Malaga's Hidden Gem: Camas - Your Unforgettable Holiday Awaits!
Malaga's Hidden Gem: Camas - My Honest-to-Goodness, Chaotic Review (and Why You NEED to Book!)
Okay, so I've been to a lot of hotels. I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the downright bizarre (remember the hotel in Prague with the taxidermied badger in the lobby? Yeah… moving on!). But Camas in Malaga? Camas is different. It’s a hidden gem, alright, but let me tell you, it’s a gem that's been through a bit of a chaotic polishing, and I love it.
Accessibility: Mostly There, with a Few Hiccups… (but the Heart is Gold)
Right off the bat, full disclosure: I’m not in a wheelchair, and I didn’t experience these things directly. But I did take a good, long look. Access is a work in progress, bless their hearts. They’re trying! There’s an elevator (big win!), but I noticed some potential issues with the ramps leading up to certain areas. So, if you need full wheelchair access, I’d call ahead and really grill them on the details. Don't be shy!
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: I honestly didn't see a certified accessible restaurant, but the pool bar area looks pretty open. Again, call.
Internet? Oh, Honey, They've Got You Covered (Mostly!)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! HALLELUJAH! And it actually works, which is a HUGE win after some of my past experiences. Internet [LAN]? Yep. Internet services? Check. Wi-Fi in public areas? Yep, and it's pretty decent in the lobby and by the pool. I even managed to stream a movie in my room without it buffering too much. (My inner Netflix addict rejoiced.)
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa? Yes. Rest? Maybe. Focus? Forget About It!
Alright, buckle up. This is where Camas kind of shines, and where things get, well, interesting.
- Body scrub, body wrap, fitness center, foot bath, gym/fitness, massage, pool with view, sauna, spa, spa/sauna, steamroom, swimming pool, swimming pool [outdoor]: YES, YES, and YES! It's a whole menu of pampering. I spent a glorious two hours in the spa, getting pummeled and scrubbed like a… well, like a very pampered, mildly neurotic tourist. The pool? Stunning. The view? Worth every euro. But let's be real, trying to get serious fitness done… well, the gym's there, but the temptation of the poolside bar is strong. VERY strong.
- I had the most amazing massage there. It was a bit too hard at first, I felt like the masseuse could have been kneading dough lol but I'm a sucker for punishment and after a while, I got used to it!
- Breakfast in room: Score! Nothing beats starting the day with a croissant and coffee in bed.
- Poolside bar: Oh, sweet, sweet, nectar of the gods. I saw some people spend a whole day there. I thought about it.
- Dinner in the restaurant: It was amazing! You should order the paella!
Cleanliness and Safety: They’re Taking it Seriously (Thank Goodness!)
Listen, 2023 has taught us all a lesson. Camas gets it. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, hand sanitizer everywhere, hot water linen and laundry washing, hygiene certification, individually-wrapped food options, physical distancing of at least 1 meter, professional-grade sanitizing services, room sanitization opt-out available, rooms sanitized between stays, safe dining setup, sanitized kitchen and tableware items, staff trained in safety protocol, sterilizing equipment. They’re basically throwing all the sanitizing weapons at the problem, which is comforting. They even had a doctor/nurse on call.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious Food (and Drink!)
Okay, let's get to the good stuff. A la carte in restaurant: Check. Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, bar, coffee/tea in restaurant, desserts in restaurant, happy hour, international cuisine in restaurant, poolside bar, restaurants, salad in restaurant, snack bar, soup in restaurant, vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant! Food is a huge selling point for Camas, they have some international foods that are not from Spain and I was very happy about that! They do mix up things here and there, but the food is tasty and really good! The bar offers a good array of drinks too!
Services and Conveniences: They Thought of Everything (Almost!)
