GRAN HOTEL MIRAMAR TURNS UP THE HEAT WITH NEW POOLSIDE RESTAURANT, BOTANICO

Executive Chef Diego Nicás brings seasonal Andalucian flavours to sensational new summer menus

Malaga's iconic grande dame hotel, Gran Hotel Miramar, is celebrating the height of summer with the opening of a chic new poolside restaurant, Botánico, offering the summer set a tantalising menu of local specialities and fresh flavours paired with stunning views of the Mediterranean. Continuing the celebration of Andalucia's mouth-watering, sun-soaked flavours, executive Chef Diego Nicás and his talented team have also created a special seasonal à la carte menu of authentic summer classics for the hotel's fine dining Principe de Asturias restaurant, using traditional Andalucían recipes to showcase the exceptional range of this gastronomic region's sensational local cuisine.

Complimenting the hotel's esteemed existing culinary offerings, Gran Hotel Miramar has unveiled a relaxed, new kick-back poolside venue for this season: Botanico. Showcasing quality seasonal ingredients and exciting flavours, a myriad of inspiring dishes of local meats and fresh seafood on the grill, light snacks, and refreshing hand-crafted cocktails and cool beverages are the hallmarks of the new summer venue. Dotted with cosy sunbeds, the pool area is punctuated by thoughtfully placed tables that afford guests the option of dining by the pool's edge or enjoying the verdant surrounds of the luxurious property's landscaped grounds – perfect for a relaxing drink or whiling the afternoon away.

Summer flavours continue to delight at the hotel's fine-dining establishment, Principe de Asturias, with tantalising additions to this season's à la carte menu. Strongly influenced by Malaga's regional specialities, the restaurant embraces local culture to create modern iterations of traditional flavours. Each dish has been carefully conceived to elevate comforting classics to new, innovative heights, while ensuring that the flavours of the fresh local produce still reign supreme. Dishes incorporate in-season vegetables and tropical fruits, surprising dairy products, honey and olive oils, as well as seafood brought in daily from the Mediterranean and prestigious Iberian meats from the encircling mountains.

Exclusive to this summer's menu, guests can enjoy Galician clams sautéed with Iberico ham and sherry; Ajoblanco (cold almond soup) with red tuna from Almadraba; Malaguenan salad with confit cod; Grilled tomahawk Iberian pork chop with local vegetables; and a selection of fish deep fried 'Malaga' style. The restaurant's decadent dessert menu has also received a seasonal upgrade: Caramelised white chocolate is served with Guanaja mousse and Majari sorbet; and a coconut pannacotta comes with pineapple and Malibu gel, crunchy coconut and pineapple sorbet.

While the climate and beautiful scenery is certainly a draw to Malaga, these days more people are flocking to the region for an entirely different reason. A subtropical climate and maritime location means there's plentiful fresh produce, exceptional local wine and top seafood. Malaga is coming into its own as a culinary destination, with places to discover from the city's grandest and most famous food market, the Mercado Atarazanas to the traditional family grocery stores. By contrast, the new gourmet Mercado de la Merced opened just two years ago following a major revamp, with around 25 eateries including some of the food scene's hottest newcomers as well as established Malaga names such as Casa de Guardia's new bar.

Rooms at Gran Hotel Miramar start from €236 per night including breakfast, excluding tax and service. For further information visit www.granhotelmiramarmalaga.com or call +34 952 603 000.

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Notes to Editor:

Gran Hotel Miramar is the first grand luxury hotel ever built in the ancient Andalusian city of Malaga, and is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. A historic landmark building in the old city centre which has been painstakingly restored following a two year, 65m Euros overhaul, Gran Hotel Miramar is set to become one of Europe's foremost grand dames, and firmly establish Malaga on the global luxury travel map. Set amongst beautifully landscaped grounds, this latest addition to Europe's pantheon of grand dame hotels features 200 rooms and suites; a fabulous ballroom; five restaurants and bars including a rooftop chill out zone; a spa spanning two floors; indoor and outdoor pools; and world-class meetings and events facilities.

For media enquiries or to discuss press trip opportunities please get in touch with Sarah Harvey (sarah@bacall.net) or Nat Frogley (nat@bacall.net) at Bacall Associates. Tel: +44 (0)20 7630 2880.