Cortijo del Mar Resort

We traveled in July 2023 with Jet2 in a party of four families. The apartments are obviously privately owned and whilst they are well sized each apartment has differing furnishings and kitchen equipment. The rattan garden furniture in three of the four apartments our party occupied was perished and breaking up on either the chair arms or the top of the back of the chairs. Some didn’t even have cushions. The pool area has an overpriced restaurant bar and pool activities are overly subdued by the lifeguards who enforce the “no balls” and “no inflatables” rules. This seemed to be at the bequest of the residents as although Jet2 and Cortijo Del Mar websites claim the resort is family friendly there isn’t actually a lot for kids to do. So the restrictions on “no balls” and “no inflatables” in the pool seem to fly in the face of this family friendly claim. Neither website highlight these rules. The rules however seem to be flexible for residents as although there is a sign at the resort entrance highlighting dogs are not allowed there are signs around the resort highlighting that residents are responsible for cleaning up their dogs waste. During our trip we saw dogs in the resort and at the pool area on more than one occasion which surely must raise questions on the cleanliness of the pool area. The water in the pool seemed clean enough, however the plastic overflow grating around the pool is degrading due to exposure to the sun and whist some of it has been replaced, this seems to be in response to it breaking rather than a preventative measure. The sun beds around the pool have also seen better days and also show signs of degradation due to sun exposure with some of them exhibiting cracks which could make them dangerous. In fact one of or party sat on one and it collapsed under them and luckily they were not injured. Pros - comfortably sized apartments - apartments frequently cleaned Cons - not a lot for kids No pool table No table tennis table No entertainment (which we knew) - Wi-Fi was extremely poor and struggled with social media let alone web searches - No Balls and Inflatables allowed in the pool - Pool overflow grating breaking up and possibly dangerous - Sun beds some cracking and possibly dangerous

Just back from a one week stay. The appartment and complex are very nice ,well maintained grounds. The appartment itself was well equipped and spacious .We were two up and overlooked the pool and pool bar and you could see the sea. The staff at reception are very helpfull. I broke a couple of things and there was no microwave and within fifteen minutes maintenance had arrived and all sorted. The cleaners and ground staff are friendly too.The pool bar is way overpriced for what it is. Got a tuna salad,chips and two beers,45Euros. Do not know how families with kids do it. There is a ten minute walk down a lovely road with some beautiful villas to the main road where there is some bars and restaurants and a supermarket. Highly recommend Masala Indian and Cabana was lovely for drinks. We went a walk over the bridge, which was quite daunting as theres traffic speeding fast underneath, so not for the faint hearted, and headed to the Robin Hood Inn which was closed. It was early in the morning but there is a long alley there that takes you to the beach. Not much of a beach as no one there and no sunbeds. Walked quite a bit along to the right and it is just villas and Hotels. No bars or restaurants looking out to see which was disappointing. Would recommend going into Puerto Banus for the day. We met up with family for lunch at La Sala by The Sea,a beach Club. Food was amazing and a walk to the Marina is eye opening with the Yachts and cars. Overall we had a lovely stay and it was boiling hot. The Complex is in a lovely affluent residential area but just a bit too far out for us. You need to go into Estepona for nightlife and shopping. We are used to places like Palma Nova and Playa Blanca with everything on your doorstep. If you are looking for a quiet relaxing holiday then this is the place for you.