It is hard not to immediately think about royalties, aristocrats and beautiful A-listers when hearing the name ‘Marbella Club’. From opening its doors in 1954 by Prince Alfonso, Marbella Club’s history is as intriguing as its long list of guests who’s been lucky enough to pass through the gates over the last sixty odd years.
Marbella Club, the hotel we know today, was never set out to be a hotel in the first place. In the 40s Prince Alfonso initially bought a finca (Spanish country house) close to the beach in, back then, the unpretentious fishing village of Marbella.
The Prince started to host family holidays on the property and the number of invited guests increasingly grew to a substantial group of sun-seeking jet setters.
The word quickly spread among the creme de la creme travelling between Morocco and South of France that there was a new pit-stop on the glamorous A-list map – Marbella Club.
Inspired American motels, Prince Alfonso extended the property with new buildings and officially open the doors to the hotel in 1954.
Over the next decades, Marbella Club turned into the glamorous playground for the rich and famous. The parties hosted from the 60s and 70s reveals an era of timeless elegance, fun and excitement which still lingers in the air around the property today.
Private Villas
Marbella Club offers 14 two, three – and five-bedroom Spanish-style villas located in the heart of the resort.
The villas are perfect for families seeking a private haven featuring state-of-the-art kitchens, private gardens and heated pools.
The villas are surrounded by impressive gardens including 360 types of plant life, both local and imported exotic trees and flowers, managed by 18 gardeners, creating a paradise-like haven.
Kids Club
Children between four to 16 are invited to the Kids Club which is by most standards, absolutely incredible. Set on the grounds of Prince Alfonso’s original villa, between the Garden Pool and the Beach Club, this is where parents can leave their kids for hours without the slightest ounce of guilt.
The little ones will be able to engage in cooking classes, gardening, pottery and ceramic lessons, dancing and yoga. There is even a special room for creating perfumes and soaps.
Download the Summer Timetable here.
Thalasso Spa
Situated next to the Beach Club, the Thalasso Spa offers a sanctuary for guests daily between 10am to 8pm.
The spa boasts a large dynamic seawater pool offering a stunning ocean view as well as steam baths, saunas and 12 treatment rooms. Guests can also request personalised relaxation, detox and rejuvenation programmes.
Popular treatments are Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Hot Stones Massage as well as various Facial Treatments.
The Thalasso Facial Ritual is a detoxifying and effective treatment performed with marine cosmetics. Individually tailored, a skilful therapist will clean, hydrate, massage and moisturise your face leaving your skin feeling clean and refreshed. Perfect after a day at the pool before getting ready for supper.
The Beach Club
Only steps away from the beach, the iconic Beach Club serves up its famed lunch buffet daily from 1.30pm – 4.30pm (summer time). Guests can enjoy fresh seafood and catch of the day whilst dining al fresco right next to the pool.
The international cuisine blends traditional Spanish flavours with Asian and Lebanese dishes for an exotic and fresh lunch experience. The salad selection is especially nice together with the (not so guilt-free) puddings.
Enjoy fresh prawns, salads and cold cuts together with a glass of crisp white wine right on the ocean front whilst people watching.
The Beach Club might simply be one of the best places in Marbella to enjoy a Saturday lunch!
Delivering on everything it sets out to be, it is not difficult to see why guests keep coming back year after year. Many families have spent their annual holidays here for decades with their children now all grown-up returning with their own families knowing the member of staff since their toddler years.
Marbella Club is exclusive, glamorous yet relaxed and totally worth a visit.
Marbella Club
Bulevar Principe Alfonso von Hohenlohe, 29600 Marbella, Spain
Room rates start at €590
For more information and bookings visit www.marbellaclub.com
