OPERATION RESTORATION
With travel finally back on the cards, Lizzie Gore-Grimes returns to one of Ireland’s favourite destinations – Andalusia – in search of a slower pace sun holiday where warm weather and wellbeing are what it’s all about.
Andalusia provides a sun holiday with a wellbeing focus
Waking early to walk through the sub-tropical gardens of the Puente Romano resort to get to the beach for an 8.30am yoga class is about as dreamy a way to start your day as any.
Sandwiched as the hotel is between the Sierra Blanca mountains and the sea means it makes the most of Marbella’s unique microclimate that keeps things a little cooler in summer and lovely and mild all winter – and also accounts for the lush botanical gardens that are such a special feature of the place.
Sprawled over 13 acres along the coast, the resort is certainly big but feels more village-y than vast, thanks to the clever low-lying layout. Unlike the tower block Benidorm behemoths further along the coast, none of the Puente Romano buildings rise above three storeys, and all are finished in simple whitewash and terracotta tile Andalusian style, each suite with its own private access (an attractive privacy plus in a post-Covid world).
As the days of roasting ourselves in the sun with nothing more than a tub of zero SPF carrot tan gunk are thankfully behind us,
the idea of an active relaxation break holds more appeal, promising just the right mix of warm weather and wellbeing. One of the key active attractions of the Puente Romano is, of course, its internationally renowned tennis club. Formerly launched and managed by Boris Becker, the club o ers ten professional-grade clay courts, a centre court with audience capacity of 2,500, and the opportunity to train privately with Pato Clavet, the renowned ATP player.
For those, like me, born with zero hand-eye co-ordination, there’s daily morning yoga and functional strength classes on the beach and a state-of-the-art health and tness centre o ering daily HIIT, barre and boxing classes (included in your stay). Breaking the luxury boundary of the hotel you can opt for a half-day hike or pony trek in the hills, before returning for an indulgent wallow in the Six Senses Spa (the only one on mainland Spain) – or any of the hotel’s three pools.
After all that good living, you’ll be ready to make the most of the hotel’s exceptional gastro o erings – with no less than 12 restaurants to choose from including Nobu (elevated Japanese), Bibo (tapas with a twist), Sera na (elegant Italian) and two brand new additions: La Concha (cool al fresco cantina vibes) and Les Jardin du Liban (Middle Eastern mezze in a draping verdant setting). But even with all this choice, the winner for me was still the original Puente Romano stalwart – the Sea Grill – with its lapping-wave soundtrack and sunset views, it’s hard to beat.
For pre- or post-dinner drinks, the hotel’s Plaza bar area, a ectionately known as “e Pit”, thanks to its tiered seating, is the ultimate people-watching spot, where preening and peacocking reach Gladiatorial heights. One thing’s for sure, you won’t be bored.