Marbella Club

First built by a Spanish prince, this chic offering is among the finest in Costa del Sol hideaways, having hosted the great aristocracy of the 20th century in a certain luxe hedonism. Think opulent rooms, fine dining and exclusivity that ranges from the beach club to the golf course.

Styled by Jean-Pierre Martel and Kamini Ezralow, guestrooms are a delight of contemporary fashion, each featuring private terraces and marbled en suites. While all come with delightful views of the manicured gardens, upgrades are well worth it for their overlooks of the sea and beach. There are also expansive suites, host to four-poster beds and hydromassage baths, along with grand Andalusian-style villas. Here, private pools and 24-hour concierge service make for the ultimate in luxury.

Under the watchful gaze of head chef Juan Gálvez, dining at the Marbella Club is a treat. The Grill dishes up carnivorous delicacies to both a candle-lit dining room and an al-fresco setting under the bougainvillea. Then, at the pool bar, you’ll be treated to more casual fare, with everything from paella to just-caught fish served up under the greenery. Of course, those soft sands are just steps away, where you’ll find a beach bar. The hotel’s traditional whitewashed café also offers such plaza-side delicacies as wood-fired pizzas.

You’ll also want to wash it down with the Terrace Bar or the Champagne Room’s Art-Deco glamour, all polished gold and mosaic fireplaces. Then, alongside walks in the hotel’s botanic gardens and making use of the state-of-the-art gym, guests are treated to unlimited access to the superb Puente Romano Tennis Club and complimentary shuttles to the hotel’s very own golf course. Here, guests enjoy waived green fees.