Words by Sara Darling
Marbella has a reputation for its super yachts and quaint old town, so the Amàre Resort, with its beach club directly on the white sands, is a welcome addition for hipsters who want to soak up the sun-kissed coastline. This modern adults-only hotel is designed for a stress free break for jetsetters and locals who book up to enjoy cocktails on the roof or lunch on the beach.
The old town is having a bit of a renaissance and its maze-like, white-walled streets with flower encased balconies, are crammed with boutiques, restaurants and bars, with its Orange Square which dates back to 1485 in the centre. Also worth a visit is the beautiful 15th-century Ermita de Santiago church, whilst further afield is the Avenida del Mar – a long, narrow plaza dotted with palm trees and bronze sculptures by Salvador Dalí, and the buzzy harbour.
It takes just 15 minutes to walk into town, or if you’d prefer something a little bit more glamorous, the infamous Puerto Banús is 20-minutes by taxi or a 30-minute ferry ride, and it’s a 45-minute drive northeast to Málaga and the airport.
Hotel
Designed to enhance Spain’s sunny coastline, the interior of the Amàre is bright and airy, based upon the Spanish words amor and mar – love and sea – which are reflected throughout the property. Merging the boundaries between inside and outside, the minimalist décor consists of bleached wood, tasteful turquoise and natural fabrics, which nod to the Mediterranean location, and the big windows in the rooms allow for lots of natural light.
The airy reception draws your eye downwards to the lower level, where the restaurant and lounge spill out on the pool terrace that surrounds the L-shaped pool and plentiful sun loungers that, in turn, leads to the beach. The ninth-floor Belvue Bar, with its glass sides, is a prime spot for sundowners, snacks and DJs, as well as uninterrupted views across Andalusia.
Ultimately, the vibe is hip and, on my visit, the hotel was the backdrop for a year-long art exhibition by Marcos Torres who has created a series of larger than life screen print works which can be seen throughout the hotel, and sum up the funky vibe.
Room
There are 236 rooms and suites in six categories: I Was Here, Dolce Vita, Keep The Secret, Make it Happen, Oh La La The One, Oh La La.
The main difference is the size of rooms as the décor is basically the same with pale wood floors, cream paintwork and large windows with views of the Med, the town or the mountains. However, guests of the One Club all have direct sea views and access to a glass-walled lounge in the lobby with complimentary drinks and snacks, as well as a private terrace.
I stayed in the Make it Happen room on the ninth floor, which had views over the coastline and promenade. With a delightfully large waterfall shower, robe and slippers, Nespresso machine, large balcony and well-stocked mini bar, I certainly made the most of my eternally sunshine-y home away from home.
Food and drink
I spent most of my time at the Beach Club which is also open to non-residents- so don’t be surprised to share the shady terrace with trendy locals who come to enjoy the extensive menu, and daily chilled DJs.
Catering for groups of women who were celebrating a hen weekend, and cosy corners for couples, the comfy seats under the sail shades meant everyone could enjoy a long, relaxed Andalusian style lunch, and sample the eclectic menu, which consisted of a range of dishes from fish kebabs to Japanese sushi, to homemade pasta and rainbow salads, not forgetting the most delicious lemon sorbet known to man!
You can also order from your sunbed on the sea-facing loungers – just press the buzzer for waiter service. This level of attention continues by the pool’s Balinese style day beds. After dark, head to the Amàre Lounge, a contemporary, indoor space for drinks, Mediterranean cuisine, and live entertainment.
One of the hidden gems is the top floor Belvue Bar which boasts an (almost) 360-degree vista of the old town, La Concha mountain, the Sierra Blanca, and the sea. The wraparound, glass wall allows for stunning sunset views, and the upbeat DJ ensures a great atmosphere with guests and locals getting in the party mood.
The breakfast at Mare Nostrum deserves a mention as you will want to enjoy the extensive spread which is included in your booking. You only really get to see the magnitude of the guests during breakfast, as the restaurant is buzzing with guests stocking up from the buffet, placing eggs to order-orders or tapping the waiters for more freshly squeezed orange juice. You can enjoy tucking in from seven to 11 and either eat indoors or on the terrace overlooking the pool.
This transforms into a low key, candlelit restaurant in the evening, with a Spanish-fusion a-la-carte menu and great wine list.
Not forgetting the exclusive, glass- partitioned ‘One Lounge’ in the foyer, where guests who have upgraded to the top level are granted a key so they can help themselves to cold drinks, snacks and alcoholic beverages all day.
To do
With the perfect location on the beach for a fly ‘n’ flop, you could easily be won over by the ease of the resort’s facilities, but if you get itchy feet, it is an easy stroll along the prom to the centre of Marbella’s nightlife. You can walk to the pretty Old Town in about fifteen minutes, and enjoy the boutiques, bars and restaurants; or head to the lively harbour for buzzier bars and clubs. Or go and admire the super rich in Puerto Buenos, which is a 20-minute taxi or 30-minute ferry ride away.
If you need to let off some steam, there’s a modern gym with plenty of Technogym equipment and a large spa with a heated swimming pool, sauna, steam and whirlpool tub and hydrotherapy circuit – the signature Aromas d’Andalucía massage is divine; or you could even book a ‘Spa-rty’ if you’re celebrating and you’ll have exclusive access with nibbles and Cava.
There is complimentary yoga at the Beach Club on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at the very doable hour of 9am, or hire a sit-up-and-beg bike from reception, for a jolly along the prom to Puerto Banús.
In a nutshell
Expect grown up beach vibes with cool, relaxed daily DJs spinning laid back tunes at the beach bar, and press to order cocktails so you don’t have to leave your lounger. The sea is footsteps away should you want to go for a dip, or walk along the shoreline to the next beach bar.
Factbox
Address: Av. Severo Ochoa, 8, 29603 Marbella, Málaga, Spain
Phone: +34 951 56 20 83
Website: amarehotels.com
Photography courtesy of Amàre Beach Hotel Marbella
