September | 2015 | Hotels and destinations

Marbella, luxury and much more

By Luke Durden in Luxury Hotels September 16, 2015

Marbella. It is difficult to mention (or write) this name without automatically thinking of luxury, glamour and relaxation. This city of the province of Malaga, Spain, has its own identity and, in fact, it is better known internationally than the capital itself. Marbella is a destination for exclusive international tourism, and it includes some of the most beautiful and quiet areas of the East of Costa del Sol. It has turned the city into an essential meeting point in summer and a top destination for wellness retreats during the winter.

As well as its exceptional climate and Mediterranean beaches, you will find quality tourism infrastructures and facilities. The hotels in Marbella are mostly 4 or 5 star hotels (or higher) built in exclusive areas, very close to its spectacular beaches or on the hills of the impressive Sierra Blanca.

The so-called Valley of Golf is one of the main centres of this sport in Spain, but Marbella not only offers golf, you can find sailing schools, surf shops, diving, paddle tennis, tennis, running … All that includes enjoying the energy from the open air you will find in this city, mainly due to its surroundings and the natural landscapes that provide the perfect setting to make the most of it.

The city of Marbella, is also one of the most beautiful and with outstanding cultural heritage cities of the Costa del Sol. Its walled Old Town integrates in the historic centre the High Quarter and the New Town, two areas that converge in the famous Plaza de los Naranjos (the Orange Square), where you find a mixture of important buildings of all artistic styles. The atmosphere in this town square is always lively and you can feel the true character of its people, always friendly and sharing smiles with visitors.

Photos Iberostar Costa del Sol hotel

What to see in Marbella:

Puerto Banus

The Paseo de la Alameda and its botanical garden

The Lighthouse of Marbella

The auditorium on Constitution Square

San Pedro de Alcantara

Accommodation suggestions in Marbella:

Marbella has a wide range of options regarding accommodation, but we suggest one of the last resorts to join this selection: an exclusive 4 star beach hotel in Marbella in the quiet urbanization of Costalita, direction Estepona. The IBEROSTAR Costa del Sol hotel offers a very attractive proposal for those who want a family holiday in Marbella with a touch of style, glamour and sophistication but away from the bustle and overcrowding of other areas.

The rooms and suites of this hotel in Marbella stand out for its spacious rooms, it has one of the best family rooms facing the beach of El Saladillo, as well as exclusive services and amenities, such as access to a semi private pool, a pillow menu and terraces with sea views.

Rooms of the Iberostar Costa del Sol hotel

As for the services in Marbella available at this beach resort, we like to stand out its gastronomic and spa area, with areas of exclusive relaxation, personalised treatments and a team of qualified professionals that are the best guarantee for a perfect wellness escapade.

On the official website of IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts you can find the best hotel offers in Marbella available online. The lowest rates guaranteed and, if you find a cheaper rate, they will match the offer and will also add a 5% discount on the available rate.

Accommodations to pamper yourself

By Loren in Luxury Hotels September 16, 2015

Today we’re going to make a deluxe review in places that most of us look with envy and normally can’t afford. It’s true that they are way out of our budget, but, it doesn’t hurt to keep them at hand when the day come and we decide, finally, that is time to spoil ourselves. We only live once, right?

Luxury holidays

Grand Hotel Mencey.– It is one of the best hotels with suites in Santa Cruz, Tenerife. A renowned five-star hotel which has hosted celebrities and international figures such as Liz Taylor. It still has that colonial charm, its old architecture, but filled with modern services and innovative ideas. The hotel’s garden is a natural jewel in the city, it even has a little turtle pond. It is a gourmet hotel also, considered one of the oldest still open hotels in Spain, besides, it offers a Spa, buffet style restaurant, chill out terraces, cooking classroom, and deluxe suites.

Vincci Aleysa.- A luxury hotel in Benalmádena, it is one of those places specially designed to become a high-standing touristic reference in the country. It was designed as a boutique hotel, where the high-quality services are the key, specially created to give you unique experience. In this way, the main service is the gourmet food, the relaxation and spa spaces and its exclusive five-star suites. The best gift, undoubtedly.

