Benidorm, Spain
Benidorm’s 5-star retreat with Asian gardens, a Thai Spa, and dining across several restaurants and bars.
Our review
After driving along pretty uninspiring urban roads, one enters a smart neighbourhood with flower-lined carriageways and Jacaranda trees. Then a huge metal needle structure on a roundabout marks the spot where you turn off into the hotel.
It soon becomes obvious why this hotel is called Asia Gardens: it has a deliberate Asian feel – rather like a mini Thailand – water fountains, other water features filled with goldfish, an Asian spa and planting of Asian trees in the 100 acre site.
The reception lobby is a striking hangar-like structure with a central opening over the lower ground floor and a huge wooden roof with exposed beams that dwarf everything. Velvet covered chesterfield sofas and pieces of modern art fill the spacious four-sided lobby. One side is the entrance, one the reception area, another leads to a terrace with views over the grounds and the other has a Champagne bar and access to the lifts.
There are five main low-rise buildings, all in salmon pink rendering, dotted around the extensive grounds. Crazy paved paths weave through goldfish filled ponds, over wooden bridges, around grassy areas with neat flower borders and on to the five outdoor pools. A feature of the hotel are these large, well maintained garden areas, with not a leaf out of place, the eight gardeners working very hard to keep it all immaculate. Adult and child areas are kept separate with one pool for families only and one pool for guests with suites only. The family pool has a lifeguard. The other pools are for all to use and are surrounded with sunbeds. The kids club is near the family pool and use is complimentary. Open during peak season for most of the day, it can take 50 children aged 4 to 11.
The hotel opened in 2008. A 175-year-old bonsai tree is star of the show, joining 300 different plant species in all, most of them from Asia. There are 311 rooms including 22 suites, all with terrace or balcony. Half the rooms have a sea view.
We had a very private balcony with room for sitting and enjoying the sun or relaxing with a drink and a book. The bed was extremely comfortable. A sliding Asian-style door led to the bathroom. The shower was easy to use with non slip strips and I was pleased the deep bath had had grab rails. Ample fluffy towels were provided.
The spa looked gorgeous with all Thai staff providing treatments in five rooms. Free use of the spa pool is available with treatments. The gym had natural light and views to the gardens.
We tried the Thai restaurant one night and had a pleasant meal with good service. The other restaurant – In Black – is gourmet Spanish and Mediterranean and for adults only. Both restaurants, sited next to each other, had outside areas for al fresco dining. There are other eating options at the hotel serving fish and snack meals.
Breakfast was perfectly good and we chose to sit outside, which was very pleasant. Tea and coffee is brought to the table, everything else is self-service. The buffet food was of high quality and there was nothing to complain about.
There are two golf courses nearby, designed by Jack Nicklaus and the hotel can arrange free transfer.
There are several theme parks nearby. The hotel can arrange a return shuttle service for around 18 euros per family.
My one niggle is the Asian music playing everywhere – even in the corridors – that can become a bit wearing; and I certainly didn’t like the cheesy cover music played very loud in the bar one night.
But these are minor issues and overall I felt it was a lovely hotel that would appeal to both adults and those with children, who want a bit of sun and pampering in an unusual, Asian setting.
Rooms
The Barceló Asia Gardens Hotel and Thai Spa offers approximately 300 spacious rooms and suites. Accommodation is designed in Balinese style, featuring natural materials, warm tones and refined finishes. Most rooms include private balconies or terraces with views of the gardens, pools or surrounding pine forests. Suites provide separate living areas and enhanced space, with generous bathrooms and premium amenities.
Food and Drink
The hotel offers a varied dining selection across multiple restaurants and bars. Guests can enjoy Asian cuisine with flavours inspired by Thailand, Indonesia and India, alongside Mediterranean and international options. A buffet restaurant provides relaxed all‑day dining, while à la carte venues focus on Asian and Mediterranean specialities.
Several bars are located throughout the resort, including poolside bars and a piano bar, serving cocktails, wines and light refreshments. Dining spaces are set within gardens or alongside pools, enhancing the resort’s tranquil atmosphere. The hotel does not hold Michelin restaurant awards.
Wellness
The Thai Spa is a central feature of the resort, offering a curated range of traditional Thai massages and wellness treatments. Treatments are delivered in dedicated spa facilities inspired by South‑East Asian design. The spa includes a heated indoor pool, sauna and relaxation areas. A fully equipped fitness centre is also available for guests.
Facilities
- Tropical landscaped gardens
- Multiple outdoor swimming pools, including heated pools
- Thai Spa and wellness centre
- Indoor spa pool and sauna
- Fitness centre
- Several restaurants and bars
- Children’s club and family facilities
- Tennis court
- 24‑hour reception
- Room service
- Free Wi‑Fi
- Event and meeting facilities
Location
The hotel is located on the slopes of the Sierra Cortina hills near Benidorm, offering elevated views across the Costa Blanca. It sits close to attractions such as Terra Mítica theme park and several golf courses, while Benidorm’s beaches and town centre are a short drive away. Alicante Airport is approximately 30 minutes by car.
Getting there
Address: Área de Terra Mítica, Avda. Eduardo Zaplana, s/n, 03502 Benidorm, Spain
Arriving by air: Alicante Airport – Located 21 miles (35 km) 53 minutes away by car.
More information
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* Note: The hotel review was last updated in early 2026. Please let us know if you spot any factual errors.