With many UK residents already setting up home in a Murcia golf resort property, or buying up property as a rental investment, it’s important to choose a leading real estate agent who has a thorough knowledge of the region and the overseas property market.

Why buy golf property in Murcia

Located in South Eastern Spain, Murcia is an autonomous region situated between Andalucia and Valencia and was voted the cleanest province in Spain by the World Health Organisation. The warm climate averages over 300 sunny days each year with temperatures topping 34°C. Murcia can be easily reached from the UK by air with two international airports serving the region and a third due to open in 2010. The area is also well served by good motorway and rail networks.

Murcia’s best feature is the Mediterranean coastal strip called Costa Calida. The ‘warm coast’ is home to picturesque fishing towns, stunning mountain ranges and the largest salt water lagoon in the world ‘Mar Menor’. The waters at Mar Menor are thought to be therapeutic and the conditions make it ideal for water sports enthusiasts who are served by extensive sailing, windsurfing and water-skiing facilities.

Buy a Murcia golf property from a resale agent

The choice of top quality property in the golf resorts of Murcia is staggering. Whether you fancy the Condado de Alhama Villas, La Torre Apartments or Mar Menor Townhouses, you should ensure you employ the services of a leading Murcia golf resort estate agent to aid your search.

Choose a resale agency with a track record of working with developers such as Polaris World or Gestibena. A master resale agency will have a bigger range of properties on their books and the staff will usually own a property at one of the resorts giving you the added advantage of being served by people who know what it’s like to live there.

The agency should have in-depth knowledge of off-plan purchases, contract resales, property resale, purchase costs and all legal matters involving the purchase of a property in Spain. A professional estate agent will also have strong links with other services which will prove useful to you such as banks, solicitors, furniture and fittings suppliers and maintenance contractors.

If you’re considering installing a swimming pool at your property the agent should be able recommended a local supplier. It’s important to use a pool company that knows the golf resorts of Murcia, the various local planning rules and regulations and can provide a complete service from design to installation and maintenance.

Viewing property at the golf resorts of Murcia

Before making such an important purchase you’ll want to visit the region and view some properties. A quality golf property resale agent will liaise with you over your visit and provide a friendly knowledgeable member of staff to accompany you while viewing.

The agent will be able to advise you on car hire and taxi fares and find you luxury hotel accommodation at, or near to, the resort itself. The agent will give you insight into the region, the local amenities available in Murcia and provide straightforward advice about the Spanish property market and potential for investment.

Which property to buy?

You’ll be shown some great golf properties during your visit to the region so don’t expect the decision to be an easy one! Before your visit, and to whet your appetite, here are some recommended apartments, townhouses and villas from the various golf resorts of Murcia.

	This beautiful 2-bedroom apartment is at La Torre golf resort and boasts a South-West facing terrace with views across the golf course and lake.
	Overlooking three holes of the golf course at Mar Menor resort, this 2-bedroom townhouse has an extra third floor solarium plus access to the private communal swimming pool.
	This 2-bedroom villa is located at the Condado de Alhama golf resort which is home to three Jack Nicklaus designed golf courses.

Getting to El Valle Golf Resort

Flying in from the UK will take approximately two hours and by 2010 there’ll be a choice of airports. Currently, San Javier airport is the closest with just a 20 minute drive to El Valle. Alternatively, Alicante airport is a 45 minute journey but by next year the new airport under construction at Corvera will open which means journey time to El Valle will be down to just 15 minutes.

If you’re looking to travel within the country or perhaps are already located in Spain, the golf resort is 3.5 hours drive from Madrid, 2.5 hours from Valencia and 2 hours from Granada.

Location of El Valle Golf Resort

As the name of the resort suggests, El Valle is located in a valley at the foot of the Carrascoy Mountains next to Baños Y Mendigo, a hamlet with only 340 inhabitants. The name ‘Baños Y Mendigo’ translates as ‘Baths and Beggar (or pauper)’ and refers to the historical waters which were used for irrigation and bathing of locals and a small chapel which was once home to a beggar.

The beaches at Mar Menor and the other golf resorts of La Loma, La Torre, Hacienda Riquelme, Laa Terrazas de la Torre and Mar Menor are within a 15 minute drive.

Facilities and things to do at El Valle

As with many of the golf resorts in Murcia, construction is still ongoing but once complete El Valle will boast some high quality facilities. The clubhouse opened last summer and is home to the El Asador restaurant, the Sandalo Bar and the Clover Irish Bar. Once the town centre is complete, all the amenities you’d expect such as shops, gym and a health spa will become available.

