Zimbali Playa Spa Hotel

African motifs inspire the decor at the Zimbali Play Spa Hotel. It's perhaps cheesy, but at the same time ait's appealing and cheerful. Large communal areas are full of light; the immense lobby is salmon pink, with shiny tiled floors, potted palm trees, vines hanging from balconies above, and towering ceilings. The hotel itself is an imposing yellow and beige building, topped with multiple domes. A lineup of flags and a fountain greet guests at the entrance. The building is surrounded by abundant, carefully maintained gardens featuring palm trees and rainbow colors of blossoming flowers; it backs onto the Mediterranean Sea. There is plentiful space to explore, or lounge, relax, and sunbathe -- though the resort can get noisy.

The Zimbali Playa Spa Hotel sits directly on Vera’s gorgeous Playazo Beach, on the sun-drenched Costa de Almería. Right off the main AP7 and A7 Motorways, the hotel is about a 15-minute drive from the charming towns of Mojácar and Garrucha. The area around the hotel is a mellow resort town, dotted with hotels and private homes, some of which are spectacular. A few bars, hotels, and shops are within walking distance of the hotel.

The air-conditioned rooms here have private balconies, many with picturesque sea views, and some looking out over the pretty pool. There are flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges, but guests will have to hang out in the lobby if they need to use Wi-Fi. The rooms are bright, clean, and spacious, with tile floors and plentiful sunlight. The design is lackluster, with dated furniture, drab floral curtains, and striped bedspreads. Bathrooms are big and clean, with plush towels, hair dryers, and basic toiletries.

The hotel has a beautiful, curvaceous, and sprawling swimming pool area complete with water slides, statues, and waterfalls, and sprinkled with swaying palm trees. There's plenty of space to lounge in the sun. Activities and entertainment abound, from giant chess, mini golf, and table tennis to children's clubs, beach volleyball, ballroom dancing, spa treatments, and a sauna and a Turkish bath/hammam. A buffet serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner; there is also a fancier restaurant open for dinner only, a poolside bar, a lobby lounge, and a pub. There is a fee for Wi-Fi after an initial 30 minutes of free use. There's a hair salon, a newsstand/convenience store, and a souvenir shop, too. The stunning beach is right out the door.