Wednesday 21st October 2020, 07:00 am.
I pick up the phone as I head towards Barcelona Airport.
“Hello Neus, hello Laura. Girls, where are we meeting?” (https://www.linkedin.com/company/ouisellyou)
“Hello Roberta, happy day to you too. Let’s meet directly at Terminal 1, gate A15, heading to Cartagena (Murcia). (https://oficinadecongresos.cartagena.es)
Uaahhh…. “How I longed for this, the feeling of excitement and curiosity when participating in a FAM trip. Six selected agencies from Barcelona heading to Cartagena.”
I felt the adrenaline rushing through my body, as if it were the first time. Sometimes we forget the privileges of our job, but now that we can hardly organize anything, what a luxury to be able to discover, touch, and taste a new destination, considering it for one of our upcoming events.
So, even without a “coffee break” moment, with masks on and temperature checked, we boarded the plane and I sat in my beloved window seat, excited to see what awaits us in Cartagena and La Manga!
Arriving at our destination, I must admit it’s not the easiest task. We flew from Barcelona to Alicante and then had about an hour of transfer to La Manga, where we were staying. Nonetheless, the journey is very enjoyable, and if it were easier, it might not be as “unknown.” We quickly forget about that once we check-in!
We are greeted at the airport by two people responsible for the Convention Bureau (www.cartagenapuertodeculturas.com), Marta F. Jimenez and Marien Cava their immense smiles and complete availability set the tone for the entire FamTrip. It’s wonderful to start off like this!
In addition to Marta and Marien, the warm welcome from each and every host has replaced the now-impossible hugs. Although I haven’t been able to see the beaches up close, I have no doubt that the name “Costa Cálida” (Warm Coast) is well-deserved. The people, their friendliness, and their willingness to help us create unique moments and MICE events are evident. I’m sure that if you give us the opportunity to show you, it’s a destination that will surprise you. I apologize for getting carried away with excitement and going off on a tangent! There are just so many cool things to mention.
Returning to the hotel (www.lamangaclub.com) – Its history began in 1972 when Californian golfer and entrepreneur Gregory Peters invested in the construction of a resort similar to those already existing in the United States. It was a pioneering resort in Spain: the first resort in Spain to open with two golf courses at a time when this sport was virtually unknown in the area. Today, its 5-star Hotel Principe Felipe, immersed in the greenery of the golf courses, offers services, lounges, and spaces that are perfectly suited for a great MICE event, with an optimal quality-price ratio.
On their website, they say “Better than home”… and yes, I can attest to that – thanks to Patricia Cegarra (Events Director ) and her team for hosting us and showing us the spaces for meetings, activities, dinners, and a wide range of possibilities without a doubt. It’s no coincidence that in 2012, it was awarded the Best Conference Hotel in Spain (Mice Report Awards). Bravo! I hope to repeat the experience, but this time with a grand event. ☺
Within a short 15-minute drive, you can reach the Mar Menor area. As we approached, it reminded me a lot of the hotel zone in Cancun, and I was surprised to hear the locals refer to the Mar Menor (inside the Manga) and the “Mar Mayor,” referring to the Mediterranean Sea. It’s incredible to discover how this area, which was once just a strip of land owned by a single individual, has now become a hub for tourist resorts and providers of activities and services. They not only cater to regular tourists but also offer venues for events and various sports and water activities, taking advantage of the impressive 360 days of sunshine here! You can even go on horseback excursions in the Calblanque Natural Park (just like what I did on the second day, thanks to Mª del Mar from Mediterranean Unique Experience.
I remember one curious detail: we all imagined that upon arrival, we would encounter a rather “dry” landscape similar to that of Almería, but we were pleasantly surprised to see that there are actually quite a few green areas, and it doesn’t give the impression of “dryness.”
After passing through La Manga, we went directly to discover one of its gems. At Licor 43 , the experience was truly 360 degrees: the proximity of a family-owned company that is 100% technologically advanced and expanding internationally, an architecturally award-worthy building, an unforgettable guided tour led by Experience 43 Director Sergio Jiménez, who accompanied us through the manufacturing process, explained the brand’s history through the museum exhibits, and treated us to a tasting of #Ginger43 followed by an exquisite dinner catered by, which showcased the venue’s potential as a perfect dinner venue. It boasts beautiful gardens, no nearby neighbors, and great versatility. I learned how to make #Ginger43, so now my Vermouth moments have an added touch!
