I am not aware of any international awards for pitch and putt courses, but if there were this course would be a contender. Known as Par 47, it’s a first-class facility that’s a big hit with all ages. The 18-hole course is beautifully kept and meets the requirements demanded by the fussiest golfer. The standard of player varies widely, from toddlers who can barely hold a club, to low-handicap gnarled veterans determined to show everyone how it’s done.
At nine Euros a round it’s quite pricey, but keeps my two boys (8 &10 years old) quiet for at least an hour.
 
 
The price does include club hire and one ball. If you do lose a ball, just pick up another from the pay booth - each replacement ball costs one Euro.
The variety of hole on offer in a fairly limited space is quite amazing, but it’s the water that’s the real attraction (for the ball that is).
 
Golf La Manga Club is more than just smashing a small white object around a large green park. Golf La Manga Club style is about looking the part too. So, if you are thinking of playing a round of golf La Manga Club please meet the strict dress code.
To make sure you don’t transgress the golf La Manga Club rules, here is a rough guide. If you are still worried, have a look round the very well stocked golf La Manga Club shop for more ideas.
Standard head gear, of the type available from the local pro shop, is acceptable. However, peaked caps are never to be worn backwards.
Shirts must have a collar and be tucked in at all times, unless they are specifically designed not to tuck in. Sports shirts need be golf related, in other words no football/rugby, or other type of sport apparel is acceptable.
Trousers should also be appropriate to golf. Under no circumstances are denim, combat, tracksuits or anything that looks more at home on a football terrace be acceptable. The issue of shorts gets even more complex. Tailored Bermuda shorts are fine, but must not have a patch pocket or reach below the knee, or for that matter rise more that 10cm above the knee. Shorts must also be worn with socks. If you prefer a knee-high sock, it needs to be a single colour. Short socks must reach above the ankle and be white. Ladies can wear golf skirts and culottes.
Stick to golf shoes with soft spikes, but trainers of the black or white variety are permitted. Players considering sandals should head for the beach rather than the bunker!
Watersports at La Manga Club are generally limited to splashing round the pool. However if you can summon up the energy, its well worth popping out of the resort and down to the Mar Menor. This protected piece of water is an ideal spot to learn a new sport. It’s fairly shallow, has no tide and stays warm even in Winter – so it’s great for kids.
 
During this year’s October half term break I finally persuaded the family to give it a go. So having bought some cheap wetsuits at Decathlon (mine cost £5) we booked a Kayak safari with Aqua Adicta. Despite some initial concern from the crew, our 2-hour safari in two-man kayaks was a great success. After basic instruction we headed for a near-by beach for a spot of snorkelling. The English couple who own and run Aqua Adicta, Julian and Lesley Singleton, were both charming. Lesley accompanied us on our safari and was a very enthusiast teacher – the boys appreciated the nature charts she brought along for the voyage.
 The best recommendation is repeat business and my boys kept repeating that they wanted to come back. I am sure we will be paddling up and down the Mar Menor for years to come.
This rugged nature reserve on the edge of the La Manga Club resort is well worth a visit – particularly if you like long stretches of golden sandy beeches. This unspoilt wilderness is easily accessible off the MU-312. Turn right out of the resort towards the La Manga strip and take the slip road signposted Calblanque.
Things get a bit rougher here. While there are roads, these are of the dirt track variety. We are not talking 4×4 territory, but you’ll be glad you’re in a hire car.
Signposts tend to disappear, but all roads lead to the beach. The wide, sandy beaches are easy to reach via wooden walkways. Just watch out for the flies in the covered car parks – move fast, or prepare to be bitten.
There are no facilities, so if you’re going for some time take basic provisions. The Mediterranean here can get quite choppy and lifeguards are few and far between.
As a rough guide, the further West you go, the quieter the beach, the rougher the access and more naked the bathers.
The main beaches going East to West are:
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Playa de Calblanque – a popular destination with easy access and some shelter if conditions are windy.
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Playa Larga – the longest of the beeches, stick to the main paths from the car park otherwise access can be quite tough.
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Playa Negrete – lovely sandy beech, with rocks and caves. This involves driving a fairly rough road. Oh by the way, this is the designated nudist beach.
For the more adventurous, there are further secluded bays reached by footpaths that are very steep in places.
Accommodation in La Manga club is spread throughout the resort and is in large part made up of ‘communities’ - these consist of clusters of buildings which are similar in design and size. In addition, there are individual villas in La Manga sited on large private plots.
When choosing a La Manga villa rental some knowledge of the community is useful. While the vast majority of La Manga villa rental properties generally meet a high standard, each community has its strengths and weaknesses.
Some La Manga rental villas are more suitable for families, others are closer to the sporting action. The good news is that there is a wide choice on offer. Do some digging around and you’ll find a community that suits your particular needs. Keep checking this blog – over the next few weeks I’ll be giving a brief overview of each community.
Whichever community you decide on, it’s a good idea to hire a car. La Manga Club covers a huge area – apparently it’s roughly the same size as Monaco. So even if you never venture off the resort to explore the surrounding area, chances are you’ll appreciate the transport.
It’s easy to rent a villa in La Manga. While there are many La Manga club villa owners who have chosen to live in the resort, there are plenty of others who use their properties for just a few weeks a year and are only too happy to rent their properties out to holiday makers.
La Manga villa rentals is a full-time business for a number of travel agents. I have personal experience of two, Barwell and Design Holidays. Both are excellent and will arrange a complete holiday package to La Manga Club. This is particularly useful for first-time visitors, but the cheapest option is to rent a La Manga villa directly from the owners.
Most rental villas in La Manga Club are managed on site by property management agents. The agents make sure the properties are maintained and prepare them for holiday rentals. Customers should expect to find an immaculate home-from-home, with fully made up beds, clean towels and a few basics like water and bread in the fridge. Visitors staying for more than seven nights should have a mid-break clean included in their rental price.
The range of La Manga Club villas on offer is huge, from a luxury villa to rent that stands in its own grounds, to small one-bedroom apartments. Many owners have their own websites which offer a full description of the property, together with details on availability and price. There are also a number of specialist villa rental sites, such as www.villarenters.com
During the peak Summer season, most La Manga villa rentals run from Saturday to Saturday and expect the property to be vacant by 10.00am to allow for cleaning and change over. However, many owners are quite flexible with check out times and mid-week starts, particularly during the off-peak. With daily flights now an easy option, short breaks are becoming increasingly popular.