In the meantime, El Valle is on the Polaris World shuttle bus route which means as a resident you can travel to the nearby resorts of Hacienda Riquelme, La Torre and Mar Menor and take advantage of their facilities without having to drive.

If you want a break from golfing, the city of Murcia is a 15 minute drive from El Valle. There you’ll find stunning architecture, a grand cathedral, museums, high street shops and pavement cafés. The Aqua Natura water park is also close to Murcia city combining water slides with a zoo.

The clear blue seas of Mar Menor and its splendid beaches are just 10 minutes from El Valle. Mar Menor is perfect for the water sports enthusiast. If water isn’t your thing, you can go hiking, cycling and fishing around the nature reserves and mountains of Murcia.

El Valle Resale Golf Property

Just 668 properties including apartments and three types of villa have been built at El Valle. Apartments range from two bedroom/1bathroom to 2 bed/2 bathroom. Villas are available as three bedroom/two bathroom, three bed/three bathroom and huge five bed/five bathroom. Interiors have been fitted with superior finishes including air conditioning, fully fitted kitchens, timber shutters and private pools.

Recommended properties

	This apartment has been reduced to a fantastic price. Two bedroom and two bathrooms and has air-conditioning throughout, central heating and double glazed windows. It has a great terrace with two aspects and is not far from the sports facilities and golf clubhouse.
	Ground floor apartment with large garden around front and side of apartment including a jacuzzi.  Views over the communal pool towards the town centre. The apartment has 2 bedrooms and one bathroom and is in a great position on this exclusive resort. The apartment is located on a corner and is in a close to the town centre and hotel.
	This beautiful villa has three bedrooms with fitted wardrobes, two bathrooms (one with whirlpool bath), living room with high vaulted ceiling and doors onto the rear patio, covered eating area with built-in barbeque, private heated swimming pool, driveway, kitchen with fitted appliances and utility room.

El Valle Golf Course

The real reason for buying a property at El Valle is to play the Jack Nicklaus designed championship golf course. An 18-hole desert-style par 71 challenge awaits you each day and this undulating course utilises the natural terrain and hazards you’d expect of golfing set in Murcian hills and countryside.

El Valle is by no means a long course at 6,161 yards and any golfer with a long game will score well provided they steer clear of the many hazards. With few trees and very little out of bounds areas even the wayward shots off the tee can pick up an advance forward on the ball and get back in play without problem.

Residents of El Valle receive favourable discounts on Green Fees. Special promotional periods where you can get free buggies are also sometimes available. Once you’ve played the El Valle challenge, there’s the other Nicklaus golf trail courses located at each of the Polaris World resorts to visit where you can receive up to 50% of your Green Fees.

Corvera Golf and Country Club is one of Murcia’s newest golf resorts. Phase one and two of property development is already complete and residents are now moving in. Over a thousand golf properties have been sold so now is the time to make an investment at what will become one of Europe’s premier golf resorts. Here we’ll look at Corvera resale golf property and the facilities that will be on offer at the resort.

Getting there

Corvera’s great location means getting to the resort will be quick and simple as a new airport is currently under construction and just a ten minute drive from the club. Work is due to be completed by August 2010 which means Corvera golf resort will have a dedicated airport to whisk you from the UK to your stunning new property (and some great golfing!). In the meantime, San Javier Airport is just 45km away and served by daily flights to and from the UK.

Corvera Golf and Country Club location

Just 20 minutes from the crystal clear waters of Mar Menor on the Costa Cálida and situated at the foot of the Carrascoy mountain range (one of the most desirable places to buy property in Murcia), Corvera Golf and Country Club is 15 minutes south of the city of Murcia and next to one of the region’s nature reserves.

Golf property at Corvera golf resort

Corvera golf property includes 2 bedroom apartments, 3 bedroom townhouses and 4 bedroom villas so there’s plenty of investment opportunity at the resort for every budget. The properties are located around the championship golf course in a peaceful, relaxing and comfortable environment. The apartments, townhouses and villas are finished in colour schemes that blend in perfectly with the resort’s surroundings.

Recommended properties:

	This fantastic 2 bedroom apartment is being offered way below contract price and offers a location close to the soon to be completed golf clubhouse.
	A three bedroom villa on the East Island of Corvera golf resort. This property is detached with living space across 129 square metres and an outdoor terrace and garden covering over 28 square metres.
	Overlooking a communal swimming pool and gardens, this two bed first floor apartment is finished to a high quality and on offer at an excellent price given its location within the resort.

