Sofitel, the prestige brand of Accor hotels, has opened a new hotel on the Costa del Sol in Southern Spain. Already present with two hotels in Madrid and a Dorint Sofitel on the Balearic island of Majorca, Sofitel has now opened its first property in the leading resort of Marbella - Sofitel Las Dunas Marbella. A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, Sofitel Las Dunas Marbella is situated on the south coast of Spain, only ten minutes from the centre of Marbella and less than an hour from Malaga International Airport. Built in a traditional hacienda style, the hotel building was inspired by Moorish Andalusian architecture and is situated amongst lush tropical gardens. The property is also located next to the beach and boasts an excellent solarium and a beautiful heated swimming pool overlooking the sea.

The hotel’s 73 rooms and suites and 34 luxury apartments are spacious (25 to 100 square metres) and are individually decorated, some of which are adorned with magnificent mural paintings. Warm, bright colours predominate the guestrooms and suites with monochromes in brown and beige, yellow and almond green. Additionally, Philippe Starck’s influence is displayed in a number of the luxury apartments. Every room offers splendid views of the Mediterranean, Gibraltar, the North African coastline or the Andalusian gardens and the hotel swimming pool.Ê

The restaurants offer both variety and quality. Overlooking the Mediterranean, ‘Le Lido’ boasts a Michelin Star, and, with its chef Lars Reddemann, offers a range of gourmet dishes featuring the taste and aromas of the South. The beach side restaurant ‘El Chiringuito’ offers a variety of grilled meat, fish, seafood and local Andalusian dishes, while the bistro and piano bar ‘Felix’ offers guests innovative European and Asiatic cuisine whilst enjoying the sounds of local flamenco music within the bar’s unique, eclectic interior.

A number of leisure facilities are provided for guests, including a complete range of water sports. For golf enthusiasts, there are two golf courses just outside the hotel (18 and 9 holes), while the serene Accor Thalassa Beauty Spa is reminiscent of ancient Roman baths. Its facilities include a pressurised swimming pool, jacuzzi and a beauty treatment centre. Additionally, the conference centre, which opened in 2003, can seat up to 250 delegates.

The surrounding area also boasts a number of local attractions for guests to enjoy including the new Picasso Museum in Malaga, which opened in October 2003, the picturesque village of Mijas perched on the hills near Fuengirola, the renowned ‘Plaza de los Naranjos’ in the town centre of Marbella, not forgetting the lively coastal resort of Puerto Banus located just a few kilometres west of Marbella.

Sofitel Las Dunas Marbella is offering a special opening package of 218 Euros for a classic double room and 188 Euros for a classic single room. Also included is a full gourmet breakfast, a 50-minute anti-stress spa treatment or buffet lunch in the hotel’s ‘El Chiringuito’ restaurant.

The package is valid until 31 August 2004, valid for a minimum two-night stay and is subject to availability.
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