La Manga Club Sports Paradise: World-Class Golf, Tennis & Recreation Facilities
Sports & Recreation at La Manga Club: A Paradise for Active Travelers
La Manga Club has established itself as one of Europe’s premier sports and recreation destinations, offering world-class facilities that attract both amateur enthusiasts and professional athletes alike. From championship golf courses to Olympic-standard tennis facilities, the resort provides an unparalleled sporting experience set against the stunning backdrop of Spain’s Costa Cálida.
Golf Excellence: Three Championship Courses
Golf stands as the cornerstone of La Manga Club’s sporting heritage. The resort features three meticulously designed 18-hole championship courses, each offering distinct challenges and breathtaking views:
The South Course, designed by Robert Dean Putman and later remodeled by Arnold Palmer, serves as the resort’s crown jewel. Stretching 6,499 meters from the championship tees, this par-73 course has hosted numerous professional tournaments including Spanish Opens. The course is characterized by its palm-lined fairways, strategic water hazards, and large, undulating greens that demand precision and thoughtful club selection.
The North Course, also initially designed by Putman, offers a more technical challenge with tighter fairways and smaller greens. At 5,753 meters, this par-71 course requires accuracy over distance, with its elevated tees providing spectacular views of the Mediterranean and the Mar Menor lagoon.
The West Course, designed by Dave Thomas, presents a completely different experience with its dramatic elevation changes and tight fairways winding through pine forests. This par-72 course measures 6,310 meters and rewards strategic thinking over raw power.
The resort’s comprehensive golf facilities also include:
- A state-of-the-art Golf Academy with video analysis technology
- Extensive practice areas including a driving range and putting greens
- Professional instruction from PGA-qualified coaches
- A well-stocked pro shop offering equipment and apparel
Tennis Center: A Training Ground for Champions
La Manga Club’s Tennis Center ranks among Europe’s finest, featuring 28 courts across multiple surfaces:
- 20 clay courts
- 4 hard courts
- 4 artificial grass courts
The center has hosted prestigious events including Davis Cup matches and ATP tournaments. The tennis academy offers programs for all skill levels, from beginners to elite players, with many professional athletes choosing the facility for their off-season training.
Year-round coaching is available from certified instructors, with programs ranging from private lessons to intensive week-long camps. The center also features a specialized junior academy that has helped develop several professional players over the years.
Football: Professional-Grade Facilities
La Manga Club has established itself as a premier football training destination, regularly hosting professional teams during winter training camps. The facilities include:
- Eight FIFA-standard pitches with natural grass
- Two artificial turf fields
- Dedicated goalkeeper training areas
- Fully equipped gym and recovery facilities
- Advanced performance analysis technology
These amenities have attracted clubs from the Premier League, La Liga, and Bundesliga, particularly during mid-season breaks. Youth academies and amateur teams can also access these professional-grade facilities, with coaching packages available from experienced trainers.
Water Sports: Taking Advantage of Dual Coastlines
La Manga Club’s unique position between the Mediterranean Sea and the Mar Menor lagoon provides exceptional opportunities for water sports enthusiasts:
On the Mar Menor, the shallow, warm waters and reliable breezes create ideal conditions for learning sailing, windsurfing, and kiteboarding. The resort partners with several sailing schools that offer equipment rental and instruction.
For those seeking Mediterranean adventures, the nearby beaches provide opportunities for jet skiing, paddleboarding, and scuba diving, with the Cabo de Palos marine reserve offering some of the best dive sites in Spain.
Within the resort itself, several swimming pools cater to both relaxation and training, including a 25-meter lap pool for serious swimmers.
Fitness and Wellness Programs
The resort’s fitness center features cutting-edge equipment and offers a comprehensive range of programs:
- Personal training sessions tailored to individual goals
- Over 50 group exercise classes weekly, including yoga, Pilates, and high-intensity interval training
- Specialized sports-specific conditioning programs
- Seasonal fitness retreats led by international experts
The adjacent spa provides perfect post-workout recovery options, including hydrotherapy pools, specialized sports massage, and physiotherapy services.
Beyond the Mainstream: Additional Sporting Options
Beyond the core sports, La Manga Club offers numerous additional activities:
- A cricket center with two regulation fields
- Cycling routes through the surrounding countryside with bike rental available
- Jogging trails throughout the resort’s 1,400 acres
- Beach volleyball courts
- Padel tennis, increasingly popular throughout Spain
A Year-Round Sporting Paradise
What truly sets La Manga Club apart is its ability to offer these world-class facilities year-round, thanks to the region’s favorable climate. With over 300 days of sunshine annually and mild winter temperatures, the resort allows northern European athletes to maintain their training during the coldest months back home.
Whether you’re a weekend warrior looking to improve your golf swing, a family seeking active vacation options, or a professional athlete requiring high-performance training facilities, La Manga Club offers a sporting experience that rivals any resort worldwide.