Corvera golf resort facilities

Corvera golf resort may be a work in progress but development is progressing at quite a rate. As you enter over the brow of the hill you’ll be met with a stunning view of the resort with the golf course in the foreground and the properties and Carrascoy mountains as the backdrop.

The whole resort is enclosed by a perimeter barrier and the new guardhouse entrance has just been completed along with the entrance avenue which is lined with mature plants and shrubbery. Planting around the resort is ongoing so each day sees a new, improved and greener Corvera.

The resort will have a 5-star 200 bedroom hotel operated by DeVere so any visitors to the resort will receive a high level of quality and service during their stay. Residents will soon be able to take advantage of an Equestrian Centre boasting 24 stables and a training ring. Those who enjoy sports will be pleased to hear that facilities at Corvera are due for completion this summer and will include tennis courts (grass and clay) and a multi-purpose football, basketball and handball court. For the fitness and health lover there’ll be a gym, spa and health centre.

Next to sports areas will be a commercial centre with shops, bars and restaurants to ensure you’ll never be without entertainment when off the golf course.

Corvera golf course and clubhouse

José María Olazábal and his company IGD have been hard at work designing and supervising construction of the course at Corvera which will become the winter headquarters for the European PGA. The 18-hole par 72 course covers over 6,700 metres and is planned to host professional competitions with Sam Torrence as its Director of Golf.

Construction of the course finished in April and the months of May and June were spent sowing the fairways, roughs and greens. Later in the summer there’ll be the final installation of equipment and finishing touches before the course gets its inauguration later in 2009. The driving range is already open.

The golf clubhouse is situated to the north of the course between holes 9 and 18. Over 2,500 square metres of space over two floors and a basement will house generously sized rooms for multi-purpose use. On the ground floor will be the pro shop, changing facilities (members and non-members) and a small supermarket for residents to buy groceries. The first floor has stunning views over the course and includes 200 square metres of outdoor terraces. Inside you’ll find a selection of bars and a restaurant.

Next to the clubhouse will be the annexe buildings of which one will be home to the official PGA teaching academy to help young golfers on the road to success as well as giving residents the opportunity to improve their game.

Once complete, Corvera Golf and Country Club will be one of the most desirable golf resorts to own a property so take advantage of the favourable terms currently on offer.

Getting to Novo Carthago Golf Resort

Novo Carthago golf and beach resort is in the Mar Menor area within the Murcia region of Spain. Just along the Costa Calida, the resort can be found to the left of the La Manga strip, and a short 800m walk from the crystal clear waters of the Mar Menor sea (which is actually a lagoon – ‘Mar Menor means ‘little sea’). If you’re flying in from the UK, there are plenty of flights into San Javier airport (also known as Murcia Airport) with a flight time of about 2 hours. From the airport, Novo Carthago is just 20km away and by car will take you a 15-20 minute drive along the N332 coastal road and the AP-7 (Cartagena‚ Alicante) motorway.

The Location

The area in which Novo Carthago golf resort is situated has a protected landscape with mountains to the rear and views across the calm seas of Mar Menor to the front. Five minutes from the resort is the city of Cartagena with its international marina. A few kilometres along the coast you’ll find the old fishing town and resort of Los Alcazares with its first-class seafood restaurants and open air markets. The capital city of Murcia is just 45km away and is where you’ll find Spain’s biggest department stores.

With a rich history, impressive Spanish architecture, festivals, amenities, stunning scenery and the beautiful beaches and seas, Novo Carthago sits within one of Spain’s great regions making it the perfect resort for tourists, residents and golfers.

Novo Carthago Resort Facilities

Once complete, the resort will include some of the finest facilities in Murcia. The 5-star 400 room intercontinental hotel will include a spa plus conference facilities. Over 40% of the resort is given over to sports with numerous tennis courts, swimming pools, football pitches and track and field areas planned. They’ll also be two town centres with bars, restaurants and supermarkets.

Throughout Novo Carthago you’ll find walking and cycle paths offering some of the best scenery of Mar Menor as you weave your way around the resort. You’ll be able to go on a leisurely stroll or ride and take in the views of the sea, the 15^th century San Gines de la Jara monastery and the beautiful windmills dotted throughout the area.

Due to the resort’s unique position next to the coast, and Europe’s largest salt water lagoon of Mar Menor, water sports are a big part of the facilities on offer. Novo Carthago will have its own nautical sports centre offering a great range of water sports including windsurfing.

