Location description from owner

The Region of Murcia region

The Costa Cálida (English for Warm Coast) is approximately 250 km stretch of Mediterranean coastline of the Spanish province of Murcia.

The Costa Cálida extends from El Mojón in the north near the province of Alicante, to the municipality of Águilas in the south bordering on the region of Almería province.

The northern end of this coastline includes the Mar Menor ("Little Sea"), a coastal saltwater lagoon which at around 170 km2 is Europe's largest. The Mar Menor is separated from the Mediterranean by a 22km-long spit of land called La Manga. It has many safe swimming areas making it ideal for children. The water temperature is closely connected to the atmospheric temperature so the water is much warmer then that of the Mediterranean Sea. Water sports are also very popular on the Mar Menor including kite surfing, windsurfing, jet-skiing, water-skiing, canoeing and sailing.

This region has a micro-climate which features comparatively hot mean annual temperatures (and hence its name, "Warm Coast"). This makes it an ideal place for visiting at any time of the year. The average temperature all year is 18ºC, and the monthly average temperatures during June to September surpass 22ºC. Winters are mild, and temperatures rarely go below 10ºC. There are also less than 40 days of rain a year.

There are many other places to visit including nature reserves/wetland. You can see, amongst other wildlife, the migrating flamingos and see the beautiful colours of the many salt lakes. You can even take a visit to the free therapeutic mud baths. The mud is believed to help with ailments such as rheumatism and arthritis. The nearest baths to the apartments are those at Lo Pagan.

You can take a visit to the historical city of Murcia with its spectacular Cathedral, amazing architecture and historic university. The new Water Park (Terra Aqua Murcia) and Animal Park (Terra Natura Murcia) also provide a great day out for the family and only 25 minutes away by car. The historical naval port of Cartegena with its may shops and restaurants is also close by. Cartagena is also easily accessible by car or public transport.

Hacienda Riquelme Golf Resort

Hacienda Riquelme Golf Resort is designed around a 19th Century, colonial style building, and was the former residence of the Riquelme Family. This building has now been restored by Polaris World to conserve the history of this traditional Murcian Estate and is now home to 'El Cason' restaurant/bar, the golf pro shop, locker rooms and the resort supermarket.

The resort is surrounded by beautiful mountains, in a peaceful, tranquil setting in the countryside.

Hacienda Riquelme enjoys an ideal location, being situated close to the town of Sucina, and to the airports of Murcia (San Javier) only 15 mins away and Alicante 60 mins away.

The resort is perfect for families providing a safe environment due to the efficient 24 hours access security system which is constantly controlled by well qualified staff and backed up with full CCTV coverage.

The 18 hole Hacienda Riquelme Golf Course, designed by Jack Nicklaus Design is a par 72 and 6416m course built to professional standards. The course covers an area of 71 hectares and has a stunning mountain backdrop and panoramic views of the coast. This course is different from the others in the Nicklaus Golf Trail, a group of six golf courses that make up Europe´s best golf offering, providing ample fairways combined with hard to approach greens, and bunkers ready to complicate your game. And all of it surrounded by wild flowers, olive trees and large lakes. A challenging course that will bring the best shots out of every player.

Other golfing amenities include a driving range, golf academy and pro-golf shop on the resort, however, whilst staying at Hacienda Riquelme you are able to play at reduced rates at La Torre Golf Course, El Valle Golf Course or Mar Menor Golf Course. A courtesy coach is provided to transport you and your clubs to the other golf courses.

The resort centre provides an inside bar/restaurant called El Cason and an outside terrace bar in the old Dovecote called El Palomar, with El Cason serving snacks all day and offering musical entertainment. These amenities are located just a couple of minutes walk from our apartment.

The well stocked, and reasonably priced supermarket provides everything you would wish to purchase if you were wishing to have a lower cost self catering holday.

However, if you wish to explore further, there is an excellent shopping centre in San Javier (Dos Mares) where you will find a hypermarket, ten pin bowling, fast food restaurants, bars and a cinema as well as a host of other shops. Alternatively, take advantage of the free shuttle bus service to any of the other Polaris World Golf Resorts where you’ll find a variety of bars, restaurants and entertainment.