Jun 14, 2022 | Activities/Services, Club Amigos del Sol, Cumbre del Sol, Sin categoría, Something special
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.
Jun 8, 2022 | Activities/Services, Cumbre del Sol, Other towns, Otros pueblos, Something special
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 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.
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?
May 12, 2022 | Benitachell, Events, Fiestas, Sin categoría, Something special
When we talk about Benitachell, the best sunsets on the Costa Blanca quickly come to mind. From the most secluded coves to the large, well-known beaches that are visited every year by thousands of tourists. And the residents of Cumbre del Sol are lucky enough to enjoy it all year round. As well as its cuisine and wide variety of plans that can be as relaxing or as daring as you like.
But there is so much more. If you don’t know what to do over the coming weekends and you feel like spending time with your loved ones, using International Family Day as an excuse, we’ll tell you how you can make the most of your free time in the Benitachell area.
Viewpoints and nature
Benitachell is full of contrasts: hills and valleys, coast and inland, beaches and high cliffs… Nature has taken root all the way along the Costa Blanca, creating an environment worthy of admiration. We find all kinds of natural features such as the Falla del Moraig and the Vasenilla depression. And also, the cliffs of La Marina are a spectacular place to go on a trip with the family. Another good plan is to climb Puig Llorença, from where you can see as far as the island of Ibiza. Or descending down to the underground river of Moraig is also an attractive plan.
The municipality has several locations from where you can ponder beautiful scenery. The viewpoints are distributed throughout the town centre and along the coast. They thus offer film-like views with the Mediterranean as the protagonist at all times. Cantal de Gener, Mirador del Poble, del Portalet, dels Testos, Morro del Bou, Racó de l’Illot… There is a wide range on offer and you won’t be able to visit them all in one day. So, take it easy and enjoy each one of them in your own time.
Beaches: a classic
What could be better than a day at the beach with the family? In just two kilometres, you can enjoy amazing coves with crystal clear waters and underwater caves.
- Cala dels Testos. One of the main attractions of this cove is its exclusivity due how difficult it is to access. You have to descend down a ravine with a rope or enter by boat (or other craft) along the coastline. This is activity is not suitable for young children, but it is undoubtedly a very special route for the more adventurous.
- Cala de Llebeig. Llebeig cove is an unspoilt cove, with no tourist services, it still has a special charm. Some of its caves were used to store fishing gear in the past.
- Cala del Moraig. Aguas de azul intenso, acantilados y cuevas marinas. ¿Te suena la Cova dels Arcs? Deep blue waters, cliffs and sea caves. Are you familiar with the Cova dels Arcs? You’ve probably seen it on many Instagram posts. Well, it’s in this cove and seeing it is an experience you have to live. And here’s a little secret: there is a beautiful route, known as the Cliffs Route (Ruta de los Acantilados), which connects Cala Moraig with Cala Llebeig.
For the little ones: Les Fonts Park
A different kind of playpark, in tune with the surrounding area. Here, children will not only find fun challenges but also “big” ones. The playpark includes different games that stimulate children’s motor development and balance. As well as being fun, they enrich them as people. The entire playground is almost made up of wood and rope. In addition, close to the playpark is a large grassy area, an ideal place for picnics and relaxation. A good place to keep an eye on the children, as you can see the whole park from there.
Leisure, sport… and literature!
How about something that combines leisure and sport? Benitachell is also known for its cycling routes which are suitable for all levels. From the Calistros-Abiar route that starts in the town centre or for the most demanding cyclists, the route along Puig Llorença.
Around Cumbre del Sol are several picnic areas where you can enjoy a family day out. You can find them in the Garsivá and Testos recreational areas.
The importance of having access to culture, education, and thought is also very important in Benitachell. In fact, one of its town missions is to make its library known as a cultural vehicle. You also need to have time to relax, and what better than to disconnect by reading a good book!
In this article, we’ve given you different plans to enjoy your next family weekend. Stay tuned for our next posts. Because, as you know, summer is coming and it will surely be full of special activities on the Costa Blanca North.
