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La Zambra Resort – The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, formerly known as the iconic Byblos Hotel, is a reimagined Andalusian hideaway in Spain that combines rich heritage with modern luxury.
This five-star retreat has a storied past of hosting royalty and international jet-setters like The Rolling Stones, Princess Diana, and Julio Iglesias. Today, La Zambra offers newly landscaped gardens with swimming pools that trickle down to a golf course, the countryside beyond, and the distant mountains. The setting is stunning, with the lime greens of the greenery offset by bright blue sky and, in the evenings, wild sunsets.
Location
Nestled in the foothills of Mijas, between Málaga and Marbella, La Zambra Resort sits on the vibrant Costa del Sol, surrounded by breathtaking mountains. The resort is perfectly located in Mijas, approximately 20 minutes by car from Málaga Airport, and surrounded by pristine golf courses.
Its secluded location provides an escape from the hustle and bustle while remaining within easy reach of Andalusia’s cultural and natural attractions.
Style & Character
La Zambra pays homage to its roots as the iconic Byblos Hotel with its signature blue towers and whitewashed façade, emblematic of Andalusian architecture. Inside, warm tones, natural materials, and earthy textures evoke a sense of understated luxury.
The hotel’s whitewashed walls embrace arches and curves, and traditional red stone pathways connect courtyards and fountains. The pools here are an absolute highlight, and they are set into perfect lawns with the various restaurant terraces facing towards their blue waters. The gardens are packed with beautiful tropical vegetation and trees, and the flowerbeds host fragrant herbs.
Service & Facilities
La Zambra excels in delivering impeccable service and wonderful amenities. The expansive 2,000-square-meter Mood Spa is a glorious space with wooden floors and backlit oatmeal curtains separating and softening its seating area. There’s also an indoor spa pool, whirlpools, and a Turkish bath in the spa.
The sunshine and pools draw guests outside to the three pools (including an adults-only option), and the direct access to premier golf courses. For families, the complimentary Baby and Kids Club ensures that younger guests are entertained, while business travelers benefit from comprehensive meeting and event spaces.
Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the state-of-the-art Technogym equipment and yoga classes, while couples can reconnect with intimate spa treatments designed for two. Every detail, from valet parking to complimentary Wi-Fi and breakfast, is thoughtfully curated.
Rooms
The 197 rooms and suites at La Zambra reflect the natural beauty of Andalusia, with earthy tones, high-end furnishings, and luxurious linens. Private balconies shaped as a half moon or half of an octagon provide stunning views of the gardens, golf courses, or surrounding hills. They all have at least two seats or loungers placed to make the most of the Mediterranean sun.
We love the decor here, the hues of whites and creams offset by the natural woods. The bathrooms, for example, have cup-like sinks on slabs of tree trunk that offer the perfect place to lay out your toiletries. The wood in the bathrooms is complemented by similarly colored wooden or cream shutter doors that separate areas within the room. Some rooms have stand-alone baths, while others offer integrated tubs. The bathrooms tone in with the main bedrooms with a light sandstone finish, and in some suites, the bathroom spills out into the main room with pulley doors that you can leave open or shut depending on your mood.
The Junior Suite Golf View stands out for its exceptional design and location, offering a spacious living area, a walk-in rain shower, a separate bathtub, and a double vanity. The suite’s panoramic views of the golf course and pool are a visual treat, especially during sunset. Modern amenities like a 50-inch plasma TV with Chromecast, premium toiletries, and a deluxe minibar stocked with local gourmet treats ensure a stay that is both relaxing and indulgent.
Food & Drink
Dining at La Zambra is a journey through Andalusian flavors and international inspirations. The resort boasts four distinctive restaurants, each offering a unique culinary experience.
At Palmito, guests can enjoy everything from live cooking demonstrations to healthy, plant-based options and indulgent Mediterranean specialties. Picador brings a sophisticated twist to traditional Andalusian tavern fare, with standout dishes like creamy squid croquettes and glazed Iberian pork. Perhaps the most noteworthy feature of this restaurant is its outside paved terrace which is fronted by lawns that overlook the pool and towards the mountains beyond.
Bamboleo bar also has a large terrace and comfy cushioned outdoor seating, some of which is shaded by awnings decked with fairy lights. You can enjoy light bites and expertly crafted cocktails at this venue.
La Bartola beach bar offers poolside food and captures the essence of Andalusia’s iconic chiringuitos, serving seafood snacks and signature sangrias in a relaxed atmosphere.
Every dish at La Zambra celebrates the region’s rich culinary heritage, enhanced by fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Guests can also savor olive oil tastings and other curated experiences that deepen their connection to the locale.
Conclusion
La Zambra Resort is a gorgeous reinvention of the iconic Byblos Hotel, capturing the essence of Andalusian luxury while introducing modern comforts. From its stunning location to its thoughtfully designed rooms and world-class amenities, this is a place you can thoroughly enjoy, as a family, a couple or a group passionate about the finer things in life, lazing by the pool or golfing.
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Image(s) courtesy of La Zambra Resort.
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