More of My Favourite 5-Star Stays in Marbella
I’ve already talked about a few of the 5-star spots I like in Marbella, but honestly, that barely scratches the surface. This place is overflowing with hotels that all promise something special, and choosing between them can feel like a full-time job. So I figured I’d keep going and share three more that stood out to me - places worth knowing about, especially if you travel the way I do: solo, curious, and always looking for somewhere that actually feels good to stay in.
Don Carlos Marbella
Don Carlos has this slightly different energy compared to other luxury hotels in Marbella - it feels upscale, yes, but there’s something more relaxed and thoughtful about it. I didn’t expect it to stand out as much as it did, but from the moment I checked in, I realised why so many people rave about it.
I stayed in one of their Comfort rooms, and honestly, it set the mood for the whole trip. The design isn’t loud or overly “hotel-ish.” It’s bright, soft, and somehow manages to echo that Andalusian air outside. Mine even had this gorgeous wallpaper with birds and flowers - a small thing, but after weeks of staring at minimal white walls in different hotels, it felt refreshing.
The food here deserves its own mention. They really lean into Andalusian flavours. Everything tastes fresh and intentional, and you can tell the ingredients come from nearby. Their main restaurant, Los Naranjos, has this calm, sunny vibe where breakfast basically turns into a slow morning ceremony. Sitting there with a coffee, looking out over the gardens, you kind of forget about everything else.
Speaking of gardens - the whole property is wrapped in this huge park filled with tropical plants and Mediterranean trees. It’s one of those places where you keep finding new corners as you walk around. It’s also close enough to everything Marbella is famous for (beaches, shopping, Puerto Banús) but still quiet enough that you can sleep with the window open and not hear a thing.
Now, if you’re into sports, the hotel has something pretty unique: the Rafa Nadal Tennis Center. Seven clay courts set among palm trees - it looks like something straight out of a tennis dream. They offer coaching for all levels using Rafa’s academy methods, and you can go as light or intense as you want. I didn’t come here planning to train, but I ended up doing a couple of sessions and even using their indoor-outdoor gym. There’s something motivating about working out with the sea right in front of you.
After all that, the spa became my second home. Their hydrotherapy circuit is honestly one of the best I’ve tried in Marbella. Warm pools, contrast showers, sauna, steam room - the whole thing feels like it was designed to make you slow down. I tried a couple of their treatments and walked out feeling like someone rebooted my entire system. If you ever go, give yourself enough time to enjoy it slowly. Don’t rush it.
But what really made the stay special was the staff. Everyone I interacted with was genuinely attentive, not in that scripted luxury-hotel way, but in a “we actually care that you’re enjoying this” way. People like Tony and Aitana were incredibly helpful with things like restaurant bookings and local tips. It made the whole stay feel personal.
By the time I left, I felt like Don Carlos had become its own little world - tennis, gardens, good food, a beautiful room, and that energy of Marbella just close enough without being in your face. If you’re going solo, it’s one of those places where you feel completely comfortable doing your own thing while still being surrounded by little touches of luxury everywhere you turn.
Higuerón Hotel - Curio Collection by Hilton
Higuerón is one of those places that feels a bit like its own world. It sits slightly away from the noise and movement of the coast, which some people love and others aren’t too sure about, but for me it worked. The whole property has this peaceful, modern vibe - glass, clean lines, wide spaces. And once you settle in, it’s very easy to forget you’re anywhere near busy Costa del Sol.
I stayed in one of their King rooms, and although it wasn’t enormous, it was exactly what I needed. Clean, well put together, comfortable, and set up in a way that makes the room feel considered rather than generic. You can tell they really try to keep everything in good shape, though some guests do mention small maintenance things here and there. My experience was smooth.
What really stands out here is the staff. People always say service matters, but at Higuerón it genuinely changes the stay. Samantha and Ariel, in particular, couldn’t have been kinder or more attentive. They had that mix of being warm without hovering, helpful without making things complicated. By the end of the trip, I felt more like a regular than someone staying there for the first time.
The resort is also packed with things to do. The gym is huge - easily one of the best hotel gyms I’ve seen, and the sports facilities go way beyond the usual. Padel courts, tennis, volleyball, the works. And the pools… there are several, including a rooftop infinity pool that really does make you stop for a minute. The only downside is that shade can be limited, so if you’re someone who burns easily, you’ll understand the struggle.
Food-wise, it’s honestly impressive. They’ve got everything from casual spots to a Michelin-starred restaurant right on the property. I tried Arara one evening, and it was the kind of dinner that makes you slow down without even realising it. People staying half-board get some great options, and having a tasting menu included is a pretty rare find. It became something I looked forward to at the end of each day.
The spa is another highlight. If you enjoy quiet water circuits - warm pools, jets, contrast dips, sauna, all that good stuff - this is the place to clear your head. I went for one of their circuits and left feeling about 50% lighter. They have massages and treatments too, but even just wandering from one water area to another is enough to reset your whole mood.
There are some things to keep in mind. Extra charges pop up more often than you’d hope, and depending on where your room is, noise can vary. And since it’s set slightly away from the main coastline, you might find yourself using their shuttle or taking the 20-minute walk to the beach. But on the flip side, that small distance is what gives the hotel its quiet, tucked-away feeling.
What surprised me most was how personal the whole stay felt. The property itself is beautiful, yes, but it’s the warmth of the people working there that makes you want to come back. And by the time I left, I understood why so many guests say the same thing: it doesn’t just feel like a resort - it feels like you’ve been looked after.
