As the nights draw in and winter sets upon us, more often than not many of us are left feeling a little flat. There are, of course, Christmas and New Year and here in Spain the Day of the Kings to celebrate, but what then? But you don't really need an excuse to celebrate: feeling glum is reason enough to put on your glad rags and treat yourself to a really good night out. The five star Torrequebrada Hotel and Casino, situated between Benalmádena and Fuengirola, is just the place to do it.

In 1981 the first ever casino on the Costa del Sol opened as the Torrequebrada Casino and has since become one of the best in Europe. Eight years later the Torrequebrada hotel flung open its doors to offer five-star opulence to an already discerning casino clientele. With two bars and three restaurants open to the public, one can enjoy early drinks and appetizers in the Pavillion Restaurant - a seafront open air oasis surrounded by lush tropical plants and trickling fountains; head inside for exotic cocktails at the Piano Bar where a pianist soothes the ears; and then finally sit down to dinner at the Café Royal, the hotel's main restaurant, where subtle lighting allows you to enjoy an intimate dining experience of refined Mediterranean Cuisine.

For a really special night, and one that comes highly recommended, make reservations at the Sala Fortuna. The large auditorium seats up to 500 people and the evening's entertainment is nothing short of spectacular. Guests are offered a choice of three different menus, all mouth-wateringly delicious and all accompanied by excellent wines from the Torrequebrada's extensive bodega. After dinner, the lights dim and the show begins. First up is the "International Spectacle José Montes", a cabaret show combining well choreographed dance with fantastic sets and costumes. The first dancers enter Neptune's wondrous underwater world as a topless mermaid swings slowly out over the transfixed audience to the haunting sounds of Enigma. The show continues with more elaborate costumes and some rather raunchy and imaginative dance routines which leave you breathless just watching!

After the José Montes show comes the more traditional Spanish offering of the Carmen Mota group. Fantastic flamenco and modern dance, again with simply awe-inspiring stage sets and costumes, round off the evening's entertainment before the stage is lowered for dancing. The diners can then strut their stuff till the early hours.

If dancing is not your thing and you're feeling lucky, head to the casino and have a flutter. A huge space houses American and French Roulette tables, Black Jack, Punta Banco and, of course, Poker and slot machines. The casino also houses a superb grill overlooking the gaming tables for those who fancy a bite between bets. A private gaming room for the high rollers is also available.

With so much to do, it would be a shame to end the night there so why not book into the hotel and stay over? The hotel has a total of 350 rooms and suites, each luxuriously furnished and each with sea views from their private terraces. Facilities within the rooms are everything that you would expect from a five star establishment and within the hotel (and exclusively available to guests) you can be pampered like a princess or pandered to like a prince. The hotel is right on the beach and there are two outdoor swimming pools set in beautifully landscaped gardens as well as one indoor heated pool for the cooler months. Tennis courts, mini golf and a full gymnasium are at hand if you feel you should work off a bit of last night's excess and two jacuzzis, sauna and massage will help you relax or get over the hangover! Another advantage of staying over is that discounts are available for the restaurants, the Sala Fortuna and the Casino for hotel residents.

The Torrequebrada hotel is an ideal venue for corporate events. We at Interealty descend on the Sala Fortuna for our Christmas bash and the hotel offers tailor made corporate packages for visiting delegates. All in all, whether you want to treat yourself, treat the family or treat your staff, with everything under one roof, a night out at the Torrequebrada Hotel will certainly be a memorable one.