Latest news with #CostaDelSol
Forbes
18 hours ago
- Forbes
Soak Up Slow Travel In An Undiscovered Corner Of The Costa Del Sol
Spain's Costa del Sol is no stranger to hotel openings and, this summer, the Andalusian stretch of coastline is practically buzzing with newness. Already this year, Kimpton, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts' luxury and lifestyle portfolio, has opened Kimpton Los Monteros Marbella, reviving one of Spain's most distinguished hotels located in Marbella. This month, the Iconic Luxury Hotels collection, which includes some of the world's most legendary hotels, including British icons Cliveden House and Chewton Glen, has also opened the doors to its latest address—also found in Marbella. Located on Playa del Real de Zaragoza, one of Marbella's most tranquil beaches, Gran Marbella Resort & Beach Club blends cultural heritage with contemporary elegance, offering guests a 'quietly glamorous experience'. Fairmont La Hacienda Hotel with its view to Gibraltar, in Andalucia. Spain. (Credit: Michellle Chaplow) This notion of 'quietness' is not only one of the leading travel trends for 2025, (see the rise in 'quietcations'), but it is also a USP of the new Fairmont La Hacienda, found a short drive south from Marbella, in San Roque. Despite its proximity to Costa del Sol's more famous and lively towns, such as Malaga, Fuengirola and Benalmadena, the latest address from Fairmont is instead found in what feels like an undiscovered part of this stretch of southern Spain. Overlooking La Alcaidesa beach, a 4km sandy bay complete with the picture-postcard Punta Carbonera Lighthouse, the hotel's suites and villas are set camouflaged into the hillside. It is circled by the 18-hole La Hacienda Golf Course, the only links course in Andalusia with sea views. Further along the coast, and spiking the horizon with its jagged contours, is the Rock of Gibraltar, a monolith that reminds you that this part of Spain is actually closer to the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar than it is to the bars of Marbs. The hotel's beach is overlooked by the Punta Carbonera Lighthouse. (Credit: Michelle Chaplow) Spanish architectural agency, Daar Studio, took six years to create the hotel, which is made up of a collection of terraced, luxury rooms, suites and stand-alone villas. The resort's flat roof architecture and stone-coloured facades mean that the buildings seem to fade into the terrain; while the whimsical landscaping throughout—think: herb gardens that add scents of rosemary and lavender to the breeze and undulating grasses that root you to the shoreline—make you feel at one with the natural surroundings. Its winding lanes and palm trees also give the sensation that you've arrived in a modern take on a typical Andalusian village. One of the hotel's villas with views of the Rock of Gibraltar. (Credit: © Michelle Chaplow / Hotel Essence Photography. All rights reserved Wherever you are in La Hacienda, the sea is never far from view. In fact, it is the first sight that greets you when you step inside the double-height, airy lobby. Facing you is an oversized, floor-to-ceiling glass wall—a picture frame to the glittering Alboran Sea beyond. In front of this, a huge sculpture of a whale's tail is another reminder of the ocean life outside the walls—where guests can set sail for day trips, surrounded by giddy dolphins, and where the edge of Morocco can be seen on a clear day. Throughout the public spaces, curated like a series of living rooms, art and artisan objects are on display which give nods to Andalusian craftmanship. The interior design also references the region's rich tradition of ceramics, as well as its Moorish connections, with locally-sourced pottery, dusty pink textiles and textural wall art. The hotel has a series of three outdoor simminmg pools. (Credit: Michelle Chaplow) Rooms and suites (there are 153 in total) have been designed by Studio Ibu and ooze a quiet luxury with their minimalist—yet luxurious—feel. There's a whole gamut of sizes to choose from—whether it is a cosy room for two or one of the 47 Spanish-style villas that come with up to three bedrooms, private gardens and swimming pools. Natural materials, such as Campaspero stone and dark wood furniture, have been used sympathetically, and these are juxtaposed with jute, linen and rattan to give an added interest to each space. The neutral palette of cream-on-cream is lifted with textiles in soft colours and muted prints, while large canvases reflect the sunshine and burnt sienna colours of the local landscape. Hotel interiors boast natural colours and