Marbella, once a quiet untouched oasis, began to change its make-up when it was discovered by the international jet-set of the fifties and sixties. They brought the glamour to its shores. Today it is not only a prestigious address, globally recognised but as well a lifestyle magnet for the rich and famous.
Marbella is one of Europe’s jewels frequented by a very selective part of society, comparable to Monaco and both the Italian and French Riviera. All these glamorous destinations along the Mediterranean have their unique characteristics that make them appealing to both high net worth holidaymakers and residents. On a global scale, and whilst there are other spectacular places around the world, none compare to the Mediterranean jewels for their sense of sophistication, elegance and natural chic.
What makes Marbella special is its location. It is a short, three hour flight from the main European hubs and offers year-round sunshine and warm weather. This, combined with a natural environment of spectacular beauty and diversity, make for an idealistic Californian lifestyle with an added bonus. Marbella, unlike California, is deeply embedded in European history and culture. It is a seductive cocktail of European elegance and charm that has been a magnet for royalty, millionaires and famous faces of the entertainment industry since the fifties.
Once a quiet, unassuming fishing village, Marbella has become a stylish holiday resort nestled by the Mediterranean coastline. To the west lies the meeting point of Gibraltar and Morocco – where Europe meets Africa and the Mediterranean Sea throws itself into the Atlantic Ocean. This dynamic between two worlds, coming together is reflected throughout this well-known paradise. A spectacular mountainous drop back, contrasting the sandy beaches to the south, shelters Marbella from the sizzling heat and stinging cold, creating a protective microclimate which is unique to the area.
Marbella – Golden Mile
Marbella is a dreamlike setting made up of beaches, a seashore that sparkles under the rays of a majestic sun, piercing through deep blue skies, lush subtropical gardens and protective mountains that extend further inland with an array of beautiful valleys, whispering rivers, cascades and typical, whitewashed villages, filled with over a thousand years of fascinating history. The town itself is very quaint, with a bustling boulevard, beachside boardwalk, enchanting, Andalusian town squares and a delightful historical quarter loaded with delicious restaurants and lovely little street cafés.
Marbella – Old Town – Casco Antiguo[/caption]
Many compare Marbella to its American counterpart, California. Both enjoy year-round beautifully warm weather and over 320 days of sunshine and their geographic make-up is in many ways similar. However, what Marbella brings to the table is unique and part of its very special caché: thousands of years of history, with a strong Moorish and Roman influence. It’s location is unprecedented, a stone’s throw from Africa which enhances its charm. It is where cultures mix, continents come together and clashing landscapes compliment each other. This mixed with the echoes of over a thousand years of history and tradition, is what makes Marbella so special. It is also home to some of Europe’s most prestigious tourist resorts and some of the world’s most expensive real estate. As the saying goes: “There’s no place like home.” Equally, there’s no place like Marbella.
Puente Romano Hotel
The Golden Mile, is a famous boulevard leading from the copper tower west of the city centre, down to Puerto Banús. This majestic boulevard, lined with tropical palm trees, is home to an array of spectacular mansions and millionaire retreats. It is also home to some of Marbella’s most renown landmarks, the Marbella Club and the Puente Romano.
Puerto Banús, the world famous marina also known as Europe’s playground for the rich and famous, is located at the west end of the Golden Mile. Renown, for being Europe’s spot with the greatest concentration of super cars per square kilometre, Puerto Banús is also characterised as an upmarket location with one of the greatest concentrations of luxury brands in Europe. The area boasts a collection of restaurants and world famous night clubs, attracting big spenders looking for great entertainment in a luxury setting .
Louis Vuitton Puerto Banús
The exclusive, residential areas, are nestled a stone’s throw away from the port, tucked away in the peacefulness of the surrounding nature. Spectacular homes are found overlooking the fairways of some of the world’s best golf courses. Others prefer to be by the sea enjoying spectacular views of the Mediterranean, the rock of Gibraltar to your right and the outline of the African coastline.
Beachside Villa in Marbella
The architectural flare is so diverse yet steeped in luxury to the highest of standards. From classical to modern minimalist combined with a touch of Moorish flamboyance and state of the art modern domotics, properties feature such luxuries as indoor pools with private spa, state-of-the-art kitchens and wine cellars, home entertainment areas, marble baths and poolside cabanas designed for entertaining guests.
Residents are spoilt for choice. From beachside properties to valley areas surrounded by spectacular golf courses to the excitement of Puerto Banús or the charm of downtown Marbella. For those looking for more privacy in a more secluded area Marbella offers some of the world’s most exclusive gated communities nestled in the foothills of the sierras.
La Zagaleta, one of Europe’s most select residential communities, is set within a private domain of 900 hectares. This estate is home to breath-taking mansions surrounded by nature, fairways and riding trails that lead past cascades and pine forest inhabited by deer. Many world famous figures, including Rod Stewart and Putin, to name a couple, own property here.
La Zagaleta
Marbella stands out for the quality of life it provides, built on a wide diversity of lifestyle options. Marbella also has an active, cosmopolitan social scene that ranges from the glamorous spots of Puerto Banús to golf clubs and charity gala events.
Sevilla
At the same time, Marbella is surrounded by nature. Hiking and horse riding trails add to the overwhelming choice of sports activities available in this fantastic climate. Marbella is surrounded by a wealth of history and as such is within comfortable reach of Andalusian villages and natural habitats so distinct from the rest of Europe, to explore. Other cities offering an abundance of cultural delights imbedded steep in the influence of their Moorish and Roman heritage, cities such as Seville, Cádiz, Jerez, Córdoba and Granada and Málaga, are all within reach.
Sierra Nevada
Marbella is also unique for its ability to cater to both the winter sports fanatics and the beach huggers. East of Málaga we have Sierra Nevada, a ski resort, short a two hour drive from Marbella. West of Marbella, past Gibraltar, less than an hour’s drive from Marbella, is windy Tarifa with the fantastic waves of the Atlantic Ocean, in the province of Cádiz.
Tarifa
Tarifa is a posh hippy surfer’s paradise set in glorious, wild tropical settings with beautiful sandy beaches. Sierra Nevada is one of the best ski resorts this side of the Pyrenees. Going back to Marbella’s unique theme of blending contradictions, residents of the area have the option to spend their weekend skiing one day and surfing the next. Where else can you do that?
