Nikki Beach
Established in 1998 by Jack Penrod, the Nikki Beach brand seamlessly combines entertainment, dining, music, fashion and art into one.
Truly A-List, Nikki Beach worldwide has attracted the likes of The Kardashians, Ben Stiller and Halle Berry and the Marbella branch is no different, with Eva Longoria, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Prince Albert of Monaco all selecting the luxury beach club to spend their summer days.
Oozing sex appeal and glamour, Nikki Beach is a ‘must’, although it is on the higher end of the budget spectrum. If you are looking to devour cocktails (another must!) and dance in the sunshine; reserve one of the plush white sun loungers, allowing you to maximize your tanning time and immerse yourself in the celebration. Alternatively, if you’re more of an epicurean and making the trip along the coast to sample some of their signature dishes, give the bed a miss and book a table in the restaurant, this way you can still join in the party without doubling your budget for the day.
The menu boasts European, Asian and American influences with items such as Nikki Beach Wagyu Beef Sliders, Black Truffle Roasted Chicken and Marrakech Spiced Rack of Lamb. The Jeroboam’s of Nikki’s House Rose are definitely the ‘in’ choice and the ideal accompaniment to lunch in the sunshine.
This year Nikki added the one element they were missing… a swimming pool, a final touch that alongside the stunning new décor has truly cemented Nikki Beach’s status as one of the finest beach retreats.
As well as their daytime parties, Nikki Beach also offers a stunning evening restaurant and a nightclub. If you can only attend one event this year the Red Season Closing Party is the one on everyone’s lips… that is until the White Party returns at the start of the season next year.
Best for: Entertainment… Nikki Beach triumphs in many ways but their creative entertainment always exceeds beyond your wildest imagination. Think dynamic fire shows, electric violinists and world-class dancers and you’re probably halfway there!
Don’t leave without trying: The Sushi Dragon … yes it is for two, but if you’re a sushi mega fan you might regret sharing! Dining in a large group? The Sushi Boat for six takes sushi to another level!
The bad news: Nikki Beach is a 20-minute taxi along the coast from Puerto Banus. If you’re attending one of their evening parties be sure to ask about the chauffeur service, as if there is a few of you, it’s worth avoiding the taxi queue home and often not a great deal more expensive than the traditional route.
Where: Nikki Beach – Playa Hotel Don Carlos, Carretera de Cádiz, Km 192, 29600 Marbella, Málaga, Spain
Plaza Beach
Whilst Plaza Beach always had the finest position in the port, it was often overshadowed by the impressive décor and furnishings of its surrounding competitors. However, all that changed when they opened the doors this summer.
Boasting a stunning new refurbishment including swanky cabana beds complete with their own personal Jacuzzis, Plaza has truly made its mark on Puerto Banus and no doubt had the other beach clubs quivering in their boots.
With the same PR Team behind the legendary News Café and Aqwa Mist, Plaza Beach boasts Hed Kandi parties every Saturday, and Kinky Malinki on Sundays.
If that’s not enough, on their latest trip to Marbella, The Only Way is Essex chose to film the opening episode of Season 12 at Plaza Beach. It seems this summer… the only place is Plaza!
Best for: Position, position, position! If you are staying in Puerto Banus, you couldn’t ask for a closer beach club and when you are travelling with a group greater than four, and have to opt for two taxis, you will be very thankful you can just walk down the road. Also anywhere within the Nueva Andalucía area will only be minutes in a cab. Simply ask for the entrance of Puerto Banus and you can’t miss it!
Don’t leave without trying: Cocktails! Whether you fancy mojitos, caipirinhas or cosmopolitans, you will definitely leave with a smile on your face.
The bad news: Whilst the personal Jacuzzi’s are impressive if you haven’t booked a cabana bed you will still need to head to the sea for a dip as there is no main swimming pool. However rumour has it, one is arriving next year!
Where: Benabola, Puerto Banus, Marbella, Spain, 29660
Purobeach
A global brand, Purobeach offers a wholesome twist on your classic beach club experience. Daily yoga classes, a spa offering a full range of massages, nutritious dining options and freshly made smoothies add a distinct touch and set Purobeach apart from the rest.