Novo Carthago Golf

If you’re buying a property at Novo Carthago then the quality of the golf will be high on your agenda. You needn’t worry as you’ll be a resident (or holiday home owner) right next to two of the longest and best courses in Murcia.

Designed and built over 800,000 square metres of land, the philosophy is to create two 18-hole par 72 golf courses that integrate with the characteristics of the resort’s coastal location. For this challenge, the developer has employed one of the world’s top golf course designers Robert Trent Jones Jnr. to create a Championship course and a Resident course both 6,845m in length.

The Championship course at nearly 7km long will include sand and water hazards with spectacular views over the resort’s properties and Mar Menor. The plan is for the course to host PGA competitions and will be a demanding test for the serious golfer.

The Resident course will weave around the resort across the natural topography giving average players a good round of golf while presenting more experienced golfers with a real challenge. This will be achieved with multiple tees for each hole placed at strategic positions helping to create varied playing lines. A round will culminate at the coastal end of the resort in front of the hotel and clubhouse.

If you want to journey off the resort for your golf, the famous La Manga club with its three world-class courses is just 5 minutes away.

Property at Novo Carthago Golf & Beach Resort

The first phase of properties at Novo Carthago have been released so early investors should take advantage of the favourable terms on offer. Properties are situated within an island area of the resort and include apartments, townhouses and villas. Here are some of the highly recommended properties currently available.

	These one-bedroom apartments located on La Isla (the island) are at the centre of the resort and surrounded by water on three sides. The apartments have secure entry, communal swimming pools and underground parking.
	These two-storey, two-bedroom townhouses on La Isla have great terraces, stunning views and are finished to a high standard. Communal swimming pools and variable sized gardens make these Novo Carthago properties highly desirable.
	Three-bedroom villas on La Isla of Novo Carthago offer large private gardens, pools, terraces and a central location so you can access all the resort’s facilities.

Condado de Alhama Golf Resort

The Polaris World Condado de Alhama golf resort is in the Valle del Guadalentín area of Murcia, Spain. Situated in the foothills of Sierra Espuna and Carrascoy-El Valle (two regional nature reserves) the resort is divided into three areas: Los Jardines de Alhama, Los Naranjos de Alhama and La Isla del Condado.

Los Jardines de Alhama

Translated this means ‘The Gardens of Alhama’ and the area, as you’d expect, is spacious and green with properties built around landscaped gardens and swimming pools. The Los Jardines complex is pedestrianised with dedicated cycle lanes enabling residents to stroll or cycle around the parks and enjoy the vast variety of plant life. Los Jardines de Alhama is extremely family friendly with its separate play areas for children and it also has excellent sports facilities including tennis courts, football pitches and basketball courts. The properties are built in a traditional Mediterranean style with architecture that blends in perfectly with the manicured surroundings.

Recommended properties:

	Ground floor apartment situated on Los Jardines de Alhama  within the resort of Condado de Alhama.  Great position close to the communal pool.   It is situated within a short distance from the town centre where there will be many bars, restaurants and all the facilities expected within such a resort.
	First floor apartment situated on Los Jardines within the resort of Condado de Alhama.  Great position overlooking the communal pool with West facing orientation. Property construction is to first floor level only, and this apartment benefits from a great roof solarium.

Los Naranjos de Alhama

‘Naranjos’ is the name given to a native orange tree of the region and this area of Condado de Alhama is lined with the ornamental tree on its streets, within its gardens and around its squares. Los Naranjos is in the heart of the golf resort and once had its own town centre called El Agora. This town centre has been extended to encompass the new resort town centre called El Foro providing an even greater range of facilities just a short walk away along the leafy avenues. Properties in Los Naranjos have a stepped architectural design and the penthouses look out onto the Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course (under construction – due for completion in December 2009).

Recommended properties:

	First floor apartment situated on Los Naranjos within the resort of Condado de Alhama.  Situated close to the communal swimming pool, the property faces to the South-East, however the solarium will provide a great place to sunbathe throughout the day
	Constructed in blocks of four staggered floors in the traditional white Mediterranean architecture.  Within a short distance to the town centre where there will be many bars, restaurants and all the facilities expected within such a resort

La Isla del Condado

Condado de Alhama translated means ‘Alhama County’ which is where the resort is situated in Murcia. La Isla del Condado means ‘The Island of the County’ and this area is an apartment complex on an island on the lake in the centre of the golf resort. La Isla is a waterfront setting that stretches down to the main town centre of El Foro. Residents benefit from stunning views from their apartments across the lake as well as three infinity pools that give the impression of being part of the lake itself. La Isla has tranquil boulevards and green spaces that incorporate children’s play areas. Around the lake are several piers from which a ferry service runs to the town centre.

