Planning a beautiful escape to the southern coast of Spain offers so much for families looking for sunshine and relaxation. I always find myself drawn to destinations that blend luxury with a true sense of place. As I research potential spots for future trips, I look for places that have that special something, combining stunning natural beauty with excellent amenities.
Discovering Costa del Sol
The Costa del Sol in Andalusia is a well-loved destination, famous for its beautiful coastline and welcoming atmosphere. It stretches along the southern edge of Spain, offering miles of sunny beaches and charming towns. This region is a prime example of the modern Mediterranean lifestyle, appealing to those who appreciate good food, beautiful surroundings, and a relaxed pace of life.
New Luxury on the Coast
I recently came across information about a new resort opening that really caught my eye: METT Marbella – Estepona. This hotel is situated between two popular towns, Marbella and Estepona, placing it in a prime location on the coast. It’s designed to be a destination for socializing and enjoying life, which sounds wonderful for a family holiday.
The resort is noted for its 5-star rating and offers 249 well-designed rooms and suites. Some of these accommodations even come with private pools or gardens, adding an extra layer of privacy and indulgence. The focus is clearly on providing a luxurious and comfortable stay for all. For those seeking the ultimate in privacy, the new signature METT Suites with Private Garden and Pool, available from the 2024 season, offer expansive living spaces with their own landscaped gardens and private swimming areas.
A Focus on Gastronomy
One of the most exciting aspects of travel for me is the dining. I love exploring local flavors and discovering new culinary experiences. METT Marbella – Estepona seems to excel in this area, aiming to provide guests with unique dining options that blend quality food with a pleasant atmosphere.
The resort houses two main restaurants, which are open to both hotel guests and locals. This mix helps create a lively and authentic dining scene. The Executive Chef, Giannis Toman, brings extensive experience in French, Spanish, Greek, and Italian cuisines, along with fusion styles. This ensures a creative and diverse menu.
Isola Ristorante Italiano
Isola is the brand’s signature Italian restaurant, and it’s a real highlight. Originally established in Dubai, it brings its celebrated Mediterranean cuisine to Estepona, with a special focus on inspiration from southern Italy. The restaurant aims to serve truly homemade dishes, offering a contemporary take on Italian favorites like pasta and pizza.
I read that their menu features expertly prepared dishes using high-quality ingredients. Classics like carpaccio and burrata are described as superb, with flavors that truly shine. The calamari is noted for its excellent seasoning and depth of flavor. For those who enjoy lighter options, the pinsa pizzas are mentioned as being full of texture and flavor without feeling heavy. Even simple dishes like a beef steak are reported to be among the best experienced on the coast. And for a sweet ending, the Tiramisu is praised for its perfect balance of lightness and creamy richness.
The wine list at Isola is also impressive, featuring selections from both Italy and Spain, with options available by the glass. This level of attention to detail in the food and drink offerings makes Isola a destination in itself, drawing in visitors from beyond the hotel.
Ammos Dining
For 2024, Ammos is introduced as a Greek-inspired restaurant. It aims to bring the authentic tastes, textures, and aromas of the Aegean islands to the Andalusian coast. This addition complements the Italian offering, providing another distinct culinary experience. Exploring the food here would offer a wonderful contrast, celebrating the vibrant flavors of Greece.
The Azure Beach Club Experience
The 50-meter Azure Beach Pool is a central feature of METT Marbella – Estepona. It’s designed as a lively hub where guests can relax and enjoy the day. Resident and guest DJs set the mood, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Attentive staff are on hand to serve refreshing drinks and light bites from the Azure Beach menu.
Besides the pool, there are comfortable day beds and sun loungers available both by the pool and on the beach. For a more exclusive experience, beach lounges can be booked, some even featuring private hot tubs and dedicated table service. The design connects the pool area visually with the beach and the sea, enhancing the sense of being by the coast.
As the day transitions into evening, the pool lights up, and drinks are served at El Bar de Lola. The Chiringuito restaurant, located right on the beach, offers a more casual dining option. It’s styled with tropical plants and wooden furniture, creating a relaxed beachside vibe. The menu here is diverse, including sushi platters, pizzas, yakitori skewers, and healthy bowls. The wine list is noted as being great, with options to try local wines.
Accommodation and Well-being
The hotel’s interior design is described as having a wonderfully minimalist Mediterranean style. Rooms and suites are bright and airy, decorated with natural materials. Each space is thoughtfully equipped with amenities like a clothes steamer, a well-stocked mini-bar, and facilities for making tea and coffee. The bathrooms feature signature METT amenities by Botanyc, known for their aromatic scents.
There are various room and suite types available, including options with direct pool access, and larger suites with private rooftop terraces. For families, the two-bedroom suites and the expansive signature suites with private gardens and pools offer ample space and comfort. All-day room service is also available, which can be very convenient when traveling with children.
For those prioritizing well-being, the MOI Spa is set to open, offering a luxurious space with an indoor pool, hydrotherapy circuit, and treatment rooms. The RAISE Fitness gym is equipped with Technogym equipment for workouts. Bicycles are also available, providing a lovely way to explore the extensive boardwalk that runs along the beach for kilometers. The Guest Experience team can assist with planning excursions, which is always helpful for uncovering more of the region.
When I plan trips for my family, especially for my daughter Sofia, I always look for places that offer a good balance of activities and relaxation. Having a beautiful pool and beach area is key, but also knowing there are well-equipped rooms and thoughtful services makes a big difference. The descriptions of METT Marbella – Estepona suggest a place that pays attention to these details, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for everyone, from the youngest to the oldest.
What are the dining options?
The resort offers Isola Ristorante Italiano for authentic Italian cuisine and Ammos for Greek-inspired dishes. The Azure Beach Club and its Chiringuito restaurant provide more casual dining with ocean views.
These restaurants are open to both hotel guests and local residents, contributing to a dynamic dining environment experience. You can find menu details and reservation information on the hotel’s website.
What kind of rooms are available?
The hotel features 249 elegantly designed rooms and suites. Options include rooms with private pools or gardens, as well as larger suites with private rooftop terraces.
For those seeking ultimate luxury and space, the new signature suites offer private gardens and pools, perfect for families or groups. Availability for specific room types can vary, so it’s always best to check directly.
Is the hotel family-friendly?
While the hotel emphasizes a modern Mediterranean lifestyle and social scene, the availability of suites with private spaces and the general amenities suggest it can accommodate families. The resort’s location on the beach and pool facilities are also attractive for family visits.
It’s worth confirming specific family services, like kids’ clubs or activities, though the focus on high-quality dining and relaxation often appeals to discerning families. Families often appreciate the comfort and convenience of well-appointed suites for their travels.
Exploring the Area
METT Marbella – Estepona is well-positioned between two of the Costa del Sol’s most prominent towns. Marbella is known for its glamorous marina and upscale shopping, while Estepona offers a more traditional Andalusian charm with its whitewashed old town and flower-lined streets. The boardwalk along the beach provides a beautiful and safe way to explore the immediate coastline on foot or by bicycle.
For visitors looking to venture further afield, the Guest Experience team can provide recommendations for excursions and day trips, allowing you to discover more of what the Costa del Sol has to offer. You can find more information on travel tips for the region through our general Costa del Sol travel tips.
This hotel represents a sophisticated addition to the Costa del Sol, bringing an elevated style of hospitality and noteworthy dining experiences to the region. It seems to capture the essence of a luxurious coastal retreat, perfect for those seeking both relaxation and vibrant experiences under the Spanish sun. It’s the kind of place I love to research for future family getaways.
