Marbella issa vibe!
Without a doubt, this was the trip I was most looking forward to this year.
While I was stuck in quarantine at the beginning of August (yep, Mr Covid came to visit me for a while!) I was dreaming of endless white beaches and wonderful Spanish food.
I would have never imagined that my expectations would be beaten by reality.
Let’s start by saying this. Marbella is like a beautiful bubble: once you’re in, you don’t ever want to leave.
Why, I hear you ask? Because it offers literally everything you need to relax, chill and have fun.
Marbella is a very special place for many reasons – which is exactly why I’ve created this Marbella travel guide.
Its geographic position is very close to Morocco, meaning the temperature remains lovely and warm the entire year. It also means that Marbella has a unique, palpable mix of Andalusian and Arabic vibes in the air.
Let’s dive into where to stay, eat and shop in the incredible Marbella.
Where to stay
Marbella Club
Omg. How do I describe this place? I don’t even know where to begin. I think I need an extra article dedicated solely to Marbella Club (let me know if you would be interested!).
Marbella Club is like Eden on Earth – seriously.
The resort is surrounded by a huge botanical garden rich in nature, where you can find copious orange, lemon, avocado, fig and banana trees thanks to their sun-drenched microclimate.
Marbella Club takes a uniquely holistic approach. Most of the food they serve is local and organic (the gazpacho is made with the vegetables you find at the Tomato Garden!) and the Holistic Studio inside the Club offers special treatments and consultations about nutrition & inner balance to the guests.
As a lover of aesthetics with an appreciation for a good Instagram shot, I can say that I’ve never seen so many beautiful things together in one place. Every corner of the resort has a unique interior feel that reflects the Andalusian style of Marbella.
The club happens to have a very interesting history: Prince Alfonso Von Hohenlohe decided to build the club in 1950 to share the beauty of Marbella with international jet-setters. You can still feel and experience the elegance of the 1950s housed within its architecture today.
If you’re not staying at the hotel you can always go to El Patio, one of the hotel restaurants (and in my opinion, the coolest), sip a refreshing drink and explore the boutique inside the garden.
https://www.instagram.com/marbellaclubh/
Hotel Puente Romano
More modern than the traditional Marbella Club, Puente Romano is definitely the meeting point for the younger generation. Surrounded by a beautiful tropical garden, this resort is made for having fun.
Inside you’ll find four health cafes, a golf club, a tennis club and one beautiful beauty studio. I highly recommend going there to explore and wander, even if you’re not staying in their villas.
My favourite restaurant at Puente Romano is Sea Grill, the one right next to the ocean. I lost my heart for their stunning green installations and… for their guacamole! So so delicious.
https://www.instagram.com/puenteromanoresort/
Nobu Hotel
Nobu is the fanciest hotel in Marbella, perfect for chilling during the day and partying in the night. And I probably don’t need to introduce you to their infamous sushi restaurant, one of the most well known Japanese restaurants in the whole world.
Nobu is without a doubt the destination for entertainment, food and indulgence.
https://www.instagram.com/nobumarbella/
Where to eat
Paella y Más
Sangria y Paella is a never ending love story – and you’ll get both here! Located in the heart of Marbella old town, Paella y Más unsurprisingly has unbelievable paella.
https://www.instagram.com/paellasymas/
Lateral
Lateral can be found in the old square of Marbella, and it’s the perfect place for food ‘para picar’ – delicious plates to munch and nibble on. Founded in Madrid, Lateral has a contemporary menu with typical Spanish recipes.
https://www.instagram.com/rest_lateral/
Organic Market & Food Marbella
My favorite place for brunch! The menu offers multiple healthy options and all the food is KM0.Inside you can also find their Bio Shop where you can buy fresh fruits and veggies! We definitely need more places like this in the world!
P:S: I kindly recommend their cappuccino…it’s super yummy and instagram friendly!
https://www.instagram.com/organicmarketfoodmarbella/
El Patio
I might be biased but as I mentioned before, for me El Patio is the coolest restaurant in Marbella.
Patio means ‘court open to the sky’ in Spanish, from the Old Provençal pati ‘communal pasture’.
El Patio is a typical Spanish garden used as a modern outdoor living room. Once you visit here you’ll come back as many times as you can – trust me! The menu consists of various Spanish tapas and gourmet pizzas. From siesta to fiesta, it’s a vibe you can’t miss. You’ll thank me later.
https://www.instagram.com/marbellaclubh/
El Olivar
As I mentioned before, Marbella Club has recently adopted an increasingly holistic approach.
El Olivar is a unique pop-up restaurant, where you can eat local and organic food in a cozy green space. If you’re interested in learning to cook in a conscious way, Chef Andrés Ruiz organizes workshops about the benefits of good nutrition.
https://www.instagram.com/mch_wellness/
Sea Grill
Sea Grill is the perfect place to connect with friends or family over Mediterranean cuisine. Located right next to the sea, it’s the best location for those who want to eat super fresh food while admiring the ocean.
I loved the variety of the plates on the menu: from pasta to Moroccan vegetables, everything was delicious. The tabbouleh and guacamole are next level – and they’re made fresh tableside!
https://www.instagram.com/seagrillrestaurant/
Where to do shopping
Il Salotto
A concept store in the center of Marbella, characterized by a boho-chic spirit. Every corner of the shop is inspired by a different Mediterranean island.
Their colorful kimonos are a must-have: you can wear one with a colorful bikini and shorts during the day, and mix it up with vibrant jewels and high heels for your summer nights out.
https://www.instagram.com/salotto.official/
Las Noches Ibiza
It’s impossible not to stop by Las Noches Ibiza pop-up store at the beach during your time in Marbella. The store is one of Spain’s most recognised fashion brands, with its signature hippy glam style.
https://www.instagram.com/lasnochesibiza/
Ultimately, Marbella is more than just a holiday destination… it’s a whole vibe! Enjoy your stay in this beautiful location – and I hope my guide is useful and enlightening.
You need an extra dose of Spanish moments?
Check out my Lanzarote and Mallorca Travel Guides!
Good vibes only,
Viky
