The world is a big place and there are many magical destinations offering access to a luxury lifestyle. Yet it is Marbella, the once sleepy fishing village which in the1950s became a playground for royalty and rich and famous, that holds the crown for the must-do destination. Yet, it isn’t only the stars who are attracted to Marbella, last year (2022) Marbella was named by British travellers as the ‘Most Exclusive and Prestigious City’ in the Best European Destination online survey.
It is not surprising that Marbella continues to capture the world’s imagination (and property developers), since its inception as a luxury holiday resort, it has attracted an incredible array of famous faces. Glamorous Hollywood stars such as Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Cary Grant and the very regal Grace Kelly have all enjoyed the magic of Marbella and the Mediterranean.
The late actor Sean Connery, famous for his portrayed of the fictional spy James Bond, was one of the most famous Marbella residents, alongside other entertainment stalwarts such as Rod Stewart. Today, there is still the possibility of rubbing shoulders with celebrities, including regular visitors like “Desperate Housewives” actress and patron of the Global Gift Gala Foundation, Eva Longoria, and Malaga-born Hollywood heartthrob Antonio Banderas, who own property on the Costa del Sol. Another big name in entertainment is Simon Cowell (the man responsible for bringing the world the X-Factor), who has featured his luxury villa in Sierra Blanca on several episodes of the programme. Other household names, like tennis ace Novak Djokovic, have also invested in property in Sierra Blanca.
What is it about Marbella…?
So, what exactly entices the rich and famous to keep returning to this magically corner of the Costa del Sol and to snap up the best luxury property for sale in Marbella? To answer this question, firstly we only need to look at around at the region’s natural beauty, the obvious benefits of the climate, easy access and also laid-back luxurious lifestyle.
You may be surprised to know that the municipality of Marbella spans 117 square kms and covers several districts. Arguably the most well-known areas are Elviria (Marbella East) which is home to the luxury beach club Nikki Beach Marbella, Puerto Banús with its stunning marina, clubs and designer stores. The residential area of Nueva Andalucia is located just above Puerto Banús in an area often referred to as Golf Valley, for obvious reasons. Marbella’s Golden Mile, the stretch linking Marbella town to Puerto Banús, is where you’ll find many high-profile venues such as the nightclub Olivia Valere (ranked as the best in the world according the website). There is also the iconic Marbella Club Hotel and Puente Romano Beach Resort and some newer additions like the boutique Boho Club Hotel and restaurant.
A microcosm of Marbella
To give you an idea of the sheer number and array of attractions available in Marbella, let’s take a closer look at the Puente Romano Beach Resort. With 21 restaurants, beach clubs and bars, it is a microcosm of Marbella. There is something for everyone, from Dani Garcia’s award-winning Leña to the recently opened Cipriani, bringing best of Venetian cuisine to the Costa del Sol. If you prefer Thai, Sushi, Peruvian at La Coya Pool and as the sun goes down you can go clubbing at La Suite. It isn’t all just food, you can relax in the Spa, explore the many ornate gardens or take advantage of the tennis club…all situated just a few steps away from beautiful sandy beaches and the crystal-clear sea.
Speaking of the beach…Marbella is also the location of the first Fendi beach club, which is also located at the beach bar of the Puente Roman Beach Resort. It is the only Fendi designed beach bar in the world!
The most exclusive areas of Marbella
The Golden Mile, where it all began, is probably the most widely-known and one of the most coveted-areas on the Costa del Sol. For this reason, there is limited supply of Marbella Golden Mile property for sale, which means that you’ll need the help of a well-connected high-end real estate agent to ensure you are alerted to any suitable properties as soon as (or even before) they come on the market. Andara villas is one of the few property developers currently developing these luxury Marbella villas (Andara Villa 1 and Andara Villa 2) set within a substantial private plot on the Golden Mile.
La Zagaleta (BehavÍs)
Not strictly speaking in Marbella, La Zagaleta the most exclusive private Country Club in Europe, if not the world. The resort is a byword for luxury and privacy; two of the most important elements for celebrities who wish to enjoy their Spanish retreat away from prying eyes. Previously a private hunting estate owned by arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi, there are 900 hectares of land and strict limits on further development. The development is so secretive that rumours abound about its inhabitants, who include some of the world’s most influential people, which may or may not include the current Russian president Vladimir Putin. Recently the former UK prime minister Boris Johnson was seen holidaying in this uber exclusive enclave.
Majestic mansions
Another, popular and yet understated area is the above-mentioned luxury enclave of Sierra Blanca which nestles in the foothills of La Concha Mountain above Marbella’s Golden Mile. The area offers an impressive selection of luxury apartments, townhouses and villas and residents enjoy fresh mountain air, green parks and privacy. An example of the calibre of property for sale in Sierra Blanca is Villa Eos, a majestic mansion entered via an 18th Century gate and courtyard which is set within 3806m² of private land with a large swimming pool. As you would expect with a property of this standard, the opulent interior features seven bedrooms each with a private balcony, guest / staff accommodation, cinema, bodega and of course 24-hour security.
Sierra Blanca also has the convenience of being just a few minutes’ drive from the many superb amenities on Marbella’s Golden Mile, including fine dining restaurants, international schools, golf clubs and other outdoor pursuits, from tennis to horse riding, hiking, sailing, swimming and much more.
Starlight festival
What’s more…every summer the Starlight Occidental Festival comes to Marbella, which is a magnet for anyone wishing to see their favourite Spanish and international acts perform in spectacular open-air concerts.
It seems that the stars really do come out in Marbella!
If you would like to know more about Marbella’s most prestigious postcodes or advice on where to find original luxury property for sale in Marbella, please contact Eric and Paula at info@andaravillas.com.