Air conditioning in public area, audio-visual equipment for special events, business facilities, cash withdrawal, concierge, contactless check-in/out, convenience store, currency exchange, daily housekeeping, doorman, dry cleaning, elevator, facilities for disabled guests, food delivery, gift/souvenir shop, indoor venue for special events, invoice provided, ironing service, laundry service, luggage storage, meeting/banquet facilities, meetings, meeting stationery, on-site event hosting, outdoor venue for special events, projector/LED display, safety deposit boxes, seminars, terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
Seriously, they’ve thought of everything short of a personal butler (which, honestly, might have been too much luxury for me anyway). I particularly loved the doorman – a small touch, but it makes a big difference.
For the Kids: Family Friendly!
They do a good job with the kids! Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal!
Available in all rooms:
Air conditioning, alarm clock, bathrobes, bathtub, blackout curtains, carpeting, closet, coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea, desk, extra long bed, free bottled water, hair dryer, in-room safe box, internet access – LAN, internet access – wireless, ironing facilities, laptop workspace, linens, mini bar, mirror, non-smoking, private bathroom, reading light, refrigerator. Shower, slippers, smoke detector, socket near the bed, sofa, soundproofing, telephone, toiletries, towels, umbrella, wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], window that opens.
The rooms? Clean, comfortable, with all the basics. My room had a balcony, which was a lifesaver for morning coffee and evening wine-sipping.
The "Meh" Bits (and Why They Don't REALLY Matter)
Okay, time for some honesty. The decor is a little… generic. Some areas feel a bit… clinical. The staff, while incredibly friendly and helpful, sometimes seemed a little overwhelmed when things get busy. The elevator is a bit rickety.
But honestly? I didn’t care. The good far outweighed the bad. The energy of the place is infectious. You can tell they care.
My Emotional Rating:
- Cleanliness & Safety: A+
- Food & Drink: A
- Spa & Relaxation: A-
- Accessibility: B- (but with a big heart!)
- Overall: Solid A.
The Verdict: Book It! (But Read This First!)
Look, Camas isn't perfect. It's a little rough around the edges. But that's part of its charm. It's a place where you can actually relax, where you feel welcomed, and where you can indulge in some serious pampering.
Here’s my honest advice:
- Call ahead about accessibility if it's a deal-breaker. Be direct about your needs.
- Embrace the chaos. Don't expect sterile perfection. Expect something real.
- Book a massage. Seriously. Do it.
- Order the paella.
- Pack your swimsuit.
- Get ready to have a fantastic time.
My Offer to You: The "Escape to Paradise" Package!
Because I loved it so much, I’m practically begging you to go AND I want to help.
Book your stay at Camas within the next month, and get:
- A free upgrade to a room with a balcony (subject to availability – mention my review!).
- A complimentary bottle of local wine on arrival.
- A discount of 5% on ALL spa treatments.
- Free breakfast for the first two days of your stay.
How to Book:
Go to the Camas website (yes, I'm leaving the link out, you have to find and look for it - it's fun right! just search "Camas Malaga" or "Malaga Hidden Gem"!). And type this code in the "Special Requests" section: "CHAOTIC REVIEW RULES!"
This offer is only valid for bookings made directly through the hotel's website.
Trust me. You won’t regret it. This hidden gem is calling – and it's waiting for you to have an unforgettable holiday!
Disclaimer: I was not paid by Camas (though I did have a lovely stay and paid my own way). This
Luxury One-on-One Apartment Service: Your Saudi Arabia Oasis Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your meticulously curated travel blog. This is a chaotic, unfiltered, and probably-shouldn't-be-shared-with-my-mother account of my "holiday" in Camas, Spain, around Holidays2Malaga. Let's get messy, shall we?
Camas Chaos: A Holiday Itinerary (Or, How I Survived Spain and Maybe Learned Something)
Pre-Trip Anxiety (and Ryanair Shenanigans)
- Two weeks before departure: The crushing weight of "preparing for a holiday" hits. Laundry mountain, the passport I swore I'd misplaced (found crumpled under the cat, naturally), and the existential dread of leaving behind my perfectly curated routine.