materials. (Credit: ©Michelle Chaplow / Hotel Essence Photography. All rights reserved. Bathrooms are deliciously indulgent—just what you want from a stay in a luxury, holiday hotel—with egg-shaped tubs, walk-in showers and stocked with Le Labo's heady Rose 31 toiletries. Meanwhile, if you didn't know it already, a 'hidden' highlight at any Fairmont hotel is the Fairmont mattress (more specifically the Fairmont Posturepedic® Luxury Plush Euro Pillowtop mattress, made by Sealy), that has proven so comfortable over the years that guests are now able to order one for their own homes (in the US only). Sink in and you'll drift away. Michelin-starred chef Benito Gómez is overseeing the hotel's fine-dining offering, Dalmar. (Credit: Fairmont La Hacienda) Dining at Fairmont La Hacienda is a world away from the usual 'resort fare'. While you can order casual lunches and quick bites, such as poke bowls and pulled-pork burgers by the pool, as a whole, the resort has a sharp eye on its elevated culinary offering, with artisanal produce used for even the most simple dishes. Most impressive is the fact that the Michelin-starred chef Benito Gómez (famed for his renowned two-Michelin star restaurant, Bardal and contemporary tapas restaurant, Tragatá) is overseeing the hotel's fine-dining offering, Dalmar. Dalmar fine dining restaurant. (Credit: Michelle Chaplow) Working closely with local producers, Gomez's menu celebrates authentic Anadalusian cookery, taking simple ingredients to new heights. With its open kitchen and bright décor used in the dining room, a meal here brings a sense of drama. Menu highlights include silky Agur anchovies, sea bass cured in seaweed for three days, tuna belly and oysters, focaccia with homemade stracciatella, 'garden pearl' peas from the Maresme region of Catalonia, known for their sweet taste and seasonality, a signature beef tartare and a Retinta beef chop. Dalmar's chef Benito Gomez. (Credit: Fairmont La Hacienda) Meanwhile, the hotel's breezy, open-air Umbra restaurant is a chic outpost for lunch. Its coastal Mediterranean dishes mean you can try Cádiz tuna and fire-roasted espeto , a local specialty where sardines are grilled over wood in a sand-filled boat, and paired with fresh, seasonal salads. Handcrafted tableware, hanging rattan lighting and a chilled-out soundtrack gives it a beachy, Ibizan feel. The terrace at Faro restaurant gives widespread sea views. (Credit: Michelle Chaplow) Meanwhile, the main dining room of El Faro—open for breakfast and dinner—sees sharing dishes take centre stage. Terrace dining means you can gaze out over the sea, which is dotted with the white sails of yachts; while, inside, the dining room is more intimate, with exposed brick walls, ocean-inspired artworks and artisanal pottery. From plates of Jamon Iberico and piquant tomato salads to fresh sea bass and succulent steaks, the vibe here harnesses a hyper-local sensibility that roots you in the destination. Do not miss the oxtail croquettes, which you'll be lusting after long after you've arrived home. Days can be spent exploring local towns, such as Estepona and the harbour of Sotogrande, where you can browse boutiques and night markets. The hotel can also organise local experiences, such as a Mini Moke hire to drive to Castellar de la Frontera, one of Spain's most stunning villages; or an olive oil experience at La Almazara La Organic, an olive grove and museum designed by Philippe Starck set at the foot of the Serranía de Ronda. The hydrotherapy pools in the spa. (Credit: Fairmont La Hacienda) Whether you have been out exploring or have hit a round at the golf course (the hotel offers an exclusive partnership with the two 18-hole courses that are close by), a visit to the spa is the perfect antidote to any activity. As well as an indoor swimming pool, there is a series of hydrotherapy pools, a snow fountain, hammam, steam room, sauna and tepidarium. Treatments on offer include manicures and pedicures by Bastien Gonzalez, facials by 111Skin and bespoke massages by aromatherapy brand, Subtle Energies. Sun sets over Fairmont La Hacienda. (Credit: Michelle Chaplow) Early morning yoga sessions in the studio mean that you can watch the sun light up the sea for an inspiring start to the day. While, if you head down to the beach before breakfast, you'll probably have it to yourself, save for the odd dog-walker. Days segue seamlessly into evenings in this peaceful corner. As the sun dips, head for cocktails at the Vista Lounge terrace, a sedate and sun-dappled space which hits just the right notes before night falls. It's the ultimate in quiet luxury.