IBEROSTAR Son Antem hotel.- We had mentioned before every now and then, since it is a reference hotel in Majorca regarding golf and spa. But besides these characteristics that makes it unique in the island, it also offers you a different deluxe experience: is not another beach hotel, it’s located in the middle of the Majorcan countryside, surrounded by farms and green fields, beautiful gardens and two enormous golf courses. It also offers several gourmet services such as Sunday brunch which includes some children activities.

Hotel Iberostar Grand Mencey

Grand Salomé.- South Tenerife, across from the Duque and Fañabé beach, surrounded by the most beautiful gardens that lead to the sea. Besides its gastronomy, the specialized service and its deluxe, all these and even more in this Adults-Only hotel in Tenerife, This accommodation in Costa adeje is a five-star hotel next to the famous Anthelia hotel where you can live the most amazing and unforgettable holiday of your life. The design, the different ambiences and spaces create that idyllic air where dream is just as easy as breath.

Your last summer dive

By Loren in Sun and beach Hotels September 15, 2015

Yes, is inevitable, the countdown to autumn has begun. And because of that, now more than ever, it is the time to take the change and take that last summer dive. To put it easy for you, and save any excuses, we brought you some hotels in Majorca, Minorca, Tenerife and Andalusia where you can book in during this time of the year with great discounts and enjoy a few days to relax and say goodbye to the ocean without spending a lot of money, with or without children, holiday for everybody.

Sol Katmandú Park.- A world full of granted fun in front of Magaluf beach, in Majorca. This children hotel (so so) is one of the last incorporations to the Sol Hotels portfolio, the hotel chain of family hotels for kids and teenagers in Melià, a place where staying is a whole new experience, full of surprises and innovation. When you choose this hotel in Magaluf that has a theme park there is no better way to end up your summer time. Enjoy all the offers they have by the end of season right now. You can also try all the Flintstones hotels that have different places all around Majorca, as well as in Menorca and the rest of Spain. Last but not least the Sol Beach House is a space to relax and do nothing at all.

Olé Tropical Tenerife.- The Olé hotel chain is a must in this small list. Besides being the best beach resort regarding quality-cost relationship right now, it is one of the hotel chains that has known how to create a more solid concept in family holiday hotels in Canarias, Majorca and the rest of renowned touristic destinations of the country. Their concept is very specific: A very comfortable and functional accommodation where children and adults can spend their entire day, with everything at their disposal, next to one of the best beaches of the country. It is perfect for those who seek that last summer dive at an affordable price and without worries, Regarding the Olé Tropical hotel, its great advantage is the location as well as all the activities that they have until the end of season, turning it into one of the best children resorts in Tenerife nowadays. But, if you prefer Lanzarote, Olé Olivina is a wonderful option, and if you prefer Ibiza, then your choice is the Olé Galeón.

Playa Garden selection Hotel & Spa.- our third option is the Garden Hotel chain, We have an family hotel in Playa de Muro, full of children entertainment and adult as well. It is our biggest proposal in Majorca because it knows how to spoil all children and adult needs, and, it is also located in one of the most beautiful areas of Majorca, in front of the northern beach of the island, leisure, kids games, sports, spa, gastronomy, pools, solarium, all kind of bedrooms, and even more. If you book from the official website Garden Hotels, you can get amazing accommodation prices in Playa de Muro.

A hotel for every type of trip

By Loren in Uncategorized September 14, 2015

The key to have a good travel experience is to prepare in advance and choose a good destination, date and accommodation, and then, leave a few things to chance and improvisation, so we can also have excitement and surprises every day. Every trip is different: sometimes, we just want rest, relaxation and peace; sometimes we want to experience a different adventure full of adrenalin. In every case, we need to bear in mind that every trip requires different things, so we have to choose in accordance with this, not only for price, although it is obviously important.

Garden Hotels destinations

Get away from it all

If you are one of those who have worked all summer looking at September as a last resort, now is your moment and it is probable that what you want is to be lazy, rest, and nothing else. To have a relaxing trip, first you have to choose carefully the destination. We recommend you not to complicate too much with a long trip: look for something comfortable, a non-stop and fast flight, or a trip by car of 3-4 hours long. Majorca, the Canary Islands or the south of Spain are very complete destinations where you can enjoy a relaxing holiday during September. In all of them, summer lasts until well into October, waters are still at good temperature so we can taste the sweetness of swimming contemplating the sunset and outdoor activities are varied.

