The Marbella Club Hotel Review, Marbella, Spain

As I sit here reflecting upon my visit to The Marbella Club my overriding emotion is, `Where have you been all of my life?` It is rare that I am moved to use the same words as Royalty but Prince Alfonso once described the Marbella Club as `a paradise on earth` and I must say he was absolutely right! It will be incredibly hard for me to not let the following descend into a litany of superlatives but suffice to say, having stayed in some of the best hotels in the world, this most definitely ranks at the very top. Etched in the annals of history, the Marbella Club is truly an oasis of supreme grandeur and splendour. The list of patrons reads like a who`s who of world celebrities, yet there is none of the pompous, rigid formality one might expect from such an iconic and famous establishment. There remains an overwhelming sense that this is truly a hotel where you cannot fail to emerge feeling totally relaxed and refreshed. It is a place where people return year after year, where old and young are equally catered for. It is a place where you are met and smothered with grace and charm from the moment you arrive until the moment you leave.

On entering the immaculately tended grounds we were struck by the awesome fragrance of jasmine, the mass of colour provided by the plentiful bougainvillea and the many different blossoms, and the vast array of tropical palms, which reminded us so much of the exotic Far East, Indeed it felt as if at times we were in some remote tropical paradise. Somehow the management have succeeded in embracing so many different cultures and languages that everybody cannot fail to feel welcome and catered for.

We had heard so much about the famous Grill, which has recently been redesigned but nothing could have prepared me for what turned out to be possibly the best meal I have ever tasted in the world. The Grill exudes an old world charm woven with rich elegance and sophistication. The chimney grill in the middle adds authenticity and the subtle candlelight provides just the right atmosphere for a very romantic evening. The service was extremely attentive without in any way being intrusive. Clearly a very popular venue, our meals were promptly served but we felt very welcome to linger as long as we wished. The atmosphere was one of intimacy and supreme elegance, yet around us we could hear the voices of utter enjoyment with none of the stifled inhibited communication so often characteristic of top class restaurants. The menu was outstanding, offering a huge range of tempting delicacies. Our appetites were wetted with a complimentary dish of chilled cream of zucchini soup. I followed this with my choice of starter – a very interesting sounding ravioli with oxtail. I just never knew that ravioli could taste so good and envelop such rich and unique flavours! My partner chose the feathery, light as air, delicately flavoured cheese soufflé smothered in a light cream sauce. After much deliberation I selected the rack of lamb for my main course. Cooked to total perfection it most definitely ticked all the boxes for a seriously addicted carnivore such as myself! My partner`s very generous portion of crispy Peking duck was extremely succulent and accompanied by a delicious fruit sauce. Already feeling pretty full, we read the dessert menu with some trepidation. However, neither of us could resist the temptation to sample the interesting combinations of flavours on offer. My apple crispy roll with rum and raisin ice cream was a sheer work of art and tasted equally divine. The lightness of the pear crumble accompanied by vanilla ice cream proved a very tasty ending to my partner`s meal. This truly was a never-to-be-forgotten meal orchestrated by a supremely talented chef.
We imagined that, having experienced such terrific food the night before, it would be impossible to equal. How wrong we were! Every day throughout the year, the Marbella Club Hotel`s legendary Beach Club offers what has become it`s famous, world renowned international buffet. Having spent a lot of time in the Far East where I became an avid fan of international buffets, I can honestly say the range and quality of delicacies and the variety of European, Asian, Lebanese and Spanish cuisine proved to be unrivalled by anything I have ever experienced.

To complete our 2 days of decadently affluent experiences we visited the calming haven of the Marbella Club Thalasso Spa, which offers a full range of Thalasso and beauty treatments, as well as personalized programmes for relaxation, well-being, detox and rejuvenation. Our time was limited so sadly we were only able to take limited advantage of the facilities but nevertheless we emerged well refreshed; mentally, physically and spiritually.
Readers beware, as this hotel should have a health warning! Stay here and nothing else may ever match up to this experience. The Marbella Club is an iconic masterpiece that would be totally addictive to anyone who wanted to sample the very best in service, environment and fine dining. I am hooked and, like many of the rich and famous people in the world who have discovered it`s charms, will be looking forward to my next `out of this world experience` at the Marbella Club.
Double Classic Rooms start from 375 Euros per night based on two people sharing. For reservations please contact:
Tel: 0034 95 282 2211
Email: reservas@marbellaclub.com
www.marbellaclub.com