Penny McCormick succumbs to the allure of Marbella
VIBE Chic, contemporary and coastal, the hotel is a 40-minute drive from Malaga airport. The Old Town is a short stroll along the promenade.
WHAT An adults-only four-star hotel popular with young couples (including posh hen parties and honeymooners).
DECOR Sleek, all-white and minimalist with pop art touches (the hotel hosts revolving art installations). A wavy gold reception desk is a playful touch, while bamboo and vertical gardens and gorgeous scents (different on each floor) are other features.
FACILITIES Include an L-shaped outdoor pool (for afternoon shade), a gym with Technogym equipment and a spa with a hydrotherapy circuit and excellent treatments by Germaine de Capuccini.
ACTIVITIES Aside from lounging by the pool and enjoying the cool tunes of resident DJs, there are inspiring morning yoga sessions on the nearby pier twice a week. There are bicycles to hire for a gentle 30-minute cycle to Puerto Banús. (Less strenuous is arriving at the posh port by water taxi). The hotel also has a private beach club with push-button waiter service. The spa can arrange fun “Sparties” – serving a mix of cava and canapés for small groups.
ROOMS There are 236 rooms, all airy, with pale wood floors, white furniture and marble open-plan bathrooms with Molton Brown products. Most have balconies overlooking the town or coast. Room categories have interesting names (eg “I Was Here” from €146, or “Keep The Secret” from €176). The top tier “Oh Là Là The One” rooms (from €300), include a bonus: guests have access to The One lounge, where a generous selection of snacks and drinks is served from 11am-9pm. Additional benefits include spa visits and discounts at some local businesses.
DINING Breakfast and dinner is served in Mare Nostrum restaurant, which has plenty of outdoor tables. The breakfast buffet is one of the best I’ve seen, with delicious healthy hot and cold dishes. Do leave room for lunch (and some Spanish Sierra Cantabria XF rosé) at the hotel’s laidback beach club where dinner is also available with tables in the sun or shade. Belvue bar, on the ninth floor, with its wraparound terrace and panoramic views, is a wonderful spot for an evening aperitif.
VERDICT An utterly relaxing four-star gem. www.amarehotels.com.
Read more: Where To Go and What To Wear In Marbella
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