Iberostar Marbella Coral Beach ★★★★

Before you’ve even stepped inside you’ll like the look of this hotel, surrounded by palms, exotic gardens, quaint courtyards and blue pools. It’s sleek and modern, yet has a touch of the old Andalucían charm and even some Arabic influences thrown in there too.

Even just the name alone, Iberostar Marbella Coral Beach conjures up exotic images of palm fringed beaches, swinging hammocks by the pool and guests lazily sipping brightly coloured cocktails.

Inside, calm tranquillity ensues, with white and beige colouring in the large lobby area and geometric Islamic patterns around the wooden ceiling. Likewise, your room is designed to get you into the ultimate holiday spirit with relaxing cream shades, glossy marble floors and white wicker furniture, reminding you of your beachside location. Arabic designs around the headboards also add a nice touch.

The best part by far though is the large balcony, filled with patio furniture and sun beds and offering beautiful views of the tropical gardens, pool or turquoise Mediterranean Sea. We can guarantee that if you’re not sunning yourself by the pool, then you’ll be up here admiring the views.

First things first, you’ll want to head over to the wide beachfront, a golden sweep where you can sunbathe and relax or try out the number of non-motorized sports available.

Those with kids who need a break might want to make use of the specially designed kids playground within the hotel grounds, while they relax in nearby hammocks. You can even drop them off at the mini kids club, where they’ll have fun making new friends and enjoying arts and crafts. While the kids are occupied you may want to make use of your time by heading to the hotel’s Spa Sensations, unwinding in the Jacuzzi, sweating it out in the sauna or relaxing in the hammam. There are also three massage rooms available offering a variety of treatments.

When you’ve fully unwound, got into the holiday mindset and are ready to for something a little more active, the hotel can help arrange a wide range of activities from tennis and padel to sailing, kayaking, windsurfing and horse riding. The resort is also less than a 15-minute drive from 10 world-class golf courses, meaning that you’ll never run out of things to do.

When its time to refuel, try the hotel’s Snack Bar, surrounded by ponds full of fish and turtles, and offering a range of international dishes and light bites with

In the afternoons and evenings, head out to explore nearby Puerto Banus with its swanky marina, array of excellent restaurants and nightlife venues, and designer shopping areas. Marbella itself is also worth a visit to check out its stunning promenade and charming old town.

For meal times, the Marbella Coral Beach offers the Arabic-style Alhambra Buffet, serving breakfasts as well as lunches and evening meals. Each evening the buffet focuses around a different theme such as Spanish, Asian or Mexican. For something a little more stylish, try the SeaSoul Beach Club serving classic Mediterranean cuisine with superb sea views. While nearby Puerto Banus and Marbella both have excellent nightlife options, if you feel like staying in one night, you can always enjoy the hotel’s Tartesos Bar, terracotta Islamic style bar where cocktails can be enjoyed while listening to live music.

A stylish and tranquil resort along the lively Costa del Sol, this hotel will let you experience the best of both worlds.