Thank you very much for your participation, enjoy the blog, and your next stay at La Manga Club, one of the world's great resorts.
Football: The Copa del Sol kicks off this weekend at La Manga Club
January 27th, 2012
The annual Copa del Sol Football tournament kicks of at La Manga Club this weekend with teams from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Russia and the Ukraine.
Here are details of the matches:
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Cricket and a taste of the Raj at La Manga Club
January 26th, 2012
From 19th to 23rd April, Madrid Cricket Club will be holding its 5th annual Charity T20 tournament at La Manga Club. One of the highlights of this year’s event is sure to be the Charity gala dinner prepared by celebrity chef and hotelier, Tommy Miah.
Every year, the tournament attracts cricketers from across Europe and this year will be no exception. Twelve teams are set to take part, with Drammen Cricket Club and City Cricket Club, both from Norway; Bushey Cricket Club and Milton Keynes Cricket Club, from the UK; and the Spain XI and Madrid Cricket Club itself already confirmed.
This year, the event is being organised in collaboration with Tommy Miah, the celebrity chef of Bangladeshi origin, who is known as Britain’s “Curry King”. Brought up in Birmingham, where he trained as a chef, Miah has several restaurants including The Raj in Edinburgh, which has been running for more than 20 years, The Original Raj Hotel, also in Edinburgh and the Tommy Miah’s Raj Hotel, in Islington.
Miah will be responsible for designing and preparing the Charity Dinner taking place during the tournament on 21st April, which is open to participants in the tournament and public alike. During the dinner, guests will not only be able to enjoy some of the finest of Miah’s renowned cuisine, but also help improve living conditions for some of the most needy in Bangladesh and India through various charity organisations. The money raised will go towards a shelter for the homeless in India and the Acid Survivors Trust International (ASTI), a charity supported by the UN Trust Fund, which works towards putting an end to gender violence and helping acid attack victims.
Another of the big names supporting the tournament is world cricket legend Farokh Engineer, whose professional career spanned from 1961 to 1975, including playing for India in numerous internationals.
Running alongside the cricket tournament, this year, for the very first time, there will also be a Netball tournament organised in collaboration with Madrid Netball Club. Although popular in the UK, the sport is little known in Spain and it is hoped that a dozen teams will take part, helping increase awareness of the sport and its popularity in Spain.
COME & JOIN US!
For more information or to find out how your cricket or netball team can take part, contact Delphine Gauthier in the La Manga Club Sports Sales Department on +34 968 33 1234 or delphine.gauthier@lamangaclub.com
More about cricket in Spain at La Manga Club >>
Pictured below, left to right): Nicolas Cedro (Director of Food & Beverage, La Manga Club), Tommy Miah, Charles Danino (Executive Assistant Manager, La Manga Club), Taz Choudhury (Channel S Television Group).
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Luigi’s – improving for you
January 25th, 2012
Between 30th January and 31st March 2012, Luigi’s - the popular Italian restaurant in La Manga Club - will be relocating temporarily to La Manga Club Tennis Centre (Andale premises), where the Luigi’s team will be pleased to serve you 7 days a week as usual.
During this period, Luigi’s Las Lomas premises will be undergoing refurbishment… More news about the improvements will be coming soon.
For bookings for all La Manga Club managed restaurants including Luigi’s, call +34 968 33 1260.
Say it with flowers this Valentine’s Day
January 24th, 2012
This year, there’s a floral flourish to St. Valentine’s Day at La Manga Club. Here are some of the many options:
You could…
Relish the food of love with a Valentine’s dinner for two at Amapola Restaurant with gourmet flavours with a floral twist, live music and more than a touch of romance. Price € 51 per person, including drinks with dinner.
Get in the party spirit at the “I Love You” party night in the Piano Lounge Bar on 11th February.
Treat him or her to a fabulous Valentine’s night package including 5* accommodation in a double room at Hotel La Manga Club Príncipe Felipe, special Valentine’s amenity, Valentine’s dinner in Amapola Restaurant (Sat 11th February or Tue 14th February), full buffet breakfast, spa pass and tax. Price € 114 per person.
