The Costa del Sol has re-emerged as a luxurious holiday destination. Expect of course beautiful beaches and the best climate in Europe, but also a sophisticated hospitality sector of fine dining, beach clubs, hotels, and resorts. There’s the breathtaking scenery of the coast’s backdrop of majestic mountains, and head a few minutes’ drive inland and you’ll discover charming white villages.
So rediscover the Costa del Sol, Andalusia. Here’s our list of the most luxurious places to stay.
Kempinski Hotel Bahia, Estepona
The Kempinski Hotel Bahia Estepona is considered to be one of the most stylish hotel resorts on Andalucía’s western Costa del Sol. Found west of Marbella’s Puerta Banús and close to Estepona, this 5-star resort is where Kempinski sophistication meets the casual elegance of the Mediterranean. Expect beautiful sea-view guest rooms, junior suites, as well as exclusive suites for VIPs. There’s a luxury spa; and striking pools set amongst the terraced gardens that reach down to the beach and sea. Kempinski Hotel Bahia Estepona has also become quite the foodie destination, with a wealth of dining options including the El Paseo del Mar leisure and dining which includes dining concepts well-suited to different times of time, moods, and occasions. These include the Black Rose the Bar, the hotel’s signature cocktail bar and lounge; Baltazar Bar & Grill, inspired by a Spanish bodega; and the super stylish Spiler Beach Club.
Don Carlos Resort & Spa, Marbella
The Don Carlos Resort & Resort Marbella includes the stylish, contemporary Don Carlos 5-star hotel; the Don Carlos Private Villas; and The Oasis by Don Carlos, a luxe wellness destination. This upscale resort has a a live music cocktail bar, informal dining, a signature restaurant and a superb beach club. The Don Carlos is perfect for families, with a wealth of activities. The hotel beach is considered to be one of the best beaches in Marbella, and you can access it straight from hotel! The hotel also offers much in the way of sports activities, with a 9-court tennis and sports club; and a wide variety of watersports.
Puente Romano Beach Resort & Spa, Marbella
The Puente Romano Beach Resort, Marbella is found on Marbella’s Golden Mile. It captures the beauty and charm of an Andalusian coastal village. he 180 spacious suites in this Andalusian village-style resort are spread across three-story villas each surrounded by lush landscaped subtropical gardens and waterfalls, leading down to the Mediterranean sea. The 55,000m2 resort includes some 15 restaurants with cuisines from all over the world, including the beach front Sea Grill, Nobu Restaurant & Lounge Marbella, an organic restaurant, as well as Leña by Dani Garcia.
Puente Romano is also home to probably the most exclusive Health and Fitness training facility on the coast, with cutting-edge design, new Technogym equipment, and studios for spinning, pilates, yoga, barre, and boxing.
The concierge team has curated 100 experiences that guests can enjoy, from star gazing, having a flamenco dance lesson to driving on a racetrack. Our health and fitness retreat kicked off with sailing along Marbella’s shore, aboard ‘La Cruz’, the hotel’s fully crewed yacht. It was an unforgettable afternoon, watching dolphins darting and diving beside the hull, and views of Sierra Blanca – a powerful reminder that a wellness holiday here is unique luxurious.
The resort is also home to a Six Senses Spa, a relaxing sea-view oasis with hydrotherapy pool, cold plunge pool, herbal steam room, sauna, hammam and nurturing, private treatment rooms is at the heart of the Puente Romano wellness offering.
Marbella Club
Marbella Club is one of the most exclusive places to stay in Andalucia, the flagship of Marbella hospitality and one of the finest hotels in Spain. Marbella Club is celebrating over 65 years of hospitality and remains at the forefront of luxury and wellness. Marbella Club elegantly balances the charm and sophistication of its aristocratic history with the contemporary style, services, and facilities of a 21st century wellness orientated resort. Health and Wellbeing is a defining element of the contemporary Marbella Club experience.
Amongst the mature gardens of tropical & Mediterranean plants are secluded corners dedicated to balancing and nurturing activities. Menus in each of the restaurants can be perosnalised and tailored to dietary needs. There is a also a stunning Thalassotherapy spa. Marbella Club feels intimate, yet it of course it has the facilities of a resort and the dining options certainly reflect this diversity of choice. What’s more each restaurant has a heritage and refined style that is pure Marbella Club.
Whatever the season, the hotel captures the spirit of Southern Spain and the Mediterranean. MC Beach is a delight; the Beach Club is elegent yet relaxed; whilst The Grill is legendary fine dining. There are also seasonal pop-restaurants too.
Gran Hotel Miramar
The maritime city of Malaga, de-facto capital of Andalucía’s world-famous Costa del Sol, and capital of its province, has been welcoming international visitors for decades. It has long been the gateway to the beach clubs and resorts of southern Spain; yet in recent years it has become a fashionable city-break destination, renowned for its cuisine, climate and culture.
The Gran Hotel Miramar has brought 5-star glamour back to Malaga capital, birthplace of Picasso. Opened in 1926 by Alfonso XIII, the hotel has been completely restored and new interior design is different for each floor being decorated in a different style, these being either Arabic, Mediterranean or Modernist. Book one of the extraordinary signature suites, the Crown Suite (with a circular bed!); or the Royal Suite with its exceptional and expansive private, sea facing terrace.
This hotel is situated in the heart of the city of Malaga, so there are plenty of shops and museums within walking distance.
Finca Cortesin
Image Credit Romain Reglade
The Finca Cortesin is a luxurious hotel combines classic Andalusian architecture and style with all the very latest modern amenities, and exceptional service. This is not only one of the best hotels on the Costa del Sol. but in Spain. Located just a short drive from Marbella, on the Andalucian coast, this resort is so exclusive it even boasts its own shopping plaza, where you can treat yourself to the very finest luxury goods the Costa Del Sol has to offer without even leaving your hotel.
In addition to the wellness spa, there are glorious gardens, swimming pools, tennis, padel, gymnasium and spa. This is also the place to be if you like the occasional round of golf, as their golf course is ranked among the top 5 throughout all of Spain.