Golf Circus #IGTM 2017

ALL YOU NEED IS GOLF

20

S

P

IGTM

IAL C E

17

EDIT IO

N

LA MANGA CLUB

IBEROSTAR

FINCA CORTESIN

COSTA BALLENA

ONA VALLE ROMANO

MELIA VILLAITANA

TRYP PORT CAMBRILS

MELIA SITGES TERRAMAR

HACIENDA MONTENMEDIO

TRYP CASTELLON CENTER

LOS NARANJOS GC RIO REAL GOLF & HOTEL MELIA HACIENDA DEL CONDE LA RESERVA CLUB SOTOGRANDE

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Por su extraordinario clima, la amabilidad de sus gentes, su completa oferta, el magnĂ­fico trato de sus profesionales. Un destino en el que vivir extraordinarias experiencias todo el aĂąo.

#ViveCostadelSol

MARIO U S 06 . HACIENDA MONTENMEDIO 10. VALLE ROMANO 14. FINCA CORTESÍN JOSÉ MARÍA FERREIRA Editor y Director de Golf Circus Magazine

18. LA MANGA CLUB 2 2. LOS NARANJOS GOLF CLUB

GolfCircus @GolfCircus

2 6. LA RESERVA CLUB SOTOGRANDE 3 0. RÍO REAL GOLF & HOTEL

GolfCircusMagazine Golf Circus Magazine

GOLF CIRCUS MAGAZINE Tel. +34 633 072 626 info@golfcircus.com www.golfcircus.com

Fotografías - stock: Shutterstock.com Gráficos vectoriales - stock: Freepik.es

3 4. BUENAVISTA GOLF & MELIÁ HACIENDA DEL CONDE 38. COSTA BALLENA 42. MELIÁ VILLAITANA GOLF 46 . IBEROSTAR 50. MELIÁ SITGES TERRAMAR 5 4. TRYP CASTELLÓN CENTER

Diseño y maquetación: Raulleon.es

5 8. TRYP PORT CAMBRILS Golf Circus no se hace responsable de la opinión de sus colaboradores en los trabajos publicados, ni se identifica necesariamente con los mismos. Queda prohibido reproducir total o parcialmente el contenido de esta revista, aún citando procedencia, sin autorización expresa y por escrito del editor.

04 | GC26

HACIENDA MONTENMEDIO I N W I LD NATU R E HOTEL HACIENDA MONTENMEDIO IS LOCATED IN VEJÉR DE LA FRONTERA MUNICIPALITY IN CÁDIZ PROVINCE, THE HOTEL IS SURROUNDED BY NATURE RESERVES WHERE THE FLORA, FAUNA AND NATIVE CLIMATE ARE THE MAIN PROTAGONISTS.

————— La Dehesa de Montenmedio is a 500-hectare estate, including Hotel Hacienda Montenmedio, offering country-style accommodation with all the comforts of a city hotel. The building, a stunningly attractive old Andalucian farmhouse, has 24 double rooms and three junior suites, well equipped and decorated. Its colonial-style living rooms are pleasantly cosy lounge areas where clients can relax while being surrounded by nature.

The estate is located just 15 minutes by car from Cádiz province’s best beaches. Zahara de los Atunes, Barbate, Conil and Sancti

Petri are not only paradisiacal beach resorts but also offer excellent cuisine based mainly on sea products. Almadraba (tunny-fished) tuna is, for example, highly appreciated and renowned worldwide, and a culinary delicacy that should not be missed.

Another attraction for those staying at Hacienda Montenmedio is the famous route of the white villages. The distinctive white lime is blended from village to village along a route that passes through the Cádiz mountain range, interspersed with towns whose venerable histories of everyday AlAndalus life endure in their urban streets, economies linked to olive tree farming, ar-

GC26 |

07

— If you like golf, you have come to the right place: its course is in perfect condition and its golf academy offers everything a golfer could want, for both experienced players and beginners.

—

tisanal production of leather articles, and recipes for typical Andalucian sweets.

However, Montenmedio is also about sport.

It has the most comprehensive amenities in Europe for equestrian sports and competition, mainly in four disciplines: jumping, dressage, harness-racing and combined. Its 4x4 quad and cycling routes enable guests to enjoy the natural surroundings in all their splendour – and in stimulating fashion.

And if you like golf, you have come to the right place: its course is in perfect condition and its golf academy offers everything a golfer could want, for both experienced players and beginners.

Hacienda Montenmedio also offers the perfect “I do”. Everything a bride and groom have dreamed about becomes a reality. The hotel’s experience in organising weddings, the quality of its services and the natural setting where these kinds of events are held all make it the ideal venue. ✪

MONTENMEDIO GOLF&COUNTRY CLUB T. 956 455 004 www.montenmedio.es

VAL LE ROMANO I N T E RV I EW W I T H

A LBERTO RODR IG UEZ COM ME RC I AL M AN AGE R O F ONA VA L L E R OMA NO

10

| GC26

GC26 |

11

————— What are your responsibilities in the commercial department of ONA Hotels?

