Southern Spain without doubt offers the best climate in Europe, so it’s little wonder that it’s home to some of the best spa and golf resorts.
Enjoying one of the most stable micro climates of the Mediterranean, thanks to its sheltered position close to the iconic La Concha mountain, is The Westin La Quinta Golf Resort & Spa, writes Andrew Forbes.
Now part of the global Marriot family of hospitality brands, Westin provides, in my opinion, consistent quality, comfort and style at a very affordable price.
La Quinta near Marbella is no exception.
Recently welcomed back into the Westin family, The Westin La Quinta Golf Resort and Spa Benahavis, Marbella has undergone renovations and a facelift, bringing it back to where it deserved to be; amongst the best family resorts in the area.
Location
The golf valley of Marbella’s Nueva Andalucia is home to not only some of the finest real estate in the Mediterranean, but also a host of golf courses that have defined this part of southern Spain as one of the world’s great golf destinations. The Westin La Quinta Golf Resort & Spa forms part of the valley of golf, within the exclusive Benahavis district.
Thanks to the resort’s elevated location, guests are afforded views of not only Sierra Blanca mountains, but the Mediterranean too.
Transfer’s from Malaga Costa del Sol’s international airport takes about 45 minutes by car. Marbella’s charming old town is a little over 15 minutes away, whilst the restaurants, bars and beaches of Puerto Banus are about a 10-minute taxi ride away.
Check-in & Welcome
As a Westin resort, you can be assured of international standards of service including English speaking check-in staff. The lobby reflects the resorts’ recurring theme of nature, with a beautiful vertical garden as a backdrop to the guest waiting area.
Sprunch: that’s Spa + Brunch…
In my experience, The Westin La Quinta Golf Resort & Spa is designed to be a quality couples and family destination; there are enough facilities and activities to appeal to a wide variety of guests.
Spa & Wellness
The Westin Heavenly Spa, wellness and fitness area covers some 1,500 square metres, and includes a Mediterranean sauna, aromatic steam bath, Hammam, hydro-massage and aqua-therapy, wellness treatment rooms and relaxation area.
The resort is making this area even more of a full-day destination by offering it’s ‘Sprunch’ initiative, where guests can enjoy the spa’s thermal circuit, relaxation area and enjoy a light daily Brunch, with dishes from the Westin’s superfoods brunch menu, including juices, wraps, salads, free-range chicken, and pastas, followed by teas and infusions.
I didn’t experience the golf course, except from the terrace of the 19th hole bar!
Golf
I don’t play golf, so I didn’t experience the course, except from the terrace of the 19th hole bar! But I am told it’s designed by three times World Champion and Ryder Cup champion Manuel Piñero, and it a popular course for residents and non-residents alike.
Kids Club
When I was at the spa I took a tour of the Kids Club and I must say it’s impressive. The space is huge, and so well designed and beautifully decorated. There’s clearly plenty of activities on offer, including indoor and outdoor games, crafts and even gardening. Older kids can learn to play golf or try yoga; and there’s a special healthy kids menu. It certainly shows just how sophisticated kids clubs have become these days, to meet the higher expectations of not only parents but the youngsters too.
The Room
The resort’s rooms have been given a complete make-over – with an attractive Mediterranean ambience, where the glorious light of this part of the world is the protagonist.
White walls are given warmth by fixtures and accessories in natural colour tones, including colonial style shutters on the terrace doors, and a woven natural fibre rug. White linens, contemporary furnishings and good lighting complete the look.
Each sea facing guest room and suite has a furnished terrace overlooking the sub-tropical gardens, pool and golf course. As a Westin expect a ‘Heavenly’ king bed, which I must say is very comfortable.
Turndown includes a gift of lavender balm to assure a relaxed and restful sleep; a nice touch. The only drawback is that the rooms are not that well sound-proofed, so light sleepers should pack ear-plugs to avoid being disturbed by other guests returning to their rooms late at night.
The room includes nice details like a Nespresso coffee machine, kettle and disposable cups for taking coffee out with you. As a Westin resort, you can also expect details such as an ice machine on each landing.
Bathroom
One of the features I most like about Westin resorts is the heavenly bathrobe and towels. This is a four-star resort, yet the bathrooms are generously appointed with plenty of towels (lots of extras in a basket, so no rationing here) together with fab robes that are so comfy. Water pressure could have been better; but other than that, I loved the room facilities.
Breakfast
The first meal of the day is served in the resort’s new restaurant, ‘Sunsa’. The space has been attractive designed with blond wood furniture, light leather banquette seating, striking designer lighting and beautiful views out over the terrace to the resort pool gardens.
The breakfast selection was superb and well presented. One can eat inside, or on the sun-drenched terrace. During my visit there were no parasols, offering shade, although I was promised these were planned – essential in southern Spain in my opinion.
Quality of the food, including fruits cheeses, cold cuts and hold dishes was excellent. It would have been great to see more options for lactose and gluten intolerant guests – and also to have offered hot plates for the hot buffet.
Aljama Bar
The main hotel bar retains its Moorish Al-Andalus style from when the resort originally opened. In the evening, it was candle lit with live music – a good atmosphere. What’s more the cocktails and drinks were very well-priced.
As you can imagine with a resort property, there are many other places to enjoy a light bite and a drink, including the club house; the El Mirador Pool Bar; and the Hoya 19 (nineteenth hole) bar with views across the golf course.
Seasonal Offers
The Westin La Quinta Golf Resort & Spa, in conjunction with SPG Rewards, is offering summer guests the chance to experience the exceptional Marella Starlite festival as a VIP. More details online.
Information
The Westin La Quinta Golf Resort and Spa
La Quinta
Benahavis, Marbella, 29660, Spain
Tel: +34 952 762 000
