After a week of exploring Spain on a road trip from Madrid to Granada with kids, we were craving a slower pace, and La Zambra delivered. In this La Zambra hotel review, I’m sharing our experience at this stunning 5-star family hotel in Mijas, located between Málaga and Marbella on Spain’s southern coast.
Once known as the iconic Byblos Hotel (yes, Princess Diana and the Rolling Stones stayed here!), it’s been reimagined into a tranquil, design-forward resort that blends Andalusian charm with modern comfort.
Whether you’re doing a Spain road trip with kids, looking for a luxury resort near Málaga, or just want a relaxing base to recharge, La Zambra is a peaceful stop that worked perfectly for our family.
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How to book La Zambra hotel on points
La Zambra hotel in Southern Spain is part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt and a Category 5 property. This means you can book a night using 17,000 to 23,000 World of Hyatt points, depending on whether your dates fall into off-peak, standard, or peak pricing.
You can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards to Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio to book directly through the Hyatt website. You can also use your Suite Upgrade Award to confirm a suite in advance.
Chase Sapphire Preferred
You can earn a signup BONUS of 75,000 Ultimate Rewards Points when you sign up for the Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card and spend $5,000 in the first three months of card membership. This bonus alone is worth at least $1,500 in travel rewards when transferred to travel partners such as Hyatt!
REWARDS RATE
1x-5x
BONUS VALUE
$1,500
SIGN-UP BONUS
75,000 points
ANNUAL FEE
$95
Now, the Standard Room at La Zambra features 1 King Bed and is ideal for couples or small families, but it’s officially designed to sleep just two guests. During our travel dates in peak season, the cost for one room was 23,000 World of Hyatt points per night, meaning we would’ve needed 46,000 points per night for two rooms to fit our family of 4.
Now, I always recommend comparing points and cash rates to see which offers the better value for your dates. In our case, La Zambra had a Black Friday sale on cash rates in late November, which made paying cash the smarter choice.
For our stay for the family of 4, we opted to book the La Zambra Family Suite with cash. This suite combines a suite and a standard room into one seamless layout totaling 871 sq ft (81 m²). It comfortably sleeps up to five guests, making it a perfect fit for families. We loved the natural light, airy layout, clean Andalusian-inspired design, all white tones, soft textures, and easy, elegant vibe.
If you’re planning a road trip through southern Spain with kids, this suite is a great base for relaxing in style between Madrid, Granada, and the Costa del Sol.
Check-in at La Zambra hotel
We arrived in the late afternoon, and the moment we pulled up the cobbled driveway, we knew we were somewhere special.
The check-in process was seamless, staff welcomed us warmly, and even offered welcome drinks to the girls. The lobby is peaceful and filled with natural light, with hints of Moorish design that remind you you’re in southern Spain.
La Zambra hotel Family Suite
We stayed in the La Zambra Family Suite, and it was the perfect setup for our family of four. At 81 square meters (871 sq ft), this spacious suite connects two elegant rooms, one with a king bed for us, and the other with two twin beds for the kids. It comfortably sleeps up to five and felt like a true home away from home.
Each room had its own bathroom, a major convenience for families. The kids’ bathroom came with a walk-in rainfall shower, while ours featured both a large shower and a deep soaking tub with a gold course view.
Both rooms at the La Zambra Family Suite opened to a large private terrace, and we were lucky to get upgraded to a golf course view, the perfect spot for morning coffee while the kids played or read.
As part of the welcome, the girls were given activity books, plush toys, child-size robes, and slippers, one of many thoughtful touches that make La Zambra one of the best family hotels in Mijas. The suite also had fast Wi-Fi, two TVs, and plenty of storage, making it easy to settle in and feel relaxed right away.
La Zambra was the perfect place to pause during our road trip from Madrid to Granada with kids, and it set a high bar for comfort and family-friendly luxury on the Costa del Sol.
Dining options at La Zambra hotel
Palmito restaurant at La Zambra hotel
Palmito restaurant is where we had our breakfast each morning. Thanks to our Hyatt Globalist status, we always appreciate complimentary breakfast for 2 adults and 2 kids, but at La Zambra hotel in Mijas, breakfast is free for all guests, no status required.
With a generous buffet and à la carte menu, it’s one of the top reasons this family-friendly Costa del Sol resort stands out for travelers with kids.
The breakfast at La Zambra featured an impressive buffet spread: fresh fruit, made-to-order eggs and crepes, local pastries, and even a corner with kid-friendly favorites like pancakes and mini muffins. I appreciated the almond milk and gluten-free options too.
