Hotel Riu Nautilus

The Hotel Riu Nautilus is decorated in shades of dove gray and white, with pops of bright violet and Zen accents, including bamboo and several resident Buddhas. The front desk sets the tone for the hotel, with contemporary stained glass, bamboo, and modern sculptures, and seating areas with high-backed purple chairs and area rugs. Hallways and common areas feature shimmering mosaics and colorful photographs, some of them depicting nautilus shells.The poolside bar is furnished with cool origami-like white chairs and tables, and the indoor/outdoor Salon Terrace Bar is bright, with beautiful views, outdoor sofas, purple banquettes, and, in lieu of art, close-up photographs of yummy-looking cocktails and a gorgeous standing Buddha. The Ole Restaurant Buffet is done in gray and fuchsia, with mirrored tables, mosaic pillars, and chartreuse-toned photographs of fruit, vegetables, and flowers. Another area of the restaurant is decorated with black-and-white polka-dot wallpaper, funky hanging lamps, and photographs of matadors. The pool is large and surrounded by palm trees, flowers and plants, sunbeds, and cool shaded areas for lounging.

The Hotel Riu Nautilus is located in an area of hotels and residences, on the boardwalk and beach. The immediate area is packed with bars, restaurants, grocery stores, and souvenir shops. Downtown Torremolinos is 1.7 miles from the hotel (about a 10-minute drive), and the city bus stops right outside, but the bus trip takes 40 minutes. Guests who want to tour the area may want to rent a car for their stay. Golf, horseback riding, biking, tennis, and all sorts of water sports are near the hotel.

Rooms at the Hotel Riu Nautilus are immaculate, stylish, and rich-feeling, decorated in Art Deco colors of dove gray, white, and deep purple, with wall-size headboards and close-up photos of exotic flowers. Each room has a balcony with table and chairs, and a priceless view. Bathrooms are done in mosaic tile, with excellent water pressure, phenomenal walk-in showers, and fluffy towels. Junior suites are decorated in shades of brown with ceiling fans and extra-large terraces with sunbeds. Rooms come with satellite flat-screen TVs (although English channels are limited to news), safes, and minibars.

The pool at the Hotel Riu Nautilus overlooks the ocean, and both beach and pool have plenty of sunbeds for catching the Spanish rays. In the winter months, the heated indoor swimming pool stays open. The Spa del Mar wellness center has meditative treatment rooms, a whirlpool, steam room, and sauna, and there is also a fitness center with cardio and weight machines. The buffet restaurant feels upscale thanks to tablecloths, place settings, elegant design, and live cooking stations. There is an a la carte restaurant that serves an a la carte menu. All restaurants request formal attire for dinner. There is dancing and live entertainment in the lounge every evening.