Sunset Beach Club

The Virgen del Carmen Processions: Don’t Miss this Breathtaking Cultural Event

Virgen del CarmenFor those of you who enjoy taking in a little Spanish culture during your holidays, I highly recommend you take a couple of hours this Saturday (16th July) to go and see one of the many “Virgen del Carmen” processions taking place along the Coast.

Last year I went along to the Virgen del Carmen procession in Los Boliches – just a 15 minute drive from the hotel – and thoroughly enjoyed the experience (follow the link to the blog post I wrote).

I won’t provide a long winded explanation of what this day represents – you can see this post about the Virgen del Carmen celebrations for that – but I will quickly explain a little about the reason for this colourful and emotional event.

The Virgen del Carmen, or Stella Maris, as she is often referred to is the patron saint of fishermen and of the Spanish Navy! If you visit one of the processions which take place in most of the “traditional” fishing villages along the Coast – Los Boliches, Benalmádena,La Carrihuelain Torremolinos, Marbella and Estepona, to name but a few – you will witness the pure devotion the local villagers towards their patron saint.

The processions usually start off in the afternoon as the fishermen carry their “Virgen” – which is usually handcrafted in wood and porcelain (more…)

The James Bond Show at the Moonlight Theatre

James Bond show at Moonlight theatreJames Bond fans, or to be more precise, fans of the music from James Bond films, are in for a real treat this weekend. On Saturday evening (28th May) Trevor Brooks and his team at Entertain in Spain will be presenting their latest production which pays tribute to songs from all the favourite James Bond films.

Entertain in Spain put on two shows last year in our Moonlight Theatre and both were extremely popular: The “Back to the 40’s” show and “The Christmas Show”. This new show will be no exception with its state of the art visual effects and video, as well as some of the Coast’s most talented singers and performers.

The show starts at 8:30pm (we recommend you get there early to get a good seat) Tickets are 15€ for adults and 10€ for children and can be purchased at the Sunset Beach Club Leisure Desk or online at www.entertaininspain.es.

 

Travel Back in Time: Visit the Medieval Market in Benalmadena Port

Medieval Market

Sweets and Pastries...yuuuum!

One of this weekend’s highlights will be the Medieval Market which will take place at the Benalmadena Marina.

From tomorrow Friday 13th May – and until Sunday the 15th – tourists and locals who wonder down to Puerto Marina will feel like they have been transported to medieval times as they make their way around the Medieval Market which will be located in the large exhibition tent in the “Pueblo Marinero” area of the Marina.

A walk through the market will allow visitors to see artisans (my favourite are the ones who make sweets and pastries!), exhibition workshops, theatre groups, street performers and dancers, circus acts, jugglers, theatre for children, musical groups, snake charmers…the works!

There’s no doubt that the Medieval Market will provide a fun alternative for all the family this weekend. By the way…it’s free! 🙂

Photo: Keith Williamson

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…)