Marbella sparkles on Spain’s Costa del Sol like a jewel in the Mediterranean sun, with its seaside flair and just enough glamour to make your head spin. For those seeking something a little more relaxed – yet still balancing chic sophistication with effortless sociality – ME Marbella steps in like a breath of fresh Andalusian air. It’s a retreat where contemporary design, Mediterranean spirit and a dash of playful energy collide, offering sun-soaked luxury with a side of calm, curated fun.
Marbella is an iconic destination, with its heady mix of golden beaches, chic beach clubs and streets that flirt with luxury at every turn: part playground for the rich, part Andalusian daydream, both impossible to ignore. But as folk more partial to pasta than Prada from a holiday, we wondered if we’d actually fit in, in ‘Marbs’. And as we were in the market for a tranquil break, the ME Marbella looked like just the perfect retreat.
We were curious to see if this property could offer a different vibe to what the Costa del Sol is known for, one that itself claims to balance serenity and contemporary design with an unmistakable Mediterranean spirit.
Perfectly positioned between Puerto Banús Marina and Marbella’s Old Town, a 30-minute drive from Malaga Airport and just steps from the beach, the ME Marbella offers connection to upscale Spanish sun, sea and sangria – we even made a pre-check-in pit stop for a party pitcher of the good stuff in a friendly beach bar in downtown Marbella, a mere 15 minutes away. Marbella’s Old Town captures the spirit of Andalusia, narrow, winding streets lined with whitewashed buildings, wrought-iron balconies and little plazas that form a charming maze of boutique shops, tapas bars and café terraces perfect for people-watching. When night falls, the vibe shifts effortlessly – lantern-lit squares fill with chatter, clinking glasses and the occasional flamenco guitar strumming from a tucked-away bar. We weren’t really here for the nightlife, but resolved to make it back for a traditional tapas dinner one evening.
The ME Marbella opened in July 2025 and, at the time of review, was one of the strip’s ‘new kids on the block’ – with the ME by Meliá brand disrupting the traditional glossy luxury glamour of Marbella by bringing its own, global brand of energy and creativity. We were instantly struck by the clean interior design, natural tones and Mediterranean ambience, which for us created a sense of stillness. Walking into the hotel felt like a restorative exhale. From the moment we arrived, time began to slow, with our lives in London feeling a million miles away. This was perfect for us, as this stay was all about switching off, waking up to the sound of the sea, topping up our vitamin D and lingering over long breakfasts in the warmth of an Andalusian autumn.
As we were greeted in reception, a scent of citrus and sea salt lingered in the air. An already warm welcome was made all the more personal with a glass of chilled champagne as we checked in – they saw us coming! The hotel was entirely contactless, with wristbands granting seamless access to rooms, facilities and any on-site purchases. Designed by Adriana and Álvaro Sans of ASAH Studio, the duo behind the acclaimed Meliá Serengeti Lodge, their offering here reimagines coastal architecture through soft curves, whitewashed walls and a palette of sun-bleached neutrals and sea blues. Its light-filled spaces set an instant harmonious tone: design that is quietly confident, a place that soothes rather than dazzles.
ME Marbella offers 200 rooms, including 24 suites, that overlook the Mediterranean, the Sierra Blanca mountains or the gardens. Our room, a Superior ME+ Junior Suite Oasis View, had a terrace facing the pool. While a sea view would have been undeniably beautiful, something was grounding about being surrounded by an abundance of lush green palm trees. The décor was minimalist but not austere; rich wooden panelling flowed across floors, furniture and mirrors, balanced by soft creams and crisp whites that made the space feel both contemporary and comforting, encapsulating a sense of modern luxury.
