The best Marbella hotels for 2024
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Marbella has come a long way since the mid-20th century, evolving from a humble fishing village into a destination known for beach clubs, golf and millionaires. Crowds arrive at its hotels every summer having spent the rest of the year prepping their beach bodies and designer outfits. But despite its flashy reputation, there are different faces to Marbs, including efforts to draw greater attention to its history and authentically Andalusian character. From the yachts of Puerto Banús to the charming, picturesque heritage of the Old Town, it seems like Marbella’s got it all. These are the Marbella hotels to book for your dose of Spanish sunshine.
Marbella Club
When the exiled Prince Alfonso von Hohenlohe bought this former Cortijo in the 1950s, he created the perfect hideaway for the rich and famous. Today, you can walk in the footsteps of Brigitte Bardot and Grace Kelly along the bougainvillaea-lined pathways and soak up the vintage glamour of the place. Herbs, vegetables and tomatoes are grown on-site and the wellness space is a lush, natural sanctuary for holistic treatments set to the sound of chirping birds. The hotel is even offering bespoke group retreats this year, covering everything from stress and exhaustion to nutrition and fitness.
La Ciudadela
Not one hotel, but three: La Ciudadela is a new collection of stylish boutique hotels with a mission to draw visitors to the historic centre of Marbella. The three properties – Maison Ardois, Santo Cristo and El Castillo – are the base from which to fall in love with the Old Town, home to Phoenician, Roman and Moorish history, whose narrow, winding streets lead through whitewashed buildings and charming plazas. Their rooftop bars have views across the town, the coast and the mountains, while both locals and guests can dine at two restaurants – AFuego, which focuses on grilled meat and fish, and Thaissence, a flavour-packed adventure through Thai-Peruvian cuisine.
Hotel Claude
In the 1970s, this was the home of a French opera singer named Claude Devoize. Today, the hotel retains her name and paintings of instruments and musicians hang on the walls of the cosy patio to keep the sense of music alive. Its seven bedrooms are themed around various provinces of Andalucia, from the Alhambra palace of Granda to the caliphate of Cordoba, while the rooftop terrace has green and white tiled flooring – the colours of the Andalusian flag. Located in the Old Town, Hotel Claude has homely bars and bistros on its doorstep.
Puente Romano
Embrace the flashy fun of Marbella at this resort which epitomises Costa del Sol’s joyful, laidback living. It is built around (and named after) an ancient Roman bridge said to date back to the year 1 AD. Water trickles across the grounds, from small streams and ponds to the three shimmering swimming pools, one of which is set by the Six Senses spa. Try the catch of the day at the beach restaurant Chiringuito, chomp the grilled meats at Leña (a steakhouse by famed Marbella chef Dani Garcia) or stay entertained watching the shows at the supper-spectacle SupperClub.
Amare Marbella
Spanish brand Amare’s Marbella hotel celebrates the city’s love for the sea - and just walking through the spacious, white and blue interiors feels a bit like taking a refreshing dip. The hours will easily float by while lounging on one of the 50 sunbeds down at Amare’s beach club, or having a lavender wax treatment in the spa – and things get lively by the pool, with a DJ and a live saxophonist. Located on the Golden Mile promenade, guests are walking distance from the Old Town and can cycle 30 minutes to Puerto Banus. This vibrant, adults-only hotel also has a sister property in Ibiza.
Stevens FrémontCasa La Concha
This collection of six bungalows is a chance for calm and disconnection, with a serene saltwater pool and 5,000 square metres of gardens filled with tropical and Mediterranean plants. French artist Marie-Hélène Burot set up this boutique hotel and gave it a rustic feel with hammocks, thatched umbrellas, as well as eclectic artworks and worldly decoration. Casa La Concha is also one for yoga lovers, offering a range of retreats and other well-being activities like meditation, massages and art therapy.
Sunny SeptemberAnantara Villa Padierna
It may be a half-hour drive from the centre, but Anantara’s only Spanish property is an opulent palazzo for those with a strong sense of beauty, and any round-up on the most lavish Marbella hotels would be incomplete without it. Once a stately home belonging to the Count of Villa Padierna – a local dandy notorious for his lavish lifestyle – this palatial hideaway is a spectacle, from the striking ochre-pink building to the splendid interior filled with paintings, sculptures and tapestries. Its enormous Roman spa offers sensational hydrotherapy, hammam, aromatherapy rooms and more, while restaurants like La Veranda and La Loggia celebrate Italian, French, and Spanish decadence.
Dani BarbaranBoho Club
In the former Swedish Forestry Centre, this bohemian retreat is spread across an orchard of palm and banana trees. Some of the rooms overlook the turquoise pool while others are in private bungalows, all smartly designed with tasteful colours and inviting materials. The resort has an impressive art collection, displayed in its on-site gallery as well as around the gardens, including works by American photographer David LaChapelle and two mirrored steel pieces by British sculptor Richard Hudson.
Nobu Marbella
A flavour of Japanese urban chic meets Spanish coastal living at this 80-room hotel found within the Puente Romano resort. Wood and marble make for a slick, stylish space and guests have priority access to the Nobu restaurant for a mouth-watering taste of Nobu Matsuhisa’s world-famous Japanese fine dining. The black cod in miso sauce, in particular, is divine, as is the cheesecake with yuzu and strawberry sorbet. Chef Eleni Manousou is at the helm here – book a masterclass with her to learn some of the Nobu culinary secrets.
Chiara CadedduLa Zambra
Set to open in August after a decade of closure, this is the new incarnation of the iconic Byblos Hotel, once host to Princess Diana and the Rolling Stones. Drive through golf courses and white villages to get to La Zambra, a tucked-away escape that’s going for a calm, and homely kind of luxury, with earthy tones, bare surfaces and muted textures. With nearly 200 rooms and access to golf courses, swimming pools and tennis courts, the revamped property near Mijas also offers two restaurants serving Mediterranean tapas and seafood, a cocktail bar and a beach bar, as well as an on-site nightclub for private hire.
Amare Marbella
Spanish brand Amare’s Marbella hotel celebrates the city’s love for the sea - and just walking through the spacious, white and blue interiors feels a bit like taking a refreshing dip. The hours will easily float by while lounging on one of the 50 sunbeds down at Amare’s beach club, or having a lavender wax treatment in the spa – and things get lively by the pool, with a DJ and a live saxophonist. Located on the Golden Mile promenade, guests are walking distance from the Old Town and can cycle 30 minutes to Puerto Banus. This vibrant, adults-only hotel also has a sister property in Ibiza.
HEINZ TROLLIkos Resorts, Marbella