ME Marbella by Meliá

ME Marbella occupies a prime position in Puerto Banús, one of the Costa del Sol's most glamorous addresses, sitting just a couple of minutes' walk from the Mediterranean. The hotel's three outdoor pools are the social heart of the property, surrounded by lush gardens where guests tend to spend long, unhurried afternoons. When the sun drops, the whole place takes on a different character — Puerto Banús has a well-earned reputation for its nightlife and marina scene, and the hotel puts you right in the middle of it all without sacrificing any sense of calm or privacy. The rooms here are thoughtfully put together, with private balconies that make the most of the surrounding views. Each comes with a pillow menu, which sounds like a small detail but makes a genuine difference after a long day, along with quality toiletries, flat-screen satellite TV, and turndown service available on request. A 24-hour fitness center is on hand for those who want to keep up their routine, and the indoor heated pool means the hotel works just as well outside the peak summer months. For meals, the restaurant serves buffet dining that covers all the bases, drawing on the kind of fresh, abundant produce the region does so well. Golfers will appreciate the proximity to Los Naranjos Golf Club, and for those flying in, Málaga's Pablo Ruiz Picasso Airport is roughly 40 minutes away by car — a straightforward journey that eases you into what tends to be a very easy place to be.