Marbella has evolved far beyond its old reputation as one of Europe’s party capitals. While its vibrant nightlife remains, the city has become a destination for wellness, exceptional gastronomy, and a slower, more intentional way of living. Much of its appeal lies in its everyday rhythm: long unhurried lunches by the sea, mornings dedicated to wellness, afternoons spent in nature, and an international community that gives the city energy year-round. It may still exude glamour, but at its core Marbella is relaxed, centered on ease and making time to unwind. Today, visitors come not just to celebrate, but to switch off.
Who
To understand Marbella beyond its surface, we spoke with four locals who are shaping the cultural, culinary and lifestyle landscape: Daniella Bartelli, hospitality and tech founder; Bruna Karla Kruger, luxury lifestyle curator and senior broker at Drumelia Real Estate; Pilar Candil, founder of Lima Communications; and David Olivas, head chef and co-owner of Michelin-star restaurant Back and ENEA Casa de Comidas.
What
What to Bring
“Marbella’s style is polished but effortless,” says Bartelli. Pack breezy, chic tops and light trousers, flowing sundresses, swimwear, comfortable sandals or stylish sneakers, a sun hat, sunglasses, and a few elegant looks for dinner.
A hand fan is invaluable on hot beach days, while headphones are perfect for slow afternoons by the sea. And one essential every local agrees on is sunscreen. “You can’t forget that,” says Bartelli.
What to Leave Behind
The first rule of Marbella, says Bartelli, is simple: “Don’t over-schedule yourself.” The city has a laid-back pace. Morning swims linger into late breakfasts, afternoon walks become spontaneous detours through the old town, and dinners stretch well past midnight. Days are shaped by instinct rather than itineraries. “People move with intention, not urgency,” she notes, capturing a place where time feels deliberately loosened, and the luxury lies as much in what you don’t do as what you do.
What to Keep In Mind
“No matter how long you stay, it will feel too short,” says Candil. “You need at least five days to really experience Marbella.” Kruger adds that the city’s memorable moments often happen off-script. “Some of the most special places are hidden behind gardens or down quiet streets.”
That sense of discovery, however, sits alongside a more practical reality in peak season. Marbella’s most in-demand beach clubs, restaurants, and wellness spaces book out weeks in advance. “Reservations are essential,” says Bartelli. “And don’t expect early dinners, nothing really starts before 9 PM.”
Where
Where to Stay
If you’re seeking a hotel that reflects Marbella’s sophisticated new chapter, Don Carlos is the address to know. Set on Elviria Beach along the eastern coastline, the hotel is surrounded by more than 20,000 square meters of lush tropical gardens with direct beach access. “It’s a Marbella institution,” Olivas says. “Their leisure and dining offerings are second to none, and the location is one of the very best in the city.” Following a recent €60 million transformation, acclaimed interior designer Jaime Beriestain has reimagined the property with a refined aesthetic—think: warm natural stone, sand-toned oak, handcrafted ceramics, and a soft palette inspired by the surrounding coastline.
From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted by sweeping views of La Concha mountain before stepping into a light-filled lobby scented with orange blossom, citrus, and sea air. The 284 rooms and 24 penthouses continue the hotel’s quiet-luxury ethos, with calming neutrals, generous terraces, and views across the gardens, Mediterranean, or mountains. Despite its scale, the resort feels intimate, with attentive staff who allow guests to completely unwind.
Beyond the rooms, there’s little reason to leave. Six swimming pools are set throughout the grounds, while an expansive spa offers hydrotherapy circuits, thermal experiences, relaxation rooms, and restorative treatments. Guests also have access to the Rafa Nadal Tennis Center, padel courts, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a full program of wellness experiences.
When it comes to dining, breakfast can be enjoyed at Los Naranjos beneath the palms overlooking the gardens, long lunches at Sol & Sombra with Mediterranean seafood, chilled rosé, and cocktails by the pool, aperitifs at the Sherry Bar in the lobby, and wellness-led dishes, including seasonal bowls and nutritious juices at Oasis Kitchen.
Where to Start the Day
Mornings here are meant to start slow. “I always recommend starting the day with a walk along the Golden Mile, a palm-lined promenade stretching between the Old Town and Puerto Banús,” says Candil. “You get beautiful, uninterrupted views of the Mediterranean and plenty of places to stop for a coffee.”
For breakfast, Bartelli heads to Rachel’s Eco Love, a charming garden café. “It’s relaxed, wellness-focused, and always has a really positive energy,” she says. Regulars rave about the pink chai latte, ricotta and peach toast, and the café's signature carrot pancakes.
Oasis Kitchen is another favorite, offering an all-organic menu with cold-pressed juices, homemade kombuchas, and colorful breakfast bowls.
Where to Eat
For a memorable dinner, Candil recommends Messina, the Michelin-star restaurant from chef Mauricio Giovanini. “Mauricio’s Argentine and Italian roots are beautifully reflected in the cuisine,” she says. The elegant dining room revolves around an open kitchen, so guests can watch dishes like sea urchin fagottini and sea bass come to life.
In Marbella’s Old Town, ENEA Casa de Comidas offers a more relaxed but equally thoughtful take on Andalusian cuisine. “We wanted to create a space that feels completely Andalusian,” Olivas says. “The ingredients and flavors are rooted here, but we present them through our own perspective.” Standout dishes include the seared sea bass, inspired by the region’s traditional espetos, and the Payoyo Cheese Fritter, a tribute to one of Andalusia’s most celebrated artisan cheeses.
