Hotel Don Pepe Gran Meliá | Hotels in Worldwide

Families looking to make the most of their trip to Marbs should book themselves at the Hotel Don Pepe Gran Meliá, a classic property which has undergone a significant revamp and occupies one of the nicest spots in the city, with the Sierra Blanca at its back. Book a pair of interconnected rooms and you can have your own space while still being on hand for the kids. Open your curtains of a morning and you’ll be greeted either by the soaring mountain peaks or, on the other side of the property, by stunning views out over a swathe of green space studded with huge intersecting circular swimming pools, with the twinkling blue sea beyond. Breakfasts are taken out on the lawns, with a fabulous buffet and first class coffee – still something of a rarity in Spain – or in the brilliant lounge, which offers gourmet food and free-flowing drinks all day to those who’ve booked a Red Level room. The highly proficient kids’ club is run by a group of cheerful Spanish youngsters, who engage the children in activities, crafts and table tennis tournaments for happy hours at a time. A first-class poolside bistrot called Bardo turns out delightful salads and pizza, and it’s easy to find most of the day has got away from you before you have had a chance to get more than a couple of chapters into your holiday potboiler. Stroll down the beachside promenade to the historic centre of Marbella and you’ll find a remarkably attractive place, all narrow cobblestone alleyways of whitewashed houses lined with hanging baskets and ancient tiles. Artisanal boutiques rub shoulders with ancient chapels and the central square, filled with orange trees, is a wonderful place to sit and people-watch. The Contemporary Engraving Museum is an inspiring spot, featuring work by Miró and Picasso among others. In the evening there are some excellent restaurants in town, as well as on site. Pick of the bunch at Don Pepe are the Erre grill, where tender meats and veg are thrown on the flames to great effect, and Tahini, an exceptionally fine Japanese restaurant, where you can enjoy toothsome sushi and floatingly-light teppanyaki on a balcony overlooking the ocean. Inhouse babysitters will come and look after the kids if you fancy a night out as a couple. When it comes to exploring, there’s much more than just beachlife on offer. Dolphin-watching cruises, canyoning, quad-biking and winery tours are all on offer nearby, and it’s a great starting point for going further afield, with easy access to the ancient cities of Estepona, Cadiz and Seville. - Timeout