Amaré Hotel Marbella: A glittering seaside resort where relaxation abounds

Arriving in to Málaga airport from a rain-sodden Dublin, you can imagine my delight at seeing blue skies and sunshine for what felt like, the first time in literal years. Shedding my coat and extra layers, I practically danced out the doors… not even the 3:30am start or chaotic security queues could quell my enthusiasm (we flew in on Paddy’s weekend, along with every other Irish person desperate for a brief recess from the incessant downpours back home). 

International press trips, fun as they are, are a strange concept. Going on holiday with a group of people you’ve only just met for the first time is actually kind of bizarre when you think about it. For the uninitiated, journalists are invited out to some far-flung destination to review a hotel or spa or dip their toes in the local culture (often courtesy of a keen-to-impress tourist board). In this case, I was one of four other writers from Ireland and the UK being hosted at the Amaré Hotel in neighbouring Marbella.

As with house-sharing, or indeed dating, who you get landed with is luck of the draw and doesn’t always bode well. Thankfully, that was not my experience and after getting acquainted with the others in my group, we hopped in our taxi transfer for the final leg of the commute. Approximately 40 minutes later, we were ushered into the hotel lobby where we checked in and then scattered to our rooms before lunch. 

Lunch was at the Amàre Beach Club overlooking the crisp waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The sushi menu – curated by renowned chef Carlos Navarro – came highly recommended so along with a shared portion of calamari and sweet potato fries (they’re seriously good), I also sampled the tempura prawn roll. At eight pieces, they’re typical sushi portions but I’d probably order more than one serving if you’re starving. The lunch offering at Soleo Beach Club, their sister venue just up the road, is definitely worth sampling too. Order the seafood paella, seabass and croquettes to share and thank me later.

Later that evening, we were treated to cocktails at the hotel’s rooftop bar – time it with sunset for the best view – before having dinner downstairs at The Lounge, the on-site restaurant which, with its purple lighting and live music, reminded me of every Irish wedding venue I’ve ever been to. Over the course of the weekend, I tried: the crispy king prawns (delicious), the burrata (again, delicious) the Margherita pizza, the tagliatelle pesto and the sea bass (by far my favourite). On our last night, our waiter, Juan strongly advised I try the dessert special (a crepe with chocolate, banana and vanilla ice cream). Please heed this same advice because it was quite possibly one of the best desserts I’ve ever had. 

Breakfast is served in the Mare Nostrum restaurant on the second floor where there is both indoor and outdoor seating. Unlike many other Spanish hotels I’ve been to, Amaré Hotel Marbella has breakfast down to a fine art – their clientele is largely from Ireland and the UK so they’ve obviously become accustomed to daily requests for “a fry and a cuppa when you’re ready”. While you won’t find Denny’s or Clonakilty sausages in the buffet, they do have extensive options including freshly-made omelettes, pastries, yoghurt, cheese, cold cuts and lots of fruit. There’s also a gluten and dairy-free section and they have several alternative milks including oat and soya. I’ll forgive them for not stocking Barry’s teabags…

Outside, the swimming area comprises rows upon rows of neatly laid out sun loungers, each one with a button beside it for poolside service. Beyond the picture-perfect cerulean pool of the hotel, you’ll find a pedestrianised promenade. Almost 7km long, you can walk it all the way to Puerto Banús should you so please, though the catamaran that leaves from the port is arguably more fun. 

The old town is also just a few minutes walk away from the hotel where you’ll find any number of traditional Andalusian bars, restaurants and dinky clothing shops. The Harbour Bar and Nelly Mc’s Irish bar (both along the seafront) or The Irishman are the spots to go for a thoroughly Irish night out.

If poolside loungers aren’t calling your name, just follow the wooden walkway down to the beach and settle onto a sunbed there. There is a canopied massage bed right on the sand so you can listen to the waves while you doze or for something more private, the hotel’s Germaine De Capuccini spa offers a wonderfully restorative Aromas of Andalusia massage (€90 for a 50-minute treatment). Big shoutout to the spa staff who were exceptionally kind to me and my sunburned legs – the sachets of cooling after sun helped immensely. Groups of eight+ can avail of the ‘Sparty’ packages which give you free rein of the pool and hot tub with drinks and nibbles also provided. 

Inside, the hotel itself is quite cool and stylish with rotating exhibitions by different creatives always on display. Collage artist David Hopkins has taken up residence until next November. Hailing from Wales, his work is inspired by surrealism, pop culture and his eclectic travels so keep your eyes peeled for his vibrant colours and graphic prints dotted around the place (the black and white mural of a couple dancing together was a standout for me). 

While there are many different room types on offer, I strongly recommend staying in an “Oh Là Là The One” room which has a balcony with a front sea view. The price also includes access to a VIP lounge downstairs which is always fully stocked with drinks and snacks. 

I’ll be honest, Marbella probably isn’t the type of holiday destination I’d normally go for – I tend to favour city breaks with jam-packed sightseeing itineraries – however, for a relaxing adults-only break in the sun, you can’t go wrong with Amaré Hotel Marbella.