I was hired by Ona Hotels to continue positioning the chain, and Ona Valle Romano, as one of the most important resorts on the Costa del Sol on a national and an international level. On the other hand, the setting up of Ona Golf was also intended to start a new stage of development in the company.

Ona Golf means that Ona chain is committed to this sector clearly and to the work needed to develop, commercialize and position this product.

We started with an initial portfolio of 30 hotels; eight of them have golf packages in consolidated destinations and are considered by Tour Operators and countries all around Europe.

Ona Golf aims to become not only a chain committed to golf but we also have the intention of consolidating our brand in the sector and of positioning it as a reference point.

How would you describe Ona Valle Romano Resort to someone who does not know about it?

Ona Valle Romano is clearly surprising.

People are impressed by its extraordinary

12

| GC26

location; the complex is located between the fairways of holes 3 and 8. There are white stepped buildings with large terraces that are beautifully finished and fully equipped with the best technology. In my opinion, this is our best asset; we have a hotel with luxury apartments and this is not the same as apartment hotels with hotel service.

The advertising campaign carried out by Valle Romano to promote the resort is worth mentioning. Fernández-Castaño and Seve Ballesteros helped with the promotion and everybody knows about us because of this.

Apart from Ona Valle Romano Resort, what other hotels are you commercially responsible for? Please, tell us about them.

Ona Hotels chain expands all throughout the country, the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands and Andorra. First, we have consolidated golf destinations such as Marbella where we have Ona Campanario, Ona Bena Vista and Ona Alanda Club Marbella. This is one of our best products not only because of its location but also thanks to the experienced management professionals that work there.

In Mallorca we have several complexes. Ona Aucanada is next to Alcanada Golf Club,

one of the best golf courses on the island.

On the Costa Blanca we have Ona Ogisaka Garden in Denia, and Ona Aldea del Mar in Torrevieja. This is a very important area for me as the Golf Course Association is carrying out excellent promotion work, they are travelling all around Europe all year and this, together with the quality of its golf courses and management, will allow them to continue growing as an alternative destination to the Costa del Sol. Costa Dorada is also one of our areas. We have Ona Club Novelty and Ona Jardines Pasaisol in Salou, less than 5 kilometres away from a reference golf course in the area, Lumine Golf Club.

This makes Ona Hotels chain have a group of 8 apartment hotels spread across the most important golf destinations in Spain such as the Costa del Sol, the Costa Blanca, the Costa Dorada and Mallorca. I think this will be a positive point to position both Ona chain and the new department, Ona Golf. ✪

ONA VALLE ROMANO T. 952 790 000 www.onavalleromano.com

F I NCA CORTES IN · HOTEL, G OLF & SPA ·

FINCA CORTESIN HOTEL, GOLF & SPA HAS HAD PLENTY TO CELEBRATE IN 2017, AND THE DELUXE RESORT HAS MOVED TO PUT THE FOCUS ON ITS GOLFING PRODUCT BY COMMISSIONING A NEW SET OF PHOTOGRAPHS TO HIGHLIGHT THE RECENT UPGRADE OF ITS FIVE-STAR FACILITIES.

GC26 |

15

Miguel Girbés

“Having carried out an extensive upgrade of golf facilities this year including new greens and bunkers, our guests can now enjoy a course that is in exceptional condition all-year round, and it is vital that the resort has an image library that does it full justice.”

“I’ve known Steve for many years and knew he would deliver great results. We are extremely pleased with the outcome and look forward to sharing the new images through our networks and media partners around the world.”

—————— Having made a number of improvements this summer, including becoming the first course in Spain to introduce a new, environmentally-friendly type of Bermuda grass to its greens, the exclusive resort turned to award-winning photographer Steve Carr to capture the full majesty of its Cabell Robinson-designed course and practice facilities.

among Europe’s most exclusive modern golf and lifestyle destination resorts.

Carr, who has photographed some of golf’s most famous venues including PGA Catalunya, Trump Turnberry, Royal Portrush and Le Golf National, host of the 2018 Ryder Cup – took the new images during a visit to Finca Cortesin last month and director of golf Miguel Girbés is delighted with the final results.

In addition, Finca Cortesin has also undertaken a comprehensive bunker drainage improvement programme to reconstruct its bunkers using the renowned ‘Better Billy Bunker’ system, while the course is complemented by outstanding practice facilities including a state-of-the-art Jack Nicklaus Golf Academy.

A three-time host of the Volvo World Match Play Championship and included in Conde Nast Traveler’s recent readers’ list of the world’s best 50 hotels, Finca Cortesin is set across a vast 532-acre estate and is regarded

Renovation work to relay all 18 greens on its championship course, as well as the practice putting green, with a new Ultra Dwarf Bermuda grass began earlier this summer with the course fully reopening barely a month after work commenced.

