My recent stay at Boho Club Marbella coincided with the typically glorious winter weather of Southern Spain, writes Andrew Forbes (The Luxury Editor). The warm, clear sunny days, the landscaped gardens of cactus, and the cool accommodation in the garden and pool-facing suites and bungalows transported me to the timeless charm of a Hollywood hideaway in Santa Barbara, California.
The property is filled with art, from bold architectural sculptures in the gardens to evocative artworks, installations and photography in rooms and public spaces.
Easy going
This is an intimate, easy-going yet elegant destination. There is much more than just pools and sunshine. Gastronomy is the protagonist at this chic resort, with sophisticated and creative dining by Executive Chef Diego del Río.
Whether it’s afternoon snacks and cocktails, a signature tasting menu or a generous breakfast in the Mediterranean sun, guests are assured to eat very well at Boho Club Marbella.
This is all part of the resort’s ethos of creating personalised, thoughtful experiences. This is a small property, and the team make a point of greeting you personally, understanding your preferences, and making every effort to make the stay welcoming and memorable.
Daniel Little, General Manager of Boho Club expresses their approach to hospitality, “Boho Club’s maxim is to feed the senses of our guests, and, for this, we offer original experiences, beyond a tasting menu or a hotel stay. It is about surprising the client and getting them to enjoy a moment that will last in their memory.”
Gastronomy
The check-in experience includes a cocktail or drinks on the terrace – and this sets the tone for a deliciously elegant stay. Each moment can be enjoyed with some kind of indulgence, from the pool bar, room service or the amazing restaurant.
The restaurant is indeed an impressive space. In fact, it is a series of spaces, including the wrap-around terrace, elegant cocktail bar, the ‘solera’ outdoor Andalucian patio, and the main indoor restaurant divided into different areas.
Open from eight in the morning until midnight, non-stop, the Boho Club restaurant offers a wide variety of cosmopolitan dishes, many made with regional and national produce.
We started with croquetas of flavoursome red king prawn and a caprese salad made with creamy burrata. Reading the options on the menu I saw a comprehensive choice of vegetarian dishes, including a ‘false’ risotto, baked cauliflower as well as tempting seasonal mushrooms. Yet we couldn’t resist ordering from the meat menu – choosing steak and a roast chicken dish. The meats are prepared to perfection here, and the chicken is carved at the table.
Leandro is the Boho Club restaurant manager, an experienced Italian restauranteur coming to Marbella from London. It was fascinating chatting with him and learning more about the serious gastronomic ambitions of Boho Club. With the talented Diego del Río leading the creative culinary innovations, this restaurant is set to be a reference point for gastronomy in Southern Spain.
Boho Club restaurant is also open to the public, and visitors can enjoy a welcoming after-work vibe with cocktails and DJ and the chance to meet the Boho Club team. There are also signature dining nights with a full-tasting menu, paired with wines, where Chef Diego del Río chats with guests about the dining experience between each course.
In the warmer months, Boho Club offers a range of creative al fresco experiences, like spending the day enjoying a picnic in the gardens or spending an unforgettable evening in one of the VIP reserved areas in the Tipi.
The cocktail list goes beyond international favourites and includes a wide selection of Andalucian and Spanish wines and creative cocktails with mezcal, tequila as well as sherry wines. “Cocktails, music, and good company. At Boho Club we seek to amuse and surprise through our new menu of signature drinks with premium distillates, where we highlight two options inspired by our culture, ‘Tablao’ and ‘Baron,’ made with Andalusian wines,” says Agustín Corral, Head of Boho Bar.
The wine cellar of Boho Club has over 300 labels. The sommelier, Richard Mena, has personally selected the wines which include renowned classics as well as a collection of small producers – each chosen to pair perfectly with the menus.
Breakfast is a gourmet affair too.
Accommodation
Boho Club is set on a gently sloping estate, with privileged views to the majestic La Concha mountain and glimpses of the sparkling Mediterranean.
Towering Cardon, candelabra and gatepost cactus add a Mexican vibe, complementing the Californian-style low-rise architecture of bungalows and suites.
Interiors are warm, bold and luxurious, with a wealth of textures, patterns and colours. Fabric wallcoverings, herringbone wooden floors, sensuous velvet sofas, and silky cushions create a decadent vibe.
Our welcome amenity included wine, as well as petit fours thoughtfully presented in a bento box.
The room was beautifully presented and had a mini bar with high-quality beverages like Nordes gin, Grey Goose vodka and Padre tequila, together with snacks, and complimentary espresso coffee, teas, and coffee.
The bathroom was with separate WC. and amenities by ‘I Love Eco Essentials’
The accommodation makes you feel special.
Making a splash
Boho Club has two pools. One is set near the bungalows, surrounded by sunbeds, daybeds, banana trees and cacti. Here one finds Bernie’s the informal pool bar for cocktails and light meals.
The second pool is bordered by teak decking, beside the terraces of hotel rooms.
Facilities
A spacious covered, outdoor gym is the place to work up a sweat – well-equipped with weights, cardio machines etc. I chose to borrow one of the club’s bikes.
A sunset ride along the beachfront, the picturesque ‘paseo maritimo’ is a joy. You can ride easily to Puerto Banus or to Marbella’s old town.
Mini Moke Moments
Boho Club is also home to a fun electric Mini Moke – the perfect way to explore locally, nipping into Marbella Old Town, cruising the Golden Mile, or zipping around Puerto Banus.
Contact Details
Website: bohoclub.com
Address: N-340, km 176, Urb. Lomas del Río Verde, 144, 29602 Marbella, Spain.