2025 - Spain Group Long Stay
Mar 23 - Apr 13, 2025 | 21 Night Long Stay Program
Benalmadena, Spain
** SOLD OUT **
What is a Long-Stay?
The idea behind a group long-stay program is to escape Canada's cold winter by heading somewhere warm for a few weeks to shake the dreariness off! You'll be booked with other solos and couples staying at the same accommodations but your time is your own to spend as you wish. You choose your pace and activities at leisure. Long stays are meant to be relaxing and independent, not rigid or busy.
There will be group transfers for those arriving on the same flights and a couple of group tours included. Other than that, your time is your own to keep busy or relax, as you wish. Join others to explore a new town in the mountains or along the coast, or walk the beach in solitude. Join others for dinner out to enjoy fresh local seafood or paella or cook up a feast in your own kitchen. Take a day tour, rent a car or wander ... choose to spend each day however you wish.
Photo: Benalmadena, Spain
Beautiful Benalmadena
Benalmadena, Spain will be your home for three glorious weeks from March 23 - April 13, 2025. It’s a town (67000 population) that sits between the beautiful Sierra de Mijas mountains and the coast, with beautiful long beaches and loads of sunshine. It’s not called the Sunshine Coast for nothing! It will be warm, but not too hot in March and April, ranging from 7 degrees at night to 27 during the day. The sea will likely be chilly, so only the bravest Canadians will go for a swim, but you might dip your toes in! It is an excellent time to get outside and enjoy all the Andalusia Region has to offer without melting in the Summer heat or being overrun with the tourist crowds!
Benalmadena is perfectly located close to the region's capital of Malaga where you will arrive at their International Airport. From Benalmadena you can be in Malaga in approximately 30 minutes by train. Malaga is a larger city full of incredible museums, art galleries, green space and a wide variety of dining options, not to mention more beaches! Malaga is also a main train connection point if you wish to visit other communities in Spain.
Within Benalmadena your accommodations will be a 7 – 10 minute walk to the beach, 20 – 30 minutes walk to train station (1.3 kms) / 2.2 kms to large market although smaller ones are nearby. Parque (Park) de Paloma nearby has green space for sitting or walking. There is a Golf course only 2 kms away and you can reach bus stops within about 5 minutes walk.
Many other amazing towns and cities along the coast and in the mountains are accessible by day tour, train or renting a car. You'll have tours included to Ronda and Setenil, but you may also want to venture to Gibraltar, Marbella, Granada or small towns along the coast.
Photo: Benalmadena, Spain
Inclusions:
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Royal Oasis Club Pueblo La Quinta – March 23 – April 13, 2025
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Group transfers from/to Malaga Airport included.
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21 nights in a 1 bedroom apartment with kitchenette – all units are slightly different.
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1-Bedroom Suites feature a double or 2 twin beds in the bedroom, a sleeper sofa in the living area and one bathroom. The kitchen is equipped with a microwave, toaster, refrigerator and oven. Additional amenities include a dining table, heated towel rack and TV.
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Full-day group tour to Ronda – one of the most picturesque towns in the Andalusia Region.
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Full-day group tour to Setenil with wine tasting.
- Assistance and booking of all aspects of travel from insurance to flights to additional tours and trip extensions. We'll take care of all the details for you.
- In-destination Emergency assistance
Photo: Benalmadena, Spain
PRICING:

Are you ready?
You can look forward to beautiful beach walks, famous Spanish Tapas and Paella, intriguing history and beautiful new friendships.
Frequently Asked Questions
The pricing of $2938 CAD per person (double occupancy) is for the land portion of the trip only. As passengers may choose to arrive early, stay longer or visit other destinations, international flights will be arranged for each couple/individual as per their preferences.
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Planning & Support Fees - $258.75 CAD for solo travellers OR $345 per household/couple – this fee covers booking your flights, any extra tours you may wish to add, assistance with insurance, emergency in-destination assistance & more
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Insurance – cost depends on your individual situation and is based on age, length of trip, cost of trip and what insurance you may already have.
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Flights – estimated $1250 - $1600 CAD per person in Economy class. We will assist with the booking of flights. This will be done after the final payments are collected in November 2024. If you have Avion / Aeroplan points you can book flights with those to save this cost, no problem. Please do not book flights until after final payments are complete to ensure we have the minimum number required for the group.
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Meals & Tipping – depends on individual grocery & restaurant preferences
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Car Rental – optional – We can arrange this in advance for you, or you can hire a car locally, provided there is availability.
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Tours – Two are included. Additional tours are optional and at extra cost. Depends if you want to see/do everything or just rest and relax
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Transportation – Taxis, trains etc throughout your stay, as needed
We have a minimum number of 20 participants required to confirm group space. We have a maximum number of 26 participants if all rooms fill with double occupancy.
Solo travellers are most welcome to join the trip and will no doubt enjoy the company of the other travellers. The cost for a Solo Occupancy room is $4169 CAD. You will have a regular double occupancy room, but won't need to share the space with anyone!
We understand the extra cost of travelling solo can be cost prohibitive for some. Many people enjoy the company of others, while some wish to truly have their own space.
If you are interested in joining the trip and wish to have a roommate, we are happy to connect you with other travellers looking for the same. We do not pair anyone up, but we will connect you to a new potential friend and you can decide if you would like to room together.
Please email Louise to express interest and let her know you are looking for a roommate.
Absolutely! Unfortunately we can't assist with booking or managing points flights for you, but if you want to do this yourself, by all means you can.
We will start looking at flight options after final payments are collected in November.
No vaccines or medications are required to participate in this trip although we always recommend travellers speak to a travel health clinic/nurse to discuss your particular health situation. We suggest that your childhood vaccines and routine vaccinations such as Tetanus, Hepatitus A & B, Shingles etc are up to date. We can provide a discount code for virtual travel health services if you wish to have an online consultation, or consult with your family Doctor.
We feel overall Spain is a safe destination to visit. Some of the big cities such as Barcelona and Madrid have issues with petty crime such as theft and pickpocketing, but you'll not be in those areas. You should be vigilant with your belongings while on trains and buses, but overall Spain is considered a safe destination to visit.
Benalmadena is a small, laid-back city. You'll be visiting in off-season and there shouldn't be any crowds to be concerned about. You should feel as safe as you do in Nova Scotia. We'd suggest always making sure your valuables are out of sight or locked up and that you lock your apartment door. Walking in the evening from the bus station or to a restaurant should be fine as well, but it's always suggested not to walk alone at night anywhere in the world!
You can review the Canadian Government's travel advice for Spain here.

Next Steps
If you're ready to have a relaxing escape from Winter and you are intrigued by exploring the Sunshine Coast of Spain, the 2025 Long Stay might be the perfect vacation for you. Please message Louise Fraser with any questions and to book your space right away! Louise will get your booking forms and credit card information. She’ll take care of everything from start to finish for your vacation. Our initial block of 10 rooms has sold out. We have a waitlist started and will request additional space as required to a maximum of 3 more rooms.