A Tranquil Retreat in the Hills of Marbella
When I checked into the Anantara Villa, nestled in the hills above Marbella and Puerto Banús, I immediately felt a sense of escape. This place is tucked away from the glitz of the Golden Mile, and although the views are dotted with cranes from ongoing construction, you can still imagine the charm of old Andalusia, the way Marbella must have been before the jet set arrived.
The property itself is a stunner. Set in the Villa Padierna Palace, this Italianate gem, designed by a British architect in 2003, is surrounded by lush golf courses (three, to be exact). The real standout for me was the garden swimming pool, surrounded by cypress and palm trees. It’s the kind of place where you just want to unwind, soak in the views, and forget about the world for a bit.
What I didn’t expect was how much of an art gallery the place is. With over 1,200 original artworks scattered throughout the hotel and gardens, it feels like you're wandering through a private collection—there’s something new to admire around every corner, from sculptures to eclectic paintings.
The room had a cozy, warm vibe with a super comfortable bed in crisp white linens. I loved the two soft yellow armchairs by a glass table, where I could relax with coffee or a book. There was also a nice wooden desk and soft lighting from the lamps, making it feel very homey.
The decor was simple yet elegant, with framed artwork and neutral colors that made the space feel calm. The bathroom was spacious and luxurious with beautiful marble finishes, adding to the relaxing atmosphere. It was the perfect mix of comfort and style
The Roman bath-style setup is something else, with a hydrotherapy circuit, steam rooms of varying temperatures, and even a sea salt hammam. While the surroundings were gorgeous, what made my stay truly special were the staff. From the moment I walked in until the second I left, I felt like I was part of one big, welcoming family. Speaking of breakfast, the options were fantastic. Whether you wanted to load up at the buffet or order something special from the menu, everything was fresh and tasty. The morning staff were the kind that could brighten up any gloomy day with their friendly service and willingness to whip up exactly what you fancy. And, of course, there were endless juices to choose from, which is always a win for me.
