The luxury five-star Sentidos en Rio Real hotel, in Marbella, Spain, offers guests an oasis from the bustle of Marbella town, and offers premiere accommodations and unmatched levels of service.  Just two miles from the heart of town, the hotel nestles between the Sierra Blanca mountains and the Mediterranean Sea.

Newly unveiled, the 29-room Sentidos en Rio Real is an exclusive private estate, blending easily with the magnificent residential villas in the area.  The hotel was designed by the same architect who was commissioned by the Spanish royal family. It harmoniously blends traditional Spanish architecture with Asian and Mediterranean influences, along with enough modern touches to give the property a stylish and contemporary feel.

From the 24-hour helipad to the private day spa to the cliff-side golf course, Sentidos en Rio Real exudes a sense of exclusivity, class and ultra-refinement that set a new standard for the region. The hotel does not bow to trends or cater to the whims of the nouveau riche, but devotes itself to providing personalized service, warm Andalucian hospitality and a superior guest experience.

A gated entrance and VIP check-in ensure the utmost privacy, while spacious rooms and Egyptian cotton linens indulge guests in total comfort. Rooms and suites feature private entrances and hand-selected furnishings, creating a peaceful, bright and modern space. Each unit also has a private terrace with commanding views of the golf course.

The hotel's pristine glass-walled spa, Petite Sérénité, is an intimate space for a range of therapeutic and relaxing treatments, including massages, body wraps and facials. Signature treatments utilize locally grown flowers, citrus fruits and olive oils. It offers the perfect escape for guests seeking a bit of pampering and quiet solitude.

At meal times, guests head to Sentidos Restaurant, known for its fresh-made Andalucian and international cuisine and well-stocked wine cellar, with bottles from across Europe and around the world. The elegant dining room features floor-to-ceiling windows and it's not uncommon to spot members of the Hollywood elite from the 1960s, many of whom maintain villas nearby, dining on the al fresco patio overlooking the golf course.

The golf course at Sentidos en Rio Real is recognized as one of the top courses in the Costa del Sol. The par-72 course stretches across a beautiful valley, softly sloping from the mountains to the Mediterranean, including several holes with awe-inspiring views of the town and the sea. The club house lounge serves top-shelf liquors and gourmet snacks and a golf concierge is on-hand to ensure players' needs are always met.

Guests enjoy access to the hotel's tennis courts, sun deck and swimming pool. Nearby recreational activities include horseback riding, water sports and even boating, aboard the hotel's opulent private yacht, the Rio Real III. Custom-designed itineraries have been created with accommodations and use of the hotel yacht for upwards of $40,000 per week, typifying the privileged status of Sentidos en Rio Real's clientele.

Originally opened in 2001 as the Rio Real, Sentidos en Rio Real is now managed by Pro Hotel International, the company behind such luxury standouts as Spain's La Pleta hotel and Mexico's Ikal del Mar and Esencia resorts. The hotel changed its name following extensive renovations and has been relaunched as Sentidos en Rio Real to better reflect its status as a world-class vacation property that is more private, more exclusive and more refined than ever. As a result, the hotel recently became Marbella's only property worthy of distinction as a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

For more information, visit the hotel website or Small Luxury Hotels.

26/12/2006