What’s more, those booking La Manga Club’s Valentine’s package, can also enjoy 2 for 1 on special Valentine’s treatments at Spa La Manga Club – Choose from a full body massage with rose and jasmine essential oils, an Oriental senses ritual, chocotherapy treatment or diamond experience. Or 2 for 1 on green fees, academies and evening meals at other La Manga Club restaurants (not applicable to special Valentine’s dinner in Amapola Restaurant).*
For more details and reservations, contact the La Manga Club Resort Reservation Centre.
Tel: +34 968 17 5577 or reserve@lamangaclub.com
*2 for 1 offers valid exclusively for guests staying at Hotel La Manga Club Príncipe Felipe or Las Lomas Village and attending Valentine’s dinner in Amapola Restaurant. Not applicable in conjunction with any other discount, offer or promotion.
Golf: England’s Jodi Ewart winner of the LET Q-School in La Manga Club
January 23rd, 2012
England’s Jodi Ewart held her overnight lead to claim a two stroke victory at the Ladies European Tour’s Final Qualifying School for the 2012 season.
A closing round of level par 73 on the South Course at La Manga Club in Spain gave the 24-year-old North Yorkshire woman an 11 under par aggregate total, with Swiss amateur Anais Maggetti at nine under and Spain’s Carlota Ciganda five strokes further back in third.
Read the full article on the Ladies European Tour official website >>
Pictured below: Participants in the 2012 Ladies European Tour Q-School at La Manga Club
P.S. If you are a golfer yourself, there are some fantastic value offers on golf holidays and golf breaks at La Manga Club at the moment.
Click on the following link for more details: Golf offers at La Manga Club, Spain >>
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Champion mountain biker to train at La Manga Club with Fitness 12
January 19th, 2012
Health and fitness retreat specialists Fitness 12 Retreats will be hosting UK and European 24 hour endurance mountain bike champion Matthew Page for his winter training at La Manga Club in Spain. Matthew will be out on the road putting the finishing touches to his training from February 15th to 19th for his first race of the season in Andalucia later in February.
Matthew rides professionally for Wiggle and is seen as one of the sport’s rising stars and is looking forward to another successful year in 2012.
Matthew’s training at La Manga Club coincides with the arrival of RDS Triathlon Club from south west London, who are training towards the Maxi fuel Club Duathlon championships at the Olympic rowing lake at Dorney Lake.
F12’s Director of Performance, Steve Halsall says, “ I’m very proud that F12 are hosting such great athletes and look forward to helping them fine-tune their training. It will be fascinating to see if Matthew can push the Tri team on the bike and it will be a good measure for RDS Tri club to see where they are at with their winter training”
F12CYC are offering just 5 people the opportunity to come and train with Matthew and take advantage of the excellent facilities of La Manga Club.
Arriving on Thursday 16th February and returning Sunday 19th February, those taking part will be treated to a superb weekend of training with Matthew, a core gym session with Steve Halsall and an innovative recovery session that will leave them inspired and refreshed.
F12CYC’s prices start from £395 pp excluding flights for a package including accommodation in luxury 4* apartments in La Manga Club, gym and swimming pool access, breakfast, sports nutrition, recovery sessions, technical support, a Q and A session with Matthew Page and transfers on selected flights to Murcia Airport.
More about F12 Spa, Detox, Cycling, Yoga and Triathlon retreats at La Manga Club >>
For full details and bookings, call Fitness 12 on +44 (0)78 9991 7718 , +44 (0)20 7617 7147 or email info@fitness12retreats.com
Fitness 12 Retreats Ltd is an independent company and is not owned or managed by La Manga Club. Disclaimer.
Tennis: Elena Baltacha practises with La Manga Club hitting partner
January 18th, 2012
In her column on BBC Sport, British Number 1 tennis player, Elena Baltacha, comments on how she flew in a very experienced hitting partner from La Manga Club in Spain to hit full out and really push her in her pre-season training. You can read the full article on BBC Sport here >>
On behalf of everyone at La Manga Club we’d like to wish Elena Baltacha a very successful 2012!
