Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Benahavís Marbella Resort
This is where golf enthusiasts, sun-seekers, young families, couples and retirees head for a luxurious escape. The dusty pink palatial villa is home to world-class facilities, upscale gastronomy and one of Europe’s largest spas.
Located in Spain’s most southern region Andalusia, between Marbella, Benahavís, and Estepona (known as the Golden Triangle), Anantara Villa Padierna Palace is nestled on the Costa del Sol, ten minutes inland a short drive from the world-famous coastline.
The majestic palatial-villa resort was acquired by Anantara Hotels & Resorts in 2019 is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World and the hotel group’s first European property. Situated inside a gated urbanization, the ‘Tuscan Villa’ is surrounded by a magnificent golf course, upmarket properties, scenic mountains, and a large lake overlooking the sea making it very unique.
What makes the fairytale-like pink resort so magical is the location. Surrounded by Tuscan-style lawns, a Championship golf course and a mountain range as a backdrop it’s a secluded in-land retreat.
Inside the property is brimming with character. Not a single space has been wasted when it comes to decoration with countless antique marble statues, an impressive art collection, as well as pretty fountains, and spectacular flower arrangements for enhanced luxury showcasing exquisite care for every detail. There’s even an amphitheatre and private chapel popular for weddings.
The inland location isn’t an issue for beachgoers and sunseekers since the resort’s shuttle bus operates several times per day and conveniently whisks guests down to the private beach club where sun lounges, umbrellas and a restaurant serving fresh seafood are waiting.
Plush Spacious Rooms & Luxurious Villas
The resort offers twelve guest room categories, spanning from light-filled intimate rooms for two to luxurious and spacious two-bedroom villas.
The Premium Junior Suite, which sits somewhere in the middle of the categories, overlooks the golf course. It’s a comfortable space to retreat after a day full of activities and the spacious bedroom, large sitting room as well as a generous-sized bathroom offer plenty of room.
The decor is traditional and elegant filled with classic art, and walls decorated with framed paintings and photos. There’s a Nespresso machine and a good selection of tea, both complimentary, as well as a well-stocked bar for an additional charge.
The luxurious travertine marble bathroom offers extra space with a hydro-massage tub, his and her sinks, and a rain shower.
A couple of ‘feel-good’ touchpoints are the wooden keycards (replacing traditional plastic cards), and the large refillable dispensers from Frederic Malle for the bathroom amenities.
World-Class Resort Facilities
There’s no reason not to stay active whilst Antantar Villa Padierna Palace. The resort offers a range of leisure activities for the entire family, from golfing the surrounding 18-hole Championship course to horse riding and cruising across the Mediterranean Sea. There’s a Racquet Club for tennis and paddle enthusiasts and daily kid’s activities.
The swimming pool is surrounded by lush cypress trees and dotted with comfortable sun loungers, and although not heated, it’s popular from May.
Fine dining, sushi, and al fresco lunch
Anantara’s focus on an impeccable gastronomy experience is evident in the resort’s eight dining venues ranging from fine dining to healthy options, sushi, and Italian classics.
La Loggia is the restaurant with a sun-drenched terrace overlooking the golf course and the sea. It offers both indoor and outdoor seating options and this is also where the daily breakfast is served. And, as for the breakfast, it’s truly a 5-star experience. Fresh orange juice, Iberico ham, flavour-packed tomatoes, and eggs to order turns out to be the perfect way to start the day.
La Loggia (read Lux Nomade’s full review) is also open for lunch and serves Mediterranean dishes mixing Italian and Spanish flavours whilst using locally sourced produce, which is also available on display and beautifully presented in the dining area.
For a fine dining experience, The Veranda offers an intimate dining experience in the main building daily between 7.30 pm – 11.00 pm. Known for innovative dishes and an extensive wine list, a dinner here is a treat! The restaurant provides the theatrical component you’d expect from a fine dining venue. The smoked beef tartar is rolled out on a trolley where the sauce is mixed by the table. The beef tenderloin is served with a mushroom puree, the beef Chateaubriand with a Bearnaise sauce, and the stunning ‘mango flower’ is served with blueberry sorbet. All incredibly delicious, of course.
An Award-Winning 2,000 sqm Spa
The crown jewel of the resort is the impressive 2,000 sqm stand-alone spa, which is one of the largest in Europe (!). The ‘Roman Bath’ is beautifully decorated with marble and antique statues it oozes timeless elegance. Guests can follow the Aromatic Spa Circuit for the ultimate spa experience which includes 3 steam baths, a hammam with sea salt, a Greek and a Finish sauna, a heated swimming pool, a shower jet, a water-massage room, and a flotarium. After giving the body a complete rejuvenating experience the circuit ends with a light-filled room filled with beds draped in white towels. Apples and fresh blueberries as well as mineral water are available and are great to nibble on whilst kicking back on one of the comfortable beds for the ultimate relaxation.
There are several healing rituals and treatments readily available in the spa’s ten treatment rooms ranging from massages, facials and laser treatments which can all be booked in the reception. The Signature Massage is a 50-minute full-body Swedish massage. It’s a relaxing experience and any knots or stiff muscles are gently loosened up with lavender oil. The experience is concluded with herbal tea and it’s a great way to add additional pampering to an already relaxing stay.
Who is Anantara Villa Padierna Palace for?
Golf players will naturally be drawn here. However, the resort is incredibly child-friendly with kids’ activities, baby chairs and silicon cutlery and plates for the little ones readily available in all restaurants making it a great resort for families. The romantic character of the palace building and its surroundings make it a great choice for couples and honeymooners.
And given the many activities available including day trips to Ronda, local villages, olive oil excursions and visits to flamenco bars, bullfighting arenas, and local markets, it’s a great base for multi-generational travellers as well.
Rooms start from 300 EUR per night (excluding breakfast). Parking is available as well as airport pickup.
For further information, please visit anantara.com or call +34 952 88 91 50
