Marbella Club – Marbella, Spain
Since it first opened its doors to guests in the heyday of the glitzy fifties’s, the Marbella Club with its aristo heritage (established by a prince and with a count as its first general manager) has been attracting the cognoscenti. For years it was the only place with a phone, so became a natural place to flock. It is a chic mix of Andalusian style – whitewash, terracotta and tiles – with contemporary design and a huge dose of glamour.
It has a prime beachfront spot on the famous Golden Mile, with the stark Sierra Blanca range behind, and sits in subtropical gardens with orange and olive groves and a long boulevard down to the sea, flanked by pretty villas. Guests are welcomed in true Mediterranean style – with open arms – and the service is seamless. The Marbella Club has a lot of stories, and a stay here will make you feel like royalty.
At A Glance
Luxury Family Hotel
Why We Love It:
For its beautiful interior design, refined elegance, delicious food & amazing Kids Club.Style:
Andalusian finca meets Californian chic.Location:
On Marbella’s Golden Mile, just a short stroll from the Old Town.Rooms:
130 rooms, suites, bungalows & villas.Swimming:
There are 3 heated swimming pools at Marbella Club, 2 are outdoor with the third located in the spa. There is also a beach nearby.Children:
One of the best Kids Clubs' around with a programme brimming with activities.Open From:
All year round.rooms
Simple yet sophisticated sums up the cool Andalusian design of the rooms, suites and villas here. Light filled and opening out onto balconies or terraces, many look out over the tropical gardens, whilst others have views of the mountains behind Marbella, or the glittering Med. Each is styled differently, with a mix of contemporary décor, relaxing earthy tones and unique design touches. Many of the rooms and suites interconnect, making them perfect for families.
food
Food and sharing top the list of the Mediterranean lifestyle, and at the Marbella Club, they are very much celebrated. Breakfasts and all-day dining at El Patio (also frequented by the locals) are a leisurely affair as you soak up the Andalusian atmosphere. And it’s tempting just to saunter from here to the Beach Club for a day of good old-fashioned people watching, sunbathing and a glass of something chilled. Mediterranean specialties are on the menu here.
For more laidback beach life, head to MC Beach which takes it cue from the traditional local chiringuitos, with fresh seafood and sangria. This is the place to be as the sun sets. Another lunch favourite is the Garden Pool – tucked away amongst the tropical vegetation, with its menu of fresh Andalusian dishes. For a healthy lunch, head to El Olivar where the menu features no refined sugar or additives and is packed with fresh produce from local producers. The Grill is a typical Andalusian restaurant with a delicious menu of classic dishes and freshly grilled meat and seafood. The Summer Bar comes alive in the evening, with guests enjoying cocktails amongst the scent of the orange groves and with a backdrop of gentle music. For a more boho vibe, then Rudi’s is the place to while away the hours. This atmospheric lounge bar also does a great range of snacks. With its extensive wine list, a visit to the Bodega is not to be missed. Make sure you have a tasting with the sommelier.
activities
The Marbella Club has drawn sun worshippers to it beach and loungers for decades – the beach club vibe here is legendary. There are also three pools from which to choose – two outdoor heated and an indoor seawater pool. For the more active guest, the tennis courts at Puente Romano, the Club’s sister hotel, are first rate – often used by top ATP players. You’ll find world-class coaches who’ll teach all ages.
The region boasts some very impressive golf courses, with the Marbella Club Golf course just a twenty minute shuttle ride away and with a complimentary green fee. Back down on the beach, there’s paddleboarding and kayaking, and scuba diving trips can be arranged. We like the one-day sailing trip on a fully crewed yacht! The Spa here is a little oasis of calm, and as well as offering a range of holistic and therapeutic treatments, there are regular yoga and meditation sessions. We definitely recommend exploring further afield, whether it’s Marbella Old Town or the beaches of Tarifa (especially if you’re a keen wind or kite surfer). Malaga, Granada, Seville and Ronda are a day trip – and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even cross the Straits of Gibraltar for a day in Tangier. Then back to your own stretch of beach for a sundowner.
family
Be prepared to lose your children for the entire day – such is the popularity of the Marbella Club kids club. Every activity, both indoor and outdoor, for children between four and fourteen, is fabulously organised and run by a team of pros. Down on the beach there’s paddle surfing and canoeing, whilst in the club’s own garden, they’ll get the chance to become green fingered. There are Spanish cookery lessons, flamenco dancing and visits from local artists to teach them pottery and painting. Golf and riding lessons can be arranged too. All the restaurants have children’s menus and there’s a babysitting service.
sustainability
Marbella is committed to both environmental and social responsibility. The club has invested in energy saving initiatives, whilst the gardens and golf course are refreshed with recycled water. All single use plastics have been eliminated and in partnership with local authorities and charities, it is involved in beach and river clean ups. It is also part of a project to protect native species of seahorses along this stretch of coastline.
Many of the vegetables are grown in the resort’s own gardens (using compost from organic food waste) and much produce is sourced from local suppliers. The majority of the workforce are from nearby and the club is active in supporting local community charities.
Location
Marbella, Spain
On Marbella’s Golden Mile, just a short stroll from the Old Town – & 35 minutes from Malaga airport.
