Why book?
For a resort set on the Costa del Sol that feels both quietly luxurious and utterly relaxed.
Set the scene
The approach feels secluded, a tree-lined road winding towards the resort before the landscape begins to widen, revealing terraces that spill down to the sea. At the entrance, staff step forward to take your bags, and the glass doors part to a lobby where light, stone and water meet. An abstract fountain anchors the space, while a glass wall frames nothing but ocean stretching endlessly beyond. With its pale woods, marble floors and the hush of running water, the entire scene feels like an exhale, the first note of a stay that promises to slow time.
The backstory
The Costa del Sol has been a magnet for travellers for decades, known for its long beaches, golf courses and whitewashed Andalusian towns. San Roque, just beyond Sotogrande, offers a quieter stretch of coast, with views that reach across the Mediterranean to Gibraltar and Morocco. It is here that Fairmont has chosen to open its first Spanish property, joining a line-up of storied addresses, from The Savoy in London to Cape Grace in Cape Town. The arrival of La Hacienda strengthens the brand’s presence in Europe, anchoring it firmly in a region celebrated for both its climate and its lifestyle.
The rooms
Each room or suite includes a private terrace with sweeping sea views, marble bathrooms and interiors shaped by a soft Andalusian aesthetic. In the more modest rooms, you’ll find pale woods, neutral upholstery, ample light and comfortable layouts where the view is the focal point. Move up to a villa or suite, and more space is given to lounge areas, generous terraces or plunge pools and vistas that stretch to Gibraltar and over the coastline. With 153 rooms and 47 villas, there’s range for every type of stay – from pared-back retreats to expansive residences.
Food and drink
The dining line-up is strong here, with five venues that cover everything from all-out fine dining to poolside ease. Dalmar, the resort’s flagship restaurant from two-Michelin-starred chef Benito Gómez, brings Andalusian flavours into a fine-dining setting with seasonal, ingredient-driven plates, while El Faro La Hacienda offers a more relaxed, all-day Mediterranean menu with sweeping views of the coast. Umbra, by the pool, is polished yet casual, serving Cádiz tuna, espeto-grilled fish and fresh salads in a shaded, open-air space where the service team go above and beyond – during my stay, they even whipped up handmade truffle mayo to go with my fries. For lighter bites, coffee and cocktails, the Vista Lounge & Terrace is a serene spot with sea views, and the private beach club delivers seafood and shareable plates in a lively, social setting that shifts mood from day to night.
The neighbourhood
Fairmont La Hacienda lies near San Roque, in the enclave of La Alcaidesa, perched between rolling hills, golf courses and the Mediterranean. It enjoys access to a four-kilometre strip of sandy beach, which lies directly before the property. The hotel is also close to Sotogrande and within reach of whitewashed Andalusian towns and the charm of coastal Cadiz.
The service
Service is warm and earnest. Because it is still a new opening, there are moments when operations feel slightly in flux, but staff are eager, responsive and generous with their time. I find them ready to adjust and accommodate, and always working to refine the guest experience.
For families
The resort works well for families: villas with private pools are available, the three public pools cater to all ages, restaurants welcome children, there’s a kids club, and the hotel even welcomes four-legged guests, with both dogs and cats allowed.
Accessibility
The hotel provides accessible rooms and facilities, and staff are on hand to assist. However, because the property is terraced across a slope, there are inclined paths and elevation changes, meaning assistance is often necessary to move comfortably across the resort.
Anything left to mention?
The resort also boasts a championship golf offering: 36 holes across two award-winning courses (Links and Heathland) that stretch over coastal terrain with views toward Gibraltar and Africa. The hotel offers half-day golf packages, direct access to beach clubs and a programming calendar of wellness, cultural and gastronomic events.