CNN
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- CNN
Searching For Spain: Marbella - Eva Longoria Searching For Spain - Podcast on CNN Podcasts
Searching For Spain: Marbella Eva Longoria Searching For Spain 47 mins After making Marbella her home, Eva Longoria celebrates with family and friends, enjoying the city's vibrant dishes and local flavours.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Daily Mail
European holiday hotspot loved by Brits issues strict rules for tourists - with huge fines if you break them
The Spanish city of Malaga is taking a firm stance on unruly behaviour from tourists this summer by issuing a 10-point guidance plan that encourages appropriate dress, the respecting of local customs and keeping the noise down after hours. The Costa del Sol destination, known for its links to Picasso, beautiful old town and sweeping beaches, has put its Improve your Stay campaign front and centre across the city. The straight-talking ads are aimed at curbing behaviour that has angered locals in recent years, especially during the peak tourist season. Signage across the city spells out expectations, with posters - on buses and billboards, written in English and directly addressing antics often attributed to British holidaymakers. There's also a social media campaign reminding tourists they must follow municipal bylaws or face fines of up to €750 (£655) for violations. In Malaga's city centre, residents have objected to foreigners walking around the city wearing only bikinis or shorts. One of the Improve your Stay city hall signs reads: 'Dress completely. Both on the street and in public places always wear an upper garment out of respect and hygiene.' Billboard posters ask visitors to wear full clothes while in town - demanding they 'dress properly', 'dress appropriately' and 'dress completely'. The campaign, promoted by Malaga's tourism department, highlights four major issues: inappropriate attire, littering, excessive noise, and reckless e-scooter use. Another sign focuses on noise pollution, urging visitors to 'respect the sleeping hours' of residents, including the elderly, students, and essential workers. The sign advises against shouting, singing loudly, or playing music at high volumes in public areas, adding: 'Don't be conspicuous.' Littering is another sore point for locals, with signs asking tourists to 'Keep the city clean' by using rubbish bins and taking care of historical monuments, gardens, and public seating. Meanwhile, scooter riders are reminded that 'pavements are for pedestrians. If you use scooters or bicycles, do so in the legally authorised areas, in compliance with municipal ordinances.' The measure is an attempt to combat visitors who ride indiscriminately in cycle lanes, invade pedestrian areas and have been involved in more than one serious incident. With the summer season now in full swing, overtourism has become a major issue in many European resorts and cities. Italy's Dolomites were compared to Disneyland last week by fed-up locals, as the beauty spot became overloaded by swarms of selfie-snapping tourists and so-called influencers. Images and videos shared on social media shared by furious residents showed crowds of holidaymakers clogging up a cable car station in the Seceda area of the Alpine mountain range, which has become increasingly popular thanks to social media. Another sign focuses on noise pollution, urging visitors to 'respect the sleeping hours' of residents, including the elderly, students, and essential workers Littering is another sore point for locals, with signs asking tourists to 'Keep the city clean' One particular video shows a lengthy queue of visitors at the station over-spilling onto a nearby cafe, while some tourists are seen blocking a staircase as they wait in line. Another clip showed how a hiking trail came to a standstill as it became overwhelmed by tourists trying to reach the cable car. The video, which was shared on an Instagram page, was captioned: 'Something incredible even just to be told. 'Hours in line waiting for your turn to go up the Seceda to admire the meadows, ridges, the most beautiful mountains of the Alto Adige, being careful not to step on each other's feet, not to clash, to take the selfie as 'freely' possible in the presence of other tourists.' Such is the surge in visitors that the operator of the cable car that takes hikers up to the summit of the Seceda mountain has put in a request to triple the capacity of the chairlift, Italian news outlet Corriere della Sera reports. But recent scenes of overcrowding at the UNESCO World Heritage Site has sparked anger among locals and environmentalists who say large crowds could put wildlife at risk.
