Last week I spent a long weekend in Southern Spain, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Resort & Spa Reserva del Higueron. Location wise its a 10 to 15 minute drive from Malaga Airport and about the same to neighbouring Fuengirola and Belamadena. The hotel is situated in a quiet and upmarket area of Fuengirola, it sits on a hill with amazing views all around. A perfect place for adults to enjoy a relaxing holiday, in modern and fully equipped surroundings. The focal point of the hotel has got to be the rooftop infinity pool, with amazing views of the Mediterranean sea and the bay of Fuengirola, the ideal place to chill out and destress.

The hotel has 177 rooms over 2 floors and each has 5 floors with lifts. There is a buffet restaurant and 2 a la carte restaurants, Al Rolo and Sollo. A cocktail bar on the roof and a coffee area near reception. There are 3 pools, 2 outdoor and 1 indoor pool, alongside a Nagomi Spa and fitness club. There are exercise classes such as spinning available, tennis and volleyball courts. This hotel has great facilities on offer, if you didn’t want to leave the resort you wouldnt have too. If you do there is a free bus service, in the form of a resort mini train, that takes you down to the train station at the bottom of the hill or to the beach. Its 2.2km to Torreblanca beach and 5km to Fuengirola centre.

This is my second visit to this property, the first being last christmas with family. Upon check in late Friday afternoon, my husband and I were greeted with the complimentary cookie and an upgrade, a very nice touch. Our room had lovely views of the bay of Fuengirola, sitting on the 4 th floor, with a little more space than the standard room and the bath placed at the window I was pleased to have returned. After a quick change we headed outside to relax by the hotel’ other pool and enjoy the warmer climes.

Early evening we decided to use the Nagomi Spa and booked a session in the hydro circuit. It cost 35 Euros to use, recommended duration is between 1-2 hours. There is a large main pool to swim in and the other side is split up into stations of hydro therapy, such as the glutes, calves, back and shoulders to name but a few. Alongside a sauna, steam room and hydro/dynamic pools, with a relaxing area in and out on the terrace equipped with sun loungers. You are to follow the stations around in a circuit, using the sauna or steam room or simply relax in between or at the end. There are refreshments to drink whilst using the spa circuit, you are given a robe to wear and flip flops, plus a swim cap that you have to wear whilst in the pool area for hygiene reasons. After a couple of hours I felt fully refreshed and all my muscles were relieved of any strain and tension, a great way to start my weekend.

That evening we ate at Al Rolo and a separate review will be posted. After dinner drinks were enjoyed on the hotels rooftop at the cocktail bar, it was a pleasure to be able to sit outside and enjoy the warmer nights. It is a waiter service and the drinks menu offers plenty of choice.

Breakfast is well catered at the DoubleTree, there is so much choice, hot and cold options, healthy choices and a continental stall of pastries to feast your eyes on. I especially enjoyed the chilled cava and fresh juices to drink, making your holiday feel that extra bit special and all included in the bed and breakfast package.

Saturday was spent at the beach at Torreblanca, taking the resort mini train down and enjoying a walk along to Fuengirola and eating fresh sardines in one of the beach restaurants upon return. Delicious! I enjoyed a 30 minute massage that I had pre booked for early evening in the Nagomi Spa, at a cost of 39 euros, but if you are a hotel guest you receive 10% off the price.

After another enjoyable breakfast, sitting outside on the terrace we ventured out for a walk and stumbled upon a nice local coffee shop called Granier. In the afternoon we took advantage of the DoubleTree Infinity Pool on the rooftop. Due to it being low season it was 15 euros for daily use and a large bed, including a bottle of Cava and fruit platter. Well worth it. In the summer time it is 25 euros for half a day or 40 euros full day rate. An amazing spot to catch the sun setting at the end of the day!

Our last day was spent exploring the area of Reserva Del Higueron, there a new homes being built all the time around the area. This is a lovely area to stay in, it may be an issue if you have any difficulties with walking as it is very hilly, but you could use the resort transport in this instance. I thoroughly recommend this hotel and resort for anyone over 16 years of age, especially couples or friends wanting a holiday or like myself a short break. You have a great hotel and facilities, in an excellent location, I will return again.