FINCA CORTESÍN T. 952 937 883 www.fincacortesin.com

LA MANGA CLUB La Manga Club celebrates its 45th anniversary this year in 2017. All this time, they have maintained the same philosophy; they are an extraordinary resort in an unrivalled environment, between the Calblanque region and The Mediterranean Sea. Thanks to its privileged weather all year long, visitors can enjoy a unique experience: exclusivity, sport and leisure.

GC26 |

19

————— Apart from this celebration, La Manga Club has been awarded the prestigious title Real Golf Club. An award only granted to prestigious golf clubs which are more than 25 years old.

La Manga Club has also been the host of the “World Travel Awards” this year. These are known as the Oscars in Golf Tourism and the club was awarded the prizes of “Best Golf Destination in Europe” and “Best Golf Hotel in Spain”.

We talk to Eduardo Ruiz, Golf Manager, and he answers the question, what does this mean for a Resort like La Manga Club? He answers: For La Manga Club having been granted the title of Real Club has meant the culmination of many years of work, determination and dedication to golf.

The application for the title of Real Club took place a year ago, after a conversation with the President of the Real Spanish Golf Federation, Mr. Gonzaga Escauriaza. We presented the reasons why we considered that La Manga deserved this recognition as we have been hosting national and international tournaments for more than five decades and mainly, we have supported this base sport.

From the first moment, both the National Federation and the Golf Federation of the Region of Murcia with its President, Mr. Jose Jover, supported this matter unconditionally.

This award is dedicated to all the members of staff at La Manga Club, its members, founders and all the resort friends that have positioned this complex where it stands now for 45 years. ✪

LA MANGA CLUB T. 968 331 234 www.lamangaclub.com

EL SECRETO MEJOR GUARDADO DE EUROPA Murcia · España

La Manga Club engloba a la perfección ocio, deporte, salud y gastronomía en un entorno natural privilegiado.

En sus 560 hectáreas, el resort dispone de tres campos de golf de 18 hoyos, un centro de tenis y otras instalaciones deportivas además de un spa de lujo, más de 15 restaurantes y alojamiento de cuatro y cinco estrellas donde podrá disfrutar de una estancia única.

LA MANGA CLUB, EL DESTINO PERFECTO PARA TODOS.

Tel. +34 968 17 55 00 reservas@lamangaclub.com lamangaclub.es

Los Naranjos Golf Club Launches its own App

Los Naranjos Golf Club has taken on a new challenge. It has launched its own application for mobile phones.

GC26 |

23

————— This is a great step forward in communication and interaction with members, visitors and users. There are many reasons why a company needs to contact users using its own mobile phone application.

Considering their own experience, the Club lists the advantages of mobile phone applications.

-It will open a new communication channel with clients. It will allow you to share information and improve interaction with proficient technological users.

-You will exceed the competition. Not all companies have their own App. This will enable you to exceed direct competitors and attract new members.

-You can use the App. as a new sales chan-

24

| GC26

nel. Nowadays, because of the lack of free time, most customers look for a direct alternative to buy and book online.

-You will have brand presence in App Store and Google Play Store. Currently, most people have mobile phones and they trust apps to receive information to either make bookings or buy online.

-You can send notifications. Due to the rising and saturation of online communication mainly by email, users usually treat most newsletters as spam. By using the App. companies can contact users and send them pieces of news, products and promotions any time.

-You can use the app as a 24-hour customer service channel. Registered users will have

a personalized channel that can deal with their doubts and suggestions without having to phone and thus, using a more immediate and direct channel.

Finally, the number of users who have mobiles has increased exponentially, so companies need to be technologically prepared to interact with their customers using all possible resources and thus, strengthen their name and distinguish themselves from their competitors. ✪

LOS NARANJOS GC T. 952 815 206 www.losnaranjos.com

La Reserva Club, Sotogrande Interview with Ana Torres Responsible for sales and marketing at La Reserva Club

26

| GC26

GC26 |

27

The “WOW” effect it always has on people. Playing at La Reserva Club is an extraordinary experience, of course. It is not only because it is one of the best golf courses in Spain, designed by Cabell B. Robinson, with long holes and wide greens, but also because of the five-star service we offer visitors.

————— What are your responsibilities in the commercial department at La Reserva Club?

I am responsible for Sales and Marketing at La Reserva Club, I am in charge of planning and implementing the commercial strategy of the Club; I design fees, offers, budgets and events. From a commercial point of view, commercialization and opening new markets are key points. On the other hand, attracting new members and season ticket holders for this extraordinary community within Sotogrande must be supported with the right marketing actions.

La Reserva of Sotogrande is much more than a golf course, tell us about what is offered to visitors.

La Reserva is a community that stands as the new Sotogrande; it maintains the essence of the destination but it goes even further as it adds a more modern touch and adapts to life style nowadays.

