TUI Sensimar Riviera by MedPlaya

With a quiet sun bathing lawn stretching along the beachfront promenade, the Sensimar Riviera by MedPlaya is a high-end hotel that caters to adults, especially older couples from the U.K. Purple and orange flowering shrubs decorate old stone retaining walls around the tranquil grounds, above which the hotel's sun deck spreads out around an adults-only pool. Inside, the bright lobby is covered in white marble flooring and features light-wood paneling on the walls, a long, white reception desk, and a couple of white minimalist curved benches right in the middle of the space. This is a sharp and up-to-date hotel that has a lot more style than some of the downmarket hotels in this budget-vacation destination. As such, travelers should expect things like dress codes in the hotel's Mediterranean, though that quieter and refined atmosphere is what makes this hotel so popular with adult couples. 

The hotel is ideally located along Benalmadena's beachfront promenade, and it will take just a couple of minutes for guests to reach the sand from here. The surrounding area is filled with a variety of bars and restaurants, and most of the area's dining and nightlife can be found a 10-minute walk away at the Benalmadena Marina. It takes about the same amount of time to reach the Puerto Marina shopping mall. Other attractions on the waterfront include the Sea Life Benalmadena center, also a 10-minute walk from the hotel. A number of operators provide boat trips and excursions from the marina for those looking to explore. Most guests to the region will arrive and depart from Malaga International Airport, which is a 20-minute drive from the hotel.

The hotel's 189 rooms have a sharp and stylish look that's a refreshing change of pace in a region that's filled with all manner of budget crash pads. Expect to see wood-laminate floors and a contemporary white-and-slate-gray color palate, accented with yellow throw cushions and similarly hued wall accents. Single and Double Rooms have sitting areas, each with a round white table and a pair of boxy armchairs, along with small built-in desks, and wardrobes with sliding doors. All rooms have small balconies furnished with metal chairs and small tables and have views of the city or the sea. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and electric kettles. Minibars also come standard, and they're free in Premium Rooms. Bathrooms are modern and have bidets and large walk-in rainfall showers. Premium Room bathrooms add jetted tubs. While everything is aesthetically on point at this hotel, it's worth noting that many guests have mentioned noise issues due to thin walls and floors. 

The hotel has plenty of on-site features aimed at its primarily adult clientele. These include an outdoor pool set in a large sundeck facing the sea, with plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas. There's also a sunbathing lawn below with more lounge chairs and a few covered daybeds. The spa has treatment rooms with the usual range of massages and facials, along with a sauna, a hot tub, and an indoor plunge pool. There's also a fitness center, though it's on the small side and only has a couple cardio machines and older weight training equipment. Note that kids are not allowed in the pool or inside the spa's indoor plunge pool and hot tub, making most areas nice and quiet for mature adults.

The hotel has two restaurants, and breakfast is included in room rates -- the sparkling wine on offer is a nice perk. The main buffet restaurant serves international cuisine in a huge casual dining room, and the more formal a la carte Culinario enforces a dress code at dinner for its Mediterranean cuisine. There's also a seasonal poolside bar and a lounge bar with an outdoor terrace that hosts nightly entertainment, including live music and flamenco dancers. After our visit, the hotel added a garden terrace above the pool area, where guests can take in sea views from cabanas and loungers with umbrellas.

Though the hotel doesn't offer anything for younger children, there are numerous adult activities to partake in from the outdoor sport courts shuffle board, bocce ball, and mini-golf, to pool tables, dart boards, and ping pong tables in the indoor and outdoor game areas. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and it's worth noting that minimum stays are sometimes required.