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Marbella

Bring on the bling and party with the jet set. Golden beaches, all-year-round sun and a relaxed, fun-time vibe, welcome to Spain at its most swanky.

Marbella, how much do we love you? Let us count the ways.

First up, it’s got one the world’s best microclimates (it’s a great bet for sun almost all year round). Second, it’s got a whole raft of über glam beach clubs where you can sip Champagne and sun yourself with the jet set. Third, it boasts some of the best clubs Europe has to offer attracting some of the world’s best DJs. Add to that, fantastic restaurants, cool bars and a super cute old town, this is a destination sending out relaxed, funtime vibes from dawn to dusk. Come on in, the water’s lovely. Immerse yourself in Life on Marbs.

Stay

We love the BlueBay Banús (4 Star), which has been designed in the style of a traditional Andalusian village. With lush gardens, cute courtyards and even its own chapel, the hotel has three swimming pools, three bars and restaurants and is just a short hop to the beach.

If you’re feeling flush, the Marbella Club Hotel (5 star) offers serious luxury, with its palatial rooms, legendary beach club, golf club and extensive Thalasso spa.

And if self catering is more your thing, why not book Villa Siesta? Set in the countryside, a short drive from the action at Puerto Banus, and with super relaxing sea views, the five separate apartments are set around a courtyard pool and sleep between 12 and 26.

Enjoy

The luxe beach club - with its beachside location, sunloungers, cocktails and restaurants - is a Marbella staple and a classic way to spend your day. The best include

La Sala by The Sea - open daily during the summer season - where you can lounge on bright white loungers, drink cocktails and enjoy its Thai-inspired menu; the gorgeous palm-tree-fringed Nikki Beach with its signature sushi and the PuroBeach Marbella which boasts spectacular views of the Rock of Gibraltar and the Morrocan Rif Mountains and a menu fusing the food of Miami, Marrakech and Melbourne. Try them all. It would be rude not to.

Eat & Drink

For the best steak, book your party into Oak Garden Grill and Restaurant. Set in the garden of a gorgeous Andalusian-style villa, Oak has a secret garden feel and boasts 10 types of traditionally-reared beef. Or why not reserve VIP sunbeds at Nikki Beach, one of Marbella’s most exclusive beach clubs. Nestled on one of its best beaches, enjoy fresh seafood and sushi, knock back champagne cocktails and dance to the beats of some of the world’s best DJs.

Out

Try the Sky Bar in Puerto Banús - the resort’s luxury marina and shopping area for a super sexy night out. And TIBU - also in Puerto Banús - has its own rooftop restaurant as well as the indoor nightclub, and a massive open-air terrace where you can continue partying under the stars. We also love Bijoux Banus, a fantastic bar at the heart of the Marina area. Sister bar to Newcastle’s Bijoux Bar, you might spot stars of MTV’s ‘Geordie Shore’, who often pop into the Marbella outpost.

Recover...

Marbella might be famous for its bling, but it is also a crossroads for Old and New Spain. For some chill-out time, take a stroll around Casco Antiguo - Marbella Old Town.

This is old school Andalusia, where winding cobbled paths take you past whitewashed houses, chic boutiques and brightly coloured restaurants and bars. Don’t miss the Plaza de los Naranjos - Orange Square - at the heart of Marbella Old Town: framed by orange trees, it comes alive at night with performers and open-air eateries.

For the ultimate in pampering, head to the Senator Marbella Spa Hotel, where you can unwind in a 10,000sqm wellness complex. The spa here has everything from saunas to ice caves, bubble beds to Indo-Roman baths and even a chocolate massage treatment.

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Destination Fact File

Time Difference: GMT + 1

Fly to: Malaga

Airport transfer time: 45 minutes (approx)

Weather Report: perfectly balmy all year round. High 20s in summer - yay!