Why Marbella will always be a destination hot spot
No carbs before Marbs might be a bit passe (it was after all, coined by a TOWIE personality way back in 2011), but seemingly, there are plenty of people who still adhere to that ethos as they prance around in almost-token swimwear which barely contains their modesty, clearly having swerved pizza on the months leading up to the trip.
But I digress, Marbella is a sophisticated destination and has much more than beach bodies to enjoy. Malaga’s Costa Del Sol, is synonymous with luxury and extravagance, celebrities, superyachts and endless sunshine. With over 20 beaches covering 27 kilometres of shoreline and an average of 320 sunny days per year on the Costa del Sol, it’s no wonder it’s a win-win for tourists who come to soak up the sandy beaches on the Golden Mile.
The infamous Puerto Banus is arguably one of Marbella’s main attractions- even if just for a day trip. Renowned for its luxurious yachts, high-end boutiques, fine dining restaurants, and vibrant nightlife and is the epitome of Marbella’s glamorous lifestyle and unsurprisingly boasts hundreds of luxury properties belonging to celebrities, footballers and Saudi royalty. Not forgetting the extravagant beach clubs including Pacha, Nikki Beach or La Cabane, where you could easily trash thousands of Euros in one night.
However, if you’d prefer to mingle with local movers and shakers, they don’t frequent the beach bars, they flock towards La Suite Club in the Hotel Puente Romano; inspired by the famous Studio 54 in New York it is a fusion of Roman architecture with a modern, industrial vibe. Whilst Aqwa Mist focusses on big name DJ nights, and offers VIP Rooms complete with a private terrace, butler service and Jacuzzis if you really want to push the boat out for a hedonistic experience.
Less flashy and more rustic, Marbella’s historic centre can be found inside the atmospheric Moorish city walls; the central square, Plaza de los Naranjos, or Orange Square is named after the abundant Andalusian orange trees that thrive in the area. Here, the vibe is totally different, and you’ll rub shoulders with locals who are happy to engage with you over a cerveza and local tapas in one of the more authentic bars. Meat eaters are in luck, as the local tapas specialties include Jamón ibérico or cured Spanish ham, ox tail (rabo de toro) and lamb chops (chuletas de cordero lechal), whilst veggies can go nuts with the fresh tomatoes and cheese board or skip the savouries and go straight for a fresh churro.
The square is bordered by narrow cobblestone streets, and traditional Andalusian whitewashed houses adorned with colourful flowers and is a complete contrast to the bustle of the new town. Just outside of the Old Town, the city’s long promenade, takes you past the city centre and it’s modern amenities: banks, high street stores and coffee shops, which is an easy option if you want to feel at home. You can also spot the Dali sculptures on Avenida del Mar; this public space in Marbella’s centre is also an open-air museum and amidst the palm trees, shrubbery and fountains. Alternatively, jump on a bike and whizz along the seafront all the way to Puerto Banus.
If you want to get away from the crowds on the main beaches, it’s worth heading west to Playa de Artola, which is within walking distance from Cabopino. The dunes are protected as a natural monument, meaning construction by the beach is prohibited. This makes Artola the only untouched beach in Marbella, as well as the cleanest; this is also a bonus for naturists, so you may see a bare botty or two!
The best place to stay to enjoy all aspects of the Golden Mile and beyond is the Adults Only Amare hotel, which boasts enough luxury to keep you occupied within the hotel and at the Beach Club or the panoramic roof terrace and it’s summer DJ’s at the Belvue Bar. Boasting a Spa, private parking, a Beach Club and bikes for hire, it’s the perfect spot to dip in and out Marbella’s buzzy scene.
I wouldn’t like to comment as to whether I withheld my carbs before Marbs, but I can assure you that I filled up on some amazing food as soon as I landed.
Sara Darling
Fused stayed at Amare Resort
For more information and to book, go to www.amarehotels.com or call 0800 084 3493 or email booking@amarehotels.com
- Rooms at Amare Marbella start from €146 per room, per night on a bed and breakfast basis and €200 per room, per night on a half board basis. This is based on two people sharing a “I Was Here” room.
- For a “Keep The Secret” room, prices start from €176 per room, per night on a bed and breakfast basis and €230 per room, per night on a half board basis, based on two people sharing a room.
- For a “Oh Là Là The One” room, prices start from €300 per room, per night on a bed and breakfast basis and €355 per room, per night on a half board basis, based on two people sharing a room. The price includes access to The One lounge, with snacks and drinks from 11am to 9 pm, one relaxing water circuit per day at the SPA by Germaine de Capuccini and a 10% discount at a wide range of local businesses.
