IWNA 2019 Issue 2

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INTERVAL WORLD ■ Issue 2, 2019 57
AREA RESORTS
Situated right on the water, just a short stroll from
the shops, tapas bars, restaurants, and nightlife of
Calahonda, Macdonald Doña Lola has a plethora of
leisure facilities, including tennis courts, a heated
indoor pool, gym, pool tables, sauna, whirlpool, and
Turkish bath.
Take in the beachfront views from the one-, two-,
and three-bedroom apartments at Marriott’s
Marbella Beach Resort. Enjoy a fully equipped
kitchen, separate dining and living areas, and an
elegant master suite. Other amenities include an
oversize whirlpool spa with a separate shower,
private balconies, on-site swimming pools, a sauna,
fitness center, kids’ club, and restaurants.
Located in Estepona, in the heart of the Costa del
Sol, the modern apartments at Ona Valle Romano
feature air conditioning, a large terrace, and a fully
equipped kitchen. The resort has a magnificent
18-hole golf course on-site, designed by Cabel B.
Robinson, and two outdoor swimming pools.
.
Accommodations at VRO are available for purchase through the Getaway program and generally will
not be available for exchange.
the milky-blue waters where you can swim beneath the stone arches
of four of the original bathing chambers, and out to the river to slather
yourself in mineral-rich mud. Entry is free, but this surreal oasis is
always popular, and from July to the first half of September, there is
a maximum of 24 visitors permitted per hour. So be sure to reserve
your tickets, which can be purchased on-site or online in advance.
10. TAKE GIBRALTAR FROM THE TOP
It’s not the Costa del Sol (nor even Spain, for that matter), but for other-
worldly views that turned a Star Wars Jedi knight’s knees to jelly, don’t
overlook The Rock of Gibraltar — located less than a 45-minute drive
southwest from Casares Costa. The British territory’s craggy summit
will reward you with a giddy two-continent panorama where Africa
meets Europe across the sparkling Strait of Gibraltar. At the Upper
Rock Nature Reserve, you can see the famous tailless monkeys,
walk a suspension bridge straddling a 164-foot gorge, and step into
the void on a glass Skywalk christened by Luke Skywalker himself,
actor Mark Hamill, with his lightsaber, before he cut the ribbon at the
opening ceremony in 2018. The cable car ride up The Rock adds to
the highs, or, if you’re up for the challenge, take the Mediterranean
Steps — the nearly mile-long trail to the top. n
Belinda Beckett is an NCTJ–qualified journalist and travel writer who
has lived in southern Spain for over 20 years. She shares the love for her
adopted homeland on her website, .
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