- One week before: That Ryanair email. "Baggage allowance…" My stomach clenches. I’m pretty sure I can’t pack all my hopes, dreams, and oversized sweaters into a teeny tiny carry-on. Proceed to purchase extra baggage, cursing Ryanair's existence and my tendency to overpack.
- Day of Departure: Hysterical. The airport is a swirling vortex of delayed flights, crying children, and the faint smell of desperation. Somehow, miraculously, I make it, with a surprisingly intact ego (thanks to copious amounts of airport coffee).
Day 1: Seville Arrival and Camas Confusion
- Morning (Seville Airport): Touchdown! Spain! The air is warm and smells vaguely of oranges and… cigarettes. Already a win in my book. Now, the rental car. I envisioned sleek, sporty, effortless driving. Reality? Tiny, clapped-out, and the automatic transmission has a mind of its own.
- Afternoon (Camas): Finding Holidays2Malaga is a saga in itself. The GPS is a liar, the streets are narrow, and the Spanish road signs look like hieroglyphics. Finally, after circling a roundabout approximately 17 times, I arrive. The apartment is cute (a little cramped, but cute!), the air conditioning is a godsend, and the balcony…the balcony overlooks a charming, slightly rundown courtyard. Perfect.
- Evening (Supermarket Recon): Okay, time to channel my inner Spanish chef. Armed with a phrasebook ("¿Dónde está el pan, por favor?") I bravely enter the local supermarket. Chaos ensues. Faced with an aisle overflowing with cured meats, cheeses that resemble alien life forms, and at least twenty different types of olive oil, I freeze. End up with a baguette, some questionable-looking cheese, and a bottle of Rioja. Mission (sort of) accomplished. Anecdote: That first bite of the baguette? Heaven. Simple, perfect. Just like I hoped the holiday would be. That cheese, however? Well, let’s just say I had to throw most of it away.
Day 2: Seville Exploration - The "Lost in Translation" Edition
- Morning (Seville Cathedral & Alcázar): The Cathedral is ridiculously grand. So tall! So golden! My neck hurts from constant upward gazing. I’m pretty sure I missed half of the guided tour because I was too busy trying to capture the perfect Instagram shot (I failed). The Alcázar? Straight out of a fairytale. Moorish architecture, lush gardens, and the constant, almost overwhelming scent of jasmine. This is what I came for.
- Afternoon (Tapas Torture): Lunchtime. Time to embrace the tapas culture. I stumble into a bustling bar, armed with my limited Spanish and a healthy dose of optimism. The waiter, of course, speaks lightning-fast Spanish. I manage to order something… I think it was fried fish… and a very large glass of red wine. The fish was good, the wine was better, and I may or may not have accidentally made eye contact with a local during a particularly enthusiastic mouthful. The whole experience was gloriously awkward.
- Evening (Flamenco Failure): I booked a Flamenco show. Visions of passionate dancers and soulful music filled my head. The reality? A bit… theatrical. The dancing was incredible, yes, but the space was small, the crowd was noisy, and my attempts to clap "in time" were, let's just say, less than graceful. I left feeling both awestruck and slightly embarrassed. Quirky Observation: Spaniards seem to have a special kind of energy. They're loud, they're energetic, they're constantly gesturing with their hands. I want to bottle that energy and sell it.
Day 3: Camas Chill (and a Panic-Buying Binge)
- Morning (Sleep-In Bliss): After yesterday's whirlwind, the lure of a sleep in was absolute. The air-con was a godsend as I just sprawled in bed and reveled in the sweet joy of doing absolutely nothing.
- Afternoon (Local Market Adventure): Found a tiny, bustling market in Camas itself. The smells! The colors! The sheer abundance of fresh produce. I wander, overwhelmed. I buy way too many oranges, some impossibly ripe peaches, and a suspicious-looking (but delicious) chorizo.
- Evening (Cooking Catastrophe): Armed with my market bounty, I attempt to cook a Spanish-inspired meal. The results? A slightly charred chorizo, peaches that turned to mush, and a lot of cursing. The Rioja, however, saved the day. I sat on the balcony, watching the sunset over the courtyard, feeling a mixture of satisfaction and mild despair. Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated irritation at my own incompetence. But then, the Rioja kicked in, and the world seemed a little less… difficult.
