Macdonald Villacana Resort, Estepona, Spain

Macdonald Villacana Resort is a stunning complex of self-catering apartments located between Estepona and Marbella in the south of Spain. The region of Costa del Sol is known for its beautiful beaches but also for Pueblos Blancos – the white villages. The white-washed houses of the Villacana Resort have that authentic Andalusian character. Estepona is also known as the 'Garden of Costa del Sol'; similarly, no lane is left without a colorful flower display in this resort. Popular tourist destinations, like the towns of Costa del Sol, can get very crowded during the peak season. So for those seeking a quieter experience in the sun, Villacana Resort is an excellent option.

Macdonald Villacana Resort

From the start, the resort surpassed all my expectations! Being an RCI member has led me to some disappointing accommodations, so I have to admit, my expectations were not high. Nevertheless, the flower-bordered lanes, traditional street lamps, cute doorways, and arches charmed me completely. The whole resort is very well looked after and extremely picturesque. The welcoming receptionist gave us a map with all the codes for the gates and kindly informed us about the locations of the parking area, the restaurant, and the beach. We were happy to start exploring the beautiful grounds of the resort!

Classic Two-Bedroom Apartment With a Private Terrace

Our apartment was number 47 on Calle Don Pietro. It was spacious with an open plan kitchen, living & dining area. The apartment featured a double bedroom with an en-suite bathroom as well as a separate bathroom with a bathtub. The second bedroom had twin beds, ideal for children. All the rooms had efficient air-conditioning, big cupboards for storage, and small cute side tables. We loved the classic design of the apartment and the hardwood details. The modern country style felt very appropriate in this resort. Also, I was very impressed by the spaciousness. Of all the hotel rooms I have ever visited, this was the largest. It truly felt like a home away from home!

The kitchen was fully equipped with modern appliances. There was a beautiful selection of dishware in the cupboards. It was easy to prepare meals here, also because there was Lisa's shop at the resort and other grocery stores within walking distance. The apartment had a huge terrace, so it was possible to take your meals outside. They also provided a welcome tray with water, wine, coffee, tea, and biscuits. It was a lovely surprise!

The Amenities of Villacana Resort 

The amenities of Villacana featured a tennis court, a small gym, 3 pools, a sauna, a hammam, and a pool bar/restaurant. The bigger pool area had a heated outdoor pool, indoor pool, and jacuzzi, but that often got pretty crowded. I preferred the smaller pool area, which was calmer. There were plenty of sunbeds in both. The restaurant had a lovely menu but didn't seem up to the task. I went there once after 12 o'clock when it opened, but after 30 minutes of waiting with no service, I left. Nevertheless, I felt that all the personnel that I encountered from the pool boys to the gardeners were doing an excellent job in this resort.

The Beach Area

The beach was a few minutes walk from the resort. It was a little rocky, but the water was clean and refreshing. Also, there was a lovely coastal promenade with bars, restaurants, and benches for taking in the breathtaking sea views. I loved running or dining on the promenade in the evenings! For this reason, I felt like the resort's location couldn't have been more perfect. Also, it was an excellent base for exploring Andalucía with a car. I loved every minute of our stay at Macdonald Villacana Resort and its charming Andalusian village vibes!