The Marbella Heights

Reviewed by Michael Soffe



REACHING FOR THE HEIGHTS ..............


A firm favourite with our clients is the charming La Villa Marbella hotel situated in the old town of Marbella so we were delighted when Marcos told us of his plans to open a new 5-bedroomed luxury Hotel in a converted villa on the outskirts of the town with lovely views over the countryside to the Mediterranean Sea. Opened in May of 2007 the Marbella Heights will soon achieve the same notoriety as its sister Hotel.

A ten to fifteen minute drive from the centre of the old town will take you up into the hills of a rather select area of Marbella, Rio Real, with “ritzy” villas and urbanizations and even a golf club. Parking is on the street and you enter into a different world as you pass through the gates into the garden at the back of the villa. The staff will greet you with such warmth (they are lead by Norberto and Bolivar) as you enter reception and you will immediately feel the sense of calm, peace and tranquility. The reception area and communal areas have a Zen like feel and the whole Hotel is furnished with Indonesian furniture and Buddhas are dotted around the property. A large salon (with an inviting fireplace in the winter months) is beyond reception in the main entrance - the impression is of light and space. On from this salon you are lead outside to a wonderful covered terrace and the lovely pool below. The position of the villa at altitude means you have wonderful views over the surrounding countryside down to the sparkling sea from almost all areas of the Hotel.

No expense has been spared on the luxury furnishings and there are so many lovely comfy sofas both inside and out. There is internet access with printer in the main salon and wi-fi connection throughout the whole Hotel.

The garden is terraced and on the upper terrace, below the villa is the lovely pool with a small lawn and comfortable teak sun-loungers and parasols. The basement of the Hotel provides a fully equipped gymnasium and a couple of massage rooms – massage and beauty treatments can be arranged for that special pampering. There is a golf course just a five minute walk away.

The 5 bedrooms continue in the South-East Asian theme and three Superior Doubles have sea views. One of these (called Khao Lak) has a terrace. The one Standard room (Pantai), the smallest Double has views over the garden at the back of the property. All are fully equipped with satellite T.V, CD player, DVD (a selection of CDs and DVDs is available in reception), minibar, safe, aircon and central heating and unusually for Spain, tea and coffee making facilities and even an iron and ironing board!! Bathrooms are luxurious with bathrobes, slippers, quality toiletries and hairdryers.

For something very special (and an ideal honeymoon choice) there is an enormous 60 square metre master Suite called Mandara. It is open plan on two levels; a sumptuous salon on the upper level includes a workstation with laptop, printer and scanner. The bedroom area on the lower level has a fabulous Bailinese 4 poster bed. Perhaps the most inviting feature is the 20 square metre private terrace with those wonderful sea views. There is a large bathroom with Jacuzzi and a separate hydro-massage walk in shower.

Breakfasts are served at your leisure (till late!!) in the main dining room and the Hotel does offer a small menu for lunch and dinner. However, with all those wonderful restaurants in the old town of Marbella most clients have dinner in town. There is a well stocked wine cellar.


An ideal Hotel for those who want an intimate luxury retreat with sea views on the outskirts of Marbella, where the emphasis is very much on customer service.