Escape to these fabulous resorts on the magical Costa del Sol
The summer getaway is BACK! Embrace the joy of a sunny escape in these fabulous resorts on the magical Costa del Sol
Ad Feature by Macdonald Hotels & Resorts
When it comes to heavenly sun holidays, Spain’s glorious Costa del Sol can’t be beaten. Peppered with charming towns and villages, it’s no surprise that this balmy strip of the Andalusian coast has long been a haven for holidaymakers.
Holidays abroad are finally back, and whether you’re plotting the family getaway of a lifetime, a romantic break for two, or a golf trip with friends, Macdonald Hotels & Resorts holds the ticket to the best of the Costa del Sol region. Each of these four self-catering resorts has a unique charm and character of its own, all the while boasting magical sea views, turquoise pools, friendly staff and an endless array of activities to choose from.
What’s more, all four resorts have been awarded the prestigious ‘Hall of Fame’ award by Tripadvisor – a marker of excellence for those seeking a holiday they’ll never forget…
La Ermita Resort, Mijas
Macdonald Hotels & Resorts holds the ticket to the best of Spain’s glorious Costa del Sol region. Above is the idyllic Macdonald La Ermita Resort, which sits next to the village of Mijas
Picture this – you’re surrounded by the peace and quiet of the Andalusian hills, while the shimmering Mediterranean stretches out in the distance. This mesmerising view never gets old at Macdonald La Ermita Resort, the ideal destination for those looking to switch off and unwind.
The idyllic self-catering resort is nestled right next to Mijas, a chocolate-box village with white-walled buildings and winding cobbled streets. Spend hours meandering through its traditional shops and bars, before settling in for a meal at one of the village’s many cosy tapas restaurants.
Back at the resort, why not stretch out with a good book on your private balcony – a feature of each spacious apartment.
With two outdoor pools in the heart of the complex, you’re always just moments away from a refreshing dip. Post-swim, take a seat at the bar and restaurant on the terrace for a spot of lunch.
Stretch out under the sun at La Ermita before cooling off in one of the resort’s two outdoor pools
For an extra dose of relaxation, take advantage of the wellness facilities and unwind in the aromatherapy shower, one of the resort’s three saunas or the steam room. If you’re craving a workout, hit La Ermita’s gym or lace up your trainers for a run in the beautiful rolling hills nearby.
Want to feel sand between your toes? The resort is just a 15-minute drive from Fuengirola, a historic town that’s famed for its golden sandy beaches.
After days spent lounging by the pool or picking up souvenirs in Mijas, enjoy an al fresco dinner at the resort. For an unforgettable meal, spend the evening at La Ermita Bistro, where you can soak in breathtaking views of the sun setting over the sea as you dine.
Sounds like bliss!
Doña Lola Resort, Calahonda
Macdonald Dona Lola Resort, pictured, is perched right on the coast, offering magical views of the Mediterranean
With fabulous shops, sandy beaches and destination golf courses just a stone’s throw away, you’ll never get bored at the Macdonald Doña Lola Resort.
Its serene setting, the small town of Calahonda, is tucked along the coast between the beaches of Fuengirola and the hustle and bustle of Marbella, offering endless opportunities for day trips.
Golfers will be spoilt for choice – the area is famed for its world-class golf courses, with 10 fantastic courses all within a 10-minute drive of the resort itself. If you’re hoping to perfect your swing, have a chat with Macdonald’s golf services team and they’ll help you to arrange golf lessons during your stay.
Though the self-catering resort itself is large, it feels just as warm and welcoming as a village. Follow the winding pathways between villas and explore the resort’s lush landscape of vibrant flowers, sub-tropical gardens and waterfalls.
Wander the winding pathways of Dona Lola and you’ll find turquoise pools, colourful flowers, and swaying palm trees
Make the most of the Mediterranean sunshine and float between the two stunning outdoor swimming pools – one of which is adults-only. After that, amble over to the tennis courts for a game. If your little ones fancy playing a game of football, the courts can also be used as a football pitch upon request.
And, for a spot of pampering, head to the resort salon for a spa or beauty treatment, and leave feeling refreshed.
Worked up an appetite? By day, head to La Toscana, a bar that’s fringed by pretty waterfalls and gardens, for a spot of breakfast or lunch.
As evening falls, make your way to La Plaza Beach Restaurant, where you can nurse a glass of sangria as you settle in for a special dinner by the shore.
Sit back and let the good times roll as wonderful performers, from flamenco dancers to live musicians, entertain you through the night.
You won’t want to go home!
