bonfires is a particularly special event. The celebration takes place every year after the bonfires, held from the 25 to 29 June. Postiguet beach is host to a fireworks contest. The most stunning pyrotechnic displays can be found here on the Costa Blanca.

 

altea costa blanca cultura

 

History and much more on the Costa Blanca

The historic quarters of many of the area’s towns are another major attraction of the Costa Blanca. Neighbourhoods that harbour amazing legends and impressive monuments.

 

Altea church

In the heart of Altea’s historic centre, this church dates from 1607, when it was first built. A stroll around its square and the surrounding area will take you right back to the 16th century. The church has been a mute witness to the passage of time in the town becoming an historic and cultural icon of Altea.

 

Bust of Cervantes

In Dénia, the most famous part of town is known as Explanada de Cervantes, where you can find a bust of the celebrated writer Don Quixote. The story goes that in 1580 when Cervantes was freed from prison he went to the port of Dénia, kissing the actual spot where this monument now stands.

 

The Castle Route

There are over 100 castles on the Costa Blanca. Fortresses that were the strongholds of the ancient Visigoth kings and the most important monarchs in the area. The Castle Route will draw you into a magical cultural experience. There are many such citadels along the route that runs from the mountains down to the sea.

 

Legends, culture and festivities that bear witness to the Costa Blanca’s wealth of mystery, entertainment and fun. Living history alongside the Mediterranean sea. How about choosing it as a place to live?

 

The cuisine of Denia: tradition, personality, and creativity

The cuisine of Denia: tradition, personality, and creativity

Denia is living, breathing cuisine. It’s always been so. But, since 2015, the town was named by UNESCO as being a creative city of gastronomy. The variety, richness, passion, and creativity on display in the kitchens and on dinner plates is the reason why Denia was awarded this distinguished title.

Denia’s deli – The Mediterranean sea

Denia’s cuisine is mainly based on the Mediterranean. The waters that bathe it also offer luxury products. One such being the red prawn which stands out above all others. Such is the tradition and passion for red prawns that even the famous crustacean has a soundtrack created by the famous chef Quique Dacosta. Arroz a banda (rice cooked in fish broth) and dried octopus are other typical dishes of the area. A good example of the reality that the sea has always been an abundance resources.

Other stars of the show

Although Dénia is very much inspired by the sea, Valencian agriculture also plays an important role in its gastronomy. The espencat (which in Valencian means “to crumble with hands”) is a famous salad, containing red pepper, aubergine, tomato, and baked onion accompanied by cod and dressed with olive oil. Going back to the sea, we find another typical dish from Denia with the llandeta. This is a white fish stew that is very common in the Marina Alta area and, as paella is world famous, we must also mention the famous fideuá.

There’s also room for those with a sweet tooth. Pumpkin fritters are a great and healthy alternative to the traditional churros with chocolate. And coca de llanda is probably the most famous snack in the whole Costa Blanca area – a sweet sponge cake to be eaten with a good hot chocolate.

Wine culture is closely tied to the area of the Costa Blanca North. In fact, the oldest winery on the Iberian Peninsula is located in Alto de Benimaquia. Specifically, on the slopes of the Montgó.

gastronomía denia

Internationally renowned chefs and restaurants

What is the best way to enjoy Denia’s cuisine? From the dishes of renowned chefs in the best restaurants in the area. The town is a place of work and inspiration for big names in the world of cuisine. Such as Susi Díaz, Joan Roca or Andoni Luis Aduriz, among many others.

But one name automatically jumps to mind: Quique Dacosta. If there is one person who has put Valencian cuisine on the map, it’s this famous chef from Extremadura. His restaurant, Quique Dacosta, is located in Denia (opposite Las Marinas beach). And 3 Michelin stars certify the work behind this ambitious project.

However, beyond this famous restaurant, there are other restaurants very close to Cumbre del Sol. Such as Aticcook, located in the attic of the designer Pepe Cabrera’s showroom. El Raset or Peix&Braxes where the people most refined palates will enjoy the typical gastronomy of Denia.

We think you have enough reasons to drop by Denia and enjoy its local cuisine, don’t you? Keep reading our next articles to learn more about the Costa Blanca North and discover new plans to do near Cumbre del Sol.