THE LEISURE hotel
WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF IPV HOTELS
ONE THOUSAND AND ONE NIGHTS at the Hotel IPV**** Palace & Spa Costa del Sol AN OASIS FOR FITNESS FANATICS AND GAME BUFFS
Discerning travellers wishing to experience the tranquillity of seaside living and the beauty of Mozarabic architecture have long flocked to the Hotel IPV Palace & Spa (formerly known as the Beatriz Palace), for the holiday of a lifetime in Fuengirola. Rising majestically over one of the area’s most beautiful beaches, the hotel is famed for its luxurious interiors (which bear a blend of Arabian and Andalusian features) and the comfort of its rooms, every single one of which boasts panoramic views over the Mediterranean coastline.
The IPV Hotel isn’t the kind of venue that allows for boredom, since it offers adults and kids alike so many activities, that rest is only for those who truly desire it. Choose from a swim, Ping Pong and billiards, golf at nearby golf courses, water sports, horse riding, a game of tennis or a workout at the gym. Kids, can likewise keep busy and active at the colourful Kids Club.
SPA IMMERSION The IPV Palace is a top choice for golfers travelling with their families, since those who aren’t into the sport will love being pampered at the Spa. The large dynamic pool is a joy for water massage buffs, while those in need of a detox can sweat their cars away at the sauna or hammam. The Jacuzzi is an excellent spot to chill out and dream up one’s desired adventures for the day.
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he Hotel is also conveniently close to all the Coast’s major cities: a 20-minute drive from Málaga and Marbella, and a five-minute drive from Fuengirola’s bustling commercial centre, Miramar, as well as tourist attractions like Bioparc Fuengirola. Perched on a hill overlooking the Hotel is the dreamlike Sohail Castle, also bearing touches of Mozarabic magic and adding to the sense of fairytale and mystery that surrounds this scenic area.
EVENTS MASTERS
MAKING IT A NIGHT TO REMEMBER The Hotel has 279 rooms and six suites, many of which boast impressive crystal curtains that shorten the distance between the sea and hotel dwellers. The lovely terraces are the perfect place to enjoy tea for two at breakfast time, while the interiors, decidedly Mediterranean in design, provide the perfect excuse to sleep in ‘til late, with large comfy beds, spacious desks and elegant bathrooms exuding an altogether regal feel. The rooms boast all the technology you could require, including large LED TVs, a well-stocked minibar, safe, free WiFi, air conditioning and central heating. Space isn’t an issue at the Hotel IPV; the smallest rooms measure 31.2m2, while the Royal Suites boast interiors measuring 82m2 and an 8m2 terrace. Rooms are spread out over seven floors, and are easy to access thanks to the speediness of the Hotel’s eight elevators. 128 / JULY 2014 ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM
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FEEDING BODY AND MIND One of the most appealing features of the Hotel IPV is its culinary temptations. Diners can choose from Mediterranean delights at La Alacena Restaurant (serving up local, traditional dishes, vegetarian specialities and a wide array of wines), or immerse themselves in the culture of tapas at La Taurina, which is open every day of the week. The Hotel also makes an ideal meeting point prior to a night out on the town, with the Lobby Bar staffed by savvy bartenders who can whip up classic and nouvelle cocktails alike, while guests enjoy live singing and musical performances. In the Summer season, the Beach Club comes to life, filling hungry patrons with a plethora of snacks, espeto sardines and different rice dishes by the refreshing waters of the outdoor pool.
The Hotel boasts 10 conventions and meeting halls, able to host events of between 50 and 1,000 persons. All halls are fitted with the latest technology and are graced with comfy, elegant seating and sophisticated touches like beautiful crystal candelabra, mosaic tiled flooring and Georgian-styled chairs. The Hotel also has stunning areas for weddings and receptions, which are transformed into the stuff fairytales are made of – white chiffon curtains, red roses and flirty ivory tule details, to raise the romance factor.
PEACE: THE ULTIMATE LUXURY Despite being one of the most hotly solicited hotels on the Coast, the IPV is always an area of peace, even in the height of Summer. Beautiful Arabic doors and arches are married to Spanish cast iron pieces and as your eye takes in the breadth of the hotel, features such as an immense winding staircase (reminiscent of Gone with the Wind), painstakingly crafted candelabra and traditional Moroccan-styled tilework inspire awe and gratitude; for although the rest of the year may be characterised by stressful pursuits, this escape exists and you are experiencing it.
www.hotelomm.es g CN340, km 207, Fuengirola. Tel: 952 922 000. g www.hotelesipv.com 6/19/14 3:22 PM