The city of Marbella can be found on Southern Spain’s aptly named Costa del Sol, or “Sun Coast”. With gorgeous beaches, golf courses, and prestigious night clubs, the resorts in Marbella are reputed for being some of the best in Spain. Seated at the top of the list is the Hotel Villa Padierna Palace, an oasis of hospitality and accommodations in Marbella.
The Villa Padierna Palace Hotel architecture resembles structures from old Tuscany. From the moment you walk into the lobby you get the sense that you’ve just stepped into a grand Italianate palace decorated in classical style, with an elegant and exclusive air around you. I can see why Villa Padierna Palace Hotel was selected to host the 4th Annual Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards in October, 2016. Even First Lady Michelle Obama chose this hotel during her visit to Marbella in 2010.
There are 130 rooms, including nine intimate villas, as well as Luxury Suites. There are three buildings: Villa Padierna, Linares, and Amphiteater, all with incredible, diverse views; based on where your room is located, you could be overlooking the mountains, the golf course or the sea! A characteristic shared by all rooms is the fascinating art, whether Italian or traditional Andalusian. Guests can request rooms with a balcony or terrace.
Many of the artworks which hang around the hotel are originals, part of the collection of the owner, Ricardo Arranz – you can see 17th and 18-century sculptures, 18th-century Sevillian paintings, and 19th-century works by Malagueño artists.
Accommodations
Suites vary from the Junior Suite, with L-shaped rooms, to the Two Bedroom Suite, with its phenomenal views of the Roman Amphitheatre. In the Linares building, The Villa Padierna Suite is exceptionally lavish: separate rooms for extra privacy, excellent bathroom amenities, and an expresso machine.
Our Deluxe Room was exceptionally spacious and very cosy. Although it didn’t have a balcony, it did have double glass doors which opened up to a fabulous view overlooking the golf course and mountains.
The marble bathroom had two vanity areas on opposite sides of the room, a soaking tub and rain shower.
Each Villa in the Ala Amphitheatre is situated with a private pool and garden. These Villas have been thought out with incredible detail: the “arte de vivir” or, “art of living” has not been taken lightly. Guests are expected to treat these retreats as their homes away from home, although one can expect the service to be infinitely better! The Villa options offered range from a Villa with a single bedroom, two bedrooms, or the Villa Obama. The single bedroom Villa is in the Amphiteater building, with a fully equipped kitchenette, garden, and private swimming pool. The two-bedroom Villa has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room with a fireplace, a kitchenette, and a private pool. Lastly, the Villa Obama takes luxury to new heights: three floors and three terraces, two bedrooms and bathrooms, and private pool and butler service ensure that your comfort is prioritized.
Dining
The Villa Padierna Palace Hotel is invested in making every meal a delight- and that you have plenty of venues to choose from! Six, to be exact (not including Eddy’s Bar).
In the evening Eddy’s Bar is a great place to grab a cocktail before dinner or stop in for a nightcap. They even serve food at the bar. It’s an elegant atmosphere decorated with beautiful works of art, you can even pick from a selection of fine cigars and whiskies.
La Loggia is right off the lobby and offers Italian dining in a casual environment. In the morning they offer a great selection of breakfast options in their buffet. We sat outside and enjoy the stunning views of the golf course. For lunch they have many options to choice from off the menu as well.
For a bite by the poolside, La Pérgola is perfect for a light lunch while getting a tan and enjoying the water. The bar is open during the day up until the evening.
If you find yourself at the beach club (and I highly encourage that you do so), Club de Mar is right by the water with amazing dishes and wine.
Golf Courses
Golf players can grab a bite at the D’Canter Golf Bar and Restaurant, perfect for rehydrating and enjoying sandwiches after a morning on the courses. If you’re searching for something a little different for dinner, Santoku Japanese Restaurant brings traditional Andalusian dishes together with Japanese cuisine, and it’s in high demand so be sure to book a reservation!
