Junior Review: Wyndham Residences - The Ideal Family Base in the Costa del Sol

The location

The Costa del Sol is a popular family destination and it's not hard to see why! With 320+ days of annual sunshine, 150km of sun-kissed coastline views, and unrivalled warm golden sands, this Spanish region offers a guaranteed sunny holiday for those in need of a break. Junior recently stayed at the Wyndham Residences Costa del Sol which is nestled on a hillside between Malaga and Marbella, and can 100% say it's the perfect base to explore this undisputed tourist hotspot.

Sprawling across two hillsides, the expansive resort offers an array of activities to keep families entertained. There are three accommodation choices (see more below), with 21 pools, 10 restaurants, cafes and bars, two kids’ clubs and a general store. In fact, it's so vast, a small train runs through the resort every hour with various stops en route to the beach. What truly makes this resort so special though is that it offers the first-class service and amenities of a top hotel, with the freedom of staying in your own self-catering apartment.

Good to know: Wyndham Residences Costa del Sol is a 30-minute drive or taxi ride from Malaga Airport.

The residences

The Wyndham Residences Costa del Sol offers guests a choice of three residences, each with dedicated pool areas that are all nestled within colourful sub-tropical and extremely well-maintained gardens, boasting immaculate views out to the Mediterranean coast. All residences are spread over one level making them ideal for those with younger children and holidaying with multi generations. And, the fitted modern amenities means the whole family can relax and unwind.

• Wyndham Grand Residences - this modern, sleek white complex offers self-contained two bedroom suites, each with a private plunge pool that are ideal for adults only. This deluxe offering also features hot tubs and sea views.
• Wyndham Residence - a mix of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, each with large sunbathing terraces or private gardens. With a private gated entrance this residence is the most secluded and private offering, making it ideal for families and couples.
• Ramada Residences - with more traditional terracotta-coloured buildings this is the most family friendly choice. Large self-catering, apartment-style blocks that are near to the main pools and restaurants.

Good to know: A travel cot, highchairs for babies up to two years and stair gates can be requested free of charge via reception.

The rooms and facilities

Standard or deluxe property? To be honest, Junior took a tour of all the residences and we can safely say whichever residence you book you will be pretty pleased with what Wyndham has to offer. Modern kitchens with washing machines (ideal for families) and accessible dining areas, squishy sofas, comfortable beds and yes, there is satellite TV with international channels and free Wi-Fi! We highly doubt you will get a chance to catch up on those soaps though. With an amazing kids' club (see below), on-site fitness centre, tennis court, workout classes, jogging trails, beauty salon and a hilly 5-10 stroll to the beach - there is plenty to get you all outside.

The resort offers free parking, an on-site medical centre, 'Zacs' supermarket selling groceries, bakery items, toiletries and even kids inflatables, and 2 cash points.

Good to know: There are plenty - and we mean plenty of sun loungers for those wanting to soak up that mediterranean sunshine and pool towels are provided.

The food & drink

You may well be in a self-catering room - ideal for afternoon teas, quick family breakfasts and keeping that sunset rosé chilled, but the real beauty of this resort is the 'hotel offerings' meaning you can dine out if you so wish with 10 restaurants, bars and cafes on your doorstep. And, what's more, you don't have to venture far - ideal for young children and elderly guests and you can also use the resort train to get to each establishment.

A Brief overview of the resort's restaurants and bars :

• Mediterraneo Restaurant and Cocktail Bar - sophisticated dining ideal for couples or date night.
• Safari - Spanish and international meals with a laidback vibe. Nightly entertianment.
• Beak & Trotter - a casual burger bar with American favourites and the best milkshakes.
• El Rancho Grill and Bar - simple Spanish fare and the ideal family eatery with entrainment and an on-site playground.
• Flying Pizza - authentic pizza that can be re-order for collection. Ideal for a night on those squishy sofas.
• Mediterraneo Champagne Bar - the place for sundowners and post-dinner drinks, dancing optional. For adults only.
• Romy’s - nestled next to Safari, Romy's is ideal for a pre dinner drink. Spanish wine or icy cerveza anyone?
• Cascades - open in summertime this poolside bar offers ice-cold drinks, milkshakes ice creams and hot drinks.
• Sunrise - a relaxing poolside location for all-day al fresco eating. We recommend the delicious club sandwich!
• Sam's Pantry - pop in for fresh baked bread, warm pastries, cakes and muffins all made locally. You can also pick up freshly prepared sandwiches for the beach and that essential barista-made coffee.