28

| GC26

This year we have opened a new sports centre that has four tennis clay courts, five paddle tennis courts and a sports area.

Regarding eating facilities, you will fall in love with L’Olive restaurant. It has been carefully decorated, in a discreet but sophisticated style that fits with the philosophy of La Reserva Club perfectly. It is the ideal place where you can have a club sandwich after you have played a game of golf or have a formal dinner. We also have inviting elegant rooms where you can organize small gatherings. In addition, we have different outdoor places where you can celebrate unique events.

Besides, last November we started the works of “The Valley” a new development that will include the first sand pool in Spain, our own beach with a beach club, an outdoor pool and a sport lake. All this will open in the summer of 2018!

How would you describe La Reserva de Sotogrande to someone who has never visited it before?

La Reserva will not disappoint you.

Our impressive club house will welcome you. As we go into the club, we enter into an atmosphere of peace and exclusivity.

Manuel Piñero’s mementoes and trophies can be seen around the club; this is a real present for golf lovers. I enjoy each visit I guide around, and the “WOW” effect it always has on people. Playing at La Reserva Club is an extraordinary experience, of course. It is not only because it is one of the best golf courses in Spain, designed by Cabell B. Robinson, with long holes and wide greens, but also because of the fivestar service we offer visitors. ✪ LA RESERVA CLUB SOTOGRANDE T. +34 956 785 252 www.lareservaclubsotogrande.com

Play the Sotogrande Classic La Reserva Club, Real Club Valderrama and Real Club Sotogrande

Play three of Spain’s greatest courses and stay at the heart of celebrated Sotogrande. All three green fees included along with a double superior room at the Almenara Hotel with breakfast included.

(+34) 956 785 252 lareserva.booking@sotogrande.com

Avenida La Reserva, s/n, 11310, Sotogrande lareservaclubsotogrande.com

R I O R EAL

THE CO N CEPT

G OL F & HOTE L

Our busy daily life leaves little time for mind and body balance. Physical relaxation is important, however, peace of mind is more important for running our daily life smoothly.

When we find a connection between these two basic parts, we are closer to the concept “right here, right now”.

It is when you take a deep breath and feel you are in control of these precious moments, moments that only you can make unique, that you feel the peace of mind that you have been

missing all this time and you find yourself in “that state of mind”, a state that you have been searching for in order to reach body and mind clarity to face your daily battles. You reach this state of mind when you are in the right place.

You need rest, a good diet, meditation, some exercise and time for body and mind relaxation. Rio Real Golf offers you exactly that, one of the iconic itineraries on the Costa del Sol, just 5 minutes away from Marbella’s city centre.

GC26 |

31

The calmness of its fairways where you can get away from noise gives you the feeling that you are deep in the country. Players appreciate the fact that a beautiful landscape can be enjoyed from the highest holes and from the holes that have spectacular sea views.

32

| GC26

——————— Inaugurated in 1965, this stunning 18-hole 72 par golf course master piece, was designed by the legendary Javier Arana. It is 6,000 metres long and surrounded by pines, palm trees, casuarinas, olive trees and cypresses. The course takes its name from the river Real "Royal" that flows alongside the itinerary all the way to the Mediterranean. The calmness of its fairways where you can get away from noise gives you the feeling that you are deep in the country. Players appreciate the fact that a beautiful landscape can be enjoyed from the highest holes and from the holes that have spectacular sea views. In conclusion, Rio Real is a golf course close to the “right here, right now” concept, nature, sport and

quietness to reach mind and body balance.

Currently, the Rio Real Academy is managed by Sergio de Céspedes, a professional player. Its teaching methodology is based on the visual analysis of the ball movements, the dimensions of the swing and the practice of strokes in different areas. All the courses offered by the Rio Real Academy are designed by professionals and tailored to suit your needs, according to your level, intended objectives and players’ availability.

The Resort Boutique Hotel located in the heart of the golf course plot was opened in 2001. Decorated by the prestigious interior designer Pascua Ortega. The hotel has 30

rooms and suites overlooking hole 11 with its project to become 5 stars in 2018. Its wellness center has different baths circuits and offers massages and facial and body treatments.

Accommodation and golf packages can be found in the web www.rioreal.com where you can check different options and possibilities. ✪

RIO REAL GOLF & HOTEL T. 952 765 732 www.rioreal.com

BUENAV I S TA G O L F & M E LIÁ HACIE NDA DEL CONDE A good year

Buenavista Golf is preparing itself for its 25th anniversary next year in excellent conditions. It intends to position itself as the golf course reference in the Canary Islands. The conscientious work and the significant improvements taken place in all areas are beginning to yield results since Melia Hotels International took charge of the management of the course and of the luxurious 5-star hotel Meliรก Hacienda del Conde next to it two years ago.

