After 10 days spent on the Costa Del Sol at El Fuerte I am leaving refreshed and rejuvenated having enjoyed possibly the best food of any 5 star hotel I have ever visited and over the years for me that is no mean feat. I don’t eat a lot of processed food or fast food preferring simple homemade from fresh premium fruits and vegetables. Food made with love.
The gastronomy from the buffet style breakfast at Marche, the casual poolside dining, the main restaurant, Levante, the Selected club all day snacks, the room service and the spectacular beach restaurant location of Soleo, we tried them all, the food we could not fault. And the service barring a couple of mistakes was second to none from the warmest of greetings from the Maitre D’ to the acknowledgement of Food and Beverage big boss Fernando Berisa as he wanders the hotel checking on his troupes and ensuring everything is running with absolute precision and attention to detail.
If you want a reason to return the exceptional food would be no.1.
The hotel is large but feels homely and it’s the staff, particularly the team around the pool where nothing was too much trouble. A few people deserve special recognition here, Carlos, Luis, Pedro and Daniel, my friend said if she owned a 5 star hotel she would headhunt all of them and our waiter Valerio provided 5 star level butler service throughout. He got to know our routine and was there with water, cokes, zero alcohol beers and lunch before we had a chance to ask or ring the bell provided for every lounger.
The one noticeable thing that needs attention is loungers cannot be reserved and if you leave your sun-bed for lunch or an ocean swim you may find when you return your favourite spot has been reallocated to someone else. (A hotel policy that caused angst and frustration for guests during our stay)
Our room was extremely comfortable and the housekeeping staff were exactly the same. They got to know us, we are pretty low maintenance but complimentary water every day, and extra chocolates delivered with a cheeky smile were appreciated.
When we realised we’d forgotten our hair straightener, a quick call to the concierge and within less than an hour a GHD top of the line one was on the bed presented in a hotel dust bag.
Hospitality is a feeling and the carefully selected staff at El Fuerte are all pulling in the same direction which makes this newly refurbished beach front property having received a 31 million pound facelift so special. From the manicured lawns over looking the ocean, the quiet background jazz low enough to ensure the meditative rolling ocean isn’t drowned out to the stunning adults only swimming pool this classic seaside property is an architectural digest worthy feature, the contrast of red and white stripes, towering palms and turquoise sky is a veritable amateur photographers haven.
For curious travellers and explorers El Fuerte is a very short amble from Marbella old town where you can find shopping, historic sight seeing and restaurants to suit every budget and for the more adventurous a 7 km walk along the promenade takes you to Puerto Banus. If you don’t fancy the walk back the water taxi is a fun option for your return journey, costs €15 euros and takes around 30 minutes.
If you are looking for a stylish contemporary beautifully designed hotel with fantastic food and the warm vibes you get from truly genuine staff who are more about making sure you have what you need than the money, the bill, the tip then this hotel is for you. Interesting touches on the hotel literature about conservation and sustainability, why you are asked to switch off your air conditioning, keep your terrace door closed and limit your food waste by asking for to go bags were all things I appreciated.
I didn’t spend much time in the spa, daily access is included with selected club membership (€50 euros per day without) but I did peek in and it looked fantastic and there is also a full service hair salon on site with 4 blow dry options ranging from €50-€100 euros depending on the length of your hair.
The final treat for contemporary art lovers is a changing exhibition we enjoyed every day, a long gallery of beautiful works half hotel half museum as we meandered from our room high on the 6th floor, where there’s also a full gym with spectacular views and yoga studio, to the restaurants, pool and beach.
All this comes at a cost, you do get what you pay for but if you like a pet friendly adult paradise where kids are welcome but kept in separate family areas and the staff take pleasure in delivering 5 star service check in immediately.