David Benito – or Sr. Benito as we all call him – has been heading our Reservations Department for 25 years. He has been an integral part of the team that has seen Sunset Beach Club grow into one of the most successful and highly regarded hotels on the Costa del Sol. However, all good things come to an end and it is now time for Sr. Benito to retire and enjoy a well earned break from the day to day “madness” of our reservations department.

We’d like to take this opportunity to wish Sr. Benito the very best for the future. We’re also delighted to inform you that Armando Martinez, who has been our Reception Manager and Reservations assistant for the past 9 years, will now take up Sr. Benito’s role.

In turn, Silvia Bellido, who has worked on our reception desk for the last 15 years, has been promoted to the position of Deputy Reception Manager.

Those of you who are regular visitors to Sunset Beach Club will, no doubt, already know Armando and Silvia; we are sure you will join us in congratulating them both on their promotions and wish them the best of luck in their new roles.

If any of you wish to contact our Reservations Department, the email address remains the same: booking@sunsetbeachclub.com

We’re just a few days away from the start of Carnival Season and most towns and cities on the Costa del Sol are gearing up for a week of fun and entertainment.

Although the Carnaval is celebrated all over Andalacia – The Cadiz Carnival is probably the most famous – for the purpose of this article, we’re going to focus on the Málaga Carnival; only 25 minutes from our hotel and easily accessible, it’s a ‘must visit’ if you are planning a trip to the Costa del Sol in February.

We’re lucky enough to enjoy mild winters and this luxury allows the city of Málaga to live one of its most colourful, multicultural and spontaneous festivities of the year: The Carnival.

With hundreds of activities and events taking place during the week long (sometimes a little longer) festivities, you’re guaranteed to have a ball!

It’s no secret that Spain is a country with deeply rooted Catholic tradition; as a result of this, Carnival is celebrated before the 40 days of Lent. It’s the perfect way to “let your hair down” before the rigors of the religious holidays, with all their abstentions and  prohibitions.

So what happens during Carnival in Malaga?

The fun actually starts in January with what is referred to as “La Previa”. This consists of gastronomic gatherings where you can sample traditional local dishes and where song and dance take centre stage. This is also when different choirs and singing groups compete to win the coveted prize of best group. There are various categories – murgas, comparsas, cuartetos and coros – and all take to the stage at the Cervantes Theatre in the weeks leading up to the official start of Carnival Week.

These performances are great fun to watch as they mix humour, great costumes, artistic flair and great voices to create a unique musical experience. The lyrics of the songs the groups perform are based on local, regional and national events and news and, although sometimes a little cheeky – they make fun of politicians, celebrities, etc – they are harmless and great fun!

Once these musical competitions are over and the winners proudly show off their trophies, its time for the Street Carnival (Carnaval de Calle) to begin. This year, the festivities begin on the 11^th February 2012 and go on until the 19^th February 2012, with the famous ‘Entierro del Boqueron’ on the Malagueta Beach. Remember that the carnival is all about having fun and letting go of your inhibitions so everyone is encouraged to dress up and wear masks; just take a walk down Malaga’s Calle Larios during carnival week and you’ll be witness to some great fancy dress costumes!

Recommended Activities & Events

11^th February – The Grand Gala (from 5:30pm) at the Cervantes Theatre. At 9:30pm, singer Diana Navarro will give the speech at the opening ceremony – known as the ‘Pregón’- in the Plaza dela Constitución.

12^th February – 12:00pm: Street activities. 6pm: The grand parade.

17^th February – 9pm: Street performances and singing groups in the historical centre of the city.

18^th February – Drag Queen contest

19^th February – 4pm: ‘Entierro del Boquerón’ Procession at the Malagueta Beach

Make the most of Carnival Week on the Costa del Sol by spending a few days at Sunset Beach Club. Ideally located just 25 minutes from the centre of Málaga, you’ll be able to soak up some winter sun and participate in all the fun activities and events the Málaga Carnival has to offer. We’ve got apartments from €47 per night…check availability at www.sunsetbeachclub.com

From the 17^th to the 26^th February, Fuengirola will be presenting their latest gastronomic offering to help promote the town’s restaurants and bars: the 1^st ‘Cazuela dela Abuela’ (literally translated as Grandma’s Casserole).

