Costa del Sol regularly attracts throngs of sunseekers who’ve come to bask on the pebble-and sand-covered shoreline and soak up the vibes of an Andalusian summer. And with the recent partial solar eclipse and the promise of full totality sweeping across the area Aug. 2, 2027, the southern Spanish region is especially en vogue. That includes Marbella, the glitzy playground dotted with boutique hotels, exclusive coastal enclaves and elevated Mediterranean dining. But even when celestial bodies aren’t putting on a show, one new property delivers a trifecta of beach, beauty and buzz, with a distinctly more relaxed take on the Marbella experience.

Gran Marbella Resort & Beach Club opened in August 2025, the latest addition to Iconic Hotels & Resorts, a hotel group known for its design-forward, character-rich portfolio. During a recent summer vacation with my two young adult children, we traded Catalan culture and Gaudi’s iconic architecture for a laid-back stretch of time on the Costa del Sol, spending a few days in Málaga before renting a car to drive to Gran Marbella. (The year-round resort is conveniently located 35 minutes from Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport and 10 minutes from Marbella Old Town.)

© Kelly Magyarics

The 5-star property has 135 accommodations in categories ranging from a superior king room to a sprawling Grand Family Suite, which boasts 2,500 square feet, a private pool and two large terraces. Our deluxe king room was outfitted with a king bed and a sofa bed, as well as niceties including a Nespresso machine, minibar and minifridge; the marble bathroom had dual sinks, separate shower and toilet rooms, and a large soaking tub. A large balcony with pillow-covered wicker patio chairs and a wrought iron and tiled bistro table overlooked the pools and, since the property is situated above the beach, we could also peek at the sea beyond the palm trees and well-manicured gardens.

As with the rest of the property, room décor leans into Andalusian and Moorish influences over a neutral color palette. An ecru-mottled rug hid a subtle geometric pattern, while a large, framed black-and-white relief piece hanging over the bathtub was showier. Repeated arches on the headboard evoked the Islamic architecture of North Africa — a destination just across the Strait of Gibraltar. Similar accents are mirrored throughout the property, with details like locally sourced stonework, zellige tiles, lanterns and jali screens.

© Kelly Magyarics

Rather than being stacked in one imposing high-rise structure, accommodations are spread out across five multistory buildings tucked among the landscaping and pools, which adds to the low-key, understated feel. Our building’s brick-covered courtyard overlooked conversational-style seating adjacent to the lobby; trailing Mediterranean greenery cascaded from planters on the interior balconies outside rooms on each floor.

Since we timed our trip for late May to beat the summer crowds, we weren’t sure the pools were going to be warm enough for more than a quick dip. Luckily, the main pool next to the Garden Bar was heated enough for us to linger, and was surrounded by enough lounge chairs and umbrellas when we wanted to dry off under the sun or shade. Next to it, a family pool welcomed children with adult supervision, as well as a shallow kiddie pool. Set on the lowest tier and shaded by Mediterranean pines, an adults-only pool provided the most tranquility.

The resort is advertised as located on Real de Zaragoza Beach, one of Marbella’s longest stretches of coastline and one of the area’s best beaches. In reality, it’s about 650 feet from the property. While there is buggy service for those who don’t care to make the trek, it’s an easy five-minute walk via a footpath. One thing to note, however, is access to Amù Beach Club isn’t included for resort guests — though they do get a discount for Bali bed rentals. If you don’t spring for entrance to the swanky seaside retreat, you can bring your own beach towel or chair, as the beach itself is public.

© Kelly Magyarics

In addition to indoor and outdoor dining concepts, an infinity pool, and an outdoor terrace, the beach club is where you’ll also find Champneys, the first European spa by the British wellness brand. Six treatment rooms are joined by a thermal area with a Jacuzzi, sauna, Turkish bath, contrast shower experiences, fitness center and studio.

Back at the resort, Terraza is the property’s signature dining concept, serving an elevated buffet breakfast and à la carte menu for dinner. Just like the resort’s locally inspired decor, the menu leans into Mediterranean and Andalusian flavors, including grilled baby artichokes and tomatoes, sauteed sea bass, and shellfish pasta. As it should, Spanish wine accounts for a decent amount of real estate on the menu, including zesty Verdejo and strawberry-tinged Garnacha.

On a clear evening just after sunset, during a full moon, no less, we could see Morocco from our table on the terrace — a fitting reminder of Gran Marbella’s ability to make us feel wonderfully removed from the rest of the world and, somehow, right in the middle of it.

Gran Marbella Resort & Beach Club

Av. José Ribera, 25, 29604

Marbella, Málaga, Spain

tel 34 951 05 39 70