GC26 |

35

———— Quality standards as well as maintenance levels have been redefined amongst other measures. After Fernando Borrajo joined the team as Head Greenkeeper, important improvements have been carried out regarding irrigation; the current system Toro has been renewed completely and thus, irrigation has become more homogenous and more efficient in water consumption. On the other hand, the machinery fleet has been increased with more Toro units for mowing and maintenance tasks. Concerning landscape gardening, holes 9 and 11 have been improved with new areas of volcanic sand which are already one of the symbols of its identity.

In the area of facilities, players enjoy a renewed clubs room and a new practice range with a wider tee line with first quality artificial grass as well as electric trollies and a bigger fleet of EZGO buggies that have the latest GPS system. During the summer months, hotel guests and local players that belong to the Members program can enjoy the exclusive Ocean’s Club, a spectacular infinity salted water pool that rises 30 metres high over the Atlantic which is placed in a natural terrace made of volcanic stone.

On the sport side, undoubtedly, 2017 has been the consolidation of the reference annual event, the 2nd Seve Ballesteros Memorial and the Grand Prize Meliá Hacienda del Conde that is part of the Gambito Professional Circuit. Apart from these events, the golf course has hosted the amateur championship of the Canaries Federation, one of the games of the Audi Movistar Plus and the 5th Seve Ballesteros Challenge, a charity event that has raised an important amount of money for the Foundation in charge of the research of children’s brain tumors.

In the words of the Resort’s General Manager, Juan José Moreno: “the level of our golf course was the key to make Meliá Hacienda del Conde what it is now, a golf destination in itself. We are very happy and excited for the recognition and support that all our clients have shown towards the work that has been carried out by our great professional team at Buenavista Golf during these two years. Undoubtedly, this support encourages us to continue working and continue improving the experience of our players every day, aiming to reach the highest degree of excellence”. ✪

36

| GC26

COSTA BALLENA Golf on the shores of the Atlantic

Costa Ballena Ocean Club is located on the shores of the Atlantic in one of the best beaches in Southern Europe, in the Cadiz town Rota. Its 27 championship holes and its 9 holes Par 3, designed by Jose Maria Olazábal, plus the best practice area in all Europe, are the perfect balance between leisure, training and sport.

—————— Costa Ballena Ocean Club is a flat course, where the holes running in parallel to the sea surprise by their beauty and other ones protected by bunkers and strategically placed lakes amaze by their level of demand.

The Par 3 executive course, designed by Jose Maria Olazabal and IGD, has different tees, including a Pitch & Putt itinerary that has been officially recognized by the RFEG (Royal Spanish Golf Federation), where several tournaments of the National Championship have been played.

It has been thoroughly designed, meeting the same quality standards as the Championship course. The various lakes, the greens soft un-

dulations and the many bunkers make this course a challenge not only for professional players and good players looking to improve their game, but also for those beginners performing their baptism by fire for golf.

The practice area is one of the biggest in Europe. It has 345 m wide by 350 m long with a capacity of up to 120 players practicing at the same time. In addition, every practice area has artificial lighting available.

In its putting green with different platforms it is possible to practice any kind of strokes and its two approach and chipping greens are also suitable for practising any shot imaginable from different distances, from grass cut at different heights and from sand bunkers.

GC26 |

39

The Club House in Costa Ballena Ocean Golf Club is a very functional building that keeps a traditional style inspired by the small constructions typical from the Doñana National Park, locally known as “chozas”.

It has locker rooms with sauna, gym, an elegant shop, lounge areas, coffee shop, restaurant, conference room and free Wi-Fi connection.

La Terraza restaurant, placed in the same Club House, is specialized in Andalusian traditional cuisine and especially from Cadiz, which they prepare using fresh and first class products from the market. Its large terrace can accommodate up to 500 guests, making it ideal for family and business meals or special dinners and for all kind of events. ✪ COSTA BALLENA OCEAN GOLF CLUB T. 956 847 070 www.ballenagolf.com

40 | GC26

MELIร VILLAITANA GOLF Has the European Senior Tour on its horizon A lot of work and effort has been carried out by the property, Meliรก Hotels International and the team at Meliรก Villaitana to place this resort and its golf activity as a leading destination.

42

| GC26

GC26 |

43

—————— Its two golf courses, one is a championship course and the other is an executive course, both Nicklaus design, are the reason for this as they can both be combined by any level player. Although the golf course is commercial, play and pay, it has already hosted several amateur national finals such as Audi-Movistar +, Jaguar-Land Rover, Summum Golf, Lady Golf, etc. and it was also awarded the successful Costa Blanca IAGTO Golf Trophy in May 2017.

In 2018 Meliá Villaitana, with the support of the European Senior Tour, will host the Costa Blanca-Benidorm Senior Master Golf. This is an international tournament that belongs to the Senior European Circuit; an organization that groups together all the professionals in the field and that

44 | GC26

will gather great golf legends. This event will have an important media impact on the city as it will be broadcasted to more than 50 countries, like Germany, the United Kingdom, and the USA and it will get to more than 180 million homes.

