Destinations

from guest blogger Erica Johansson from Travel Blissful

Named after the largest salt-water lagoon in Europe, InterContinental Mar Menor Golf Resort & Spa is a luxurious retreat in Murcia, on south-east Spain’s Costa Calida, only an hour’s drive from Alicante. Redesigned by UK’s interior design guru Hunt Hamilton Zuch, this 5-star resort opened in summer 2006 and attracts visitors from all over the world. When you have indulged in exciting cuisine at Mar Menor’s three unique dining venues, enjoyed ESPA Spa’s signature hot stone treatment and made yourself at home in one of the guest rooms, you will understand why.

The InterContinental Mar Menor offers 57 deluxe rooms and seven suites, all with their own private balcony overlooking the swimming pool and/or the golf course. Decorated in a Moorish style with latticed wooden doors, rich terracotta floors and earthy tones, rooms give a traditional Spanish feel combined with high tech features such as flat-screen televisions, WiFi and separately controlled air-conditioning. Bathrooms feature walk-in showers and large hydro massage baths. What more can you ask for?

Well, if you are a foodie like me I can ensure Mar Menor’s dining options will suit your taste. The cooks pride themselves on using only local organically-grown vegetables and fresh fish from the Mediterranean. Nothing less than the freshest produce is good for the restaurants’ guests. As a vegetarian I prefer the light meals and vegetable grills at Al Fresco next to the pool, or awing over Aqva’s selection of nearly 100 brands of mineral waters including rainwater from the Austrian mountains.

While Aqva serves contemporary Spanish dishes, Nomad offers world cuisine strongly inspired by North Africa and southern Spain. Dishes include Braised Lamb Shank with Steamed Couscous and Sweet Moroccan Spices, and Grilled Baby Squid with Roast Vegetable Escalibada and Chive Oil. For Galician Beef or Iberico Pork Filet, book a table at Aqva – awarded the Four-Fork title, Spain’s highest restaurant rating. When your taste buds are satisfied, relax in the outdoor pool, play a round of golf, or visit nearby Cartagena and watch the sunset over the Mediterranean Sea.

One Response to “Mediterranean Influences at Murcia’s InterContinental Mar Menor”

1. Lindi Says:
   October 20th, 2008 at 11:54 am

   I have visited the ESPA at the Intercontinental Hotel several times. If you really want to feel pampered try the hot stones massage it’s to die for. I try and visit every time I am at the mar menor golf resort.

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