This was the first time we have booked a private apartment on the Internet. So we were very curious and somewhat skeptical, however, were all exceeded our expectations. Mar Azul is a beautiful resort. We lived in Brian Colling's Apartment E5 and it would not be able to find better. His website is www.marazul.iowners.net. First of all we would like to thank Brian again very much. He answered all our questions very quickly, is incredibly helpful and gracious. His apartment is within the resort in a prime location, with a beautiful garden and a few steps you are at the pool. It is extremely high quality furnishings, very modern and very clean. Inside the apartment's Brian still has a lot of information, what we might do in the area. Air-conditioning, piped music, heating, television and kitchen appliances all at a very high level. The beds are perfect, we have never slept so well, except of course at home. One of the highlights was for us and for our 11-year-old daughter, surely the big, beautiful pool with waterfalls, hidden places, etc. The staff at the Mar Azul, starting with the reception of the lifeguards, security guards, gardeners, etc., are very kind and helpful. So, who wants to Andalusia in the area of Marbella, should definitely into the Mar Azul in Brian's apartment. We will anyway go next year again and hope that Brian still has some available for us.

We had a wonderful time in Estepona. We stayed in Mak's apartment which was fantastic. The resort is amazing. The apartment was perfect for us. Beautifully furnished and luxurious. Our children age 5 and 3 especially loved the big cuddly toys and the lovely garden outside large double doors. The pool was incredible too with lots of shallow areas and a proper deep end which the boys loved jumping into. We don't usually go back to places again for holidays but this we would defiintely consider as it was great. Beaches are also close by especially El Cristo which is amazing for children (sandy and very calm water). Right next door is the Kempinski Hotel which is worth a visit too...

Have a look at www.marbellaresorts.com and www.marazulfamilyresort.com.

This was our first trip to Mar Azul in Estepona and we approached it with some trepidation despite the fantastic reviews. I can only say it is a wonderful place to have a holiday. We have 2 girls aged 3 and 7 and they were in heaven at the resort. We had planned a number of days out but only managed one day at the water park because the girls loved being at the pool so much. We stayed in Mak's apartment which was wonderful. We had a problem with the air con but both recption and Mak did everything possible to get it fixwd as soon as possible. The aprtment itself was eveything we hoped it would be. What everybody says about the staff is so true. They cannot do enough to help you with any queries you have in relation to pretty much anything! Estepona itself was ok but may have been a bit of a disappointment if not for Mar Azul itself as more international rather than a Spainish feel. Having said that we found some very nice traditional Spainish restaurants to have tapas in which was great.
Overall no complaints at all and would recommend to anybody especially those with young children.

My sister and I stayed in Brian's apartment E5 for the 4th time, on our annual "girls holiday". As usual it was fantastic, luxurious, clean, convenient etc. Thanks for keeping the high standards up Brian, you really do make it a very simple yet rewarding experience.

Believe me, I would not return to the same place if the standard was not very, very high. Some of the best things about the apartment are: Free WiFi, satellite TV, marble floors, luxurious kitchen and bathrooms, the biggest sofa bed I have ever seen and apparently the most comfortable, great staff, everything well maintained, fully equiped kitchen, dish-washer, washing machine, 20 feet to the pool from the private terrace. I read someone elses review recently which mentioned traffic noise, (I am not sure for which apartment though), but I can honestly say that I have never heard any traffic or car noises at Mar Azul pool side or Brian's apartment. Oh and in peak season (as of July 2011) there is a pool bar / restaurant and they even do take away for residents in the evening!!! What more could you ask for. Thanks Brian.