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This Marbella lifestyle resort has something for everyone. At the luxury Puente Romano resort, Ellie Muir spends time at the calming Six Senses spa and buzzy beach club.
Location
Basking in the year-round Costa del Sol sunshine, the Puente Romano resort is situated just minutes from the sands of Marbella's Golden Mile. Stretching to nearly 600,000 square feet, it is inspired by an Andalusian village, with simple, whitewashed buildings dotted along winding pathways that lead to a central square. A 50-minute taxi ride from Malaga airport, the hotel is also a short journey away from Marbella's Old Town for day or evening excursions, so you can enjoy tapas or sightsee at the 11th-century Moorish castle ruins. You can also rent a bike to explore the Golden Mile promenade, which is three miles long and perfect for taking in the panoramic sea views.
The Vibe
This 182-room lifestyle-focused resort has something for everyone. There is a wellness centre for massages, a tennis club for those looking to get active, and a buzzy beach club for waterside cocktails. By day, the resort has a calm, leisurely pace, and by dinnertime the place comes alive with bustling restaurants and bars offering all types of entertainment. When I visited, guests – who were mainly families with older children – were busy zipping past on bicycles and exploring the sports options on offer at the fitness club. This is an ideal place for a wellness retreat, offering a true escape from reality, whatever your preferred way of unwinding.
Service
The service is nothing short of exemplary. Restaurant staff are knowledgeable about the cuisine, exercising just the right amount of attentiveness. Golf buggies are on hand to shuttle you to your room throughout your stay, and you are given a tour of the sprawling resort upon arrival.
Bed and Bath
The suites are airy and spacious, with Mediterranean sun streaming in from the windows and terraces. All rooms feature neutral decor, with an earthy colour palette that calms the senses. Each suite encompasses a spacious private terrace, a separate lounge area, a shower with jets, and a Jacuzzi tub. The Grand Junior Suite features a heavenly king-size bed, a rainfall shower, a 55-inch flat-screen television, and a large L-shaped sofa, plus lush views of the resort's tropical greenery from the terrace. The larger villas offer private gardens and pools. All rooms feature toiletries from the luxury Italian perfumery Acqua Di Marma, so you will leave smelling divine.
Food and Drink
Among the many restaurants at Puente Romano is Nobu, for a Japanese dining experience, with an iconic menu crafted by world-renowned chef Nobu Matsuhisa. If black miso cod isn't your thing, try El Pimpi for traditional Spanish food, such as succulent cold cuts, 45-day-aged steak, and fresh seafood options, plus Flamenco performances by night. You also can't miss Chiringuito Puente Romano beach club for a more relaxed daytime vibe. Enjoy a beachside seafood paella and cocktails. The breakfast at Sea Grill – a restaurant situated overlooking the waterfront – is the real highlight. It serves the most indulgent buffet that I've tried: chefs can whizz together almost any dish of your choice, whether that's a nutritious omelette, a full English, or a continental-style plate. The pastries are otherworldly – I had a delectable pistachio and chocolate-filled croissant. Plus there are plenty of other sweet treats, including pancakes, waffles, and cakes that children will go wild for. Don't miss the doughnut station. Dietary requirements are catered to meticulously across the portfolio; there are plenty of gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options. As a vegetarian, the Puente Romano restaurants had plenty of options for me.
Facilities
There are amenities to accommodate every kind of guest – from those who want to read a book by the pool to ones that prefer a more active trip. Guests have access to the luxurious Six Senses Spa (awarded Spain's Best Resort Spa in 2017 by World Spa Awards), a fitness training facility, and a Wimbledon-level tennis club (with eight clay courts, four padel courts, and two plexipave courts). There are also three pools, including one for children.
Accessibility
The hotel features wheelchair-accessible entrances, public areas, and accessible parking. There are several junior suites that have been specially adapted for wheelchair access.
Pet Policy
Small pets are welcome for £17 each per night.
Check In/Check Out
Check-in is from 3 pm; check-out time is noon.
Family-Friendly
Yes – there is something for all ages to enjoy. Babysitting is available for around £21 per hour for up to two children, and there's a kids' club for ages four and over during school holidays, which costs around £82 per child per day.
At a Glance
- Best thing: The life-changingly good breakfast buffet.
- Perfect for: Families who want to try a breadth of activities.
- Not right for: Younger groups of friends, who are better off staying closer to the town centre for easier access to the nightlife.
- Instagram from: Chiringuito beach club with a mojito in hand.
Ellie was a guest of Puente Romano. Address: Bulevar Principe Alfonso von Hohenlohe, s/n, Carr. de Cadiz, 177, 29602 Marbella, Malaga, Spain. Phone: +34 952 82 09 00. Website: puenteromano.com
