Globales Paraiso Beach

We went away midweek hoping to explore somewhere new, find beach bars, and try different restaurants, but in winter everything was shut. Outside of a particular hotel complex, there were no open bars or restaurants and no atmosphere at all. It was a real letdown when we were looking for a bit of adventure. We ended up back in Sabillinas, where lots of bars and restaurants were open and greeted us warmly, ready to serve with a smile. The difference was stark, and reminded us where we still find real hospitality.

Renting a car is highly recommended if you want to see Estepona, Marbella, Malaga, and the surrounding area at your own pace. At the hotel, the rooftop pool and restaurant both have panoramic sea views, and breakfast and dinner were great, with plenty of choice for every taste. The bigger, deeper pool downstairs was perfect for a refreshing swim. The property is beautiful, and the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. Our room was made up perfectly and left spotless whenever we came back. Wi-Fi worked flawlessly all over the hotel. We faced the highway, but the noise didn't bother us at all and we slept just fine. There's a lively entertainment program, and the whole stay was wonderful. We'd highly recommend the hotel to anyone after a relaxing, enjoyable break.

The food was very good, with plenty to choose from at breakfast: cheeses, hams, preserves, cereal, fruit, pastries, and hot dishes. Dinner was varied and tasty too. After eating, we loved going up to the top pool and balcony to watch the sunset. Our room was large, clean, and comfortable, with a bath and shower. It had a fridge to keep drinks cold, plus tea, coffee, and a kettle. There weren't many TV channels for British guests. We had a lovely sea view stretching along the coast to Gibraltar, and the pool areas were immaculate. The snack bar was a favorite, and the hotel had a relaxed feel. All the staff we met were lovely and happy to help. Thanks for a lovely stay. Andrew Grundy and Jacqueline Redmond

The breakfast was tasty, and the terrace at the top of the building had a nice view. But our bedroom faced a busy, noisy road, so sitting on the balcony was impossible and we couldn't properly relax or sleep well. It seems like a lottery, since similar rooms look out either to a quiet pool or onto the road. We asked reception for a quiet room, but nothing was done.