Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Benahavís Marbella Resort

Villa Padierna Palace Hotel is luxurious inside and out, which has made it popular with a few famous faces, including Michelle Obama. It has an undeniably palatial appearance, with its grandeur evident as soon as pulling up to the salmon-colored building with iron detailing and a clock. Inside, the high-ceilinged lobby feels like a new-age castle with touches of historic charm, such as huge candelabras and stone busts, plus more modern pieces such as wicker furniture with fuchsia cushions. Other interiors are equally elegant, particularly the Edy Bar's patterned couches next to gold-framed portraits and fireplaces. Exteriors are equally as stunning, if not more. The lush cypress-laden property has striking grounds filled with man-made ponds, regal statues, fountains, and even a roman amphitheater. The hotel's removed setting and sprawling grounds mean it has a relaxed, quiet atmosphere. 

This hotel's location can go both ways for guests, a negative because of its remoteness, or a positive because of its peaceful quietness. The nearest beach is about a 35-minute walk away, but the hotel offers a free shuttle to its Beach Club, about a 10-minute drive. For guests that want to venture away from the hotel's Beach Club, Playa del Saladillo is just a seven-minute drive away. Marbella is 20 minutes away by car, and Estepona is just under that. Both cities are teeming with bars, restaurants, and shops. Parking is available at the hotel.

Guest rooms at the hotel come in three styles: Rooms, Suites, and Villas; all are as luxurious as one would expect for a five-pearl property, decorated with both classical furnishings and modern amenities. Though actual decor varies, most are outfitted with light carpet and walls, wood furniture with character, seating upholstered in patterned fabrics, and elegant detail such as gilded mirrors, chandeliers, and blue-and-white porcelain lamps. The overall effect is a lovely mix of elegance and comfortableness. Modern amenities include free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and safes. Spacious bathrooms are equally as sumptuous, adorned in marble and equipped with bathtubs, separate showers, bathrobes, hairdryers, and high-end toiletries. Some rooms have furnished balconies or terraces with lovely views. The three villas come with living areas and private pools, and the Villa Obama is named after its famed guest Michelle Obama. 

With so much to do on-site guests might not even feel the need to venture off Villa Padierna Palace Hotel's impressive property. There is a wide variety of dining options at the hotel -- six to be exact (with the seventh on the beach, just a short shuttle ride away) -- and most guests have found that the food does not disappoint. Many of the restaurants offer alfresco dining, including La Loggia, which has a stone terrace under pretty drapery and chandeliers. For those that go to the Beach Club, there's a restaurant and bar, plus free use of loungers. For a dip on-site, the outdoor pool is pleasant and surrounded by greenery.

The hotel also has an incredible spa equipped with various amenities such as steam rooms, a flotarium, and aquamassage baths, just to name a few. Massages and beauty treatments are offered as well. For golf enthusiasts, the hotel has three golf courses, a golf academy that offers classes from experts, and a pro shop. The amenities available are certainly of high quality, but there's little for children to do. Wi-Fi is free, but some guests have reported the signal being spotty.