Marbella has long been acknowledged as a playground for the rich and famous; an iconic destination for an international and intellectual jet set as well as Hollywood’s glitterati, who frequented this Andalusian gem back in the 1950s when it first attracted worldwide attention.
Such avant-garde characters were the foundation of the bohemian-aristocratic social circle that made up Marbella’s early DNA. But like every destination, maintaining its appeal over time and generations can be a challenge. Marbella has had its fair share of lovers and haters, and perhaps some of that initial glamour had lost some of its starlit sparkle over more recent years.
I am revisiting Marbella after decades to take a fresh look, as I’ve heard more than a few murmurings that this locale is experiencing a new era of redefined luxury. Indeed, Marbella is said to be undergoing a renaissance created by attracting an entirely new highly sophisticated and professional global jet-set, one that is thriving on a new limitless lifestyle whilst honouring its pedigree and provenance.
Visiting in the shoulder season, it is evident that there is an exciting new energy and a vibrant community rediscovering the delights of Marbella. It comes as a direct and positive by-product of COVID-19; the pandemic gave rise to a new wave of investment from global high-net-worth individuals, now enjoying the dream of digital nomadic life operating out of a landscape that supports both short and longer-term needs. It’s a cohort that fully appreciates Marbella’s climate, its location, and its approach to living, but which just as importantly enjoys being part of a like-minded internationally savvy community.
Reflective of this, there is also a real sense that Marbella as a destination is both passionate and purposeful about meeting this new demand – one which calls for the very highest standards of excellence and innovation across every aspect of Marbella’s hospitality experience.
Forbes has, in fact, just lauded Marbella as the best European Destination 2024, as voted by one million travellers chosen from 172 countries. With a record number of votes, Marbella’s accolade represents the first time a Spanish destination takes first place in the ranking. As the awards listing announces, “Marbella is a sunny, five-star, natural, sporty, gastronomic destination with everything to please the most demanding travellers.” Enough said.
The list of sweet spots is near endless: 320 days of sunshine each year, the most beautiful old town of Marbella with quaint bougainvillaea-filled narrow streets, authentic cafes, restaurants and stylish boutiques, the longest coastal strip in the Costa Del Sol of fine white sandy beaches, and the dramatic backdrop of Sierra Blanca with spectacular views and trails. I can, and will, easily continue. It’s a place brimming with Andalusian pride and gastronomic flair, with arguably some of the best beach clubs in the world, 16 stunning 5-star hotels delivering excellence across the board, extraordinary spa and wellness retreats for the healthiest lifestyle, not to mention some of the best golf courses to be found anywhere, rooftop terraces that will take your breath away and a glamorous extravagant nightlife that is legendary the world over.
Let’s not forget that whilst a fascinating destination in its own right, Marbella is a gateway to so much more in Andalusia and beyond. Tarifa, a short drive away, is one of the world’s hotspots for kitesurfing. Sierra Nevada is just 2.5 hours away giving travellers access to a variety of winter sports, and the high-speed train delivers you to the gastronomic delights of Madrid in just over two hours.
So Marbella does have it all. Whether you want to be seen on the Golden Mile or hide away and unplug, you will find exactly what you need to be spoiled at every level. From stunning hotels to exquisite villas and apartments, the choice of where you stay and what to do is extraordinary… if a little overwhelming.
So for those looking to source the very best that Marbella has to offer, I may have found one of the jewels in Marbella’s new crown.
3SA Estate – A new breed of luxury lifestyle partner
Let me introduce you to 3SA (3 Steps Ahead) a new innovative breed of property and lifestyle consultancy, born to meet an emerging new global demand for the most exquisite properties and highest levels of service excellence in Marbella.
The brainchild behind this thriving young business is Jimmy Widen, a Swedish entrepreneur with a keen eye for the sublime backed by a very strong grounding in business.
3SA operates for ultra-high-net-worth individuals globally, who want to connect with a trusted company to source and navigate the property landscape across an entire lifespan of buying, building, renovating, and renting with a lifestyle management team attached. A partnership that delivers three paces ahead and a reassuring ‘every step of the way’ philosophy.
Over the last six years, Jimmy and his dedicated team have managed over €440m in property transactions, building a bespoke ecosystem that blends the full property lifecycle under one seamless umbrella. A client can buy, build or renovate a property, rent it when not needed, and access a full 360 lifestyle concierge service to handle every small detail of the short or longer-term stay. The concierge team has their finger firmly on the pulse of Marbella’s new heartbeat – the very best black book in town!
As a result of this 3SA unique offering, an extraordinary portfolio of exceptionally rare properties is now coming into the short-term rental market. Simply put, if you are looking for luxury without limits, these are your people.
The Penthouse by 3SA Estate – elevated luxury
Within this rare portfolio, the 3SA team are launching an exclusive Marbella property this Summer; one that has been described as the most exclusive penthouse available in the area, if not the whole of Spain and Southern Europe.
As we are always in pursuit of unearthing that which lies beyond the ordinary, we had to take the first look. Frankly, we were not disappointed.
The Penthouse by 3SA Estate is a spectacular six-bedroomed duplex penthouse nestled in the heart of the prestigious Puente Romano Resort, on the famous Golden Mile. Its build price of €22m ensures guests that every last detail has been meticulously considered to deliver the ultimate luxury stay.
The entrance to the penthouse is deceptively understated and humble. Yet as you enter the expansive 452m² space, you are first aware of its commanding position and the exquisite indoor outdoor living space. Indeed, a spectacular 211 m² of terraces and 180-degree views of the Mediterranean unveil themselves in truly breathtaking fashion.
The design of the apartment has been graciously planned, enabling it to seem as though the ocean blends effortlessly with the penthouse, its presence felt throughout the entire expanse on both floors. The light bounces off every surface and highlights the thoughtful interiors, all of which have been carefully considered to amplify the sea’s connection to this space.
The main living level offers a spectacular sitting area with an opulent bar, as well as four spacious en-suite bedrooms with stunning sea or mountain views. The complete effect is a voluptuous sense of serenity and a powerful connection to nature. A private lift or staircase leads up to the luxurious master suite – arguably the showpiece of this stunning property, featuring his-and-hers walk-in closets and stunning bathrooms with panoramic Mediterranean views.
The state-of-the-art kitchen (equipped with high-quality Gaggenau appliances) is a culinary haven, and the outdoor cooking area and terraces offer perfect al fresco dining with priceless sea vistas, creating the moments of any stay that matter. The apartment also has a well-equipped gym and a heated plunge pool with resistance swimming equipment, ensuring guests can burn off those leisurely late dinners.
Beyond the apartment, The Penthouse by 3SA Estate grants access to all of the stunning five-star facilities at the award-winning Puente Romano resort. These include world-famous tennis and golf clubs, and an eclectic sophisticated mix of over 20 restaurants from renowned global brands such as COYA Cipriani or Nobu and simple but sensational home-grown outlets like Rachel’s Eco Love (for healthy ‘food for the soul’) or the acclaimed Sea Grill. On the beach, where you can eat with your toes in the sand, is the scene-setting Chiringuito and the world-famous Ocean Beach Club.
The Penthouse by 3SA Estate is a truly exceptional property and arguably one of the rarest of Spain’s, if not Euope’s, most exclusive duplex penthouses. It’s a coastal sanctuary like no other, delivering limitless luxury for the most discerning of travellers.
