Super-size yachts, glitzy-resorts, expensive high-rises, and well-manicured lawns of exclusive private villas are a few of the things that come to mind when speaking of Marbella. As part of the beautiful Costa del Sol of Southern Spain in Andalusia, the coastal town of Marbella is often compared to St. Tropez. There is, however, a quieter, less glamorous and more charming part of this seaside town. Hidden within the maze of narrow alleyways with cobble-stone paths of Old Town is La Villa Marbella, a sophisticated four-star hotel.

A stroll through the tight streets takes you pass Andalusians dressed in shorts and tank tops chatting on street corners, young kids playing an impromptu game of soccer or an old man sitting on a wooden chair, watching life go by. The peacefulness and simplicity of Old Town is echoed in La Villa Marbella’s Asian-inspired interior design.

Since opening almost three years ago, this intimate hotel harmoniously combines Old World charm and modern design into a perfect package. The nine distinctively Asian themed-rooms are housed in two building locations, with the two larger suites located separately from the main building. Each room is named after a favorite location that the owners have visited in their travels (Boracay, Jaipur, Datai, Angkor, Banyan, Lombok, Yangon, Langkawi, and Mandalay). All rooms are equipped with a fully stocked mini-fridge, A/C, satellite TV, stereo system, and an in-room safe. Some have dark-wooden four-poster beds, antique armoires and if you’re lucky, your own private terrace. Every room is accented with rich reds, oranges, gold, or ruby-colored fabric, wooden ceiling fans, and soft lighting, creating a Zen-like oasis.

My husband and I stayed in the Banyan suite with its sloped ceiling and private outdoor terrace. In our bathroom were essentials such as a toothbrush, a comb, shampoo, bath gel, and a hair dryer. The open shower is long, narrow, and can easily fit two people comfortably. Waffle style bathrobes hang behind the bathroom door. Both the Banyan and Mandalay suites are located in another building just a jaunt down from the main one. They have their own courtyard and lounge area as well.

In the main building, past the red-brick archway, up the narrow, spiral staircase, you’ll find the breakfast terrace. Several small tables and chairs reside on one half of this little retreat that opens to the sweeping mountainside views in the distance. Upon our arrival, we fill out a small index-size form with choices of breakfast breads, fresh pureed juices, milk, coffee, fresh fruit, cereals, ham, and much more. Should you choose to eat at the breakfast terrace, you will be served your chosen selections each time. I recommend trying the fresh-baked croissants that are the size of small Frisbees. On the other side of the terrace is a Chinese-inspired lounge with a distinctive red armoire, a small sofa, a coffee table full of books about Marbella and the Costa del Sol, lush green plants, and a convenient computer station for guests to use.

La Villa Marbella provides the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle found outside Old Town. Within a short walk there’s the Plaza de los Naranjos (an outdoor square surrounded by orange trees), wonderful restaurants, small, upscale boutiques, and some churches. The beach is 10 minutes away on foot. During our stay, we do the hour and a half walk from the beach of Marbella down to the Marina of Puerto Banus. The path takes us along the water, passing private residences on one side with huge gates and fences to keep prying eyes away, several little outdoor eateries, and a long stretch of beach that beckons you with each step. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes.

What sets La Villa Marbella apart is the intimacy achieved by their attention to detail and most notably, their staff. They are personally attentive immediately upon your arrival. You’re welcomed with your choice of beverage of wine, beer, juice, or water. They provide a map of Old Town and anyone on the staff can easily recommend places to eat for all budget types, places of interest, and one-day getaways worth the trip. It’s these treasured moments of relaxing in a hotel that maintains its individual character and impeccable customer service that make our three day stay seem like we’re at home.

La Villa Marbella
Calle Principe, 10
29600, Marbella, Spain
Tel: +34 952 766 220
www.lavillamarbella.com

- Reviewed by Malou Flowers (malou.villasper@gmail.com)