Where do we start….? Since the 1950s, Marbella has been enticing and delighting visitors in equal measure, and today it is still considered to be one of the world’s most glamorous hotspots. This is because unlike other coastal resorts around the world which tend to rest on their laurels and bask in their past glory, Marbella is in a state of constant renewal, ensuring that this much-loved destination never go out of style.
The iconic ever-popular Marbella landmarks, like the Marbella Club Hotel (where it all began by Prince Alfonso Hohenlohe-Langenburg) and the neighbouring Puente Romano Beach Resort and high profile restaurants (including Málaga born Michelin starred chef Dani Garcia’s establishments) are still drawing the rich and famous. Yet alongside these old stalwarts, there are many new venues opening their doors and providing yet another reason to buy a villa in Marbella or snap up one of the scarce and much sought- after luxury Marbella new developments.
Hotels
As touched on above, Marbella is already spoiled for choice when it comes to glamourous hotels, with perennial favourites on Marbella’s Golden Mile. Yet over the last couple of years there have been some new kids on the block. If you like a hotel to have a more music related vibe, there is the Hard Rock Hotel Marbella which occupies the site of the previous H10 Plaza in Nueva Andalucia (adjacent to the casino and just a few steps from Puerto Banús).
The latest and one of our favourite new additions to the Marbella hotel scene is La Fonda Heritage Hotel, the first of the prestigious Relais & Chateau Hotel group to open in Andalucia. Located at the heart of the pretty Old Town in Marbella, the hotel occupies a beautiful building dating back to the 16th century. There are only 20 suites and rooms, each designed in a contemporary style yet incorporating historical features. There are three restaurants, Jane Restaurant, Los Patios de la Fonda and a full-service sky bar, yet if you fancy something different just step outside and you’ll be surrounded by a cornucopia of tapas, restaurants and bars, intertwined with independent shops along the cobbled streets.
Summer parties
Although not strictly new, we must mention that every Spring Marbella’s most famous beach clubs open their doors and throw parties to herald the start of the season and will be in full force throughout the summer of 2023. Venues including the famous Ocean Club which according to its website has, “9,000 square metres of style, luxury and glamorous indulgence”, Nikki Beach Marbella, Pangea, Tibu and La Sala by the Beach to name a few, will shortly releasing details of their events… so watch this space.
Starlite Festival Occidental 2023
Another Marbella institution is the annual Starlite Festival which will stage 70 events between June to September. The spectacle is held at the Cantera de Nagueles in Marbella. A number of the international artists have already been confirmed and will include Lionel Richie, Rod Stewart, Norah Jones, Anastasia, Black Eyed Peas, Iggy Pop and Tom Jones. Big name Spanish artists such as David Bisbal have also been confirmed. We’ll bring you more information nearer the time, for now you can find details on the website
New restaurants in Marbella
In Malaga province there are many Michelin-starred restaurants, and if we narrow it down further, six of these fine dining restaurants are located in the Marbella area. We’ve already mentioned one of Málaga’s most famous sons, Dani Garcia, who has opened a number of restaurants in the area each aligned to his unique philosophy of “local roots thinking, global cuisine”. His newest venture is Aleli Marbella by Dani Garcia which recreates the modern Italian masterpieces. Although not strictly in Marbella, another of the region’s most famous faces, Antonio Banderas, will shortly open a new restaurant in Málaga’s new port in spring 2023, making it his third restaurant in the city.
Marbella and its neighbouring towns offer much more than Michelin star restaurants, you can find every type of cuisine represented, from cheap and cheerful fresh fish in beachside chiringuitos to traditional Spanish, modern European, Italian, Belgian, Indian, Thai and much more.
One of the most well-received recently opened establishments is the Nota Blu brasserie and nightclub (another winner from the stable of the Casani Group) which serves French cuisine with a twist. Another welcome addition is the NU Downtown, part of the aforementioned Hard Rock Hotel, serving Asian fusion cuisine with cocktails and live music, featuring outdoor chill out areas, multiple dining spaces, a bar and lounge.
Another favourite is the recently launched Cipriani Marbella at the Puente Romano Beach Resort designed by Michele Bonan. As this iconic name suggests, this stylish venue delivers a classic Venetian dining experience here on the Costa del Sol. Divine!
Last but not least, although located in the neighbouring resort of Beso Beach, Estepona, a boho chic concept imported from the Balearic Islands. A laidback vibe, super chilled atmosphere and must have fresh-fish and seafood by the beach. What’s not to love!
Of course, there are many more new restaurants popping up in and around Marbella, here are 10 eateries that have recently opened and rated by the booking app The Fork.
If you would like more information about Andara Villas’ real estate development services or assistance in finding the perfect luxury property for sale in Marbella, contact Eric and Paula on info@andaravillas.com.