Elba Estepona Gran Hotel & Thalasso Spa
From the moment I checked in, the atmosphere was nothing short of serene, and the service was genuinely thoughtful. They even welcomed me with a glass of Moruno tea—a refreshing blend of green tea and peppermint. A small gesture, but it set the tone for the experience ahead.
After settling into my room, I couldn’t help but marvel at the space. It was more like a private retreat than just a hotel room. Picture this (okay, scratch that)—imagine a private terrace overlooking lush gardens and the sound of waves meeting the shore. Inside, there was a lounge area, a satellite TV, a stocked mini-bar, and even mineral water and fresh fruit waiting for me. The bathroom was its own little luxury haven, complete with a shower and a bubble bath with massage jets. Who doesn’t love a good bubble bath?
Mornings started with an epic breakfast buffet that catered to every mood. Feeling indulgent? There was cava and pastries. Health kick? Plenty of fresh fruit, smoothies, and detox options. The sheer variety made me wonder—how do they keep it so fresh and consistent every day? After breakfast, I took a leisurely walk and then headed to the Thalasso Spa for a 10:30 session. Have you ever tried a Thalasso treatment? It’s heavenly. Between the calming waters and expert therapists, I felt completely renewed.
Dining at the hotel was another standout experience. I’m a seafood lover, so having fresh fish cooked to order every evening was a dream come true. Swordfish, salmon, squid, tuna loin—you name it, they had it. And if you’re a fan of meat, the variety was equally impressive. It’s not just the quality of the food but also the way the staff makes you feel. They’re attentive without being overbearing, always making sure you’re having the best time possible.
Speaking of the staff, they deserve a special shoutout. Whether it was housekeeping ensuring my room was spotless and fully restocked daily, or the manager walking around checking that everything was perfect, their dedication was clear. It’s those little details, like fresh sheets and a tidy room every day, that make a stay feel effortless.
What about you? Do you have a checklist for the perfect hotel stay? Friendly staff, clean spaces, great food? Elba Estepona ticked all those boxes for me and then some. The entire place was spotless, and you could see the pride they took in maintaining such high standards.
If you’re planning a trip to Malaga and want a hotel that balances luxury and relaxation seamlessly, I’d definitely recommend Elba Estepona Gran Hotel & Thalasso Spa. Have you stayed somewhere that left a lasting impression like this? I’d love to hear your stories!
The Town - Estepona
I wandered into the heart of town, a charming little spot with narrow streets adorned with vibrant pots of blooming flowers. There was a beautiful church with stunning old wooden doors (I have a bit of a soft spot for those), and soon I found myself in the Plaza de los Flores, where a cold beer was calling my name.
The Costa del Sol has its fair share of picturesque spots, but the historic old town of Estepona easily ranks among the top five. It’s not massive, but it’s the perfect place to wander during the day or evening. If you visit, do yourself a favor and stop by Bar Genal—an absolute gem. I enjoyed six tapas (just €1 each!), a couple of coffees, and two cokes, all for just €15. At first, the barmen seemed a bit reserved, but a quick attempt at Spanish through Google Translate worked wonders—they warmed up immediately! The tapas weren’t your usual slice of bread with a topping; they were unique, flavorful, and unbelievably affordable.
The seafront here is similar to much of the coastline, lined with trees and great for walking or cycling. However, just past the harbor lies Playa del Cristo, a more sheltered beach that’s perfect for windy days—a real hidden treasure. Another highlight was the Orchid House. Even in September, when most of the flowers had faded, it was well worth the €3 entry fee. On a scorching day, it was a cool escape to admire the plants and the soothing waterfall.
For a bit of urban art, take a short walk up the road from the Orchid House, where you’ll find massive, clever murals on the sides of buildings. There are around 70 of these scattered across Estepona, but this particular stretch is just a five-minute stroll. It’s fascinating and adds so much character to the town.
Interestingly, many people from Marbella are relocating to Estepona. While Marbella has become overly touristy, Estepona still feels authentically Spanish—unspoiled and full of charm.