As for accommodation, an excellent option is to choose a spa hotel in Chiclana, Cádiz, next to some of their endless beaches where you can relax and also practice surfing, running, and sailing or almost anything you want. Services for travellers in this southern coast are very complete and prices very affordable. Another option, if you want to go further, is to opt for a spa hotel in Tenerife, or for a spa hotel in Marbella. Accommodations with wellness areas are perfect to break the routine and spoil yourself after a long summer working. They are usually included in the accommodation price (except specific treatments) and they are managed by professional teams, boast good facilities. The best ones are in the big hotel chains, but there are also boutique hotels that worth a visit.

Travelling and doing sports

It is a good way to get rid of all the built up tension you accumulate at work. Holidays give us the free time we are always claiming to practice sport and take care conscientiously. September is ideal for this because you don’t have to face the crowds of tourists in summer and considering a sports getaway is much easier. In addition, weather tends to be more favourable because sun is softer… But days are shorter (snif).

Surfing, sailing, diving (in the Mediterranean, where temperatures allow you to practice without having to carry clothing for cold), paddle, tennis, golf, hiking, cycling…

Golf trips

Booking a golf hotel in Isla Canela (Huelva) or a golf hotel in Costa Adeje (Tenerife) are two of the most interesting options we’ve found for this September 2015 in terms of value for money. Huelva is a destination that will require you to make a trip by car perhaps longer than what you have considered… But it is worth because this province offers some of the most beautiful natural areas of the peninsula without giving up sun, beaches and facilities of top level tourist areas.

Golf is also a key attraction of the southern coast of Tenerife, however, the island has courses, schools, and establishments throughout its territory. There are golf hotels in the north of Tenerife that, for example, offer the possibility to book complete experiences which, in addition, provide spa and wellness services. They are a bit more expensive -most of them are 5-stars hotels- but perhaps they are the best alternative. Once in a while doesn’t do any harm.

It is true that when you’re looking for a golf trip, the first thing that travel agencies propose is the coast of Andalusia: here, in the heart of Costa del Sol, is where is situated the so-called Golf Valley with some of the best courses in Spain. Most of the hotels that we find in this area are 5-star hotels, prices are high and facilities are deluxe. It is a good plan if you have a high budget, if this is not the case, there are other alternatives: Cadiz, where there are several golf hotels in Chiclana that meet these requirements. Cadiz is much more affordable than Marbella and in beauty and natural areas little or has nothing to envy. In addition, it is a more versatile destination for athletes and restless travellers because man cannot live by golf alone.

Travelling as a couple

Single or married without children is looking for a destination to travel as a couple and enjoy a few days of rest… If this is the case, we suggest you Majorca as an absolute paradise for holidays as a couple: there are interesting offers now for example in hotels in Cala Ratjada, a fishing village in the northeastern extreme of the island; also in Playa de Palma, which is very close to the centre of the capital, and in hotels in Alcudia, near Playa de Muro. Summer will stay for quite a while and this is, undoubtedly, the best season to visit the island. If you are thinking of a spa hotel in Majorca, with gourmet gastronomy, special suites and quiet leisure plans, some interesting hotels are Iberostar Son Antem, Cala Millor Garden (Adults Only), Sol Beach House, Fergus Cala Blanca Suites (which is pet friendly) or Catalonia Majórica, which is located on the seafront of Palma and allows you to combine a perfect urban experience with quiet days at the beach.

For those who don’t want beach but city, trip options are endless, as many destinations as one can imagine: boutique hotels in the centre of Seville, design hotels in Barcelona, gourmet hotels in Madrid… European cities are also a choice whenever we find a direct flight (to save us the bore of the trip and take advantage of the days on the destination than on the way). Brussels, the eternal Paris, Berlin, Rome…

Spa hotels that we mentioned before are always an excellent choice when you want a romantic journey because most of them offer varied experiences within their facilities to enjoy as a couple: gastronomic hotels like the Grand Mencey in Tenerife, for example, offer a package of romantic getaway ideal for those who want to have it all resolved and only want to relax, travel, take care of themselves and enjoy a well-deserved pampering.