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Submit this Form and Benefit from our 25 Years' Experience & Strong Local Network.Craving a winter getaway that blends mountain thrills with laid-back vibes? Look no further than Sierra Nevada, Spain’s sun-kissed ski paradise! Europe’s southernmost ski resort captivates visitors with its extensive slopes and snow-capped peaks. Against this backdrop, El Lodge and Maribel Hotel stand as distinguished retreats, offering an unparalleled fusion of luxury and mountain adventure. The sister hotels, managed by Luxury Hotel Partners, the umbrella for hotels like the Marbella Club and Puente Romano Resort, and integrated into the Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ (SLH) collection.
In this article, Realista aims to provide all the details about these perfect destinations for your winter getaway.
El Lodge
“El Lodge is strategically located in the heart of Europe’s southernmost ski resort Sierra Nevada. Boasting excellent facilities with over 100 km of pistes, this resort offers visitors an enviable climate and a vibrant après-ski ambiance.
Situated at an altitude of 2100m, El Lodge enjoys a refreshingly secluded pocket in one of Spain’s most-loved ski resorts. The hotel is conveniently located just an hour’s drive from Granada Airport and two hours from Málaga.
The proximity to Granada International Airport (43 km) ensures convenient access for international travelers.
For those seeking a touch of the Mediterranean, Málaga’s high-speed train station and airport are just 2 hours away from the hotel. The famed beaches of the Costa del Sol, known for their golden sands and azure waters, are also within a 2-hour drive.
This proximity allows guests to combine a few days on the slopes seamlessly with a stay in Granada, Málaga, or Marbella.
Service and Facilities
The dynamic and primarily local team at El Lodge is not just attentive; they are tuned in and ready to enhance every aspect of your stay, from casual moments at the bar to offering insightful recommendations for dining experiences. Their warmth and hospitality create a welcoming atmosphere that adds a personal touch to your mountain retreat. Whether you’re seeking the perfect cocktail recommendation or tips on local restaurants, the switched-on team is there to make your stay truly memorable.
For those eager to hit the slopes, the on-site Iliberis ski-and-snowboard school is a convenient hub for both beginners and experienced skiers. Offering group and private classes with multilingual guides, the school ensures that every guest, regardless of skill level, can make the most of the pristine slopes. Additionally, the school provides equipment hire, eliminating the need for guests to bring their gear. Experienced skiers can swiftly access the slopes, and a secure storage room is available for the hassle-free storage of ski equipment.
The intimate basement spa at El Lodge is a sanctuary of relaxation, collaborating with the Italian brand Comfort Zone to offer vegan products. Pamper yourself with blissful treatments like the popular Aprés Ski Facial, unwind in the sauna and steam room, or take a dip in the heated pool. For those looking to stay active, a small gym is available for a workout with a view.
Upstairs, the al fresco pool and hot tub offer a dreamy retreat after a day of adventure on the snow-covered slopes.
Rooms
El Lodge’s 20 wood-walled rooms, named after popular skiing destinations, offer a range of comforts. From snug Standards with balconies to the luxurious sky-lit Penthouse Suite with its sauna, each room is a haven of comfort. Most rooms boast private hot tubs on the terrace, and the four Deluxe Pool rooms open directly onto the outdoor pool.
Thoughtful amenities such as herbal teas, humidifiers, Bluetooth sound systems, king-sized beds, and mountain or village views enhance the guest experience. The stylish marble-effect bathrooms feature rain showers and citrus-scented toiletries by Barcelona brand Natura Bissé, some even offering baths. St. Moritz, a Deluxe Suite, is particularly sought after for its sweeping Sierra Nevada views.
Style and Character
El Lodge captivates visitors with its Alpine-chic interiors by Andrew Martin. Set around a cool-blue outdoor pool that sparkles against the snow-covered hillside, the hotel exudes a cozily glamorous atmosphere. Vintage ski posters, faux-animal rugs, antler-inspired lamps, and floor-to-ceiling windows adorn the lounges and rooms, creating a unique and inviting ambiance. The lively piste-side Sun Deck becomes the hub for après ski fun, featuring DJs on the terrace and breathtaking views enjoyed with G&Ts.
Gastronomic Delights at El Lodge
El Lodge elevates the culinary experience with its elegant main restaurant, The Grill. Flickering fires, a modern European menu rooted in fresh local ingredients, and an impressive list of Spanish wines characterize this dining haven. From saffron-infused seafood stew to Swiss-style fondue, the menu delights the palate. The piste-side Sun Deck offers a creative international menu featuring truffle fries, quinoa salads, vegan tacos, and yuzu margaritas. Breakfast is a smart, varied Spanish-international buffet, offering fresh fruit, pastries, cold meats, cheeses, smoked salmon, cereals, and made-to-order hot dishes and coffees.
