TTN is always on the lookout for hidden gems and we are glad to reveal one on the Mediterranean coast in Spain. The five-star Grand Luxe Kempinski Hotel Bahía, just 3 km from Estepona enjoys a privileged position by the beach with views of the Mediterranean, Marbella and the coast of Africa and Gibraltar. It is surrounded by award winning luscious subtropical gardens covering an extensive area of 40,000 sq m and boasts its own organic vegetable garden. This tranquil paradise has 128 spacious rooms and 17 luxury suites and is a lovely base for a luxurious holiday within easy reach of nature.
Estepona’s fantastic location between the sea and the mountain makes it possible to enjoy many activities in a small area. It has a varied landscape with gentle changes of height and is crossed by dozens of streams and small rivers, perfect for hiking, mountain biking and horse riding.
Nature lovers can enjoy routes and excursions around places of great beauty, within easy reach of Estepona. The Sierra Bermeja National Park is 1,236 hectares of beautiful countryside, including rare rock formations and unique flora and fauna. Walkers will find an ever-changing landscape, with oak trees in the lower areas, pine trees in the mid zone and Spanish firs at the summit. There is a wonderful walk called the “Paseo de Los Pinsapos” or the “Route of the Firs”, with a species of tree unique to this area. There is also a viewing point and barbeque area near the top with wonderful views of the coast and over to Morocco on clear days, the perfect place to rest weary feet.
Another highlight is Los Pedregales park at the foothills of Sierra Bermeja. It is 150 m above sea level and covers an area of 30 hectares, which is a perfect place for a walk and a picnic or barbeque. Even the town itself has lots to offer, with charming streets lined with brightly coloured flowers, the seafront promenade lined with palm trees and an incredible botanical gardens and orchid house right in the centre of the town. These gardens cover a total area of 16,230 square meters with striking features such as three stunning glass domes and an indoor waterfall which is over 15 meters tall. The orchid house contains over 5,000 plants, including more than 1,300 species of orchids from around the world and is a stunning place to visit.