Liz O’Reilly took a trip to Andalusia to visit an outstanding property and share amazing adventures.

When I think of Malaga, in the heart of Spain’s Andalusia region, I automatically think of golf. After all, the municipality is home to more than 60 courses. However, a visit to Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Benahavís Marbella Resort was the ideal opportunity to discover that this area has so much more to offer.

After an easy flight via Istanbul, we were met at Malaga Airport and swiftly transported to the hotel in a comfortable, air-conditioned people carrier. Driving up to the property, which is indeed surrounded by rolling, manicured greens (Flamingos Golf is the centrepiece but the resort actually commands 54 holes from its prime position as the hub of three courses), it would be easy to imagine this imposing edifice as an ancient palace.

Inside, a soaring, glass-roofed atrium surrounded by tiers of rooms behind Moorish-style arches, an abundance of water features, artworks and classical statuary combine to enhance this impression.

In fact, this resort, which is almost part museum, houses a collection of more than 1,200 works of art spread throughout the spa, gardens, lounges and guest rooms. Highlights include pieces of Greco-Roman sculpture, works from the Iberian period, noble coats of arms and a selection of extraordinary period-spanning canvases signed by prominent artists, not to mention an imposing Roman amphitheatre. So, it’s surprising to discover that this modern-day palace is, in fact, less than 25 years old and was purpose built to serve the vision of its owner and as a tribute to his wife.

Walking through the doors, the first thing I noticed was the fabulous scent of fresh flowers, as gorgeous spring floral arrangements took centre stage in the expansive lobby area. Friendly and helpful staff welcomed us and, after a brief and efficient check in, I was quickly headed to my room.

My super comfortable accommodation was both spacious and gracious. Sepia toned, toile de jouy-style wallpaper dotted with whimsical prints in golden frames gave an air of classical luxury. The large bed, in its pristine white linens, faced a cosy seating area with sofa and chair, while a handy desk provided plenty of workspace.

A walk-through dressing area abutted the bathroom, which was clad in marble, picking up the tones of the wallpaper, and boasted both a powerful shower and a separate and very appealing tub. A generous selection of amenities from Editions de Parfums Frederic Malle made me feel both welcomed and pampered.

Destination Dining

I spent a few minutes taking in the gorgeous view of those endless rolling greens from my window before heading to lunch at La Loggia, which boasts a farmers’ market-style concept with bright baskets of local fruits and vegetables that you can choose to have included in your meal.

We sat on the sun-soaked terrace and enjoyed an exceptional selection of black-skinned tomatoes, visually striking and perfect with a sprinkle of coarse salt, accompanied by rich, creamy cheese and the wonderful Malagan speciality of gazpacho with juicy prawns. A selection of desserts had us all exclaiming aloud.

La Logia is just one of this fabulous property’s dining venues, which also include, among others, 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant, Irene’s Health Kitchen, where Chef Irene Hernández serves up a menu of healthy and detoxifying dishes, and the recently added Olà Beirut, where you’ll find classic Middle Eastern flavours – a touch of home for us.

On our first evening, we were treated to a sublime experience at La Veranda, the resort’s iconic dining venue which presents a combination of heritage local dishes and favourites from the last 20 years, all curated under the watchful eye of Head Chef José Carlos Delgado Serrano.

We began with a mezze selection from Olà Beirut which, to my delight, included some of the best Fattoush I’ve come across. The amuse bouche was savoury beetroot macarons, something I’ve never tried before and an absolute hit with an earthy deep pink shell encasing a tart cheesy filling. The rest of the meal was equally innovative and impressive with wild sea bass loin perfectly complemented by pea puree and caviar beurre blanc and, my personal favourite, the dessert of pistachio crème brûlée with orange blossom ice cream. Simply outstanding.

One of Anatara’s great strengths is the group’s ability to offer guests unique experiences at each of its properties. In terms of dining, they saved the best for last with Designer Dining by Anantara, an incredible feast on our final night. In a gorgeously decorated private dining room, we were served a selection of dishes inspired by one of Malaga’s most famous sons, Pablo Picasso.

With a menu printed on a stylised paint palette, our hosts informed us that the dishes, including Marenga style clams, Ajoblanco with almonds and tuna with onion, were known to be some of the artist’s favourites, according to information from the Picasso Foundation – this was no selection plucked from thin air – and every mouthful offered a taste of tradition.

Entertainment came from a talented flamenco duo of guitarist and dancer, the cherry on the cake being the opportunity to join in with the dancing. An absolutely perfect way to showcase the very best of local Malagan heritage that ensured we headed home with the happiest of memories.

Outstanding Experiences

On the subject of Anantara’s experiential offerings, we spent a memorable day sampling some of the premium options available in the region, starting with a visit to LA Almazara, an Andalusian olive farm where we enjoyed a guided tour. We learnt about the different types of trees and growing procedures before visiting the pressing machinery in a purpose-built, one-of-a-kind, boutique olive mill housed in a stunning building, designed by Philippe Starck to resemble one of the region’s iconic bulls.

A guided tasting gave us the chance to snap up some of this premium golden liquid to take home before we headed to our next stop. The Spanish Horse Experience allowed us to get up close to native breeds in a huge area of natural habitat that’s been declared a UNESCO biosphere reserve. We also saw some of the show horses going through their training and even visited the stables where, I have to admit, I fell a little bit in love with a certain spikey maned young chap – sadly, they wouldn’t let me take him home!

After a tour round the reserve, we headed to neighbouring Ronda, one of Andalusia’s most iconic towns which is built around a deep gorge. The scenery here is absolutely stunning and, following another exceptional meal, we took great delight in strolling the winding streets, visiting pretty shops and a fascinating museum and then staring into the vertiginous gorge as we crossed the bridge which divides the town’s newer and older sides.

So, To Spa

It wouldn’t be Anantara without a trip to the spa and the one at Villa Padierna is really quite something. One of the largest in Europe, it features more than 2,000sq/m of Roman and Turkish baths with 13 treatment rooms and a salon.

Gentle tones of cream and golden hued marble make for an atmosphere of relaxation and subdued opulence, while brands such as Valmont, Biologique, Esthederm, Comfort Zone, Piroche and Oribe add to the feeling of exclusivity.

I visited the aromatic spa circuit, the only one of its kind on the Costa del Sol, which consists of a series of steam rooms – salt, rose and Hammam – as well as a rose-scented bath and ice facilities. I must admit I was not keen on the idea of this – I’m really not a big fan of steam therapy. But I’m always keen to try a new experience and the salt option, in which you rub liberal amounts of coarse salt onto steam heated skin, left my skin feeling absolutely amazing. I’m now a firm believer and a total convert.

In the capable hands of therapist Victoria, I enjoyed a gentle aromatherapy massage with almond oil and sweet orange followed by time in the relaxation room with lemon and ginger tea beside a gentle fountain looking onto the indoor pool.

All too soon it was time to wish ‘adiós’ to this amazing property and the new friends we had made there. From the impeccable accommodation to the friendly and efficient staff and from the delectable dining to the wonderful experiences laid on for us, we truly couldn’t have asked for more. We left, vowing to return and maybe next time, we’ll even get in a round of golf. ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.ANANTARA.COM/EN/VILLA-PADIERNAMARBELLA FOR MORE INFORMATION.