Jan 12, 2023 | Activities/Services, Cumbre del Sol, Something special
La Marina Alta is so much more than a stroll by the seaside and warm temperatures, it is also the perfect place for enjoying delicious cuisine in the local restaurants, with menus that list the best rice dishes, seafood, and fish, not to mention other appealing specialities. As proof of this gastronomic wealth, 10 Michelin stars have been awarded to 7 Costa Blanca restaurants. Come with us on a culinary tour, where we tell you all about these restaurants, with their star dishes, and how to enjoy this great adventure for discerning palates, just a few minutes from your home in Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol.
Quique Dacosta Restaurant – 3 Stars
We have to start with the three starred Restaurant Quique Dacosta in Denia. Can a taste actually be beautiful? Beyond the aesthetics of the dish, the award winning chef has revolutionised kitchens with his gastronomic venture. That is, he endeavours to cook beauty, with the aim of promoting feelings and emotions in diners with every mouthful that they taste. As to the menu, the restaurant offers scant information, instead preferring to keep up the sense of intrigue until the end, in fact, they describe how the dishes are created based on the most iconic products and “other unknown” ones. Are you ready for the experience? To read more about the concept, and to make a booking , check out this link. However, given that the restaurant is in high demand, you will probably have to add your name to the waiting list.
Bon Amb – 2 Stars
Another place that is an essential visit is Bon Amb in Jávea. This restaurant, which has earned two Michelin stars, serves dishes based on a particular fishing practice namely, l’encesa, the ancient skill of fishing from the cliffs of the la Marina Alta. The menu follows the route of the encesers, and is divided into three different menus, each representing the path from the fields and market gardens to the Mediterranean sea: Cabàs, Canyís and Ham; all of which are accompanied by their aperitifs and desserts and with 8, 10 and 12 courses respectively. The restaurant is currently closed for holidays and will reopen on 9 February 2023.
Casa Pepa – 1 Michelin Star
In the meantime, you can book a table at Casa Pepa in Ondara, the Michelin starred restaurant that recently joined forces with the Bon Amb family, aiming to continue the legacy of Pepa Romans, who was able to recreate the essence of local gastronomic tradition in an innovative manner and bring it to the dining table. If you want to try some of the most iconic and delicious local dishes, you can book a table here.
Peix & Brases – 1 Star
For another unmissable experience, check out Peix & Brases in Denia. Awarded a Michelin star, this restaurant is clear regarding its aims, namely, without tradition there is no vanguard, which is why it looks to the future with its dishes, yet retains all that we have learned from the past. With its Essence and Tasting menus, you can enjoy a variety of dishes, typical of la Marina Alta cuisine, from a different yet absolutely delicious perspective. Not only that, but at Peix & Brases, you will find a completely different concept known as Mediterrasian, a more laid back part of the restaurant, as its name implies, which provides fusion dishes combining our culture with oriental cuisine. Mediterranean philosophy and Asiatic influence of the purest kind. For bookings, visit this link.
Tula – 1 Star
Continuing our recommendations, Tula in Jávea offers what they call real seasonal cuisine with Mediterranean ingredients, selected and prepared with the warmth and care of traditional home cooked food. Their menu is a celebration of the Mediterranean sea, and a treat for seafood lovers. To enjoy the experience of this Michelin starred restaurant, you can book here.
Audreys’s by Rafa Soler – 1 Star
Beat – 1 Star
Finally, Calpe also boasts a Michelin star, in fact it has 2, both of which are run by the AR hotel group. Let’s start with Audreys’s by Rafa Soler, which aims primarily to surprise the palate of its diners, while retaining the culinary memory that is the legacy of Valencian cuisine, yet with the most elegant style. You can book your table here, so don’t miss out on this experience. Another starred restaurant is Beat, which, with its techniques and preparation, displays sophistication that places local produce at centre stage. Its three menus,: Inspiration, Taste and Nature will delight the palate, book your table at reservas@ar-hoteles.com or call 900 103 798.
Now that you know all about the best restaurants close to Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol, there’s no excuse not to start the year with a proper festive meal. And remember, we are always here with our blog posts to let you know what’s going on in the Costa Blanca Norte.
