On the eight kilometre stretch of white sand that makes up the beach of La Barrosa, surrounded by lush gardens, pine groves and golf courses, you will find the Royal Hideaway Sancti Petri Resort.

It sits in the exclusive Novo Sancti Petri district (Costa de la Luz) in the Cadiz province in Andalucía.

The chic and modern hotel, with quirky avant garde interior designs, was awarded the Best Spa Resort in Spain at the 2016, 2014 and 2013 World Travel Awards as well as the Best Hotel Suite in Spain in 2017, 2016 and 2014. It also has been awarded as the Best Luxury Resort in the Costa de Spain for the World Luxury Hotel Awards in its 2016 edition.

This is no surprise as each of the 195 rooms are equipped with the latest technology and five star facilities throughout, of course. You may be lucky enough to have a sea view or pools accessible from your own terrace.

There are four enviably decadently themed suites Royal Hideaway Sancti Petri Resort either African, Balinese, Avant-Garde or Presidential. All have an outdoor hydro massage tubs on their terrace and large bathrooms. What’s more, two suites have their own private swimming pool.

Things to do

The grand Royal Hideaway Sancti Petri Resort has more than 35,000 square metres of lush tropical gardens where you will find five outdoor swimming pools, hydro massage tubs and a never ending offering to keep you entertained, relaxed, fed and watered.

There is an extensive leisure program which includes a wide-ranging entertainment for adults based on health and fitness such as Nordic walking, nutrition consultations at Vital Corner and Pilates, cultural workshops including gardening, cooking and massage, and beauty treatments. There is also a specific programme of children’s entertainment.

The hotel’s impressive U-Spa, awarded the Best Spa Resort in Spain in the World Travel Awards in 2016 for the fifth consecutive year, is the largest spa in Andalucía.

It offers a unique space for wellbeing and relaxation in the province of Cadiz, and extensive facilities including seven lavish spa treatment suites, an indoor heated swimming pool, a hydrotherapy circuit, Roman thermal baths, Turkish Hamman, Finnish sauna, sensation showers, dynamic hydro-massage pools and heated loungers.

Their Sky Wellness Terrace is an outdoor space completely devoted to well-being with an alfresco massage and treatment centre with ocean views. Each of the treatment rooms are inspired by the five elements: earth, water, air, wood and metal - developing all of the rituals according to each respective element. Tui Na treatments combine ancient oriental techniques that culminate in a very special moment, the tea ritual, and the spa’s signature treatment is Ayurveda from India and Sri Lanka.

Nearby activities include 11 golf courses - to which the hotel offers free transfer to those closest - equestrian centre, tennis courts and paddle tennis.

You can visit the nearby towns and villages of Chiclana, Medina, Vejer and Conil to get an insight into life in the Cadiz region. Seville is a must see, as well as a walking tour through Cádiz Old Town.

Jerez has some wonderful day excursions such as a visit to their famous wineries and at Sanlúcar de Barrameda you can enjoy a guided tour of the Doñana National Park.

Other interest points include a visit to the British colony of Gibraltar, and the hotel even offers the chance to visit Tangier in northern Morocco, just a 35-minute ferry trip.

Where to eat and drink

Leaving the resort isn’t discouraged, but the hotel certainly gives you little reason to leave. There is an extensive food offering with restaurants, bars and small cafes to meet all your needs all throughout the day. Whether you want to indulge in a decadent gastronomic experience, keep it light and healthy with a nutritionist on hand or have a little fun with a themed affair…

Atunante Restaurant: A gastronomic á la carte experience around the famous Bluefin tuna fish (or Red Tuna) caught in the coast of Cádiz.

Bahia Beach Club Restaurant: Hidden in the exotic gardens, this á la carte restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy fresh fish, seafood, rice dishes and the best Mediterranean cuisine.

Brasería Restaurant: Outdoor restaurant open every evening offering the best grilled meat and fish.

Almadraba buffet: Opposite the main pool and surrounded by a large terrace, here guests can enjoy an array of Mediterranean and international cuisine buffet style, including different thematic nights.

La Zumería snack bar: A healthy juice bar serving a well-balanced aperitif menu and light snacks including sandwiches, pasta and salads.

Prado del Rey: A piano bar with live music and an array of cocktails, teas and coffees.

Sunset Cocktails & More: This outdoor bar has a fine choice of top brand drinks, a glorious chill-out atmosphere for watching the sun go down over the ocean as it is one of the best views at the hotel

The Dublin Bay: An Irish pub that includes a professional ten pin bowling alley with 4 lanes, darts, American pool with a large selection of national and international beers screening the major sporting events.

Siddharta: A music lounge with a unique Hindu-style ambience and its own resident DJ.

Vital Corner: Offers energising snack options and a delicious range of healthy smoothies. A nutritionist is also on hand to tailor-make each smoothie, dependent on preferences and pathologies (cholesterol, digestive problems and hypertension).

Weddings, events and business

The hotel boasts its own magnificent convention and congress centre designed for business users. The are 12 rooms for business groups with maximum capacity for 270 people, an outdoor amphitheater, a tropical garden where various sizes of marquee can be erected, and several terraced areas for hosting receptions, cocktail parties or special events.

The hotel’s wide range of culinary options tailor any event and can include a fun barbeque in the Beach Club, an elegant themed cocktail evening, or a banquet dinner.

The resort offers the possibility to combine business, leisure, rest and relaxation the Irish pub with professional bowling, our Siddharta nightclub and the complete U-Spa

Royal Hideaway Sancti Petri is also an ideal option for celebrating weddings up to 250 people.

Fact box

Royal Hideaway Sancti Petri Resort is part of the prestigious Barcelo Group. Double rooms from £105, spa packages from £165 - prices are based on two sharing and include breakfast and VAT.