The agreement signed between the Valencia Regional Government and Alicante Council will enable cooperation between touristic institutions and different golf associations in order to prepare the event that will take place at the end of next year. The meeting that was held in London was attended by David Maclaren, Executive manager of the European Tour, by Francesc Colomer, President of the Tourism Board of Valencia, by César Sánchez, President of Alicante Council, by Antonio Pérez, Major

of Benidorm, by Antonio Mayor, President of Hosbec, by Salvador Lucas, President of Costa Blanca Golf Course Association, by Juan Pintor, Vice-president of the Valencia Golf Federation, by Arjan Ten Have, Development Manager of Meliá Golf and

by Javier Gervás, Manager of JGolf18, the organizing company.

At the end of the meeting, all the people involved were excited to host such an important event with the best senior European players and they highlighted the importance of such significant tourist promotion in the area. The President of Alicante Council, César Sánchez, states that the economic impact of golf on the Costa Blanca’s economy stands at 450 million euros and 10,000 jobs. ✪

U N P U E B LO MEDITERRÁNEO CON M A G N Í F I C A S V I S TA S

Vive unos días únicos con toda tu familia en Meliá Villaitana. Sus campos de golf y la calidad de sus servicios harán que mayores y pequeños disfrutéis al máximo de la Costa Blanca.

www.melia.com

I B E R O S TA R — INTERVIEW WITH RICARDO CIOFFI Commercial Manager for Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in Andalucia

THE IBEROSTAR GROUP CELEBRATED ITS 60TH ANNIVERSARY IN 2016. THE HISTORY OF THIS GROUP IS CLOSELY LINKED TO THE GROWTH OF TOURISM IN SPAIN. CURRENTLY, THE GROUP HAS 100 FOUR AND FIVESTAR HOTELS IN 16 COUNTRIES WORLDWIDE. IBEROSTAR HOTELS & RESORTS IS PART OF THE IBEROSTAR GROUP. THEY HAVE ALWAYS SHOWN A COMMITMENT TO ANDALUCÍA AS A FIVE-STAR HOLIDAY DESTINATION. WE INTERVIEW RICARDO CIOFFI, COMMERCIAL MANAGER FOR IBEROSTAR HOTELS & RESORTS IN ANDALUCÍA. 46 | GC26

——— What are your responsibilities in the Commercial Department of IBEROSTAR? As a Commercial Manager for Andalucía, I am responsible for the commercial strategy for the six hotels that the IBEROSTAR group has in the area. These hotels are located in Novo Sancti Petri, Isla Canela and on the Costa del Sol. Also, the Golf Club IBEROSTAR Real Novo Sancti Petri is part of this group.

This golf club was designed by Severiano Ballesteros and it has two 18-hole itineraries and unique facilities to practice this sport.

Tells us about the hotels you represent.

The IBEROSTAR GROUP currently has more than 100 hotels worldwide. In this group the IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts has 6 hotels in Andalucía located in extraordinary places on the Andalusian coast.

GC26 |

47

IBEROSTAR IS CLEARLY COMMITTED TO HIGH PURCHASING POWER CLIENTS WHO IDENTIFY THEMSELVES WITH GOLF AND THE DIFFERENT GOLF RESORTS AVAILABLE IN THE GROUP.

The IBEROSTAR Isla Canela is located in Ayamonte, in a complex of the same name.

The hotel has 300 rooms with sea views and overlooking the marsh. It is located only 10 minutes from the Algarve and 45 minutes from Seville by road.

The next destination is located in the province of Cádiz. In recent years, IBEROSTAR has created an exceptional destination there to practice golf, tennis, football, and cycling as well as to enjoy the fantastic 8 kilometres-long Barrosa Beach. In Novo Sancti Petri, the chain has two beach front hotels.

They have both been renovated recently and they are situated a few metres away from the Golf Club IBEROSTAR Novo Sancti Petri, mentioned before.

The IBEROSTAR Royal Andalus Hotel has been completely renovated. This hotel is ideal for families in summer and since October it has become the perfect destination for sport lovers. The Hotel IBEROSTAR Andalucía Playa is located next to it. This hotel became a 5* Premium hotel last year.

48

| GC26

Its rooms, suites, sharing pool, lobby, swimming pools, and spa have been totally renovated. Both the Restaurant Buffet D’CAI, Gourmet Market style, and the haute cuisine Cataria Restaurant are worth mentioning.

They offer a culinary experience that uses local products.

on the eastern coast, next to the promenade in Torrox-Costa. This is the ideal place to enjoy a non-touristic area on the coast of Málaga. It is located between Nerja and the Baviera Golf and Añoreta Golf courses and less than an hour away from the monumental city of Granada.

