Marbella is known for its designer shops, superyachts and glitzy image. Five-star resorts are sprinkled all across the Costa del Sol, with stunning beaches and pretty guaranteed golden sun - making it an ideal destination for a dose of October heat.
It's a given that some parts of Marbella don’t have the chicest reputation, but if you’re happy to drive a little out the way (say 45 minutes from Málaga airport), you’ll discover some sophisticated gems. METT Marbella Estepona sits firmly on the right side of classy - think chauffeur pick-ups in a Mercedes S-Class from the airport (starting from €199 per trip), exceptional interior design (the entrance alone is a statement), and a daytime DJ playing the sexiest mellow progressive house beats that instantly set the holiday vibe. Do order a spicy marg before you go up to your room though; it’s a must to start the holiday right.
The design and history
To say that the design of this hotel is exceptional, we believe is a bit of an understatement. Natural hessian textures and dark wood are woven with blue and beige tones around the pool, giving the hotel a sun-bleached elegance. It feels premium, timeless and truly effortless. Details such as the olive tree centrepiece in the lobby and the delicately thatched beach umbrellas that gently sway in the breeze show just how carefully curated this property is.
The hotel also has a little bit of history. The charming external lifts are a reminder of its past - the property was originally built in 2000, before undergoing a stylish transformation and reopening in July 2023.
The room to book
The hotel features 249 rooms, of which 24 are suites, that are set around the luxuriously long main pool. We stayed in the Sea View Suite (upgradeable with a semi-shared private pool for extra indulgence) where the spacious layout, calming beige tones and ocean views can't help but relax you. The view has to be admired on the large balcony, and accompany that with a bottle of the Marqués de Vargas Reserva from the mini-wine-bar and it’s the ultimate upgrade to your hotel room stay. Basic features are not overlooked either. The shower is actually a rain shower, and there’s even a pillow menu with gel touch and bamboo options.
What to do
This is a resort made for sunbathing, relaxing and taking a step back from life. It’s out of the way for a reason. Our top tip is to not stress about getting a poolside sunbed at 10am; we didn’t bother and actually found the beach beds a much better option to start the sunbathing day (Lychee Spritz in hand, naturally). It’s quieter, which is perfect for a post-breakfast nap, or you can walk up to Azure Beach and enjoy a massage à la plage.
The hotel flows seamlessly onto the beach, so you can always pop back later to find a poolside sunbed; plus the DJ gets going later on in the afternoon (get a taste of their playlist here) so it’s the perfect moment to try out their signature Matcha Colada or Umami Mule cocktails.
If there’s a few of you and you really want to push the boat out without actually going out to sea, then you can book a Private Pool Cabana where you’ll enjoy a fresh fruit platter, welcome cocktail & a bottle of Champagne. Glamorous doesn’t even cover it.
If you do need a moment out of the sun or if the weather turns, book yourself a massage at Moi Spa. Or if you’ve had one too many cocktails, then the dimly lit indoor pool is an ambient place to recalibrate. For something more active, the Villa Padierna Racquet Club is just across the road for tennis, while the beach promenade makes for a scenic morning run followed by a dip in the sea - the ultimate reset.
Where to eat
Thankfully breakfast is on until 11am, so you don’t need to set an alarm. We’d say that the later you go the more acceptable it is to pour yourself a breakfast mimosa, but you're on holiday, so it really doesn’t matter…
Isola, inspired by the south of Italy, was the highlight for us. You’ve been warned that you’ll find it difficult not to overindulge on the antipasti, with the delicate Carpaccio di manzo and the crispy Calamari fritti being the faves. But we insist you hold out for the mains; Tagliolini con Scampi allo zafferano e caviale was a rich yet decadent affair with a strong saffron sunset yellow pasta sitting beneath a bed of caviar and langoustines which fluently balanced out the flavour. The service was also immaculate, with the sommelier adding the finishing touch; order a bottle of Carralcoba Tinto which was a light red wine that went down a treat with the fish.
Ammos is the Greek option at the hotel, where you can quite easily have a few oysters and a Greek salad with a bottle of Ruinart and you’d be good to go. But being a beachfront restaurant, it would be a shame not to indulge in some fresh fish of the day, so make sure you ask the staff as to what’s available. There’s also Greek performances on Saturday nights if you’re after more than just flavour on the tastebuds, just make sure you double check if you’re visiting off season.
El Bar De Lola is the relaxed tapas bar by the pool if you fancy something a little more chilled. Whatever you do, order two portions of the Croquetas de puchero o jamón for two. You can never go wrong with Croquetas.
Azure Beach is great if you fancy some sushi on the beach, because why not. The Azure mix sushi selection is enough for two. But trust us when we say if you order the kimchi glazed edamame beans, you won’t want to share them. Simple things can often be the star of the show.
Taking it slow it seems is in METT Marbella's DNA. Being out of the way, it allows you to fully unwind and you'll see that it isn't just another resort - it’s a carefully curated state of pure bliss. Stylish, sun-soaked, and effortlessly indulgent, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to hit pause on life and stay a little longer.
METT Marbella Estepona is open from March to November.
Private Pool Cabana’s start from €1,500 for up to 5 people, with €1,000 credit redeemable on food & beverages.
Deluxe Double Rooms start from €350 in the low season, and €590 in the high season.
metthotelsandresorts.com/marbella/
