For those who cannot choose between the mountains or the sea.

In doubt between an active skiing holiday or a relaxing trip to the sun? At boutique resort El Lodge in Granada, Spain, you simply enjoy both. You stay in the breathtaking Sierra Nevada mountains and after a one-and-a-half hour drive you are at the beautiful coastline of Marbella. We are happy to give you a short tour.

Après-ski in style

El Lodge is situated in Monachil, in the heart of the Sierra Nevada. Here you’ll find the most southern ski resort of Europe with more than 100 km of slopes, a very pleasant climate and a very sophisticated après-ski experience. El Lodge is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and lives up to this designation: the chalet, constructed from Finnish wood, is small, luxurious and finished to perfection. The hotel dates from 2015 and has 8 rooms and 12 suites. You can also rent it as a whole, for family holidays or company outings.

Immerse yourself in nature

Both the decoration of the hotel and the excellent service are aimed at making guests feel at one with nature. You just can’t get enough of the breathtaking views of the Granada mountain range that are revealed through the huge windows. The rooms on the first floor have direct access to the heated outdoor pool, jacuzzi and sauna, while those on the second and third floor have large terraces with their own jacuzzi and mountain views. If you want to enjoy the view to the fullest, choose the Corner Suite. This suite consists of a stylish bedroom with a spacious living room, fitted with an impressive window that allows for beautiful light. It is without a doubt the most requested accommodation, although the other rooms and suites are all gems as well.

Extra relaxation

After a long day on the slopes, nothing does more justice than a wonderful massage to help relax your muscles. The hotel’s spa offers a wide range of treatments with Babor skin care products. The wellness area includes two private treatment rooms, a sauna, a Turkish bath and an indoor pool, and offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. A wonderful alternative if you choose to skip a day on the slopes wanting to pamper yourself completely. You will have plenty of time to enjoy the heated outdoor pool and the outdoor sauna.

Boat-warming service

Skiing makes you hungry and thirsty, and they’ve understood that very well at El Lodge too, because there are no less than 3 dining spots and a bar. At the El Grill restaurant, world-class dinners are prepared in a relaxed atmosphere. They work with fresh, local products, and the menus are inspired by Andalusian cuisine and the seasons.

In The Lounge, one sinks into leather Chesterfield sofas. With a sophisticated cocktail in hand, playing backgammon by the fireplace. If you fancy a tasty snack, be sure to try their Caeser Salad, Beef Burger or pasta.

If you rather prefer to lunch al fresco, then take a seat at The Sun Deck, the only ski-in/ski-out restaurant in the Sierra Nevada. You just ski there. Tables with built-in fireplaces and a unique boat-warming service keep you toasty while you sip your gin and tonic in the healthy mountain air.

End the day in The Bar, with its cosy contemporary yet vintage interior. Be sure to try the Gluhwein El Lodge.

Unique ski experience

The varied ski slopes, beautiful landscape and pleasant climate make the Sierra Nevada the perfect environment for a relaxing ski stay. From El Lodge you have direct access to more than 50 slopes suitable for all levels. By the way, in this region you can enjoy the longest ski season, because there is often still very good snow in April.

At El Lodge, they do everything to make your skiing experience as pleasant and carefree as possible. Your entire equipment is prepared for you, they bring your skis to the station and even take care of your children. No skiing experience yet? That is no problem at all. El Lodge has its own ski guide and ski school to get you started. Of course you can also take lessons to refresh or further refine your skiing technique.

Do you prefer a day at the beach?

Are you tired of skiing or fancy something else? From El Lodge it is a one and a half hour drive to the sophisticated coastal town of Marbella. Especially in spring, you can enjoy the mild climate in many beautiful locations. You can visit the Marbella Club Hotel for an unforgettable day on the beach where you can taste fresh seafood and enjoy a delicious cocktail with your toes in the sand and a view of the sea. Would you like to stay here a bit longer?

Absolutely understandable. Then be sure to ask about the package deals with El Lodge. They will work out a tailor-made package for you, so that you can enjoy the combination of sun, mountains and beach in the best possible and optimised way.

Written by Patrick Van Tolhuyzen for Luxuria Lifestyle Balearic Islands and Spain