Marbella Club

Marie-Caroline Willms and her design studio EMCI  are behind the joyful, maximalist interiors throughout the hotel. The property has 115 rooms and suites, plus 17 two- to six-bedroom villas, each individually designed. The aesthetic here is classic Andalusian and more serene than other parts of the colourful communal spaces: think whitewashed walls, terracotta floors, soft textiles and a palette that feels fresh and coastal. Rooms are spacious, bright and designed for long stays, with generous wardrobes, comfortable seating areas and private terraces overlooking the gardens or sea.

Suites offer more space and a residential feel, while the villas – some with private pools – are ideal for families or groups wanting privacy with full hotel access. They’re dotted throughout the estate, giving the impression of staying in your own secluded home.

Thoughtful touches make the stay feel seamless: well-stocked minibars, plush robes, excellent lighting and bathrooms with everything you could possibly need. Housekeeping is discreet and efficient, with a reliable turndown service and plenty of storage so the room always feels calm and ordered.

With eight restaurants and bars, dining is a major part of the experience. Each space has its own atmosphere, from relaxed beachfront lunches to elegant dinners under the stars. MC Beach is the hotel’s laid-back chiringuito, serving fresh seafood, salads and Andalusian classics right on the sand. The Grill, one of Marbella’s most iconic restaurants, offers refined dishes in a romantic, candlelit setting – think white tablecloths, attentive service and a menu rooted in tradition. Dinner here starts with cocktails at the bar followed by indulgent dishes like seafood bisques, grilled meats and premium cuts of steak.

Then there’s El Patio, the social hub, open from morning coffee to late-night cocktails, with a menu of Mediterranean dishes served in a courtyard shaded by trees. Rudi’s, named after Count Rudi – one of the hotel’s original hosts – is a cosy spot for live music, tapas and a pre-dinner drink.

For something lighter, La Bodega showcases Spanish wines and small plates, while Summer Bar and Beach Club offer poolside drinks and all-day bites. Each venue feels distinct, but the thread of quality and ease runs through them all. Over in the Clubhouse you can settle down in the atmospheric space decorated with plush fabrics layered prints, while enjoying drinks and a game of backgammon. As you’d expect, all food throughout the hotel is seasonal, with much of its produce sourced locally and herbs and vegetable plucked from its abundant gardens. 

Don’t be surprised if your little ones don’t want to leave the excellent kids’ club on site. Set within a dedicated village-style converted farmhouse, it offers an impressive range of activities for four- to 12-year-olds: cookery, gardening, pottery, surfing, science workshops, sports, music and more. There’s even a seahorse incubator home to freshly hatched seahorses where kids can learn about biodiversity and the importance of marine life. Children can spend hours here, moving between indoor and outdoor spaces, supervised by a team who speak multiple languages. There’s also a nanny service for babies and little ones – perfect for couples or parents wanting spa or beach club time. 

Marbella Club is a well-oiled machine: service is polished, the offering is vast and everything runs with quiet precision. Yet for all its scale and glamour, the hotel still feels intimate and personal – more like a private estate than a resort. It’s rare to find a property that caters so well to couples, families, wellness travellers and long-term guests without compromising on atmosphere. Whether you come for the food, the beach, the gardens or the sense of history, Marbella Club delivers. It’s a place people return to – year-round – for a reason.

Bulevar Príncipe Alfonso de Hohenlohe, s/n, 29602 Marbella, Málaga, Spain

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