As you arrive at Fairmont La Hacienda, the sun slowly sets over the endless Mediterranean horizon. The resort is nestled among soft dunes, with salty breezes and the constant murmur of the sea all around. Everything here invites you to slow down and embrace a way of life where luxury is calm, not ostentatious. Right in the middle of this landscape is Dalmar, the gastronomic space of Benito Gómez, one of Andalusia’s most unique chefs. Dalmar is not just another hotel restaurant; it is an experience that completes the journey of travellers attracted by the magnetism of the south, who inevitably end up wanting to stay.
Gómez has been described in many ways — as rebellious, non-conformist and visceral — but he prefers to talk about freedom. He is free to cook without constraints, to escape the drama that sometimes accompanies haute cuisine, and to create a place where the product has its own voice. It was this that convinced him to embark on the Dalmar adventure at Fairmont La Hacienda — a project that exudes ambition without losing authenticity. “I wanted to cook with truth,” he has said on more than one occasion. That sincerity is evident in every dish.
Dalmar is inspired by its surroundings. The sea is ever-present, seemingly coming in through the windows, and sets the pace for a menu featuring impeccable fish dishes that evoke the coast, with subtle nods to Andalusian tradition. The cuisine is crafted from raw ingredients with precise technique, but without artifice — a balance that only a chef with his experience could achieve. Diners can create their own menu, order à la carte or let themselves be guided; there are no impositions. Everything flows naturally, like the light that bathes the dining room.
The restaurant is the starting point for a wider journey. Because if there is one thing that defines Fairmont La Hacienda, it is its ability to seamlessly combine location and cuisine.
There are few places in Europe where you can wake up to sea views, enjoy breakfast to the sound of the Levante wind and be on the first tee of La Hacienda Links Golf Resort — one of southern Spain’s most unique courses — within minutes. The course hugs the coastline, offering a blend of spaciousness and strategy that appeals to players of all levels. It is not an intimidating course, but one that invites you back with its wind, horizon and design that rewards creativity.
After completing the 18 holes, returning to the hotel becomes something of a ritual. There are bright rooms where the sound of the sea can be heard, attentive service and a new 1,800 m² spa which opened in 2025. This unique space offers panoramic views of the sea and mountains. It offers hydrotherapy, contrasts, a sauna, a hammam, a Turkish bath, a steam room, restorative treatments, advanced facials, yoga and a fitness area, providing everything needed to relax and unwind after an intense day. The spacious, well-equipped gym is perfect for those who don’t want to give up training, even on holiday.
In the evening, Dalmar’s promise lights everything up again: embers, Mediterranean aromas, dishes that respect the purity of the product, and an atmosphere that achieves something difficult in a luxury resort — making you feel close to others. Gómez defines it as ‘a restaurant to enjoy, nothing more’, and perhaps that is where its magic lies. It does not seek to dazzle with fireworks, but to thrill with flavour. Its cuisine is a natural extension of the place: simple in appearance yet profound in intention.
Fairmont La Hacienda has achieved what few destinations manage: a complete experience where every element — the hotel, the surroundings, the golf course, the cuisine and the spa — interacts with the others.
Travellers seeking rest find inspiration here; golf lovers discover a course where the landscape is their playing partner; and those who sit down at Dalmar understand that true luxury is about how it makes you feel.
It’s a place to return to. Perhaps even to stay a little longer than planned.