In 2011 – the best season in her career - Baltacha spent part of her clay court preparation training at La Manga Club. To find out more, click on the link below or watch her video on YouTube.
British No 1 Tennis Player trains at La Manga Club
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Tournament report: 4th La Manga Club Charity Cricket Tournament
January 17th, 2012
The recent 4th La Manga Club Charity Cricket Tournament culminated in a thrilling final which saw the UK Asians squeak home by 4 runs to capture the 2011 Lady Taverners trophy.
George Wambeek of Cricket España shares this blow-by-blow account with us:
“Six teams competed in this years prestigious event with two teams from the UK and one from Switzerland joining three local teams. Each team played four games with the top four playing off in the semi-finals for a place in the final.
Friday morning pitted Sinjuns from London against the UK Asians. Sinjuns batted first and posted 124 all out from their full allocation of overs. In reply, the UK Asians made light work of their run chase and knocked it off for the loss of only two wickets in the 16th over.
On the bottom pitch at the same time La Manga were claiming their first points at the expense of Andalucia. La Manga posted 174 for 4 and Andulcia fell 60 runs short, being finally bowled out for 114.
Next up for La Manga was the eagerly anticipated re-match with the UK Asians. Both teams had reached he final of the La Manga Twenty20 the month before when the match ended in a tie. This time it was the turn of La Manga to claim the spoils chasing down 143 with 2 balls and 4 wickets to spare.
Meanwhile on the other La Manga pitch the Swiss Cricket Association were begining their tournament campaign against Andalucia. Things did not go to plan for the Swiss as they struggled to cope with the La Manga pitch and Andalucia ran out comfortable 10 wicket victors with Nushan Alwis starring with a fine 69 not out.
La Manga played their third game of the day to accomodate the late arrival of Alcorcon and this was a one sided affair against Sinjuns. La Manga posted a tournament high score of 226 for 3 with Joel Brook, Sajid Ali and Munib Ranwaj all amongst the runs. Sinjuns reply capitulated to 133 for 9 to give the hosts their third successive win and put them on top of the table after day one.
Day two saw the Swiss Cricket Association v UK Asians and Alcorcon v Andulucia as the first matches of the day. Alcorcon scored 141 all out off 19.1 overs but the Andalucia batting could not reproduce the form it showed against the Swiss and they were bowled all out for 101 in 19.2 overs.
On the other pitch the Swiss lost their second consecutive game, losing by 7 wickets to the UK Asians. Ovais Yousef was the major difference between the sides, scoring a fine 62 for the victors.
Sinjuns then entertained Alcorcon but still failed to find that elusive win. Sinjuns were all out for 125 and the Madrid based outfit knocked off the runs with 2.2 overs to spare.
La Manga played the Swiss on the other pitch in their last group game and they maintained their 100% record and ensured top spot in the semi final draw. La Manga scored 177 for 7 with Jim Morgan looking in fine form before he was run out for 44. Swiss CA had no answer to the bowling of Spanish international Sajid Ali who took 3 wickets for 1 run as La Manga ended winners by 56 runs.
Sinjuns then came agonisingly close to the victory their hard work and endeavour deserved but in a close fought match they finally lost out by 9 runs to Andalucia.
The final match of the day put Alcorcon against the United Asians. The teams looked well matched onpaper but it was a one sided affair with UK Asians easily winning the game, knocking off the 158 required in 15.5 overs. Asif Bhojani was the UK Asians hero with a fantastic 79 not out.
Day 2 ended with La Manga confirmed in the semi final and the luckless Sinjuns out of the competition. The other 3 semi final places were still very much alive for the UK Asians, Alcorcon, Swiss CA and Andalucia.
Saturday evening the teams were treated to a fantastic Gala Dinner, flamenco dancing, from both players and professionals alike, and excellent speeches from the two celebrity guests Mike Gatting and Rachel Heyhoe-Flint. There was also a raffle and auction that raised well over 500 euros for the Taverners charities.
Day 3 started with the final group game between Alcorcon and the Swiss CA. Calculators were at the ready as run rate was a factor for the 3 remaining semi final berths up for grabs. Alcorcon made 121 all out which meant that the Swiss CA had to surpass the Alcorcon total by the end of the 9th over. This proved too arduous a task for the Swiss and despite winning the game in the 16th over it was them that missed out on a semi-final contest because of their inferior run rate.
