La Zambra: A Hidden Gem on the Costa del Sol

Nestled in the picturesque Andalusian foothills between Málaga and Marbella, La Zambra Resort, part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, offers a luxurious retreat that blends modern comfort with traditional charm. Attention to details is unique, and so is the service! The iconic resort, formerly known as the Byblos Hotel, has been a haven for royalty and celebrities since 1984 until closure in the early 2000s. Back then it offered guests tranquility and privacy, making it a perfect hideaway. And it still does offer a Zen surrounding designed to promote peace and mindfulness. La Zambra offers an experience with proximity to nature and golf, unwind away from the crowds in Marbella, all framed by charming courtyards and original stone fountains, picturesque mountains and stunning sunsets.

La Zambra boasts an array of facilities designed to cater to every guest’s needs:

• Spa and Wellness: The Mood Spa is the largest in the area with 2000 sqm. Featuring a Jacuzzi, Turkish bath, sauna, hammam, and ten treatment rooms for massages and other rejuvenating treatments. Offer product lines such as Spanish brand Natura Bissé.

• Yoga / Pilates Studio: A spacious 500 square meter studio filled with natural light, offering daily classes.

• Fitness Center: A well-equipped gym, two tennis courts, and two paddle courts.

• Swimming Pools: Three outdoor stunning pools, perfect for a refreshing dip or a leisurely swim. A great advantage is the hotel's thoughtful separation of family areas from adult-only zones. Large sunbeds with high quality towels. And if you stay late, you’ll witness beautiful sunsets.

• Dining Options: Four restaurants serving exquisite Mediterranean cuisine, ensuring that every meal is a culinary delight.

• Palmito: Offers a variety of dishes from breakfast to dinner, including healthy and plant-based options as well as grill and seafood specialities.

• Picador: Our absolute favorite throughout our stay! Known for its Andalusian flair, Picador serves traditional recipes with a modern twist. The highlights was steak tartar prepared in front of you, glazed Iberian pork and charred avocado with tuna belly and black aioli. They also have an impressive wine list.

• Bamboleo: A perfect spot for casual dining and cocktails. Very good pizza!

• La Bartola: This restaurant captures the essence of Andalusian chiringuitos with an informal atmosphere poolside.

Unique Features

What sets La Zambra apart is its careful restoration of Andalusian architecture. Each of the 197 rooms and suites features a private terrace, allowing guests to soak in the stunning views and famous sunsets in complete privacy.

Detailed Review

Arrival Experience: Guests are greeted with a personal touch, including a glass of water and a cold cloth to refresh after a long journey. The welcome from staff like Javier, who makes an immediate positive impression, sets the tone for the stay. However, there is room for improvement in informing guests about the hotel’s programs and activities upon arrival.

Rooms: The King room with a terrace golf view is practical and spacious, with a well-designed bathroom that includes enough space for toiletries and excellent make-up lights. However, the amenities products could be improved, as the current offerings are not up to the standard expected from a spa-focused resort. Small touches like providing more hangers and a handheld steamer for clothes would enhance the guest experience.

Rooms are furnished with high-quality, warm-textured furniture with natural earthy tones. The beds and bed sheets are amazing, and so are the large bathroom towels. A delightful surprise awaits you in your room upon arrival. After all, who wouldn’t love the idea of having a street named after themselves?

Housekeeping: Consistent and attentive every day, the housekeeping team does a good job with turn-down service and maintaining cleanliness.

Spa: The spa offers a range of treatments, but it feels somewhat detached from the rest of the resort. But overall, La Zambra’s Mood Spa is celebrated for its exceptional facilities with over 2500 sqm, personalized treatments, and serene ambiance, making it a top choice for those seeking a comprehensive wellness retreat. Especially since they offer an indoor and outdoor gym and yoga classes.

Dining: The Bamboleo Bar and Picador restaurant are standout features, with attentive staff and excellent cocktails. Loved their Spicy Margarita. The bar team, including Isidro, Paul, Doris, and Mercedes, provide heartful service, making the bar a central hub of the resort. From the bar you can also enjoy the sunsets.

Our favorite restaurant at La Zambra, Picador offers a warm atmosphere and delicious dishes like steak tartar and duck, making it a favorite among guests.

Breakfast at Palmito: The breakfast buffet offers a wide range of options, including fresh fruits, pastries, hot dishes, and made-to-order items. We truly appreciated the freshness of the food. They made anything you requested, and we loved the omelettes. Be sure to eat breakfast before 10 AM, as it can get chaotic afterward.

Programming: The resort offers a mixed program of entertainment, but focusing on high-quality performances that align with the sophisticated atmosphere of La Zambra would be more effective. The resort’s tranquil and zen-like environment is a major draw, and some of the entertainment enhanced this unique selling point.

Design: The interior design is crafted by the renowned design firm Estevia I Estevia. Their expertise is evident in every corner of the resort, from the beautifully landscaped gardens to the chic and stylish lounge areas, making La Zambra a true visual delight.

Area: The resort is located in the Mijas Golf area of Mijas. This resort is a paradise for golf enthusiasts, with courses right at your doorstep. While there aren’t many restaurants within walking distance, a short 5-minute drive will take you to Asador Otolo, a gem offering authentic Basque cuisine. The lively atmosphere, local crowd, and quick service make it a favorite. The quality of the meat is exceptional, and the gambas pil pil is a must-try. For wine lovers, a visit to the nearby Bodega Doña Felisa in Ronda is highly recommended. This family-owned vineyard, established by the Losantos family, produces a variety of exquisite wines. One standout is their Cloe Rosé, known for its delicate balance and refreshing taste.

For those seeking a bustling nightlife and renowned dining experiences, Marbella is just a 30-minute drive away, offering a vibrant scene and some of the best restaurants in the region.

One of the standout features of La Zambra is its abundance of Instagrammable moments. From the beautifully landscaped gardens to the chic and stylish lounge areas, every corner of La Zambra offers a picture-perfect backdrop.

The outdoor spaces are particularly enchanting, with cozy seating arrangements, twinkling fairy lights, and breathtaking views that make for stunning photos.

Conclusion

La Zambra is more than just a resort; it’s a destination that offers a unique blend of luxury, culture, and natural beauty. Unlike the lively nightlife and crowded beaches of Marbella, La Zambra boasts a relaxed ambiance where you can unwind and rejuvenate. The service at La Zambra Resort, can generally be described as exceptional and I want to highlight the attentive, warm and friendly staff we met throughout our stay. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, indulging in a spa treatment, or exploring the rich local culture through food in Picador, La Zambra promises an unforgettable experience on the Costa del Sol. We often don’t return to the same hotels, but this time we will definitely make an exception.

I want to extend a special thank you to the amazing Director of Marketing, Noelia Neyro, who gave us a wonderful tour of the resort and looked after us throughout our stay. It’s the people who make all the difference.

All images are private. The stay was paid for by our own account.