Estepona with kids – luxury holiday Costa del Sol
Unsustainable work lifestyle, the doctor called when he put a name to my pains and syndroms. He called for pacing, better balance and less stress. So heading for a luxury holiday Costa del Sol and Estepona with kids felt very right – afterall sunshine is known in our house and with friends for best cures of it all! And here are our impressions on Kempinski hotel Andalusia, by the glorious Malaga coast.
October half term is still a great time to visit Andalusia and its glorious coast was blessed with perfect temperatures between 15-23 degrees and tones of sun. Kempinski Bahia was our amazing pied a terre, an oasis of child friendly warm hospitality, foodies and wine lovers paradise, sea and spa addicts gem. Its beach prime front location is gloriously punctuated with art and history – from towers dating back to the 15th century, to benches beautifully restored, huge vases on the pretty manicured grassy grounds, lots of great paintings spread around the hotel.
What I loved:
– Spiler beach bar is the place to go around Estepona with kids or without for miles. Mediterranean colours, sunloungers and relaxed designer chairs, seafood to die for and chillout music discretely playing in the background, leaving the sound of the sea to linger around.
– The spa is one of the best in Europe and I have seen and tested a tone! Their signature massage with hot stone towards ending was simply divine – a blessing to an exhausted banker and mum!
– Arty touches everywhere at Kempinski Bahia and beautiful integration into the coast and history, feeling wonderfully authentic and local. My 6 years old fully approved – to quote him, Kempinski Bahia is a dream.
– Seafront location and wandering around the coast is so easy – I particularly loved the long walk to Estepona historical centre soaking in the sunset and views over Gibraltar! You can also fathom Africa on clear days!
– Estepona is a charming fisherman’s village on Malaga coast. We loved strolling around the old cathedrals, the flowers square, quaint cobbled streets and Mediterranean houses adorned with flowers.
– The pool bar is perfect to sip cava and nibble on tapas whilst keeping an eye on the kids having fun. Thanks to all his amazing swimming teachers for nurturing his love of swimming, main shout I’d say Swimming Nature Kensington – cheers to them!
– Balthazar dining evening made it too good for us to try other restaurants in Estepona. We had an attempt one evening, only for the 6 years old to suggest returning to Kempinski!
– The cava at Kempinski Bahis breakfast. We started this tradition years ago in Barcelona and Kempinski Bahia morning buffets were just a delight, including a local cuisine corner. It’s the right peaceful way of starting the day when holidaying in Spain!
The 6 years old:
– Was charmed instantly as soon as we arrived by Kempinski parrots. Colourful , and big, they spoke in funny and weird sounds!
– The warmed up pool (27 degrees) just in front of Balthazar. Lots of bridges to jump from and corners to play hide and seek, depths and stairs for all levels, ages and games!
– The kidsclub. Whilst we have seen more impressive facilities – take for example Kempinski Muscat sibling we’ve been to last year, Kempinski Bahia kidsclub fully made up with lots of outdoor fun and games. Hide and seek with ghosts (so topical for Halloween) and hillarious for parents to watch from the comfort of our sunchairs! Or the water games which involved crossing bridges and balls! Arts and crafts indoor as well plus a Wee, this is one greatly run club where imagination and staff couldn’t get any better! Kempinski hotel Andalusia just caters to perfection for Estepona with children.
– Kempinski Black Rose bar. The team treated us with great Sangrias including one for kids with grape juice. The music live was just great and the easy dinner by the comfy sofas went down wonders!
– Costa del Sol healthy and outdoors lifeatyle, lots of people wandering around with dogs and great conversation. It’s casual, relaxed and refreshingly interractive in a world where things head very differently! We cuddled lots of dogs in 4 days and got into some very friendly conversations!
– Whilst I loved the walk to Estepona my 6 years old adored the shorter walk on the other side towards Camuri sushi beach lounge. And the other side, special mentions to the playground by the seafront and beautiful sculptures next to it. Right on our street of #Culturedkids and #culturedparents!
Kempinski Bahia is within 50minutes drive from Malaga airport. There’s Uber for about Euro80 each way or there’s a bus from the airport to Estepona terminal station for Euro11 each way.
If you stay over a week, for Estepona with kids you may also want to explore Tivoli World, Mijas Water Park, Selwo Safari Park or Crocodile Park Torremolinos.
We are already planning to go back for a longer Andalucia roadtrip, but to be fair we have Cordoba, Ronda, Seville and Alhambra in mind rather than any of these parks! Have you been to Estepona with kids or without, Marbella or Andalusia?
Travelling to Spain during the pandemic (July & September 2021). Being fully vaccinated and travelling from UK to Spain was easy, just a couple of extra forms. For coming back to London we booked our private tests 3 days ahead of our travels and thereafter booked for London Day 2 private tests in July, whilst in September just a negative test was needed before flying back. The travelling guidance has been fluid though, always best to check the latest UK Foreign travel advice.
For more Spanish inspirations and getaways with kids, head for our 10 Things to do in Menorca with kids; Family guide to Ibiza in here; Tenerife with toddler and baby at Ritz Abama in here; 17 things to see and do in Barcelona in here; and Madrid with toddler in here.
PS: thanks so much to Kempinski hotel Andalusia for the media rate, complimentary dinner, drinks and spa treats! They made it so easy for us to relax, despite the short 4 days stay.
24 comments on “Estepona with kids – luxury holiday Costa del Sol”
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This looks the perfect spot for a quick getaway
So ready to go back to Andalucia ! X
That looks lovely – close enough to the airport and a heated pool! Just what you need for an autumn break.
Exactly Nancy! And that food and those drinks…Good to see you the other day! X
Loved the unique photo layout of this post. We visited this area of Spain the other year and it is. breathtaking! #CulturedKids
Thank you Fi! Great to have you over at #CulturedKids ! X
Sounds like it was just the ticket! I love getting a bit of sunshine in these gloomy months #culturedkids
These gloomy months require indeed frequent getaways with sunshine to keep sane! 🙂 X
Sounds like a perfect autumn break.The spa sounds so inviting. Loved the photos. #culturedkids
Thank you Usha! X
It sounds utterly heavenly! Getting a bit of sunshine just before we head into the dark, cold winter is an inspired idea and this Kempinski sounds perfect for tired families. Thanks for sharing on #farawayfiles
Heavenly indeed, wish I was there this week! 🙂
Hide and seek with ghosts sounds right up my street! I hope you got your batteries re-charged. #CULTUREDKIDS
Thanks Scarlett, I have to admit we could have used 5/6/7 days in here 🙂 Def longer next time, Andalucia is gorgeous and there’s so much more to explore! X
Looks hugely tempting — civilised, dappled sunlight, history and a family friendly vibe. #CulturedKids
Absolutely, you guys would love it!
Estepona looks charming, and those parrots would win the heart of any child! Having spent time child free in Málaga and Granada, I would love to take the kids to explore Andalucia. And a heated pool for October half term makes such a difference #CulturedKids
Indeed! We are also planning to go back for more ! X
Looks absolutely gorgeous, and just what the doctor ordered indeed! I’ve not thought to travel here, but might have to add it to the list #CulturedKids
Indeed just what the doctor ordered Shelley 🙂 And yes it makes perfect #Culturedkids destination !
sounds good! i am planning for a trip and your details quite helpful to make my itinerary. Thanks for such beautiful post.
Great to hear Ravin, enjoy Andalucia and Estepona !
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