Golf at this hotel is not taken lightly: guests can enjoy up to three different fields. The Flamingos Golf, Alferini Golf, and Tramores Golf offer incredible settings in which to enjoy your favorite sport. The 18-hole Flamingos Golf has spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea, while the Alferini Golf allows players to gaze upon the mountains. Both courses are known for housing elite competitions. Nestled between two valleys likes the Tramores Golf field, a fast course with gorgeous views of the sea. These three course surround the Villa Padierna Michael Campbell Golf Academy, the only of its kind. Staffed by professionals and experienced coaches, the VP Golf Academy will certainly up your game with private and groups classes, corporate golf trips, junior golf coaching, and specialized golf clinics. Additionally, the Pro Shop is available for any and all clothing and accessory essentials for the courses.
Medical Wellness Spa
The spa at the Villa Padierna Palace Hotel boasts the title of “2016 Best Spa (Signum Virutis)”, awarded by the Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards as well as many other prestigious titles. There are several specialized programs for brides (and even one for the groom), all focused on detoxification and relaxation. Personally, I wanted to try the strange and unique treatment that involves being in a 99% pure air bubble. How many people can say they’ve done that? (except Jake Gyllenhaal).
The steam/sauna facilities available were beautiful and was a good way to spend a couple of hours relaxing.
Events at the Hotel Villa Padierna Palace are unlike any other. It was the venue for this years Seven Stars Luxury and Hospitality Awards and will be talked about for years to come. 2,000 square feet of meeting space is available with eight meeting rooms, five terraces, and the renown Roman Amphitheatre with room for up to 400 people. The foliage and view of the golf course or sea create a magical atmosphere, and the weather in Marbella is perfect for events most of the year!
To comfort those dear friends or loved ones who couldn’t make the trip, the Villa Padierna Boutique has a thing or two to help you out. Who wouldn’t be consoled by a vibrant cashmere scarf, or clothing made from environmentally-safe, colorful materials? Okay, so it’s not the same as an incredibly stay in Marbella, Spain. But Alicia Villapadierna’s line is filled with dazzling colors and style, so stop by before you go!
There is a rich history to Andalucía that should not be overlooked, and the “Picasso Museum” is a must. Transportation for excursions to Seville and Granada, for example, can be arranged with the hotel’s Concierge department.
We had a fabulous three day weekend stay at the Villa Padierna Hotel Palace. It is a luxurious 5 star hotel with all the comforts of home. We look forward to returning one day soon.
Hotel Villa Padierna Palace, Urb. Los Flamingos Golf, Ctra. de Cádiz, Km. 166. 29679 Marbella, Málaga t +34 902 200 676
Stephen
December 31, 2016 at 3:35 pmWow! This place looks amazing. The fountains, pools, and marble is insane! I will have to check this place out next time I am in Spain!
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Carmen Edelson
January 3, 2017 at 9:34 pmThey spared no cost when it came to decorating Villa Padierna Palace.
Lily Travella
December 31, 2016 at 4:22 pmWow! Luxury travel indeed! This looks amazing. I’d love to be able to go somewhere like this… but it’s definitely the opposite end of my budget.
Carmen Edelson
January 22, 2017 at 1:39 pmThe rooms weren’t as expensive as you may seem. For the price you get quite the room with a view.
Nathan
January 1, 2017 at 12:44 amWow– this place is truly gorgeous. I’ve never visited Marbella but this hotel looks like reason enough to go. I really like the pools and fountains. The art collections seems really impressive also. Great post!
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Carmen Edelson
January 22, 2017 at 1:41 pmThe artwork and fountains really make you feel like you are in an Italian palace and not one in Spain.
Amy
January 1, 2017 at 10:42 amThis has to be one of the most incredible hotels I’ve ever seen, so stunning and luxurious. Of course, the Tuscan resemblance is what first caught my eye! The ground are absolutely breathtaking, that amphitheatre area just calls to me!
Carmen Edelson
January 22, 2017 at 1:44 pmIt does resemble a Tuscan villa with all the decor and surrounding gardens. I loved my stay at Villa Padierna, I hope I get the chance to go to Marbella again soon.
danik
January 1, 2017 at 11:33 amOMG! What a truly amazing hotel and you got me licking my lips. Fantastic post Carmen and here’s to more luxury stays in 2017 🙂
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Carmen Edelson
January 22, 2017 at 1:53 pmVilla Padierna has everything you can expect from a five star hotel. I can definitely see myself staying in more of these types of hotels this year.
