I had the pleasure of visiting and experiencing Malaga and the Costa-del-Sol with Great Hotels of the World and Illunion Hotels, Malaga Convention Bureau, the Spanish Tourist Office, and a number of incredible suppliers who kept us entertained throughout!
Malaga is increasingly becoming a top destination for corporate events and incentive travel for several reasons;
Its Strategic Location: Malaga is well connected by air, road and rail. Malaga airport offers direct flights to most European cities and beyond, making it accessible for international attendees.
Favourable Weather: Malaga is known as Europe's sunniest city, boasting a mild climate all year-round with 300 days of sunshine and Europe's warmest winters.
Inspiring Environments and Cultural & Leisure Activities: Malaga's beautiful setting, with coastal charm and historical landmarks, provide a unique backdrop that stimulates creativity and productivity. Malaga also offers plenty of cultural and recreational activities, and is home to museums, galleries, historical sites, local cuisine and beautiful beaches, ensuring that corporate guests have an enriching experience.
Cost Effective: Compared to other major European cities, Malaga tends to be more affordable, making it an attractive option for companies looking for value while still offering high standard of service.
Sustainability and Green Spaces: Malaga has been focusing on sustainability with initiatives like green spaces, eco-friendly transport options, and sustainable event practices.
Altogether, Malaga offers a blend of modern infrastructure, beautiful surroundings, and cultural richness, making it an excellent choice for a successful corporate event.
ILUNION Hotels and Event Venues
I stayed at the ILUNION Hotel in Malaga, a modern hotel located in a vibrant area, just a 15-minute drive from Malaga Airport (AGP). It provides easy access to Malaga's attractions like their historic city, Picasso Museum, traditional restaurants, Mijas and Costa-del-Sol beaches.
The Hotel provides 8 elegant and modern event spaces, accommodating different group sizes, from 18 in a boardroom setup to 420 in a theatre setup. The Forum Room particularly caught my attention; it can host up to 250 guests for a dinner. This contemporary area features natural daylight, high ceilings, and neutral tones. The Sunken Courtyard complements The Forum perfectly for breakout sessions or a drinks reception.
ILUNION Hotels are known for their dedication to accessibility, hiring individuals with disabilities, and ensuring that their properties are accessible to all visitors. They also prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility by adopting eco-friendly practices like minimizing energy use, utilizing sustainable materials, and encouraging recycling throughout all their locations.
A Variety of Activities in Costa-del-Sol
Activities in Malaga and Mijas can enrich your corporate events, blending work with leisure. Here are some ways to enhance the attendee experience:
Picasso Museum
Malaga is the birth place of Pablo Picasso and is home to the Picasso Museum, a major art museum boasting 200 works by Picasso spanning different periods of his artistic evolution. Each piece was donated by his family after he passes, most of which were works of art or pieces he never published.
The museum can also be used for private events, such as Private Tours, Cocktail Receptions, or Gala Dinners. The venues striking architecture, combined with the rich cultural atmosphere created by the Picasso artworks, offers and extraordinary backdrop
for private events.
Chocolate Making
Mijas is home to The Mayan Monkey Chocolate Factory, a small, family-run business in the heart of the town offering hands-on team building activities such as chocolate making and decorating, as well as learning about sustainable and eco-friendly chocolate making practices.
They also offer in house packaging which can include custom design, perfect for adding company logos or memorabilia.
Flamenco Percussion
Another fun team building activity for delegates includes a Flamenco Percussion session. Flamenco is a passionate art form originating from southern Spain, particularly Andalusia.
As a group we learnt Palmas, a clapping technique, Cajon, a drumming technique, and Palillos, bamboo sticks that clap together.
Traditional Food: A Culinary Journey
No visit to Malaga or Costa-del-Sol is complete without sampling the local cuisine. The region is known for its exquisite tapas, small dishes perfect for sharing. This culinary tradition is great for fostering connections during meals.
Must-visit Restaurants
Some must-visit restaurants offering traditional cuisine:
El Pimpi is a famous bar and restaurant in Malaga, renowned for its traditional Andalusian atmosphere, excellent food, and iconic wine list. It is located in the historic centre of Malaga. It is a popular spot for celebrities and artists, and many famous names have signed the walls.
La Pergola is ideally located near Malaga's seafront, offering stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, traditional Mediterranean and Andalusian cuisine, and a popular outdoor terrace.
Incorporating interactive culinary experiences such as tapas tasting tours or cooking classes into your event fosters teamwork and allows participants to discover local culture.
Final Thoughts
Malaga and Mijas shine as premier choices for corporate events, blending captivating venues, rich cultural experiences, and delightful cuisine. By stepping away from typical settings, these cities allow participants to engage in relaxed environments and appreciate the charm of Southern Spain.
Regardless of whether you're organizing a large conference or an intimate retreat, integrating elements of the local culture and cuisine will ensure a memorable experience for all involved. Consider Malaga and Mijas for your next event, and let the charm of these areas elevate your gathering beyond the ordinary.
Written by Daisy Kettle
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