Sunset Beach Club’s Stand at the Copenhagen Wedding Show

Sunset Beach Club stand at Copenhagen Wedding Show

Sunset Beach Club’s stand at the show

Claire, our Wedding and Events coordinator just got back from a – very cold – trip to the Danish capital, Copenhagen. With temperatures of minus 2 ºC outside, it’s just as well she was tucked away in the – relative – warmth of the Bella Exhibition Centre!

As mentioned in a previous post, this is the first time that Sunset Beach Club has invested in a stand at this Scandinavian Wedding Show, showcasing modest wedding dresses; I’m pleased to report that it was a great success! Claire wasn’t quite sure of the reaction we would get and was pleasantly surprised at the fantastic response.

With 104 stands at the show, we were lucky to get a prime spot of real estate with exclusive homes in Sea Pines, Hilton Head;(see photo of stand) our stand was near the main entrance and a catchment area for inquisitive visitors. Another positive point was that we were the only stand from a foreign country which, inevitably, aroused a high level of curiosity.

Although the show was targeted at, soon to be married, brides and grooms – and we had some very interested couples – it also allowed us to market the rest of our hotel’s fantastic facilities and services for regular holidays to the Costa del Sol; we’ll hopefully get a few more Danes coming to enjoy golf and sunshine at Sunset as a result.

Michael Orlien, the Chairman for the Sunset Beach Club owners committee, who is actually from Copenhagen very kindly offered to help Claire at the stand over the weekend and did a fantastic job in helping us sell the Sunset experience (Thanks for your help Michael J). One of the most “talked about” topics at the show was the price of our winter wedding packages……. Visitors to the stand could not believe their great value. They all kept asking if the price we advertised was just for the meal; they were literally gob smacked when they found out it included all wedding day details: Photographer, wedding planner, bridal suite, hair and makeup for the bride….and the list goes on!

Holiday World Show in Dublín…..Here we come!

holiday world show dublinLast week my colleagues Melissa and Annemie attended the Holiday World Show in Belfast; apparently it was a great success with lots of “potential” guests enquiring about our hotel and the vast array of services we offer.

Well, this week it’s my turn. My colleague Chelo and I will be manning the Sunset Beach Club stand at this year’s Holiday World Show in Dublin. This year the show will be held at the RDS and will be open to the public from the 28th to the 30th January; opening times are from 1pm to 8pm on Friday and 11am to 5.30pm on Saturday and Sunday.

If you are planning to visit the Show, don’t forget to visit the Spain section, and in particular, the Sunset Beach Club stand. We’ve got lots of information and leaflets about the hotel – and if you’re really good, we’ve got loads of free bags and pens to give out! Don’t miss the chance to enter into our Holiday prize where you can win a free 3 night stay at Sunset Beach Club!

Looking forward to seeing many of our irish guests at the Show!

A New Voice for Evening Entertainment at the Oasis Restaurant

Phoebe at Sunset Beach Club

Phoebe

As frequent visitors to Sunset Beach Club know, we provide daily evening  entertainment in our Oasis Restaurant. We’re delighted to be able to introduce a new addition to the, already fantastic, line up of singers we have throughout the week: Phoebe!

Originally from Sheffield, this 28 year old vocalist has taken the Costa del Sol by storm and is already regarded as one of the best female voices on the local entertainment scene.

Phoebe began singing at the age of five. Apparently, from a young age, her dream was to play “Christine” in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s famous musical, “Phantom of the Opera”! Her parents obviously realized that their daughter had a special gift and didn’t hesitate to arrange singing lessons with, non other than, opera star Lesley Garret’s vocal coach.

With a singing repertoire ranging from 1950’s classic’s to present day favourites such as Whitney Houston, Alicia Keys or Leona Lewis, Phoebe’s live performances offer something for all musical tastes. Her voice has already been compared to world famous soprano, Sarah Brightman, so there’s no doubt that Phoebe will soon become a “favourite” amongst our guests here at Sunset Beach Club.

You can listen to Phoebe whilst enjoying one of our new set menus at the Oasis Restaurant every Thursday Evening from 8.30pm. Stop by and have a listen; you won’t regret it!

The Arab Baths in Benalmadena: A Treat for the Senses

Arab Baths in BenalmadenaStressed out and in need of some R&R? Staying here at Sunset should help; however, if you need a little boost, I highly recommend a quick visit to the “Agua de Oriente” Arab baths in Benalmádena.

The Arab Baths are located in the centre of Benalmadena (just next to the Marina) and a mere 20 minute walk from Sunset Beach Club. Inspired by the Nazari architecture of XI century Granada, this impressive “Oasis” of relaxation is a real treat to the senses. I think the following phrase on the “Agua de Oriente” website describes the experience perfectly:

“A journey into the past, to discover a world of sensasions”

The traditional word for this type of Arab Bath is “Hammam” and in the next few paragraphs, I’ll provide you with a brief explanation of what you can expect on your visit – just in case you’ve never been before.

The “Hammam” Experience

As you can see by the photos, lighting and architecture are key components of the Hammam experience. When you enter the baths you are, literally, transported into another time period. (more…)

Coming to a City Near You…..

Holidayworldshow BelfastOur busy “European Tour” continues this week and with members of our commercial team flying off to exhibitions in Copenhagen and Belfast.

Claire, our Wedding and Events coordinator will be tackling the cold Danish winter as she attends the Bryllupsmesser 2011 Wedding Exhibition at the Bella Centre in Copenhagen with a dedicated stand (nºA-6B) for Sunset Beach Club. Visitors to the show will be able to obtain lots of great information from our stand and Claire will be available to answer any questions relating to weddings in Spain.

