Majestic Marbella: Savouring Serenity at Anantara Villa Padierna Palace
By
Ina Yulo Stuve
on
26th January 2026
Ina Yulo Stuve found rest and rejuvenation at Anantara Villa Padierna Palace. Read her honest verdict below...
Birds whistle as they flit through the twisted vines above us. There’s a cool breeze as the Andalusian sun is kept at bay by the coral-hued palace walls. We’re enjoying breakfast on the terrace at Anantara Villa Padierna Palace, part of the Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas brand, which was originally designed in the style of the aristocratic palazzos in Tuscany and Venice.
A Serene Pace
Time seems to slow down and a quiet serenity takes hold as we relax in the sprawling grounds. Staff are approachable and friendly, aiming to deliver a personalised experience for every guest. This included bringing our eight-month-old daughter her own cutlery at mealtimes, while lifts and ramps made it easy to get around with a pram.
Anantara Villa Padierna Palace is found within the Costa del Sol’s Golden Triangle, an upscale area in the middle of Marbella, Estepona, and Benahavís. Golfers flock to this stretch of southern Spain to improve their swings in the sunshine. Our view from the terrace looks out onto lawns, the lake and one of the three 18-hole courses surrounding the hotel. Greco-Roman design elements feature throughout the property with fountains whispering as you walk towards the pool, large columns guarding outdoor walkways, and an impressive Roman amphitheatre beckoning in the distance.
Beyond this, more than 1,200 art pieces and artefacts are dotted throughout the hotel’s grounds, from noble shields to works by 19th century Malagueño painters. These historical treasures tell the stories of years gone by.
Refinement and Relaxation
More than 130 rooms, suites and villas – some with private pools – are dispersed throughout the vast estate. Our junior suite looks out onto the tropical greenery as mountains loom in the distance. Quality linens and plush pillows adorn the king-sized bed, while a pool of natural light bathes the spacious suite in a warm glow.
This neutral palette is juxtaposed by dark wood furniture and a colourful Persian rug in the sitting area. Here, a plate of silky jamón, pan con tomate and a bottle of red wine awaits. Bathrooms are equally sophisticated with marble details, a generous bath, a rain shower and his-and-hers sinks.
Rest and relaxation are taken seriously here. The spa comprises 2,000 metres of Roman baths, treatment rooms, indoor and plunge pools, Finnish and Greek saunas, and a sea salt hammam. I enjoyed an hour-long Anantara Signature Massage involving their own blend of oil and a combination of movements to stimulate circulation and supercharge relaxation.
Cocooned in a calming aroma as gentle melodies filled the air, I sunk into the warm bed as my therapist got to work on the knots in my shoulders. Post-treatment, detoxifying cranberries and a soothing tea awaited me as I prepped for the day ahead.
Global Flavours
The menus traverse Andalusian, Italian, Japanese and Lebanese cuisines. Breakfasts are best enjoyed al fresco, with churros con chocolate, fresh-from-the-comb honey and molletes (delicious local bread rolls) on offer. I am told I can choose fruits and vegetables, grown in the hotel’s garden, from a produce table in the breakfast room, then ask the kitchen team to whip them up into anything I’d like.
After a refreshing dip in the pool, I went to La Pérgola for light bites, such as nachos served with an incredibly fresh guacamole and a jarra of white sangria. Dinner was taken at sunset with views across the golf course at Viva Italia. The pick of the fresh pasta is the indulgent lobster-stuffed ravioli. For dessert, the signature tiramisu came highly recommended.
But our favourite meal of the trip was at the By the Sea beach club, accessible via a complimentary hotel shuttle. The Costa del Sol’s sea bounty takes centre stage here. Highlights include the hearty arroces menu, sardines cooked espeto-style (grilled on a skewer planted in the sand), and the velvety white garlic ajo blanco soup garnished with red tuna. With the cool waters of the Mediterranean a stone’s throw away, nab a sunbed and have a relaxing glass of cava accompanied by the sound of crashing waves.
Brimming with Old World charm and an emphasis on rest and rejuvenation, Anantara Villa Padierna Palace invites you to let your shoulders down and relax into a more unruffled state of mind. Toss your daily routines away and immerse yourself in the authentic spirit of the Costa del Sol.
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