Recommended properties:

	First floor apartment situated on La Isla within the resort of Condado de Alhama.  Great position with lovely views over the lake facing towards the South-West with only one immediate neighbour.
	Lovely penthouse apartment situated on La Isla within the resort of Condado de Alhama.  Great position with lovely views across the lake to the South.  With accommodation of approx. 66.8m2 and terrace of 18.10m2.

El Foro & El Oasis Town Centre

The focus of activity at the Condado de Alhama golf resort is within the El Foro and El Oasis town centres. El Foro means ‘The Forum’ and this vast 12,000 square metre complex includes the relocated El Agora town centre which initially served the Los Naranjos complex. Designed in a Hispanic-Arabic style around a courtyard with a large central water feature, the El Foro town centre is due to open this month (July 2009) and along with the 60,000 square metre El Oasis town centre provides bars, restaurants, banks, stores, supermarkets, hairdressers, launderettes, pharmacies, restaurants, cinemas and healthcare services to residents.

Mar Menor Golf Course & Property

The course at Mar Menor golf resort is currently a 9-hole par 36 but is being extended to an 18-hole par 72 with full clubhouse and practice facilities projected to open in October 2009. Make no mistake, at 9-holes this course is still a great challenge and as you’d expect from Nicklaus Design the wide smooth fairways, greens and simple shaped bunkers are in excellent condition. Properties are located close to each hole meaning that if you buy here you really will have a golf course in your back garden!

This beautiful 2 bedroom townhouse overlooks 3 of the new 9 holes of the Mar Menor course that is currently being extended. Air conditioned lounge and a third floor solarium with balconies front and rear make this a great buy.

La Torre Golf Course & Property

La Torre golf resort has an 18-hole course fully complete and presents the golfer with a par 68 challenge around trees and three lakes. An accurate short game is required when playing the wide fairways which are dotted with large bunkers waiting to catch you out. And for those who like to put their driving to the test there are two par 5’s to let rip on. The facilities at La Torre are first rate with driving ranges, putting greens, a pro shop and bar/dining areas.

This 2 bedroom villa is south-west facing but has a rooftop solarium which gets the sun throughout the day. The property is fully furnished, has an air-con lounge and access to a communal swimming pool so you can cool off after your round of golf.

El Valle Golf Course & Property

If you like your golf course in the ‘desert’ style then El Valle is for you. The par 71, 18-hole course across 51 hectares of rocks, native vegetation, cascading waterfalls, streams and two lakes will offer golfers of all standards a real challenge in stunning surroundings under the perfect Murcia sunshine. Excellent facilities await you before and after your round as well as trained staff and instructors on hand to help your game.

This ground-floor 2 bedroom apartment benefits from a large garden to the front and side of the property and a jacuzzi. Fully air-conditioned and close to the town centre this property is great for access to all the El Valle golf resort has to offer.

Hacienda Riquelme Golf Course & Property

From an ecological point of view the course at Hacienda Riquelme is well designed as its sown with Papsalum grass which requires less watering but remains in top condition for golfing. For the golfer, the course is larger than average with 18-holes and a par of 72. Fairways are lined with olive trees and wild flowers and there’s five lakes. Once the old Hacienda Manor House at the end of the course has completed its restoration it will provide a dramatic backdrop to the final hole.

The resort itself is apartment only meaning a low-density of property and this 2-bedroom is a great example of what’s on offer at Hacienda Riquelme. Situated on the second-floor with views across the course, it has a communal swimming pool, underground parking and air-conditioned lounge area.

La Loma Golf Course

The La Loma resort has been designed as a sports centre resort and a 9-hole course is currently in the planning phase of construction. Once complete it will aid the resort’s golfing academy and teaching centre. The course will serve to improve the game of beginners as well as providing a fun pitch and putt style challenge to more experienced golfers.

Las Terrazas Golf Course & Property

Another ‘desert’ style golf course can be found at Las Terrazas golf resort. Similar to El Valle and designed to be reminiscent of the Jack Nicklaus ‘Lake’ course in Las Vegas, the course at Las Terrazas is currently under construction but once complete will be one of the jewels in the crown of the Nicklaus Golf Trail. Rolling fairways and undulating greens run through the desert style dunes and around a large six hectare lake. The 18-hole par 72 will have similar characteristics to the links courses found in the UK but with the benefit of Spanish sunshine!

