A wonderful afternoon out at Denia La Sella Marriott.

Here at Jacaranda Spain, we are forever extolling the virtues of the "Mediterranean lifestyle" and Spanish cuisine. We hope to encourage people to integrate and immerse themselves in all things Spanish, especially those who relocate to Spain permanently. However, there are some things about the British way of life that we cherish. The British Sunday Roast is at the top of the list for us, and I don´t think many would disagree.

That said, a really good roast dinner is hard to get here in the Marina Alta. Last weekend, we found one!

Our lovely Danish neighbours recently told us that they had never experienced "roast beef and yorkshire pudding"! After a little research and some advice from other friends and fellow expats, we booked a table for four at the La Sella Marriott Hotel and Golf Resort.

The location is perfect for a Sunday afternoon and the weather was glorious. We started with an aperitif in the sunshine on the terrace overlooking the swimming pool.

Then to our table in the restaurant. The food is displayed in the form of a carvery buffet. The large selection of salads are alongside carpaccio of beef, smoked salmon and prawns. There is a great selection of dim sum eg spring rolls, tempura prawns etc and Iberian charcuterie and cheeses. Three mouthwatering joints of roasted lamb, beef and pork, fresh fish of the day and a huge paella as well as, accompanying vegetables, yorkshire puddings and gravy. Little pots of apple sauce, mint sauce, horseradish and mustard were there and, the all important, crispy pork crackling! Our only problem was fitting it on the plate. As it turned out, this wasn´t a problem because, you can go back as many times as you like!

We are all meat eaters, however, there are many choices to suit a vegetarian diet. For those with food intolerances, it is always best to call ahead. The restaurant is beautifully set out, so although it was a full house, there is still ample space for those with walking aids and wheelchairs.

The dessert table also offered a big choice. There were small portions (by this time I feel it is important to add that they were small!) of cakes, pastries and the like and a selection of fresh fruit. Coffee and tea is served at your table.

The price includes everything apart from your drinks at the bar and your wine. Price per person is 39 euros and, it has to be said, that we thought it was worth every cent. For families, the good news is, children under 6 are FREE and 7-12 year olds are half price.

The Carvery Buffet is, alas, only available to book on the first Sunday of every month. It is worth reserving your table well in advance. The restaurant was full and our fellow diners were international.

The whole afternoon was, for us, what Sundays are all about, regardless of your nationality. Pre-lunch drinks in a beautiful setting with fabulous, undisturbed views of the swiming pool and golf course. Great food, all cooked fresh, plentiful and beautifully displayed. Wonderful music, thanks to the dulcet tones of "Black Glitter", delivered just at the right volume. Excellent conversation and company with good friends. All of this, in a chilled out and relaxed ambience.

I think it´s fair to say, our friends from Denmark thoroughly enjoyed the Sunday Roast experience. We all left for home thinking again about the "Mediterranean Lifestyle".... The afternoon siesta was calling!