Gran Marbella Resort & Beach Club is a five-star sea-view hotel, steps from the sought-after Playa Real de Zaragoza, east of Marbella. The resort, with its Andalusian courtyards and evocative architectural features, sea-view rooms and suites, four distinct pools, Spain’s first Champneys Wellness Spa and the Riviera-inspired Amù Beach Club. Set back from the shore, in a chic residential area, the resort offers a quiet, coastal interpretation of the Marbella experience, with Mediterranean pines framing mountain views, while protected dunes edge the shoreline.
Andalucía, Marbella
Gran Marbella Resort & Beach Club
(5 stars)
Accommodation
Rooms are generous, with large stone and marble bathrooms, separate bathtubs and walk-in showers. There’s plenty of storage, and a proper in-room bar area. Suites add enhanced space and privacy. Garden Suites bring a private pool and hedged seclusion. Terrace Suites sit high with hot tubs and broad views. The new signature Dome Suite, the Duplex, Marbella, and Royal Marbella Suites suit families and friends who want space and exclusive interiors. The remodelling has created sophisticated, welcoming spaces, with attention to detail, for the embossed coasters in the in-room bar, to the elegantly furnished terraces with lamps.
Pools & Gardens
Pool life is well thought out. A small children’s pool sits alongside a relaxed family pool. Across the new Garden Bar is the main pool for sun-soaked days. A level below, the adults-only pool offers a quieter mood, with a dedicated bar shaded under Mediterranean pines. From the gardens, the lane takes you to Playa Real de Zaragoza, one of Marbella’s most sought-after beaches, with shallow waters, in just a couple of minutes.
Overall it is a delight with powder blue and white parasols giving a timeless vintage vibe, while the domes, arches, and fountains are evocative of a dreamy Andalusian garden.
Dining
Terraza defines the culinary approach. The menu is Andalusian at heart: garlic prawns, grilled aubergines with cane honey, artichokes with lemon alioli, gazpacho, Iberian ham with crystal bread, and salads from Niçoise-style to quinoa and avocado. Mains include Málaga-style tuna and grilled sea bass with almond sauce to octopus on black rice. Breakfast in the same setting is a highlight; a superb selection served with garden and sea views by the friendliest team. Cocktails and spritz include the classic Rebujito, evocative of feria days in the south of Spain.
For drinks, the Lobby Bar in the Andalucian patio is a tranquil place for coffee or an aperitif. The new Garden Bar, opposite the signature brickwork arches, fountains and tiled detail, is excellent, with daily live music from a mellow sax player to Spanish guitar.
On the shore, a few minutes walk away is Amù Beach Club. Red-and-white daybeds, an infinity pool and a stylish inside and outside dining area.
You can read The Luxury Editor’s review of Amù Beach Club here.
Wellbeing
Wellbeing comes with a renowned UK provenance. Champneys brings a century of know-how to Spain, with sea-view treatment rooms, a heat circuit, an indoor pool and a studio for movement and relaxation.
This is the Gran Marbella Resort & Beach Club experience, a thoughtfully curated seaside stay with a strong sense of place, together with international flavours from the playful Amù Beach Club to the landmark Champneys Wellness Spa.
