Hôtel Holiday World PolynésiaAll Inclusive in Malaga

Claire Vasseur

JustRelax travel writer · 5 min read

Some hotels merely pretend to be somewhere else; the Holiday World Polynesia fully commits to the illusion. From the moment you step into the lobby, tropical vegetation, dark wood accents and Polynesian references set an atmosphere that stands apart from the ordinary concrete seafront of the Costa del Sol. The air carries a hint of the sea, the pool shimmers just outside, and Andalusia's promised 325 days of sunshine do the rest. Benalmadena is a fantastic base: the beaches of Tajo de la Soga and Carvajal are just 350 metres on foot, while Marbella, Fuengirola and the lively port of Puerto Banús are easy day trips for those who want to explore.

Arrival

On check-in, every guest receives a wristband. This system, secured by a 25 € deposit per person refunded at departure, streamlines access to all areas of the resort and does away with the usual juggle of keys and consumption cards that can slow down an all-inclusive stay, especially with children in tow. The 328 rooms are all Junior Suite level at minimum, offering 45 m² with a full kitchenette including fridge, hob, microwave and cooking utensils. Being able to warm up a bottle or prepare a quick snack without calling room service genuinely changes the rhythm of a family holiday. Every room has a balcony or terrace, air conditioning, Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Side sea view and direct sea view options are available, as well as rooms adapted for guests with reduced mobility on request. Bathrooms come with either a bath or shower and a hairdryer. Soundproofing is solid, keeping nights quiet even in peak season.

Dining, all included

The main restaurant, Maeva, operates as a buffet for all three meals of the day. The menu is international with genuine local flavour: themed evenings punctuate the week, Mexican one night, fish-focused the next, with live show-cooking stations set against a tropical backdrop and a direct view over the Mediterranean. Between meals, from 11am to 4pm, a snack service covers hamburgers, hot dogs, pasta, salads, hot dishes and cold snacks. Local drinks with or without alcohol are included in the all-inclusive package: beer, house wine, spirits including JB, Larios, Smirnoff and Negrita, filter coffee, mineral water served by the glass, tea, hot chocolate and fruit juices. The bars, including the Tiki Snack Bar by the pool and the Tatau Snack Bar near the auditorium, serve these drinks from 9am until midnight, subject to season. Two themed restaurants are available at an extra cost. The Polynesian restaurant Ahima'a, inspired by a traditional Polynesian house, serves fragrant island cuisine. Deeper in the complex, set amid an oasis décor with a waterfall, the oriental restaurant Uru Wok brings Asian flavours to the table with wok-cooked meats and vegetables. Both carry a supplement. Note that bottled mineral water, espresso and isotonic drinks are chargeable throughout the day, as are all drinks consumed after midnight. We recommend verifying the details of the all-inclusive offer directly on the Holiday World website, as inclusions may vary depending on the period and room type booked.

Days by the water

The Beach Club is the resort's beating heart in season. Open according to weather conditions and closed from 1 November 2024 to 4 April 2025, it brings together several pools including a wave pool, a hot tub, water slides and a dedicated children's area with a pirate ship and water play features. Entry to the Beach Club is included in the all-inclusive package. A shuttle service connects the main hotel to the Beach Club, the seafront water park and the other Holiday World properties in the group. Outside the Beach Club, an outdoor pool and a furnished sun terrace with sun loungers and parasols keep things going year-round. Pool towels are available against a deposit. On the sports side, a multi-sport court at the Beach Club hosts football, padel tennis, handball and basketball, with equipment available against a deposit. Mini golf and table tennis are also on offer against a deposit, and a fully equipped gym handles the cardio side of things. The Monoï Spa & Wellness Center is available at an extra cost and offers a complete thermal circuit: contrast showers, Finnish sauna, Turkish baths, ice fountain, counter-current pool, hydromassage beds, water jets, waterfalls and an in-pool aqua massage. The Tiare hair salon, hand and foot treatments and massages are also available. Children from the age of 2 may access the spa accompanied by their parents. Nearby, the Torrequebrada golf course is accessible at an additional charge.

Evening vibes

The outdoor auditorium hosts a different show every evening: dance performances, magic acts, concerts, themed nights or live music. The pace is lively without being overwhelming, suiting both families who retire early and couples looking to extend the night. For the latter, the Ukelele pub and nightclub takes over after the shows, though drinks become chargeable past midnight. The Papua cinema room provides a quieter alternative on slower evenings. The Play In leisure area, available at an extra cost, offers three bowling lanes, darts, a billiard table and arcade games for those who prefer indoor entertainment.

Who is it for?

The Holiday World Polynesia is built primarily with families in mind. The Kids Club welcomes children aged 3 to 12 during school holidays with an international programme covering swimming, games rooms, outdoor play areas, mini golf, slides, ball pools, a mini-disco and even ecology and plant care workshops. The summer camp for ages 4 to 13 is available at an additional cost. The 45 m² rooms with kitchenette comfortably handle a family of four. That said, the resort works very well for couples and seniors looking for a sun destination with no logistical headaches. Walking distance to the beach, a rich entertainment programme and a well-structured all-inclusive formula make it an ideal base for alternating on-site relaxation with day trips to Marbella or Fuengirola. Malaga Airport is approximately 22 km away, around 30 minutes by transfer.