TOP 5 THINGS TO DO IN MARBELLA
The upmarket city of Marbella in the south of Spain is a haven for sun-worshippers, cocktail-drinkers and those looking to relax and unwind in a party town with access to a myriad of sporting and leisure pursuits. With Club Meds Magna Marbella luxury resort being officially opened here soon, you can also opt for accommodation that will ensure youre kept in comfort and style during your stay.
Today, taking inspiration from Club Meds own recent article on Marbella, were going to look at what makes this one of the most popular cities in the Costa del Sol region and why so many people flock here time and time again. Its long been known as a shining jewel in the European holiday market but constant updating and investment keeps it relevant, fresh and full of exciting surprises. Let’s take a look at the Top 5 things to do in Marbella
Hit the beach
One of the main draws of this coastline is its spectacular beaches. Not only is the water here ideal for a number of water sports, but the sand is clean, the atmosphere friendly and theres plenty to do within a short walk of the shore, making it top of the 5 things to do in Marbella.
There are 24 different beaches stretching along the Marbella coast, each with its own distinctive vibe. A couple of our favourites are El Alicante and Costa Bella. Here you can lie on the beach itself, or do what the jet-set do and book yourself into one of the many exclusive beach clubs. The beach clubs will provide you with comfortable lounging furniture, a view of the seafront and access to waiter service, so youll be able to order drinks and meals as and when you fancy them. Theyll each have their own swimming pool too, so you dont have to jump waves with the hoi polloi if you dont want! Towels and parking are provided for your convenience, so you wont have to bring holiday paraphernalia with you. You can simply enjoy having a waiter at your beck and call, while soaking up the sun, listening to the beats played by in-house DJs. A few beach clubs we like here include Nikki Beach Club, La Cabane Club and The Ocean Club.
Dining out in Marbella
In line with its chic image, youll discover plenty of fancy restaurants here. There are places to be seen and people watch, as well as fine dining with global and local influences. Nobu is a big name in the restaurant world and Marbella has just welcomed a Nobu restaurant to its shores. With its emphasis on fresh, local ingredients prepared to high, exacting standards, you should go into Nobu with heightened expectations. Look out for the Andalusian dishes, which offer a tasty insight into the cuisine of the region.
Mahiki Beach, with its Tiki stylings, is where you need to be if you fancy surrounding yourself with celebrities. Enjoy the tropical grill, Spanish fusion recipes and fruity cocktails in very glamorous company. A bit more down to earth, and ideal if youre following a gluten free diet, is Celicioso, which offers a range of gluten free foods. Rachels Eco Love also makes a healthy diet central to its ethos. Here the food is organic and nutrition is a priority.
Similarly, both The Farm and Skina restaurants concern themselves with food origins and catering for individual customer food tolerances. If youre looking for a speciality eatery, the Michelin-starred Lobito de Mar is great for seafood, while El Estrecho and La Moraga Bistro will both provide you with an extensive tapas menu, comprising of traditional favourites and finger food with a new, modern twist.
Wherever you choose to dine, be sure to try some of the specialities of the region. Spanish paella is a filling classic, which can include meat or seafood among its saffron-infused rice base, while gazpacho soup is a crisp, cool starter that will whet your appetite for further courses. Jamn Iberico is a main stay of any cold meat platter and oxtail here really is what it says it is; a meaty dish in sauce, as opposed to a thin, British soup!
Art and wealth in Marbella
The Puerto Bans district of Marbella is the salubrious part of town, where bling comes as standard whether youre admiring the cars in the showroom, the yachts in the marina or the high end shops in the mall. This is a playground for the rich and famous who flock here, as well as wannabes with a budget. A trip here is an eye opener into how the top 1% spend their money and an aspirational diversion from your financial reality; if youre not in that top 1%! Designer boutiques such as Dior, Versace and Gucci can be found along the Golden Mile, but there are also more affordable offerings like the stylish but infinitely more humble Corte Ingls department store.
If its art you fancy immersing yourself in, then youll need to head over to the Avenida del Mar, where youll find sculptures by Dali and Soriano. Dalis impressively heavy Rhinoceros dressed in lace sculpture can be found in Puerto Bans, while Tseretellis La Victoria is close by. Much more art, including paintings by Picasso, Tapies and Miro, can be found in the 16th century Museo del Grabado Espanol Contemporaneo. This palace houses a fine collection of twentieth-century art.
Nightlife in Marbella
Theres no getting away from the fact that Marbella is an exceptionally lively party town with establishments to suit every drinking budget. Of course, its still easy to ignore the bustle of the evenings if youre on holiday with the kids, but bear in mind if youre staying at the new Club Med resort, you might want to join in the nighttime activities while your kids are being babysat in the childrens clubs! Cocktail bars spring up seemingly weekly on every street corner here, making it difficult to keep up with the new trendy hotspots. However, we thought wed list a few of our reliable hangouts, where both style and substance will make a lasting impression on you.
If youre looking to drink fresh fruit cocktails as you soak up the rays in an exclusive beach club, then La Sala by the Sea will allow you to relax in beach beds while DJs spin their tunes around you, creating a party ambience. Its laid back, it has an Asian theme and you can enjoy the vibe until late into the night. Pangea and Mahikis Coconut cocktail bars are both stalwarts of the Marbella scene. Celebrities flit in and out of them, the service is first class and in the case of Pangea, youll have a superb view from the roof terrace.
For a funkier vibe, closer to the marina, which is handy if youre considering visiting a boat party later in the night, youll love News Caf. Top House and R&B beats will penetrate the night air while the champagne flows. Its a great thing to do in Marbella, for the locals aswell!
The Marbella Shopping Experience
Weve already talked about the designer outlets on the Golden Mile, but for the ultimate Marbella shopping experience, youll want to head over to Marina Bans – a place which is always on everyone’s list of top 5 things to do in Marbella. This is a shopping centre which will suit all needs and budgets. Stores selling local products and craft items will be in the close vicinity of mid-range international franchises such as H&M, Bershka and Pull and Bear, as well as more high-end designer-led brands.
A secondary shopping street, filled with designer discounts and Spanish fashions with a global reach such as Mango and Zara is also well worth a look. For vintage fashions, youll love the pre-loved shop in the old town.
Staying at Club Med Magna Marbella
If youre yet to have your first experience in a Club Med resort, nows the time to get excited. As a multi-award winning household name of a brand, Club Med has been delighting families, groups and couples for many years with their luxury, all-inclusive packages. They will allow you to eat heartily, enjoy a full schedule of leisure pursuits with tuition and relax in comfortable, stylish, cutting-edge accommodation, whilst only paying one affordable initial price. Little wonder Club Med Magna Marbella has been hotly anticipated by those in the know. Read more about the fabulous new resort. Click here
If youre interested in booking a week or two at Club Med Magna Marbella, The Aspen Travel team can help advise you on whats included in your package, as well as guide you gently through the booking process. Please get in touch with our dedicated team.
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