Jan 19, 2022 | Activities/Services
Everyone knows that the most popular new year’s resolution is to do more exercise. A resolution that translates to a huge number of gym memberships and a huge number of cancelling and leaving said membership the next month.
At VAPF, we support living a healthy lifestyle, and lucky us that our surroundings support exercise too! Especially when it comes to outdoor sports. That’s why for this 2022, we propose that your new year’s resolutions include exercise, but with a twist: that you exercise in and around Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol.
And what better way to work out than to cycle! It has many benefits: you can go long distances, do it with family whilst enjoying the countryside – both sea and mountain – and, of course, you’re working out every part of your body!
The Montgó Route
As we’ve said in other blog posts, the area surrounding Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol stands out for its beauty and versatility. With the sea being featured on pratically every postcard in the towns and cities of Costa Blanca, the mountain is another reason to go. One such place is the Montgo Natural Park in Denia. Its expanse and its over 700 metres in height turn it intothe lungs of the Alicante province.
Apart from its hiking routes, there are also cycling routes in the Montgo natural park. There are two easy paths that can be done in a day that are also circular, starting and finishing in Denia. The first starts in Camí de la Colònia and ends in Cova del Gamell. The second goes through Denia to La Xara to Jesús Pobre to Javea to Javea Port.
Both lead you around the countryside where you can get to know the place on all fronts: its agriculture, geography and its flora and fauna as well.
The Blooming Almond Trees Route
Just a half hour car ride away from Benitatxell is Alcalalí. In February, the valley there is covered in flowering almond trees. In this month, almond trees bloom and turn the landscape into something spectacular.
There are several routes with varying degrees of difficulty. But that’s no excuse! Whether you’re a beginner or a pro at cycling, the blooming almond trees of Alcalalí await you. The easiest one is around 10 kilometres long on a paved path with some slopes. The route starts and ends in the Street Calle Ermita in the town.
The blue route is a bit more complicated, it starts at the same place in Alcalalí but, in this case, the routs is over 19 kilometres long. Including paths that wind through the forst, this route lets you experience the beauty of the landscape from within it.
Lastly, the red route is for people that have more experience. It’s almost 30 kilometres long and goes up to 433 metres in height. This is the most difficult one, but it’s sure to be an unforgettable path.
Talking about these routes really gets your legs itching to start pedalling, no? Write this down as your resolution on your list and don’t forget to equip yourself with everything you need to enjoy Costa Blanca from your bike.
Jan 12, 2022 | Cumbre del Sol
2021 was a different, frenetic kind of year. We were able to return to some areas of our old lives that we had been deprived of for many months. We have gone back to our friendships and our usual activities and to some extent, we have returned to our everyday lives. It was about time, we needed it. However now that life is back to its normal pace, we find that we are also missing that slow way of life that we had experienced for a while.
Perhaps 2022 is a good time to recover part of that relaxed and easy-going lifestyle that at times we really need to reconnect with our true selves. Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol is a great exponent of this philosophy. The feverish pace of the world of work has no place in the resort, where the slow life rules supreme.
One of the pillars of this lifestyle is reading. This pastime has all the features of slow life: time for yourself, peace, silence, concentration… Will reading be one of your resolutions for 2022? We know what we think!
Cumbre del Sol: reader’s paradise
There are innumerable scenes in fiction where the main character is lying back on a lounger on their terrace with a good book. How often have you imagined yourself doing just that? At VAPF we have always wanted to make that ideal come true, and we can now safely say, job done!
Because Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol is a paradise on a par with the most exclusive cinematic scenarios. Imagine being on your terrace, with the ideal temperature and the Mediterranean sea as a backdrop while you lose yourself in the pages of a book. That’s the slowlife!
Reading and local authors
Not sure where to start? Discovering more about local culture is always a good plan. That’s why we’d like to suggest some books and authors that you are sure to enjoy.
Miguel Hernández is one of Spain’s most important writers and dramatists of the 20th century. Hernández was a native of Orihuela, and the land of his birth was a constant presence in his writing. The main theme of his poetry was the landscape and the people of the Mediterranean coast, with the sea featuring prominently, along with the river Segura and the cities of Valencia, Alicante, and Murcia. If you decide to read any of his works you will be immersing yourself in a world that will tell you more about your surroundings at Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol.
A more modern writer is Mónica Carrillo. The presenter, born in Elche, already has four novels on the market. Reading her stories in a favourite corner of your home, in Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol will transport you on a voyage to other worlds.
Finally, we would also like to recommend an author of children’s and young adult books, Elia Barceló who is from Elda, and whose work has garnered numerous awards, making her one of the best in her field. And reading is also something for the youngest members of the household! Getting into the habit from an early age is a positive step for children’s development.
Have you made a list of books to read? Just the three authors that we have mentioned will keep you going with plenty to read for a while. Spend your time reading and get more out of life!
