There’s no doubt about it: Marbella luxury tourism is looking forward to an excellent year. On the back of record visitor figures in the summer, the high-end resort on the Costa del Sol has more of the same planned for 2017.
Since it was first discovered by royalty and celebrities in the 1960s, Marbella needs no introduction as one of Europe’s most exclusive holiday destinations. With over 27km of fine beaches, 15 world-class golf courses, 600 restaurants and several 5-star GL hotels, Marbella luxury tourism comes second to none.
The essence of Marbella
Luxury lies at the very heart of the Marbella brand. The majority of tourists who visit the resort do so in search of high-end products and services that are second to none. And judging by the over 6% increase in visitor figures in summer 2016, they find it.
Puerto Banus is the bastion of Marbella luxury tourism. The marina, built in 1970, ranks among the finest in southern Europe with a standing on a par with St Tropez. The world’s largest private yachts dock here and the Shaf London, 53m long and with 13 cabins belonging to the King of Saudi Arabia, has a permanent mooring post.
Shopping in Puerto Banus provides the ultimate luxury experience. Here, the world’s most exclusive brands all have boutiques in the marina. Europe’s finest designers such as Hermes, Louis Vuitton and Prada rub shoulders with the best from America – Carolina Herrera, Todds and Tom Ford, among others.
Luxury services
Another essential pillar of Marbella luxury tourism are the hotels, restaurants and leisure options in the resort. Many of those in Marbella belong to prestigious organisations such as The World’s Finest Clubs and The World’s Leading Hotels.
When it comes to hotels, Marbella has one of the highest concentration of 5-star GL establishments in Spain. There are also several boutique hotels in Marbella of very high standing.
Michelin stars shine very brightly too in Marbella, home to no less than five restaurants with the top accolade in cuisine. Local chef and holder of two Michelin stars, Dani García, owns two restaurants in Marbella and plans to open a third this summer.
Beach clubs and nightclubs in Marbella are also second to none. Names such as Nikki Beach, Ocean Club and Pangea all form part of the best clubs in Europe and attract A-list celebrities.
Marbella luxury tourism events in 2017
The resort’s authorities plan to enhance the Marbella brand, synonymous with exclusivity, with several events over the next year. Starlite Festival, a summer music festival that now ranks as one of the best in Europe, has a star-studded line-up planned for this year. Big ticket names confirmed so far include Elton John, The Cranberries and Andrea Bocelli.
In keeping with its stunning Mediterranean location, Marbella is hosting two major water sports competitions. The first Marbella-Ceuta Intercontinental Cup will take place at the end of April. Over 50 large yachts will be taking part in the first edition of this unique event. Slightly later on in May, Marbella hosts the Spanish Jet Ski Championships, a regular event in the resort.
Golfing events in Marbella in 2017
Golfing forms an essential part of Marbella luxury tourism and the 15 golf courses in the resort have a long list of tournaments planned for 2017. The most important will be held at Valderrama Golf, host to the Andalucía Valderrama Masters, part of the European Circuit and the major golfing event in Spain this year.
Experience Marbella luxury tourism for yourself – book a stay at Rio Real Golf & Hotel.
