Beach clubs, influencers, and wellness retreats – that’s what you’d expect from Marbella. And yes, beachfront resort Amàre has all of that, but it manages to stay relaxed, vibey and mostly unpretentious. The hotel’s main draw, the rooftop bar, however, will still look pretty good on your Instagram, with views of the Sierra Blanca mountains and Mediterranean – on a clear day, you can even spot Morocco in the distance. Centered around stylish dining and drinking, Amàre is a hotel for wine on the roof, tapas by the palm-fringed pool and cocktails in the lounge, and inside, the hotel is glossy and contemporary, with tiki-inspired furnishings, wave designs and more beachy additions. You might want to spend all day (and all night) here, but you’ll likely not forget you’re right on the cusp of a brilliant day out in Marbella’s old town.
Why stay at Amàre Beach Hotel Marbella?
Amàre’s location is top-notch for spending hours upon hours wandering Marbella’s old town and its Moorish-era streets – as well as its beach bar-lined coastline. But the hotel itself invites you to stay all day, if you wish, with multiple spots for dining, including the Michelin-starred Messina. But throughout the hotel, you’ll see its also decked out in artwork by local and international artists in its lifts, foyers and hallways.
The standout spa includes a sauna, steam bath, and hydrotherapy circuit to help you rejuvenate after a heavy one, and you can choose from standard bed and breakfast or half-board packages. If you’re looking to add an extra touch of lujo, booking a room with access to ‘The One’ grants you a spa circuit each day and entry to an exclusive lounge stocked with sandwiches, snacks and drinks, along with a private terrace.
What are the rooms like at Amàre Beach Hotel Marbella?
Renovated back in 2016, Amàre’s whopping 236 rooms include spacious suites with separate living areas, airy rooms with side-facing sea views, and cosier more affordable digs where you can see the city right from your window. I stayed in a ‘Make it Happen’ room on the ninth floor, which featured large floor-to-ceiling windows with a side view of the coastline and on the same level as the rooftop bar. Warning: here you can see the bar when you step outside your room, so may find yourself swayed towards a final a night cap every single night. All rooms come with the essentials: a big comfy bed, Nespresso machine, Bluetooth speakers, Molton Brown toiletries, and soft robes. Particular about your pillow situation? You’re in luck – there's a menu with options for different firmness levels.
What’s there to eat at Amàre Beach Hotel Marbella?
There are many, many restaurants at Amàre. We’ll list them here – buckle in: you’ve got Mare Nostrum (breakfast and all-day dining with a beachfront terrace), Amàre Beach (its main Mediterranean beach-side restaurant), Messina (a high-end, Michelin-starred restaurant that’s just been renovated), Hayaca (a Latin American fusion pop-up restaurant), Amàre Lounge (for casual dining), and Belvue rooftop bar, which does exactly what it says on the tin.
Whichever you choose for dinner, make sure to spend at least an hour at the buffet breakfast (there’s a lot) – think made-to-order omelettes, artisan vegan cheese, and heaps of fruit and pastries. It‘s served at their Mare Nostrum restaurant (which means ‘Our Sea’), offering cracking views of endless blue – just be sure to arrive early if you want a spot on the terrace. Later in the day, you can swing by the laid-back beach club for a plate of sea bass, enjoy sushi by Carlos Navarro at the pool, or chow down on a Wagyu burger in the lounge to a tasteful backdrop of tango dancers. If you have intolerances, the menus are clearly labelled and there’s a good amount of vegan and gluten-free options to choose from.
The Belvue Rooftop Bar is probably the hotel’s pièce de résistance, with 360-degree views over the coastline, old town, and the mountains. The menu is curated by mixologist Diego Cabrera – try the burning margarita with white tequila, homemade tamarind syrup and habanero chile.
What’s the service like at Amàre Beach Hotel Marbella?
The staff are exceptionally warm and attentive. If you want to indulge in a bit of hedonism, press the buzzer while you’re hanging out by the pool and someone will take your order from your lounger. In-room, there’s a QR code for booking spa treatments, day trips and room service. Staff are also available via WhatsApp or a phone call.
What facilities are available at Amàre Beach Hotel Marbella?
There are a bunch of places to enjoy Marbella’s 320 days of sunshine a year, including the pool and beach club. If lazing around isn’t your thing, there’s a small gym downstairs and beach yoga is available three times a week. The Germaine de Capuccini spa offers professional treatments, experiences and beachside massages. I went for the Amazonia Journey, which was a light-pressure massage featuring the sound of rain. You can reserve the entire spa circuit for a private ‘sparty’ with friends.
In your room you’ll find a desk for a bit of digital nomad-ing, plus there’s computers in The One Lounge if that’s part of your package. There’s also a handy grab-and-go shop at reception with snacks and beach essentials, and another downstairs for jewelry and watches. The 12-person lifts provide step-free access to rooms, the spa, outdoor pool, and dining areas. For added accessibility, the lifts feature braille signage, and ramps are featured throughout the hotel. During peak times, you might find yourself waiting a while for the lift, as you’ll be competing with a lot of other guests.
What will I find nearby Amàre Beach Hotel Marbella?
Marbella is as good as it gets in Spain’s Andalusia region – you can saunter up and down its promenade, dabble in a bit of golf, or sit back with a sangria at the Plaza de los Naranjos. In the old town you’ll find Kafien Coffee and Kitchen for a brew, Joan Charity Shop if you want second-hand resort wear, and D.Olivia Marbella Aceites de Oliva to sample and pick up premium olive oil that can fit in your carry-on bag. If that doesn’t fill up your time, head to the marina to jump on a short catamaran to Puerto Banús if shopping in designer boutiques and gawking at luxury yachts is your thing.
Why book a stay at Amàre Beach Hotel Marbella?
I’m not usually the type to book luxury resorts (especially solo), but I haven’t stopped banging on about Amàre to my friends. Sure, you might run into a few influencers in the loos, but the vibe here is more relaxed than it is showy. Since you won’t find any kids here, the sunbeds are usually taken up by honeymooners and friends who finally made it out of their girl’s trip group chat. Days here can start slow, and whether you spend the afternoon at the beach club or Marbella’s sites is totally up to you – just make sure you join some of the glamorous locals for a sundowner.
Details
Address: Av. Severo Ochoa, 8, 29603 Marbella, Málaga, Spain
Prices per night: From €195 per room, per night on a bed and breakfast basis and €253 per room, per night on a half board basis
Closest transport: Local buses are just a three-minute walk away, providing easy access to the main bus station, the surrounding area, and beyond.
Book now: Via Booking.com