The Sun
6 days ago
- The Sun
‘My blood ran cold': Mum's horror at seeing CCTV of perv burglar leering at her as she slept during terrifying break-in
A MUM has been left "scared, shaking and in shock" after she was leered at by a perverted burglar as she slept naked. Sickening CCTV footage shared by the unsuspecting victim shows a masked thief flashing at torch at her as he ogles at her body. 5 5 The mum-of-one says she had no idea a man had broken in to her home in the Costa Del Sol until she watched back the terrifying video. The intruder was inside for 32 minutes and entered the bedroom where the woman and her partner were sleeping eight times. At one point, he flashes his torch over the pair who were in bed before focusing in on the woman. The traumatised mum was sleeping naked on her front with the majority of her body uncovered by the duvet due to the Spanish heat. A blood-curdling moment saw the sordid burglar bend over and move closer to the victim to shine the torch on her body further. Speaking to the MailOnline the woman said: "I looked at the camera and my blood ran cold. "The guy came into the room eight times. He was looking in between my legs, at my intimate parts, looking at my face. "He forgot all about the burglary. He was more interested in looking at me." The burglar eventually fled the Marbella home undetected as he swiped a purse with 300 euros inside. The rest of their valuables and expensive goods were all exactly where they left them - including in the couple's 18-year-old son's room next door. Moment hero cop saves girl, 11, from 'paedo trying to force her into flat…with perv now facing chemical castration' This has led the victim to fear that the man wasn't simply looking to burgle the home but had much more sinister plans. She said: "That man didn't come to my house to steal, he came to do something to me. "I was alone the night before. What if he'd come then?" The mum says she now faces recurring nightmares when trying to sleep with one of her major fears stemming from what may have happened if she had woke up. She woke up shortly after the thief fled to go to the toilet but believes if she crossed paths she would have screamed. "The intruder might have been carrying a knife or a pistol," she feared. The woman has now been forced to undergo psychological treatment to process the trauma. "I am still traumatised by this. Before I go to the toilet at night, I look at the cameras," she revealed. "If my boyfriend leaves the bed at night, I jump. I am now seeing a psychologist." The brave victim released the video shortly after taking it to the police as she said it was the only way to get justice and catch the "sick predator". Local police are investigating the case and analysing the footage but are yet to identify the suspect. They believe he likely entered the house through a terrace door. Marbella is already on high alert for burglaries with residents warned to bolster up their security systems as cops hunt for a thief in the area. Chilling footage shows a man in a mask and grey hoodie breaking and entering into a series of villas between San Pedro de Alcantara in Marbella and Benahavis. Dubbed the San Pedro Prowler, the man is regarded as an expert lock picker. Among the recent stolen items include 10,000 euros in cash and a 30,000 euro watch. 5 5
News.com.au
6 days ago
- News.com.au
Moment ‘sick predator' shines flashlight on sleeping woman's naked body during break-in
This is the sickening moment a masked burglar flashes his torch to leer at a naked woman as she sleeps. The intruder spent over half an hour inside the home in Costa del Sol, Spain, as he repeatedly returned to the bedroom to look over the unsuspecting victim, The Sun reported. Disturbing CCTV footage, which can be watched in the player above, showed the man sneaking into residents Pilar and Alex's bedroom in Marbella. The thief was seen creeping around in a tracksuit with his face covered as he looked to raid the couple as they were fast asleep. At one point, he flashes his torch over the pair who were in bed – before focusing in on Pilar. The woman was sleeping naked on her front with the majority of her body uncovered by the bedding. In a particularly disturbing moment, the man can be seen bending over and moving closer to Pilar to shine the torch on her body further. After watching back the sickening footage – which ran for 32 minutes – Pilar told local media: 'He entered our bedroom eight times to look at my private parts.' The brave victim released the video shortly after taking it to the police, saying it was the only way to get justice and catch the 'sick predator'. Pilar and Alex said they first knew something was wrong when they woke up to 300 Euro ($534) had been taken from their home. Their valuables and expensive goods were all exactly where they left them, including those in their 18-year-old son's room next door. This has led Pilar to fear that the man wasn't simply looking to burgle the home, but had much more sinister plans. She said she was thankful that she had her partner with her, as he was in a similar position on the other side of their bed. 'That man didn't come to my house to steal, he came to do something to me,' she said. 'I was alone the night before. What if he'd come then?' Pilar said the terrifying ordeal has left her traumatised and she now faces recurring nightmares when trying to sleep. She has even been forced to undergo psychological treatment to process the trauma. Local police are investigating the case and analysing the footage but are yet to identify the suspect. They believe he likely entered the house through a terrace door. Marbella is already on high alert for burglaries, with residents warned to bolster up their security systems as cops hunt for a thief in the area. Chilling footage shows a man in a mask and grey hoodie breaking and entering into a series of villas between San Pedro de Alcantara in Marbella and Benahavis. Dubbed the San Pedro Prowler, the man is regarded as an expert lock picker. Among the recent stolen items include 10,000 ($17,810) Euro in cash and a 30,000 ($53,431) Euro watch.
