Andalusia’s Costa del Sol makes for the perfect long-weekend destination. This Sunday we were at the Kempinski Hotel Bahia Estepona, a favourite, 5-star grand luxury resort, overlooking a bay with views out across the sea towards Gibraltar and the mountains of North Africa, writes Andrew Forbes.
Found between the seaside resorts of Marbella and Estepona, this exquisite Kempinski resort captures the essence of the coast lifestyle – beautiful views, sun-drenched, sub-tropical gardens and a cosmopolitan vibe where one can enjoy cocktails and Mediterranean meals.
El Paseo del Mar
Dining at Baltazár Bar & Grill was how we enjoyed our sun-filled Sunday – a day of bubbles, tasty sharing plates, generous main courses and an indulgent selection of puddings.
The setting is special, with tables overlooking the terraced gardens, pools and out towards the sea. We took a table on the terrace by the pool, enjoying the balmy weather. It’s what weekends on the coast are all about.
The Baltazár Bar & Grill is part of the cool El Paseo del Mar culinary concept that brings together a choice of bars and restaurants across the resort. It makes the Kempinski Hotel Bahia Estepona a fun place to eat and share time with friends, whether you are a guest, visitor on holiday on the coast, or a local resident.
El Paseo del Mar has emerged as a popular choice for eating out – you can read our review of the El Paseo del Mar dining options here.
Art & Cuisine
Starting the morning, we browsed the gallery space at the hotel. Each season Kempinski Hotel Bahia Estepona hosts curated works and collections from international artists. The property has a dedicated Art Gallery and also a spacious Art Foyer. An array of paintings, sculptures and crystalized works, by Anna Schellberg, San B, Hannes d’Haese and these portraits by Paul Arts are presently on show.
Lunch at Baltazár Bar & Grill
Then we headed down to the next level, and to the Baltazár Bar & Grill, with its spectacular design in hardwoods, ceramics and copper.
You can see the latest lunch menus at Baltazar Bar & Grill here.
For starters we chose:
A premium selection of Iberian cured meats, cheeses, duck liver pâté with fig confit and spiced bread; and the house potato salad with red tuna. The creamy ‘croquetas de puchero’ (friedn croquettes filled with slow cooked meat) with saffron mayonnaise were fabulous!
Then we tried a starter of potato cream with crispy bacon, together with an egg.
The main courses included:
The Baltazár Burger; Lamb Stew Tacos; Angus Sirloin; Grilled Seabass; Salmon from the tandoori oven; and Spinach & Cheese Sorrentino pasta.
They are generous plates!
The pastry chef always prepares some splendid puddings. During our visit we tried Pistachio mouse, and profiteroles.
It’s a great way to spend a leisurely Sunday – the pool and the gardens are right there too, so you can make a day of it; or enjoy a post-lunch coffee in the gardens, or take a stroll along the beach too.
Contact Details
Website: baltazarmarbella.es
Address: Autovía del Mediterráneo, A-7, Km. 1066, 29680 Estepona, Málaga, Spain
