Marbella Club Hotel

This storied hotel opened in the 1950s as a private enclave for royalty and their hangers on. Today it remains one of Europe's most glamorous resorts, welcoming guests of myriad generations from around the globe.

• Strong historical ties with photographs of celebrities and royal guests dating back to the 1990s.
• Multiple excellent dining options including the Grill and MC Beach.
• The breath-taking Kid's Club that will leave parents and children thrilled.

German Prince Alfonso von Hohenlohe developed the Marbella Club Hotel in the 1950s as his private seaside residence for his family and jet-set friends. The property grew as jet travel did throughout the decades and reflects the varied eras of European glamour.

Spread out over 450,000-square-feet of lush landscape gardens, the hotel feels more like a small hamlet than a resort. The 134 rooms come in a variety of sizes, arrangements and set-ups. Most guest rooms have been renovated recently and feature chic coral printed textiles, sumptuous rugs in colors that pop and cooling tiled floors. In addition, many accommodations boast manicured outdoor space. All rooms are located a short walk from the resort's pool, beach club and dining options.

The property offers two swimming pools, various watersports, a large spa and fitness area and access to the hotel's 18-meter yacht for cruising. Guests may also use the nearby tennis courts, equestrian center and golf courses.

Marbella Club's restaurants are a point of pride for the hotel, with six options including the Beach Club buffet, the Grill Restaurant and more casual dining options at the beach, by the pool and on the golf course. For a special night out, book an outdoor table at the Grill Restaurant under candlelight. For years there was no electricity to provide lighting for diners so the restaurant started setting candles in the adjacent trees. Sixty years of dripped wax has since accumulated.

A true highlight of the property is the gorgeous Beach Club, with chic white upholstered lounge chairs with Mallorquin printed cushions and terracotta tiled floors. The beach is just steps from the pool area and has more area for guests to lie out seaside and still have full waiter service.

The 5,000-square-meter Kids' Club will amaze children and their parents with its modern design, options of activities and centralized location, in the midst of the hotel, exactly where the kids of the Duke of Windsor, Audrey Hepburn and Prince Alfonso played. Standout features include a dance studio, music room, library, art and pottery studio, aroma workshop, kitchen, vegetable garden and outdoor hang-out and computer/homework rooms. There are special visits arranged, such as one from a bird handler, and kids can decorate tiles in the style of Andalusia, learn flamenco dance, partake in yoga class, play volleyball on the beach, go on a treasure hunt and be invited to evening BBQs and discos.

The stunning Villa del Mar is a private six-bedroom villa on the property and directly in front of the beach. The 5,000-square-meter home boasts a spa, steam room, Jacuzzi, private pool and gardens and terraces and sea views for each bedroom. Décor is over-the-top with an Andalusian and Arabesque style and all amenities are top-of-the-line. The villa comes fully staffed with a butler and chef, and guests have full access to all of the hotel's offerings.

Families with younger kids will love the incredible Kids' Club and travelers who appreciate a sense of history admire the property's storied past. The scene at Marbella Club Hotel is quite glamorous, so those who prefer a quieter vacation might be happier elsewhere.