Let me set the scene before we quickly fly off to paradise aka Kempinski Hotel Bahia, so you can grasp quite how much I needed our recent family holiday to Estepona, Spain…
Having been rushed by ambulance to hospital with acute tonsillitis (one of the worst strains they’d seen #onlyme) and unable to speak or eat my two favourite things in the world (!) for literally 10 days straight, I was luckily to be given the all-clear to fly at the final hour for a much needed dose of R ‘n’ R at the Kempinski Hotel Bahia in Estepona.
Thank goodness for high strength antibiotics, soluble paracetamol, sunshine on repeat and vitamin sea (and c) to take away the pain and help rebuild myself back up again. Thank you to the universe and my GP!
Arriving at the utter babe of a hotel that is Kempinski Hotel Bahia, a newly refurbished luxe 5 star resort with the most Instagrammable interior design I’ve ever seen in a hotel-all mustard sofas and purple statement walls, breton striped chairs on the terrace and spacious, marble floored bedrooms which whispered ‘serene’ as you popped the Kempinski robes and slippers on… as well as not forgetting, a library, luxurious spa, seafront location, heated in, and outdoor pools and a Kids Club my children literally begged to go to everyday so if there was ever a perfect place to chill out and recover from illness, it was there.
…I felt instantly calm on arrival to the Kempinski (just a short drive from Malaga airport) with donuts for the kids and wine for us on arriving helping us switch on holiday mode.
I have to state from the off that hands-down we’ve not eaten such consistently excellent food at any another resort to-date-the Kempinski was another level. Think accessible Michelin star style fare that offered something for everyone. The food was simply outstanding. As was the service, views and holiday experience from start to finish.
Peter and I kept saying over and over again like Groundhog Day that we were having the time of our lives, feeling grateful for every single second and meal as I could now swallow-yay!
There’s nothing like being unwell to make you appreciate how vital good health is, and I will never take trips or food like this, for granted. I have my blog to thank for these experiences and you guys for reading our reviews so thank you everyone and for all your kindness whilst I was ill.
But let’s head back to the food for a second because it deserves some more time.
With European and North African influenced fare (thanks to the hotel’s location) with fresh seafood in abundance from the adjacent shoreline and desserts to blow my sugar-loving mind (hey there lime tart laced with lavender I need to immediately recreate), I’ve never felt quite so emotional about not being able to eat the food on offer, now that we’re home…
I mean, come to mama.
The art deco signature restaurant Baltazár Bar & Grill features green tiled walls, and red straw seats with an open kitchen which enables you to watch and drool as the chefs prepare your feast.
The Spiler Beach Club is more laid back in style with an ice cream bar beside the main seating area and it even offers up al fresco dining during the day too, with the sound of waves as your soundtrack. Bliss.
Breakfast was in the elegant El Mirador with a buffet of everything imaginable you could want for brekkie or brunch with omelettes being made to order.
You can also enjoy cocktails and even hot choc for the kids at the Black Rose The Bar too!
Told you the food was epic.
…With a packed itinerary at the Kids Club where the children spent a few hours a day from swimming lessons, football and tennis to shell painting, bouncy castle fun, karaoke, clay making sculptures and even baking, my off-spring couldn’t get enough.
My best friend Carlie, her husband James and children Joel, Tali and Jay joined us for two days of fun at the resort too (they own a place down the road and we timed our trip to hang out) enjoying the pretty beach front and the kids attended some sessions at the club too, playing football and taking part in arts and crafts. We couldn’t stop laughing as they collected shells on the beach and tried to sell them to other guests at the hotel. Entrepreneurs of the future or what. Sorry to the guests!
The best bit was that with trained practitioners at the daily Kids Club who were kind and considerate (they even applied sun cream to the children), utilising their service meant we adults got to catch up and enjoy one another’s company in the sun without interruption, something so rare on a family holiday.
Another rare opportunity was relaxing in the spa, but with an reflexology and foot massage appointment booked for me by the hotel, I lapped up my free hour and a half which also saw me popping onto a revolutionary quarts and sand massage table that electronically massaged my lower back and was the catalyst to the best night’s sleep of my life. With healing qualities and a rejuvenating reflexology session that worked wonders on my immune system, I can’t recommend the therapists and spa highly enough.
Make sure you book when you visit as it’s unmissable.
We were incredibly lucky with the sun and even caught a tan while we were there over the 5 days, and on the one day it was cloudier than the rest, we spent our time swimming in the indoor heated pool and Peter hit the state of the art gym for a weights and running session to boot.
When the sun came out again, we headed for the four poster bed with complimentary drinks and seasonal fruit and played being Beyonce for the day (this is the life) before a long walk on the beach and taking in the perfect sunset across the bay.
The most poignant thing about being in Estepona was feeling close to my late auntie Zak who lived nearby for many years. She herself had enjoyed a stay at the hotel with her best friend Angelina and I felt her presence with every crashing wave and as the sunlight twinkled and kissed the trees.
Malaga has always had a special place in my heart because of her, and we felt sad to depart on our final day.
Kempinski Hotel Bahia is a truly magical place, a terracotta castle-like resort which felt like a second-home to us from day one. We adored the connecting ensuite bedrooms its queen size bed for Peter and I and singles for the boys and its sea views.
Yes Kempinski is luxurious but it’s welcoming, with families at its heart offering the ideal destination for parents who don’t want to scrimp on quality while equally catering for their kids.
And just look at those sunsets!
Thank you so much to Kempinski, we can’t wait to return.
Don’t miss our vlog
Now you lucky lot are in for a treat as Kempinski Hotel Bahia are offering you plus a guest (2 adults) a chance to experience a holiday of a lifetime with them with a 2 night stay, spa trip, and your meals covered too.
T&C’s
Competition prize –
- 2-night stay at the 5* Grand Lux Kempinski Hotel Bahia in Estepona including a delicious breakfast each morning
- A pampering spa treatment in their luxury treatment spa
- A signature cocktail in Black Rose The Bar for 2 people
- Dinner in Baltazár Bar & Grill for 2 people
- Lunch in Spiler Beach Club for 2 people
Terms and Conditions
Flights are not included.
To be in with a chance of winning, simply enter via Rafflecopter following the entry requirements below.
UK only.
No cash alternative.
Ends June 20th 2018.
Reservation subject to availability and valid for one year. Prize can’t be used on New Year’s Eve, Easter week, July and August. Meals include food, house wine and beer and soft drinks. Other wines and spirits will be charged.
Social/ website –
Hotel
https://www.instagram.com/kempinskibahia/
https://www.facebook.com/Kempinski.Marbella/
https://twitter.com/kempinski_spain
Restaurants
https://www.facebook.com/ElPaseodelMar/
https://www.instagram.com/elpaseodelmar/
Promoted on Prize finder, BritMums, umeandthekids.com, Loquax, Super Lucky , UKwins and Competition Database.
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