Sitges, Spain

This ten day long festival is one of the best in Spain. The Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia is the number one fantasy film festival in the world, according to their website, and certainly does bring in the big dogs in sci-fi movies.

Honestly, I’ve been too afraid to go to the festival some years, when the movies were mostly horror and thrillers. I can’t do horror, I’ll have bad dreams. But sci-fi is another matter and there look to be some very good films on the schedule this year.

Started in 1968 as the 1st International Week of Fantasy and Horror Movies, today the Festival is a must-do for movie lovers and film geeks looking to stay abreast on the latest in sci-fi and fantasy.
The festival has brought in directors and producers like Quentin Tarantino, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Jodie Foster, Paul Verhoeven, Ralph Fiennes, George A. Romero, Cameron Diaz, Viggo Mortensen, Terry Gilliam, Rutger Hauer, Sarah Michelle Gellar, John Landis, Joe Dante, Zoë Bell, Dino de Laurentii, Takashi Miike, Wim Wenders…to name a few.

Sitges is one of my preferred spots to recommend to visitors as a day-trip from Barcelona. Just an hour by train from the Catalan capital, it’s easy to get to and from Sitges. Better yet, stay in Sitges and catch some of the late night shows. Book ahead to get a room in this small seaside town during this popular festival.

See the whole line up for this year’s screenings here: http://sitgesfilmfestival.com/eng

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From Oct 6-16 2011

Sitges, Catalonia, Spain

Web: http://sitgesfilmfestival.com/eng

Get tix here:http://sitgesfilmfestival.com/eng/programa/entrades

Post and photos by Regina Winkle-Bryan. See more of her tips on Spain at: http://www.thespainscoop.com/

An acrobat at Coco Bongo

Cancun is synonymous with wild parties and there’s no party quite as wild as Coco Bongo. Located in the heart of the bustling hotel zone, this huge club serves up live shows and music for a crazy mix that resembles Las Vegas meets Cirque du Soleil. Read More »

Fire dancers on Hidalgo Street

The relaxed little island of Isla Mujeres, Mexico is only five miles long and one mile wide but it manages to deliver a thrilling nightlife scene that belies its quaint image. Most tourists visit this island, only 15 minutes from Cancun, for its lovely beaches but those who hang around at night discover that Isla offers more than just pearly sand and warm water. Read More »

Sometimes your nightlife starts under the hot sun, enjoying frozen libations near a pool or beach. If so, and you have deep pockets or a black AMEX card, you may feel like splurging on an alcoholic popsicle that is served up by the Marquis Los Cobos in San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico.

$1000 Tequila Pop from the Marquis Los Cabos

It only costs $1,000 per pop.

That’s because this yummy, but oh-so-decadent treat is made with Clase Azul Ultra tequila, which retails for around $1,500 a bottle. It also contains 24ct gold flakes.

If that’s too much of a splurge, the luxury resort also offers up the Clase Azul Ultra tequila in a straight shot for only $50.

Both items are available poolside next to an amazing looking infinity pool.

I haven’t yet tried this $1,000 tequila pop, but I have tried a variation made by the Hard Rock Cafe in Orlando. It was actually a margarita popsicle, and was more slushy than hard frozen. Totally delicious, though, and much less of an ouch to the drinking budget.

Of course, at $1,500 a bottle, the tequila used in the Marquis Los Cobos version probably tastes a lot smoother. Afterwards, you’ll be ready to head out for more of the Los Cobos nightlife, which includes the original Cabo Wabo, owned by rocker Sammy Hagar.

If you had the money, would you try one of these?

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Marquis Los Cabos Hotel
Carr Transpeninsular Km 21.5
Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, Mexico 23400
Local Phone: 52-624-144-2000
Toll Free (USA & Canada): 1-877-238-9399
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[Photo courtesy Marquis Los Cabos Resort]