During the event, visitors and locals will be able to sample delicious home made stews, like the ones our grandma’s used to prepare! For the very reasonable price of €2, all participating restaurants will serve up a generous helping of warm stew (served in a clay bowl) and a drink; you can choose beer, wine or a soft drink.

Fuengirola continues to experiment and innovate with these original themed events designed to promote the towns gastronomic offering – a perfect example is last years Erotic Tapas Route – There is no doubt that this type of activity helps support the restaurant trade which, during the quiet winter months, can use all the help they can get to fill their establishments.

“Grandma’s Casserole” serves as a tribute to traditional home made recipes and stews which the majority of Spanish people have been brought up on. Only restaurants which serve these types of dishes throughout the year are allowed to participate and will have to show the official logo (see photo) at the entrance to their establishment.

Visitors and locals will also have the opportunity to participate in the special competition which will be included in this gastronomic route; they will have to collect 5 different “Grandma’s Casserole” coupons from participating establishments. Once they have collected the 5 stamps, they’ll hand them in at the Fuengirola Tourist Office (before the 28^th February); in exchange, they will get a surprise gift and will be entered into a prize draw to win a family dinner.

There’s not long to go now! In just over a week, the 2012 edition of the Rockin Race Jamboree kicks off in Torremolinos. From the 2^nd February to the 5^th February, music fans and visitors can attend this unique event which has become the largest festival in Spain dedicated to music of the 50’s and early 60’s. For 4 intense days, 19 international artists and groups will play the best of Rockabilly, Rhythm & Blues, Surf and other musical styles from the era.

Once again, the Rockin Race Jamboree will take place at the Palacio de Congresos de Torremolinos. Now in its 18^th year, this popular festival has undergone notable growth attracting thousands of people – the organizers estimate attendance to be more than 3000 people this year – from Europe, United States, Japan and even from Australia! 

The list of musicians for the Rockin Race Jamboree is impressive and is made up of 19 international artists who will perform on the two stages which have been specially set up for the festival. These are some of the musicians taking part: Big Jay McNeely, The Planet Rockers, The Bellfuries, Modern Don Juans, Wildfire Willie & the Rumblers, Peter Berry & the Snake Set, Vicky Tafoya, Ray Collins’ Hot Club, Eddie & the Flatheads, The Frettones, The Sun Rockets and many more…

For more information, please visit the official web page for the festival at www.rockinrace.com .

Tickets can be purchased online at the official website (see above) or directly at the Palacio de Congresos ticket office in Torremolinos; the price for a weekend pass is €55.

Official Programme for the Rockin Race Jamboree 2012

Thursday 2nd Evening: Buensol

21:00 – Open Door
21:00 – ALEX DJ
22:30 – Ray Collins’ Hot Club
23:30 – ROB’S BIG BEAT
24:30 – SILVIA DJ
01:30 – Wildfire Willie & The Ramblers
02:30 – TALL MARK
03:3h – ALEX DJ
04:30 – TIP TOP DADDY
05:30 – Closing – SILVIA DJ

Friday 3rd Midday: Buensol

12:00 – ROB’S BIG BEAT
13:00 – Blackberry’n Mr. Boo-Hoo
14:00 – SILVIA DJ
15:00 – TALL MARK
16:00 – Sun Rockets
17:00 – 18:00h – ALEX DJ

Friday 3rd Evening: Palacio de Congresos – Torremolinos

21:00h – Open Door
21:00h – ROB’S BIG BEAT
22:00h – Roy Thompson & The Mellow Kings
22:45h – TIP TOP DADDY
23:15h – Sonny Burgess
24:00h – STEVE STAX’O WAX
24:30h – Modern Don Juans
01:15h – TALL MARK
01:45h – Eddie & The Flatheads
02:30h – STEVE STAX’O WAX
03:00h – Stompin’ Riffraffs
03:45h – ALEX DJ
04:45h – 06:00h – END -  TALL MARK

Saturday 4th Midday: Buensol

12:00 – STEVE STAX’O WAX
13:00 – Arousers
14:00 – TALL MARK
15:00 – STEVE STAX’O WAX
16:00 – Charlie Hightone & The Rock-It’s
17:00 – 18:00h – SILVIA DJ

