The question is not a new one, but it continues to have undiminished relevance, particularly in Marbella, where penthouses and villas are among the two most prominent property types. Together, they characterise the local property market, with frontline beach penthouses in Marbella and often golf-fronting villas just a little further inland within residential areas forming two of the most popular types of homes in the region.
The choice between these two exclusive property types is above all determined by your personal preferences and lifestyle, for in terms of luxury, amenities and budget there is a great deal of overlap that can make it a difficult decision.
Penthouses in Marbella
Marbella penthouses are typically luxurious and panoramic, with prime frontline beach positions endowing the finest examples with impressive views across the Mediterranean Sea – often all the way to Gibraltar and the North African coast. Other penthouses overlook verdant golf courses, including also mountain views and cityscapes, but while they tend to be a little smaller than a villa these spacious apartments offer the same level of comfort, style and sophistication.
Though some consist of a single floor, sometimes with a rooftop terrace, many of the penthouses in Marbella are duplex homes with the main living areas and bedrooms on the lower floor, and the master suite and large private terrace on the rooftop level. The terraces tend to be expansive, not infrequently including a terrace pool or Jacuzzi, and the latest trend is to also add an outdoor bar/kitchen area, al fresco dining spot and chill out bar.
Opulent, spacious and finished with the finest materials, penthouses can compete with villas in many ways while offering a more compact, easier to maintain, secure and also highly convenient form of luxury that allows you simply shut the door behind you when you travel.
Villas in Marbella
For many still the ultimate form of luxury, a villa is a large freestanding home surrounded by the comfort, space, privacy and beauty of its own landscaped gardens. In Marbella villas views are also of primary importance, be it in the form of a frontline golf villa in Nueva Andalucía, a beachside villa in Los Monteros or a panoramic country club villa in La Zagaleta. Villas offer the latest in space, luxury, amenities and privacy, as well as a greater opportunity to put your own stamp on the home – especially if you build or renovate it yourself.
Though they require more maintenance and attention, villas do have the advantage of offering fully private parking, no direct neighbours, your own garden and the ability of have facilities such as a poolside cabana, an indoor spa and gym or home cinema all to yourself. What’s more, many form part of exclusive gated communities with optimal security, and some even offer the kind of onsite concierge services that take most of the maintenance work off your hands.