This is how I imagine a celebrity’s ‘vacation’ (verb intended). On arrival at the swanky all-inclusive Amare Beach Hotel Marbella, it was clear to me that this swoon-worthy resort is on a different level to your usual beachfront base.
Amare’s name is based upon the Spanish words for love and sea – ‘amor’ and ‘mar’ – and there’s certainly lots to love about this Marbella hotel. It is simply gorgeous; with airy, bright styling and uber cool art from Andalucian illustrator Antonio Valenzuela adorning the walls, lifts and interior spaces.
This art forms an integral part of the hotel’s décor and is beautifully offset by minimalist lit walls, bleached wood and natural fabrics, and lots of bright light streaming through large windows throughout. The combination of the bright, airy reception, cool décor and the generous welcome from the hotel staff, instantly relaxed me and set the scene for the gloriously VIP experience to come.
A Room With A View
The rooms at Amare Beach Hotel are nothing short of cinematic. Imagine one of those films with beautiful Mediterranean scenery, where the (invariably) beautiful protagonist leans against the frame of their floor to ceiling glass doors, cocktail in hand, gazing serenely out at stunning, sweeping sea views. This is the feeling you’ll have when staying in a room at Amare Beach Hotel.
I stayed in one of the ‘Keep it Secret’ Rooms*, which had sea views to die for and gorgeous, bright modern styling; Mediterranean and yet achingly cool at the same time. The bed is huge and ridiculously comfy, with a Smart TV positioned directly in front so not as to take away from the main event: the balcony and view which is the real star of the show.
The shower and bathroom layout hints at romantic possibilities, positioned centrally within the open plan layout, with glass instead of shower walls, and next to a luxurious open double sink. The full glass shower means you can take in the scenery, and it is great for couples (no expansion needed on that point, I am sure!). The toilet and bidet are thankfully fully enclosed as you’d expect, and there is lots of storage space, a large desk/dressing table and a funky yet eminently comfortable elongated lounge chair on which to further relax.
It is a filmic set up worthy of any blockbuster, and is an impressive base for your beach-filled break.
As part of the stay I had access to the One Lounge (not usually included in the ‘Keep it Secret’ – note, to get this as standard you will need to book a ‘Oh Là Là The One’ room). This is a fantastic added extra as it gives access to a private lounge where snacks and drinks are unlimited and provided from 11am to 10pm. Whether it’s prosecco, beer, light bites or juices, you can pick them up in this gorgeously appointed lounge.
Amàre Club
This is proudly an adults-only hotel and every aspect has been carefully crafted to provide the perfect luxurious escape from reality. You’ll be spoilt for choice with their trio of food and drink facilities, which together form ‘Amare Club’ (so far, so exclusive), comprising of Amàre Beach, Amàre Lounge and Amàre Pool.
One of my favourite examples of celeb-worthy service at Amare Beach Hotel can be found at Amare Pool – the outside poolside area. Here they have a boujee ‘Push and Go’ drinks-to-lounger service. There’s unlimited joy to be had in lazing on your beach facing lounger and pushing a little button at your side to summon anything from drinks to sushi, to be delivered direct to your sunbed! Whilst sipping, the vibes are kept high with daily afternoon DJ sessions. What could be more ‘Marbella’ than that?
(Note: the drink-to-lounger service opening hours are subject to change and do depend on the season and weather conditions.)
The look of the Amare Pool area itself is as vibey as the tunes, with Balinese sunbeds dotted amongst clean white tiles and palm trees, a whirlpool and an uber aesthetic 150m² L-shaped pool – perfect for those insta selfies to make all your friends at home jealous.
If you’re looking for a luxurious and relaxing way to pass your time, head inside and downstairs to a hidden gem – the Spa by Germaine de Capuccini. Here you’ll find an array of treatments, I tried the Asian Journey Massage. This was a hugely relaxing and soothing message with a matcha tea ceremony to finish. As well as spending a lovely lazy time testing out the ‘Hydrotherapy Water Circuit’; a set of facilities including a sauna, Turkish bath, jet filled pool and more. You can also make use of the gym, yoga classes and personal training to further elevate your experience.
A short hop from the pool area across a wooden walkway and you arrive at the Amare Beach Restaurant, with a Mediterranean menu of fresh ingredients that you can enjoy served on the beach terrace. The sea food dishes in particular taste amazing and I would highly recommend.
On the ninth-floor, I was delighted to discover the Belvue Bar. With glass sides, this roof top bar is the perfect place to while away sundown, accompanied by live DJ sets and uninterrupted, panoramic views across the sea. It’s a cocktail lovers’ paradise!
Each evening I dined at Amàre Lounge – the large, luxe dining area where you can indulge in à la carte cuisine whist being entertained by nightly performers ranging from flamenco, jazz, bossa nova to name a few. Mare Nostrum offers a great breakfast, where you can choose from one of the most varied hot and cold buffets I have seen. The omelette cooked to order right in front of you is a particular highlight – and was delicious!
Location
Of course, Marbella is the perfect location for a celeb-level vacay. Only a short flight from the UK, it is favoured by A-listers and of course reality stars; (as TOWIE says, ‘no carbs before Marbs’!) and it’s the perfect place to soak up some sun.
Amàre Beach Hotel is situated directly on Marbella’s glorious coast, and just a short walk to beautiful Marbella Old Town, which is full of Medieval castles, quaint shops, local boutiques, bars and restaurants. Even though you’ll not want to leave the luxury of the hotel, it’s certainly worth the visit to see some of the great architecture and experience the local area.
If you want to spy some swanky yachts, supercars and stroll around high-end designer stores like Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Dior, then be sure to take the short catamaran ride to Puerto Banus – amazing for people watching and a spot of designer retail therapy.
Soleo Beach Club
To lunch outside of Amare Beach Hotel (not that you’ll need to!), then try Soleo Beach Club, located a short walk away and owned by the same company as Amare Beach Hotel. Soleo Beach Club offers Mediterranean-inspired gastronomy with fusion touches. You can expect traditional dishes such as rice, local fried fish and seafood, as well as healthy options. You will experience dreamlike presentations served on artisan-designed tableware, and savour delicious cuisine of sea, fire, and mountains. And to end the experience – a sweet temptation!
Find out more info on Soleo Marbella here: https://www.soleomarbella.com/
Notes:
*Rooms at Amare Beach Hotel Marbella start from €195 per room, per night on a bed and breakfast basis and €253 per room, per night on a half board basis. This is based on two people sharing a “I Was Here” room.
For a ‘Keep The Secret’ room, prices start from €228 per room, per night on a bed and breakfast basis and €286 per room, per night on a half board basis, based on two people sharing a room.
For a ‘Oh Là Là The One’ room, prices start from €368 per room, per night on a bed and breakfast basis and €426 per room, per night on a half board basis, based on two people sharing a room. The price includes access to The One Lounge, with snacks and drinks available from 11am to 10pm, one relaxing water circuit per day at the SPA by Germaine de Capuccini and 10% discount at a wide range of local businesses.
For more information and to book, go to www.amarehotels.com or call 0800 084 3493 or email [email protected]
Review and images by Victoria Reddington @vic_reddington
Feature image supplied