(And to think I had never tasted such a delicacy before!)
On Thursday, we dedicated the entire day to exploring the city of Cartagena. We started the morning quite early after enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel. We needed to fuel up as the day was going to be long and the schedule packed!
After a 15-minute transfer, I was surprised to see a modern, clean, spacious, and incredibly welcoming city. Honestly, I expected it to be more dull and neglected. What a pleasant surprise! And I believe for many who may have been stationed there during their military service, it could be a new discovery. Cartagena is a city in the midst of renaissance and growth.
Almost unbelievably, we received a warm welcome from the local authorities, and it wasn’t just for show. The Director General of the Tourism Institute of the Region of Murcia, Mr. Juan Francisco Martínez, and the Tourism Councilor of the Cartagena City Council, Ms. Cristina Pérez Carrasco, came to meet us and shared a lunch together.
How can one not feel at home? Impossible!
The visit to the Roman Theater and the Roman Forum took us on a journey back to Carthago Nova: an impressive archaeological and historical city, with spaces still being discovered and renovated, where visits, presentations, and cocktails can be organized among stones that could speak for themselves. I could already imagine our clients experiencing the Theatrical Tour!
We strolled, jumping from one moment to another, also visiting the modern halls and spaces of the University, and seeing the large harbor where we would later embark on a boat to Fort Navidad on the other side of the bay.
We enjoyed Thursday’s lunch at the Restaurant of #AuditorioElBatel, thanks to Elena Ramos who impressed us with the modern halls and auditoriums of the Congress Palace.
We dined with a view of the “Mar Mayor” in front of the harbor. The dishes were flavorful and colorful, combining land and sea. It makes my mouth water just thinking about it!
Before a quick shower, we ended the afternoon at one of the most unique bars I have ever seen (not only in Spain!), CaféLab, a place where the entire experience revolves around coffee. And when I say the entire experience, I mean everything, even going to the restroom (you can’t miss it!).
Thanks to Francisco Bernal for the brief but intense coffee experience!
What event doesn’t benefit from a unique gastronomic experience? For us, none! The dinner on this day would be a full-fledged Gastronomic Experience, and I owe a special thanks to Bartolomé Vera, director of la posada de los habaneros, and Chef Juan Páez. They not only wanted to accommodate but also managed to adapt each and every one of their 7 dishes to my dietary restrictions. They truly deserve an award, in addition to the many they have already received, including the Mursiya Mezze 2018 Award for Best Restaurant given by the Murcia Gourmet Club.
La Posada (#LaPosadadelosHabaneros) is located in front of the Punic Wall, where we entered to enjoy a welcome drink and a “first tapa”… to whet our appetite, of course! Its chef, Juan Páez, offers a Mediterranean-flavored cuisine and a renewal of traditional Cartagena gastronomy in each dish. If you visit Cartagena, I suggest including La Posada in your must-visit list, and if you enjoy dry white wines, don’t miss the “Niño de las Uvas” – Macabeo 2019 – D.O BULLAS from Cartagena – it’s already on my list of favorites!
In just over 2 days, we were lucky enough to see many things; there were still many others we couldn’t fit in due to time constraints, but it’s true that I was pleasantly surprised. I didn’t imagine Cartagena to be like this, and I didn’t expect it to have such a wide range of options for MICE events. And I was mistaken.
Although it may seem like I’ve discovered “hot water,” there is already a long list of important fairs, conferences, and events that have taken place in Cartagena, even during this time. This is because many of its buildings and spaces have already obtained the “Safe Space” certification.
However, what I really liked was undoubtedly the flexibility, availability, and closeness of all the professionals I had the pleasure of meeting. I hope we can soon organize an event together, and I hope that your warmth and affection can help us promote #CartagenaPuertodeCultura and transmit it to our clients soon, with masks but with safety. It’s also worth mentioning that all establishments already have the “Safe Event” seal.
Once again, thank you to OuiSellYou for believing in organizing the #famtrip.
#costacalida #regiondemurcia #lomejorentumesa #destinosmice #momentosunicos #eventosmice #experienciamice,