Apr 5, 2022 | Activities/Services, Events, Fiestas, Local events, Other towns, Otros pueblos, Something special
With April comes Easter, a time that’s interesting to tourists in almost all parts of Spain and, in particular, in Costa Blanca. Here’s a series of plans and options near Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol to spend this holiday season in one of the most popular destinations throughout the year.
Easter brings an extra incentive to any resident or anyone who wants to spend a few days here, a truly luxurious offer. Watching the traditional processions with excitement, exquisite cuisine, and the famous dreamy beaches, all tied together with rich historical and cultural heritage sites.
Torrijas and Easter mona cake – easter’s sweet staple foods
When Easter arrives, it’s tradition in Costa Blanca to bake some of the famous Easter sweets. Flour, yeast, milk, egg, butter and sugar are more than enough to make the famous mona de Pascua cake. On Easter Sunday itself, tradition rules in Alicante. Families get together to have a snack and eat this dessert outside in nature (beach, mountain, countryside…). Interestingly, the mona has always been considered a loving gift from the grown-ups to the youngest members of the family.
The other star dish of Easter in Costa Blanca is torrijas. It’s surprising how something so simple can have such a spectacular flavour. Stale slices of bread soaked in red wine or milk with lemon and cinnamon, dipped in whisked egg and then fried in oil. Some people serve them coated in cinnamon and sugar and others sweeten them with syrup.
Processions in Alicante
Holy Week in Costa Blanca is, above all, a festival of religious tradition that year after year attracts many visitors due to its incredible, emotional processions. Throughout the municipalities of the area, you can enjoy activities such as the famous procession of silence on Holy Thursday and the procession of the Holy Burial, the protagonist of Good Friday, in which women who wish can accompany the Holy Sepulchre dressed in a black shawl and veil. Two processions in the city of Alicante are worth mentioning: the procession of the Holy Supper on Holy Thursday, which is one of the most famous in Spain and helps a good cause, as after the procession, the food that is placed on the table of the procession is donated to a home for the elderly. And, on the other hand, the palm trees of the Explanada are witnesses to the most popular and familiar procession of all those celebrated in the city, that of the Borriquita on Palm Sunday.
Other processions to take into account if you want to experience what Holy Week is all about are those of La Pasión in the town of Orihuela, in which more than 8,000 Nazarenes and around 1,200 musicians parade; and the procession of Los Tres Abrazos (The Three Embraces) in Crevillente.
Days out, music, markets…
There is also room for other non-religious activities to enjoy Easter in Costa Blanca. It’s a tradition in some towns such as Moraira-Teulada to play live music in the streets. In the city of Alicante, the Jornadas de Cuaresma (Lenten Days) are held to promote the hotel and catering industry throughout the province with the help of the best chefs in the area.
It’s also interesting to wander around the historic centre of any municipality in Costa Blanca, especially those of Altea, Dénia, Benitachell and Moraira, and discover their most emblematic spots, such as the medieval market that takes place in Calpe during easter, where you can buy typical Costa Blanca handicrafts.
And what about outdoor plans? Easter is the perfect time to discover natural areas such as the Benitachell cliffs route, take a stroll along the L’Andragó cove in Moraira or have an aperitif in the marina of Altea.
As you have seen, during Easter Week the towns and villages of Costa Blanca dress up and put on hundreds of events that make the Alicante coastline a splendid place to be. The perfect mix of discovering and getting to know religious traditions and enjoying a unique area on the Mediterranean coast. Don’t miss our next blog articles in which we will continue to tell you about more things to do near Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol.
Mar 15, 2022 | Activities/Services, Cumbre del Sol, Other towns, Residential Estates, Something special
We enjoy one of the best climates in the world here in Costa Blanca. Approximately 300 days of sun and mild temperatures for most of the year.