Nov 29, 2022 | Activities/Services, Cumbre del Sol, Events, Something special
The Costa Blanca is an ideal destination for fans of sport: from professionals to aficionados and those who come just to enjoy sporting events as spectators.
Its mountains, beaches, the excellent road network and the extensive range of facilities make this part of the Spanish Levant a unique destination for practising sport at any time of the year.
The Marina Alta District League
Once again this year, the Marina Alta District League will be holding its traditional competitions with 14 sporting events, athletics, badminton, basketball, mountain biking, chess, five a side football, rhythmic gymnastics, karate, multi-sports, swimming, padel, Valencian handball, tennis and volley ball.
In this new edition, the towns of Benissa, Calpe, Denia, Benitachell, El Verger, Els Poblets, Gata de Gorgos, Jesús Pobre, La Rectoría, Vall de Laguar, La Xara, Murla, Ondara, Orba, Pedreguer, Pego, Teulada-Moraira, Xàbia and Xaló will be taking part. All these competitions and activities are run by the Marina Alta District League, which was founded in 1994 so that all the towns in the area could enjoy ongoing competitions.
The Xarxa Esportiva is the body that coordinates all these activities (you can see their events calendar here) and it undertakes to promote sport in all the local towns and districts in the area, announcing to the general public and to local organisations the volume and quality of the activities organised by the Marina Alta sports network for young people.
There is no question that the added value of an organisation that promotes sport and sporting events is a bonus if you are seeking somewhere new to live. By making room for sport in their lives, young people will have a huge range of sporting activities to choose from, together with other things to do, leading a healthy life with a host of outdoor pastimes on the Costa Blanca Norte practically all year round. .
And that’s not all
If there is one thing that the Costa Blanca Norte is known for, it’s the climate and temperatures that mean that you can play sport every day of the year while you enjoy the spectacular countryside and discover a few small corners of paradise.
Cycling
Cycling is the king of open air sports. The Costa Blanca Norte is blessed with numerous cycling routes through fantastic countryside that will delight cycling buffs, and you can discover them in this article.
Swimming
Because the beach is not just for summer. Autumn and springtime (and winter as well for those who are especially brave) are great for enjoying the Mediterranean when it is so much quieter than during the summer season. A few lengths first thing in the morning will set you up for the day, brimming with energy. Do you know the best beaches and coves on the Costa Blanca Norte? If not, take note of the ones we mention in this article.
Hiking and trails
Are you interested in panoramic views? If so, what could be better than seeking out some of the countryside routes and trails in the area. In summer, the mountains often take a back seat when the sea is the focus for nearly everyone, but out of season this area gets the attention it deserves and everyone can enjoy days out in nature. Take a look at this post that we published a while back, and we mention a few places as a taster here:
Sierra Helada. With cliffs rising to 300 metres, and some exceptional plant life. There are itineraries for every taste and an 8 kilometre trail for you to follow.
Sierra de Bernia. The views of the Alicante coast from the sierra de Bernia mountains are spectacular, especially after crossing El Forat, a path excavated in the rock.
Peñón de Ifach. This is Calpe’s landmark, rising up majestically over the sea. It is a protected nature reserve and easy to get to, and although the second part of the route is a little bit more difficult, when you see the views you’ll know that it was worth it.
After seeing all the activities available to you, doesn’t it make you want to get moving? Discover another side of the Costa Blanca Norte through sport and don’t forget to look out for our upcoming blog posts to find out everything going on in and around Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol.
Nov 21, 2022 | Activities/Services, Cumbre del Sol, Events, Other towns
If you live in Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol, you’re bound to know all about the warm temperatures and the clear skies almost all year round, making it one of the best places for outdoor activities, such as hiking along the trails in the area or scuba diving in the waters of the spectacular sandy coves just a few minutes from your home. But there’s more, as these perfect conditions have made it a real paradise for golf lovers, as the climate is ideal for keeping courses in excellent conditions and for enjoying the Mediterranean climate as you take a few swings . Keep reading and we’ll tell you all about the best golf courses on the Costa Blanca Norte.
