Jan 30, 2019 | Activities/Services, Cumbre del Sol, Grupo VAPF
Alicante is the perfect destination for both those who are looking for a few days of relaxation, and those who want to start a new life close to the Mediterranean Sea. Beyond the beaches with crystal-clear water and the exceptional gastronomy of the Costa Blanca, the Alicante region is also known for its castles and fortresses whose incredible stories will transport you back through time. If you want to experience this adventure for yourself, the Alicante Provincial Council suggests following a Route of 100 Costa Blanca Castles on which you can discover the footprints left by different people and cultures over history.
To start, we suggest you have a look at five of the best castles near Cumbre del Sol Residential Resort.
The closest route to Cumbre del Sol is called “The Frontier of fear castle route”. The name recalls the history of these fortifications: the proximity to the sea helped the inhabitants to see when the enemy was approaching the Costa Blanca coasts. For this reason, we can add other towns like Altea, Calpe, Jávea and Denia to this list, among which the Guadalest and Denia castles stand out.
Denia castle was built at the highest point of the town to be able to scan the horizon and watch out for any possible attacks. This characteristic gives us the chance to enjoy a wonderful view while visiting the castle.
In the case of Guadalest, as soon as you get there, you will realise why it is known as one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. The San José Castle, embedded in the rock with the Guadalest reservoir behind, helps us understand why this location was an important fort during the Middle and the Modern Ages.
If we travel south from Cumbre del Sol, we find the “Key to the Kingdom Route”. In this case, we are welcomed by the Santa Bárbara Castle, in Alicante, less than an hour’s drive from Cumbre del Sol. The imposing figure on the top of the Benacantil mountain is one of the most recognisable views of the capital of the Costa Blanca. However, the Castle houses much more inside. The artistic heritage from the Muslim era catches everyone’s attention while walking along the castle esplanade, but the favourite part for all those from Alicante is at the top. From the lookout point, you can admire one of the best panoramic views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea.
Also in the province, we find the “Vinalopó Castles” route where we leave the coast behind for a while and enjoy a beautiful landscape dominated by plains and grapes.
In this route, two must-see castles are the Banyeres de Mariola and the Biar castles.
Both have a double walled enclosure built due to the strategic location. Both castles were built with the clear purpose of dominating a region in which the extensive valleys were once great battlefields.
The Alicante region has several places that are very important from a cultural point of view, and in this post, we have talked about only a few of them! Have a look at all the castles routes suggested by the Alicante Provincial Council and choose one that piques your interest. Don’t think twice – come to discover the rich history of the Costa Blanca!
Jan 18, 2019 | Cumbre del Sol, Events, Grupo VAPF
Cumbre del Sol Residential Resort is part of the municipality of Benitatxell and boasts a perfect location in the north of the Costa Blanca, thanks to both the impressive views of the sea and the proximity to Benissa and other main cities in the area. Here, there is always an event going on! This January, you can’t miss the “Fira i Porrat de Sant Antoni” in Benissa, which has been named a local fiesta of tourist interest. It is a Valencian festival tradition whose origins are found in worshipping saints to ask for good harvests and the fertility of animals.
All those who love traditions have a date for their diaries! This unique event will be taking place from the 11th – 27th January, with a full schedule of events and a range of activities organised throughout the month.
If you still haven’t tried the area’s typical dishes, you’re in luck! From the 18th – 20th January you can go to the Wine Tunnel, a unique offering which provides the chance to sample several different wines and tapas dishes, while on Sunday 20th there is the spinach and cod paella competition.
As well as discovering new flavours, you’ll also be able to visit temporary exhibitions, stroll through the travelling craft fair, go up to some of the attractions, attend a concert or watch traditional dancing, go to a film screening, and even attend exhibitions of new and classic vehicles. If you would prefer to do some exercise before sampling the local cuisine, sign up to participate in Bicycle Day on the 20th, whose itinerary will take you all over the city.
The festivities don’t end this weekend! They will continue all next week, with Benissa travelling back in time on Friday 25th January to host the Medieval Market. Here, you will find over 40 stalls selling handcrafted items, workshops for children, a food zone, an Arabic souk, a puppet theatre, exhibitions, and even medieval performances. And, if you don’t find what you’re looking for here, you can also go to the animal fair, a concert, or Benissa’s museums, or even attend a Valencian Pilota match.
This fair is a fantastic opportunity to experience typical Valencian traditions in Costa Blanca North, with activities both for adults and the little ones, while you enjoy the area’s wonderful climate.
If you don’t want to miss the latest news and events that take place near Cumbre del Sol Residential Resort, follow our blog and our social media!
Jan 11, 2019 | Cumbre del Sol, Grupo VAPF
Cumbre del Sol Residential Resort is the place you have always dreamed of: luxury homes in an enviable natural environment, with incredible views of the sea. It is also the perfect place for your family to begin a new life together, as you will have a range of leisure options, services, and facilities available to you. Among these, the Lady Elizabeth School, one of the best international schools in the country, stands out.
We spoke to several people who form part of the school’s community so that they could tell us about day-to-day life at this establishment and the work that is done there.
Jorge Huerga, who works here at VAPF, has a daughter who is studying at the Lady Elizabeth School. He tells us that as a father he is very happy, both with the teaching staff and with the educational project. He believes that the fact that English is the vehicular language is an educational advantage and will be key in his daughter’s future. In addition, he told us that the school makes sure that parents are kept informed about all events to do with the school via newsletters, through which parents receive first-hand information about the activities the pupils take part in: from events carried out with the participation of the school, such as the Day of the Tree, to excursions the pupils go on to other cities. For Jorge, the international environment is, without doubt, one of the main reasons which led him to choose the school for his daughter’s education.
For Ella Chard, mother of two pupils in the Lady Elizabeth School, one of the things that she values most in the education taught at the school is the fact that the subjects are all interrelated. In other words, in Primary Education they do not have subjects such as Maths or History; they study topics. For example, when it’s time to learn about the solar system, the pupils study all the subjects related to this topic. She believes that this is a fun way to learn which motivates the pupils and teaches them about connections within the world. In addition, she states that the fact that her daughters are growing up in the international environment offered by the Lady Elizabeth School offers numerous benefits for them. Ella is also president of a group of parents called LES Amigos and tells us that this association also helps to improve the environment at school, as both the pupils and their families stop being strangers to instead all become part of one community.
We also spoke to Juanco, one of the head boys at the school, who told us about the pupils’ opinion of the new facilities offered at the school, which “transmit a sense of modernity, order and seriousness”. Furthermore, he points out that the sporting facilities have helped to improve the pupils’ free time outside, which in the long term also leads to greater wellbeing.
If you would like to start a new life on the Costa Blanca, discover more about our luxury apartments and villas in Cumbre del Sol Residential Resort, the best place to offer your family the best quality of life and best education for your children. For more information, keep an eye on our blog and follow us on Facebook!
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.