Jan 4, 2022 | Cumbre del Sol
2022 is here and with the advent of the new year, thousands of people have begun writing down their resolutions for the coming year or putting them into practice. Are you one of them?
At VAPF we always have new resolutions, although to tell the truth, we don’t need a new year to start up new projects which will help our neighbours and our clients. One of our challenges for some years now has been to become more sustainable and ensure that we respect the environment. On balance, we can safely say that we have made progress but there is still much more to do.
We’d like our neighbours to join this venture too and we are making sure that they have all the tools they need to do so from the ease and comfort of Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol. Is recycling on your list of resolutions for 2022? Would you like to be more sustainable? Keep reading!
The importance of recycling
You have probably heard people say that a few small actions like separating your waste into different containers is not going to change the world. But that is so wrong! Even this minimal action can have a major impact if lots of us make sure we do it.
The most popular recycling activity in the home is to separate waste in different containers for glass, plastics, organic waste and cardboard. However, there are other things that you can do as well in your day to day life.
One simple change is to use glass or cardboard containers instead of plastics, as plastic containers pollute much more.
Not only that, whenever you visit natural areas you need to make sure that you pick up any waste or rubbish that you have, as it can have a big impact on the environment. Not only is the beautiful countryside affected, but the flora and fauna can also suffer so much from our carelessness in this regard. On the Costa Blanca we can ensure that this doesn’t happen, by maintaining the amazing beaches and sandy coves that we enjoy today.
Recycling at Cumbre del Sol
At Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol we want our neighbours to have the chance to join us in making this change. That’s why in 2018 Poble Nou de Benitatxell inaugurated a new green point in the village. It is situated in the Lirios area at Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol.
These green points are designed to promote recycling, giving residents of Cumbre del Sol a convenient option for recycling their waste. The containers at the green point include one for light plastic containers, tin cans or bricks, with another for paper and cardboard and also one for glass. Another is designed to collect organic waste, and given the demand in a zone like Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol, a further container has been provided to deposit waste for pruning and gardening waste.
We reiterate: if we do our bit, those grains of sand will become mountains, able to combat climate change. Put this important resolution on your list for 2022!
Dec 13, 2021 | Activities/Services
Is there a way where you can explore virgin coves, discover myth and history and at the same time learn about the region’s flora and fauna? Visiting the islands of Alicante allows you to do all this in one go. These islands are a treasure chest full of surprises. In this article, we’ll tell you about four islands in Costa Blanca.
Isla de Tabarca
Tabarca island is the only island on this list with a local population. The easiest way to get there is from the Santa Pola Port on a catamaran. Arriving at the port, you’ll discover beautiful crystal clear waters that are so inviting you’ll want to take a dip. In this marine reserve, you can swim and dive, watching the fish in their natural habitat. A day of snorkelling and laying on the beach is a day sure to awaken your appetite, but don’t worry because on this island you can go to one of its restaurants and enjoy a delicious rice dish.
Isla de Benidorm
The island of Benidorm does have a local population, but of a different kind – sea birds land here to fish and to rest. If you love bird watching, on this rock you’ll be able to see all types of species from peregrine falcons, pallid swifts and the Sardinian warbler, amongst many other species.
But the surprises about this island don’t stop there. There are many different legends and fables about how this triangular hunk of rock came to be in the sea. One story goes that the giant, Roldan, carved a piece of rock out of the Puig Campana mountain so that the last rays of light could pass through and shine on his lover for longer, who was cursed to die after sundown. That is why the island of Benidorm is also known as Roldan’s rock. This island Is the best place to be for those who want to have some fantastic views of the Benidorm skyline.
Would you like to visit? You can easily access the island from the port of Benidorm and the Rincón de Loix. Boats leave every hour starting from 10am.
Isla de Portitxol
The island of Portitxol is just in front of the famous Barraca beach in Jávea. On this island, you’ll be able to find archaeological remains from when the romans used it as a port. Here’s a fun plan: go on a small hike around the island trying to find foundations of roman columns, Phoenician ceramics and marble pavements. Don’t let its size fool you! This small island hides great treasures waiting to be found.
Isla del Descubridor
The name of this island (Explorer’s Island, in English), according to popular belief, is said to be named after a local sailor that was part of Christopher Columbus’s crew. Whether it’s true or not, what is sure is that this island is the perfect place for those who love scuba diving. This is your chance to swim with the animals that inhabit the sea floor that’s full of surprises! From a wall that’s full of anemones and colourful sponges to a small cave called the “Dolphin’s cave”. In it, you’ll the remains of a dolphin resting in the water there. And the best yet is that it’s all close to Cumbre del Sol.
If you go on a day trip to one of these islands, here’s some advice. I f you want to make the most out of what these islands have to offer, it’s best to go in autumn and winter. And don’t be afraid of the weather, the climate in Costa Blanca is pleasant all year round! So, you can visit these islands peacefully and enjoy the natural world away from the throngs of people. Our recommendation is to prepare a picnic to take with you so you can spend the whole day exploring the island you choose.
