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!!!! 😉
Every week, our Entertainment Team carry out cooking lessons for guests who are interested in learning how to make traditional spanish dishes like paella or tortilla. This week I decided to film their cooking skills; it was time to make a Paella!
The actual lessons take place in a make shift kitchen set up by the pool area and as you can see in the video, many of the guests stop by and watch; we are not sure whether the free glasses of wine and chance to taste the finished product have anything to do with this!
I noticed no-one took notes(understandable seeing as they are only in swimwear ;-)) so I decided to make the video into a step by step guide of how to make the paella. If you decide to give it a try and make your own, let us know how you get on! Even better, post a photo of your paella on our Facebook page!
Well….. not exactly. Apparently a local association in Benalmadena – ¿Yo? Producto Andaluz – has invited President Zapatero and his family to spend a few days of their summer holiday in Benalmadena.
The association’s president, Bartolomé Florido, pointed out that this invitation has been made so that Mr Zapatero can visit our beautiful coastal town which, in his words, “Has everything you need to enjoy an extraordinary holiday.”
There’s no doubt that a visit from the Spanish President would help to push Benalmadena as an ideal tourist and holiday destination. I’m sure there will be plenty of hotels willing to accommodate the Zapatero family and their entourage, Sunset Beach Club included!
Our reservations team are on full alert in case we get a call from La Moncloa (equivalent of nº10 Downing Street) but they’ll have to hurry up as we are practically fully booked for the whole summer!
As always, last week’s San Juan celebrations attracted great crowds of all ages and nationalities to the beaches of Benalmadena. The atmosphere of the night really is something exceptional, barbeques sizzling, waves crashing, fires crackling and the unescapable buzz of chatter and laughter all along the coastline. The only downside to the festival is that it only happens once a year! However as San Juan finishes it marks the start of Benalmadena feria week. Paloma park, located in the centre between Arroyo de la Miel and the coast, is home to Benalmadena’s “Recinto Ferial” (Main fairground). If you’ve been on holiday here before you may already know this area as it is home to Benalmadena’s weekly market and carboot sale. The fair runs every night for one week and is a great night out for the whole family with plenty of rides, stalls and kiosks.
Of course the number one concern on your Summer holiday is to relax and make sure the whole family have an enjoyable time…This Summer, Sunset Beach Club has got more than just the World Cup to keep you entertained! Once again as Summer starts so do our funpacked activities, we offer a wide range of games and events for all ages. Organized by the Entertainment team, the whole family can make the most of their holiday here with a kid’s club for 5-12 year olds, a teenager’s club for 13 – 18 year olds and also a full programme of adult’s daytime activities, that’s not to mention our breathtaking shows in the Moonlight Cabaret Bar, ranging from tribute to Elvis, Michael Jackson, Moulin Rouge and of course the extraordinary Urban Magic Show to mention just a few! To see this Summer’s activity programme, please click here.
Although the volcanic ash and flight cancellations have caused severe disruption to many tourists here on the Costa del Sol, there’s still plenty of guests here that are making the most of their unexpected extended holiday in the sun! Tom and his family are enjoying every extra minute here at Sunset Beach Club. See their video comments here!