The exhibition is open to the public on Saturday the 22nd and Sunday the 23rd January 2011. Apparently it is the only wedding exhibition of its kind in Scandinavia; lets hope it’s a success and helps brings lots of happy couples to Sunset Beach Club for their wedding!

Whilst Claire is battling the cold in Denmark, Melissa and Annemie will be flying in to Belfast for the Holiday World Show. This event will be held at the King’s Hall Exhibition & Conference Centre. We’d love to see all our Belfast clients and guests, so if you are in the area please stop by and say Hi to Annemie and Melissa at stand C1-A; you’ll get the chance to win a Free Long Weekend Stay at Sunset Beach Club!!!

Exhibition dates and times are the following:

Friday 21st January – 1pm to 8pm

Saturday 22nd January – 11am to 5.30pm

Sunday 23rd January – 11am to 5.30pm

The Museum of Glass and Crystal: One of Malaga’s Hidden Treasures

Museo de Vidrio y Cristal de Malaga

Like most large cities that attract a steady flow of tourists, Málaga has its fair share of museums; the Picasso Museum is probably the most popular and famous of them all. However, there is a little museum hidden in the back streets of Málaga’s old town which is creating a lot of positive buzz on travel sites such as Tripadvisor; I’m referring to the Museum of Glass and Crystal in Málaga.

Located in a restored 18th century palace, this unique museum contains a private collection with some of the most beautiful and artistic glass and crystal pieces.

Visitors to the museum will be able to view 3000 pieces of glass and crystal from a variety of different cultures and time periods. 1000 of these works of art are fixed in exhibition and the others are in rotation. The Palace’s exquisite decoration and furniture – which correspond to the specific time period from which the exhibits derive – make this museum experience all the more special. (more…)

Night Skiing in Sierra Nevada: Fun in the Snow Under a Starlit Sky

Night Skiing in Sierra Nevada

The "El Río" Run: Ready for Night Skiing!

Sierra Nevada Ski Resort is enjoying a great season with more than 100km of runs open to the public. For ski lovers who live locally, it’s a required stop during the winter months. As the resort is a mere 2 hour drive away from the Costa del Sol, many visitors and tourists make the most of this short distance to drive up for the day and enjoy a fun packed skiing experience.

What many people don’t know is that Sierra Nevada was one of the pioneers in the discipline of night skiing. Skiing beneath the stars with the lights of the Alhambra Palace and Granada in the distance is a unique experience which all visitors to the Resort can enjoy during the months of January and February.

Every Saturday (until the end of February) the El Río run, with its 3,258km and 500m of slope, will switch on its flood lights between 7pm and 9:30pm, allowing ski lovers the opportunity to enjoy their favourite sport after sunset.

The “El Río” run wasn’t designed for professionals, hence the reason for it being labelled a blue run; it’s not apt for the complete novice either! The idea is to provide an enjoyable experience to all those who want to try something different and that have, at least a little, skiing knowledge.

There’s just one problem: The normal daytime ski pass – and the season ticket – cannot be used for this night run…..you need to purchase a separate pass!

Let’s end on a positive note. As well as the daily treatment the snow throughout the station receives, the “El Río” run receives an extra dose of snow plough magic between 5pm and 7pm, before the night runs begin. You might have to pay extra for the privilege, but at least you’re guaranteed great snow conditions! 🙂

Equipment to be found at the local business Tom Wohrman Sports.

The Wedding Journal Show in Dublín

Wedding Journal Show Dublin 2011

It’s that time of year again and our commercial team are getting ready for a busy couple of months attending trade shows and exhibitions all over Europe.

Our “European Tour” kicks off next weekend with the Wedding Journal Show at Dublin’s Citywest Complex.

From Friday the 14th to Sunday the 16th January, anyone planning on getting married in the near future will find a large selection of wedding experts providing everything you need for that perfect wedding.

Anyone interested in getting married in Spain should visit the Sunset Beach Club stand (F5) where Melissa, from our commercial department,t will be able to give you lots of useful information about weddings in Spain, our hotel as an ideal venue and our fantastic wedding packages. You’ll also have the chance to enter into a competition to win a Romantic Winter Break for two people at Sunset Beach Club!

Show opening times are as follows:

Friday – 3pm to 8pm

Saturday & Sunday – 12pm to 6pm

35 Yachts will Take Part in the Benalmádena’s XVIII Interclub Regatta

XVIII Regata Interclub de BenalmadenaThis weekend, sailing fans will be able to enjoy the XVIII edition of the Interclub Regatta which will take place in Benalmádena waters this weekend.

Scheduled for the 8th and 9th January, the Regata will congregate approximately 150 sailors who will make up the crews of the 35 yachts competing for the “Accastillage Diffusion Trophy”. As it is one of the classic regattas in the sailing calendar, organizers are expecting competitors from all over Andalucia.

This edition of the Interclub Regatta is organized by the Benalmádena Yacht Club and the Port Authority, with the collaboration of the Spanish Sailing Federation and sponsorship by Accastillage Diffusion nautical shops.

As expected in this type of Regatta, the fleet will be divided into different classes – there are boats ranging from 6 metres to 15 metres in length – with different prizes being awarded to the winner of each class.

Unfortunately, the weather forecast for Benalmadena doesn’t look too good for weekend; we expect rain on Saturday with light winds (7km/h) with conditions improving on Sunday with southerly winds of up to 36km/h which should guarantee a fun day of sailing.

Photo Credit: francescopozzi

Photos from the New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner

The New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner which was held in the Oasis Restaurant was a great success! Over 150 guests enjoyed an evening of great food, live music and dancing to welcome the new year.

Our undercover reporter managed to take a few pictures of the evening which we have included in the gallery below. See for yourselves what was on the menu (the dessert looked particularly amazing!), photos from behind the scenes in the kitchen, and guests having a a great time!!!