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The backstory: Before shuttering in 2010, the Byblos hotel had a reputation for ’80s-era hedonism, luring the jet set to Mijas, in Spain’s Costa del Sol region. After a thorough reinvention, the luxury property reopened in September as La Zambra, part of the Unbound Collection by Hyatt. The name (a reference to flamenco) nods to its party spirit, and it will still be a playground, of sorts: The hotel is next door to a pair of popular 18-hole golf courses — Mijas Golf’s Los Lagos and Los Olivos — and these are just two of the roughly dozen notable golf courses in the Mijas area.
The space: There are 197 rooms and suites, ranging from about 320 to 3,700 square feet, and styled to feel like a sanctuary. Interiors are in low-key, natural textures and tones like soft cream and warm terracotta, and decked out with custom furnishings, handmade tapestries, and local artwork and crafts. The penthouse promises to be the ultimate hideaway, complete with a private entrance, three terraces (one with its own swimming pool overlooking the golf course) and even a wine cellar.
The dining: There are four spots to eat and drink on-site, including Palmito, a brasserie featuring Mediterranean dishes like flame-grilled catch of the day, and Picador, a “neo-taverna” celebrating Andalusian cuisine, from tapas to glazed Iberico pork. For cocktails on a terrace at golden hour, head to Bamboleo, or sip sangrias poolside at the casual La Bartola, inspired by Andalusian chiringuitos (beach bars).
The extra amenities: After all your rounds of golf (or time in the hotel’s Technogym-equipped gym), you can bring your weary muscles to the Mood Spa. In the nearly 27,000-square-foot haven, you recoup in a Turkish bath, sauna or whirlpool, or get personalized pampering in one of the dozen treatment cabins.
The nearby sights: The hotel is just a few kilometres from the coastline and also close to lots of picturesque pueblos blancos (the famed “white villages” characteristic of Andalusian architecture), including the heart of Mijas itself. For a more bustling scene, the resorts, boutiques and bars of Marbella are just around a half-drive drive from your doorstep, and the city attractions of Málaga about 40 minutes away.
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