The Spanish sanctuary offering glitz, glamour and a glorious location

Words: Agatha Zarzycki

A classic car collection featuring Alfred Hitchcock’s Rolls-Royce, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving an innovative tasting menu and an exclusive infinity pool on the top floor – this adults-recommended hotel on Spain’s Costa del Sol is where sophisticated living meets the shimmering Mediterranean Sea and the slopes of the Sierra de Mijas. Here’s why Higuerón Hotel Malaga, Curio Collection by Hilton is the ultimate Andalusian oasis…

Serene setting meets decadent design

Jet-setters will swoon over the lust-after location in which Higuerón is based. From the south of the hotel, you can admire the mediaeval city of Fuengirola (see if you can spot its Moorish Sohail Castle), alongside forested hills, sun-dappled crags and the brightest, bluest waters. The golden sands of Carvajal beach are just a free shuttle ride away. Or if you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, the glassy rivers, flowering gorges and small (but equally splendid) waterfalls of the Río Higuerón trail are only a 30-minute drive – go early to avoid the heat.

But Higuerón Hotel Malaga itself is just as heavenly. The best spot to take in everything? On a Balinese bed by its rooftop infinity pool, sipping a sundowner. Far below, poolside palms sway in gentle, warm breezes, which carry the scent of rosemary and thyme from the hotel’s lush gardens. Interiors are just as enchanting, and are inspired by the traditional villages of Andalusia, with whitewashed façades complementing the warm, earthy textures of clay tiles, esparto grass fabric and ochre rocks from the nearby La Trinidad mine.

Then comes the ultimate razzle-dazzle: a classic car collection – including Alfred Hitchcock’s Rolls-Royce, zhuzhed up by Malaga graffiti artist D.Darko – and more than 400 pieces of fine art, from sculptures to lithographs and paintings, by renowned Spanish artists. Keep an eye out for the work of Aragon-born Lita Cabellut, famous for her large-scale realistic oil paintings. 

Beachside sports and a sumptuous spa

What could be dreamier for athletic holidayers than an on-site sports club featuring everything from high-end Technogym equipment to padel courts and classes including spin and Pilates? Expect all this plus sports on soft, honey-hued sands – including volleyball, soccer and handball – with a backing track of lapping waves. Care to get a little closer to the rhythmic whooshing? Grab a paddleboard or kayak from The Beach Club Higuerón and glide your way across the sapphire waters.

Afterwards, trade a boost of adrenaline for a dose of endorphins at the spa, where a hydro circuit with 30 high-pressured jets designed for different parts of the body will massage muscles you didn’t even know existed. Braving the contrast pools with alternating temperatures is well worth it to improve circulation, too, and you can reward your efforts with a sauna wind-down or even a Turkish bath ritual. For next-level pampering, book a traditional Hindu Ayurveda Abhyanga massage, which uses hot oils to balance the body. Going out for a special dinner later? Glam up at the hair salon or treat yourself to a mani or pedi.

Seaside delights and Michelin-starred magic

When it comes to epicurean experiences, Higuerón Hotel Malaga is at the top of its game. At The Beach Club Higuerón, The Japo combines the best of Japan and the Med – think bao of Iberian pork belly and lemon fish with ponzu and truffle oil. Meanwhile, tropical-themed Arara Bistro Bar goes a step further, fusing flavours of Andalusia, Southeast Asia and South America, such as fresh seabass, tiger’s milk, toasted corn nuts and glazed sweet potato. For dishes solely of the region, relaxed, seaside MED Restaurant won’t disappoint (its 100 per cent purebred knife-cut ham is exceptional).

But if there’s one restaurant not to miss, it’s Michelin-starred Sollo by Brazilian-Peruvian chef Diego Gallegos – aka the Chef of Caviar – whose innovative ‘Caminho 2025’ tasting menu presents freshwater fish and vegetables that have been cultivated through aquaponic production, meaning the red tuna, tilapia and caviar (naturally) on your plate started off in a Research and Development laboratory, and the roasted red peppers in your cannoli grew in a symbiotic environment. Book a table and settle in for Mediterranean-inspired masterpieces with a hint of South America – and save room for the mazamorra, a Peruvian pudding with purple corn juice.

Book your holiday

All holidays with British Airways Holidays are ATOL protected and include a generous checked baggage allowance and a 24-hour holiday helpline. Secure your Higuerón Hotel Malaga holiday now with a low deposit and enjoy flexible payments until you fly.*

*Full balance due four weeks before departure. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply. See ba.com/deposits.