Violeta
January 1, 2017 at 2:31 pmThis hotel looks impressive. I’d love to stay here for a couple of days during my visit to Marbella this spring.
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Carmen Edelson
January 22, 2017 at 1:58 pmI highly recommend it if you are planning to visit the area. You will feel like royalty.
Laura @ Sometime Traveller
January 1, 2017 at 3:23 pmWhat a gorgeous hotel! The views from your room (and bathroom too!) were incredible. One day perhaps I’ll have enough money for one of those villas…!
Carmen Edelson
January 22, 2017 at 1:59 pmThe bathroom was spectacular with two very large vanities. The views from my balcony of the golf course were incredible as well.
Shikha (whywasteannualleave)
January 1, 2017 at 4:09 pmHow utterly gorgeous Carmen! If it’s good enough for the Obamas, it’s definitely good enough for me!! 🙂 The marble bathrooms are so pretty and the Villa Obama with the private pool and butler services sounds like utter indulgence and pampering. Makes me wish I could escape the London rain right now!
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Carmen Edelson
January 22, 2017 at 2:00 pmIt’s only a short flight from London and the perfect place to stay for a weekend getaway.
Tarah Vongbouthdy
January 1, 2017 at 5:55 pmSuch a gorgeous place. Love the architecture and that view of the golf course! Looks like an amazing place to spend a relaxing vacation!
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Carmen Edelson
January 22, 2017 at 2:01 pmI stayed for three days and it wasn’t enough time. I would of really enjoyed spending more time in the spa.
Jenna
January 2, 2017 at 1:50 amI love that lobby and the fountains–the hotel grounds are beautiful! The views overlooking the golf course look fantastic, too. This resort looks great–I would love to stay there for a few days and a visit to the spa would be wonderful!
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Carmen Edelson
January 22, 2017 at 2:03 pmJust the spa only in Vila Padierna is worth the trip. I could of easily spend hours going from one pool to another, and enjoying the stream room.
Milijana
January 2, 2017 at 3:16 amOld Tuscan style and Andalusia environment represent the ultimate sophistication. The Mediterranean beaches and Andalusia mountains make perfect scenery for the supreme luxury resort, while the whole Villa Palace atmosphere is incredibly elegant and relaxing.
I fell in love with the Villa Padierna at first sight!
I hope to visit it one day!
Carmen Edelson
January 22, 2017 at 2:04 pmLiving in Florida we don’t see any mountains, and the Andalusia mountains in the background were breathtaking.
Meg Jerrard
January 2, 2017 at 3:52 amWow, the Villa Padierna Palace Hotel architecture is stunning – very classical, really does remind me of what I would envisage from back in the day in the height of Rome! The whole property is spectacular from the marble bathrooms to the villas – WOW. Thanks for the write up – I can see why it’s one of the best resorts in Marbella!
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Carmen Edelson
January 22, 2017 at 2:10 pmI agree, the Tuscan style architecture with the manicured golf course is the perfect vacation getaway for golf enthusiasts too.
Brianna
January 2, 2017 at 9:32 amThis place looks like a dream! I can’t get over those little fountains and that indoor courtyard. Beautiful.
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Carmen Edelson
January 22, 2017 at 2:12 pmI could of spend hours just walking around the grounds and visiting each one of the fountains and courtyards.
Angela
January 2, 2017 at 10:20 amWe will be in the south of Spain in June so I will definitely put this place on my list. I have to get the details figured out but was originally planning for 2 nights in Cordoba, 2 nights in Granada, 3 nights in Malaga and 2 in Gibraltar before heading up to Seville then Portugal. Can’t wait! Thanks for the recommendation!!
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Carmen Edelson
January 22, 2017 at 2:13 pmThat sounds like a wonderful trip. I can recommend a few places to stay in some of your stops too. I’m going to write about my visits to Ronda, Cordoba, Granada, and Sevilla soon.
JEM
January 2, 2017 at 2:38 pmAnywhere I look, elegance is written all over this place.
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Carmen Edelson
January 22, 2017 at 2:18 pmAs you as you step out of your vehicle you know you are staying in an excellent hotel when you see the Signum Virtutis seal outside the door. It’s only awarded to hotel that are the best in the industry.
