Having never been to Marbella I had some heavy preconceptions. TOWIE episodes and stag-do anecdotes conjured up images that deserved a place on Sun, Sex and Suspicious Parents. Certainly not my cup of tea, I am not a Jägermeister kind of gal. Yet bored of my usual Iberian haunts (tough life I hear you chant) I decided it was time to venture out of my comfort zone. And that is when I came across The Amare Beach Hotel. Warm weather, a 2.5-hour flight time and promises of chic, luxurious, adult-only indulgence – I was already packing my bags.
Arriving at the Amare Hotel, I find myself apologising to Marbella. It is not a tacky, over-hyped, high-rise town like I had drawn up, it is actually tranquil and cool…ultra-cool. The lobby is all glass, bamboo awnings, chill out house music and elegant artwork. As guests of the Amare, we have access to the Amare One Club (included with all higher tier rooms) which offers a sectioned off VIP area filled with goodies: fresh food spreads, an assortment of spirits and wines and fridges stocked to the brim. We have only just arrived, and the champagne is flowing.
We are staying in the aptly named Oh la la room. Your glass rainfall shower overlooks the lush lounge area and sumptuous bed, all which leads out onto your personal balcony. The views are jaw-droppingly gorgeous, and for as far as the eye can see, it’s all crystal blue waves spilling onto champagne coloured beaches. It’s mesmerising.
The Amare Club is at the heart of the hotel – a marriage of spaces consisting of a beach club, a vast and modern lounge and a glistening pool. Our first stop is lunch at The Amare Beach restaurant, a white wooden cabana on the beach overlooking the Amare-only beach area. The menu is an eclectic mix of international foods and it is allergen friendly, declaring all the dietary components of each dish. We sip on baby pink rosé whilst the resident DJ plays chill out sounds that melt us into a dreamy holiday state of being. My friend and I have opted for a worldwide selection of foods. To start, we visit Mexico with a pot of fresh guacamole that is smashed in front of us and a Lebanese visit from a platter of humus, dips and crudities. Our mains: I devour a creamy mozzarella and ruby red tomato salad, whilst my friend is in heaven over a wood fired oven pizza with caramelised everythings piled atop. We spend the afternoon in a state of pure ecstasy, lying back on stylish plush beds, absorbing sun rays and bottles of rosé.
The hotel has two other restaurants: the Amare lounge, which serves a small international menu; and their main eating spot, the Mare Nostrum, a large dining room serving Mediterranean fusion cuisine. Wanting for cocktails and with sunset views, we spend our evening devouring freshly caught prawns and sipping on cocktails the colour of the burnt fuchsia sky.
The Amare Pool creates the perfect synthesis of impeccable service and chic ambience. The vast area is covered in luxurious beach beds, hanging Bali-style wicker swings, large curtained day beds all nestled around a glimmering azure pool and hot spa to match. The best part? Next to each bed is a personal remote control, so with the flick of a switch you have a waiter taking your cocktail order or organising pool side massages. Enjoying yourself has never been this easy.
You don’t come to Marbella to hit the gym, but if like me, you like to sweat out the toxins, their gymnasium is state of the art and perfect for a 30-minute kick ass sweat session. Cooling off in their hydrotherapy circuit doesn’t hurt either! A dip in their Turkish baths followed by detoxifying sauna, steam and pressure shower session, and I am ready to hit the town, in search for that true Marbella night life experience.
The Amare hotel is only a five-minute walk from the old town, where gorgeous tapas restaurants can be found nestled on back streets and under blossom groves, and if you are looking for serious nightlife, Puerto Banus is only ten minutes in a taxi. The Amare Rooftop bar is unparalleled when it comes to views, and serves delectable cocktails from 6pm. We start with margaritas, a nibble on some freshly baked pan con tomate and watch the sunset romantically disappear. The rooftop bar is open until late and is perfect for a night of cocktails and canapés. Heading downstairs, the lounge area stays pumping with great music, and if you are lucky, you will catch one of the Amare Evening entertainments such as their lively Cuban nights or their Full Moon Evenings.
There is nothing that cures a hangover like hair of the dog, and we can see the other guests are on the same page. Sunday morning breakfast is served up at The Mare Nostrum buffet featuring a plethora of grub including numerous kinds of freshly baked breads, cheeses, fresh meats, cereals, cooked breakfast options as well as more virtuous fruits, yogurts and free-from choices. At the centre stage is a bucket full of redemption – champagne, rosé or vodka with your side of bacon, Madame?
The Germaine de Capuccini Spa has a complete offering of treatments, and after two days of Marbella living, my guest and I both need some TLC. Their signature Aromas de Andalucia massage is a blend of Swedish and Aromatherapy techniques that send me into a state of bliss. Other treatments include manicures, pedicures, lymphatic drainage, skin rituals, wraps and anti-ageing facials.
As it is our last day, we venture out on the Amare bikes and explore the promenade. It is like stepping out onto Miami Beach as we pass outside gymnasiums covered in half naked aficionados, packs of locals cheerfully playing chess, bustling beachside restaurants serving fresh fish and markets selling Aztec coloured jewellery and endless varieties of traditional Spanish Turron. It would be rude not to indulge, right?
We make sure to pack our hand luggage with a few trinkets and say goodbye to our weekend trip at the Amare, but all whilst knowing this won’t be our last visit. The Amare has officially converted me into a Marbs devotee. Who would have guessed!
The Amare Beach club has been flawlessly designed, ensuring a complete transitional vibe from sophistication to sumptuous decadence. If you are looking for a weekend escape that offers a serene ambiance sparkled with a flare of glitz and fun then The Amare Hotel is just for you.
Nightly rates at Amàre Marbella Beach Hotel start from £110 in an I Was Here (standard room) per night, based on two people sharing with breakfast included. For more information, please visit their website at www.amarehotels.com