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.

 

Family plans in Benitachell

Family plans in Benitachell

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.

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.

The Best Wine Pairings for your Favourite Mediterranean Dishes

The Best Wine Pairings for your Favourite Mediterranean Dishes

After so much time at home, we’re sure most of you have started to experiment in the kitchen and some are even on your way to becoming amateur chefs. Previously, we  gave a few suggestions of dishes to try at home that are full of Mediterranean flavour. Now that you’re an expert on cooking the crowned jewels of Spanish cuisine, it’s time you learn which regional wines pair best with each dish. Alicante, aside from being known for its beautiful crystalline beaches and amazing weather, is also famous for having a renowned wine culture that bears fruit to absolute delicacies.

Perhaps the most famous regional wine is the Muscatel white wine, made entirely from the Alejandría muscatel grape. These grapes are characteristic to the Marina Alta region and give the wine its strong and elegant aroma. It’s only fitting that wines from this region pair beautifully with seafood and rice dishes. We recommend you try the award-winning Marina Alta from the Bocopa winery with a plate of arròs a banda or paella.

Merseguera wine is another, albeit lesser-known, white wine from Valencia and Alicante.  This wine is made from a very sustainable variety of grapes of the same name, and is usually only available in Spain. We recommend you try Rascaña, made by the Baldover 923 winery in Valencia. This wine has received high ratings from important wine critics thanks to its citrus notes that are so characteristic of the region it comes from. It pairs great with arroz negro or fideuá.

For those who prefer red wine, we suggest Monastrell wines. This wine is known around the world by its French name, Mourvedre, which derives from the Valencian town Morvedre. The grape variety used in its production dates back to fifteenth-century Valencia and its taste varies depending on the area it is grown. The Monastrell from Alicante is especially renown thanks to its unmatched freshness. We recommend Tarima, made by the Volver winery. This wine has won several awards and pairs well with barbecue, perfect with the warm weather that’s fast approaching.

The Monastrell grape is also used to make Fondillon, a special style of wine made only in Alicante and only from this grape. It also has a higher alcohol level in comparison to other wines. Another unique characteristic is that it’s sold solely after being aged for a minimum of 10 years, giving it its distinctive and bold flavour, making it the perfect choice to end any meal. Fondillon’s rich and oaky body has caramel and honey notes which pair beautifully with any dessert. Don’t miss out on trying this wine’s sophisticated and traditional taste.

These are only some of the gastronomic gems Alicante has to offer. There’s no better pairing to wine than sunshine, beaches and absolute relaxation – which is why your home at Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol is the best place to enjoy a glass of any one of these wines. Don’t forget to follow us on our social networks and keep up to date with our latest news on our blog.

What do you need to know and do about COVID-19?

What do you need to know and do about COVID-19?

Given the extraordinary situation in which we find ourselves in Spain, it is imperative that everyone come together and cooperate during this time, which means that social responsibility and commitment are of vital importance. Therefore, here at VAPF, we want to convey the importance of respecting the measures taken by the Government to the residents of Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol. Our priority is the health and wellbeing of our residents, which is why we have decided to close our offices to the public. However, we will continue to work and provide service to the public by phone: 965 734 017 and e-mail: vapf@vapf.com.

Nevertheless, we would like to stress the importance and responsibility of staying at home right now to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus. To do this, we leave you with a series of precautionary measures and recommendations to take on a daily basis:

  1. First of all, the best thing to do is to stay at home. You are only permitted to leave your home for matters of utmost necessity: to do the shopping, to go to the pharmacy, health care centres, to go to the workplace, kiosks, banks and insurance companies, to travel to and from workplaces, to take out pets, and lastly, to accompany elderly or vulnerable people.
  2. Wash your hands with soap and water regularly, for at least 20 seconds.
  3. Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose and mouth, when possible.
  4. When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nostrils with your elbow or with a tissue.
  5. If you have any symptoms, wear a mask. The use of a mask is not necessary if you are healthy.
  6. Do not share personal items such as glasses, cutlery, etc.

In addition to the measures taken by the Government, the health authorities ask that if you start to have or notice any symptoms, please do not go to any health centre, but instead contact the Conselleria de Sanitat directly at 900 300 555. The health staff will tell you what instructions to follow. This will help avoid the collapse of the health services, it is only recommended to visit in the case of an emergency.

Below, we remind you of the medical centres near Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol, in case you need to visit or contact them:

  • Benitatxell Health Centre – Plaça Nova, 23. Telephone: 965 73 90 75.
  • Teulada Health Centre – C/ Doctor José Pitarch, s/n. Telephone: 965 73 90 85.

Now, more than ever, we want to be by your side so that you can soon continue to enjoy your life on the Costa Blanca. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us and follow our social networks to keep up to date with our latest news.