Situated within Laguna Village in Estepona, Purobeach evokes sophistication and elegance. White sun loungers, the famed Nomad beds (suitable for 4-6 people) and decorative umbrellas surround the beautiful swimming pool whilst sofas and poufs ensure an easy-going vibe in the restaurant.
The restaurants, (yes that’s plural!), offer spectacular views over Gibraltar and the Moroccan Atlas Mountains and Purobeach’s signature eatery is heavily influenced by the iconic Puro M3 cuisine – Miami, Marrakech and Melbourne. Alternatively Shiro boasts sushi to the highest standard and the exclusive ‘Tiraditos Tasting’, a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine – slices of fresh raw fish dipped in a variety of sauces.
Furthermore, for the first time in Marbella, Purobeach recently introduced private Nomad tents. Each tent covers half of a double sunbed for protection and privacy and inside a vibrant carpet, floor mirror and bench intensifies this new level of superiority.
Best for: The little touches! When you reserve a pool bed, not only do you receive the classics – (towel, water, fresh fruit) but you are also gifted with cold towels to refresh your face, after sun lotion (just in case!) and a smoothie.
Don’t leave without trying: The Nomad Lodges, situated around the pool and on the beach offer a full range of treatments, aimed to unwind your mind and relax your body. Where most beach clubs offer simple beach massages, Puro’s array of Global Treats Massages truly excel and really do leave you rejuvenated from head to toe. Just what you need after a heavy week in Marbella.
The bad news: If you are planning on spending a day at Purobeach with your children, think again! Throughout the summer Puro don’t allow children in the swimming pool, which whilst an adults only party will no doubt love to hear, try telling a young one they can’t step foot in the ‘oh so tempting’ swimming pool! Although, they do offer a Kids Zone for little ones aged 3- 10 years from 11am – 6pm.
Where: Carretera Cadiz, Km 159, 29680 Estepona, Málaga, Spain
The best of the rest…
La Sala by the Sea
Formally Sala Beach, La Sala by the Sea launched this year. As well as the beach club they also introduced their new evening restaurant allowing you to dine under the stars. Open from morning until late, this Thai inspired retreat offers everything from smoothies for breakfast, luxury cabana beds for six and delicious Thai-fusion cuisine.
Best for: The Thai dishes… as good as Thailand!
The bad news: The music is kept soft so it’s much more low-key… definitely one for a hungover day or when you need to take things a little slower!
Where: Urb. Villa Marina, Nueva Andalucía, Marbella, Malaga, Spain
Mistral Beach
Located in front of the Hotel Guadalpin Banus, Mistral Beach offers some of the finest fresh seafood and is one of the few beach clubs you can enjoy lunch with your toes in the sand. With Hollywood Watersports only a moments away, after lunch enjoy a waterski lesson or rent a jet ski and take to the water in style.
Best for: The beach massages, ideal for recovering after a big Puerto Banus week.
The bad news: Whilst the seafood is the finest, the prices are on the more expensive side so be careful not to over order.
Where: Playa del Rodeo, s/n, 29660 Marbella, Malaga, Spain
Sonora Beach
This bohemian style beach club is a little further along the coast and attracts a mass of locals looking for a chilled-out, laid back alternative to the Puerto Banus madness.
Best for: Sonora is the place to be on Sundays with a live DJ set starting at 5pm.
Where: Los Granados Playa, Ctra N340, Km 162, Estepona, 29600
Del Mar
Part of the Puente Romano Hotel, Del Mar exudes class and sophistication. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, this shabby chic beach haven epitomizes luxury and boasts a relaxed vibe, perfect for a long lunch with the family or a romantic day with your loved one.
Don’t leave without trying: Their traditional Andalucían chargrilled sardines, a true local speciality you don’t want to miss!
Where:Puente Romano Hotel, Milla de Oro, Marbella, Marbella Centre, 29600
Funky Buddha Beach
Best for: Hard to tell as it’s yet to open but if its sister nightclub, Funky Buddha, is anything to go by, expect something spectacular!
Where: Crta Nacional KM 340 – 184, 29603, Marbella
