A PERFECT WEEK IN MARBELLA
Contributor - Andrew Barnes | Lifestyle Consultant • 4/17/25
If you hear “325 days of sun” and you think to yourself, that sounds idyllic, I have got the perfect year-round destination for you. Marbella is the perfect package for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or even an excellent place for a solo getaway. And I should know! I recently spent a week visiting our top luxury partners in Marbella and got to get the inside scoop. With incredible hotel choices, fun day trips, and the best of the best for food and beverage, you won’t ever want to leave.
WHERE I STAYED:
I started my week at the incredible Marbella Club Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa. This luxury beachfront resort, located on Marbella's prestigious Golden Mile in Spain's Costa del Sol, was established in 1954 and combines classic elegance with modern amenities. Nestled in between Marbella's Old Town and Puerto Banús, Marbella club offers easy access to cultural sites and vibrant nightlife. Set in 42,000 square meters of lush subtropical gardens, you can choose between 37 different rooms, 78 suites, or one of their 14 villas, and you can’t make a wrong choice. Each room is unique and there is something for everyone. Can’t decide which to choose? That’s where we come in. We will help match you to the perfect style for you and your travel companions. Did I mention they have an insane Thalasso Spa with rooms with stunning garden and ocean views. With a heavy focus on wellness and relaxation, you can take a moment and catch your breath while breathing in that beautiful, fresh, saltwater air.
Worried that there is not enough for your kids? Think again! They have a massive kids club (we are talking 5,000 sq meters) for kids up to 18 years old. This is not your average kids club. They will have the chance to forage for ingredients with the chefs, have plenty of beach and water time, and much, much more. I didn’t even want to leave and I’m just a bit older than the age cut-off.
If you are looking for more of a lively atmosphere, look no further that Puente Romano, where I spent the second half of my week. Puente Romano is built to resemble an Andalusian village, with windy roads and 100,000 square meters of gardens, you could easily get lost roaming the grounds (but never fear, with their incredible staff, you won’t get too far before someone points you in the right direction). Location is key when picking your perfect accommodation, because once again, you are not short of options! Entry level rooms start at just about 500 square feet and are great for families. Their suites and villas are incomparable and perfect for longer stays. They also have world-class tennis facilities (where they have hosted Davis’ Cup matches) and offer lessons with professionals at all skill levels. If tennis is too overwhelming like it is for me, you can opt for a padel lesson instead (think Pickleball, but you can play off the walls).
They also have a great kids club and lots of family-friendly activities such as water sports, ebiking, tennis, golf, education workshops, cooking classes, and world class excursions. If you aren’t sold yet, picture yourself standing on their beach club patio on a beautiful day and looking to your left and seeing the Rock of Gibraltar in its full glory. It is THAT close!
I can’t leave out Nobu Marbella from this list. While I didn’t get that chance to stay, I was able to see several of their rooms, and they are ultra-luxe and modern. If you are looking for a more intimate vibe, while still getting the amenities of the full resort, this is an excellent option for you!
WHAT I ATE:
What didn’t I eat?!?! I need to go back just to relive some of the meals I had. With an incredible 26 food and beverage options across the two properties, you can’t go wrong. They have world renown classics like Nobu, Cipriani, Coya, and Dani Garcia and Spanish staples like El Pimpi and The Girl. They both have incredible beach clubs with views that you can’t get anywhere else. Some of my best bites were the Pistachio Pizza and Veal Milanase at El Patio (Marbella Club), the Grilled Miso Eggplant (Chiringuito, Puente Romano), The Jersey Beef Entrecôte with gratin potatoes (The Grill, Marbella Club), and Kritharaki and the Frozen Greek Yogurt with Honey (Gaia, Puente Romano). Overwhelmed with choices? Our hopsitality team is standing by to make sure your itinerary is perfect.
WHAT I DID:
Other than eating?! Marbella is a great place to sit on the beach and relax all year long, but if you are looking for a day of adventure, you can find it easily. Take a day trip to Malaga (about 35 minutes by car) and take a private tour of the old fortress, a stunning feat of Arabic architecture. From the top you can see Antonia Banderas’ penthouse apartment (he is originally from Malaga and loves the city dearly). Roam the streets of Malaga and find their iconic tapas restaurants and local wines, and the best ice-cream in Spain.
Spend the night in Marbella Old Town. This was one of my favorite parts of the trip. Getting to see the iconic old town left me speechless. The church rivals that of one in Paris. The small streets make you want to get lost just to see where you will end up. They have walls of plants and flowers that serve as the background for the perfect picture. They have so many great little places to grab a bite or a local beer or wine. The highlight? There is a great, family run wine and olive oil store that offers tastings of both their famous olive oil and regional wines. They only do this for one group at a time, so you get a personalized experience that will stick with you.
Still looking for more? Take a bike ride to Port Banus. Sign up for a padel lesson. Play tennis with a pro. Get massages. Go paddle boarding. Sit by the pool. Walk down the beach. The options are endless. Our team is here to make the perfect plan for you
So, if these articles stop coming, you need to look no further than the beaches of Marbella.
Contributor — Andrew Barnes | Travel Consultant
You can always find Andrew with his nose in a book and a negroni in his hand. When he’s not designing unforgettable travel experiences, he’s building strong relationships with our top partners to ensure you get the best perks and white-glove service wherever you go. He and his pup, Waffles Marie, are fans of lazy days by the water, spirited games of pickleball, and are always on the hunt for the perfect weekend escape.