Jávea Golf Club
No way could we begin our list of golf courses without putting Club de Golf Jávea at the top, at just 10 minutes away from Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol. The course is set on a gentle slope with 9 holes and greens in perfect conditions. The surrounding palm trees, pines and orange trees will make you feel in the middle of nature. Don’t be put off by the fact that there are only 9 holes, because on the second round people can play from different positions and places, which in effect, makes it just like an 18 hole course. The course facilities include a practice green with 14 golf mats, 10 of which are covered, and these are the perfect place to practice your technique. The course also has a Social Club facing the river estuary boasting various species of koi carp and terrapins, along with a restaurant, café and Junior Golf School where kids can learn to play golf with the help of some of the best golf professionals around.
Club Golf Ifach
Another great golf course is Club de Golf Ifach, which is 20 minutes from your home and is a 9 hole courses (with six par 3 and three par 4), equipped with a practice area with 4 cabins, approach area with bunkers and a putting green. It’s a peaceful relaxed place with views of the Peñón de Ifach where you can while away the time practising your favourite sport. Later, you can have a drink in the café or enjoy the varied menu on offer at the restaurant. Not only that, but the club’s facilities are available to members and visitors including the swimming pool and tennis court, and you can hold events and celebrations there.
La Sella Golf Club
Continuing with our list of courses, we come to La Sella Golf Club, in Denia. Set by the sea, and protected by the Montgó mountain, this club will make your swings a different experience with its 9 holes spread over three greens each with a different story and its own special features, as you will discover if you check out their website; not to mention their restaurant El Hoyo 19, with its great selection of traditional rice dishes, sandwiches and other delicious things to eat. And why not finish off a great day on the course by treating yourself to the spa circuit?
Altea Club de Golf
We have yet another recommendation, and that’s the Altea Club de Golf, which is the Sierra de Bernia. This is a par 72 course where you can play 9 to 18 holes, providing a real challenge for golfers of every calibre. The club also provides facilities for members and visitors that include 2 petanque courts where players can use their own bowls or rent them at the restaurant, and you can even join a club that plays every Sunday morning.
Villaitana Golf
And last but not least, you can also practise your best swing surrounded by countryside but with the Benidorm skyline on the horizon at Villaitana Golf, with its 2 golf courses designed by Nicklaus Design: the Poniente with its par 62 course 3,858 metres in length and with views of both sea and mountains, a shorter yet challenging course surrounded by a harmonious backdrop of trees, plants and streams, and the Levante, a par 72 course designed in the American style with wide paths and over 6,576 metres in length.
If you haven’t taken up golf yet, you’ll be looking for some good golf clubs. Follow our upcoming blog posts to discover all the best activities and services close to Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol.
Nov 9, 2022 | Uncategorized
Fishing with nets, trawling, purse seine… there are numerous ways of fishing which vary as they are adapted to the place and according to the type of fish sought, the kind of water in which they live, and also the environment where they can be found. Did you know that some villages on the Costa Blanca Norte were known for some of the most spectacular (and dangerous) types of fishing ever devised? These are known as “les pesqueres” and we plan to tell you all about this ancient practice.
A little bit of history
Fishing is an activity that has been carried out in various forms since the dawn of civilisation. With the passage of time, fish have learned to find places where they can hide such as the waters beneath the cliffs that are difficult to access for vessels due to the rocks on the shoreline. The Costa Blanca Norte shore has a long line of varied cliffs and what is the best way to fish in those places? The ‘Les Pesqueres’ arise because in the past, many fishermen would hang from the walls of the cliffs in order to fish on the rocks or balance on hurdles, using a traditional fishing rod or a spear in the form of a trident. These activities led to all kinds of structures with ladders, ropes and canes known as “pesqueres”.
As mentioned, it was a very risky way to fish and it was a method that was mainly used by the fishermen of Benitachell. Today this practice is greatly reduced and only a few family members of those daring fishermen have inherited the tradition. In fact it is still possible to see some of the ladders and ropes that they used to use in the area of Morro de Toix, near Altea.
Why did they do it like that?
Fishing from the cliffs employs the “vertical” technique, which basically consists of lowering the bait into the water and this way it is possible to fish in very deep waters without having to cast the line very far. Also it is important to bear in mind that the best time to fish is paradoxically after a spell of bad weather, as the fish seek refuge from the strong currents by sheltering under the cliff face. In practical terms, scaling the rock face of the cliffs to fish from the crags or from the cane hurdles meant that the fishermen risked their lives to earn some income for the family coffers.