Now’s the time to take advantage of a property at this “apartment only” resort and this 2-bedroom second floor apartment overlooks the communal pool with a south-west facing balcony.

Condado de Alhama Golf Courses & Property

Notice we say courses for the Condado de Alhama resort because this great location will boast three Nicklaus Design golf courses. The first is a Jack Nicklaus Principal Signature course meaning the great man designed it himself for Polaris World. With 18-holes and a par of 72, this course promises to be the best on the Golf Trail with elevations that change sharply and four lakes providing a dramatic backdrop.

The second and third courses are in the planning phase but will be designed as ‘replica courses’. This will mean 18 different holes at each course that are replicas of Nicklaus Signature Courses from around the world including: Muirfield, Royal Palm and Bayside. The first course will be reminiscent of the tropical style course found at Florida Parklands while the second will have holes selected from 240 Signature Courses in the desert style similar to Mexico and Arizona.

The potential for some of the best golf in the world at the Condado de Alhama resort will surely have whetted your appetite to buy a property and this stunning first floor 2-bedroom apartment could be the one. Great views across the lake and access to the communal swimming pool are just some of the benefits

And remember, as a Polaris World property owner and resident you have discounted tariffs for all the golf courses on the Nicklaus Golf Trail.

Hacienda Riquelme Resales

The Hacienda Riquelme Polaris World golf resort is apartment only which means a low-density of buildings – indeed the first thing you’ll notice is how expansive this resort feels with its stunning gardens and apartments modelled on the existing colonial architectural style. Some of the best Hacienda Riquelme resale properties currently available are listed below:

	This beautiful 2-bedroom apartment is situated on the second-floor and served by a lift to a private underground car-park. It’s ‘L’ shaped terrace is south-east facing and overlooks the golf course, private communal swimming pool and resort lakes.
	With views across the 17th fairway of the golf course, this first floor 2-bedroom apartment is situated within landscaped gardens and offers air-conditioned living spaces with double bedrooms opening out onto a rear terrace.
	Those looking for ground floor living will find this apartment situated at the 13th hole with views across the golf course and pool. 2 bedrooms and air-conditioned living areas plus a private underground parking space make this property an attractive purchase.

Hacienda Riquelme facilities

The golf resort is benefiting from ongoing development providing residents with an ever expanding selection of new facilities. The main focus is around the restoration of the Hacienda building which will eventually be the site of a new clubhouse, shops and restaurants (the building itself will be home to two themed Italian and Mexican restaurants). Once completed the resort will have a 5 star town plaza but in the meantime residents can take advantage of the excellent facilities within the other nearby Polaris World resorts of Mar Menor, La Torre, El Valle and Las Terrazas.

The highlight of the Hacienda Riquelme development is the Jack Nicklaus designed golf course. One of the longest courses on the Nicklaus golf trail, Hacienda Riquelme is a good test for golfers with plenty of lakes and olive-tree lined fairways.

There are plenty of discounts to be found on green fees and annual memberships. A year’s annual membership to play on all of the Nicklaus Golf Trail courses (9 in total) costs around 2,500 Euros or you can get a round of golf during the spring summer months on the Hacienda Riquelme course and other Polaris World courses after 3pm (twilight) for about 30 Euros. A shuttle bus service links the Polaris World resorts should you want to leave the car behind.

Hacienda Riquelme currently has a Sports Area under construction which will contain tennis courts, paddle tennis courts and and a floodlit multi-sport area as well as a playground.

Out and about

Outside of the resort you’ll find plenty of activities and places of interest. The Murcia region has some fantastic local markets to visit in the nearby towns and villages of Sucina, Los Alcavares, San Pedro del Pinatar and Torre Pacheco. Each town hosts a market on different days of the week typically between 9:00am and 1:30pm. Sucina is the closest town but all the other locations are within a short 20-30 minute drive from the resort.

For the film-lovers among you, the shopping centre complex at Los Najeros (just north of Los Alcavares and a 25 minute drive away) has a cinema showing English-speaking films as does the cinema at Pilar de la Horadada on alternate weekends (about 30 minutes drive from the golf resort).

If you love the beach and water sports, the Mar Menor coast with its crystal clear water and pretty beaches is just a 20 minute drive away.