Our super king bed felt cloud-like, impossibly soft yet perfectly supportive. We slept for eight hours straight that first night – almost unheard of – which we’ve put entirely down to the Dreammaker® mattress. We also loved how light the suite was, with sunlight reflecting off the neutral tones to create an airy, open feel. The bathroom continued that sense of refined comfort, beautifully designed and stocked with everything we could ever need, complete with a powerful rain shower. Our private balcony was the perfect spot to savour a Nespresso while listening to gentle music from the wooden portable speaker provided in the room and watching the sunrise.
| Perfect for | Fly into | Right on time |
| The Escapist | AGP | GMT +1 |
| While you’re Out There |
| A leisurely 10-minute stroll along part of the Golden Mile takes you to Puerto Banús Marina, where designer boutiques like Gucci and Louis Vuitton sit alongside trendy beach bars, perfectly blending laid-back luxury with some credit-card-busting, step-off-your-yacht Mediterranean glamour. |
Back out in the hotel’s communal areas, we were spoilt for choice when it came to places to unwind. There was an indoor pool and two outdoor pool areas, both lined with spacious cabanas big enough for three adults (no sunbed wars here). Mellow music played softly, and attentive servers were on hand for drinks orders when required, but they never hovered or were over-attentive. We got lost for hours reading as the afternoon temperature soared, surrounded by soft sand that gave the illusion of being right on the beach. There was a quiet allure to this area, and we enjoyed tasting some of the bar’s specialist cocktails. The perfectly balanced citrusy Cosmo Punch, made with Grey Goose, was our personal favourite, and the reimagined Tulumita Sangria made with Tequila Olmeca Blanco was imaginative and refreshing.
Drinks service is available at the two outdoor pools, though prices vary slightly depending on where you order – it was rather odd to us that the same drink could cost more at the two different bars, practically next to each other. We learnt the hard way, though it didn’t stop us from ordering another (being much more savvy the next time round).
Even in early autumn, the atmosphere around the pool area felt relaxed but not empty. We saw couples unwinding, small groups chatting over cocktails and even a few golfers comparing swings between dips in the pool. The outdoor pools were far too chilly for us, even though the temperature outside had hit 27°C/81°F. The indoor pool is heated but much smaller, with only a few beds to lie on. A gym, if you’re so inclined, is next to the pool, compact but thoughtfully equipped with state-of-the-art fitness equipment.
Breakfast was a daily highlight, a generous buffet of fresh fruit, local cheeses and warm pastries alongside à la carte favourites. The avocado and smoked salmon on sourdough was tangy, light and fresh, the perfect start to a slow morning on the terrace by the pool.
Barlume, one of three dining venues at ME Marbella, delivered the most memorable dining experience for us. The beef carpaccio was melt-in-the-mouth tender and the signature rump steak, paired surprisingly by the sommelier with a crisp white La Val Albariño from northwest Spain, was rich, full-bodied and beautifully cooked. We’re not dessert people, yet we finished with a tiramisu infused with Frangelico that was pure indulgence in every spoonful. After travelling that morning, it was blissful not to have to venture far and enjoy an exceptional meal in a relaxed setting. The service was attentive without ever feeling too formal.
Evenings at ME Marbella flow at their own pace. During our stay, there was no loud nightlife spilling into the lobby, no pressure to dress up or party. Guests gather in softly lit lounges where ambient music and coastal breezes create an elegant mood. Whilst tempted by the creative cocktail menu, we opted to walk off dinner and enjoyed a quiet stroll along the promenade and onto the beach, which you can access directly from the back of the hotel.
What ME Marbella does so well is balance the sparkle and sophistication of the Costa del Sol with an underlying sense of ease. It is undeniably stylish, with its architecture, music and artful crowd, yet it never tips into that self-conscious “see and be seen” territory that defines so many luxury coastal hotspots. People come here to unwind without having to feel like they are on display. The design and ambience create an energy that feels exclusive but never exclusionary. You can sip a cocktail by the pool barefoot and feel completely at home.
ME Marbella is a retreat for travellers who want to disconnect, recharge and experience Marbella at its most graceful. If you’re looking to walk out of the hotel immediately into a bustling area, then this isn’t the place for you. Here, it felt as if everyone shared the same unspoken agenda to slow down. We left feeling refreshed, as though the calm rhythm of the hotel had quietly reset something within us.
Photography courtesy of Meliá Hotels and Resorts
