We just returned from a memorable stay at Sentidos en Rio Real.
Marbella is one of our favorite places in the world, and we've been to the finest hotels and resorts everywhere. Usually we stay at the Marbella Club -- in fact, we've been going there for 30 years. This year we decided to try a new place, Sentidos. I have to say that our stay at Sentidos by far topped that at the Marbella Club. The suite we had was ever so spacious, extremely comfortable (loved the bed), stylish, and the shower uber luxe, the finest ever, In fact, it was so wonderful that I never used the bathtub which was also luxurious and had a view of the golf course no less. The special touch each evening to awaken the senses was a welcome detail. A highlight of our stay was dinner. My husband who is an experienced cook and extraordinarily demanding, raved about the meal. The menu selections were well chosen (we especially recommend the roast lamb and raviolis with mushrooms), the ingredients of the finest quality, the service attentive and friendly, and there were none of the frenzied crowds you get in so many places in Marbella. Plus, the view overlooking the golf course was lovely, romantic and serene.Sentidos is already on our calendar for a return visit next year.

A smooth, hassle-free check in set the tone for a wonderful, all-too-short stay at this elegant boutique hotel. My room, a Par Superior, was stylishly designed with plenty of wood and stone, and felt very spacious, with an exceptional bathroom and fantastic views from the sizeable balcony over the golf course and on to a dramatic backdrop of the Sierra Blanca - a great sight to start the day off! The bed was extremely comfortable and the iPod docking station is a great feature for anyone who, like me, likes to bring their music with them when travelling.

The Sentidos Restaurant was superb - food was in context and of the highest quality, and the relaxed yet sophisticated ambience and unfailingly efficient, friendly service I experienced elsewhere at the hotel was in evidence yet again.

Although not much of a golfer, to me the course seemed beautiful and immaculately kept, and the pitch and putt area and putting green were both accessible and enjoyable! And the intimate rooftop pool area was the ideal spot to chill out, with fabulous views and a hint of the cool sea breeze. I understand a boutique spa will be opening adjacent to this area too.

Overall, an excellent hotel and a refreshing, welcome antidote to the ostentation and glitz normally associated with Marbella.

Just came back from a long weekend there, the rooms are very nice with molton brown products and separate sinks and shower unit , very impressed with the ipod's and apple sound docks in every room, so take your own nano and you will be laughing for music.

Service typically Spanish, somewhat slow but nonetheless v friendly and helpfull overall ( reception and bar staff/pool staff all good) ( plummy idiots in the pro shop.)
The golf course isnt bad either. The pool is small but deep and not too cold. The only real problem is that the hotel is a bit far away from where all the action is in downtown banus in the evening, cabs cost about 20 eur and take about 15 mins, having said that it was nice not to have to haul golf clubs all over Marbella area in order to get a round of golf!

A must stay place for a golfing weekend.

Fantastic boutique hotel located approximately 5 miles from Marbella. All hotel rooms overlook the 11th fairway of the golf course. We stayed in an eagle suite on floor 1.Room was immaculately presented with very comfortable super king size bed. Flat screen lcd tv, i pod music system, jaccuzi bath in window recess overlooking golf course.
Negative - most of the balconies on suites located on the 1st floor were partially or completely obscured by palm trees at the same level.This didnt seem to be the case with the superior rooms which were located on the 2nd and 3rd floors.
Swimming pool -Immaculate roof terrace marble pool surrounded by lemon trees. comfortable loungers and endless supply of luxury towels. We had the terrace area to ourselves for most of the week.
A car is very useful here to get to the quiet local beach(5 mins) or into marbella for restaurants. Hotel restaurant excellent but slightly lacking in atmosphere during our stay. (expensive).
Golf excellent and easy to get on. 35 euros per round. (guests)