Saturday 4th Evening: Palacio de Congresos – Torremolinos

21:00 – Open Door
21:00 – ALEX DJ
22:00 – Vicky Tafoya
22:45 – TALL MARK
23:15 – Peter Berry & The Shake Set
24:00 – TALL MARK
24:30 – Big Jay McNeely Feat. Ray Collin’s
01:15 – STEVE STAX’O WAX
01:45 – Bellfuries
02:30 – ALEX DJ
03:00 – Planet Rockers
03:45 – TIP TOP DADDY
04:45 – 06:00h – END STEVE STAX’O WAX

Sunday 5th Midday: Buensol

16:00 – ROB’S BIG BEAT
17:00 – Lazy Jumpers
18:00 – ALEX DJ
19:00 – END – ROB’S BIG BEAT

Sunday 5th Evening: Buensol

22:00 – SILVIA DJ – ALEX DJ
24:00 – Frettones
01:00 – TALL MARK
02:00 – Wild Goners
03:00 – TALL MARKDJ
04:00 – ALEX DJ
05:00 – END – SILVIA DJ

If you are looking for accommodation for the Rockin Race Jamboree 2012, at Sunset Beach Club (just 10 minutes away from the Palacio de Congresos de Torremolinos) we’ve got apartments from €47 per night. Please visit our website to check availability  www.sunsetbeachclub.com.

We’re definitely in “wedding mode” at the moment and this weekend is no exception with the Bride of the Year Show at the RDS in Dublin. This is actuallyIreland’s longest established wedding show – since 1989 – and one of the most popular wedding shows of the year.

Once again, Sunset Beach Club will be attending the show and will have our own stand (nºN9). This is the perfect chance to meet our Wedding Team – including our very own wedding planner – who will be available to answer any questions or queries you may have about getting married in Spain . This year we’ve got an exciting new addition to our stand: a professional wedding make up artist who will be able to advise brides with great tips for looking fantastic on their special day. 

The Bride of the Year show will be a hive of activity with visitors having the opportunity to meet up to 200 leading wedding specialists who will be showcasing many inspirational ideas and trends as well as the latest romantic honeymoon destinations.

Remember that the show is a great opportunity to save time and money on your wedding as many exhibitors will be offering special discounts!

Look out for some of the great prizes being given away at the show too, including:

• A 5 star honeymoon to the all-inclusive Mango Bay Resort on the beautiful island of Barbados
• A bridal gown from the Fiona Todhunter Collection valued at €2000

And, of course…

• A 3 night romantic winter break at Sunset Beach Club!

Important information

Show dates: Saturday 28^th and Sunday 29^th January 2012.

Opening hours: 11:30am to 5:30pm

Admission: €12 payable at the door

This Sunday the 22^nd January it’s World Snow Day, an event which is being celebrated for the first time in ski resorts all over the world!

World Snow Day is the second phase of a project initiated by the FIS in 2007 called “Bring Children to the Snow”; the concept is self explanatory… In this phase – the biggest day on snow -  simultaneous activities will occur all around the world on the 22^nd January and will be repeated yearly in the 3^rd week of January.

This unique initiative is designed to encourage families, and in particular, those with children to begin enjoying the snow. The idea is for children to try and experiment all types of snow related activities and sports. Obviously, people of all ages are encouraged to join in the fun and continue to enjoy the wonders of snow for years to come!

The Sierra Nevada ski station (conveniently located just a couple of hours drive from Sunset Beach Club) will be organising a special programme which includes workshops and other educational and fun activities related to snow; the idea being that kids get a fantastic introduction to the world of snow sports.

If you haven’t yet visited the snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada, this is a perfect opportunity to spend an amazing day on the sun drenched slopes ofEuropessouthern most ski station. Even if you are not a skier and have no desire try the sport, you can sit at one of the many bars and cafes and watch the world go by whilst working on that suntan

There is a great offer for non-skiers which includes access to the cable car (takes you to the main ski area of Borreguiles) and a snack lunch (burger, fries and drink) for €10. If you are feeling a little more adventurous, pay €10 more and you can enjoy the fun activity called “tubbing” which consists of shooting down the snow on a rubber tube! Don’t worry, this “tubbing” takes place on a specially designed slope for this activity.

Go on… make the most of World Snow Day and visit the beautiful Sierra Nevada Ski Resort, you won’t regret it!

On Thursday morning I’ll be jumping on a plane heading toBelfast. It’s my turn to set up for the next show on our busy 2012 schedule; the Holiday World Show in Belfast’s King’s Hall.

