Externally, the hotel curves around the swimming pool in traditional Spanish style. Bougainvillea cascade around balconies that extend from most bedrooms, but the curve, whilst delighting the eye externally, has led to odd spaces and awkward shapes for rooms internally.

I have always been a believer that the best hotels are designed from the inside out. The challenge is to generate good quality architecture around the functional requirements of a building. It is always disappointing to see the architect laying down an external order that compromises the working for both the interior designer and operator. Disappointing but not surprising.

At the Mar Menor, interior design shows a traditional Moorish influence in the styling, which is most evident in the luxurious treatment of the Spa areas. Here the design is opulent, functional and traditional - difficult tastes to combine, but one that has been worked well here.

The large reception desk opens into a small café and boutique area from which leads a corridor into the spa. There is an indoor pool, treatment rooms and so on - all in a Spanish Moorish styling which provides subtlety of colour as well as appropriate materials. Materials include terracotta tiles and marble and granites. The lighting levels are well judged. There is a variety of variations on lanterns that provide a decorative light across plaster and stone.

The atmosphere within the spa is of subdued and relaxing opulence - just as it should be of course.

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