On the Costa del Sol, the IBEROSTAR GROUP has 3 hotels located along the coast. They are all beachfront hotels overlooking the Mediterranean and near the most important town centres. Between Estepona and Marbella, the IBERSOTAR Costa del Sol is located on the beach front and in the area known as the Golf Coast.

It is only 15 minutes away from more than 20 golf courses. The IBEROSTAR Marbella Coral Beach is located only 1 kilometre away from the world-famous Puerto Banús.

This resort will be completely renovated and modernized in 2018 and it offers the Total Relax concept for those clients who want to enjoy exclusive facilities.

How is IBEROSTAR committed to golf?

Regarding golf, IBEROSTAR is clearly committed to high purchasing power clients who identify themselves with Golf and the different Golf Resorts available in the group. Apart from the Novo Sancti Petri Resort, the company has other golf resorts on the Caribbean and in Brazil where the most demanding customers find a perfect destination. ✪

The IBEROSTAR Málaga Playa is located

IBEROSTAR T. 971 998 060 www.iberostar.com

MELIÁ SITGES TERRAMAR Mediterranean Sophistication

50 | GC26

— Guests who want practice their favourite sport have Terramar Golf Club close to the hotel. This is one of the oldest golf clubs in Spain; it has an 18-hole golf course with a club house and it offers family entertainment activities.

—

—————— Meliá rewrites the concept of luxury Mediterranean style in Sitges Terramar by offering unique carefully designed experiences. Its avant-garde architecture has open areas full of light that are ideal for socializing and thus, have become a trendy meeting point.

It is located on Sitges vibrating promenade.

It is a beach front hotel in a quiet place; perfect for walking amongst palm trees, cycling or simply enjoying sunny mornings or nightlife as it has a wide variety of bars, restaurants and shops.

This hotel has fascinating rooms and minimalist style suites with the latest technology and impressive sea views. In addition, special attention is given to detail.

52

| GC26

It leads gastronomic riches in the area as Restaurant Terramar and the new Beach Club that will open in 2018 reinterprets typical Mediterranean dishes in a venturous way.

Meliá Sitges Terramar offers a complete mind/body relaxation experience that includes luxurious facilities, mind and body wellness in its exclusive SPA and personalized treatments and therapies that truly nurtures your senses.

The ME event team makes customers’ ideas reality, not matter how ambitious they are. They can either organize romantic celebrations, big parties or work meetings; they can make dreams come true.

Golf is also an important element at the hotel. Guests who want practice their favourite sport have Terramar Golf Club close to the hotel. This is one of the oldest golf clubs in Spain; it has an 18-hole golf course with a club house and it offers family entertainment activities.

There are also multi-level greens so both beginner and professional golfers can play.

There are also golf tournaments and the possibility of golf lessons at the Club. ✪

MELIÁ SITGES T. 938 110 811 www.melia.com

TRYP Castellรณn Center An excellent option

54

| GC26

— Golf is an important activity for the hotel as Castellón is the home town of one of the best golf players, Sergio García and here is the Club where this golf champion who has recently won the Green Jacket at Augusta, started playing.

— ——— Castellón is the Northern Province in the Valencian Community and the second more mountainous province in Spain.

It has 120 kilometres of coast with excellent beaches next to a diverse natural inland area.

TRYP Castellón is located in the city centre just ten minutes from the beach by road. It is an excellent accommodation option to go sightseeing as it is ideally located and it has complete comfortable facilities and good quality services.

TRYP Castellón Center has 78 fully equipped rooms, 58 are TRYP rooms, 9 family rooms, 9 Premium rooms, 3 Junior Suites and 1 Suite. Facilities at the hotel include high speed Internet access, Buffet breakfast, Restaurant and Lobby Bar, a large light hall with different areas and 9 meeting rooms for up to 1,500 people. It also has a gym with a sauna for clients only.

Golf is an important activity for the hotel as Castellón is the home town of one of the best golf players, Sergio García and here is the Club where this golf champion who has recently won the Green Jacket at Augusta, started playing. The Mediterranean Country Club is the main golf course for Tryp Castellón. It opened in 1978 and it is an 18-hole course, par 72 designed by Ramón Espinosa. It is located in La Coma de Borriol complex which is less than ten minutes away from Castellón de la Plana. ✪ TRYP CASTELLÓN CENTER T. 964 342 777 www.melia.com

56

| GC26

TRYP Port Cambrils In the heart of the Costa Daurada

— Lumine Golf Club, the nearest to the hotel, has three golf courses; two of them were designed by Greg Norman, a golf legend, and the third one by Green Project. Its excellent facilities include two 18-hole courses, one 9-hole golf course, two club houses and a golf school. — GC26 |

59

————— The Hotel TRYP Port Cambrils is located next to the promenade of Cambrils, one of the most beautiful towns on the Costa Daurada. It is 15 minutes away from Tarragona, 12 kilometres away from Reus Airport and one hour away from the city of Barcelona. TRYP Port Cambrils has fully equipped rooms, some with sea views, and different dining facilities (Buffet Restaurant Tosca, a lobby bar and pool), two terraces (Veranda and Tosca), free Internet access in all parts of the hotel, two outdoor swimming pools (for adults and children), a modern gym with two saunas for clients only, 85 parking spaces (extra charged), 10 meeting rooms that can take up to 400 people and a large light hall.

