El Rancho is one of the largest communities within the resort of La Manga Club and comprises 150 villas surrounding mature gardens and 9 swimming pools.
La Manga Club is located in a unique setting amid the rolling hills that separate the crystalline Mediterranean from the warm waters of the Mar Menor Sea in Murcia, southern Spain. Lying to the south of the Costa Blanca, this region is known as the Costa Cálida, or 'warm coast', thanks to its mild, year-round Mediterranean climate.
One of the Costa Cálida's biggest attractions is the resort itself. The beautifully landscaped 1400-acre resort is home to three of Europe's finest golf courses, a 28-court Tennis Centre, eight-pitch Professional Football Centre, cricket pitches, bowls, a luxury Spa and Fitness Centre, swimming pools and elegant residential developments, as well as the 5 star La Manga hotel, holiday apartments, villas and a vast array of restaurants, bars, shops and services, all tastefully laid out amid palms, pine trees, lemon groves and oleander-lined streets. Close by, La Manga del Mar Menor, from which the resort gets its name, is the narrow strip of land that separates the Mediterranean from the Mar Menor (Europe's largest saltwater lagoon), which is over 22 kilometres long and stretches from the fishing village of Cabo de Palos to the salt flats of San Pedro del Pinatar. With beaches fronting both the Mediterranean and the Mar Menor, the region is ideal for water sports, and numerous sailing centres offer lessons in windsurfing, waterskiing and sailing.
Golf - click here for prices There is one full set of golf clubs in the villa, available for guests free of charge - please let me know in advance if you wish to borrow these. You should bring your own golf shoes.
La Manga Club is without doubt any golfer's dream destination with three differing 18 hole courses and facilities that equal some of the finest golf resorts in the world. Tee times can be pre-booked. The championship North and South courses, pars 71 and 72 respectively, sprawl between palm trees, lakes and barrancas with both 18th greens finishing beside the hotel. The South course is arguably the more difficult due to its extra length and requires a handicap certificate to play - click here for scorecards and layout. The now well established West course with its stunning views, lush scenery and winding fairways offers golfers the ideal alternative to the ever-popular championship North and South courses. Additionally, there's the immaculate Par 47 pitch and putt course for that quick round after tea.
Next to the golf clubhouse is the golf academy with computer assisted video technology to help the professionals analyse your swing. There is a 5-day course with 3 hours tuition each morning suitable for beginners and improvers. Professionals are also available for individual lessons. There is an 80-bay floodlit driving range, a practice bunker and practice putting greens. Soft spikes are mandatory on all courses. Spikes can be changed for a small fee at the golf clubhouse. Gentlemen must wear a shirt with collar and socks, and either trousers or Bermuda shorts. Women may wear shorts, skirt or trousers with a blouse or polo shirt. No denims are allowed.
Visit or call the Golf Administration office (00 34 968 175000 ext 1360) in the clubhouse to:reserve tee times (essential), collect score cards, register for competitions, reserve golf academy or lessons, hire buggies, trolleys, clubs, shoes, lockers and practice balls, change spikes to soft spikes, buy top brand golf equipment and clothes in the pro-shop. To book tee times up to 12 months in advance you can send an email to golf@lamangaclub.com or send a fax to 0034 968 175058 or visit www.golf.lamangaclub.com. Remember to mention the number of players, dates, times and which course(s) you wish to play.
Competitions are held every Monday (4 ball better ball), Wednesday (individual medal) and Friday (individual stableford). To book times for these competitions send an email to golf@lamangaclub.com with names of players, handicaps, dates of competition you wish to enter, and a credit card number to pay the entry fee of 3€ per person per competition in addition to the green fee. The draw for the competitions is done on the day before the competition. You can check tee-off times at Golf Administration, at the Hotel reception, or on the Owners web site.
Tennis - click here for rates
There are 28 top class courts in the centre of the resort for the tennis enthusiasts, including a floodlit Centre Court with seating for up to 1,200 people. Regular tournaments are held throughout the year and there is a very popular coaching course for the children. The tennis academy has the latest computer assisted video analysis in its air-conditioned room. There is a brand new clubhouse offering pre and post match refreshments and a wonderful healthy breakfast option (with or without Buck's Fizz).
Players of all ages and levels can be accommodated. Call tennis reception (0034 968 175000 ext 1666) or email
tennis@lamangaclub.com to: reserve courts (essential July/August), register for tournaments, book the academy or individual lessons (essential in July/August).
Further information can also be found at www.tennis.lamangaclub.com.
The resort has its own small secluded cove called La Cala, which is very beautiful. It gets very hot and there are a limited number of parasols, so go early if you want some shade. There are many other beaches in the surrounding area on both the Mar Menor and Mediterranean coasts, ranging from the totally unspoiled to lively beaches with full facilities and water sports.
Bowling - click here for rates
There is a bowling green at the Tennis Centre with regular tournaments. Woods are available for hire.
Climbing
There is a climbing wall at the Tennis Centre with regular supervised sessions.
Crazy Golf - click here for rates
Available at the Tennis Centre and Las Lomas.
Fitness Centre and Spa - click here for rates
There are 2 fully equipped gyms and spas located at Los Lomas and at the tennis centre.
Go-Karting
There is a go-kart track located on the MU-312 road near Cabo de Palos.
Hill Walking and Trekking
The hills surrounding the resort offer some excellent walking country with well marked paths and many stunning views. A book of walks is provided in the villa
Horse Riding
The Rancho de la Fuente has lessons, picnic rides, beach rides and excursions in the nearby village of Los Belones.
