The Costa del Sol, or sunshine coast, is one of the most popular destinations in Spain. What attracts tourists to visit the Iberian coast is not only the excellent weather, but also the great hotel facilities. The Costa del Sol is famous for its warm and sunny climate, as well as its exceptional hotels.
320 days of sunshine a year
It is the ideal place for those who want to relax on the beach, enjoy the sun or swim in the Mediterranean. Spain is also attracting permanent residents, and more and more people – including our compatriots – are choosing to buy a flat or house on the Costa del Sol. An excellent introduction for anyone wishing to get to know Marbella better is to stay in one of the many luxury hotels, whose offerings will satisfy even the most sophisticated expectations.
Golden Mile: the way to resort
This is where the tourist history of the city begins. Precisely at the Golden Mile, the two most important hotels in the city were built: the Marbella Club and the Puente Romano. Their construction initiated the tourist development of Marbella as a luxury Spanish resort on the Mediterranean. Today, the Golden Mile is one of the most beautiful avenues in Spain.
When visiting the Golden Mile, you can admire unique palaces, aesthetically intimidating residences and luxury hotels. The street leads from Plaza Bocanegra to Río Verde (near Puerto Banus), and was once the main route along the coast. Few people know that it ran through here as far back as Roman times. At that time it was part of the trade route from Rome – the capital of the empire – to Cadiz. A feature that remembers those bygone days is the Puente Romano bridge.
Marbella Club, a princely investment
It is worth recalling that Marbella became one of the key points on the tourist map of Spain in the middle of the 20th century. It developed from a small village into a resort, and one of the first to recognise the uniqueness of the place was Prince Alfonso de Hohenlohe-Langenburg. He purchased land in the area and decided to build luxury hotels.
The Marbella Club Hotel, located on the Golden Mile, opened as early as 1954. The aristocrat was well aware of how to promote the newly built facility. He began by inviting his friends and acquaintances – well-known social, political and cultural figures from all over Europe – to Marbella. It was in Marbella that opera diva Maria Callas and multi-millionaire Aristotelis Onasis spent their holidays.
Photo: Marbella Club Hotel
The Marbella Club offers a unique and varied offer for lovers of entertainment and Spanish cuisine. Take time for lunch or simply a coffee in the cosy courtyard, amidst jasmine-scented vines. The Beach Club, bathed in sunshine, is reminiscent of Acapulco in the 1950s: on the candlelit terrace you can enjoy the unique dishes of the grill master, while the sunny garden terrace – like a hidden gem – is at the heart of the hotel, where you can enjoy lunch by the pool, based on Andalusian dishes created by chef Andrés Ruiz Morillo.
You and your friends can celebrate by the fireplace and with live music in the timeless, artistic lounge. MC Beach draws on the traditional chiringuitos of Malaga, offering the chance to enjoy a lunch filled with sangria and sardines al espeto. With the sound of a piano and live music nightly, you can start your evening or stay the night in the intoxicating, jasmine-scented Summer Bar orange grove. And La Bodega, a tribute to wine, tells the stories of local, family-run wineries.
Photo: Marbella Club Hotel
Hotel Puente Romano and Nobu
Another project, carried out on the initiative of Prince Alfonso de Hohenlohe, was the construction of a hotel next to the remains of the Puento Romano. This resulted in the creation of a unique building, the Hotel Puente Romano. Support for Prince de Hohenlohe’s investment plans was provided by Mouaffak Al Midani, one of the frequent guests of the Marbella Club Hotel. After much negotiation, the plot of land was successfully acquired and the grand opening of this unique facility took place in 1979.
The hotel has been in operation for more than 40 years and, despite the passage of time, continues to impress with its uniqueness. This is because it meets the requirements of guests who appreciate the highest standard of relaxation. It is at the heart of this hotel that you will find … a restored bridge from Roman times, which makes your visit a memorable one. The splendour of Puente Romano is enhanced by the luxurious interiors, designed by the renowned British architect Andrew Martin.
The Puente Romano Hotel is distinguished not only by visitors themselves, but also by luxury and internationally renowned hotel brands. A clear confirmation of its position and the importance of the Costa del Sol is the fact that, a few years ago, part of the hotel was arranged for the Nobu chain, founded by Nobu Matsuhisa, Meir Treper and Robert de Niro.
The hotel’s unique gastronomic offering includes more than 20 restaurants and bars – led by Nobu, offering the world-famous black cod miso. Sea Grill is a gastronomic haven, offering stunning views of the Mediterranean and dazzling dishes. Cipriani is all about Italian flair and classics such as carpaccio and the iconic Bellini cocktail. Coya skilfully blends traditional Peruvian cuisine with a pinch of Japan, China and Spain, resulting in dishes that are a true journey of the senses.