Les Pesqueres today
As it was such a dangerous activity, and thanks to more modern fishing techniques, les pesqueres has more or less passed into the annals of history, Even so, the remains of ladders and hurdles can still be seen in some parts of the Costa Blanca Norte such as Morro de Toix, in Altea mentioned above. In Jávea there is a cove known as Les Pesqueres, which can be accessed from the Mirador de Ambolo lookout point. Benitachell is the place to go to find the real essence of this ancient practice. With its famous cliff path you can see the different points from where some of the bravest fishermen ventured to obtain their catch.
Did you know about this little bit of Costa Blanca Norte’s history? If you didn’t, it probably came as a surprise. And if you want to know more about this ancient fishing technique, we recommend a visit to the website Nits de Tinta, this audio visual project pays homage to these fishermen and tells the story of their lives. Don’t miss our upcoming blog posts where we will have more stories for you, along with news and activities in and around Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol.
Oct 26, 2022 | Activities/Services, Cumbre del Sol, Residential Estates
Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol is so much more than just a residential development. This exclusive complex in Costa Blanca Norte has welcomed citizens from all over the world, creating a dynamic and lively community with an unconditional love of the sea, peace and tranquillity. Some come to enjoy the place for just a few weeks a year, while others spend longer periods here and many have made it their main residence.
Beaches, coves, mountains, golf courses, with towns and major cities a few kilometres away by car, and excellent connections with airports, ports and motorways. We have frequently mentioned the great communications at the residential complex, however, did you know that that it can cover practically all your needs? From the basic essentials to more specific services, you will find them all very close to your home in Cumbre del Sol. In this blog post we’ll tell you about all the things you can find in the streets there.
Health and wellbeing
Health is always paramount. And in the Cumbre del Sol pharmacy, in the Adelfas area, they will always provide you with guidance and advice to keep you healthy, as well as dispensing any medicines that you may need.
Next to the pharmacy you will find cardiologist Dr. Dobrucki’s clinic, and he is always at your service, providing therapeutic activities, diagnoses, and his clinic is also equipped with a hyperbaric chamber for treatment of numerous ailments.
And for a little pampering and a relaxing time, you can find just what you need in the Pure Wellness centres which are ideal for a relaxing massage as well as offering services that include manicure, microblading and laser depilation, and also a V.I.P. hairdressing salon.
Sport and education
At Lady Elizabeth School, future generations of Cumbre del Sol residents receive the best education available at one of the finest international schools in Spain. It provides a comprehensive education from infant classes to university entrance, covering the compulsory education syllabus from start to finish.
There are a host of outdoor sports activities to make the most of the excellent climate all year round, including the North Costa Blanca Padel Club and the Cumbre del Sol Horseback Riding Centre, not to mention the tennis and paddle courts that are part of the residential development. However, for enjoying the outdoors there is nothing like one of the hiking trails nearby (the Clifftops route, the Falla del Moraig route or La Granadella Natural Park adjacent to the Development) or going down to the sea for some snorkelling in one of the nearby beaches such as Cala Tiestos or Cala Moraig).
Plenty of Leisure, entertainment and fine dining
Gastronomy in Costa Blanca Norte is exemplified in two renowned local restaurants namely, Como en Casa (close to the paddle and tennis courts) and Restaurante La Cumbre. Both establishments welcome visitors and residents alike. However, if you like to have guests round and cook for them at home, you can find everything you need at Supermercado Pepe La Sal.
Although living in Cumbre del Sol is an experience in itself, we recommend a visit to Dreamsea Mediterranean. A luxury glamping centre in «Cala Moraig». A delightful place for those who want to spend some time making some new friends in a welcoming atmosphere and in close contact with nature.
Living in a residential complex with sandy beaches and countryside all round, does not necessarily mean difficult communications. The company Ibérica de Redes, which also has an office in Cumbre del Sol, makes sure that your internet connection works with the speed of light, thanks to their optic fibre service.
And finally, you can always find us at our VAPF Store North and South for anything you need. Look out for our upcoming blog posts where we’ll be telling you more about this paradise in Costa Blanca Norte.
