My Take on Marbella’s Luxurious Side

Last time I shared a few of my favorite budget-friendly things to do in Marbella - beach hopping, hiking up in the hills, wandering through the local street markets, and chasing those unreal sunset drives along the coast. But let’s be honest, Marbella also has this other side to it - the glitz, the champagne lunches, the kind of places where time feels slower and the views look straight out of a movie.

So, if you’re in the mood to treat yourself (and maybe see how the other half lives for a day or two), here’s how I’d recommend experiencing Marbella in a more luxurious way.

Beach Clubs & Daybeds - My Day at Nikki Beach, Marbella

After a few days of beach walks, markets, and hikes, I decided to see what Marbella’s glossier side felt like. I booked a sunbed at Nikki Beach, one of those places that’s almost become part of the city’s identity - all white decor, champagne on ice, and the kind of crowd that makes even lounging look stylish.

I arrived late morning, when the energy is still soft and slow. The staff greeted me with a glass of chilled water and a towel, and someone whisked me to my bed - one of those big, white, cushioned ones facing the sea, perfectly placed for maximum sun and minimum effort. The music was mellow, just a soft house beat under the sound of the waves. There’s a pool in the middle surrounded by palm trees, a beach bar mixing fresh cocktails, and a restaurant serving everything from sushi to Mediterranean plates.

The service is effortless. I started with a coconut water (because pretending to be healthy feels right in a place like this). Lunch was sea bass ceviche and a fruit platter that looked like art - bright, fresh, and very Marbella.

The funny thing about being there alone is that it doesn’t feel strange at all. Everyone’s doing their own thing - some chatting in cabanas, others floating in the pool or just lying back with sunglasses on. You can be completely by yourself and still feel part of the mood.

By the afternoon, the vibe shifts. The music picks up, people start dancing by the pool, and the staff carry out champagne bottles with sparklers.

A Private Wine Tasting Near Marbella - Hills, Vines, and Quiet Luxury

I decided to escape the coast for a day and drive inland to Manilva, a small town where the hills start to look like something out of a postcard - olive groves, whitewashed villages, and stone walls that have been standing longer than my entire family tree. The road twists and turns, and I may or may not have sang along badly to some Spanish pop just to feel extra dramatic.

I arrived at Nilva, a family-run vineyard that somehow makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into a secret garden where everyone knows your name (even if you’ve never been there before). The owner greeted me warmly, and I immediately felt like a wine VIP. He gave me a tour, showed me the barrels where the wine ages, and told me stories about the grapes and the land. I nodded like I knew what I was talking about, which is part of the fun of solo travel - you can bluff with confidence and no one judges.

We strolled through the rows of vines at a snail’s pace, stopping at a small terrace with a view of the sea. Glasses were poured - a crisp white, a delicate rosé, a rich red and I leaned against a stone wall, pretending to be sophisticated while secretly wondering if I should take a dramatic sip for Instagram.

And that’s the thing about a place like this: luxury isn’t about gold fixtures or fancy labels. It’s about moments like leaning against a stone wall, tasting wine that actually tastes like it should, and realizing you don’t have to do anything at all to feel spoiled. I might have taken a few too many photos pretending to be contemplative, but who’s judging? Solo travel comes with zero witnesses.

By the time I left, I felt like I’d uncovered Marbella’s best-kept secret. A side of the city that’s quiet, personal, and infinitely more luxurious than anything shiny on the coast. 

Sunset Cocktails & Rooftop Bars - The Golden Hour Glow at La Fonda

Evenings in Marbella have a way of sneaking up on you. One minute it’s all bright light and sea breeze, and the next, the whole town turns gold. The air softens, the pace slows, and suddenly everyone seems to be heading somewhere - preferably somewhere with a view.

I ended up at La Fonda Restaurante, tucked right in the heart of Marbella’s Old Town. The building itself has a story. It’s housed in a beautifully restored 16th-century chapel, which already makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a secret you’re not supposed to know about. Inside, everything is elegant but effortless - warm lighting, stone walls, and just the right balance between historic charm and modern design.

But the real magic happens upstairs, on the rooftop. From there, you get this panoramic view of the terracotta rooftops, the church towers, and the faint glimmer of the sea in the distance. It’s the kind of place where you can order a cocktail and instantly feel like life is sorted, at least for the next hour. I went for something light and citrusy (because pretending to be a cocktail connoisseur is half the fun), and just sat there watching the sky turn from honey to deep orange to that soft blue that signals the start of the night.

There’s a particular calm that comes with being solo in moments like this. You’re not checking your phone or trying to keep up with a conversation - you’re just quietly tuned into everything around you. The laughter drifting up from the square below, the distant sound of someone playing guitar, the clink of glasses as the evening unfolds.

By the time the first stars appeared, I realized that this - a drink, a view, and a seat above the world was the kind of luxury I chase when I travel.

For Something Truly Unique - A Helicopter Tour Along the Coast

If you really want to see Marbella from a whole new angle - literally book a helicopter tour along the Costa del Sol. I haven’t done it yet (emphasis on yet), but it’s one of those things that keeps coming up when people talk about once-in-a-lifetime experiences here. The flight usually takes off from Malaga or Marbella’s nearby heliport, gliding over the coastline, the glittering Mediterranean, and the rugged Sierra Blanca mountains that frame the city.

It’s definitely on the pricier side - around €350–€500 per person, depending on the route, but if you’re the kind of traveller who likes to trade souvenirs for stories, this one’s worth adding to your list. From what I’ve heard, you see everything: the beaches where you’ve been lazing all week, the yachts slicing through turquoise water, and the little white villages in the hills that look like something painted by hand.

Apparently, the best moment is when the pilot dips the nose slightly toward the coast - Marbella glows below, sunlight bouncing off rooftops, the sea stretching endlessly in every direction. Maybe one day I’ll swap my beach towel for a headset and finally tick it off the list. Until then, I’ll keep it on my “one day, maybe after a lottery win” list, and recommend it to anyone who loves a good view with a dash of drama.