Villacana Resort, Estepona
Macdonald Villacana Resort, pictured, lies on a postcard-perfect stretch of sand between the seaside havens of Estepona and Marbella
Arrive at Macdonald Villacana Resort and the first thing that will strike you is the overwhelming beauty of the resort’s gardens. Set against the crisp white walls of the complex, towering palm trees, manicured lawns and fragrant fruit trees come together to create an oasis of calm.
And that’s not the only blissful view that awaits you at the picturesque self-catering resort.
Villacana is perched along a postcard-perfect stretch of sand between the seaside havens of Estepona and Marbella.
Spend a blissful morning dining al fresco on your private terrace or sun balcony at Villacana
A true Andalusian getaway, the resort’s apartments feature traditional shuttered windows and wooden doorways. Tailored to guests of every kind, accommodation comes with private patios (some with in-built barbecues), balconies and sun terraces.
If you’d rather not cook, sip on cocktails or feast on a beautiful lunch at Baobab Beach Restaurant & Beach Bar.
There are three pools for swimmers to choose between – two outdoor and one indoor. Swim a few laps before an invigorating afternoon spent hitting the Turkish bath, sauna and Jacuzzi.
The charming white-walled apartments at Villacana feature traditional shuttered windows and wooden doorways
On-site spa treatments can also be arranged to soothe your body and mind. On a romantic getaway? Why not book a couples massage.
For a blast of exercise, head to the tennis courts or to the resort gym, which is packed with fitness machines and free weights.
With visitors just moments away from the sea, the stunning beach nearby is ideal for active families or couples that are simply looking to unwind.
Golfers will be in their element too – there are several wonderful courses to tackle in the vicinity, including El Paraíso Golf and Atalaya Golf & Country Club. Not only that, but the world-class Real Club Valderrama – a former host of the Ryder Cup and a must-visit for golfers – is less than an hour away by car. To make things even smoother, Macdonald’s golf services team can even help you to book your preferred tee time.
There’s truly something for everyone.
Leila Playa, Calahonda
Macdonald Leila Playa Resort, above, feels like an authentic, intimate Spanish retreat
Tucked right on the shore of the beautiful beach town of Calahonda, Macdonald Leila Playa Resort offers a dreamy escape from the everyday.
The self-catering resort feels like an authentic, intimate Spanish retreat, with white-walled buildings and tiled steps set against a backdrop of lush landscaping and fragrant flowers.
Apartments come with a private furnished balcony or terrace, meaning carefree evenings spent dining al fresco are on the menu.
Head to the local markets to pick up some fresh and flavoursome ingredients, and try your hand at whipping up some local Spanish recipes. If you’d rather not cook, the Beach House Restaurant serves up cuisine that everyone will love. What’s more, the restaurant comes to life with evening entertainment – think vibrant live music – during the warmer months.
Listen to the sound of the sea as you unwind in your Leila Playa self-catering apartment
BOOK YOUR SPRING OR SUMMER GETAWAY TODAY
Get up to 20 per cent off your sunshine break when booking direct on the Macdonald Hotels & Resorts website when staying before September 30, 2022. Visit macdonaldhotels.co.uk/Spain or call 0344 879 9102.
By day, hit the stunning pool at the centre of the resort, or go for a soak in the Jacuzzi pool. Next, make your way to the sauna and Turkish bath – you’ll leave feeling brand new.
Families will love the array of games on offer at Leila Playa – round up the troops for a fun afternoon of mini-golf and boules, before giving the snooker, pool table and an outdoor chessboard a try.
And there’s something for small children as well – let them run free in the children’s play area.
Feel like a saltwater dip? Stroll over to Leila Beach, passing tropical plants and swaying palm trees on your way to the white sandy idyll.
Listen to the lapping of the waves as you stroll along the beach boardwalk.
The boardwalk is also ideal for runners who prefer an early morning jog, or families hoping to head on a group cycling adventure.
By the shore, you’ll also discover the Malaga Coastal Path – a spectacular hiking and biking route that traces along the entire coast of Malaga province.
It’s a recipe for an unforgettable holiday.
Swing into the perfect golfing holiday
Macdonald’s resorts are perfectly situated for golf lovers, with courses such as the scenic El Chaparral, pictured, nearby
Fair-weather golfer or not, you’re always closer to a hole-in-one when the sun is shining and the sky is blue. Thankfully, the Costa del Sol is blessed with more than 300 days of sunshine a year – and it’s teeming with incredible golf courses.
Not only that but Macdonald’s resorts are perfectly situated for golf lovers, with some of Europe’s finest golf courses within arm’s reach of each retreat. Whether you’re a solo golfer, playing as a couple, or heading on a golf break with friends, Macdonald Hotels & Resorts offers the ideal base for your stay.
From Los Naranjos, a resort that’s justly earned a reputation as one of the best in the country, to scenic El Chaparral, with fairways surrounded by lush woodland, your dream golf trip could become a reality.
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