Moorish splendour

Graced with a sub-tropical climate, Andalusia has long been a crossroads for the rest of the world. The region's history predates the arrival of the Romans, and has been heavily influenced by Arab and Moorish culture.

This diverse cultural heritage has left its mark upon the region, which in the 1980s became a favourite destination for Europe's 'beautiful people', with the coastal town of Marbella in particular earning a reputation as the playground of the rich and famous.

However, in recent years, thanks to the vision, energy and determination of its Mayor, Marbella has undergone an amazing metamorphosis, becoming one of the cleanest and safest cities in Spain.

Everywhere you look an abundance of foliage and palm trees are being re-planted, recreating the feeling of tranquillity and beauty that graced these shores not so long ago. New constructions acknowledge the region's diverse cultural history while playing a key role in its regeneration.

A deluxe property
Just a 50-minute taxi drive from Malaga International Airport, the five-star Grand Luxe Sofitel Las Dunas is situated directly on the beach, right in the heart of the Andalusian coastal region, between Marbella and the neighbouring village of Estepona.

Since opening in early 1996, the hotel has been accepted into the ranks of The Leading Hotels of the World and has received the prestigious Five Star Diamond Award from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences every year since 1999. In 1996, it was the runner-up in Gallivanter's Guide 's Best New Resort category and the winner of its Most Memorable Hotel Cuisine category, while in 1998 it was one of German magazine Hideaways ' Top 25 Hideaways.

In January 2004, Sofitel took over the running of the hotel, working closely with the owner on new projects. The new general manager, Philippe Trapp, has worked at five-star properties around the world and has a huge breadth of experience.    

Grandeur by design
The 73-room flamingo-coloured beach hotel has been designed in the style of a Spanish hacienda, with a Moorish influence to complement the traditional buildings in the region and reflect their cultural heritage. Looking directly onto the beach, and surrounded by lush, sub-tropical, landscaped gardens and fountains, each guestroom features either a terrace or sundeck offering magnificent views of the Mediterranean, Gibraltar and North Africa.

The hotel offers luxurious accommodation as well as personalised service. In 2004, all 34 suites were refurbished. Philippe Starck-designed bathrooms have added a modern touch to these wonderful two- and three-bedroom suites, which are now available for lifestyle ownership.

Eating and meeting
In early 1998, the hotel added a new lifestyle venue: the Piano Bar & Bistro Felix, specialising in European-Asian Cuisine. There is also the Restaurant Lido, which has been awarded a Michelin Star every year since 2001, and March 2003 saw the opening of the Beach Club El Chiringuito, whose staples include barbecue, fish and sushi.

The hotel also has its own state-of-the-art convention centre, available for seminars, exhibitions, high-profile private parties, business meetings and product launches.

Sample at your leisure
The hotel's spa team has extensive experience of wellness and beauty treatments, providing innovative and tried-and-tested facial and body treatments as well as offering support and advice, for a truly personalised beauty programme.

For those who prefer to be a bit more active, guests can play on over 34 top-class golf courses along the coast. Reduced green fees are available on most of them. The four most popular courses are Los Arqueros, Valderrama, San Roque, Monte Mayor and La Alcaidesa.

For water-lovers, Las Dunas has its own 20m-long heated outdoor swimming pool and fully serviced beach, with water sports such as jet skiing, shuttle boat, catamaran, water-skiing and diving available in the summer months.

Further information
Las Dunas Beach Hotel & Spa
Tel: +34 952 80 94 00
Email: lasdunas@accor.com (general)
andrea.stein@accor.com (sales and marketing)
H5669-GR@accor.com (reservations)
Website: www.las-dunas.com