TRAVEL GUIDE | CABANA TRAVEL | CABANA MAGAZINE
Jennica Arazi, owner of The Marbella Club - a much-loved Spanish landmark now celebrating its 70th anniversary in great style - shares her favorite spots to eat, shop, cycle and wander in Marbella. Jennica's insider tips are a must-read for anyone heading to the glamorous, yet laid-back, city.
BY JENNICA ARAZI | CABANA TRAVEL | 9 AUGUST 2024
The Californian-inspired Marbella Club has been a Marbella landmark for 70 years
Where to Stay
The Marbella Club: For me, The Marbella Club captures the original spirit and authenticity of Marbella and still retains that all-important connection to the natural world. It’s a little Garden of Eden sitting at the foot of the La Concha mountain which gives it the amazing microclimate you can enjoy all year round. It began life as a rustic farmhouse sitting on a finca of pines which was then slowly transformed into the Californian-inspired motel that was established 70 years ago.
Today, the low slung, whitewashed walls, terracotta tiles and bungalows set amongst mature gardens and towering pines are a pure love letter to the art of patina, permanence and slow living and essentially enjoying the simple pleasures in life.
Dining al freso © The Marbella Club
Where to Eat
La Niña del Pisto: In Marbella's old town, this rustic Córdoba-style tavern has a charming local atmosphere and, for me, the very best tapas in town. Definitely try the Salmorejo, which is a heartier twist on a traditional gazpacho.
Dehesa Alcuzcuz: Up on the road to Ronda, Andalusian and Mediterranean dishes with a Moroccan influence are made from local, seasonal produce, much of which is grown in their own gardens. They are served in a beautiful farmhouse that originally housed the celebrated antiques shop of renowned interior designer Jaime Parladé, and is still run by the family who have turned the main house into a little hotel. You can browse antique finds in the restaurant as you eat, then stay over.
La Virginia: This little family-run restaurant in La Virginia Pueblo is a true gem serving up simple food with a French-Spanish spin, spilling out into the central bougainvillea filled courtyard in the summer months. It really is one of those places where time stands still for me and I have been going there for years.
Marbella Coast © Nizar Klai
Marbella Old Town © Bernardo Mestre
Ronda © Tomas Malik
Marbella Old Town © Daniel Nouri
Marbella Old Town © Daniel Nouri
Marbella © Adrianna Calvo
What to See & Do
Walking and Cycling: Cycle down the beachfront promenade and up into Marbella old town. Wander through the narrow cobblestone streets, and you'll find colorful flowers, centuries-old churches, and charming little shops and terraces. Stop at Plaza de los Naranjos for an obligatory orange juice or churros con chocolate.
Ronda: Under an hour away by car, you can explore the historic town of Ronda with its vineyards, original bull ring, aqueduct and spectacular evening light.
Gardens and wellness © The Marbella Club
Where to Shop
Cerámicas Ortiz San Pedro: This family-owned business manually creates and bespokes terracotta tableware and stoneware working with specialized artisans and traditional Andalusian techniques to bring to life the cultural heritage of Andalusia. They will craft you your own hand painted set of dinner plates to send home.
Ana Ortiz Ceramic Atelier: In the old town, with a different spin on Andalusian pottery, local ceramicist Ana Ortiz handcrafts beautifully elegant and individual pieces in her artist’s studio - with a serene feminine and more decorative touch.
La Fábrica de Hielo: In a former ice factory you'll find an incredible space dedicated to antiques, decorative pieces, and a timeless Andalucian lifestyle where craftsmanship blends with restored vintage. A visual feast and pure temptation.
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