Why Malaga is a Top MICE Destination: Sam’s FULL REVIEW

11 April 2025

I had the delightful opportunity to visit Malaga in April 2025, thanks to an invitation from Avenue Sales on behalf of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Avenue Sales is known for its exceptional hospitality and representation in the luxury hotel sector, connecting travelers with unique and high-quality experiences. Small Luxury Hotels of the World is a collection of independently owned luxury hotels and resorts – 620 hotels in more than 90 countries! – that take pride in providing exceptional service and unforgettable experiences tailored to their guests.

Upon arrival in Malaga, I was greeted with the charm of the city and proceeded to check in at my beautiful bedroom at Palacio Solecio. This stunning hotel, a blend of historical elegance and contemporary comfort, is located in a restored 18th-century palace. The attention to detail in the decor and the warm hospitality made it the perfect base for my adventures in Malaga. It is truly a unique place where relaxing and discovering Malaga are made possible.

After settling in, I took a stroll around the town to get my bearings (and, of course, purchase some sun cream!). The vibrant atmosphere of Malaga was invigorating, and I couldn’t wait for what was to come. Back at the hotel, I changed and prepared for what would be a spectacular evening.

That night, I joined a small group of six agents for dinner at the hotel restaurant, where we were welcomed by Paloma and Sandra. They were wonderfully fun and professional representatives of the hotel, embodying the warmth of Spanish hospitality. The dinner was exquisite—our menu featured prawn croquettes, the area’s famous sardines, and sea bass cooked to perfection. The food was a highlight of the trip; the Spanish truly know how to cook, and the Andalusians have their seafood skills down to an art.

After dinner, we ventured into the center of Malaga, just a short three-minute walk from the hotel, and enjoyed the vibrant nightlife. Later, I tucked into one of the comfiest beds I’ve ever experienced—a true delight after an exciting day!

The next morning, we awoke to explore the meeting and events capacities of Palacio Solecio. This hotel boasts versatile spaces that cater to various MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) offerings. From intimate meeting rooms to quaint courtyard spaces, the hotel can accommodate events of all sizes, making it an excellent choice for corporate gatherings in a stunning environment. their terrace is also a delight in the midst of the bustling city, underneath the watch of the church steeple.

We then embarked on a fun and engaging GPS hunt around the city with the team from Experience Box. Our group was split into two competitive teams, and I’m proud to say that our team emerged victorious! Gemma from the hotel joined us and shared her knowledge and firsthand experiences of living in Malaga and working in the events sector. She struck the perfect balance between personable and professional, making her a trustworthy resource for any event planner.

For lunch, we were treated to a meal in a truly stunning setting at Trocadero Casa de Botes. This venue offered a magnificent atmosphere with delicious food, including their famous fish paella and seared entrecôte steaks. For events, the ground floor can host up to 300 standing guests and boasts an amazing al fresco terrace alongside quirky interiors. The upper level is ideal for private dinners, and the two rooftop terraces offer breath-taking views of the city, the port, and the beach—a 360-degree experience of Malaga’s beauty.

Our next adventure was a flamenco show at Alegria in Malaga. Flamenco is deeply rooted in Andalusian culture, and attending a show is not just a fantastic entertainment option but also a meaningful way for corporate groups to engage with the local heritage and connect with each other through the passion of the dance.

As the afternoon continued, we were whisked away to an unassuming venue near the hotel for an enlightening olive oil tasting. The talk about olive oil was enlightening and held the entire group’s attention. It was fascinating to immerse ourselves in the world of Andalusia, where the production of olive oil is not only essential for the region but for Spain as a whole.

The dinner that followed was yet another highlight at a venue called Los Patios de Beatas. The ambiance was charming, and the cuisine continued to impress, making it a perfect wrap-up to our day of culinary delights.

On our third day, we enjoyed a scenic 45-minute bus journey early in the morning, leading us to the start of the Caminito del Rey. This breathtaking walkway, suspended above steep gorges, offered some thrilling views—but I must admit, it was a bit terrifying at times!

We concluded our journey with a lovely tapas-style lunch back at Palacio Solecio’s terrace, where we expressed our warm thanks to our hosts, debriefed from the weekend, and asked more questions about Malaga as a destination and the hotel’s offerings.

Malaga MICE corporate events olive oil tasting

Immense gratitude goes to our hosts for teaching us all about this incredible city and its MICE offerings. I can say with full certainty: we will be back! Please do get in contact with Sam to find out more about any of the venues mentioned, to plan a corporate event in Malaga or even to have a chat as to why going international may be the natural progression of your future corporate events.