The Westin La Quinta Golf Resort & Spa, Benahavis, Marbella Review

The Westin La Quinta Golf Resort & Spa near Marbella is a retreat designed for relaxation and recreation. Beyond the destination Heavenly Spa, and the outdoor pool set within beautifully landscaped sub-tropical gardens, are three 9-hole interconnected golf courses, tempting dining and drink options, and a kids club. This is a golf and spa resort that’s for families and couples alike, ensuring a memorable stay on the sought-after Costa del Sol.

Set in one of the Mediterranean’s finest microclimates, The Westin La Quinta Golf Resort & Spa features 170 rooms within a lush setting with views of the iconic La Concha Mountain and the Mediterranean Sea. With its traditional Andalucian architecture and Moorish design elements, this property includes the signature Sunsa Restaurant, access to three 9-hole golf courses, a Clubhouse Restaurant, and its renowned Heavenly Spa. As part of the Marriott family, Westin consistently delivers quality, comfort, and style at an accessible price. The Westin La Quinta enhances the guest experience further through its dining with menus of local produce and regional recipes, writes Andrew Forbes.

Location

The location is spot-on for golf lovers, set within Marbella’s golf valley, known for its prime real estate and world-class golf courses. The resort is found in the exclusive Benahavis district, offering views of the Sierra Blanca mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. Transfers from Malaga Costa del Sol Airport take about 45 minutes by car. Marbella’s old town is just over 15 minutes away, while Puerto Banus is a quick 10-minute taxi ride.

Check-in & Welcome

The public areas embrace you with Mediterranean light, and the warm of an Andalucian welcome. Expect international service standards with English-speaking staff at check-in. The light-filled two level lobby features a vertical garden and leads down to the gardens.

Dining & Drinks

Aljama Bar

Start your evening at this cosy bar, which features Moorish Al-Andalus decor. In the evenings, the atmosphere is enhanced by candlelight and aften, live music, complemented by a friendly team serving aperitifs and after-dinner cocktails.

Sunsa Restaurant

The Sunsa Restaurant offers a blend of local and international dishes, using many ingredients from the region.

Signature dishes include Andalusian Almadraba red tuna toast, Andalusian tomato and avocado salad, with produce from Malaga and Almeria provinces, and roasted seabass with mango mojo. Desserts, like roasted pineapple with coconut ice cream, provide a delightful finish.

Breakfast

Enjoy a nutritious buffet breakfast at Sunsa, featuring local ingredients. Guests can dine indoors or on the sun-drenched terrace. The breakfast selection is excellent, offering a variety of quality foods, including fruits, cheeses, and cold cuts.

Clubhouse Restaurant & Bar

With its expansive terrace offering panoramic views of the golf course, the Clubhouse is idea for all day dining when out enjoying the resort facilities. Other options include the El Mirador Pool Bar and the Hoya 19 bar.

Spa & Wellness

The Westin Heavenly Spa is located in a separate tranquil pavilion featuring its own pool. Spanning 1,500 square metres, it includes a Mediterranean sauna, Hammam, hydro-massage, and treatment rooms. Guests can choose from a range of rejuvenating treatments designed to refresh body and mind.

The spa treatments are elegant and professionally offered in peaceful, private treatment rooms, well equipped with wide, comfortable treatment beds.

Golf

While I didn’t play, the course, designed by Ryder Cup champion Manuel Piñero, is popular among both residents and visitors. I’m told it caters for novices and seasoned pros alike, offering a scenic setting for games where every swing reveals views of coast and mountains. The resort also offers special golf packages, including accommodation and green fees.

Kids Club

The impressive Kids Club offers a wealth of activities, from indoor games to yoga. With a focus on healthy eating and engaging experiences, it caters to both parents and children. It certainly shows just how sophisticated kids clubs have become these days, to meet the higher expectations of not only parents but youngsters too.

Rooms & Suites

Each room and suite at The Westin La Quinta embody the brand’s commitment to Sleep Well, featuring Heavenly Beds for ultimate comfort. The resort offers 163 guest rooms, 3 Junior Suites, 3 Executive Suites, and a recently remodelled Presidential Suite.

Each Classic Room features either a king-size bed or two twin beds. Natural light floods in through tall windows that overlook the swimming pool, gardens, or golf course. Deluxe Rooms offer a larger living area with one king or two double beds. Classic Panoramic Rooms and Deluxe Panoramic Rooms provide views of the pool, gardens, and mountains from private terraces. 

Junior Suites offer more space and elegance, while Executive Suites, at 110 m2, offer separate living and dining area with a sofa and work desk and as well as larger terrace with views of the golf course. Each room includes a furnished terrace, a Nespresso coffee machine, and key amenities like an ice machine on each floor.

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) together with fab robes that are so comfy. While the water pressure could improve, the overall bathroom facilities are excellent.

Business Meetings

The resort features 12 flexible event spaces accommodating up to 400 guests, focusing on productivity and comfort.

Seasonal Offers

The La Quinta Golf Resort & Spa, in partnership with SPG Rewards, offers summer guests VIP access to the Marella Starlite Festival. More details are available online.