The semi finals saw the 3 Spanish clubs and UK Asians in contention. La Manga (1st) played Andulucia (4th) and Alcorcon (3rd) played 2cd place UK Asians simultanously on the other pitch.
Alcorcon and La Manga batted first and both scored 186 runs in their innings. A daunting chase for both Andalucia and UK Asians.
On pitch 1 Andalucia fought bravely but fell 27 runs short of the La Manga total. Sajid Ali, again showed his quality for La Manga putting on 133 for the 1st wicket with fellow opener Joel Brook and then he took 4 for 10 with the ball to get the man of the match vote.
On the bottom pitch things turned out differently with the UK Asians scoring 188 for 3 off 17.4 overs. A fine 81 from Saif Bhojani and an unbeaten 4th wicket partnership of 47 between Naeem Ashraf and Patrick Gallagher ensured the final all the spectators wanted.
The final did not dissapoint. UK Asians batted first and put on the board a challenging total of 177 for 7. The Bhojani brothers again showed their promise with Asif scoring 45 and Saif hitting 70.
La Manga lost Joel Brook early but a 2cd wicket partnership of 98 between Jim Morgan and Sajid Ali put the hosts in the driving seat. However the loss of both players at 144 in the 17th over lead to panic in the La Manga ranks and quick wickets fell as runs got increasingly difficult to find.
The tension mounted and with Tanveer Iqbal requiring 4 to draw off the last ball the excitement was at fever pitch. With the last ball the UK Asian bowler clean bowled the Spanish international to give the visitors a 4 run victory.
It was Rachel Heyhoe Flint to present the trophies and tournament referee to close the ceremonies as the sun came down on three days of fantastic cricket. Plans are already in hand for another Taverners next year, and any teams interested in playing in next years tournament are asked to contact George Wambeek on georgewambeek@yahoo.co.uk”
Watch this space for more cricket news coming soon, including details of 2012 cricket tournaments at La Manga Club in Spain!
Below, the victorious UK Asians
Runners-up – the home side, La Manga Cricket Club
Spectators enjoying the action
Celebrity guests, Mike Gatting and Baroness Rachael Heyhoe-Flint, at the gala dinner
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Walk fit at La Manga Club with TV fitness guru Joanna Hall
January 16th, 2012
Here’s what The Guardian newspaper has to say about the Joanna Hall Walkactive fitness camps at La Manga Club in an article on Healthy Holidays:
“Five days of fast walking in the Spanish sunshine is a great way to improve your fitness – and find some inspiring camaraderie.”
To read the full article by Katharine Viner, click on the following link:
Healthy holidays, a walking training camp in Spain >>
And here’s what a participant in last October’s camp had to say:
“I was at La Manga on 6/10/11 – It was fab – I had the best time ever and the weather was brilliant. I had such a great time, I’ve booked to go this year too If you’re thinking of going, don’t think about it twice, just book it – you’ll love it. I was so unfit when I went and people thought I’d struggle. But everyone’s at a different level of fitness & Joanna’s great at bringing everyone together so no one gets left behind. I got so much more out of it than I expected. Thanks Joanna!”
The next Joanna Hall Walkactive fitness camp at La Manga Club is on 26-30 April and there’s a special EARLY BIRD OFFER for those booking before 15th February.
For more details about walking holidays with Joanna Hall at La Manga Club, contact Walkactive on Tel: +44 (0) 20 7729 6223 or click here www.walkactive.co.uk
And, just in case you need any more inspiration, below are some pictures from the last Walkactive camp at La Manga Club…
Sunrise session on the terrace:
Inspirational seminar on the terrace
Just look at those views! Well worth the effort!
Scenery at La Cala beach
Just lovely…
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Sing your heart out!
January 13th, 2012
Join in the fun with live Karaoke every Friday and Saturday night in Mulligan’s Pub at La Plaza in La Manga Club.
Plus of course all the top sports action on giant screen TV, tempting pub grub and more.
