A chic resort that is the Marbella address to aristocrats and tycoons
who jet into town and appreciate discretion, spacious accommodation,
gorgeous gardens and great service.
Hohenlohe has its own definition of luxury but to Prince Alfonso von Hohenlohe, the founder, mentor and instigator of the Marbella Club, it was very definitely ‘a blend of privacy and gardens’.
This is an all-year pleasure garden where guests have every amenity close at hand…a wide choice of bars and restaurants – buffet lunch at the Beach Club is a must while cocktails under the trees in the early evening make this the most glamorous place on this ritzy coast, complete with the most glamorous guests.
The golf course is only for hotel guests but staying here gives access to five other top courses along the coast. The resort has its own riding stables and one of the best spas in the Mediterranean. The Thalasso Spa is adjacent to the beach and is a mosaic-studded temple of health and wellbeing with steam rooms, saunas, Hammam and a plethora of face and body treatment. It also offers a number of packages dedicated to slimming, rejuvenation and de-stressing.
However, a gentle walk around the grounds to the beach is a stress-buster on its own. The gardens are lushly and lavishly planted, designed by the Prince himself, and are one of the great joys of the resort. Opt for one of the villas to enjoy a garden, with pool, all to yourself.
Seashell massage!
You are spoiled for choice the minute you enter the Thalasso Spa, with one of the most comprehensive spa menus on the Med. Ingredients include seawater, minerals, rose oil, mud, salts and seashells. Indulge in the signature Thalasso Sea Creation – a luxury rejuvenating facial including active deep-sea elements and an exquisite seashell massage. The ultimate in self-gratification.
Racy
It doesn’t get any sexier or more turbo-charged than the Ascari Race Track. The adventurous can find themselves behind the wheel of a Lotus or a BMW marque touring car. Push your driving skills to the limit round the track under expert tuition, or take a passenger seat in a Radical SR3 for a white-knuckle ride at race speed. You star in ‘Top Gear’.
Disco ball
The Babylonia Palace is legendary when it comes to Marbella nightlife. Billionaires stroll in with an entourage of models and GQ men to dine on gourmet food and shimmy on the dance floor. This really is Babylon circa 2011. Go late at the weekend for people-watching that’s off the scale, and crack a bottle of Champagne to refresh yourselves.
Horsey
Self-exiled Brit James Hewitt’s reinvention has kicked off in fine style with the Polo House. It conveniently houses bar, restaurant and club under one roof. After devouring some of the Chukka Tukka you can move to the dance floor populated by the 30+ bracket who are cutting their shapes to music they recognise.
Pamper afloat
Here come the girls, on their bling-erama hen weekend. Marbella is about excess so rent a Sunseeker and head out to sea for spa treatments afloat. Buffed, polished and truly kneaded, the entire posse can step ashore at any number of glam beach bars. Cosmos on the way home, heels off for the walk back up the jetty, girls!
Sevy is 23 and lives in Phoenix Arizona USA - where the weather is much hotter than even Marbella! She writes for Onesmalltowngirl.com a super travel blog where she writes about all her fun adventures.