My colleague Chelo will be joining me on Friday to man the Sunset Beach Club stand over the – hopefully busy – weekend at Holiday World Belfast. We’ve got a great stand this year, right next to the Spanish Tourist Board and very near the entrance to the hall.

Visitors to the show will find a large variety of exhibitors and stands catering to all their travel needs: Specific destinations, Adventure travel and Cruises are just some of the topics and themes covered at the show.

New at Holiday World this year will be two additional shows:

• The Over 55’s Holiday Show which will be offering sun holidays at special senior’s rates, cruise bargains, city breaks and lots more…
• The Caravan and Motor home Show, perfect for caravanners and all those who enjoy the great outdoors.

We look forward to welcoming visitors to the Sunset Beach Club stand (nºC2) during the 3 day event. We’ve got lots of great information about our hotel and the surrounding areas as well as a great competition for you to enter; we’re giving away a 4 night romantic winter break for two people, including buffet breakfast, bottle of cava on arrival and a fantastic meal with wine!

Show Dates & Times

Friday 20^th January  – 1pm to 9pm

Saturday 21^st January – 11am to 5:30pm

Sunday 22^nd January – 11am to 5:30pm

Admission Prices

Adults – £6

Senior Citizens – £4

Students – £3

Special Family Price, 2 adults & up to 4 children – £12

Hope to see you there!

I know, I know, you’re just recovering from New Year’s celebrations and here I am enticing you to celebrate again; this time, for Chinese New Year!

The Costa del Sol Racecourse will be hosting a special Chinese New Year celebration this coming Sunday the 15^th January 2012. Starting at 4pm – which is 11pm inChina – the event is open to all residents and visitors to theCosta del Sol and is absolutely free J

All those who attend will be treated to performances by local dance groups as well as a special performance by well known Chinese dance group Jin Fan; made up of 25 dancers, this group of entertainers will be flown in from Beijing specially for the event which is financed by the Chinese government.

The Chinese New Year celebrations at the Costa del Sol racecourse are also sponsored by the Chinese Association in Andalucía and the Association of the Qingtián Community in the South of Spain.

Those of you who are a little more knowledgeable about Chinese culture might have realised that these celebrations are actually a week early as the Year of the Dragon actually starts on the 22^nd January! The reason for this is that the Jin Fan group hired for the event has to be back in China on that date…

Anyway, could be an interesting event to attend; something a little different for all those of you visiting the Costa del Sol, or indeed, those of you living here

Let us know how you get on!

With the Christmas and holiday period behind us and the New Year in full swing, we are getting ready to attend a series of Trade Shows and Fairs in the Uk and Ireland. First up on our busy calendar for January is the Wedding Journal Show 2012 which will be held at the Citywest Hotel and Convention Centre in Dublin!

Regarded a Ireland’s largest wedding event, The Wedding Journal Show is perfect for brides and grooms planning their big day; the wide selection of exhibitors and suppliers will help provide inspiration and ideas for the perfect wedding.

Sunset Beach Club will also be present at the show. Melissa from our Commercial department and Kerry, our wedding planner, will be manning our stand (nº E10) during the show and will be happy to answer any questions or queries you may have about getting married in Spain.

Don’t forget to stop by our stand and enter our prize draw for a chance to win a Romantic 3 Night Winter Break at Sunset Beach Club!

Show times are as follows: 

Friday 13^th January 2012 – 3pm to 8pm

Saturday 14^th January 2012 – 12noon to 6pm

Sunday 15^th January 2012 – 12noon to 6pm

For more information or to make a private appointment with our wedding planner during the show, please email Melissa on m.palmer@sunsetbeachclub.com . You can also find more information about Spanish Weddings on our website.

The New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner was a great success with 220 people enjoying the delicious meal prepared by our head chef and his team.

Feedback from guests has been very positive and we even got a write up in the South Florida Chronicle, you can read it here .  (Thanks to Amanda Ferrari for taking the time to write such a great review!)

It wasn’t just the food that was great… I’ve been told that the entertainment was top class and that Silvio had the whole restaurant dancing all night; they even did the conga! (By the way, if anyone has any photos, we’d love for you to post them on our Facebook page)

Here are a few photos taken by the restaurant team whilst they were setting up the restaurant for the celebrations and also a couple of photos taken during the Gala. (Big thanks to Melania for taking the photos

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