Ikos Andalusia brings a new level of all inclusive to Spain’s sun-drenched Costa del Sol. The resort sits in 21 acres of gardens between the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea and is just 20 minutes from glamorous Marbella and historic Estepona, so it’s great if you want to get out and explore your surroundings. This is the Ikos brand’s first hotel outside of Greece. Ikos is known for its incredible inclusions and there’s no exception at its latest resort; if you think you know all inclusive, think again. The Infinite Lifestyle all-inclusive package features Michelin-star menus, over 300 premium wines, local dining experiences and a MINI driving adventure. Deluxe Collection guests get even more benefits, such as an unpacking service and exclusive beach area. Top resort facilities include a whopping eight pools and a restaurant for each night of the week. We love the authentic Italian flavours at Fresco and the relaxed vibe at the Beach Club. If that’s not enough, you also have the choice of three local restaurants thanks to the included Dine-Out Service. Rooms are elegant and modern with panoramic windows. There’s a huge range of different room types, with fantastic options if you’re looking for a family holiday or extra space and a private pool. Deluxe Collection If you choose a Deluxe Collection suite you'll receive a host of added extra benefits. These start from the moment you arrive thanks to the welcome bottle of Taittinger on ice in your suite and continue throughout your stay. You'll have the service s of a deluxe concierge who will make personalised recommendations and any reservations you requre. A romantic beach dinner and neck and back massage are included and you'll have access to an exclusive pool and beach area during your holiday.
This dusky-pink palatial hotel makes a grand first impression, backed by dramatic mountains and fronted by manicured lawns and a picturesque lake, with classical statues and cypress trees dotted around the gardens. There’s even a Roman-style amphitheatre. Inside, the delights keep on coming: Anantara Villa Padierna Palace is adorned with more than 1200 pieces of art from the owners’ personal collection. The art-loving Arranz-Villapadierna family built the hotel in 2003 and the atmosphere is like staying at an exclusive family home. The easy elegance continues at the restaurants. The food is outstanding and the attentive service is warm and unstuffy. Choose a table on the terrace at La Loggia and tuck into a tasting menu while looking out over the lake, or head to 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant for fresh sashimi. Plush guest rooms take influence from local regions, with local antiques and works of art. Choose a room with a lake view for total tranquillity, or if you want to go all out, bag yourself the three-storey Obama Villa – named after previous guest Michelle Obama, who stayed here with her daughter. For complete zen, take yourself off to the huge spa, which has scented steamrooms, saunas and an indoor pool. The outdoor pool area is also a highlight – it’s beautifully framed with palms and fountains and is incredibly peaceful. As part of the hotel’s personal approach, bespoke experiences such as olive oil tastings, art tours and flamenco lessons are led by local gurus. And if you’re missing the beach, simply hop on the hotel shuttle, which will whisk you to the beach club in just 10 minutes.
A stay at Iberostar Selection Marbella Coral Beach is all about relaxing by the sea. There’s plenty of space to chill around the two outdoor pools, rooms have a soothing décor and you can opt to go all inclusive if you don’t want to worry about counting the cost of cocktails. The hotel has two restaurants and two bars including the main restuarant Alhambra. The Origin Beach Soul is the place to tuck into tapas, sushi and salads as well as tacos, pizzas and street food, all with the soundtrack of DJ spun tribal beats. This bohemian beach club features sun beds and private hideaway spots for sun-kissed relaxation. There’s a tranquil spa with a whirlpool bath, sauna and Turkish bath, and if you like to work out on holiday then you can join a group Pilates class and make the most of the 24-hour fitness centre. Rooms are cool and calming. Upgrade to a room with a sea view so you can make the most of the setting. The most relaxing rooms are the Do Nothing Double Rooms, which come with their own chill-out zone and access to the spa’s hydrotherapy area, while the Side Sea View Penthouse has a whirlpool bath on the rooftop. It’s also good to know that the hotel is a pioneer in responsible tourism, so a lot of thought has been given to the local environment. You won’t find any single-use plastics and all seafood is responsibly sourced.
Overlooking the beach on Marbella’s Golden Mile, Puente Romano has been one of the area’s most fashionable destinations since it opened in 1979. Built in the style of an Andalusian village, with low whitewashed buildings draped with terracotta pots of geraniums set in subtropical gardens - complete with an authentic Roman bridge in the middle - it has a relaxed buzz that families and groups of friends, in particular, will relish. With a host of facilities, activities and events on offer, everyone will find things to keep them happily entertained for the whole of their stay. Puente Romano has always been known for its dining scene, and it remains as fresh, diverse and inviting as ever. Among its 15 restaurants, there are hip little hideaways surrounded by greenery where you can graze on Lebanese mezze or the like, stylish beachside venues for organic smoothies or fresh-from-the-grill seafood, and even an outpost of super-trendy Nobu. And while Dani García may have closed his three-Michelin-starred restaurant in 2019, his two more informal eateries get an appreciative nod from the gourmet guide’s reviewers. Fortunately, the resort’s wellness facilities are just as wide-ranging, covering everything from tennis, golf and adventures on horseback to yoga on the beach and a state-of-the-art gym - plus a gorgeous spa in which to chill out afterwards. In 2017, the generously proportioned suites and villas were given a designer makeover inspired by the luxury look of a superyacht and the relaxed vibe of a beachfront. That means airy spaces, neutral tones, big windows and lots of mirrors, plus monochrome wall art, wooden sculptures and muted patterned fabrics, which creates an effect that’s both stylish and welcoming. Even the “basic” Junior Suite has a large terrace, with views over the lush garden, though the one that comes with the Deluxe Junior Suite Terrace is roomier - big enough for a cosy dining spot. If you want a separate living room, opt for a Garden Suite or a Deluxe Garden Suite. Like the idea of your own whirlpool bath? The Grand Junior Suite has one, and a dressing room. If the sight of the waves is more important, go for the Deluxe Junior Suite Sea View - the terrace is perfect for a salt-breezy morning coffee. There are three villas with private pools for families and groups who’d like to stay in their bubble: the three-bed Villa Margarita by the beach; the five-bed Villa Armonia in the centre of the resort; and the seaside four-bed Villa La Pereza, which benefits from optional extra services.
Ikos Andalucia
Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Benahavis Marbella Resort
Iberostar Selection Marbella Coral Beach
Puente Romano Beach Resort
