There was much anticipation in the thriving city of Málaga before the Gran Miramar finally opened its doors early in 2017 as one of the top hotels in Andalucia. Inaugurated as a hotel in 1926, the Gran Miramar served as a field hospital during the Spanish Civil War and then hosted many famous faces such as Elizabeth Taylor and Ava Gardner before becoming the headquarters of Málaga’s law courts until 1987. The beautifully restored landmark building stands around a magnificent colonnaded interior and combines wonderful original features such as mosaics and tile works with bright white spaces. There are 200 bedrooms, several restaurants, a large swimming pool, landscaped gardens and an extensive spa. The city’s best museums are all within walking distance and the sandy beach is across the road.