For something more casual, Kruger recommends Casa Curro. Tucked into the heart of the Old Town, it’s the kind of lively local spot where groups gather over plates of jamón, grilled seafood, and a bottle of wine. “They have three restaurants next to each other,” says Kruger. “We normally sit in La Tienda, where you can order from all three menus, so you can have tapas, seafood, and sushi, and the quality is always excellent.”
No trip to Marbella is complete without a long lunch at a Chiringuito, a casual beachfront restaurant. La Dolce Vita is one of the coast’s most popular spots, loved for its relaxed atmosphere, fresh seafood, and prime setting right on the sand. Arrive in the afternoon for grilled fish and traditional espetos cooked over open flames, then linger for a bottle of wine while the sun sets.
Where to Drink
Having opened just last month, Bar Manero has quickly become one of Marbella’s hip hangouts. The sophisticated tapas bar blends classic European charm with a lively atmosphere, featuring a beautiful open-air courtyard lined with custom woven rattan bistro seating. Inside, the mood becomes more atmospheric, with dim lighting, rich velvet banquettes and polished wood finishes.
Kruger recommends Fisherman’s Daughter, Natalie Shumskaya’s chic champagne and seafood bar inspired by her father’s life as a fisherman. Designed as a contemporary homage to coastal living, it’s the perfect spot for a pre-dinner drink, pairing oysters, caviar, and elegant small plates with a carefully curated selection of champagnes, sparkling wines, and cocktails. “It has this modern Mediterranean energy that feels very Marbella,” says Kruger.
As the evening unfolds, head to La Plaza, Marbella’s unofficial social hub. Set beneath palm trees and twinkling lights, the open-air square comes alive after sunset as guests move between restaurants and bars. “Everyone eventually passes through here at some point in the evening,” Bartelli adds. “It’s energetic but still elegant.”
Where to Shop
For luxury shopping, Puerto Banús is Marbella’s undisputed epicenter. The glamorous marina is lined with flagship boutiques from fashion houses including Louis Vuitton, Dior, Hermès, Gucci, and Saint Laurent, all set against a backdrop of superyachts and waterfront cafés. Many of the stores overlook the port itself, making it one of the few places where shopping comes with views of the Mediterranean.
For a more comprehensive retail experience, Kruger recommends El Corte Inglés. “You can find everything in one place, from fashion and beauty to gourmet food,” she explains. “The service is excellent and many of the luxury brands host exclusive experiences and events for customers.”
While Puerto Banús may be synonymous with designer labels, Bartelli suggests venturing into Marbella’s Old Town. “There are independent boutiques, jewelry stores, linen shops, and hidden gems that feel personal.” One standout is Déjà Vu Vintage, a carefully curated treasure trove of pre-loved luxury finds. The boutique specializes in vintage Chanel handbags, ready-to-wear, and even furniture.
Where to Get Active
Do you want to perfect your tennis game, strengthen your core, or spend the day on the golf course? Check out the Rafa Nadal Tennis Center, one of Marbella’s premiere sports destinations. Home to seven immaculate clay courts, two padel courts, and indoor and outdoor fitness facilities, the center offers training programs based on the Rafa Nadal methodology. Between sessions, guests can refuel at the Mediterranean-style café with fresh smoothies and healthy snacks.
For something slower-paced but equally rewarding, head to Ayana, a pilates studio known for its calming, design-led interiors and strong sense of community. The studio combines dynamic pilates with a holistic approach to well-being. “It feels more like a wellness club than a traditional pilates studio,” Kruger says. “The workouts are seriously challenging.” Ayana also offers outdoor classes by the sea, making the most of Marbella’s year-round sunshine.
Golf remains one of the city’s biggest draws. “Marbella has so many incredible courses, it’s the best way to get fresh air,” Kruger states. With more than 70 courses across the Costa del Sol, the region has earned its reputation as Europe’s golf capital. Beginners can start at Greenlife Golf Driving Range, the largest driving range in Marbella, featuring PGA instructors and training programs for all levels. For a full round, Kruger recommends Río Real, for its sea views and tranquil atmosphere, or Los Naranjos, for its international crowd and lively clubhouse. “Marbella has an amazing golf culture,” says Kruger. “The courses are both technically excellent and visually stunning.”
Where to Unwind and Reset
Ask Marbella locals where they book their beauty treatments, and Milfey Beauty is a name that you’ll hear often. Part aesthetic clinic, part spa, it offers everything from the cult-favorite Margy’s Facial to advanced skin rejuvenation treatments powered by the latest technology. “I love the attention to detail and the tranquil atmosphere,” says Kruger. “Nothing feels rushed, every treatment is tailored to what your skin actually needs.”
For a wellness reset, our insiders head to Anantara Villa Padierna Palace, about 40 minutes from the city. Surrounded by manicured gardens, the resort’s 2,000-square-meter spa is one of the largest in Europe. The marble-lined corridors, thermal circuits, hydrotherapy pools, and traditional hammam rituals are inspired by Roman baths.
Where to Enjoy the Outdoors
“Mornings are my favorite time of day,” says Bartelli, who recommends a sunrise walk along the Paseo Marítimo, or a slow stroll down the Golden Mile, with views of the Mediterranean on one side, and the Sierra Blanca mountains rising behind. For a more active start, Kruger heads to the hills above town or spends the day in La Zagaleta, immersed in nature and wide sea views. Olivas recommends hiking La Concha, the region’s signature peak.
For a different perspective on Marbella, Candil says to take a Mooi, a beautifully restored 1966 wooden yacht where guests are hosted by the owners. Beyond champagne sunset sails, the hosts offer cinematic experiences, like cruising to an off-shore oyster farm where a diver surfaces with fresh oysters, alongside bottles of aged wine from an underwater winery.
