Giant Pacific Octopus at Sea Life Aquarium Lays Thousands of Eggs

Pulpo gigante en Sea Life Benalmadena

No messing with this Fella!

If you have been to the Sea Life Aquarium in Benalmadena Marina, you will have had the chance to meet one of their star attractions: a giant pacific octopus weighing in at an amazing 15 kilograms! I actually took my family a couple of weeks ago and I have to say that this creature is impressive; every time it moved around the tank, water spilled out over the top –that’s how big this thing is!

Anyway, I digress…… Apparently, last weekend, the octopus in question laid thousands of eggs; she’s going to be a busy mum over the next few weeks as she protects the eggs and keeps them oxygenated until they hatch. Once they hatch, the babies which will measure between 3 and 5 millimetres will be kept in quarantine so that keepers at the aquarium can feed them, thereby, increasing survival rates.

Here’s an interesting fact: the giant pacific octopus is the largest of its species; the largest specimen found measured 9 metres and weighed a staggering 272 Kilos! No messing with him! Wow, it’s like something out of a Jules Verne novel.

The octopus is considered a highly intelligent creature with a great capacity for learning; they have been known to take tops off containers, make their way out of man-made labyrinths and, of course, predict football results!!!! 😉

This Week at Sunset…….

wedding in spainWeddings Galore!

The guys that look after weddings and banquets have a busy week ahead of them……we’ve got four weddings at the hotel. The smallest is for only 6 people but the largest is for 100 guests! That’s a lot of food and drink!

Congratulations to all the brides & grooms!

New Activities Programme

We’ve got a new activities programme this week. There’s plenty to do for kids, teenagers and adults: Aquagym for those looking to do a bit of exercise; Beach Soccer for the sporty at heart; Cooking lessons for those eager to learn how to make the perfect paella! – there’s something for everyone.

Evening entertainment in the Moonlight bar continues with shows every night. On Tuesday evening we have a new show: A Tribute to Gloria Estefan and on Sunday guests can enjoy another new show: “Divas”.

gloria estefan show at sunset beach club

A Tribute to Gloria Estefan

Sports at the Panorama Bar

At the Panorama Bar, guests can enjoy their favourite sporting events on one of the Plasma screens. Highlights this week are the following:

Us Open tennis – Live form New York – everyday from 17:00 hrs

Football – Euro Qualifyers – Friday at 16:30 Armenia v. Rep of Ireland

Friday at 20:30 England v. Bulgaria

Rugby – London Irish v. Saracens – Saturday at 14:15 hrs

Wasps v. Harlequins – Saturday at 17:30 hrs

GAA – Hurling Finals – 14:30 hrs

20.000 Candles Light Up the Luna Mora Festival

Thousands of Candles Light up the Street

For two weekends in September, the white village of Guaro becomes the centre of andalusi music and culture. Every year, this traditional village hosts one the most popular and entertaining festivals of the summer: The Festival of the Luna Mora.

The streets of the “Old Town” come to life with musicians, dancers and artists, allowing visitors to travel back in time (almost 5 centuries) and experience traditional Andalusi culture. (more…)

Our Exhibition Season Kicks off with the Wedding and Honeymoon Show in Dublin

Annemie & Melissa

It’s that time of year again! Summer is nearing its end and our commercial team are getting ready for another season of Exhibitions throughout Europe.

Next Friday the 3rd September, Annemie and Melissa will be packing their bags and heading off to Dublin for the Wedding & Honeymoon Show at the RDS in Dublin. They’ll have a busy weekend promoting our fantastic wedding packages at the show, but will hopefully have a little free time to see the sights of Dublin!

Open to the public – albeit for a small entrance fee – the show opens on Saturday morning (11.30am). Visitors will have access to almost 200 professionals dedicated to help future brides and grooms prepare for their special day.

If you are planning to attend the show or are in the area, please stop by and say Hi to Annemie and Melissa! And whilst you are there, you can enter the prize draw for a romantic holiday at Sunset Beach Club; 3 nights accommodation including breakfast and a romantic meal for two in our fabulous Oasis restaurant……sounds good doesn’t it?

New Amphibious Chairs for Benalmadena Beaches

amphibious chair ob benalmadena beach

Amphibious Chair

Many people who suffer mobility difficulties are unable to enjoy what many of us take for granted: a day on the beach and a refreshing swim in the sea.

Thankfully, many towns along the Costa del Sol, Benalmádena included, have gradually been introducing new facilities for elderly people and anyone with mobility difficulties. The highlight of these new facilities are the new Amphibious Chairs (see image above) which are specially designed to allow easy movement through the sand and are able to float in the water.

The Malapesquera Beach near the Marina in Benalmádena is a perfect example of these new services and facilities at work: adapted showers and changing rooms as well as specially designed crutches – for those with a little more mobility – for use on the sand and in the water complete the range of facilities available.

Anyone interested in using the above services just has to head over to the Civil Protection Post (Protección Civil) where volunteers will provide more information.

A great initiative which deserves applause!

Family Fun Whilst on Holiday in Benalmadena: Top 3 Places to Visit with Kids!

Selwo Marina, Benalmadena

Selwo Marina

If you are planning on visiting Benalmadena for a family holiday, there are plenty of activities to keep you and the younger ones entertained. Most hotels have fantastic entertainment programs; however, if you are looking to get out a little and see some of the sights, the following 3 recommendations shouldn’t disappoint you especially if you have kids with you. (more…)