8.5 / 10 for the Anantara Villa Padierna Palace
It is the dolce vita in the heart of the Andalusian region. Between Marbella, Benahavís and Estepona, this 5-star hotel with a refined atmosphere and elegant service is something to thrill the traveler. It is therefore no surprise that the Anantara chain ( subsidiary of the Thai hotel group Minor, Editor's note ) has decided to settle there for a few months. But do not look for resemblance to the other establishments in the group. "There is no particular design, the idea is rather that each hotel is inspired by the region in which it is located," explains Cristina Borgia, director of public relations. You just have to walk around the hotel to soak up this Andalusian atmosphere, with its palm trees, fountains and patios. And golf lovers are not forgotten, the hotel has 3 18-hole courses.
9/10 The situation
A 50-minute drive from Malaga International Airport and 20 minutes from the historic center of Marbella, the hotel is ideally placed. The speed of access to the Mediterranean coast, the Costa del Sol, and the proximity of centers of interest make it an ideal stopover during a stay in the region.
7/10 The decor
Built in 2003 by British architect Ed Gilbert, the hotel is inspired by Tuscan palaces from the end of the 18th century. With one desire: to make the place a real museum. Paintings, sculptures, ceramics and other archaeological pieces arranged in the corridors are only a tiny part of the 1,200 original works of art scattered here and there. In the bedroom, the same atmosphere: watercolors on the walls and pastel shades make the night space just as welcoming. The centerpiece of this thousand flower oasis, the magnificent swimming pool surrounded by cypresses and palm trees. From the hotel's large terrace, you can see the mountains of Morocco on a clear day.
»IN PICTURES - Visit to the Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Benahavis
8/10 The rooms
Anantara Villa Padierna Palace offers 132 rooms, suites and private villas. Among them, the “Villa Obama”, very popular since the arrival of the former American first lady in 2010. Much less spacious, the Deluxe rooms are nonetheless very pleasant, accompanied by everything needed for a while. short stay: king-size bed, TV, mini-bar, safe, shower and bathtub. We liked the very large bathroom, all decorated with travertine marble. Regret is probably the very small number of terraces, reserved for the most luxurious suites.
9/10 At the table and at the bar
Two establishments are not to be missed. First, Eddy's Bar, for which the hotel called on one of the most famous mixologists in the world, Diego Cabrera, who was invited to add his touch to the (long) list of cocktails available. And the 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant, which offers Japanese haute cuisine, in a clever blend of traditional and fusion. The “star recipes” are to die for like the famous and crispy Tiger prawn Tempura, the roasted king crab or the Pyo Gyozas chicken with saffron glaze.
9/10 Service, equipment
The hotel's real highlight, the spa - which boasts one of the largest in Europe - offers no less than 10 cabins, a hydrotherapy circuit with hammam, sauna and dedicated baths, a very beautiful swimming pool and several relaxation areas. Outside, there is also the tennis court, the croquet area or the three golf courses, Alferini, Tramores and Flamingos, each with 18 holes. In terms of activities, the establishment offers its customers several possible excursions: visit to the seaside resort of Estepona, stroll through the town of Ronda, sport outing in the Sierra de Grazalema national park, wine tasting or private diving courses. . Finally, for shopaholics, Anantara can also organize a trip to Corte Inglès - the Spanish Galeries Lafayette - accompanied by a personal shopper.
9/10 The price-performance ratio
From € 215 per night for 2 people in a Deluxe room. Excellent value for money considering the quality of the establishment and the services offered, not to mention the many possible activities nearby.
Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Benahavis Marbella Resort, Carretera de Cádiz (N-340), 29679 Marbella (Malaga). Phone: +34 952 88 91 50.
