Who's Going
Brigitte Bardot, Mariah Carey, Enrique Inglesis
Reason to Stay
Luxury Spa, Beach Club, Hip Clientele, Waterfront
Hotel Type
Luxury Beach Resort
Wedged between two walking piers midway between Marbella and Puerto Banus where the rugged Sierra Blanca mountains meet white sand beach, this waterfront hotel defies the high-rise clutter and visual population of its neighboring towns in a rambling resort destination that's been one of the town's top draws since opening more than a half-century ago. Opened in 1954 by Prince Alfonso von Hohenlohe, the ever-expanding white Spanish architecture welcomes visitors through the original lobby way with its double iron doors and long corridor lined in hand painted Spanish tiles.
A popular golf getaway for visitors to the Costa del Sol, the tee-times book up fast and should be reserved well in advance of summer stays. The hotel is home to an array of eating options from the Beach Club with its waterfront buffet of European, Asian, Lebanese and Spanish cuisines to the more-refined Grill led by executive chef Juan Gálvez. Hedonist spa lovers find a Thalaso Spa, one of Europe's top resort-based spa management companies, offering a lavish arrangement of Turkish baths, sea-view treatment rooms and fitness club with on-site tennis and yoga instructors.
The Room
This beachfront resort property is home to 84 rooms and 37 elegant suites nestled amongst mature gardens and tree-lined paths designed by Prince Alfonso von Hohenlohe. Entry-level rooms are timely, stylish spaces with smooth cream-color plaster walls with hand painted tile floors and colorfully striped club chairs arranged facing a shady terrace with rattan or teak lounge arrangement. Bathrooms are recently updated with mosaic tile detailing; double sink vanity and endless mirrors that make the space feel every inch in size. Suites are well worth the added expense, massive in size and well designed with Missoni-style fabrics and one-of-a-kind antiques with even larger outdoor area that sometimes even comes with a private pool. Top-level rooms include 14 Andalucían-style villas with their own gardens and pools; arranged in a whitewashed setting of a typical Andalucían village.
Preferred Room
Viila with Pool
Special Features
Horseback Riding, Beach Club, Golf Course, Luxury Spa
Amenities
Restaurant, Bar, Lounge, Pool, Spa, Golf, Tennis
