Nikki Beach Marbella | Tell Only Your Best Friends

Nikki Beach Marbella is part of a global lifestyle brand for wealthy jet-setters with locations in all the top resorts; from Miami to Marrakesh, Sardinia to St Tropez and is probably the original designer beach resort. Nikki Beach Marbella provides the whole jet set experience - their blurb says ... Think luxury living with champagne, exotic cocktails and delicious food. Think of a place where gentle sea breezes ruffle palms and funky background music adds to your feeling of total relaxation. Think well-heeled socialites looking just as beautiful as the Ferraris they drive. Think Nikki Beach. Now, Nikki Beach has come to Marbella. With an exclusive guest list, Brazilian dancers, hot DJs who keep the funky music flowing Nikki Beach really is Marbella’s place to party. So, for the 'real deal' visit Nikki Beach - but remember to bring plenty of cash - it is very expensive (and they don't always except credit cards). If money is no object then you'll have a fantastic time. For a full review check out the Telegraphs Summer Snapshot. Nikki Beach Marbella 952 836 239

Puro Beach | Combining Arabic Chic, Daytime Chilling and Vibrant Evenings

Puro Beach in Laguna Village, Estepona (about 20 minutes drive from Puerto Banus heading west) provides a relaxed vibe during the daytime and a vibrant party mood at night. It is also absolutely stunning and easily my favourite of the 'designer beach resorts'.

Their blurb says ... Puro Beach mixes the human need for health and spirituality during the day and a vibrant party mood by night. Activity starts in the morning with Sunrise Yoga, meditation activities and breakfast. DJ's spin guests into a smooth state of mind from early afternoon until late night while guests worship the sun on the terrace sun beds, have a salad by the sea or lounge in the shade of its interiors filled with inviting low sofas and puff chairs. A Sunset Ceremony kicks off the evening and an exotic party setting, complete with music, food and drinks, will continue well into the night. Located in front of the chic Laguna Village complex, between the towns of Estepona and San Pedro de Alcántara, (about 20 minutes from Puerto Banus, heading west) Puro Beach offers a club and a lifestyle all in one. Puro Beach has a distinct Arab chic style and includes a desert-safari area with Arabic carpets and low tables. The beautiful infinity pool adjoining the beach and bar provides perfect relaxation.

If you like gorgeous surroundings, designer shops, a tranquil setting, people watching and beach side dining in modern restaurants, then I would definitely recommend you set some time to spend here - its my favourite of these resorts - and offers a real sense of being in a luxury resort combined with retreat. PuroBeach +34 951 316 699 Laguna Village, Estepona.

Ocean Club Marbella | Puerto Banus' Premier Party Beach Resort

Just minutes away from Puerto Banús, Ocean Club Marbella offers a luxury party scene by day, which often continues on into the evening. There Sunday afternoon parties are legendary - with lots of champagne spraying and jumping into the beach side swimming pool. Ocean Club is huge, 9,000 square metres, and includes spa facilities, a restaurant, cocktail bar, swimming pool and giant white leather beds. Situated right on the beach its close to a sea dip too. There's a varied programme of themed music and party events such as weekly Sintillate parties make the Ocean Club Marbella a great place to visit for party people - plus give a real 'Marbella' experience. I would say this beach resort provides a real party vibe - for me its not as chic as it would like to be (but none the worse for this) - if you like to party then you're guaranteed a great day - and the resort is fantastically positioned close to Puerto Banus. Make sure you have your designer bikinis, good abs and sunscreen. Ocean Club 952 908137

Best Designer Beach Resorts Marbella and Puerto Banus

There are some fantastic 'designer beach resorts' around the Marbella area - as well as regular beaches, chiringuitos and beach side restaurants. View the labels Designer Beach Resorts - for a review of some of the best.

The Real Puerto Banus, Marbella

Lots and lots has been written about Puerto Banus and Marbella, and if you've done a Google Search and found me - then you'll know this is true. But what's harder to get is real information about Puerto Banus and Marbella today and sifting throught it all to get the best holiday experiences. If they all say they're fantastic how do you know which of the best restaurants you should spend the evening in, which designer beaches and parties you should visit, where to go when you fancy relaxing, practical information on making the most of your holiday?

I have set up this blog to provide my visitors - I have a beautiful 2-bedroom garden apartment I rent out all year round - with advice and personal recommendations of great must do experiences around Puerto Banus and Marbella, so they can enjoy their holiday to the maximum. This site will not list every activity, event or restaurant, just the best (in my opinion) of what Puerto Banus, Marbella and surrounding areas have to offer to enjoy a great holiday experience in this beautiful part of Spain.