OKU Andalusia – Spain
On a clear day, you can see North Africa from here, and just along the coast, the mighty rock of Gibraltar dominates the view. This latest luxury retreat from OKU has chosen a spectacular location on the shores of Andalusia, with an equally dramatic mountainous backdrop. Built like a traditional Andalusian village and blending in with its surroundings, and set in established gardens, it permeates a sense of calm. And it mixes barefoot luxury and rustic chic effortlessly.
Add to this a choice of first rate restaurants and a destination beach club, and not to mention an excellent kids’ club, and you can just imagine your first sip of sangria. This resort is the perfect spot for some early Spring, or late autumn sunshine and relaxation.
At A Glance
Why We Love It:
For its effortlessly cool, village-style setting, and easy location near Gibraltar, and for being a genuinely family-friendly escape with fantastic food.Style:
Sophisticated Mediterranean luxe.Location:
On the southern coast, right on the peaceful Playa de la Alcaidesa. Gibraltar airport is just 25 minutes away, and Malaga an hour and 15 minutes.Rooms:
255 earthy rooms and suites, all with balconies or terraces, and many with a private pool.Swimming:
A long pool – perfect for lengths, two children’s pools and an adult only pool at the Beach Club.Children:
Just perfect for families – the complimentary kids’ club is one of the best we’ve seen.Accessibility:
Nine of the rooms are specially adapted for guests with mobility issues, and there’s ramp access around the entire resort.Price:
Available on Requestrooms
With their earthy palette, dark wood furniture and rustic minimalist vibe, the rooms and suites are spacious sanctuaries. And each one comes with a balcony or large terrace, with views over the resort or facing the sea. The Roof Terrace Sea View rooms are hard to beat, and we love the privacy of the Sea View Private Pool Suites. Many rooms interconnect, and there are two-bedroom options for families too. For larger families or groups of friends, the four-bedroom private villa is ideal.
food
With a choice of five restaurants, there’s something for every palate. Start your day with a healthy breakfast at The Terrace – the heart of the resort. Enjoy a long lunch here too, or an Italian evening. The Bodega is the place for Andalucian tapas, and the Beach Club for the freshest of seafood. You’ll find pool side charm at To Kima, with Mediterranean cuisine with an Asian twist, whilst Teyo is a buzzy Japanese fusion restaurant that does great sharing platters.
activities
There’s no shortage of things to do and see here, both in and outside of the resort. Guests have three tennis and two padel courts, as well as kayaking and paddle boarding from the beach. The vast Spa has a very extensive menu of treatments and boasts a meditation courtyard. Spend a morning on a culinary workshop or an afternoon wine tasting. Golfers are spoilt for choice with a number of championship courses in the region and just down the coast is Tarifa – one of the finest places in the world for kitesurfing and windsurfing.
OKU Andalusia is on the edge of Los Alcornocales Nature Reserve, where there are miles upon miles of hiking trails. The striking village of Ronda is a short distance away, and a day in Seville or Jerez is definitely worth making the time for. One of the most relaxing ways of exploring is by boat, and an itinerary can be put together to suit you.
family
OKU Andalusia has everything a family could possibly want and need. The resort calls its kids’ club “wondrous”, and we couldn’t agree more! Catering for children from two up to 12, it has a fantastic range of craft and games activities. There are also dedicated activities for teens, with lots of watersport options, and curated family excursions outside the resort. The room and suite options are ideal for families and babysitting is easily arranged.
sustainability
From its eco-conscious design, through to energy saving technology, no single use plastics and a commitment to sourcing local produce and supporting the local community, OKU Andalusia puts a very strong emphasis on sustainability.
Location
OKU Andalusia
On the southern coast, right on the peaceful Playa de la Alcaidesa. Gibraltar airport is just 25 minutes away, and Malaga an hour and 15 minutes.