The magic continues at this serene Spanish resort

Words: Emma Blackmore

The scene

Nestled in the Andalusian foothills between Malaga and Marbella, in the golfing mecca of Mijas, La Zambra exudes pared-back elegance, with whitewashed walls, natural stone floors, handcrafted ceramics and evergreen gardens, which come dotted with sun-loungers and cabanas for siestas under cypress trees. This five-star resort is a 40-minute drive from both Malaga, known for its Moorish citadels and luxury shopping outlets, and Marbella with its Old Quarter and yacht-filled Puerto Banús marina. 

The story

If Marbella was the place to have fun and be seen, then La Zambra, first opened as the Byblos Hotel in 1986, was the place to have fun and not be seen. An iconic setting for hedonism during the 80s and 90s, Byblos attracted the likes of Mick Jagger, Julio Iglesias and Princess Diana, to name but a few. Now part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, the hotel relaunched in 2022 with a new name – La Zambra, a style of Andalusian flamenco that is danced in bare feet. The message? Be whoever you want to be. 

Food and drink

The hotel’s eateries are just as playful and lively. There’s poolside chiringuito La Bartola for seafood tapas with a view, while all-day restaurant Palmito offers a wider selection of Mediterranean favourites, from paella to traditional Andalusian gazpacho. Bamboleo is the destination for sipping cocktails as the sun goes down over the Sierra mountain range – all of the tipples are a tribute to the top music hits of the 80s and 90s, from ‘Smooth operetto’ to ‘I want to break fría’.

Picador, with its central wraparound bar and low-hanging lights, divides its menu into fun categories. There’s ‘while chatting and laughing’ to start – think lobster croquettes and cod Malaga-style salad – then, ‘from sea and land’, where the stuffed pasta with Garrucha shrimp and Iberian pork shoulder take centre stage. It finishes with ‘sweet sins’, offering all kinds of chocolatey and fruity goodness. There are also more than 90 different wines to try by the glass. 

The play

With no fewer than 12 outstanding golf courses within 15 minutes of the hotel, this truly is a golfer’s paradise. And, happily, the two closest are just a buggy ride away, making it even easier to tee off. Championship golf courses Los Olivos and Los Lagos were designed by Robert Trent with little rough, plenty of water and relatively flat terrains, making them a dream to play. Naturally, it helps that Mijas averages 300 days of sunshine a year, so you’re very likely to be playing in glorious conditions. Book a junior suite with a golf view for a deeper appreciation of both the course and the climate.

Outside of golf, you can turn your hand to tennis or padel (or master your game with a lesson from a professional coach), plus enjoy the indoor and outdoor 24/7 Technogym-equipped fitness centre.

Families will be taken by the baby club and kids’ club (both complimentary for up to two hours) and its packed activity programme. There are ergonomic and soft games for little ones aged six months to three years, while children aged four to ten can enjoy activities focused on local heritage (gazpacho masterclass, anyone?) and the environment.

The spa

It’s blissfully easy to just kick back and unwind by one of the three sparkling pools at La Zambra (including one that is adults-only and one for families), but drag yourself away you must, because the Mood Spa is simply sensational. At 2000sqm, it’s one of the largest spas on the Costa del Sol and, if you're staying in a Junior Suite, Family Room, Signature Suite, Terrace Suite or Penthouse, you can flit for free between the Jacuzzi, sauna and circular pool. Those staying in other room categories can book access for a fee. There are classes such as Zen-inducing yoga, while treatments feature Anne Semonin and Natura Bissé products and are divided into five moods – select whether you want to relax, heal, reconnect, vitalise or glow, and then off to the masseuse you stroll.

Book your holiday

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

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