Magna Marbella Spain

I have been coming to Club Med regularly for almost 20 years so I am a big fan. This was my fifth different resort and, I have to say, the only one I have been a little disappointed by.

Based on previous experience, it is the Chef de Village that makes or breaks the experience. And what is really lacking in this resort is an atmosphere. And I felt it the moment we walked through the door - could have been checking in to almost any anonymous hotel anywhere in the world. We were effectively told to download the CM app as it would be simpler than the GO explaining everything.

In every other resort I have stayed at, the Chef de Village is a constant - always visible and, whilst managing hundreds of guests, somehow managing to make you feel ‘seen’ which creates an amazing intimacy. I really did not see that here - my only interaction with the CDV was when he questioned whether we had signed up for white night (more of that to come). One another occasion, walking in to dinner, he just blanked us despite it only being him and one colleague at the door. The other sense I have always had from CDVs is that they have absolute control over their team (in a positive way) and everyone knows their role etc. Certainly not the case here. All the GOs were very friendly but, for the first time ever, it felt disorganised and there was a bit of an ‘us and them’ feeling. It could be because so many of the GOs are very young but, at the end of the evening, many would mingle away from the GMs amongst themselves. I get that they need a break but, for me atleast, the engagement between GOs and GMs has always been part of the Club Med magic and a real USP - making us all feel like one big unit.

In terms of specifics, more staff are needed in certain areas. For example, the pool bar. The guys do a formidable job (special credit to Dylan who is the epitome of professionalism) but they are totally overstretched. And standing in a queue ten deep on several occasions is not really acceptable at this price point. Also, the restaurant. It is extremely crowded (sometimes total chaos) so having well trained / sufficient waiting staff is paramount to ‘process’ the high number of guests. Not the case here. Plates not being cleared etc. Several times I saw staff on phones and, one night, we did not even manage to get a drink. Not even water that I asked for. Not really acceptable. Really feels like an ‘on the ball’ restaurant manager is needed. Also, put a soft drinks machine in the restaurant so atleast people can take matters in to their own hands. I do not drink alcohol so to be told I have to ‘go downstairs’ if I want anything other than beer, wine or water is really not great.

On the topic of alcohol, I was genuinely delighted to see a sign on the bar encouraging no-alcohol / not needing alcohol to be part of the party. Club Med can be pretty alcohol focussed (I have no issue with that) so it can make you feel a little excluded sometimes. So, having seen this sign, and having ordered my girlfriend’s sangria, I asked the barman if he could make me something ‘nice and alcohol free’. He asked if it was for me or a child. I said it was for me. And I was presented with..: a glass of water 😂😂 But please do not abandon this initiative. Your demographic is changing.

Also, white night is indirectly alcohol focussed. The whole premise effectively being that the more you spend on champagne / wine, the better the table you get. And, as I said, this was the only time I was approached by the CDV, who asked if I had ‘booked’. You don’t need to book (although a newcomer may not appreciate that as it is not presented as such) - it is an all-inclusive resort. ‘Booking’ is code for spending money on ‘premium’ drinks. But why should I be excluded from being on a table close to the entertainment simply because I choose not to drink? It is feels somewhat outdated and not particularly inclusive in a family resort. As it was, we were, predictably, put on a table on the very fringes far from the entertainment. Me next to a high chair 😂

The food is very good although not as wonderful as other resorts I have been to. Quite a few times meat/fish was not cooked.

The main pool is arguably a bit small for a resort of this size and, sadly, sunbed bagging is rife. The zen pool was beautiful (save for the used tampon in the bush…). Would recommend removing the fake turf on the terrace. Absorbs too much heat and stops people using it.

We booked a catamaran trip but it was cancelled due to weather. We only found this out on the day because we went to the shop to ask having paid two days prior. We got a letter through our door 2 days later advising us of the cancellation… 🧐

Entertainment is pretty good with the standout being the flamenco which was truly exquisite and a joy to watch.

Rooms are large, clean and stylish. Only issue with ours was that the shower had been installed incorrectly and it was also impossible to maintain a constant temperature - either scalding hot or quite cold.

The last day was not smooth sailing. Before I have always received a notification the day before leaving telling me what time to leave the room / what time pick up is etc. Not this time - after breakfast we went to ask and were told we should have left our room at 10 for a 1730 pick-up. We were given an extra 1.5 hours to pack / get ourselves out…

So I think this is a nice resort that is slightly let down by the management. It feels disorganised which I have never encountered before with Club Med and that is a shame because, when it works, there is no better formula than Club Med.

I will definitely be back at Club Med - just not this one.

Fabulous staff. Our first ever Club Med holiday & we loved it. The hotel is gorgeous, well maintained & all areas are comfortable. So many activities to choose from & the teen club was absolutely perfect for my son. We cannot talk highly enough of this hotel & the staff. We will return.

Great time had , predominantly French hotel . Everybody was super friendly & intent on having a good time . Would recommend if you are looking for a broad range of activities as was as relaxation.

The experience was amazing. So much to do, facilities were fantastic and the staff was beyond welcoming! Big shout out to the chief of the village Arturo, who is very present and caring. My family loved this vacation. I wish I could mention everyone but big thank you to Daniel and Axelle at the bar, celestan and letti in the mini club and all the shows that the staff did with so much energy. Great Food, Great times, Great memories !