Sun, great golf and super spa make this a hol in one

YOU know what they say about the rain in Spain?

Well, that didn't quite ring true during our three days in the historic south-eastern region of Murcia.

Despite boasting 70-degree temperatures and an average of 320 days of sunshine each year, we happened to arrive at the La Torre resort on one of the 45 other days, when it was pouring.

That didn't dampen our spirits though - we just settled down on a sunbed by the INDOOR pool!

The resort specialises in golf and spa, so the guys can hit the links while the ladies chill out by the pool and get themselves pampered.

As I visited with my sister Linda and our kids Jonathan, 14, and 10-year-old Nathan, however, we had a different take on it.

La Torre is a gated community with villas, apartments, restaurants, pub, supermarket, school and hotel arranged around a lake.

Our spacious and tastefully-decorated five-star hotel room had spectacular views overlooking the ninth hole of the course designed by Jack Nicklaus - and my son Jonathan was desperate to get right out there.

Since it was raining, however, we headed for the fabulous Asian-themed spa on our doorstep.

The pool, sauna, steam room and gym more than made up for the lack of sunshine. Treatments included massages, body scrubs, wraps, and facials inspired by Thai traditions and Indian yoga.

From the comfort of a lounger at the balmy indoor poolside and between sessions in the sauna and steam room, we certainly didn't feel cheated - although we could see the appeal of the poolside bar and grill on a hot summer day.

The hotel has three restaurants of its own, as well as a juice bar and The Clover Irish pub, which was put to good use in the evening.

Outside the hotel but still within the resort, there are more bars and restaurants including Bamboo, which features dishes from Thailand, India, the Middle East, Mexico and China. We tended to eat in the Italian restaurant next to the hotel because it was a bit more relaxed and suited the boys much better.

Our second day began in the beautiful walled city of Cartagena, which is definitely a place to take kids to. Ours absolutely loved the Roman ampitheatre.

We went through an underground passage to reach the restored site, which dates from the late first century BC.

Meanwhile, across the road from the deserted bull ring - which was built in 1854 on the foundations of a Roman gladiator arena but has been closed to the public since 1911 - is a swish outdoor elevator you can ride up to Torres Park. From there, you get great views of the city and an exhibition in the Concepción castle fills you in on the history of Cartagena.

These sites reminded us of the old saying, when in Rome do as the Romans do. Since we were in Spain we did as the Spanish do, and enjoyed a late lunch in one of the tapas bars.

It was a lazy way to soak up the relaxing atmosphere, but the town can have a different pace and during September, for instance, there is a major fiesta where the residents dress as Romans and Carthaginians and party into the early hours.

Another fine fiesta takes place in May in the nearby town of Caravaca de la Cruz - one of the five designated holy cities of the world, including Rome and Jerusalem. Los Caballos del Vino - the festival of the wine horses - is a tradition dating back to the 13th century when Christians, besieged in the fortress by Arabs, managed to sneak out in search of water.

When they couldn't find any, they galloped back up the hill on horses laden with wine. As you would.

Nowadays, the horses are decorated with fantastic jewelled harnesses for the procession up the steep slope to the castle. We also took a boat trip round the harbour at Cartagena, defended by forts as it's home to a large naval station.

And the first military submarine, invented by Cartagena-born Isaac Peral and launched in September 1888, is on show here.

Our third day was spent lazing by the pool, watching the golfers at the ninth hole trying for a hole in one which would enter them into a million-dollar prize contest.

Needless to say no one managed to succeed - but Jonathan, who is mad keen on golf at home - absolutely raved about La Torre's course.

It's 22euros per half-hour lesson and 40euros to play nine holes, or 55 for the full 18. Although I've never played a round in my life, the combination of his enthusiasm and the views from our room meant I would've started taking lessons there and then were it not for a recent shoulder injury I'd sustained!

It's also worth strolling around the narrow streets and taking a gander at the shops in the more modern town of Murcia, the region's capital.

It is as famous for its Spanish boutiques as it is for its 13th century cathedral and its amazing casino where each room has a different theme - from the Arabic-style mosaic in the entrance hall to the OTT ballroom decorated with beautiful, elegant Rococo frills and flourishes.

My sister and I both agreed it would be great to come back with husbands and kids in tow, rent a car and explore the unspoilt beaches and secluded marinas of Los Alcazares and Santiago de la Ribera, which are just 20 minutes' drive from the resort.

And now that I'm back home again, I find myself doubly determined toreturn, if only to get some lessons under my belt and finally get out onto that beautiful golf course!

But while a visit to Murcia is a must for golfing fanatics of all ages and abilities, there's a lot more to experience and explore in this picturesque region than just the sandtraps and water hazards - come rain or shine.

GETTING THERE

FLYGLOBE-SPAN go to Alicante from Edinburgh and Glasgow all year and from Aberdeen in summer, from £41.99 one-way. Call 0871 987 1689 or visit flyglobespan.com. The La Torre Golf Resort has luxury rooms from 119euros a night or villas from 750euros a week. Call 0034 968 031 973 or see polarisworld.com

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