20/01/2020
Andalusia, the « Real earthly paradise » as the writer Théophile Gauthier called it, is nestled in the far south of Spain. Situated on the borders of Europe and facing the East, this luminous region is a dreamlike and exotic place. Between land and sea, Moorish palaces, Baroque architecture and the Costa del Sol bathed in an azure sea, it is a colourful family destination full of discoveries… a must-see!
Between beaches and mountains, the southernmost region of Spain surprises and conquers the hearts of young and old alike!
SUMMARY
Andalusia is the result of diverse influences that blend Arab and Iberian culture. Its heritage is a reflection of its rich history closely linked with Africa since part of Spain was Muslim for several centuries. Moreover, the term « Al-Andalus », from which the region takes its beautiful name, is an Arabic word. Let’s not forget that Andalusia is only 14 km away from Morocco by the Strait of Gibraltar, which has made more than one traveller dream!
Deploying varied landscapes, this Spanish region is punctuated by mountains to the north and east (Sierra Morena and the Sierra Nevada) and the green valley of the Guadalquivir River which winds to the west. Seville, its bubbling capital, displays its cultural charms and its taste for festivities by the side of this long river. In the lands of Cordoba that lies to the north and Granada to the east are flourishing cities renowned for their beauty all over the world. It is therefore no surprise to learn that Andalusia is one of the top Little Guest family destinations!
Open to the sea, Andalusia also fills summer visitors and sun lovers with its superb coastline: the Costa de la Luz can be spotted on the side of Cádiz and Gibraltar, while to the east the famous Costa del Sol is punctuated by the seaside resorts of Marbella or Malaga.
Ronda (on the left) and the Alhambra of Granada (on the right) assure you a real trip back in time.
Marbella Club Hotel Golf Resort & Spa *****
A jewel of architecture, the MarBella Club Hotel Golf Resort & Spa **** knows how to deal with children!
The Marbella Club Hotel Golf Resort & Spa **** is a haven of peace whose present is at least as prestigious as its past. The former private residence of Prince Alfonso von Hohenlohe, this extraordinary place has seen many celebrities such as Audrey Hepburn, Sean Connery or Brigitte Bardot pass through the orange trees of its splendid gardens… so chic! An exclusive atmosphere always floats within its elegant white suites carefully furnished. At the Marbella Club, the charm of the Orient is lavishly expressed in the white Spanish stone, while the many tree-lined terraces and comfortable loggias invite you to la dolce vita. We love the mountain as a backdrop, the rattan furniture and its warm touches, the bougainvillaea clusters that enhance the architecture and the candlelight at nightfall!
For the toddlers, the figures speak for themselves: the 5,000 sqm playground is dedicated to them! Better still, 365 days a year, they can practice flamenco, gardening, plastic arts and cooking in its incredible kids-club.
Ikos Andalusia *****
As its name suggests, Ikos Andalusia ***** embodies the Andalusian spirit. Close to the aptly named Playa Bella, this all-inclusive 5-star establishment sports an incredible atmosphere and an innovative spirit. Its location and architecture guarantee families a perfect balance between the serenity and festive atmosphere of this seaside region. This innovative establishment has already received the « Best Resort in Development 2019″ award, which says a lot about this charming address.
The wide bays of its luxurious suites are open to the sea, so that one almost has the impression that the big blue is an integral part of the decoration! In these comfortable settings, you can fall asleep to the sound of the waves… Each of the rooms has a contemporary and refined style, where blue gives pride of place to white in a southern spirit. And have you been told about its gastronomic offer? No less than seven restaurants, most of which are run by the creative energy of Michelin-starred chefs, will take your taste buds on a journey!
Like all the establishments with the « Ikos » label, this newcomer is a paradise for children from 4 months to 14 years old. Under the benevolent presence of the highly qualified professionals of the Worldwide Kids organization, your toddlers won’t know what to think. Unless football enthusiasts practice perfecting their « heads » at the resort’s WK Football Academy.
La Bobadilla, a Royal Hideaway Hotel *****
La Bobadilla, a Royal Hideaway Hotel ***** combines all the conditions for a successful Mediterranean stay, perched between Granada and Malaga, the capital of the Andalusian way of life. And the hotel combines many assets: designed as a small, elegant traditional village, it has an eco-friendly philosophy, which is very conducive to slow travel, and offers families many facilities for a peaceful stay with children.
The comfortable rooms and suites, often interconnecting, provide a refined and cosy setting. Baby-sitters are available to look after the little ones if necessary, and children from 4 years of age can have fun in the beautiful kids’ club, which offers a wide range of activities to suit their age. Tennis, horse riding or basketball are among the activities on the programme, with the same motto: the more the merrier! And the surrounding nature is extraordinary, as it is very close to the Dolmenes & El Torcal, a prehistoric site classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Royal Hideaway Sancti Petri *****
Located about thirty minutes from the charming port city of Cadiz, the Royal Hideaway Sancti Petri ***** enjoys a sumptuous setting: the Atlantic coast, and more precisely the Playa de la Barrosa. Decorated and designed by the interior designer Pedro Peña, the hotel’s 195 rooms and suites reflect the image of their creator as they are refined and authentic.
What do families love? The 6 swimming pools (one of which is indoor) with thermal bath, the 3,650 sqm spa, the bowling alley, the ultra-quality babysitting service, the COMPLIMENTARY kids club for children aged 4 to 12, the 98 sqm Balinese Suite with ocean view, the restaurants in enchanting surroundings, the kid-friendly workshops offered in the Happy Minds programme inspired by Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences, and many others!
Tapas, sunshine and rosé… what better way to celebrate the arrival of the holidays?
Oh, Spanish flavours! Its tapas where mountain ham (great Andalusian speciality!), dried tomatoes and local cheese are king, its cold soups so thirst-quenching with sweet names (Salmorejo, Ajoblanco…) or its aubergines fried in honey have been putting everyone in agreement for several centuries! Not forgetting the seafood (fish and seafood) and the excellent wines of the region of Malaga and Jerez de la Frontera, which make the region a gastronomic destination.
Tapas, sunshine and rosé… what better way to celebrate the arrival of the holidays?
Poetic and romantic, La Caleta, in Cadiz, inspires dreamy families
It’s no secret that in southern Spain it’s warm all year round. This is the advantage of the temperate Mediterranean climate, even the winters are mild (at least on the coast, since in the mountains it snows quite often at this time).
All year-round, the sun is shining. In the south-east of Andalusia, rainfall is scarce, especially in summer. Temperatures, which can reach up to 40 degrees in July-August, are always more pleasant at the seaside. However, bring hats, sun screens and sunglasses for your family. Little Guest is on all fronts and also advises you on your choice of sun protection and baby sunglasses!
In spring and autumn, the temperatures, usually between 24 and 28 degrees, are simply perfect for exploring this beautiful region.
The only thing left at this point is for me to wish you a good trip and hasta luego, amigo!
Mylène, 28 y.o, art and travel lover, from Strasbourg, France
You will also like
CONTACT-US
Monday-Sunday: 9AM - 6PM.
© 2024 Little Guest SA
extraordinary family holidays
