If you like your holiday to go with a swing, then the Tamisa Golf Hotel in Fuengirola certainly fits the bill.

It is situated adjacent to the testing Los Lagos course at the Mijas Golf complex, so you can watch any budding Sergio Garcia or Annika Sorenstam close up and personal from the comfort of your own 19th hole.

The hotel is owned by John Peach, who used to run the show at the Costa Azul (now Playa Bonita) and Costa Marina in Torremuelle before moving to Tamisa in October 2005.

I was a regular visitor to Costa Marina, holding a “landmark” birthday party there in 2004. It came as a blow to hear it was closing down and being converted into holiday flats. However, that disappointment has been tempered by Peach’s move down the road to the Tamisa.

This time my arrival was all to do with another celebration – the 80th birthday of my aunt, another Costa Marina stalwart, who got to know the new hotel because of its link with fellow Scot Peach.

First impressions are important when you check in for the first time, and there was no letdown when my wife and I arrived with our bags on Easter Friday 2006.

The four-star reception area at Tamisa sparkled as we were warmly greeted by the young girl at the desk and handed the key to our room on the first floor. Heavily laden, we opted to take the lift, eager to check out our weekend base. It did not disappoint.

The air-conditioned room, like all others at Tamisa, was to the rear of the hotel, away from the busy road, with great views from the private terrace over the pool and golf course, and, beyond, the amazing backdrop of the Mijas mountains. A scenic stunner straight off, and our accommodation was a match.

Generous bedroom area, with TV, mini bar and such, and a sumptuous bathroom, with “his” and “hers” wash basins, power shower (and bath), hairdrier and the like.

We were glowing with admiration when we headed down for the champagne reception ahead of the birthday party, and the sparkle lasted into the wee, small hours after a delicious meal served up in the cosy dining room. Auntie was well pleased, and so were all her guests. Truly a night to remember on a birthday to remember.

Next morning saw me head down to the hotel’s indoor heated pool to swim a few lengths and clear the head before returning to the restaurant for more bubbly at breakfast. The chilled cava hit the spot, and so did the food on offer.

The self-serve buffet choice was more five-star than four, with lots of hot and cold dishes available, as well as the opportunity to carve some ham straight off the bone. Delicioso! After that feast, we party guests headed straight outside to enjoy the warm April sunshine poolside, and watch the golfers pit their skills over Los Lagos.

The rest of the weekend passed in a blur (blame the cava for that) but our memories of Tamisa Golf will live long.
It is by no means a budget choice for any would-be traveller, but if you don’t mind paying a bit extra for guaranteed class and comfort, then John Peach’s “palace” is certainly worth considering.

Although just a mile or so out of Fuengirola, on the road to Coin, the hotel is a bit isolated, so a rental car is well worth considering to ferry you in and out of town.

As well as hotel rooms, Peach can offer guests bed and breakfast accommodation in the adjacent block (same stunning views), which would cost 30 euros per person per day for a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment with terrace.
This allows use of all Tamisa facilities, as well as a 20% discount in the main restaurant.

There are special deals for golfing parties to play over Los Lagos and Los Olivos at the adjoining Mijas complex, as well as the magnificent Santana layout, just a few miles up the road.

The hotel also has a “Wellness Centre”, with a sauna, gymnasium, Jacuzzi and cosmetic studio in tandem with the indoor pool.

Weddings are also a speciality of the hotel, with a dedicated planner on hand to make sure the big day goes smoothly. Bride and groom might choose to have their ceremony in the gardens under the pergola overlooking the golf course. Wonderful spot.

The Tamisa Golf may have only 24 rooms, but dispels the notion that biggest is best. It offers good, old-fashioned Scottish hospitality in a memorable Spanish setting.
As hotels go, it is truly a Peach of a place!