We revisit La Zambra, two years after its much-anticipated opening. The property, the previous Byblos resort and hedonistic icon of the 80s and 90s is throughout the rolling panorama of Mijas, with golf and mountain views that present a relaxing atmosphere for this Twenty first-century resort. La Zambra has not solely established itself as a spa, well-being, and sports activities resort however a vacation spot for eating too. Right here we share our expertise of the resort and the brand new menu at Picador, the enchanting Andalucian restaurant.
La Zambra, a part of the Unbound Assortment by Hyatt, is evocative of Andalucian appeal. Its patios, fountains and gardens seize the essence of Southern Spain, whereas the resort’s structure and interiors are a case examine of calm and serenity.
The vibrancy comes from La Zambra’s culinary scene. Ove the previous few years, the resort has created a compelling providing for company and guests. Right here every day dances to a distinct rhythm, with days of solar, wellness, and good meals, beginning with a wonderful breakfast on the terrace, lunch in Palmito and dinner in Picador.
Palmito
The primary restaurant, Palmito is the place the each day breakfast is obtainable. It’s the traditional buffet model, elevated with a menu for freshly ready a la carte dishes. The expertise is superb. It’s doubtless among the finest resort breakfasts on the coast, because of the profitable mixture of pleasant, attentive service and the standard of the contemporary meals.
For the remainder of the day that is the place for relaxed Mediterranean and Andalucian dishes, with tables set out on the shaded terrace – a delight. Within the evenings anticipate reside leisure like a flamenco present.
Bamboleo
Then there’s the enduring bar, Bamboleo. Right here there’s a tempting menu of tapas, to accompany the signature cocktails. Count on tasty bites like Cod fritters, traditional patatas bravas, in addition to smoked salmon blinis in addition to hearty selections like pizzas and membership sandwiches.
Picador
That is the resort’s elegant Andalucian tavern, the place thought of, and intelligent design has created a up to date setting that additionally captures the appeal and attract of southern Spain. Eating right here was the motivation to revisit La Zambra, to attempt the brand new dishes on the menu.
This charming restaurant has a non-public terrace courtyard, providing summer time eating underneath the celebs. Picador guarantees ‘a menu brimming with recipes that commemorate essentially the most genuine roots of Andalusian delicacies’ and it actually captures the essence of Andalucia’s culinary heritage in a up to date model, with regional recipes given a up to date makeover.
Starting the night on the bar, we savoured lobster croquettes and glasses of chilled Chardonnay from Ronda earlier than shifting to a desk on the terrace. Torches led the best way to Picador and its secluded courtyard eating, inside a walled backyard, shaded by bushes. Delicate desk lamps carry a heat glow to the merely dressed tables, adorned with a potted fragrant herb.
Dinner started with the brand new Codfish Malaga-style salad, a traditional that’s been reimagined with a cod foam, (and liquid olives that felt like a homage to elBulli), slices of Andalucian oranges. It’s a particular model of the traditional ensalada Malagueña. One other novelty consists of the Picador model tortilla de patatas, a brand new tackle Spain’s standard potato omelette. Right here it’s deconstructed and elevated with shavings of bonito cured tuna. Shocking, and attractive.
The summer time menu has loads to select from together with some favourites just like the native grilled avocado with ventresca tuna and home made black aioli, and roasted aubergines too.
We devoured the Canelón de Chivo goat cannelloni with payoyo cheese sauce, which was completely paired with a contemporary, tasty crimson, La Raspa, from vineyards east of Malaga. All through the meal Antonio delighted with native wines from Malaga producers, together with the famend wine rising space of Ronda. Picador is now rightly famend for its wine choice, and the pleasure of having the ability to attempt a large selection of high quality Spanish wines by the glass, permitting you to let the well-informed crew tempt you with unfamiliar, but scrumptious wines with out the dedication of getting a bottle To finish we selected a Picador traditional, the creamy cheesecake made with a light native blue cheese, though I used to be tempted to attempt the Torrijas – an distinctive Andalucia bread pudding.
Gastronomic or wellness break
It’s a delight to get pleasure from a gastronomic break right here, because the property has massive, landscaped grounds giving the resort a sense of area and calm. To raise that feeling, head for the Temper Spa, one of many largest wellness areas on the coast. Entry to the moist space, together with massive indoor pool, hydrotherapy pool, spa baths, sensations showers, sauna and Turkish steam room is complimentary, as is the adjoining health club, together with an out of doors coaching space.
For an in-depth perception into the complete resort, learn The Luxurious Editor profile assessment of La Zambra right here.
La Zambra is a deliciously refreshing various to the beachfront resorts of the Costa de Sol. Right here, even in excessive season, when a lot of the coast is frantic and overwhelming, right here the model is laid-back luxurious loved at an genuine Andalucian tempo, the place the essential issues in life are being with family members, having fun with good meals and wine.
La Zambra is included in our information to the most effective inns within the Costa del Sol