Sounds interesting, doesn’t it? If you want more recommendations for what to do in Costa Blanca, keep up to date with our blog and don’t miss out!
Dec 7, 2021 | Activities/Services
Christmas is right around the corner! Days with family gatherings, festive cheer, food and traditions are ahead of us. Whether you just recently moved to Cumbre del Sol or have been living there for years, we’re sure that you’ll love hearing about the main Christmas traditions in the province of Alicante. New and exciting festive plans await you!
The province of Alicante – an area with deep-rooted Christmas customs
El Betlem de Tirisiti in Alcoy
The famous Betlem de Tirisiti is a puppet show that’s been going on since 1885. In it, a colourful group of characters recreate themes of Spanish culture and Christmas scenes such as the birth of Jesus or the arrival of the Three Wise Men, and there is also time for the Moors and Christians. This is the best of Alcoy’s culture! The curious fact about this performance is to be found in its name. The main character speaks with a reed in their mouth, meaning that the name “Tereseta” sounds like “Tirisiti” when they call for this titular character. And in case you didn’t know, the Tirisiti Nativity Scene was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest by the Generalitat Valenciana.
You like what you hear? From the 23 December to 5 January, you can go see this spectacle at the Teatre Principal in the town. Entry tickets can be bought here from 15 December.
Els Enfarinats de Ibi
If you want a more exciting plan, you can’t miss the Els Enfinarats Festival in Ibi. This fun mock coup d’etat takes place outside the church in Ibi. Two groups launch eggs and flour at each other in a fun battle until one side wins the political power of the town. In this battle, there is something else that cannot go amiss – firecrackers! A great spectacle to see if you don’t mind being covered head to toe in flour.
Eating grapes on New Year’s Eve is an Alicante tradition
The act of eating 12 grapes for luck on New Year’s Eve is a tradition that goes back over a century ago. But did you know that it has its roots in Alicante? In 1909, a surplus in Vinalopó grapes led to vine growers in Alicante advocating the idea that eating 12 grapes with the 12 bells would bring luck and prosperity for the new year. The custom quickly became popular and now is common throughout all households in Spain on New Year’s Eve.
What dishes are served in homes in Alicante on Christmas?
In our list, we couldn’t forget to add the most typical christmas recipes of Alicante. The most popular dish for Christmas day in homes in Alicante is the traditional caldo con pelotas (soup with meatballs). Perfect to warm yourself up! This recipe is made from chicken, ham bone, turnips, parsnips, celery, and carrots.
After this tasty savoury dish, it’s now time for something sweet, and in Alicante, the main star is turron de Jijona. This delicious nougat is made from ground almonds and honey. If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll love the Jijona Nougat Route where you can visit factories, shops and cultural spots to get to know more about how this sweet is made and its history. The sweetest trail you’ll find!
To end this article, all that’s left to do is wish you happy holidays. May these traditions fill your home with Christmas cheer! If you want more ideas about what to do during this holiday period in Costa Blanca, keep up to date with our blog.
Nov 26, 2021 | Activities/Services
Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol is considered to be one of the top places to live, and now, even more so thanks to Pure Wellness. In this new place in Adelfas shopping centre, selfcare is the end goal here. Keep reading and find out about all the options this establishment offers!
Pure Wellness, a pleasure for the senses at Cumbre del Sol
Whether you need a rest after a hard day or you just want to find a place to eat nearby at the weekend, Pure Wellness is your best option. Spa, restaurant and a personal trainer, it’s your self-care space without having to leave Cumbre del Sol!
Take care of your mind in the Pure Wellness Spa
Sometimes, after a stressful workday, the only thing our mind and body needs is to disconnect to recharge. During these days, all you’ll have to do is go to the Adelfas shopping centre. There, the Pure Wellness team will tell you about the best options for relaxing and resting. Within their spa treatments, you’ll find relaxing massages, with excellent options like hot stone massages or wood therapy. Just reading about it sounds calming, no?
Practice your strength and endurance with a personal trainer
With Christmas and New Year’s nearing, it’s a great time to start exercising. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to hone in on your sporty skills, you can do so at Pure Wellness in Cumbre del Sol. Kara, their personal trainer will help you achieve all your exercise and nutritional goals. Pure Wellness will bring out the best version of you!
Delight your taste buds at the Pure Wellness restaurant
And if all the other service we talked about weren’t enough, Pure Wellness also has a restaurant! After a hard work out session or a relaxing massage, who doesn’t want to eat healthy, delicious food with a view of la Costa Blanca? Salads, sandwiches, smoothies… there are dishes for all tastes!
But why just tell you about it? Go in person and try it out! From Tuesday to Suday you can visit Pure Wellness from 11:00am to 9:00pm. And the best thing is that you don’t even have to leave Cumbre del Sol! Want to hear about more interesting news like this? Visit our blog and follow our Facebook and Instagram profiles. The most up-to-date information on la Costa Blanca in just one click.
