Gran Melia Sancti Petri

With such a long list of on-site amenities, a secluded location between a golf course and the beach, and a wide array of high-end services, it comes as no surprise that celebrities and heads of state have chosen Melia Sancti Petri for their vacation. The hotel is housed in a Nasrid-style three-story building featuring quiet arched courtyards with gurgling fountains and plants, and lush gardens. Common spaces are luxurious and elegant, with lots of marble and natural light, and classic decor in soft tones. The lobby is spacious and bright, with a slanted skylight, exposed wooden beams, and a mix of contemporary and traditional Spanish decor. Rooms have a similar feel, but are somewhat less luxurious and a tad more generic. Guests here are mostly couples and families, though the hotel also offers solid services and amenities for business travelers. 

The hotel has an ideal location for those looking to relax in the sun. It is directly on a long, sandy beach in Novo Sancti Petri, an upscale community home to a number of high-end hotels, luxurious private homes, and several golf courses. There is little within walking distance, but Melia Sancti Petri is centrally located in Costa de la Luz, making it easy to visit nearby towns such as Caños de Meca, Tarifa and Zahara de los Atunes, all home to some of the best beaches in Spain. There are restaurants, bars and shops a short drive away. The closest main train station is in Cadiz -- located a 30-minute drive away -- and Jerez Airport is about 50 minutes by car. 

The hotel has 225 rooms, all featuring furnished terraces, traditional terracotta floors, and marble bathrooms with separate showers and tubs. They’re spacious and bright, with large windows overlooking either the beach, the adjacent golf course, or the grounds, and king beds have Dremax mattresses. All rooms are large enough for a sofa and a work desk, but the classic decor is tad generic, which might make rooms look a little dated and bland to some (especially given the advertised five-star rating). Flat-screen TVs, minibars and free Wi-Fi are all standard amenities. Family rooms have either two extra twin beds or two floors with two bedrooms and two bathrooms connected by a wooden spiral staircase. Level Rooms and Suites offer access to The Level Lounge, featuring great freebies -- such as breakfast, hot and cold snacks, drinks, and private check-in -- pillow menus, and a wider array of toiletries.

This beachside resort has one of the most attractive pool areas in Costa de la Luz. The pool is huge, with a fountain in the middle, tons of loungers around it, a kiddy section, and a snack bar offering drinks, light bites, and a Möet Chandon corner. What makes it so stunning is not only its size but also its location right by the beach. Although it doesn’t have an infinity edge, is it possible to sunbathe and swim while enjoying the serene views. Also adjacent to the beach is one of the hotel’s restaurants, Duna Beach Club. It offers Mediterranean cuisine and a lounge area seasonally. The other three on-site restaurants offer regional cuisine and outdoor seating in the shaded courtyard. Just note that while tasty, food here is pricey. Those looking for something more special may want to check out the menu at Alhambra, the fine dining restaurant. The hotel also features a well-equipped fitness center, a decent spa (although maybe not as high-end as expected of a hotel in this price range), a small business center, and a seasonal kids’ club with indoor and outdoor activities.