The Costa Daurada is an excellent golf

60 | GC26

destination. It has five golf courses: Lumine Mediterranean Beach & Golf Club, Bonmont Golf Club, Costa Daurada Golf Club and Aigües Verds Golf. Consequently, facilities are available for golf lovers such as rooms for golf clubs and other material, golf course transfers and special rates in the golf courses near the hotel.

requires high precision and strategy whereas Lumine Ruins integrates archeological remains, historic towers and sea views that make it unique. On the other hand, Lumine Hills, 72 par, is 6,378 metres long. It was designed following sustainability development standards and it has an irrigation system that uses recycled water.

Lumine Golf Club, the nearest to the hotel, has three golf courses; two of them were designed by Greg Norman, a golf legend, and the third one by Green Project. Its excellent facilities include two 18-hole courses, one 9-hole golf course, two club houses and a golf school.

The facilities of the resort include three golf courses, a beach club with infinity swimming-pool and two international cuisine restaurants. ✪

Lumine Lakes is possibly one of the most technically difficult designs by Norman; it

TRYP PORT CAMBRILS T. 977 358 600 www.melia.com

LA CALA RESORT One of Andalucia’s best kept secret...

IN THE HEART OF THE COSTA DEL SOL La Cala Resort is an outstanding Golf Resort located between the mountains and the sea, it is only 20 minutes from Marbella and 30 minutes from Malaga Airport, in the heart of the Costa del Sol, Spain.

in Andalucía.

The resort has an unparalleled area: four million square meters, including the hotel, a spa and wellness area, three golf courses and sports facilities, as well as a wide range of restaurants.

We’re passionate about our golfing pedigree and it shows. Designed by the renowned Cabell Robinson, each 18-hole course has been created to ensure a testing, yet truly exhilarating experience.

The sharp scent of damp grass, the first grip of the club, the thrill of the challenge…

It’s no secret that La Cala is one of the finest golf resorts

Three superb championship courses, each presenting its own unique challenges, slot seamlessly into a natural undulating backdrop of stunningly beautiful trees and flowers, rich with birds and wildlife.

As well as our three 18 hole championship golf courses Mijas, La Cala Resort also offers a delightful clubhouse, an excellent Golf Academy and the well-stocked Sport shop.

EN PLENO CORAZÓN DE LA COSTA DEL SOL La Cala Resort es un complejo hotelero con Spa, Golf y Ocio ubicado en Mijas, en pleno corazón de la Costa del Sol, en un enclave privilegiado entre montañas y el mar Mediterráneo, un entorno de lujo que combina la tranquilidad y relajación del paisaje con el disfrute de la zona.

El resort está estratégicamente situado: a 20 minutos de Marbella y a 30 minutos del Aeropuerto Internacional Málaga-Costa del Sol. El complejo posee una extensión inigualable: cuatro millones de metros cuadrados, dentro de los cuales alberga el hotel, zona de spa y wellness, tres campos de golf e instalaciones deportivas, así como con una amplia oferta de restauración.

El olor a hierba húmeda, el primer momento donde coges tu palo de golf, la emoción del desafío…

No es ningún secreto que La Cala es uno de los mejores resorts de golf en Andalucía.

Cuenta con tres magníficos campos de golf, cada campo ofrece al golfista un reto único y diferente, integrado a la perfección en un entorno natural de terreno ondulado con un espectacular paisaje de fondo, árboles y flores de gran belleza, gran variedad de aves autóctonas y vida silvestre.

Estamos orgullosos de nuestros campos de golf y eso se nota. Diseñados por el conocido arquitecto Cabell Robinson, cada uno de los 18 hoyos ha sido creado para asegurar una experiencia verdaderamente estimulante.

Además de los tres campos de golf, La Cala Resort cuenta con un magnífico Club, una excelente Escuela de Golf y una exclusiva tienda de deportes.

A Robert Trent Jones Sr. 1968 Design remodelled by Kyle Phillips

“

The changes are excellent, the additional full length course (65) is outstanding and very competitive.

Miguel Angel Jiménez (September 2017)

R E A L C LU B D E G O L F L AS B R I S AS

C LU B P R I VA DO DE S OC I OS DE S D E 19 68

P RIVAT E MEMBERS C LUB SINC E 1968

Apdo. de correos 147, T+34 952 810 875 | Nueva Andalucía, Marbella | info@realclubdegolflasbrisas.es