Situated at the eastern end of the Costa del Sol, Manilva offers visitors a wide range of facilities and great beaches near the town itself.  Located on the south western edge of Malaga, and bordering Cadiz, Manilva can be reached from Marbella and Puerto Banus in just 30 minutes.

Manilva lies 2km inland from the coast and the village of San Luis de Sabinillas (commonly known as Sabanillas) which hosts a Sunday flea market every week through the streets of the village. The small fishing village of Castillo de la Duquesa (known as Castillo) is 1.75 km to the west. Numerous developments and urbanisations have grown up around Manilva during the past five years, and one of the most popular tourist haunts is Puerto de la Duquesa.  Here you will find some fabulous bars, restaurants and cafés overlooking the boats and the marina, plus a first-class golf course.

To the east of Manilva lies the municipality of Estepona, with its traditional town and fishing port, and inland the municipality of Casares, with its Moorish cliff-hugging town, spectacular scenery and luxury housing developments. The whole area is dominated by the Sierra Bermeja Mountains, including Pico de los Reales which at 1,452 metres is 109 metres higher than Ben Nevis, and it´s not uncommon to see eagles and other birds of prey swooping around the countryside. Manilva’s has nearly 8km of beaches, ranging from rocky coves to wide sandy expanses ideal for all the family.

Manilva boasts many fine restaurants, including: Chiringuitos on the beach, cafés and fine dining establishments.  But in my opinion there is no better place to eat than The Roman Oasis Restaurant.

The Roman Oasis Restaurant is set in the Manilva countryside just 3km from the coast, and was named after the nearby Roman Baths. The Roman Baths are situated in the La Hedionda Valley, just behind Manilva, can be found Los Baños Romano la Hedionda, or the Hedionda Roman Baths.Dating from the 1st century BC it is said that no less a person than Julius Caesar regularly took the waters, and cured himself of a skin complaint, during his period as Governor of Southern Spain in the middle of that century.

The water has a high sulphur content, which is particularly concentrated in the Summer months, turning the waters a milky colour, and the source is a number of springs which originate in the huge limestone ridge of the Sierra Utrera which runs behind the town of Manilva. Although actually in the municipality of Casares the Roman Baths are actully much closer, and access is from, Manilva.

In this tropical atmosphere you can dine under the stars where flaming torches, twinkling lights and romantic background music all combine to create a special atmosphere.  This is a world away from the hustle and bustle of Marbella and Puerto Banus, and is one of the most relaxing restaurants you will find on the Costa del Sol.

Since the restaurant was first opened in 1983, it has grown in popularity and has become famous for its wood burning oven and barbecue dishes.  The service is excellent and the food is superb.  We have been here a number of times and the best thing about The Roman Oasis is its consistency.
Paul Hickling has been running the restaurant since day one, and as he says, rather tongue in cheek:´´Perhaps, you may think, only a lunatic would create a restaurant 27 years ago in the middle of nowhere, originally without the benefit of running water or electricity … Absolutely right! Born at an early age, I grew up fast in Bishop’s Stortford, England (fondly remembered as a cemetery with lights). When I entered the business world I started at the bottom selling socks in Selfridges, and, working my way up I eventually attained a degree of success. With the monetary rewards of that and of my own free will (yes folks, I can go back to England!) I came to Spain in 1978 seeking bright lights and the ‘Dolce Vita’. After indulging myself fully I then ran a piano bar in Puerto Banús, until, hearing that death is nature’s way of telling you to slow down, I decided to end my life as a night owl before it ended me!

I was driving through the countryside one day when I espied this land. Apart from it’s natural beauty I was saddened that there was no restaurant handy, and so the idea was born. I chose the name Roman Oasis because of the Roman Baths nearby and no doubt those of you who enjoy a drink will appreciate the Oasis part. Initially we did Roman style barbecues complete with gladiators, fire eaters, knife throwers and python snakes, but the lack of skyscraper hotels in the valley and the distinct shortage of Vestal Virgins on the coast spelt financial ruin. Finding it advisable to have more customers than staff prompted me to return to the twentieth century and specialise in good food and fine wines in this superb setting.

I do hope that you will enjoy everything as we would wish it and if there is anything that you need, please don’t hesitate to ask. We would be delighted to receive any compliments you may have personally, but any complaints, however, should be forwarded in a plain brown wrapper to our head office at 16 Rangoon Street, Calcutta or dropped in at any branch of MacDonald’s.´´
I love this time of year.  Not least of which because The Roman Oasis opens from June 1st to September, 30th for dinner, from 7.30pm, you can enjoy a few drinks before dinner if you choose, while relaxing in the beautiful gardens.  Cocktails are something of a speciality at The Roman Oasis, and include:  Champagne Cocktail, Oasis Frostbite, Long Island Ice Tea, Banana Quit and Piña Colada, Classic Margarita and Pimms No.1 (made properly with sprigs of fresh mint and fruit) to name but a few.

Children are well catered for with reduced menus, and there is plenty to entertain them while you peruse the menu.  Safe and fun is the Adventure Area, and a visit to the bilingual parrots is a must for most kids at the Roman Oasis.  Meat eaters and herbivores alike are well catered for at the restaurant, and you can choose from a fabulous range of barbecued meats and salads to suit all tastes.  Whether you have a small appetite or could eat for England, you will be well satisfied at the Roman Oasis.
The aptly named Brutus´ Orgy consists of Soup, salad and cold dishes, including: Home-made vegetable soup and gazpacho, Scottish smoked salmon, cheese, smoked mackerel, ham, prawns, pork pie, Carribean salad, seafood salad, an array of other salads and much more!!!

THEN AT THE BARBECUE
You can enjoy a varied selection of roast and barbecued meats such as:
roast leg of pork, barbecued spare ribs, lamb chops, chicken, Cumberland sausages and more,
all served with jacket potatoes, vegetables, gravy and sauces.
Price per person is €24.50.

BRUTUS’ ORGY BUFFET

Includes soup, salad and a fabulous selection of cold food.

Price per person is €14.00 or visit the barbecue for €15 per person.

UNDER 12s

A visit to the barbecue or Brutus’orgy buffet — €8.50 per child.

One speciality of the house, which we would highly recommend is the delicious whole leg of lamb.  This needs to be ordered at least 24 hours in advance, and includes vegetables, potatoes, gravy and mint sauce for two people – €39.00.  If you want to share it between 3 or 4 of you, €5 per head will be charged for each extra guest above 2 persons.  You can combine this with a Brutus Starter Buffet for just €9 per head.

If you have any room left for dessert, you will be presented with a vast array of delicious goodies, plus Irish coffee, Stilton cheese and an incredible choice of over 100 ports.  The wine list is also extensive, and you will find something to suit every member of your party at the Roman Oasis. The Roman Oasis is open June 1st to September 30th for dinner
seven nights a week from 7.30pm.

RESERVATIONS:
Tel: (34) 95-289-2380 – Email: romanoasis@europe.com

DIRECTIONS:
You can take either the AP7 Toll Road (Pay) or the A7/N-340 Coast Road.

AP7 Toll Road (Pay) – Take Exit 42 Casares/Manilva. After the pay kiosk, on the roundabout take the second road, go down the hill and we are at the bottom on the left.

A7/N340 Coast Road – At Sabinillas between Km. 146 and 145 turn inland at the (Lidl’s) roundabout onto the road to the Sunday Market (Rastro de Domingo). We are 3 Kms up this road on the right.
For an orgy of fun, great food and entertainment, take a trip down to the Roman Oasis – you won´t be disappointed.