Ronda is a hidden gem (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)It’s easy to see why the Costa del Sol is such a draw for UK visitors each year. With a beautiful coastline stretching over 90 miles, great food, history, and 325 days of sunshine a year, this southern Spanish destination pretty much ticks every holiday box. We based ourselves at Wyndham Grand Costa del Sol resort in Mijas, nestled between Malaga and Marbella. It’s an ideally located spot from which to explore the region of Andalucia – and what a lot there is to discover. We took a day trip through the mountains to Ronda, one of the oldest and prettiest cities in Spain. Ernest Hemingway spent time here and the dramatic El Tajo gorge is said to have inspired his novel For Whom The Bell Tolls.
Don’t miss visiting the stunning city of Ronda
(Image: Getty Images)
Spend time at the Puente Nuevo bridge, where there are spectacular views of the chasm 390ft below, or wander through the higgledy-piggledy streets to get a real sense of Ronda’s Moorish past. There are beautiful churches, shops selling curios and even orange trees bearing fruit dotted along the pavements. We stopped for lunch at Azahar, a sun-soaked restaurant with stunning views. Here, Andalucian and Mediterranean cuisine come together with a very modern twist. My salad of avocado, mango, jalapeños and yoghurt was simply divine. I paired it with a glass of the local Ronda rosé wine, and it was hard to tear myself away from such a serene setting. Next up was a trip to the pretty mountainside village of Mijas Pueblo. It’s a lovely place to visit, especially in the late afternoon, with incredible views across the coastline. As the sun sets, the Costa del Sol starts to twinkle as the lights come on. We could even see Gibraltar in the distance.
Sit and watch the world go by in Mijas
(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Gift shops sell brightly coloured local ceramics, including traditional garlic rasp graters – both pretty and useful. The Wyndham is perfectly placed for local transport, with easy access to buses, taxis and a nearby train station. The resort can also arrange excursions – the Ronda trip costs 60 euros (around £51). The rooms at Wyndham Grand Costa del Sol After a day of touring the mountains, it was time to put our feet up at the resort. There are levels of accommodation to suit every budget and you can choose self-catering, bed and breakfast or half-board. We stayed at the Santa Cruz suites, self-catering apartments with everything you need to make you feel at home, including a fully equipped kitchen, power shower and spa bath. We even had our own hot tub. There was something very decadent about relaxing in the bubbles with a glass of Fanta Limon – a must on any Spanish holiday – while looking out over the Mediterranean.
The rooms are spacious and well-equipped
(Image: Wyndham Grand Costa del Sol)
The food at Wyndham Grand Costa del Sol You won’t go short of anything on site – an affordable shop provides all the essentials, as well as snacks. We mainly dined at Safari, a great restaurant with traditional Spanish dishes including an absolutely incredible vegetarian paella, as well as burgers and pasta. It’s a good spot for breakfast, too, with a buffet choice as well as a full English or avocado on toast. I loved sitting there in the morning with a coffee, overlooking the pool and palm trees. There’s also Mediterraneo for more grown-up dining, the family-friendly Zac’s restaurant and bar with American-style snacks, Cascades for milkshakes, Sam’s pantry for cakes and a pizza delivery spot.
Enjoy traditional Spanish cuisine such as paella
(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
If you’re celebrating a special occasion, the Grand Lounge offers afternoon tea, which would give any posh restaurant a run for its money. We had scones with jam, delicate sandwiches, carrot cake and chocolate eclairs, all washed down with tea and a glass of local cava for 35 euros. There’s entertainment on site every night, so after a day out and about, you can kick off your shoes and no one needs to be the designated driver. It’s all within walking distance and if you’re feeling tired, there’s a fun mini train that goes around the resort – great fun for kids, big and small. The activities at Wyndham Grand Costa del Sol If you fancy more of an active holiday, there’s so much on offer – tennis courts, swimming pools, a games room, jogging trails, kids’ club, teens’ club, Pilates, aqua fitness, all included in the room price. The beach is only a 10-minute walk away. There’s also a small gym in the wellness centre and a good choice of massages from a Swedish holistic one for 25 euros to a full body with an algae wrap and bamboo sticks for 125 euros. We made the most of the beautiful location by practising yoga outside in the sunshine. And what could be better for mindfulness than blue skies, swaying palm trees and a view of the sea? Bliss.
The hotel pool is a tranquil escape
(Image: Wyndham Grand Costa del Sol)
How to book Wyndham Grand Costa del Sol Room-only in a Premium Plus One Bedroom Suite with hot tub in Santa Cruz starts from 148 Euros (around £127) per night. For more info, visit Wyndham Grand Costa del Sol or travel booking sites such as Booking.com.Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterMore OnTravel
