La Zambra – A Celebration Of The Andalucian Good Life

We revisit La Zambra, two years after its much-anticipated opening. The property, the former Byblos hotel and hedonistic icon of the 80s and 90s is within the rolling landscape of Mijas, with golf and mountain views that provide a calming environment for this 21st-century resort. La Zambra has not only established itself as a spa, well-being, and sports resort but a destination for dining too. Here we share our experience of the resort and the new menu at Picador, the enchanting Andalucian restaurant.

La Zambra, part of the Unbound Collection by Hyatt, is evocative of Andalucian charm. Its patios, fountains and gardens capture the essence of Southern Spain, while the hotel’s architecture and interiors are a case study of calm and serenity.

The vibrancy comes from La Zambra’s culinary scene. Ove the past few years, the resort has created a compelling offering for guests and visitors. Here each day dances to a different rhythm, with days of sun, wellness, and good food, starting with a fabulous breakfast on the terrace, lunch in Palmito and dinner in Picador. 

Palmito

The main restaurant, Palmito is where the daily breakfast is offered. It’s the classic buffet style, elevated with a menu for freshly prepared a la carte dishes. The experience is excellent. It is without doubt one of the best hotel breakfasts on the coast, thanks to the winning combination of friendly, attentive service and the quality of the fresh food.

For the rest of the day this is the place for relaxed Mediterranean and Andalucian dishes, with tables set out on the shaded terrace – a delight. In the evenings expect live entertainment like a flamenco show.

Bamboleo

Then there’s the iconic bar, Bamboleo. Here there’s a tempting menu of tapas, to accompany the signature cocktails. Expect tasty bites like Cod fritters, classic patatas bravas, as well as smoked salmon blinis as well as hearty choices like pizzas and club sandwiches.

Picador

This is the hotel’s elegant Andalucian tavern, where considered, and clever design has created a contemporary setting that also captures the charm and allure of southern Spain. Dining here was the motivation to revisit La Zambra, to try the new dishes on the menu.

This charming restaurant has a private terrace courtyard, offering summer dining under the stars. Picador promises ‘a menu brimming with recipes that celebrate the most authentic roots of Andalusian cuisine’ and it certainly captures the essence of Andalucia’s culinary heritage in a contemporary style, with regional recipes given a contemporary makeover.

Beginning the evening at the bar, we savoured lobster croquettes and glasses of chilled Chardonnay from Ronda before moving to a table on the terrace. Torches led the way to Picador and its secluded courtyard dining, within a walled garden, shaded by trees. Subtle table lamps bring a warm glow to the simply dressed tables, decorated with a potted aromatic herb.

Dinner began with the new Codfish Malaga-style salad, a classic 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 distinctive version of the classic ensalada Malagueña. Another novelty includes the Picador style tortilla de patatas, a new take on Spain’s popular potato omelette. Here it is deconstructed and elevated with shavings of bonito cured tuna. Surprising, and tasty.

The summer menu has plenty to choose from including some favourites like the local grilled avocado with ventresca tuna and homemade black aioli, and roasted aubergines too. 

We devoured the Canelón de Chivo goat cannelloni with payoyo cheese sauce, which was perfectly paired with a fresh, tasty red, La Raspa, from vineyards east of Malaga. Throughout the meal Antonio delighted with local wines from Malaga producers, including the renowned wine growing area of Ronda. Picador is now rightly renowned for its wine selection, and the pleasure of being able to try a wide choice of quality Spanish wines by the glass, allowing you to let the well-informed team tempt you with unfamiliar, yet delicious wines without the commitment of having a bottle To end we chose a Picador classic, the creamy cheesecake made with a mild local blue cheese, although I was tempted to try the Torrijas – an unique Andalucia bread pudding.

Gastronomic or wellness break

It’s a delight to enjoy a gastronomic break here, as the property has large, landscaped grounds giving the resort a feeling of space and calm. To elevate that feeling, head for the Mood Spa, one of the largest wellness areas on the coast. Access to the wet area, including large indoor pool, hydrotherapy pool, spa baths, sensations showers, sauna and Turkish steam room is complimentary, as is the adjacent gym, including an outdoor training area.

For an in-depth insight into the full resort, read The Luxury Editor profile review of La Zambra here.

La Zambra is a deliciously refreshing alternative to the beachfront resorts of the Costa de Sol. Here, even in high season, when much of the coast is frantic and overwhelming, here the style is laid-back luxury enjoyed at an authentic Andalucian pace, where the important things in life are being with loved ones, enjoying good food and wine.

La Zambra is included in our guide to the best hotels in the Costa del Sol