Málaga, a gem on Spain’s Costa del Sol, offers a refined escape for travellers seeking upscale experiences amidst its Mediterranean beaches and historic charm. Known for its blend of cultural heritage, from Roman ruins to Moorish fortresses, and its thriving culinary scene, this region provides a backdrop for sophisticated holidays. Visitors can expect a range of high-end hotels, gourmet dining venues, and tranquil spas that cater to those seeking comfort and elegance.
- In Málaga city, the Gran Hotel Miramar stands as a five-star retreat in a restored 1920s palace. Its elegant rooms feature sea or garden views, with luxurious touches like marble bathrooms. The hotel’s spa offers a range of treatments, including hydrotherapy and massages, while its rooftop restaurant, Príncipe de Asturias, serves Mediterranean dishes with panoramic coastal views. The outdoor pool and lush gardens add to the refined atmosphere.
- The Finca Cortesin in Casares, a short drive from Málaga, delivers a serene countryside escape. This five-star resort boasts spacious suites with private terraces overlooking the golf course or Mediterranean Sea. Its Kabuki Raw restaurant, awarded a Michelin star, offers a fusion of Japanese and Andalusian cuisines, while the spa provides therapies using organic products, complemented by a Turkish bath and indoor pool.
- In Marbella, the Marbella Club Hotel blends classic glamour with modern luxury. Its beachfront rooms and villas feature elegant decor, and the thalassotherapy spa offers seawater-based treatments alongside a sauna and steam room. The hotel’s El Patio restaurant serves refined Spanish dishes with local seafood, while the Beach Club provides a chic setting for al fresco dining by the sea.
Dining
- Dining in Málaga reaches sophisticated heights at select venues. In Málaga city, José Carlos García’s eponymous Michelin-starred restaurant presents creative Andalusian cuisine with a focus on fresh, local ingredients, served in a sleek waterfront setting.
- In Marbella, Skina, another Michelin-starred gem, offers an intimate tasting menu blending traditional and modern flavours. The Grill at Puente Romano Beach Resort delivers premium steaks and seafood in an elegant outdoor setting with sea views.
Spa and wellness
- Spa facilities in the region cater to those seeking rejuvenation. The Anantara Villa Padierna Palace in Benahavís features a wellness centre with a thermal circuit, sauna, and personalised treatments, set amidst lush gardens.
- The spa at Gran Hotel Miramar provides a tranquil retreat with a focus on holistic therapies, including aromatherapy and reflexology. Finca Cortesin’s spa, with its serene design, offers treatments inspired by Asian and Mediterranean traditions, alongside a snow cabin for contrast therapy.
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- Beyond hotels and dining, Málaga’s luxury facilities include unique offerings. The golf course at Finca Cortesin, designed by Cabell Robinson, provides a scenic 18-hole experience with sea and mountain views.
- The Marbella Club offers curated yacht charters along the coast, paired with its private beach club for lounging in style.
- Anantara Villa Padierna’s art collection and sculpture garden provide a cultural touch, with private tours available for guests.
Málaga’s blend of coastal beauty and refined amenities creates an inviting destination for travellers seeking elegance and authenticity. Whether savouring a Michelin-starred meal, unwinding in a spa, or staying in a historic palace, the region delivers a polished yet approachable experience.
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