marbella diaries: my stay at don carlos marbella

Marbella Diaries: My Stay at Don Carlos Marbella

Hello my darlings!

I’ve just returned from four days in Marbella, and while most people tend to visit another city to explore the sights, for me, the hotel itself honestly became the trip. I stayed at Don Carlos Marbella with my mom while she played in a women’s golf tournament, and it turned out to be one of the loveliest resort stays I’ve ever had.

After my mom first came to Madrid to explore the city I live in, we then headed over to the beautiful area of Marbella. After a couple of trains, buses, and automobiles, we finally arrived at our wonderful hotel. So let’s dive into why this was such a lovely experience, and if you’re ever looking for a luxurious stay in Marbella that has just about everything you need, this will be the place for you.

The Resort at a Glance

Don Carlos isn’t just a hotel… it feels like its own little world. You’ve got just about everything you need to relax, enjoy food and drinks, work out, feel the ocean breeze, and so much more. Here’s a peek at what’s inside:

The Campari Bar Manero: Open late and stylishly tucked inside. With the pink and red accents, it has a sense of comfort and an upscale energy. I grabbed a glass of wine here one night because it was simply too cute to pass up.

Lush gardens leading down to the sea: When you first walk into the hotel you might think it’s just the lobby and the first pool, but there is so much more. A big garden section stretches out with waterfalls and hanging trees, making you feel like you’re in a little jungle.

Rafa Nadal’s tennis and paddle courts: Here, lessons are available if you want to sharpen your game. I was tempted to give tennis a whirl, but ended up heading to the gym instead, which still had a lovely view of the courts. There’s also a small café and juice bar above, where you can grab a snack while overlooking the ocean at Break Point.

The various pools: There’s the primary pool just outside the hotel with plush floaties that make you feel like you’re on a cloud. There’s also a calmer beachside pool with plenty of lounge spots, a shallow walk-in area, and a couple of bars. I never went into Nikki Beach Club, but if you’re looking for a party scene on the weekend, it’s the spot. From the DJ music to the fog machines, it was very much a daytime beach club vibe.

Direct beach access: Right past the pools, you’ll find the calm waves and warm water. The spot directly outside the hotel is ideal because there were no rocks, unlike other areas nearby where shallow water and coral can be tricky.

It’s the kind of place you could check into and not leave for days. Which, honestly, is exactly what I did.

Rooms & Views

My mom and I lucked out and stayed in the towers without even having to pay extra for a beach view room. The view was truly exceptional. We could see the water and Marbella’s coastline, along with the surrounding resorts and lush green trees.

On the first night our AC wasn’t working, but the staff quickly moved us to the same type of room two floors up. In my opinion, it was even better.

The room itself was wonderful — cozy, comfortable, and full of little touches that made the stay feel luxurious. There was a mini fridge, a Nespresso machine, and even a tea section with what may have been the best tea I’ve ever had. The beds were plush and inviting, and after long days in the sun, I slept like a dream.

The room service was excellent, always arriving quickly and with beautifully presented dishes. And to top it all off, they offered turndown service each evening, leaving little chocolates on our pillows. I’ve stayed in a fair share of places, but this was the first time I’ve experienced that, and it felt so special.

My Favorite Daily Routine

Since my mom was typically busy with golf until around 2 in the afternoon, I had the mornings to myself. I’d wake up, open the blinds to the sun, and make a Nespresso coffee in the room before heading to the gym. Walking through the gardens to get there was already part of the charm.

After a workout, I ordered room service, did some work overlooking the view, and then met my mom to head down to the beach. We did spend an afternoon at the top pool, which was nice, but as California girls, swimming in the sea was exactly what we needed.

In the evenings, she would go to dinner with her group, and I’d enjoy my solo time. One night, I grabbed a glass at the lower pool during happy hour, then went for a sunset swim in the sea. It was utterly amazing, and I felt so free. A full 10/10 experience. Afterward, I showered, ordered room service, and curled up to watch Friends in bed. In my opinion, the perfect little evening.

Bites & Sips

Sol & Samba: On our first day we had lunch here, right behind the main pool. I ordered a stracciatella tomato salad topped with tiny fried yolks that were both savory and sweet. It was easily my favorite bite of the trip.

Buffet nights: If you happen to be there for an event, the buffets offer Spanish classics like gazpacho, fried sardines, and torrijas (a custardy Easter dessert). Buffets aren’t always the most flavorful, but it was fun to sample a little of everything.

Los Naranjos: Another restaurant on the property, with a large terrace overlooking the pool and a cozy inside dining area. I never ended up going here since my days were already full with everything else, but it looked like a beautiful spot for a more relaxed meal within the resort.

Chiringuito Los Tonys (next door): A standout meal during my time in Marbella. While not connected to the hotel, it was fabulous. I had burrata with tomato and grilled veggies while watching what may have been the most beautiful sunset of my life. The staff even moved me to a front-row table when they saw me taking photos of the view. A small gesture that made me feel so welcome.

Who It’s Perfect For

Golfers and tennis players: With several golf courses nearby and world-class tennis courts on-site, this resort is a dream for anyone active.

Couples or families: It’s family-friendly but equally suited for a romantic or friends’ trip. There’s even a kids’ pool and a daycare area.

Travelers like me: If you want a luxurious stay with everything at your fingertips while still being close to Old Town Marbella, Don Carlos is a great choice.

Until Next Time…

Don Carlos Marbella gave me everything I crave in a resort: ocean views, long sunset swims, kind staff, and the prettiest skies I could imagine. For a mother-daughter trip, it was the perfect choice, and I’d happily return for the comfort and warmth of the place, whether alone or with company.

Cheers to another city checked off the list, and to the hotel that made it unforgettable.

xoxo,
Avalon