As my 46th birthday approached, after another year of being blessed and grateful for all the amazing travel opportunities, I found myself flirting dangerously close to burnout. What I was craving was a simpler time: a holiday so familiar and easy that both my brain and body could finally relax. And that is exactly what Pierre & Vacances Hotel Bahía Calpe offers.
Set along Playa del Arenal and facing the iconic Ifach rock, this hotel boasts one of the most scenic spots on the Costa Blanca. Guests can step straight onto the long, sandy beach with its full-service loungers and water sports, or simply soak in the views from the sea view swimming pool or the rooftop bar, Calpe Diem.
My personal checklist for a proper restorative break is simple: familiar company who’s down for relaxing, a sea view, easy access to both pool and beach, an Instagrammable location, and good food. Bahía Calpe delivered on all counts.
Costa Blanca Memories
The Costa Blanca has long been the destination of Brits. I remember a group family holiday to Benalmadena aged 14. I dreamt at that point of visiting the pumping clubs of Torremolinos. This can be a built-up stretch of coast known for budget-friendly fun. But Calpe? It never really got mentioned. And now I know why: the Spanish want to keep this charming coastal town a secret! Why, because this is where they holiday.
What you will find is a far less “Benidorm-tastic” vibe, but with all the brilliant Spanish selling points still in play: September sun, aquamarine waters, and a hillside town full of character. Calpe Old Town is a jewel in the Costa Blanca, adorned with murals, crocheted alleyways, independent galleries and al fresco restaurants. Low key, I wonder if the tourist board brought in an Instagram consultant because from the mosaic fountains, palm-framed steps and picture perfect squares
Pool, Beach… or Both?
I’m greedy – I like both. Which is why my new favourite is a pool with a sea view. The Bahía Calpe’s pool delivers exactly that: the glittering perfection of the Mediterranean, the shifting light over Ifach Rock, a decent size pool, reasonably priced drinks and low-key, relaxed service. Calpe Diem, the rooftop bar, became our go-to hangout. What we hadn’t bargained for was the epic sunrise and sunset vantage point, which altered my brain chemistry on a daily basis.
For those wanting to stretch their legs, the Ifach Rock is open to climb. Sturdy shoes are a must – the path is guided but parts are rocky, and the last stretch can be challenging. The reward? 360-degree views across Playa del Arenal and beyond.
Perfectly Placed
The hotel’s location couldn’t have been more convenient: minutes from a Waitrose-level supermarket, five minutes uphill to the Old Town, straight out onto the promenade lined with beach bars and restaurants, and an easy lift ride up to that glorious rooftop pool.
So if, like me, you’re looking for simple Spanish sunshine wrapped up in a reasonably priced yet premium-feel hotel, my advice is this: do as the Spanish do and head to Calpe.
Review and Images by Emmie Blower @emmiebhungry
