Personally visited. Honestly written.
The sort of morning that reminds you why you live in Marbella.
The sort of morning that reminds you why you live in Marbella.
Floating Pilates overlooking the sea, followed by pastries, fresh fruit, detox juices and coffee. Challenging enough to keep you present, relaxed enough that nobody minds if you fall into the pool. Sundays are for floating yoga instead—same setting, same view, more standing. It feels social without trying to be, and everyone leaves smiling.
Pilates Wednesdays · Yoga Sundays · 10am · Gym wear / swimwear
One of the only times I've left somewhere at 8am feeling more awake than when I arrived.
One of the only times I've left somewhere at 8am feeling more awake than when I arrived.
Marbella is still asleep when you arrive. Headphones on, eyes closed, the sound of the sea slowly gives way to a guided manifestation that invites you to imagine the person you're becoming. It's gentle, uplifting and peaceful. Afterwards, everyone gathers over the most incredible cheesecake or chocolate oats before heading home with a tote bag full of thoughtful little gifts to carry the feeling into everyday life. I'd happily set my alarm for this again.
7am · Beachfront · I'd make a morning of it and take a walk along the seafront afterwards.
Pilates hits different at a Mediterranean beach club.
Pilates hits different at a Mediterranean beach club.
Palm Sporting Club hosts outdoor Pilates here twice a month. Think colourful umbrellas, tall palm trees, sea views and a beach club you'll probably want to stay at long after class has finished. Matcha cocktails and vibrant protein shakes afterwards are all part of the ritual.
Two Wednesdays a month · Beside Nikki Beach · Lucia Marbella also host other events such as painting and matcha cocktail making.
A memorable birthday, and hangover free.
A memorable birthday, and hangover free.
Shannon has created a space you instantly relax in. A cosy room filled with sound bowls and gentle music opens onto a rooftop terrace where homemade cookies, cacao and conversation continue long after the session ends. We painted together, picked affirmation cards, then wandered down to the beach afterwards for a sunset picnic. It ended up being one of the most meaningful birthdays I've had.
Private sessions · Celebrations · Beach events · Shannon can also come to you
When dinner is the plan.
When dinner is the plan.
Hidden in the hills above Marbella, Cascada feels more like someone's beautiful Spanish villa than a restaurant. I visited for one of their Six Hands dinners, where beautifully paced courses, paired wines and traditional live music turned dinner into the whole evening. I visited in winter, but during summer the garden opens beneath fig, lemon and orange trees beside the river. It's already on my list to go back.
Farm-to-table concept with fresh, locally sourced ingredients · Le Patio garden opens during summer
I could have happily spent the whole afternoon here.
I could have happily spent the whole afternoon here.
The bread, olives and olive oil set the tone. Simple things, done beautifully. Sea views, colourful flowers and an airy Riviera-inspired setting create an atmosphere that's impossible not to enjoy. It's the kind of place you can build a day around. Book a treatment at the Champneys Spa next door, hire a jet ski from the beach opposite, or reserve a daybed by the pool. I was still thinking about the bread and those little guindilla peppers on the way home, which probably tells you everything you need to know.
Beachfront · Pet friendly
Sunrise sessions, floating pilates, the events worth planning around.
@aliana.villas