Discover the quintessence of Mediterranean luxury at METT Hotel & Beach Resort Marbella
By Scott Manson
Stepping into the realm of this newly opened hotel, there’s an immediate sense of escapism and understated chic, from the airy open lobby that greets you – no doors, no windows – with its huge olive tree standing centrally in the atrium, to the natural materials used in the space’s construction. Everything feels luxe, but not cloyingly so. It’s less grand palace and more stealth sophistication.
That’s not to say there are no jaw-dropping moments on offer at METT. The 52-metre palm-tree lined swimming pool, with its infinity edge merging with the sparkling blue sea in the distance, is a case in point. Around the pool are loungers, many as big as double beds, as well as private beach-side cabanas, each with their own plunge pool. Refreshingly, there’s also plenty of space between sun loungers, which meant those choosing to eat supine-style had tables sufficiently big enough to deal with the outsize plates of sushi that seemed to be the lunch of choice when we first strolled past.
The hotel itself is nestled conveniently between the heady charms of Marbella and the more subdued Estepona, sitting like a crown jewel on the Costa Del Sol coast’s celebrated ‘‘golden mile.’’ Across Mette’s 249 rooms and suites, each accommodation offers views that span from lush gardens to the tranquil sea, ensuring a panorama that captivates at every turn. Our suite offered two balconies, a vast and well-appointed bathroom, plus a bed that delivered a blissful night’s sleep.
There were some slight pangs of envy when, from our balcony, we spied the rooms with private pools below but they were swiftly forgotten once we headed down to the hotel’s Azure Beach Club. This poolside pan-Asian restaurant served us an excellent selection of sushi platters, plus some tapas-style meat skewers and a ridiculously moreish bowl of cheesy fries. Perfect small plates for a sunny day by the beach, in other words. The hotel is no slouch when it comes to dinner either, with Isola – its southern Italian experience – being our star choice for evening dining. The large pool-facing restaurant, with well-stocked wine cabinets on display, boasts a traditional wood-fired oven that delivered perfect pizzas every time. Fish is also a speciality of the house, from delicate carpaccio to chunky sea bream cooked over flames.
However, the real revelation came at breakfast. In many years of luxury travel reviews, this was the finest hotel breakfast offering I’ve ever seen. The buffet aspect alone would have sufficed: two long tables offering everything from fresh-baked breads, cakes and cookies to smoothies, fruits and cute pots of yoghurt. The cold cuts section even boasted a whole leg of Iberian ham, with a chef ready to slice that rich, dark meat until you said stop. Over a dozen a la carte options were available too and I mentally promised myself that 50 laps of the pool later would offset the decadent Eggs Benedict I added to our already full breakfast table.
It’s worth taking a trip to Marbella’s Old Town too. On our visit, we were enchanted by the historical maze of streets that led us to La Tienda Casa Curro for a late dinner. Here, the tapestry of Spanish gastronomy was unfurled in a symphony of flavours, with the establishment’s outstanding service and authentic dishes showcased against a backdrop of locals sipping sundowners and, in the bar opposite, a flamenco-themed party in full swing.
A new star has risen in Marbella – METT Hotel & Beach Resort is a coastal sanctuary where the Andalusian sun sets not just on the horizon but also on moments that turn into cherished memories. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, savouring the local cuisine or simply taking in the view from your balcony, this resort is a touchstone for those seeking the pinnacle of Spanish hospitality.
Scott Manson flew courtesy of Wizz Air, which runs regular flights to Malaga, the closest international airport to METT Hotel & Beach Resort Marbella.