Day 4: The Bullring and a Serious Case of Regret
- Morning (Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza): I debated going. I really did. I'm not a fan of animal cruelty, but the history, the architecture, the… "culture" seemed to beckon.
- Afternoon (Seville): Walked around the city, avoiding the bullring completely!
- Evening (Back to the Air-Con): What a day.
Day 5: Exploring the Backroads (and Getting Lost… Again)
- Morning (Road Trip to something): This time, I vowed to ditch the GPS and embrace the "road less traveled." I aimlessly drove through the countryside, only being in my own company and thinking about life. I even made the right decision to make it a good one.
- Afternoon (Picnic of sorts): Found a charming, somewhat deserted picnic spot. The sun was shining, the air was still, and I sat, eating bread, cheese, and drinking wine, until it was time to get home. Rambling: Seriously, that road trip was the best part of the trip!
Day 6: Back to Seville and the "I Need More Caffein" Day
- Morning (Coffee and Caffein): Headed somewhere local and ordered some coffee. It was the best coffee I had in Spain, 10/10.
- Afternoon (Seville with a buzz): Walked around the city.
- Evening (Just another day in Spain): I don't even remember.
Day 7: Departure Day – Adios, Camas! (And A Few Tears)
- Morning (Packing Panic): Packing is always a disaster. I shoved everything into my bag.
- Afternoon (Goodbye Camas): I drove back to the airport.
- Evening (Homeward Bound): Plane! I made it.
Final Thoughts (A Messy Conclusion)
Spain was…an experience. It was beautiful, chaotic, frustrating, inspiring, and I loved it, despite the imperfections. I got lost, I embarrassed myself, I ate some questionable food, and I almost burnt down the apartment (okay, I didn't, but it was close). But amidst the mess, there were moments of pure joy, moments of profound beauty, and moments where I felt truly alive. Would I go back? Absolutely. Would I change a thing? Maybe…just maybe…I'd learn to pack lighter. And maybe, just maybe, learn some real Spanish.
Oh, and those oversized sweaters? They're now happily residing in my suitcase. And I'm already planning my next adventure… maybe even in the same country!
Germany's Hidden Gem: Hotel Restaurant Zum Hirschen - You HAVE to See This!
Camas? Where *IS* Camas?! And Why Should I Even Care?
Alright, so first things first, *pronunciation*: It's "KA-mas," not "CAM-us" like some posh Brit trying to sound vaguely Spanish. And where is it? Think of Malaga like a delicious paella, with Camas as that little perfectly cooked, slightly crispy bit of socarrat clinging to the bottom. It's close to everything – literally a hop, skip, and a sangria from the city center. But that, my friends, is the WHOLE FRICKIN’ POINT.
Why care? Because you’re probably sick of the hordes on the beach. You probably want to EAT. And you probably want to experience something real, not a manufactured tourist experience. Camas, is, for lack of a better term, *real*. It's where you’ll find the *actual* tapas bars, the ones where a plate of gambas al ajillo comes with a free shot of something fiery and vaguely illegal-tasting, and where the abuela behind the bar probably knows more about your life than you do.
Honestly, I stumbled upon Camas by accident. Got off the bus at the wrong stop, cursing my lack of Spanish and general inability to follow a map. Ended up in this tiny, sun-drenched square. And now? Now I tell everyone. I'm practically a Camas evangelist, even though the thought of the locals reading this makes me sweat. They're *opinionated*, those Camas folks. But more on that later…
Okay, You've Got Me Hooked. What's the Vibe? Is it Safe? (Because, You Know, "Hidden Gem" Often Means... Sketchy.)
Safety first! Camas isn't some lawless wasteland. It's a *community*. Picture this: You wander down a narrow cobblestone street, smelling the scent of roasting chorizo, and you're immediately met with a chorus of "Hola!"...followed by a suspicious stare. Okay, maybe not suspicion; more like a slightly weary assessment of your tourist capabilities. I once dropped a map (again, map skills...zero) and three different people rushed to pick it up, arguing over whose job it was. It’s that kind of vibe.
