HEY, BIG SPLENDOUR
SHARON VAN GEUNS GOES FOR GLAMOUR AT MARBELLA’S NOBU HOTEL
RADIATING glamour and sophistication, this adultsonly Andalucian beauty is a place to kick back in style and schmooze with the Sunshine Coast’s glitterati. The scene was set as soon as we arrived when we were handed a glass of chilled Cristal champagne. It’s standard procedure for all incoming guests – everyone here is treated like a VIP and nattily dressed staff will happily book restaurant tables, reserve daybeds and organise bespoke excursions.
There’s even a Tesla, complete with chauffeur, on hand for guests who need to run out to buy anything.
STYLE
A DESTINATION in itself, the hotel is set back 500 yards from the beach and halfway along the famous Golden Mile that links Marbella’s charming old town to glamorous Puerto Banus.
But what makes it different is that it has been cleverly integrated with the classic resort of Puente Romano.
Nobu Hotel guests have access to all the Puente facilities, including three pools, 12 restaurants and a world-class tennis club. There is also a secluded pool exclusive to Nobu guests, and a private beach.
The resort is set out like a traditional whitewashed Spanish village, framed by the lush greenery of mature palm trees. There is even a babbling brook that runs through, straight down from the La Concha mountain.
There are 81 rooms at Nobu, most of which are suites, with minimalist Far-Eastern styling, using the natural materials and neutral colour palette that Nobu is famous for.
FOOD AND DRINK
THE village is clustered around a central courtyard called La Plaza, a chic epicentre which comes alive at night with bars, restaurants and beautiful people moving laconically to Ibiza-style chill-out tunes.
Nobu Matsuhisa’s globally acclaimed eponymous restaurant is front and centre in the Plaza, offering signature dishes including Black Cod Miso on buttered lettuce, and creations inspired by the region.
With Nobu’s first female executive chef, Eleni Manousou, at the helm you know you are in good hands with this Japanese-Peruvian style menu. She sources many ingredients from the local market and you can even join her for a masterclass in their most famous dish. But for the epicurious there’s an abundance of places to eat on the square, including BiBo Dani Garcia Marbella, the only restaurant in Andalucia with three Michelin stars.
A short walk, or Nobu-branded golf cart ride away, lie beachfront eateries, the chic El Chiringuito and Sea Grill, offering gorgeous coastal views.
ACTIVITIES
GUESTS can relax on the property’s private beach where plush loungers are available exclusively for Nobu guests or indulge in a private paddle-boarding lesson on the glassy waters of the Med. You can master the art of sushi-making with Nobu’s head chef or learn flamenco dancing. There are also sunset DJ sessions, and if you have the energy after a day sipping cocktails, you can strut your stuff at La Suite nightclub, consistently rated one of Marbella’s hottest venues.
SPA
THE resort offers every route to wellness with its renowned Six Senses spa.
Set among tropical gardens, it features wooden relaxation areas, plunge pools and luxurious treatment rooms where guests can unwind while looking out to the ocean. Treatments include 24-carat gold leaf facials. There’s also a sauna, hammam, herbal steam room and a hydrotherapy pool.
THE SIGHTS
FORGET the old TOWIE nonsense and celebrity wannabes, for Mediterranean glamour Marbella holds its own with the French Riviera and has all the things you’d want from a luxury beach destination while retaining its historic charm.
Explore the scenic Golden Mile from Marbella to the marina and shopping district of Puerto Banus, or the historic old town, based around Plaza de los Naranjos (Square of the Orange Trees) with its surrounding maze of pedestrian streets and Castilian Renaissance architecture.
THE DEAL
FLY to Malaga with BA, Iberia, Ryanair or easyJet. Rooms at Nobu Hotel Marbella start at £396 a night on B&B in June. nobuhotels.com/ marbella