Chiringuito is a Spanish classic and excellent gazpacho, oysters, risotto with truffles, wagyu burgers or fish straight from the sea. Surrounded by many restaurants, La Plaza is the ideal place for a cocktail or an evening drink, from where you can then head to the nightclubs La Suite and Supperclub. Celicioso is the only gluten-free restaurant in Puente Romano, and at La Selva you will feel the atmosphere of… the jungle. Rachel’s Eco Love offers nourishing fruit, oatmeal, avocado toast, salads, protein balls and energising juices. Cheat, on the other hand, is a restaurant and cocktail bar serving healthy American classics based on local produce.
Leña delights with top-quality meats cooked over glowing coals and grilled vegetables, while Bibo is a sophisticated and elegant place where you will enjoy tapas, ceviche and carpaccio. Les Jardins du Liban offers Lebanese food at its best, including hummus and labneh snacks, tabbouleh and fattoush in a magical garden and with a selection of acclaimed Lebanese wines. Lagom! is a café where you can enjoy a freshly baked cake or start your day with a great coffee, and at Jardins sur Mer you will taste authentic Japanese sushi in the heart of the hotel’s garden.
New hotel projects in Marbella
Confirmation of Marbella 's growing popularity comes in the form of further developments, including hotels. According to property analysts, there are more than a dozen hotel complexes of varying standards planned and under construction in the Marbella and Estepona region alone. This gives tourists a full spectrum of options and an ever-increasing choice.
Indeed, a great advantage for those planning a holiday on the Costa del Sol is the possibility of renting a luxury villa or flat, as well as taking advantage of the offer of excellent hotels such as Puente Romano and Marbella Club. In the region you will also find the Don Pepe, Los Monteros and Ikos Hotel hotels. Soon the list of prestigious hotel complexes in Marbella will expand to include many internationally recognised brands, including the Four Seasons Hotel and the Starwood „W” Hotel and Resort.
In the footsteps of Walt Disney
Hotel El Fuerte is a historic property on the Costa del Sol, now converted into a 5-star hotel. Located on the beach in the centre of Marbella, it offers stunning sea views right on the seafront promenade, just a 5-minute walk from Plaza de los Naranjos. El Fuerte is distinguished by its classic interior design, designed by the prestigious Chilean design studio of Jaime Beriestain. The hotel also attracts with its delicious Mediterranean cuisine – based on fresh and local products.
Photo: Hotel El Fuerte/Manolo Yllera
El Fuerte was built on the site of a former fort whose history dates back to 1554, when Emperor Charles V ordered its construction to protect the coast from pirates. In the 19th century, the building became a strategic site during the Napoleonic invasion, as it was used as a fort. Unfortunately, the defensive role of the building meant that only its remains remain.
The opening of the El Fuerte hotel took place on 4 July 1957. It was here that the famous Walt Disney, among others, stayed. To this day, the story of one of the young doormen – remembering that their job was to walk Disney’s dog, Pluto, along the beach – remains in the memory of the staff. This place was also frequented by Lola Flores, who loved Marbella and tried to spend as much free time here as possible. Contemporary actors Penélope Cruz and Timothy Dalton, who visited El Fuerte during the filming of the TV series Framed, also relaxed at the hotel.
Photo: Hotel El Fuerte/Manolo Yllera
Immerse yourself in history
For connoisseurs of luxury, there is also La Fonda Heritage. It is a hotel situated in one of the most beautiful squares in Marbella, overlooking the impressive Santo Cristo church and surrounding buildings. It was once a private residence, later a church and a school. Then the well-known designers, Jaime Parlade and Duarte Pinto Coelho, in the 1960s transformed the building into… a luxury hotel. After many years of activity, a project was launched to restore the architectural splendour of this 16th century building and breathe new life into La Fonda.
The hotel is the first property of the Relais & Châteaux chain in Marbella and Andalusia, boasting an illustrious history and exquisite cuisine, encompassing a variety of dining venues. Those looking for a unique place to dine are sure to be attracted by the lively rooftop bar overlooking the city, La Fonda Sky Bar, as well as Jane’s restaurant, and Los Patios de La Fonda in the morning and at lunchtime.
Photo: La Fonda Heritage/Pablo Laguía
Tourists, artists and the cream of society from all over the world flock to Marbella for its microclimate and charm. This city was simply made for luxury living and leisure. The most expensive yachts belonging to billionaires are moored in the Puerto Banus marina, you can meet world-famous actors in the boutiques of famous designers, and medallists in both disciplines train on the golf courses and tennis courts. The weather, the climate, the numerous attractions, the excellent restaurants, the proximity to Málaga International Airport – all this makes the resort vibrant all year round.
