The Marbella Club, Golf Resort and Spa
Once a sanctuary for the Hollywood glitterati; former guests include Ava Gardner, Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant, the recently modernised Marbella Club still hints at the glitz and glamour of days gone by. As I walk through the doors I almost feel like I'm stepping in to a fabulous fifties film set. Bellboys efficiently buzzing to guests' whims, florists preening fresh fragrant lilies and bartenders shaking up Martinis. It's opulence at its best, the atmosphere is enthralling.
As I'm shown to my room I notice a change, a laid back Mediterranean air of serenity. Lazy lunchers, sun seekers and their offspring lounged around the pool. Borgainvillea engulfed suites and villas scattered amongst calming water features, rosemary and lavender bushes. Lush tropical gardens, olive groves and palm trees, leading down to the sweeping coastline of the Costa del Sol. Though here, a million miles away from the 'Marbs' portrayed in the likes of TOWIE, it's known as The Golden Mile.
The Room: The Marbella Suite. An elegant Andalucia inspired 4 poster bedroom with Juliet balcony, a separate living room with big comfy sofas, and a large balcony overlooking the gardens, with distant sea views. Arran Aromatics products, mini bars and free wi-fi in all rooms.
The Spa: The Marbella Club Thalasso Spa sits directly on the beachfront, a short walk or buggy ride, through the gardens away from the main hotel. A traditional terracotta stone building with state-of-the-art facilities including, a large seawater hydrotherapy multi-jet pool, an Osmanic Hammam, sauna, steam, vitality showers, 8 treatment rooms, outdoor treatment area, and 2 relaxation rooms, one with sea views.
The Treatment: MC Anti-Ageing Facial. The treatment begins with a Babor double enzyme and vitamin C cleanse, followed by a tone, gentle exfoliation then an aromatic steam. A collagen peel mask is then applied and left to dry. Another cleanse then a bonus tidy of the brows. Babor Sea Creation moisturiser and eye cream are then used for a lifting facial massage. Includes a complimentary sample of the moisturiser and eye cream used in the treatment. €210.
It's expensive, but it worked. My skin looked radiant, lifted and eye bag free.
Other treatments include, Algae Detox Wrap, a vigorous skin scrub and algae mud treatment to detoxify and renew the skin. Hot Stone Massage, using warm aromatherapy oils and hot stones to work on key pressure points.
Sports and Amenities: An 18 hole golf course, equestrian centre, beach club with water sports (April-October), gymnasium, 10 floodlit tennis courts, two outdoor swimming pools. The Lions Club, sports and activities for children aged 4-14.
To Eat: The Grill for romantic candlelit Mediterranean cuisine. Seaside lunching at the MC Beach Club, a swanky buffet with an extensive seafood bar. MC Café for Euro-Asian fusion and Bar al-Fresco for poolside snacks and salads.
The Deal: Quest For Spa, 3 nights (min) in an executive room, €100 spa voucher per room, €175 pppn.
Don't Miss: A stroll in to Puerto Banus for yacht and people watching. A trip to The Olive Oil Museum at The Cultural Center Cortijo Miraflores.
BA fly 28 times a week from London Gatwick and 4 times a week from City Airport to Malaga. Prices start at £88 return. www.britishairways.com