Penny McCormick succumbs to the allure of Marbella …
Main Image; El Venero, the villa of Hector and Chico Ayala, Marbella, 1967, by Slim Aarons.
Marbella has a lot to offer, despite its flashy reputation,” says Irish hotelier John Brennan, who has been a fan for 20 years. He invested in a property there, initially against his wife’s wishes (“we couldn’t afford the mortgage”) and says it was the best decision he ever made. “The 27km of promenade to walk or cycle each day, no pubs, winter heat and direct daily flights from Ireland are the icing on the cake,” he says. One of Brennan’s favourite haunts for seafood is Trocadero Arena, located in the Río Real beach area, which retains the essence of an authentic chiringuito or beach shack. Another is Casanis Bistrot in the Old Town, which combines creative French and Belgian influences. www.casanisbistrot.com.
The Marbella Club for Sunday lunch is another mustdo. Brennan recommends La Fonda Heritage Hotel tucked within a colourful labyrinth of cobbled lanes and tapas bars in the Old Town. It has just reopened as a Relais & Châteaux hotel, comprising three restored historical buildings which were integral to Marbella’s “golden years” when society photographer Slim Aarons visited and documented the jet set at play (this series of photographs is available on www.jonathanadler.com). In its new iteration, La Fonda combines this impressive pedigree with a discreet garden, terrace and bar, just 700m from Venus Beach. From €329 per night. www.lafondahotel.com
Another Marbella regular, Pilates pro Eva Berg, shared her Little Black Book of recommendations prior to my first proper visit last month. Her list includes Lekune Bar for tapas in the Old Town, Origen Asador Argentino for dinner (where the waiters are dressed like polo players), and Los Sardinales on Los Alicates beach for languid lunches surrounded by multigenerational Spanish families. Berg’s favourite hotel is Puente Romano, named after the ancient Roman bridge at the centre of its sub-tropical gardens. Built in the style of an Andalusian village, it’s right on the beach with three swimming pools, an acclaimed tennis club, nine restaurants including Chiringuito, a two-Michelin star restaurant and a Six Senses Spa. Rooms cost from £379 per night. www.lhw.com.
Read more: Checking In: Amàre Beach Hotel, Marbella
Of course, Marbella’s renown is for its high-octane beach clubs, including the Ocean Club, celebrating 15 years in business. I didn’t make it on this (carb-fuelled) visit, but found enough to inspire – notably its flower-filled promenades and superb people watching. I will be back …
WHAT TO WEAR: IN CHIRINGUITO, PUENTE ROMANO
Yellow JW Anderson Anchor tote, €365; www.farfetch.com.
Brown Hunza G bikini, €190; www.brownthomas.com.
Orla Kiely X Regatta sundress, €48.95; www.very.ie.
Straw woven sandals, €66; www.monsoonlondon.com.
She is the queen of no makeup makeup and even manages to make a smokey eye look subtle. When everyone else was going for heavy contour and laminated eyebrows, she continued to promote enhancing your natural features with simple tricks and smart product placement. If you have seen any of her videos, you will notice how little product she actually uses. Even Victoria Beckham commented how surprised she was when she went to remove her makeup after a shoot with Lisa on how little product was applied.