Puente Romano Marbella

First opened in 1974 by Prince Alfonso von Hohenlohe, and later purchased by a Saudi sheik, Puente Romano Beach Resort Marbella is one of the most exclusive properties in southern Spain. The hotel was built to resemble an Andalusian village, with 266 rooms scattered throughout the huge beachfront property in 27 three-story whitewashed buildings. The crowd here is a mix of VIPs and well-heeled couples and families, drawn by the relaxing, classy vibe, and myriad top-notch amenities. The grounds are beautiful, with lush subtropical plants, stone paths, and small wooden bridges over a shallow brook. Decor is classic and elegant throughout, in a range of earth tones and quality materials, such as wood, stone, and marble. At the far end of the property is the renowned tennis club, a 10-court center that has housed international tennis tournaments but also concerts by BB King and Van Morrison, among others, and even celebrity weddings. The hotel takes its name from the Roman bridge that can still be found on-site. Today only part of the ruins remain, but the bridge was once a section of a key Roman road built in the first century AD to link Cadiz and Rome.

The hotel is located in a quiet community surrounded by private homes overlooking a pretty, sandy beach. There are few shops and restaurants within walking distance, but guests can find tons of dining and shopping options in Puerto Banús and Marbella, both less than a 10-minute drive away. Puerto Banús is known for being the meeting point of the international jet set in the summer months, and offers a wide array of top-notch boutiques, and hopping nightlife. It is a top pick among tourists in the area for people-watching. Marbella has a cute historic center with quaint shaded squares lined with small restaurants and bars. Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport is a 35-minute drive away.

Puente Romano Beach Resort Marbella offers 266 rooms, all featuring classic, elegant decor in neutral earth tones and rich fabrics; marble bathrooms with double sinks, and balconies or terraces. Standard in-room amenities include Nespresso coffeemakers, iPod docks, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and small desktop computers. Views vary depending on room type: only Grand Suites (and not all of them) offer ocean views; all other rooms overlook the gardens. Double Rooms start at 375 square feet, and each has a small sitting area with a table and chairs. Junior Suites have between 600 and 700 square feet, and feature private terraces, separate showers and tubs, and either a queen or a king bed. Grand Suites have between 750 and 3,400 square feet, separate showers and jetted tubs, and radiant floor heating. Adjoining rooms are available.

The hotel features a world-class tennis club with eight clay courts and two plexipave ones, as well as lessons for all ages. Those looking to eat in have seven restaurants to choose from, including Japanese, Italian, and one by twice Michelin-starred chef Dani García. They’re all stylish, upscale, and tasty -- though a little expensive. Most have outdoor seating; some feature live music. There are also three pools here -- one of them heated year-round -- a great fitness center complete with personal trainers, a tiny spa, a yoga and Pilates studio (classes are for a fee), and a bar with DJ sessions on weekends. A kids’ club (open seasonally), a kiddy pool, free towel service, upscale boutiques, and three meeting rooms are also available on-site.