CLC World Resorts: Costa Del Sol Review

CLC World Resorts & Hotels’ Costa del Sol multi-resort – CLC Club La Costa World – nestled between Malaga and Marbella and just outside Fuengirola, is easily commutable for a long weekend.

After a reasonably short flight from Luton and a mere 20-minute scenic taxi ride along the coast, we arrived to an extremely warm greeting from the dedicated Santa Cruz Suites reception staff.

Nothing short of vast and spread over several acres – with its own road network, shops, restaurants, bars and numerous swimming pools and event locations – CLC Club La Costa World is home to a number of different styles and types of accommodation, ranging from small town houses to large, luxuriously appointed modern apartments (depending on your level of membership).

With English-speaking staff, all of whom are only too eager to assist with any matter, and a passenger train that regularly conveys guests to where they want to be on the site, you very quickly settle into the Member’s lifestyle; enjoying a level of CLC World exclusivity.

Our apartment comprised: two spacious double bedrooms, two bathrooms, (one with a Jacuzzi bath and his `n´ hers wash basins), a large salon with seating and dining areas, three flat-screen TVs, DVD player, a modern fully fitted kitchen (with every conceivable appliance) and a full size terrace overlooking the gardens, pool and the sea beyond.

But what struck us almost immediately was the incredible level of detail that had been applied to every aspect of our accommodation.

The kitchen, as stated, was fully fitted, with ample cupboard space housing a double oven and hob, a full-size washing machine, dishwasher, microwave, large fridge-freezer and a breakfast bar, pots, pans and cooking utensils, etc.

Having thought of everything, CLC World had also provided us with a basket of fruit, biscuits, tea and coffee, beers and soft drinks, milk, bread, cheeses, cold meats, jams and butter, as they do for all of their guests on arrival.

After all, the accommodation is self-catering, and aware that you arrive without groceries, this is the granular level of detail that you can expect to enjoy from your host.

Onsite facilities include, amongst other things, swimming pools and children’s play areas.

There is the dedicated ‘Team Marina’ for the younger guests and an entire raft of organised daily activities (per the newsletter provided) catering for everyone of all ages.

Ranging from the likes of archery, tai-chi, mini golf, Zumba and yoga there is something for everyone.

The simple truth is that depending on what you’re looking for, you’re free to stay in the comfortable and peaceful surroundings of your own home from home, engage in whatever is going on during the day or even, as we did on a couple of occasions, take a 20-minute walk along the modern boardwalk into Fuengirola and enjoy the numerous fresh fish restaurants and retail outlets on offer.

Described as ‘offering a diverse selection of culinary delights to tempt the taste buds’ and having read terrific reviews for its diverse menu, excellent ambience and levels of service, we fancied dining one evening at CLC World’s own onsite ‘Safari Restaurant’ which turned out to have been an excellent choice.

The menu was extensive, prices were reasonable and dining in what is intrinsically an enormous shack with a magnificent domed thatched roof was quite something; if only the portions hadn’t been so large!

The thing is, with such a variety of onsite take-a-way, delivery and eat-in restaurants to choose from, although the suites are self-catering, you actually never need to lift a culinary finger if you don’t want to; except maybe to brew a cuppa.

In short, as our review highlights, CLC Club La Costa World offers as much, or as little, as you may want from a getaway destination.

With the standard of the accommodation, onsite facilities and associated levels of service far exceeding our expectations and staff members who very clearly go out of their way to promote the experience – nothing ever being too much trouble for them and a display of eagerness and willingness to assist that I haven’t seen for a very long time – very well done to the management team who make it all happen behind the scenes.

So what about the ‘hard sell’ that timeshare companies are so well known for?

It’s true, we did spend an arranged hour by the pool one afternoon, drinking cappuccinos and enjoying the sunshine, whilst talking to a member of the CLC World team about the possibility of buying into the CLC World lifestyle that we had very quickly become accustomed to.

However, I wouldn’t in any way describe it as taxing and certainly there was absolutely no selling involved.

It was just a few people sitting in the warmth of the Spanish afternoon sun discussing how we could take advantage of the opportunity to ensure that we have more of these wonderful days in the future – nothing more.

About CLC World Resorts & Hotels:

CLC World is a resort developer and operator that has been in existence for over 3 decades.

You can see their resorts and destinations on their website: https://www.clcworld.com/destinations/

To get a feel of how other CLC guests and members feel about their resorts and membership, join the conversations on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/clcworldresorts/