Don Carlos Marbella has been welcoming discerning travellers to the glamorous Spanish city for more than 50 years and, yet, it continues to make headlines in the world of hospitality. Most recently, it emerged from a head-to-toe $52 million renovation, ushering it into a new era of luxury standard-setting on the Costa del Sol. We checked in to discover whether this hotel still has what it takes to impress (spoiler alert: you won’t be disappointed). 

The rooms

Stepping into our room on the 11^th floor of Don Carlos’ lemon-hued signature tower, the king-sized bed looked extremely welcoming after a 6am flight. Not only did pristine linens and plump pillows (so cocooning I made a note of the brand to buy it back home) offer a sense of calm, but so did the serene interiors by Jaime Beriestain, who was tapped to renovate the hotel’s 308 rooms over the course of the three-year renovation. Adorning walls with beautiful florals and bird motifs, and tones of sea green and coral pinks, Beriestain aimed to evoke a sense of place, nodding to the hotel’s location among tropical gardens (spanning more than 20,000 square metres) that flow onto the coastline’s famed beaches, including Elviria. 

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better view of Marbella than from your suite’s sweeping balcony, framed by floor-to-ceiling windows so you can take in the vistas from the comfort of your own bed. Expect glorious panoramas of the sparkling sea and Sierra Blanca mountain range, as well as the twinkling lights of Old Town Marbella. Top tip: make the most of your mini bar to enjoy a unique sundowner. 

Lobby

En-suites feature back-lit mirrors with anti-steam technology, a spacious waterfall shower complete with luxurious Natura Bissé products, while essentials – an iron, safe, hair dryer, Nespresso coffee machine and smart TV – help make Don Carlos feel like a home from home. 

The restaurants and bars 

Los Naranjos

Manero

Cuisine across the multiple restaurants and bars has been designed to reflect Andalusian fare with a modern spin. Menus are under the direction of chef Fran Zafra, who spotlights seasonal and local produce throughout. Case in point: upon our arrival we were handed delicious mini chocolate ice creams filled with sweet citrus gel made using oranges from the trees lining the streets of Marbella. Bitter by nature, so much so that they’re usually inedible, Zafra transformed this into a unique snack that set the tone for what was to come. 

All day dining, from early bird breakfast buffets to leisurely dinners, can be found at Los Naranjos. Opt for terrace seating to be surrounded by sweet-smelling jasmine, live music and beautiful garden and sea views, and order josper-grilled steaks (a firm favourite with my other half), grilled Malaga avocado served with a side of prawns, and a traditional fluffy cheesecake. Offering a concise one-page menu, Los Naranjos knows its appeal lies in its grill, and it's refreshing to see a restaurant focus on this instead of offering a mish-mash of cuisines and techniques. 

For something more casual but no less delectable, the poolside, open-air Mediterranean dining concept, Sol & Sombra, offers fresh and healthy salads, ample seafood options, juicy burgers and a variety of drinks – order the sangria – all delivered to our table with a smile. 

The highlight? The newly-launched Manero, which opened its doors just a couple of months ago but has already cemented its culinary reputation. Having nailed Andalusian cuisine elsewhere, Manero instead offers flavours from Italy, which are served in a fairylight-festooned courtyard. As dusk descends, the three distinct spaces – Manero Terrace, Bar Manero and Manero Bistró – bask under a red-lantern glow, offering a menu of Italian aperitivo and Spanish tapas. Dine on an array of paellas with vegetables, prawns and bluefin tuna and linger a little longer for late night cocktails.

The experiences

Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre

There are two types of holidayers – those who want to do nothing but relax, and those who want to be entertained. Luckily for you, the hotel offers options for both. You can’t beat languid lounging by the hotel pool or at the Nikki Beach-branded club, but for something more lively, the Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre offers seven clay courts and two padel courts, complete with Wingfield System technology and sea views. Refuel at the Break Point social club after your match. 

Practice your salutations under the Spanish sun with a group or private yoga class to further switch off the mind. Yoga classes take place on an outdoor terrace overlooking the garden, and listening to the sound of birdsong while in savasana makes you feel particularly in tune with your surroundings.

Wander past the pool through the lush, tropical garden and you’ll reach Nikki Beach Marbella – designed for a DJ-fuelled party atmosphere and requiring paid entry – and Lucia Marbella. The new beach club and restaurant will appeal to those seeking a more relaxed, yet fun and upbeat environment.

While there is plenty to entertain within the confines of the hotel, Don Carlos Marbella’s attentive and friendly concierge team encourages you to get out and explore the storied city beyond. One of the most popular excursions is a tour of the Old Town, led by the extremely knowledgeable Javier from Tour Marbella, who granted rare access to the 10^th-century castle, and explained that the famous Orange Tree Square (Plaza de los Naranjos) was historically the site of bullfights. Our tour ended with a tasting of local olive oils and cold cuts from Antonio Romero (my olive oil education continues on home soil with a parcel of sardines in padrón pepper oil). 

The spa 

The spa was undoubtedly a highlight of my stay. Nestled among the hotel’s tropical gardens, each guest is granted one spa pass during their stay. Featuring a water circuit, saunas, hot and cold pools, and aromatic steam rooms, an immediate sense of calm is guaranteed thanks to the Andalusian orange blossom scenting the air, the team of welcoming therapists, and the soothing sound of water features. 

Treatment menus come from brands including Natura Bissé, Biologique Recherche, Oribe, and Institut Esthederm, and I opted for the first's Citrus Vita-Essence facial to lean into the orange-scented surroundings. Designed to supercharge the skin with the brand’s vitamin C range, my skin was left soft and glowing thanks to invigorating techniques including tapping and massage. Re-energise from your spa-induced slumber at the adjacent Oasis Kitchen, which offers fresh, healthy options designed to continue your wellness experience. 

What I loved

The El Baraquero cod loin at Los Naranjos was melt-in-your-mouth, cooked to perfection. Try it alongside the homemade panadera potatoes. Elsewhere, upon departure, the concierge provided us with bottles of cold water, a refreshing toilette and car air fresheners in the hotel’s signature scent – top-notch service until the very end. 

What you need to know

It was an easy 45-60 minute taxi ride from Malaga airport to the resort. Ideally located to reach both Marbella and nearby Malaga, there are plenty of sights on your doorstep, including Playa Real de Zaragoza, La Concepción Historical Botanical Garden, Malaga Cathedral and Picasso Museum. 

From £270 per night, visit doncarlosresort.com

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