Marbella in style: a luxury lifestyle guide, the back story

About Marbella in style: a luxury lifestyle guide, the back story

By the ULTIMATE Marbella Editorial Team

Marbella has been a byword for glamour since the 1950s, and the Golden Mile is where it shows most.

The Golden Mile

The stretch of coast between Marbella and Puerto Banús is known as the Golden Mile. Its story starts in the 1950s with the Marbella Club, the hotel that drew European aristocrats and film stars, and today it holds some of Spain’s best-known beach resorts, including the Marbella Club and Puente Romano.

Puerto Banús

Puerto Banús opened in 1970 and is still the stage for Marbella’s glamour: superyachts in the marina, a front line of luxury boutiques, supercars on the quay and bars that stay busy late. Come in the evening for the parade, then dine in the port or nearby.

Marbella’s best luxury is often the simplest: a long lunch by the sea.

Beach clubs and dining

Days often revolve around a beach club or a long lunch by the sea, and nights around dinner at one of the area’s MICHELIN-recognised tables, from Skina in the Old Town to the restaurants of the big hotels. Book ahead in high season.

Golf, spas and calm

Behind the coast, the golf valley of Nueva Andalucía and the hills of Benahavís offer some of Europe’s best golf, while the resort spas and wellness retreats make the most of the mild climate. Many visitors find that the quiet luxuries, such as a sunset walk or a village lunch, are what they remember most.

Our advice: mix the glamour with the simple pleasures. Book one big night in Puerto Banús, one long beach-club lunch and one round of golf, then spend an evening in the Old Town with tapas on Plaza de los Naranjos.

Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Marbella in style: a luxury lifestyle guide, the back story before you go.