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The Independent UK

Ellie Muir

Mediterranean charm meets contemporary Japanese design at this Marbella hotel

Nobu Matsuhisa Marbella Mediterranean

Embrace refined luxury at this stylish hotel, situated on the buzziest strip of beachfront in Andalucia, within Marbella’s renowned Puente Romano resort

Location

Nobu Hotel Marbella is situated just minutes from Spain’s Golden Mile coastline, with Marbella’s Old Town to the east and the glamorous Puerto Banus marina to the west. The hotel can be reached in around 40 to 50 minutes by taxi from Malaga airport.

Nobu can arrange taxis to Marbella’s Old Town for day or evening excursions, so you can catch views of the ninth-century Castillo de Marbella (Marbella Castle) or explore the charming boutique shops dotted along its cobbled streets. You can also rent a bike to explore the Golden Mile promenade, which is three miles long and perfect for taking in the expansive sea views.

The weather won’t let you down: Marbella has a subtropical Mediterranean microclimate, offering more than 320 sunny days annually and warm temperatures year-round.

The vibe

If you’ve ever visited one of Nobu’s restaurants, then you’ll know that modern yet sultry decor is a given. Things are no different at its chic and boutique Marbella hotel outpost, where Mediterranean charm meets contemporary Japanese design.

The 81-room hotel is situated within a larger 600,000 square foot labyrinthine resort, Puente Romano, giving guests access to a wide range of amenities.

The resort’s grounds are modelled on a Mediterranean village, with simple, whitewashed buildings leading to a central square, and hotel “rooms” that look like local villas with terracotta-tiled roofs.

By night, the place comes alive thanks to the bustling bars and more than 20 restaurants. There is also a buzzing courtyard at the heart of the hotel, where you can watch Flamenco dancing in the evening.

Service

The service is faultless – after checking in, you are delivered to your room in a private golf buggy while a porter takes care of your luggage. The ever-attentive staff proudly embrace omotenashi, which is the Japanese spirit of anticipatory hospitality. The restaurant and bar staff are extremely knowledgeable about the unique Japanese cuisine on offer, too.

Bed and bath

Refined luxury meets style in the deluxe rooms (Hue & Cry)

All 81 rooms feature a white and grey scheme with minimalist decor. Room categories range from a deluxe room with a terrace to large four-bedroom suites that can accommodate up to eight guests. The majority have access to an outdoor balcony or a terrace that overlooks lush palm trees.

King-sized beds come as standard in every room and bathrooms feature walk-in showers with rainfall-style heads. They are decorated with white tiles and are equipped with toiletries from the luxury French brand Nuxe.

Food and drink

Nobu Marbella comes alive at night (Hue & Cry)

The biggest attraction of the Nobu Hotel Marbella – aside from its beautiful setting – is the mouthwateringly good food. Guests can enjoy an iconic menu crafted by world-renowned chef Nobu Matsuhisa at his namesake restaurant, where you’ll find breathtaking decor – think orange Japanese maple trees scattered around the place – and a buzzy vibe at night.

Choose the multi-course tasting menu, which will take you on a tour through the chef’s most iconic dishes: succulent Japanese wagyu beef, black cod miso and fresh sashimi platters. Finish things off with the Nobu cheesecake, a life-changing sweet treat with mango sauce and a delectable miso ice cream.

The Puente Romano resort also offers other places to wine and dine, which Nobu guests can access. A favourite is Chiringuito, which serves up oysters, succulent beef burgers and vibrant seafood paellas.

An a la carte breakfast is available at Chiringuito, or you can go next door to Sea Grill, where they serve the most impressive breakfast buffet I’ve ever seen. Everything is available, from the components of a full English to continental-style breakfast classics, and there’s a DIY waffle station with chocolate syrup and sprinkles galore.

Dietary requirements are catered to thoughtfully across the portfolio; there are plenty of gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options.

Facilities

The resort is shared with sister hotel Puente Romano, situated minutes from the sands of the Golden Mile (Hue & Cry)

Nobu guests can access most of Puente Romano’s amenities, including the Six Senses Spa, a fitness training facility and a tennis club (with eight clay courts, four padel courts and two plexipave courts). Nobu guests also have access to a private pool that isn’t shared with Puente Romano guests, situated on a terrace that has breathtaking views of the resort.

Accessibility

The restaurant features wheelchair-accessible entrances and offers accessible parking. Adapted rooms are available in the Deluxe Junior Suite category and there is one accessible pool. It is recommended to contact the hotel directly to confirm specific accessibility requirements.

Pet policy

Pets are allowed, at a fee of €150 (£130) per stay for up to seven days. Pets must be supervised at all times, kept on leads in common areas and are not permitted in the gym, spa, or pool area.

Check in/check out?

Check-in is from 3pm; check-out is noon.

Family-friendly?

While the hotel is better suited to couples and groups, some rooms and suites can sleep up to eight people and interconnecting rooms are available. Kid’s facilities include a children’s club, situated in a dedicated villa with a treehouse and pool.