Marbella, on Spain’s Costa del Sol, has long been one of Europe’s ritziest playgrounds. Warm Andalusian weather throughout most of the year and vivacious beach clubs along sandy Mediterranean shores have been drawing in the jet-set for decades.
In Puerto Banús, luxury yachts line the marina and a high concentration of designer boutiques makes for easy evening shopping. The Old Town wears its age well, charming visitors with its cobblestone streets, whitewashed walls and bright pink bougainvilleas, while its alleyways hold galleries and museums with works by Spanish masters like Dalí, Miró and Picasso.
Puente Romano Marbella is a destination unto itself, and its lively La Plaza is packed with more restaurants and entertainment options than you could fit into a single trip. Within it, Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Nobu Hotel Marbella is a private retreat blending Japanese minimalism with Andalusian influences that serves as an ideal base for a 48-hour escape.
Day One
Fly into Málaga Airport and make your way to Marbella, about 45 minutes by private car. After checking in, stroll through the Andalusian village-style grounds by Nobu where you’ll choose from more than 20 options for lunch. The beachfront Chiringuito will set the tone for your trip: the beach club buzzes with DJ beats and serves seafood paella and fish grilled to order. Recharge from the morning flight with a bite to eat or by lounging near the water. Nobu Hotel Marbella guests also have exclusive access to the adults-only Nobu Pool.
Head to the Old Town in the afternoon, starting at the Museo del Grabado Español Contemporáneo to see work by Spanish masters. Then wander the maze-like streets in search of boho treasures in the boutiques or follow your nose to Plaza de los Naranjos, where orange trees shade the square’s plentiful cafés.
If you’ve had enough walking for one day, make your way to Puente Romano’s Six Senses Spa for a long soak in the Wet Zone. Choose a one- or four-hour pass and work your way through the hydrotherapy pool, hammam, sensory showers, herbal steam room and sauna.
You can also indulge in a massage or body treatment, many of which incorporate locally sourced ingredients like sea salt and olive oil. The 50- or 80-minute holistic massage is personalized based on your needs, whether that’s relieving muscle tension from all the travel or attaining a more balanced sense of well-being.
Dinner awaits at the Greek-Mediterranean GAIA, where the sea bream carpaccio gets tangy, unexpected depth from three olive oil-based dressings. For dessert, don’t miss the Greek yogurt ice cream topped with honey and walnuts. End the night at NYX, a speakeasy tucked behind a door at GAIA.
Day Two
Begin your second day with breakfast at Sea Grill, Puente Romano’s signature restaurant. Enjoy the impressive spread from the sun-drenched terrace alongside the ocean vistas.
Once you’ve fueled up for the day’s adventures, walk the Golden Mile, a four-mile stretch of waterfront villas and chic beach clubs, to Puerto Banús. There, spend some time admiring the yachts in the marina before indulging in shopping at the area’s many designer boutiques.
If you love the water, book a private cruise for a view of the harbor from the sea. Join a dolphin-watching excursion from May to October, when sightings are most likely. Those staying on land should head to La Sala for lunch, where live music, inventive cocktails and panoramas of La Concha Mountain make for a lively midday meal on the large terrace.
Outdoor enthusiasts who’d rather get a closer look at La Concha can trade in Puerto Banús for a hike up this peak in the Sierra Blanca range. The summit gives you an incredible vantage point overlooking Gibraltar and, on clear days, the African coast. When planning, keep in mind that the hike can take around six hours, and that part of the trek will be rocky, which could be challenging for some. Consider hiring a knowledgeable local guide.
Dinner tonight will be served at Nobu Marbella, where the iconic black cod miso is just one of the many dishes on the menu. Pair the exceptionally fresh eel nigiri with a crisp Thai lime and lychee martini. If you still have energy, head to Bar La Plaza or COYA Club for some late-night entertainment, a fitting closer to a stay in exciting Marbella.
