WHAT A time to head for Spain! It will be fiesta time for the foreseeable future following their success in the football World Cup.

And as the Spanish recovery is getting underway following the credit crunch, there are some fantastic deals to be had.

Perhaps the best news is that five-star luxury can be enjoyed at affordable prices and, with that in mind, I headed off to the InterContinental La Torre Golf Resort in Murcia.

The Polaris World development is set by a lake, has town centre attractions right alongside and, best of all, it offers a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course which players of all standards couldn’t help but enjoy.

The holes just invite you to hit better shots than you think you can and, of course, with over 300 days of sunshine a year in this region of fruit groves and friendliness – plus an average temperature of 21 degrees – you can top up the tan as well.

La Torre Golf Resort is part of the Nicklaus Trail of courses which are all within easy striking distance – the others being Golf Hacienda Riquelme and El Valle.

All the courses offer an enjoyable challenge, buggies take the strain if you wish and then there are shady bars offering tasty food and quenching drink when you get to the 19th.

Don’t worry about resting comfortably, either. The beds at La Torre are the most comfortable I’ve ever slept in, the rooms are spacious and comfortable and the balconies all have views of the course and lake.

Prices range from 119 euros a night per room in the hotel, while golfing groups could opt for the apartments which sleep four and are available from 89 euros per night (just over 22 euros each).

La Torre is not just about golf, though. The region has been opened up with a new airport and lots of highways and there’s entertainment for all the family.

Sailing, diving, windsurfing, kayaking, paragliding, horse riding and many other activities can be organised from the hotel reception.

And the beautiful ‘inland sea’ of Mar Menor is just down the road with a free shuttle bus from the hotel to deliver families to the long, flat sandy beach and the calm waters of what is effectively a very safe lagoon.

There may be better-known parts of the Spanish coastline, but this is unspoilt by high-rise development and is perfect for simply making the most of the great weather.

A little further afield the city of Murcia (pronounced Moorthia by the locals) is delightful while the port of Cartagena is an absolute gem.

The recently-restored Roman theatre of Carthago Nova takes the breath away while tourist craft will take you out on the water and give you a flavour of the area’s rich history.

The architecture is fascinating too and there are plenty of cafes on the cool narrow streets to enjoy a break.

After my round of golf I fancied staying closer to home.

An excellent lunch in the Woodhouse seemed a long time ago and the Acacia Italian Restaurant was beckoning.

What a choice! My wild mushroom pasta with truffle was a delight and the provolone cheese dish worth the visit on its own.

Just around the corner I sampled a pint in the Irish themed pub and then checked out Bamboo, a terrific cocktail bar overlooking the water which has its own rice restaurant called Limonero.

There’s plenty more selection too, all within easy strolling distance of your room while La Torre’s own hotel restaurant, Vinoteca, serves magnificent fare, including local delicacies.

It’s a good job there are weighing scales in each bathroom to stop you going overboard.

Or were there just weighing scales in my bathroom, and they were trying to tell me something?

Not to worry, there is a top-class gymnasium on site and plenty of shops to stroll around to lose the odd pound, including a beauty salon, sauna and steam room.

No wonder people from around Europe have invested in property here with two, three and four bedroom villas surrounding the complex and available to buy.