With its pristine beaches, world-class museums and art galleries, not to mention upmarket nightclubs and bars, it’s no surprise Marbella is one of Spain’s most popular destinations, and the METT Hotel & Beach Resort on the Marbella-Estepona shoreline is the latest venue to call the place its home.
Having just opened in August, the five-star hotel is uber-glam and joins the ranks of other luxury properties along the 27 km of sandy Mediterranean beaches with the Sierra Blanca Mountains as a backdrop. It’s the sister hotel of the thriving 5-star establishment bearing the same name, which opened in 2021 in Bodrum, Turkey.
But while other luxury five-star properties in Marbella are happy to be dubbed as being an extension of ‘playgrounds for the rich and famous’, METT is deliberately offering quiet and understated luxury.
The establishment says it’s responding to the demands of travellers pursuing relaxing yet socialising experiences within an incredible setting in a natural environment.
And indeed, the eight-metre tall olive tree welcoming guests in the impressive light and airy lobby is a conversation starter. With seating around the tree, guests can mingle in the space and allow conversations to flow with fellow guests as easily as the Olympic-sized pool does just beyond it and into the sea.
Marrying Andalusian charm with modern minimalism living is the design aspect of the hotel. The balance of Mediterranean living is achieved through carefully chosen soft furnishings using natural and sustainable resources.
Wherever you turn, you’ll see plenty of green hues of the forest, elegant sea blues, traditional terracotta tiles and the warmth of natural wood. Hand-woven accessories give a sophisticated yet casual ambience.
This laid-back luxury charm extends to all 249 rooms and suites. Light, airy, beautiful and spacious, they all boast garden, sea or pool-facing pools. Guests wanting direct access to the Azure Beach Pool may want to book into Lifestyle Pool Rooms.
While these are great, I was more than content with the birds-eye view of the pool floor from my second-floor room.
During my stay, I watched it light up, mimicking stars against the dark sky as the day faded into the twilight hours.
Food is very much at the centre of the action at METT and reflects owner Sunset Hospitality Group’s experience in food and beverage with its array of venues worldwide that offer its unique vibe.
The main hotel restaurant is Isola Ristorante Italiano, which serves up a lavish buffet breakfast. Fancy a healthy kick-start to the day? There’s fruit, yoghurt and overnight oats. Need something a bit more substantial? The chefs will wizz up a hot breakfast. Feeling in the mood for sweet treats? Then, there are plenty of cakes, biscuits and pastries to devour.
As day gives way to night, Isola turns into an a la carte venue complete with dim lights, gentle music and a relaxing atmosphere. They all add to the experience of indulging in some lip-smacking food. From fish to meat dishes and sides and desserts, diners can expect to be well-fed with the tastiest of dishes to satisfy the fussiest of eaters.
For those looking to taste some of Spain’s traditional tapas alongside a fine selection of wines, the elegant El Bar De Lola is the place to be. However, the menu is small and offers very few vegetarian or vegan dishes, something the hotel is working on.
The Ammos restaurant is another restaurant the hotel is working on next year, which will serve al-fresco Greek food.
Like Isola, Azure Beach is a well-known brand around the globe ( The original Azure Beach resides in the heart of Dubai at the Rixos Hotel), and at MET, this restaurant is an all-day dining concept for the casual bite. The option is to eat by the poolside area from the comfort of the loungers or the beachside, a bit beyond connected by a pair of wooden gates.
Guests who prefer an elevated luxury experience can choose from a variety of curated packages to append the day in a private exclusive cabana set against the backdrop of the Mediterranean.
If, like me, you prefer to keep the heart pumping on your holidays, RAISE Fitness & Wellness has you covered. But if relaxation is more your thing, then the Moi spa, spread across 500 sqm, will soothe, pamper and de-stress. For an exceptional touch of pampering, therapists can head to guests lying on poolside cabanas for treatments.
The METT Hotel is a great place to head to if you like no-fuss, understated luxury, and good food. It’s a mere 13 kilometres from the historical Estepona and just 9 kilometres from Puerto Banus, allowing you to pick and choose when you want more or less from your trip.
METT Hotel & Beach Resort Marbella–Estepona – Where and How?
The METT Hotel & Beach Resort Marbella–Estepona is ideally located just 45 minutes from Malaga Airport. For more information on METT Marbella, visit www.mettsocialliving.com/marbella.
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