From the buzz of luxury, international chic to the peace and serenity of a more rural experience, Marbella has a way of life to suit everyone.
Constantly available are sunny days spent on the beach or golf course; luxury yachts in the marinas, sumptuous jet-set resort hotels; beautiful villas tucked in the hillsides; and glamorous boutiques and dining experiences to treat all tastes.
Marbella isn’t just for wealthy retirees either. It also attracts many professionals, eager to enjoy a quality of life like no other while living with their families and earning a living under the sun.
The Spanish lifestyle
Many enjoy watching their children grow up bilingually while making the most of international schools and a healthy, free outdoor lifestyle. The area’s sporting and social scenes are also first class, all with a firm focus on family and the community.
Expect a lively, cosmopolitan social life with glamorous parties filling the calendar. Meanwhile, Marbella increasingly focuses on culture and entertainment, with fine arts societies often arranging art classes and museum, theatre and concert hall excursions in the area. These include international ballet, opera and philharmonic orchestras at the beautiful Teatro Cervantes in Málaga.
Outdoor fun
For the younger set, there are many sports, along with a wildlife park at Selwo, as well as play parks, children’s groups and open-air concerts from international artists. Business people have access to networking clubs and charity organisations, with associated events throughout the year.
With dozens of golf courses in Marbella, you won’t have any trouble finding the perfect course for your game. Nowhere is there such a concentration of fine fairways to play on, and nowhere else in Europe does the climate permit a playing season that lasts most of the year.
A drive inland for 2.5 hours brings you to Granada’s Sierra Nevada ski resort – you’ll need to pinch yourself to believe it if you were sunbathing on Marbella’s beach only a few hours previously. The slopes are varied and good quality, with a long ski season running from November to May, thanks partly to the artificial snow system used to top up levels when necessary.
Other favourite sports in and around Marbella include tennis, water sports and horse riding reflected in the number of major international competitions held here. Meanwhile, numerous stylish spas and health centres exist in and around Marbella, providing health facilities and beauty pampering aimed at glamorous relaxation.
Unspoilt surroundings
Surrounding Marbella are the natural wonders of the Mediterranean Sea and unadulterated Andalusian countryside, the latter reachable within just a 15-mintute drive. Although this rustic environment seems a world apart from cosmopolitan Marbella, it’s easy to retreat to the beautiful mountains, streams and pine forests for trekking and nature spotting.
Not to be forgotten are some of Spain’ most majestic cities: Sevilla, Córdoba and Granada are all within an easy drive from Marbella, completing what have to be the conditions for one of the finest and most varied lifestyles available anywhere in the world.