Elaine J Masters
January 2, 2017 at 10:33 pmSimply beautiful and elegant. A room with vanity tables on both sides of the space?! Looks absolutely luxurious and it would be hard to pry myself away from the grounds.
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Carmen Edelson
January 22, 2017 at 2:19 pmI loved the bathroom as well. I used one side for makeup and the other for the rest of my toiletries. We could of fit 20 people in the bathroom easily.
Helena
January 2, 2017 at 10:41 pmWow!! What a stunning hotel and dining area. I could definitely spend some time here. I also love the fancy bar fridges!!
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Carmen Edelson
January 22, 2017 at 2:21 pmI have to have a room with a fridge in it. I like my waters cold. It’s nice to be able to reach for a snack or a drink if you’re thirsty in the middle of the night.
Sara Broers
January 3, 2017 at 9:06 amWhat is not to love about this property? I believe I could sit in that amphitheater all day long. The architecture, fountains and pools make this property very enticing. Thanks for sharing your sliver of paradise with all of us.
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Carmen Edelson
January 22, 2017 at 2:23 pmThe amphitheater was the perfect location to host the awards ceremony that I attended. It felt like we were back in the Romans time, watching a play on stage.
Carol Colborn
January 3, 2017 at 9:36 amWow, looks like a real 5-star place!!! And you stayed 3 days! I am envious!
Carmen Edelson
January 22, 2017 at 2:29 pmIt’s definitely was a five star experience. My only regret was that I didn’t stay longer.
Sia
January 9, 2017 at 2:38 pmSuch a spectacular place with an undeniable atmosphere and style. I am really impressed that many of the artworks are originals! It seems like the owner truly has an eye for details. Would be such a dream to visit it and enjoy the facilities such as the gorgeous spa!
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Carmen Edelson
January 14, 2017 at 9:54 amUnforgettable is the perfect word to describe this place!
Katie Featherstone
January 10, 2017 at 5:23 amWow, this place sounds magical. The pool is so turquoise I would love to float in it!
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Carmen Edelson
January 14, 2017 at 9:52 amI know, it’s so inviting!
Joan Torres
January 10, 2017 at 7:18 amThis Villa Padierna looks amazing! I’m from Spain (Catalonia) and you are totally right when you say that Marbella has the best resorts in the country. However, I feel that Spanish people don’t really go there. Did you see any Spanish staying at that hotel? I’ve never been to Marbella but I’ve been all around Andalusia. Marbella it’s a destination I’ve never thought of going. It look too touristy for me! But I’m sure an outsider must enjoy it soooo much.
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Carmen Edelson
January 22, 2017 at 2:31 pmI didn’t find it as touristy as some of the other parts of Andalusia. Most of the people who stay at the hotel were Americans, and from other countries.
Chrysoula
January 10, 2017 at 8:34 amI love the architecture of the hotel, it is so elegant and does remind you as you said a Tuscan Villa. The choice of restaurants is great and I love the beautiful gardens and fountains around the property. Definitely a place I would stay in Marbella!
Carmen Edelson
January 14, 2017 at 9:51 amGlad to hear it! It’s very elegant.
Holly - Choosy Traveler
January 20, 2017 at 5:29 pmThis is stunning– and just what I’m dreaming of stuck in cold Ohio winter 🙂
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Carmen Edelson
January 22, 2017 at 2:33 pmI know how bitter cold it can get in Ohio. This would be the perfect destination to escape the cold weather, and enjoy a few days in the spa. 🙂
Lawrence - Decode
February 22, 2017 at 7:47 amMarbella is definitely a hotspot for the concerned traveler with some super properties like this one! Looks like a great place to stay
Carmen Edelson
February 27, 2017 at 1:00 pmIt’s a wonderful place to stay! Thanks for commenting, Lawrence.
George
September 13, 2017 at 3:37 pmThats an incredible golf course, I love the cypress trees.
Carmen Edelson
September 17, 2017 at 4:50 pmThey are so lovely!
iolanta ZAKHAROVA
March 9, 2021 at 9:54 amThis is an awesome place, I’m happy you shared it !
cheers
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Carmen Edelson
March 12, 2021 at 1:21 amGlad you think so! Thanks for reading.