Picador restaurant at La Zambra hotel
Picador is the fine dining restaurant at La Zambra, and the most upscale (and expensive) option on site. We had dinner there on our first night. I went with the rich, delicate, and beautifully balanced shrimp pasta. Roman had the Iberian pork, which was perfectly cooked and full of flavor.
There’s no kids’ menu at Picador restaurant, but the incredibly kind staff had pasta brought over from another onsite restaurant for the little one. Thoughtful service like that really stood out.
Bamboleo restaurant at La Zambra hotel
We had a relaxing lunch at Bamboleo, the hotel’s casual outdoor restaurant that’s perfect for families. The kids ordered Margherita pizzas, while we went for one topped with Jamón Ibérico, salty, savory, and so satisfying.
The setting was sunny and peaceful, with plenty of space for the kids to move around. It was one of those slow, happy lunches where no one’s in a rush. If you’re looking for the best spot for pizza during your stay, Bamboleo at La Zambra is the one.
Kids Club at La Zambra hotel
La Zambra Kids Club is a fantastic perk for families visiting the Costa del Sol. Designed for children ages 4 to 10, the Kids Club offers two complimentary hours per day, giving parents a chance to relax while the kids stay entertained. Our 4-year-old absolutely loved it; they played games, ran around outside, and even got to decorate cookies with the staff.
The team at the Kids Club was incredibly kind and professional, making it easy to feel comfortable leaving our child in their care.
We didn’t use the Baby Club, but it’s available for kids as young as 6 months, which is a rare find for luxury resorts in Europe.
La Zambra hotel amenities
La Zambra, part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, offers a full suite of luxury amenities that cater to both couples and families visiting the Costa del Sol. Whether you’re planning a relaxing stop between Madrid and Granada or a longer vacation near Marbella, here’s what you can expect:
Pools at La Zambra hotel, Spain
The resort features a main family pool, an adults-only pool, and a heated indoor pool at the spa. While the outdoor pools were beautiful, they were chilly in mid-April and closed by early evening, so keep that in mind if you’re visiting in the shoulder season.
Mood Spa at La Zambra
Even though I didn’t book a treatment myself, La Zambra’s Mood Spa is known as a true highlight for adults. It features a serene hydrotherapy circuit, steam room, and sauna, perfect for recharging while the kids enjoy the complimentary Kids Club.
With tranquil spaces and a beautiful indoor pool, it’s a great option if you’re looking to relax between beach days or sightseeing around the Costa del Sol.
Tennis & Padel Courts at La Zambra
Available to book for guests, great for staying active during your stay.
24/7 Fitness Center at La Zambra
Fully equipped gym with high-end machines and on-site yoga classes, ideal for keeping your routine going on the road.
Golf Course at La Zambra hotel, Spain
La Zambra is surrounded by the lush greens of the Los Olivos Golf Course, making it an excellent choice for golf enthusiasts or anyone looking for a peaceful, scenic backdrop.
Where is La Zambra hotel in Spain
While La Zambra feels beautifully tucked away in the hills of Mijas, it’s not in a walkable area for restaurants or activities outside the resort. You’ll definitely want a rental car if you plan to explore nearby towns, dine out, or hit the beach.
That said, everything we needed for a few days of downtime was right at the resort, from great food and a serene spa to family-friendly amenities like the Kids Club and spacious pools.
We drove to Marbella one evening for dinner by the sea (about 20 minutes away), and visited Mijas Pueblo for an afternoon of exploring and souvenir shopping. Both were easy and scenic drives, but not something you’d walk to.
So if you’re looking for a family-friendly luxury hotel near Marbella with plenty to do on property, La Zambra is a fantastic pick, just plan on driving if you want to explore beyond the resort.
- La Zambra is 30 minutes from Málaga Airport
- 15 minutes to the beaches of Fuengirola
- 1,5 hours from Granada
Bottom line
This La Zambra hotel review comes from a family traveler’s perspective, and La Zambra truly delivers. From the spacious Family Suite with golf course views to the thoughtful kid-friendly touches and relaxing atmosphere, this resort strikes the perfect balance between luxury and comfort.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing stop between Madrid and Granada, planning a family-friendly stay on the Costa del Sol, or booking through World of Hyatt, La Zambra stands out as a destination in its own right. It’s peaceful, elegant, and designed with families in mind, exactly the kind of place we’d return to in a heartbeat.
