It’s no surprise that Marbella has long been a hotspot for party-going, sun-worshiping Europeans. It sits on Spain’s south coast and is just a stone’s throw from Malaga, making it both convenient and beautiful.
Recent years have seen the Spanish holiday resort become known for its beach bars, white parties and Champagne-spraying extravaganzas, but these days Marbella is reinventing itself as Spain’s heart of luxury.
The quaint old town helps hugely in this, as it injects just that right amount of culture to any break spent here. Here at House of Coco, we can vouch for Marbella being ideal for relaxation, rejuvenation and revival.
At the forefront of this movement is Kempinski Hotel Bahia, a beachfront hotel in nearby Estepona which is perfect for a couple’s retreat, a family holiday or a girl’s getaway in equal parts.
Kempinski’s Bahia resort has style and luxury in abundance, so when we were invited to stay we almost couldn’t contain our excitement.
READ MORE: The 5 Best Places for a Boozy Lunch in Marbella
When we arrived at Kempinski Bahia we were immediately blown away by the entrance space. First impressions count here, and the ground floor is large, spacious and contemporary. Light floods through the floor-to-ceiling windows which boast views over the sea, and Black Rose the Bar serves up some of the best cocktail creations on the Marbella-Estepona coast. Seriously – you’ve got to try Raspberry Eve.
Once we’d finished taking far too many snaps of the recently renovated lobby, we checked into our room which was just one floor up. The sleek interior design continued through to the bedrooms, which were spacious and palatial. In all honesty, we’d have quite happily stayed in the bedroom for the entirety of the stay – if there wasn’t so much else to see, of course.
It boasted views over the Mediterranean sea, pool and sub-tropical gardens and came complete with a sitting area, desk and a beautiful marble bathroom. Slippers and robes awaited us, as well as fresh bread and tomato chutney.
It’s small touches like these which make every stay at Kempinski Bahia so special – the devil really is in the details.
READ MORE: The Best Beach Clubs in Marbella
After a well-deserved lie-down in our new home, we headed for another well-deserved lie-down outside. The outdoor space at Kempinski Bahia is expansive; despite it being a huge hotel, you don’t feel on top of the other guests outside.
With a shop, a handful of pool bars and private access onto the beach, there’s not much more you could wish for.
Perhaps our favourite spot in the hotel turned out to be Spilers, a stylish, bright and airy beach-side restaurant.
Whether you’re a guest at Kempinski or not, lunch or drinks (or both) at Spilers is a must. It has indoor and outdoor seating, and an all-round contemporary vibe. What’s more, the menu is totally inviting and will appeal to everyone in your party.
It is the perfect place from which to break up your day by the pool with a wine drenched lunch, and specialities include fresh fish, Argentinean flame-grilled dishes, burgers and Artisan pizzas. Whatever you do, don’t leave without trying the tuna tartare.
Breakfast the following morning was a similarly delicious affair. The friendly and attentive staff sat us on the terrace outside overlooking the sea. We enjoyed the day’s fresh speciality juice of strawberry and watermelon before indulging on the breakfast buffet inside.
From breads and cheeses to fresh fruit, pancakes and all of the components of a Full English, no breakfast stone was left unturned. Our morning had been set off to a simply delightful start.
We’re guessing you won’t be in any rush to leave the resort, but if you fancy any afternoon out during your stay, there is plenty around to do. Follow in our footsteps and visit Marbella’s Old Town, or enjoy an evening at Ocean Club (they’re now open for summer!).
Dragging ourselves back to London after a weekend spent in luxury at Kempinski Bahia was tricky, but thoughts of visiting again very soon made the whole thing a little easier. We can’t wait to return and enjoy food at the hotel’s other highly-rated restaurants. Whether you’re looking for the perfect spot for a romantic and relaxing holiday or a well-deserved weekend with the girls, Kempinski Hotel is sure to deliver.
Kempinski Hotel Bahia (www.kempinski.com/marbella) offers a nightly rate in a Grand Mediterranean Room from €240 (low season) and €770 (high season). Prices based on two sharing a double room on a B&B basis.
EasyJet (www.easyjet.com) offers flights to Malaga from £32.99 on way, from London Gatwick.
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