There is also the option of Bed and Breakfast (where you can enjoy an extensive continental buffet, including freshly baked pastries, cereal, breads, cold meats and cheeses and fruit platters, plus freshly cooked options made to order) and Half Board (which includes breakfast and a 3 course meal in the evening). These packages are only served at the flagship Safari Restaurant.

Good to know: After dinner, evenings are filled with spectacular entertainment from the resort’s Team Marina with flamenco dancing and cabaret nights, live music and more.

The kids' club

Wyndham Residences offers two kids’ clubs for children, the colourful, jungle inspired kids’ club, Team Marina hosts supervised fun for 4–11 year olds; whilst teenagers can get their entertainment fix at Waves. Both offering an array of age appropriate games in a safe and friendly environment. With the team on hand to help little ones make friends, share fun and take part in activities - you can be safe in the knowledge that younger ones are being amused while you grab some me-time. Beauty salon calling?

With sports games, bouncy castles, mini-cinema and mini-disco on the list there is something for every child no matter how reserved they may be. Across the resort, they can provide a variety of activities from water Zumba, football, archery and mini-golf.

Good to know: They offer an easy to book timetable system so you can plan your days.

Outside the resort

Away from the resort, the golden sands of the Costa del Sol are just a few minutes' walk away. The best of the Costa del Sol is at your fingertips when you stay at Wyndham Residences - the region is your holiday playground and will delight all members of the family young and old.

The vibrant Spanish towns of Fuengirola (approx. 10 mins away) , Torremolinos (approx. 25 mins), Mijas (approx. 15 mins) and Marbella (approx. 30 mins) all within easy reach. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the glitzy Puerto Banus, on Marbella’s golden mile, is home to designer shops and luxury boutiques.

The area has such an amazing array of family-friendly attractions, sights, excursions and activities on offer close-by, that planning a day trip couldn't be easier. Junior recommends the following:

• Teleférico Benalmádena - A 15-minute cable carried up Mount Calamorro providing panoramic mountain-top views
• Bioparc Fuengirola - A zoo with animals and birds in naturalistic enclosures, a recreated jungle clearing and a great kids' play area.
• Caminito del Rey – This almost 8-kilometre path near Malaga was once considered one of the most dangerous in the world. Today the entire route has been carefully restored, but although it's now much safer, one thing hasn't changed - the unique experience of strolling along walkways hanging over 100 metres up on a sheer cliff face. The views are unforgettable.The Caminito del Rey route is spectacular from beginning to end, running through cliffs, canyons, and a large valley. It crosses the landscapes of Desfiladero de los Gaitanes, a gorge carved out by the river Guadalhorce, with walls 700 metres high. The area is also inhabited by a wide variety of plant and animal species; with a little luck, you can see highland birds like Egyptian vultures, griffon vultures, or golden eagles, and mammals such as wild boar and Iberian ibex. Only suitable for children over 8 years old and adults. >> You will need to buy tickets for El Caminito del Rey, and you can reserve them on the official website – via Spain Tourism Board. >> Prices 95 euros per adult, 85 euros per adult.
• Selwo Marina - An animal park in Malaga where you can see dolphins, sea lions and many other animals.
• Marbella Yacht Charter – Live the 'Marbs life and sail the mediterranean blue seas on the Beneteau Oceania 'Bliss' a 42ft yacht with a mixed, private or sunset cruise from 86€. >> Book at Marbella Yacht Charter

Good to know: Local buses run between Fuengirola and Marbella operate every half hour (every hour and half hour from the main stations, bus number 220), the closest stop is located at the petrol station adjacent to the resort.

NOTE: Wyndham Residences, Costa del Sol is part of the IDILIQ Group of companies, which own and operate a portfolio of 13 branded Hotels & Resorts under the IDILIQ Hotels & Resorts Brand. All of these properties are located in the most sought after holiday destinations and combine spacious accommodation with hotel facilities and services to cater for your every need.