Seven days in Marbella with Antonia, and a hotel I would happily give ten out of ten. Some trips are remembered for one extraordinary evening. This one gave us an entire week of reasons to return.

Kimpton Los Monteros was our base, bringing together rooftop afternoons, exceptional food and the sort of poolside service that makes it very easy to abandon your plans. There was time for tennis, a wonderfully relaxing facial and evenings that moved from dinner into dancing. And then there was La Cabane: the highlight of a holiday that had already set the bar rather high.

Back with Mrs Marbella

Returning to Marbella felt particularly lovely after spending a month there last year for Antonia’s wedding, when she married Craig and became Mrs Watson. As her right-hand man, I had to be there for the final preparations. It didn’t take much persuading.

So when Mrs Marbella herself asked me to return in 2026, there was never going to be any answer except yes.

I’ll be honest: Antonia planned this trip. I just went along for the ride, and somehow it kept getting better and better.

Do you ever look back on a holiday and think, “I wouldn’t do that again”? I didn’t have that thought once about this trip. Every day gave us another reason to be glad we had come back.

Checking into Kimpton Los Monteros

There is history here. Los Monteros originally opened in 1962, and its reopening as a Kimpton in February 2025 gave that established Marbella address a new chapter. The appeal of its latest incarnation is how naturally it brings a sense of occasion into a relaxed Mediterranean setting.

Our two-bedroom suite was spread across three levels, with its own balcony, and was located on the second floor. It gave us room to settle in properly for the week. Having that much space changes the feeling of a holiday: the suite becomes somewhere to spend time, rather than somewhere you simply return to at the end of the night.

The design deserves a mention, too. Patterned tiles, white arches and warm colours give the hotel a strong sense of place. In the sunshine, those details are particularly lovely. It feels considered without making you feel you need to be on your best behaviour every minute.

Rooftop mornings, poolside afternoons

The adults-only rooftop was one of my favourite parts of the stay. A pool, DJs and an atmosphere that suited long afternoons in the sun made a very persuasive case for staying put.

The programme gave the hotel a lovely rhythm. Pilates on the rooftop in the morning; movies beside the pool at night. Those are the little additions that make a week feel full without requiring you to organise every hour yourself.

Food was exceptional, and poolside service was a particular pleasure. I also found my holiday essential: the perfect matcha from Jara, served by the pool. A small detail, perhaps, but exactly the kind you miss when you get home.

For all the appeal of Marbella’s restaurants, it mattered that spending the day at the hotel felt like a choice in its own right. We had plenty of reasons to go out, and just as many to stay.

A facial before the flight

I visited the hotel’s spa and had one of the most relaxing facials I can remember. There are treatments you enjoy at the time, and treatments that leave you looking in the mirror afterwards. This managed both.

I was glowing. As a little pre-flight hydration, it was a wonderful way to round off the stay. No elaborate verdict needed: I felt relaxed, my skin looked refreshed, and I would happily book it again.

Back on court

A visit to Los Monteros Racquet Club gave me the chance to dust off some old skills. Believe it or not, I was a tennis champion. Marbella reminded me that having been good at something and being match-ready are rather different things.

I was a little rusty. Playing in 28-degree heat is not for the faint-hearted, either. Still, getting back on court was a lovely change of pace and a reminder of how much I enjoy the game. Perhaps the next trip needs a little more practice beforehand.

COYA Club: dinner becomes the evening

At COYA Club in Puente Romano, dinner was only the beginning. We had small plates, but the entertainment was the standout. This was somewhere to come for the atmosphere and let the evening gather momentum.

The show started around 10pm during our visit, carrying dinner into a night of partying. There is something very Marbella about getting dressed for a meal and finding that you have arrived at your whole evening’s entertainment.

Nota Blu: an evening worth dressing for

Nota Blu was another highlight. We shared truffle pasta and pizza, with a singer and saxophonist moving through the restaurant and setting the tone.

What I loved was the balance of timeless elegance and contemporary energy. It felt special, but the roaming music kept the evening lively and sociable. The setting, the food and the entertainment worked beautifully together. Definitely one for my return list.

Bakoa in the old town

Bakoa offered a different sort of pleasure: a quaint little place in Marbella’s old town and the most delicious paella.

A holiday has room for both the big evening out and the smaller restaurant you are delighted to have found. This was the latter. I would return for round two without hesitation.

La Cabane: the highlight of the week

Our evening at La Cabane by Dolce&Gabbana began with the hotel’s distinctive yellow car. It took us around the corner, dropped us off and collected us afterwards. A short journey, but a lovely detail that made the whole evening feel effortless.

The beach club and restaurant’s blue-and-white setting is instantly recognisable. Watching the sunset there with Antonia felt like the Marbella evening I had hoped for: beautiful surroundings, good company and absolutely no desire to rush.

My recommendation is the salsiccia pasta with burrata added on top. You will not be disappointed. We finished by sharing two of the desserts, including the chocolate ring, which was every bit the occasion we wanted to end on.

La Cabane was the highlight of the entire trip. The setting had plenty of glamour, but what I remember most is how happy we were simply to be there.

Seven days, very well spent

Kimpton Los Monteros gave us the right base for all of it. Relaxed days, brilliant food, attentive poolside service and enough going on to make staying at the hotel part of the holiday.

With Antonia beside me, a return to the tennis court and dinners I am still thinking about, this was Marbella at its best. My verdict on the hotel? Ten out of ten. My advice for the trip? Leave an evening free for La Cabane.

Places from my trip: Kimpton Los Monteros, COYA Marbella, Nota Blu, Bakoa and La Cabane.