A review of the RIU Hotel, Costa del Sol, Spain...

As autumn turns to winter thoughts turn to holidays in the sun but where do you go without having to endure hours of plane travel. One such destination is the Costa del Sol, Spain’s southernmost coast, a destination where the sun shines most days and even in January and February temperatures climb into the high teens.

It was November, early morning with frost on the windscreen when I boarded my TUI flight to Malaga. Two and a half hours later I am stepping out into brilliant warm sunshine. Entering the terminal, it was noticeable how the Spanish authorities actually check your Spanish passenger locator form and proof of vaccination before allowing you through to collect luggage and board the coach taking you to your hotel. My choice was the RIU Costa del Sol on the outskirts of Torremolinos and what an excellent choice this turned out to be. 4 years ago, the original hotel was demolished and a new one erected to adjoin the one next door turning this into a large modern resort with amenities that would be the envy of many.

Room 5166, 1^st floor overlooking one of the 3 swimming pools, bedroom with more than enough drawer and wardrobe space, safe, flat screen tv, 2 USB charging points so you can leave your chargers at home and electric points that take continental style plugs so don’t forget your adapters. Bathroom, twin wash basins, large moveable shaving/makeup mirror, hairdryer, and one of the largest walk in showers I have seen, soap and shower gel supplied. Separate toilet, sitting area with large comfy settee, flat screen tv, coffee table and sliding door to balcony. The bedroom and sitting area both have ceiling fans whilst the air con supplies warm and cold air.

The 3 swimming pools are large open-air affairs, and one is heated so even on a chilly morning an early swim is very pleasant. The sunbathing areas with loungers are vast around the pools as well an additional area adjacent to the pool at the front of the hotel affording beautiful views of the beach and blue Mediterranean Sea. There is also a swimming pool within the spa area where you can enjoy a relaxing massage or loosen up those tight muscles in the well equipped gym. Some of the spa services come at extra cost.

At the heart of any holiday is of course, food, and here you are spoiled for choice. 3 restaurants, the main buffet restaurant boasting an al fresco area offers a selection and quality that should satisfy the needs of all. Breakfast for example offers a large selection of items including peaches, apricots, pineapple, melon, mango, fruit salad, cheeses, cold meats, salad items, for those wanting a cooked breakfast choose from eggs (poached, fried or scrambled), bacon, sausages, chipolatas’, baked beans, hash browns, omelette, grilled tomato, chips, Spanish omelette, mushrooms etc. A choice of fruit juices, tea, coffee, toast. Lunch and dinner were both equally impressive with the selection and quality. Three wines are on offer, Red, White and Rosé, all of which are on tap, just collect a clean glass and fill it up, as often as you like.

Included in the price of this truly all inclusive hotel are 2 speciality restaurants, Italian and Spanish. Both offer large impressive menus. My favourite was the Spanish, I enjoyed watching the chefs making fresh Spanish Omelettes and Paella, it also offered wonderful views out over the beach and sea making it an ideal location to watch the setting sun.

The Costa del Sol is an area that has much to offer. Located a short distance away on the train is Malaga, a large city and port whose history can be traced back to the time of the Phoenicians making it one of the oldest cities in the world. A good way to explore this city is on the ‘Hop on, hop off’ bus operating two routes, blue and green. It is also a major stop for cruise ships during the summer as they cruise the Mediterranean ports. Sit in the large park with its palm trees and enjoy a coffee whilst taking in beautiful sea views. Visit the large stores that dominate the main shopping area or visit the magnificent cathedral constructed between 1528 and 1782.

Travelling west will discover the resorts of Benalmadina, Marbella and the area of large luxury yachts and film stars, Puerto Banus. Have a coffee in Puerto Banus and people watch, you may be surprised by who you see. 44 miles further on brings you to the crossing point for the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar an area that is on the bucket list of many to visit. Take the cable car to the rock summit, the views are breath taking, north across the Spanish mainland to the mountains and south across the Straits of Gibraltar to Tangier, Morocco and North Africa. The rock is famous for the Barbary Apes that inhabit the rock and legend tells us that if the apes leave the rock so will the British. Be careful not to get too close to them as they have been known to snatch cameras, handbags and the like. On returning to ground level peruse the duty free shops or have a meal at one of the open air restaurants. Don’t be surprised to see a red telephone box or a policeman in familiar uniform, yes, this is Britain in the sun.

The Costa del Sol is equally famous for its mountain villages one of which is Comares 2424ft above sea level. The village situated in the foothills of the Montes de Malaga with its white buildings affords stunning views in a 360 degree vista. The peace and tranquillity are awesome. Probably the most famous mountain village is Mijas Pueblo located almost 1500ft above sea level. What began life as a small mountain village has over the years become very popular with tourists.

As can be seen the Costa del Sol has much to offer the visitor, sun, sea, places of interest to visit, all within easy travelling distance by train or coach.

To sum up I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the RIU Costa del Sol in Torremolinos. Less than 3 hours flight time from the UK, winter daytime temperatures in the high teens and the sun shines most days, suddenly you have found a location to escape to and avoid the cold British winter, will I be returning? Definitely.

Alan Fairfax

Click to see video slideshow of Alan's stay at the hotel