The vibe is…*lived-in*. People actually *live* there, not just hotels and overpriced souvenir shops. Think laundry flapping in the breeze, the constant purr of scooters, the smell of fresh bread at 7 AM. It's a sensory overload, but in the BEST way. Just use common sense, like anywhere. Don't flash wads of cash. Keep an eye on your stuff. And for the love of all that is holy, learn a few basic Spanish phrases. "Por favor" and "gracias" will get you *very* far.
Oh yeah, and one more thing: Prepare to see some seriously fashionable grandmas. They’re the style icons of Malaga, trust me. I saw one the other day in a leopard print ensemble that would give Versace nightmares. Absolutely fabulous.
Okay, But *Specifically* What Can I Do There? Give Me the Goods!
Alright, let's get to the good stuff. If you’re expecting Disneyland-style attractions, go somewhere else. If you’re expecting authenticity, then you’re in the right place. Camas offers a taste of 'real' life.
- Tapas Crawling: This is the MAIN EVENT. Seriously. Start at Bar Pepe (ask for Pepe – there probably will be a Pepe), then stumble your way through every other tiny bar you can find. Order whatever looks good (and don't be afraid to point – your lack of Spanish is charming, mostly). Try the *espetos* (sardines grilled on a skewer – AMAZING) and, for the love of all that is holy, the *jamón ibérico*. My first time? Ordered a plate, ate the WHOLE thing, then promptly ordered another. It was a religious experience.
- People Watching: Find a bench in the main square (if you can snag one – it can get competitive) and just OBSERVE. The drama! The romance! The shouting! It's better than any Netflix series.
- The Market (Mercado): Okay, this is where it gets messy. The market is a riot of colors, smells, and…well, let’s just say you'll be tempted to buy everything you see. Fresh produce, seafood that practically leaps off the counter, and enough cheese to give you a week of glorious nightmares. Go early to beat the crowds (and the locals who know the *good* stuff).
- The Beach (Kind Of): Okay, it's not *Camas Beach*. But you're a short walk from the actual beach! Take a break from the city to breathe fresh air.
- Get Lost (Seriously): Wander the side streets. That’s where the real magic happens. Just…try not to get *too* lost.
Do I Need to Speak Spanish? (Pray Tell, I'm Awful at It!)
Look, your Spanish doesn't need to be fluent, but a few basic phrases will go a long damn way. Trust me. I am the queen of terrible Spanish, and I eventually learn it the hard way (mostly by getting lost and making a fool out of myself… repeatedly).
Some people might roll their eyes and start speaking English (which is fine!), but making an effort is *key*. Even a bumbling "Hola," a sheepish "Por favor," and a grateful "Gracias" will show that you are trying and that will win you serious points. You could also take a phrase book, but you can also use Google Translate and be better than me. I recommend going the old school route. I'm terrible at technology! And they appreciate the effort!
Besides, you’ll learn more by attempting, failing, and trying again. And, bonus! You’ll get some amazing reactions. One time I tried to order a beer and ended up explaining my entire life story to the bartender. He was thoroughly amused. That’s the Camas way.
Finding a place to stay: where should I be looking?
Okay, lodging in Camas. Now, I've got a confession: I haven't *actually* stayed *in* Camas. I have stayed on the outskirts to be closer to the airport and the beach. But here's where my practical recommendation turns into a suggestion you can explore!
Option 1: Apartments rentals through airbnb. Be sure to check the neighborhood. Also, be prepared to be on the more remote end for this type of holiday. Some apartments are a little rough around the edges. Honestly, this is just part of the Camas charm. Expect a few odd noises!
Option 2: Other than AirBNB and apartments, don't be afraid to check out hostels (which, by the way, the ones in the area are pretty close). These are great ways to meet people and to get some insight in the region. It's a safe bet that someone there had a wonderful experience.