The Grill
Open daily, The Grill is a culinary haven that tantalizes the taste buds with a sophisticated menu rooted in fresh, local ingredients. Breakfast is served from 8 to 11 a.m., offering a delightful start to your day, while dinner is available from 8 to 11:30 p.m., creating an elegant ambiance for a memorable evening.
The Sun Deck
For a relaxed and sun-soaked dining experience, The Sun Deck opens its doors daily for lunch from 1 to 4 p.m. Enjoy a creative international menu featuring truffle fries, quinoa salads, vegan tacos, and refreshing beverages while soaking in breathtaking mountain views.
Family-Friendly Features
El Lodge welcomes families with open arms, offering options like interconnecting rooms and two-room Suites with bunk beds. A complimentary kids’ lounge with toys, video games, and art supplies caters to the younger guests.
Children have their restaurant menus, and babysitting services can be arranged, making it convenient for parents to enjoy some downtime. Additionally, pets are welcome, adding to the family-friendly atmosphere of the retreat.
Maribel Hotel
As the winter season descends upon the Sierra Nevada, anticipation reaches new heights with the arrival of the Maribel Hotel, a destination that promises a unique blend of sophistication and alpine excitement. Under the esteemed ownership and management of Puente Romano Beach Resort and Marbella Club, the visionaries behind the renowned El Lodge Ski & Spa, Maribel Hotel has redefined the ski experience for families, friends, and winter sports enthusiasts.
Location
Maribel is situated at 2,250 meters in the Sierra Nevada ski resort, just a few meters from its sister hotel, El Lodge Ski & Spa. Accessibility is convenient, with Sierra Nevada being a 45-minute drive from Granada International Airport and 2 hours from Málaga International Airport and Marbella.
Maribel is more than a hotel; it’s a sophisticated ski and après ski chalet, offering a mix of high-altitude fun both on and off the piste. With a season extending until the start of spring, coinciding with the winter sports period of the Sierra Nevada resort, Maribel unveils 29 rooms and suites, including the signature Maribel Penthouse Suite.
Skiing in Style
Prominently located in the Sierra Nevada National Park, Maribel is a gateway to one of the most extensive ski areas in southern Europe. With 110 km of skiable slopes distributed over 131 runs, including the highest slope in the Iberian Peninsula at an altitude of 3,400 meters, guests can enjoy short-sleeved skiing in the sun.
With direct access to the pistes, Maribel, named after the adjacent ski run, is strategically positioned just 50 meters from the chairlift at Parador No. 1 and a stone’s throw from its sister hotel, El Lodge.
Wellness and Dining Facilities
Upon entering Maribel’s lobby, guests are greeted by a sweeping elliptical staircase, setting the tone for the hotel’s commitment to refined elegance. The interconnected library, bar, and lounge areas create an open-plan space that invites guests to flow seamlessly between environments. The outdoor terrace, bathed in sunlight and offering access to the Maribel and Águila slopes, becomes a favored spot for indulgent hot chocolate and sundowners against the backdrop of the golden hour.
Maribel’s restaurant is a dining club experience with an alpine flavor, serving hearty dishes and mountain favorites in a relaxed and entertaining atmosphere until late at night. Stevani & Silva, the creative minds behind the decor, infuse the spaces with a bold mix of dark and warm tones, sensual textures, and design details that steal the show.
Rooms and Suites
Maribel’s 29 guest rooms and suites, spread over three floors, are meticulously groomed for comfort. The accommodation includes duplex suites, catering to those who prefer to travel with family or a small group of friends. Each room features warm and welcoming alpine-inspired interiors, adorned with Finnish wood, leather furniture, faux-fur throws, and Natura Bissé amenities.
Conclusion
Whether you seek the vibrant après-ski ambiance of El Lodge or the refined elegance of Maribel, both properties, under the esteemed Marbella Club Hotel Group, redefine the ski experience in southern Europe. From the meticulously designed rooms to the extensive ski areas, each detail contributes to a winter getaway that seamlessly blends mountain thrills with sophisticated relaxation. With family-friendly features, world-class dining, and proximity to iconic destinations like Granada and Marbella, these retreats promise a memorable and diverse escape for every winter sports enthusiast.
