Mediterranean Journal of Elegant Living.

Mediterranean Journal of Elegant Living.
Mediterranean Journal of Elegant Living.

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This summer, as much of North Africa experienced a heat wave that affected almost the entire region, Marbella’s unique climate kept much of the Costa del Sol virtually unaffected. As a rush of hot air moved northwards, parts of Spain were left under heat alerts, reporting temperatures as high as 39 degrees, with most provinces under yellow alert according to the Meteorological Agency.

While the proximity of coastal towns like Marbella and Estepona suggest that they would be most affected by a North African heat wave, the reality told another story all together. Although they are situated just 14 kilometers from the African coastline, the towns registered tempretures around 21 to 27 degrees along the sea front. So, just why does this happen?

The answer to this mystery is the reason why so many traveleres arrive to spend their precious holidays each year, free of the worry that they will be weighed down by the extreme Mediterranean heat. Instead of crippling tempretures, visitors instead arrive to find nearly 320 days of sunshine and average tempretures hovering around 19 ° C / 66 º F for most of the year. Coupled with the region’s beaches and glamor, the microclimate make the coast a one of a kind escape from the gray days of the UK.

The Magic of the Mountains

The key to this unique microclimate comes with the protection offered by the mountains. The coastal centr of Marbella is flanked to the north by the mountains of the Cordillera Penibética, which protects it from rain in winter and extreme heat in summer, creating this unique microclimate. This 'protection' natural coastal location adds one to three degrees warmer in winter and vice versa in summer.
The gentle sea breeze and the protection of the mountain have made Marbella an ideal city to both live and for tourists in search of excellent weather and clear skies, clear days to enjoy the beach, long walks at sunset and enjoying the rich local cuisine on the beach in the popular bars or at night without bothering with even a coat.

Summer in Marbella, A Luxurious Weather Experience

While summer temperatures in Marbella hover around 26 degrees with a sea breeze and the warm waters along its 27 kilometers of coastline, autumn and winter tempretures do not vary all that much. This allows chances to escape to the Costa del Sol throughout the year, offering the chance to stroll along the seaside with light summer clothes long into the Spanish winter.

From before Easter to just before the winter holidays arrive, the Costa del Sol’s microclimate provides an almost endless number of opportunities to leave the extremes of summer and winter behind.


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Once a sanctuary for the Hollywood glitterati; former guests include Ava Gardner, Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant, the recently modernised Marbella Club still hints at the glitz and glamour of days gone by. As I walk through the doors I almost feel like I'm stepping in to a fabulous fifties film set. Bellboys efficiently buzzing to guests' whims, florists preening fresh fragrant lilies and bartenders shaking up Martinis. It's opulence at its best, the atmosphere is enthralling.

As I'm shown to my room I notice a change, a laid back Mediterranean air of serenity. Lazy lunchers, sun seekers and their offspring lounged around the pool. Borgainvillea engulfed suites and villas scattered amongst calming water features, rosemary and lavender bushes. Lush tropical gardens, olive groves and palm trees, leading down to the sweeping coastline of the Costa del Sol. Though here, a million miles away from the 'Marbs' portrayed in the likes of TOWIE, it's known as The Golden Mile.

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The Room: The Marbella Suite. An elegant Andalucia inspired 4 poster bedroom with Juliet balcony, a separate living room with big comfy sofas, and a large balcony overlooking the gardens, with distant sea views. Arran Aromatics products, mini bars and free wi-fi in all rooms.

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The Spa: The Marbella Club Thalasso Spa sits directly on the beachfront, a short walk or buggy ride, through the gardens away from the main hotel. A traditional terracotta stone building with state-of-the-art facilities including, a large seawater hydrotherapy multi-jet pool, an Osmanic Hammam, sauna, steam, vitality showers, 8 treatment rooms, outdoor treatment area, and 2 relaxation rooms, one with sea views.

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The Treatment: MC Anti-Ageing Facial. The treatment begins with a Babor double enzyme and vitamin C cleanse, followed by a tone, gentle exfoliation then an aromatic steam. A collagen peel mask is then applied and left to dry. Another cleanse then a bonus tidy of the brows. Babor Sea Creation moisturiser and eye cream are then used for a lifting facial massage. Includes a complimentary sample of the moisturiser and eye cream used in the treatment. €210.
It's expensive, but it worked. My skin looked radiant, lifted and eye bag free.

Other treatments include, Algae Detox Wrap, a vigorous skin scrub and algae mud treatment to detoxify and renew the skin. Hot Stone Massage, using warm aromatherapy oils and hot stones to work on key pressure points.

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Sports and Amenities: An 18 hole golf course, equestrian centre, beach club with water sports (April-October), gymnasium, 10 floodlit tennis courts, two outdoor swimming pools. The Lions Club, sports and activities for children aged 4-14.

To Eat: The Grill for romantic candlelit Mediterranean cuisine. Seaside lunching at the MC Beach Club, a swanky buffet with an extensive seafood bar. MC Café for Euro-Asian fusion and Bar al-Fresco for poolside snacks and salads.

The Deal: Quest For Spa, 3 nights (min) in an executive room, €100 spa voucher per room, €175 pppn.

www.marbellaclub.com

Don't Miss: A stroll in to Puerto Banus for yacht and people watching. A trip to The Olive Oil Museum at The Cultural Center Cortijo Miraflores.

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