9 July 2025
Written By Olivia Riccini
Luxury Family Escape: Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Benahavís Marbella Resort
Words by Olivia Riccini
Rising resplendently from the foothills of the Sierra Blanca, Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Resort is a place that promises, and delivers, everything your destination dreams desire. Looking to discover your next luxury family holiday in Marbella? Read on to discover our experience.
First impressions
Our car climbs up one final slope, flanked by lofty cypress trees and a flowing fountain set upon the manicured lawn. Villa Anantara towers above us, fountains cascade, flagpoles tinkle in the breeze, luxury cars line the forecourt and we are whisked inside by concierge who take our bags and direct us to the desk for a seamless check-in. One of the most majestic of all entrances, the palatial theme is firmly established in Anantara’s lobby: Baroque and Rococo influences are everywhere we look. The heart of the hotel, it is here that ethereal light shines through a glass ceiling, scintillating from mirrors and glinting from gilded bannisters lining the open floors above us. At its core, a towering and decadent display of pink lilies and trailing ivy acts a radiant centrepiece to it all. Ornate Roman statues stand atop gleaming marble, always in your eyeline and always reinforcing a timeless and gloriously old-fashioned ambience that feels simultaneously consoling and awe-inspiring.
With chic decor that whispers rather than shouts, our room features a glittering chandelier hung over our plush kingsize bed, serving modern royal glamour fit for any 21st-century A-lister (our taxi driver told us Obama and Clinton have both stayed here, but I’m pretty sure they came for the golf). Views out to the grounds are almost implausibly lovely, the tableau from our glass door could be a painting. Framing no less than three golf courses, an abundance of walkways, levels, vistas and statues, Anantara is so expansive, you’ll need the map provided.
Dining at La Veranda
A gorgeous terrace, covered in wisteria with the centrepiece of yet another gurgling Roman fountain, we sit content and basking in all the beauty this spot has to offer. Paired with a glass of Anantara’s ‘Champagne Collet Brut Art Deco Premier Cru’ alongside our hors d'oeuvre: a savoury tomato macaron and then an impeccably presented, bitesize piece of salmon with broad beans. A highlight of this meal came in the beautiful simplicity of extra virgin olive oil and fresh olive bread. The vividness of the oil’s flavour lingers in my mind long after our departure. Our starter of steak tartare is concocted at the table: a culinary show for the senses. Mains follow in a similarly exquisite fashion - wagyu sirloin steak accompanied by a zingy salad with fresh lobster. Divine, rich and intense in both flavor and texture, despite the honest simplicity of each dish. The culinary spectacle doesn’t stop there, for dessert - crepes with ice cream. Again, made right before our eyes, our server pours and sets alight a liqueur, frying the dish over open flames. They’re delicious.
Location, location
Although Estepona town and Marbella are less than a 20-minute drive away, it’s just as intoxicating to stay put. Whether that’s in the evening, attending operatic candlelit concerts, or at lunch overlooking the beautiful lawns from ‘La Loggia,’ eating platters of fresh octopus and sliced tomatoes, while music wafts from the bar and swallows fly overhead. With a beach shuttle going back and forth every hour, you don’t have to agonise too hard over your choice. The next morning we opt for the beach. After indulging in breakfast on the terrace - a buffet of fresh fruits, smoked salmon, eggs, pancakes, honeycomb, pastries, fresh orange juice, coffee and so much more - we set off for ‘By the Sea Beach Club’. The funkier side of Anantara, boasting plenty of beds, white curtains for privacy and of course, a beach bar with tantalising cocktails, juices and great food. And for those with a little more energy? The beach club is right next to Anantara’s ‘Villa Padierna Racquet Club’ - perfect for burgeoning little tennis players.
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