Estepona
Kempinski Hotel Bahía sits on the Costa del Sol between Estepona and Marbella. Málaga is the nearest major airport, while Granada and other Andalusian cities can be included in a longer road itinerary.
Estepona’s old town is a compact network of white streets, planted façades and small squares. We reached it by bicycle along the seafront, an easy way to connect the hotel with the centre while keeping the Mediterranean in view.
Kempinski Hotel Bahía
The property faces the beach and is surrounded by extensive subtropical gardens and outdoor pools. Rooms and suites open onto balconies or terraces facing the gardens or sea; a spa, fitness area and direct beach access complete the resort facilities.
The landscaped grounds were the strongest part of the stay for me. They create several quieter areas between the main building, pools and coast, so the hotel does not feel organised around a single central space.
Food and drink by the sea
The hotel’s restaurants and bars have distinct settings. Black Rose occupies the lobby and terrace and works well for a drink at sunset. Baltazar Bar & Grill combines Spanish dishes, grilled meat and fish in a dining room overlooking the gardens.
Spiler Beach Club sits directly beside the beach and has a more informal daytime atmosphere. Seafood, vegetables, meat and desserts made it suitable for both lunch and a longer evening meal without leaving the coast.
The stay was hosted by Kempinski Hotel Bahía. The account and opinions remain my own.