As Club Med returns to Spain, Qin Xie reviews what’s on offer at its new all-inclusive resort in Marbella
Club Med Magna Marbella marks the brand’s return to Spain for the first time in more than 20 years – to a former Club Med site no less. The helix-shaped building’s footprint was reduced during the extensive renovations so that more space could be given to the gardens.
It’s more eco-friendly too, making use of 260 solar panels on the roof, thermal insulation, smart sensors that control light and temperature, and three multipurpose heat pumps to reduce its carbon footprint. The resort, which is a handy 40 minutes from Malaga airport, has been almost fully booked since opening in May.
Accommodation
There are 486 rooms and suites spread across the 10-storey building, each with their own balcony to soak up the incredible vista. Many are interconnecting and feature coffee and tea stations, mini fridges, monsoon showers and double sinks. The rooms facing the sea have the best views, but suggest a mountain-facing room for clients who prefer peace and quiet.
Activities
A huge variety of sports activities are available. Padel tennis – a fast-paced cross between tennis and squash – is one of the most popular options but regular tennis, table tennis, golf, archery, bocce, basketball and volleyball are also on offer. There’s even a circus school where adults and children can learn, among other things, the art of trapeze. The 14-hectare resort also has five pools.
Dining
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served buffet-style at the spacious Suenos restaurant. Arrive early for one of the tables outside with a panoramic view of the coast and the Atlas mountains of Morocco. Elevating the dining experience here are the cook-to-order stations offering everything from omelettes in the morning to freshly shucked oysters and lobster pasta in the evening.
The Spanish-themed Gourmet Lounge La Tierra is more of a sit down affair – booking is essential for dinner. And guests can make an event of it with nightly canapés and pre-dinner drinks on the terrace at Le Rouge bar.
Excursions
A guided tour of majestic Ronda is this property’s flagship excursion. After a winding journey deep into the mountains, guests have the opportunity to see the vibrant city’s 18th-century Plaza de Toros (bullring), and soak up the history from the Moors to the Christians along its cobbled streets.
Then they can either do some shopping or settle in with a cool drink taking in views of the majestic Puente Nuevo bridge. There’s also a shorter tour to Mijas, one of Andalucia’s charming white-washed villages. A sizable collection of Picasso and Dali artwork is waiting in the Contemporary Art Centre in Mijas, which also has a rooftop bar with a view.
Book it
Seven nights’ all-inclusive from April 1, 2023, starts from £1,097, with prices based on two adults sharing, excluding flights. From May 1, 2023, the same package starts from £1,397, excluding flights.
clubmed.co.uk
PICTURES: Club Med
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