This, along with a backdrop of mountains and beaches, make the area a top choice for people. For tourists, athletes, and even professional sports teams. In fact, many professional atheletes have chosen to stay at Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol as a temporary residence for their training sessions, where they can enjoy a home here. In this area of the province, they go on routes, train, or prepare for competitions. In fact, some championships, such as the La Vuelta a España cycling race, have passed through this area. For example, the 2019 edition crossed the Alto del Puig Llorença, in Residential Resort Cumbre Del Sol.
Of course, there must be something special about this area for both professional and amateur athletes alike to have a soft spot for the place. From Alicante to Dénia, in this article we will tell you some of the reasons why the Costa Blanca is a cyclist’s paradise.
The Climate
We’ve already talked about how wonderful the climate is. But even though we enjoy this weather, and we may consider it normal, it is far from the norm. It’s not easy to find an area with so many hours of sunshine and ideal temperatures for outdoor sports all year round.
Sea and Mountain – Two Sides of The Same Coin
The blend and, sometimes, mimicry of sea and mountain along the more than 100 kilometres that run along the North of Costa Blanca offers cyclists a plethora of possibilities to adapt the routes according to their level as an athlete. As well as the characteristics of their bikes such as wheels, suspension and frame.
A Safe Environment
Safety for cyclists is a number one priority. Many coastal areas don’t have the proper infrastructure for cycling tracks. The Comunidad Valenciana and different localities within Costa Blanca (particularly in the North) have spent years working on creating a safe system that’s always up to scratch for practicing sport.
Not only do they look after the roads, which go from flat planes for beginners to more demanding climbs on stretches with hardly any traffic, but they also take care of the mountains. Mountain biking is one of the most promoted activities in North Costa Blanca due to the sea and mountains we mentioned earlier. In fact, there are two MTB centres in Vall de Pop and El Comtat.
Cyclists’ Territory
The Costa Blanca North is an area which, over the years, has become a reference point for cyclists. The hotel sector has benefited from this by knowing how to prepare its facilities to meet the needs of an athlete. In most of them you can find swimming pools and spas. These are the ideal place to rest and relax the muscles after a day’s cycling. Other hotels include gyms for training and cycling centres for repairing bicycles.
After this series of features that make North Costa Blanca an ideal destination for cyclists, doesn’t it make you want to start cycling? In this article you can see several routes around Cumbre del Sol to get you going.
Jul 29, 2021 | Activities/Services, County, Events, Something special
Who said Wednesdays were boring? Every Wednesday has its charms but especially now in summer, they’re the best. And here’s why!
At Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol we are fortunate in being surrounded by nature, the sea and some incredible towns and villages. Towns blessed with history, culture and traditions, and of course, great cuisine. A cuisine which at Marina Alta, stands out with its spectacular vineyards, renowned for their quantity, quality and beauty.
At VAPF we have always supported cultural events in the vicinity of Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol. And your stay there can be full of variety with some wide ranging activities. With that in mind, this summer we present Melicatesen. We are sponsoring this event, to be held every Wednesday throughout July and August, and its basic premise is simply, wine and music. Sounds good, right?
As well as helping to promote the vineyards and wineries in the area and supporting oenology and wine production, clients will also be able to enjoy a pleasant evening of musical entertainment. The scenario varies from week to week as do the musicians. Here is some more information about these Wednesday events which could well become a top date in your weekday schedule.
This month, Melicatesen continues its route and so, on 4 August this week, we’ll be making a detour to the M de Alejandría winery. The guided visit in Teulada can be followed in Spanish, English and French. This winery grows the Muscat of Alexandria grape which is from Africa. And the fact is there is no better place than the Mediterranean for cultivating that characteristic sweet fruity taste.
Following the visit, and during the ensuing tapas and wine tasting, the the strings of classical guitar will provide the soundtrack for a truly memorable evening. Carlos Gardel tangos, or music by composers such as Francisco Tárrega, Fernando Sor, Falla and Albéniz are just some of the melodies in the repertoire of classical guitarist Miquel Pérez Perelló.
We had no idea that music could marry quite so well with wine, but you can try it for yourself this summer in Melicatesen. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to make sure you don’t miss any of our news or events.
