Wellbeing Escapes Director, Peter Stean visits the luxurious Marbella Club in Spain and gives us the low down from his trip.
What were your first impressions when you arrived?
Marbella Club is a short transfer from Malaga, only about 45 minutes tops. I have always heard about the resort but never had the chance to visit and I must admit that I had some preconceived notions, mostly around it being a luxury resort for well-off golfer. Marbella Club sits on Marbella’s busy Golden Mile with nice restaurants, shops and villas, so my assumptions seemed close to spot on. Once you pull into the resort however, things change. On all staff business cards there are two words, Elegant Simplicity. You understand why in the first few minutes.
What do you think makes the hotel so special?
Marbella Club has history, a pedigree, an earned reputation for service. All this is true, but done in a way that makes you feel very comfortable and at home. The sitting room adjacent to the lobby is beautifully decorated with furniture and photos from events and guests going back decades. It seems like a room you would walk through with your hands in your pockets, except you see people relaxing on the sofas having a drink or chat. Perfectly at home.
The resort footprint is large. Once you turn off the Golden Mile and walk through the grounds you really get a sense of the space. The noise level disappears and you are surrounded by beautiful gardens, citrus trees and blooming bushes. The buildings and facilities are all beautiful, including the spa, restaurants and the Holistic Studio. With all the nice activities you can do, the peace and quiet at Marbella could be the best remedy for people wanting to switch off and recharge.
What was your favourite treatment?
You can’t forget the spa at Marbella Club is a Thalasso Spa, utilising sea water as the source for all the water based therapies. The Thalasso pool with the jets and spouts is a fantastic way to relax. The sauna and steam rooms are all high quality and spotlessly clean. In terms of treatments, my favourite was the sports massage. I think they referred to it as the ‘golfers massage’ as a little wink to the men enjoying the spa.
What was your favourite activity?
For me it was the hike in the Sierra Blanca mountains. I always try to hike or walk wherever I go. We drove with our guide from the resort about 30 minutes to the mountains. I was half expecting a nice walk on flat terrain near the base of the mountains. We ended up on a 3 hour hike through the mountains mostly on nice trails with great views, but with some good challenges along the way. The hills are covered with wild rosemary, sage, wildflowers, etc. The amateur botanist in you will be happy. If you are visiting Marbella Club on a fitness programme, (or just like nature walks), this is a great way to get your cardio work in for the day.
How was the food?
Food is a really important part of what they offer at Marbella Club. The main restaurant, The Grille, is actually fine dining with the wines to match. It is a great experience and people come from all around the area to dine there. For guests visiting on a wellness programme, they have you covered as well. The resort offers wellness menus at all restaurants. Breakfast is buffet style and there are loads of healthy options including fresh juices, fresh fruit, yogurt and baked goods that are fit for purpose.
The nutritionist and staff can help guide you. I dined most of the time at the Marbella Club Café for lunch and dinner. They have freshly made sushi, grilled fish and vegetarian options. The food and beverage management are very tuned into offering healthy options and will help you with the best choices. The Beach Club, near the promenade and seawater pool, is fantastic for lunch as well. They offer fresh salads, grilled seafood and other healthy choices for nice outside dining experience.
Overall, Marbella Club can and does offer a very balanced, healthy and satisfying Mediterranean diet.
What was your favourite aspect of the hotel?
For all the great service, facilities, dining and activities, I think what impressed me most was the commitment to offering a genuine wellness experience. This has been a gradual transformation for Marbella Club in widening their appeal.
The touches in the guest rooms with fresh fruit, herbal teas are really welcome. The expertise of the staff from the consultants, to nutritionists and personal trainers is impressive. This talent is all in house and delivering to the same high quality expectations.
Who would you recommend the hotel to?
Anyone who wants a high quality experience with excellent services and facilities. For everything Marbella Club is, it is not a clinic. They have not turned their back on what has made them one of the favourite luxury destinations in Spain and really all of Europe. People travelling on their own would feel comfortable as there is plenty to do as well as space to be calm and relax. Couples would have a great time as well. There are things each individual can do through their programmes and activities as well as enjoy the area with walks into Marbella to enjoy the old town. For families, this has to be one of the best options in this category. This facilities and activities for children are some of the best I have seen anywhere. The thought and investment that has gone into this is impressive. Your kids would love you.
To book a stay at Marbella Club, call us on 020 3735 7555 or email info@wellbeingescapes.com
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