FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Hotel Villa Padierna

Apr 1, 2008
2008 / April 2008

Arrival/Check-in: After an all-night flight to Madrid and short hop to Málaga, I could be forgiven for not noticing where I finally dropped my head onto a pillow. But Villa Padierna is an attention-grabber, a pink palazzo (think Tuscan villa sired by Biarritz grand hotel) set on a brilliant green golf course. I was greeted by name and registered quickly. No one accompanied me to my room, but with one small rolling bag, I clearly didn’t need help. (28/30)

Guest Quarters: My junior suite was flooded with sunlight, and its big Palladian windows overlooked the rolling golf course (with real Roman columns and statuary from the owner’s collection) to the Mediterranean — and beyond to North Africa’s Atlas Mountains. A welcome plate of elegant tapas set on the glass-topped table between the king-size bed and attractive sitting area was a pleasant surprise. The roomy bath had a long marble vanity with two sinks, a make-up mirror and French bath amenities. The large tub filled one end of the room, with a separate glass-enclosed shower at the other. Plush towels were within reach everywhere. Bright reading lights illuminated both sides of the bed, where a down duvet allowed me to leave the window open as I slept that December night. Closets were large enough for luggage and equipped with plenty of removable wooden hangers. The desk offered ample workspace, but I thought the $30 daily Internet fee excessive for a hotel of this caliber. On a later tour of other rooms, I saw an executive suite, bigger, but much like my own — although I did gaze enviously at the inroom espresso machine. (29/30)

Services/Amenities: After an excellent lunch of local dishes in La Loggia, I set out to tour the resort. Guestrooms surround an airy, bright atrium that rises to a glass dome. Arcaded corridors lined with more antiquities lead to a Moorish garden with soothing fountains, pools and cooling greenery. Beyond is an opulent — and enormous — spa. Along with a full menu of ESPA treatments, it features a series of baths, including a Turkish hammam. (40/40)

The Experience: The hotel’s owner recently chose Ritz- Carlton management, assuring a continuation of the high level of service I enjoyed. This is a resort worthy of a few days’ stay to savor the spa, private Mediterranean beach (with clubhouse and complimentary shuttle), golf and daily excursions offered to Seville, Tangier, Gibraltar or the surrounding mountains.

Total Score: (97/100)

Villa Padierna

Ctra. de Cadiz, Km. 166
29679 Marbella, Spain
tel 34 952 889 150
http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/VillaPadierna

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed

Expanded Cell Service Coming to More NYC Subway Trains

New Yorkers will be thrilled to learn more cell service will soon be available on parts of select trains in New York City. MTA officials announced the expanded service will come to the 4 and 5 train tunnels from Bowling Green in Manhattan to Borough Hall in Brooklyn.

Lech Walesa on Tour: A Conversation with a Man Who Changed the World

Some events change a nation. Some change the world.

Cruises
Jul 12, 2025

Windstar Debuts Exclusive Air + Hotel Cruise Offer

Have your Polynesian dreams come true with Windstar Cruises’ new Air + Hotel offer. Receive complimentary economy airfare from Los Angeles (LAX) to Tahiti (PPT) on select 2025/2026 Air + Hotel cruise packages, a value of up to $1,500 per person.

Step Lively in Fashionable Sneakers Designed for City Walking

Morgen Trainers, Black-Gum  Colombian craftsmanship meets European-inspired style in Beckett Simonon’s Morgen Trainers. Handmade in Bogotá with full-grain Italian leather exterior and ultra-soft Vachetta leather lining (feel free to go sockless), these low-profile sneakers feature sturdy, vulcanized rubber soles and plush internal padding to withstand all-day city walking. The black-gum colorway feels timeless, but with five additional combinations to choose from, it’s easy to add some of your own personality while maintaining a neutral look that travels well with a variety of outfits. With slow fashion roots and lasting construction, they’re built to go the distance. $270.

Explore Europe with the Best River Cruise Line this November

Experience Europe from a fresh perspective with AmaWaterways, just awarded Best River Cruise Line by Global Traveler for the third consecutive year. Step aboard, unpack once and embark on a cruise through iconic capital cities and awe-inspiring landscapes. AmaWaterways' ships, which accommodate an average of just 156 guests, offer a spacious yet intimate setting. Throughout your journey, you'll enjoy exquisite farm-to-table dining; unparalleled service; and a variety of included excursions, from city tours for gentle walkers to thrilling bike rides along the rivers.

Airlines
Jul 11, 2025

Cathay Pacific Launches World’s Best Economy Class Sale

Cathay Pacific celebrates its recent recognition as a Top 3 World’s Best Airline and World’s Best Economy Class in 2025’s Skytrax World Airline Awards with a one-of-a-kind deal.

Daily
Jul 10, 2025

The Oberoi Group Introduces Elements by Oberoi

The Oberoi Group recently reaffirmed its commitment to building a future anchored in sustainability by introducing Elements by Oberoi, a holistic environmental and social responsibility framework.

Royal Air Maroc Introduces Groundbreaking Safety Video: A Captivating Invitation to Discover Moroccan Heritage

Royal Air Maroc continues to elevate the passenger experience with the launch of its new in-flight safety video — a cinematic journey that seamlessly blends essential safety instructions with a celebration of Moroccan cultural heritage.

Daily
Jul 9, 2025

5 Fabulous Hotel Breakfasts Around the World

These fabulous hotels around the world prove breakfast really is the most important meal of the day.