Hairdressing and Beauty Treatments
The hotel lobby has a hairdresser for both men and women. There is a Clarins salon based in the tennis centre which offers the usual range of facials, beauty treatments, depilatory treatments and massage.
Jogging
There are marked jogging trails around the resort. Maps are provided in the villa
Mountain Biking and Cycling
Cycle hire is available from the Activity Centre near the petrol station. Mountain bikers will love the varied terrain around the hills and there are flat country roads for explorers too.
Sailing
RYA courses for all levels are available at Team Unlimited in Estrella de Mar near Los Urrutias.
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
The Adventure Divers Scuba Centre at Las Lomas offers PADI courses for all levels and arranges off-shore diving excursions. There is a marine reserve near Cabo de Palos which has an enviable reputation as a dive site.
Sea Fishing
Sea fishing excursions can be arranged locally in Cabo de Palos.
Swimming Pools
El Rancho has 9 pools and any of these can be used by guests staying in the El Rancho community. There is also a multi level open air pool at the tennis centre (open in summer). This has 3 separate depths and a large sunbathing area around it, with a bar and restaurant on site. The aquaerobic classes take place here, bookable at the tennis centre reception. Water Sports
The sheltered waters of the Mar Menor are ideal for jet skiing, windsurfing, water skiing and all sorts of water sports.There are a lot of centres along the coast offering both tuition and hire.
Children
Children are welcome at all restaurants and most bars on the resort, although there may be some time restrictions. These are clearly marked on notice boards at the entrances. Most restaurants have a special kids' menu and high chairs will be available on request.There is an activity club the 'Mini Club Fiesta' next to the pool by the tennis centre for children aged 2 to 12, although experience suggests it is more suitable for the younger children. It is open from 0930 to 1830 and provides a safe environment for the children to play in. They can be contacted on 0034 968 175000 ext 8092.
Tennis coaching is available for children aged 4 and over. The pretty Par 47 pitch and putt course is next to the petrol station opposite the tennis centre.
Banks & Bureau de Change
There are numerous banks and cash machines around the resort. Many are located in the Las Sabinas Commercial Centre. Opening hours are normally 9.30am until 1pm. Monday to Friday.
Bus Service
A resort bus operates on resort during the summer months and will take people to most of the sportsactivities and restaurants on resort at designated stops, the nearest is next to the doctors surgery (5 mins walk). Local buses operate from Los Belones to Cartagena. There is also a bus service that runs along La Manga Beach.
Drinking Water
You may prefer not to drink the tap water, although it is safe and we drink it all the time. Bottled water is widely available throughout the resort.
There are 2 farmacias . One is located in Bellaluz Square and the other in La Plaza opposite the petrol station.
There are two Catholic churches in the area, one in Los Belones and the other in Cabo De Palos. Mass is held on Sunday in Los Belones at 12 noon and 10.30 am in Cabo De Palos. Services are also held one Sunday a month at Las Lomas within La Manga Club.
For emergency dental treatment the local dentist can be called on 968 137210 or 968 564979.
Doctors
There is a doctor on resort. The medical centre is situated by the telephone exchange (5 mins walk). No appointment is required although in high season it is advisable to phone beforehand. There is a 24 hour emergency service throughout the year (Telephone number 968 175000 and ask for the Medical Centre or Emergency Service as appropriate. Internal number 2255).The Club also has its own private ambulance.
Electricity
The standard current is 220v which is the same as the UK, but with a continental 2-pin plug. If you take appliances you will need a universal adaptor plug.
Hairdresser
A salon can be found in the lobby of the Hyatt Hotel. Open Monday to Saturday.
Mini Club
Located near the Tennis Centre, the air-conditioned Mini-Club Fiesta has just been extended and completely refurbished, offering youngsters a far greater range of facilities than ever before. At the Mini-Club, a team of experienced, caring staff will ensure that children aged 3 months to 12 years are well looked after, allowing parents the freedom to relax and do as they please.
Newspapers
English newspapers (printed in Spain) are available in Resort by about 11am same day. On sale at the supermarket in Bellaluz Square or in the lobby of the Hyatt Hotel.
Petrol
The Club has its own petrol station open from 9am to 10pm. Credit cards are accepted.
Postage Stamps
On sale at the Post Office in Las Sabinas or at the tobacconist in Bellaluz Square. Post boxes can be found at the Hyatt Hotel, Bellaluz Square and Las Sabinas.
Shopping
Spanish opening hours are usually 10.00am - 1.00pm and 5.00pm to 8.00pm, although both supermarkets on the resort are open all day including the supermarket in Bellaluz Square.(Winter/Spring returns to shorter opening hours). Within the Resort there are numerous gift shops and fashion boutiques. There is also a well stocked golf shop and tennis shop.The Hyatt Hotel lobby also has a selection of shops.
Within the Resort you can find supermarkets at Bellaluz Square, Las Sabinas (in the basement), and Las Lomas. Opening times vary but the Bellaluz supermarket is open daily from 8am to 8pm although times can vary during the winter months. There is also a larger supermarket at Cabo de Palos and a Carrefour hypermarket near Cartagena.
Telephone
To call the UK from Spain. Wait for the dialing tone then dial 00 (international), 44 (country code for the UK) followed by the area code (without the first 0) and then the telephone number. Telephone kiosks are located around the Club and on Bellaluz Square. If you are using a mobile phone and ringing another UK mobile phone within Spain you will have to dial 0044 as above and omit the 0 . This is treated as an international call and will be expensive. If you are calling a local restaurant you can simply dial 968 followed by the 6 digit local number. However there is a telephone in the villa where you can simply dial the Internal Extension number.
Spain is normally one hour ahead of the UK.
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