Anantara Villa Padierna Palace may be the closest you will get to magic. This enchanting palace is set in complete tranquility in the hills, in a kingdom of its own. The pink Tuscan-style palace is surrounded by three pristine golf courses, a tranquil lake and a magnificent Roman amphitheatre.
The palace feels like it is in a world of its own so it’s hard to believe how close it is to the action. Anantara Villa Padierna Palace is only a 15-minute drive from the glamour of Puerto Banús. It is also only an hour’s drive from Málaga, Gibraltar and the spectacular mountaintop town of Ronda. Despite being up in the hills, from the Los Flamingos golf course you can still see the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean.
The palaces gardens are a masterpiece, an ode to Andalusia. You can get lost for hours roaming the gardens alone, the soundtrack of birdsong and the tinkling of ornate fountains fills the air as you discover an array of beautiful flowers, lotus ponds and imposing statues. The jewel in Anantara Villa Padierna Palace’s crown is the vast outdoor pool which is bordered by towering cypress trees. An on-site lifeguard is situated in his tower who is also on hand with an abundance of fresh towels and ice-cold water.
It is worth jumping in the chic shuttle and venturing 10-minutes to the beach club. Luxurious white cabanas line the golden sands of the beach, lie back and listen to the waves crashing against the shore whilst your waitress brings you a chilled cocktail. When hunger strikes, head to the beach club for delicious relaxed Mediterranean cuisine accompanied by sparkling coastal views.
Start with shrimp fritter with a garlic aioli and net-caught tuna sashimi with tomato tartare and caviar. Other highlights on the menu include the lobster sandwich with Americana sauce, cucumber and yuzu and the fresh seafood tower. You cannot visit the Beach Club without trying the signature paella dish with a perfectly matched glass of chilled local cava.
Anantara Villa Padierna Palace boasts 132 elegant and spacious rooms, suites and villas. They are all individually styled in pastel or soothing tones. The palace features over 1200 original works of art and many can be found in the rooms, such as delicate watercolours of Granada’s Alhambra or moody canvases depicting Spanish and Italian cities and landscapes.
The Terrace Suites are a highlight, with spacious living rooms that open onto some of the biggest private terraces we have seen. Ensconced by cypress trees and overlooking the gardens below, they have an abundance of outdoor seating, they are perfect for al fresco dining or just sunbathing.
Inside décor is quietly elegant, vases of fresh flowers are artfully placed on antique furniture and the bed is a delight, complete with a pillow menu. The marble bathroom is decadent, stocked with Loewe products, throw open the french doors and enjoy a luxurious soak in complete privacy, with only the palm trees for company.
When the one and only Michelle Obama came to Marbella, she stayed at Anantara Villa Padierna Palace in what is now aptly coined Villa Obama. This opulent secluded villa is 495 sqm and is spread across three-floors of absolute opulence. It sleeps five adults, two ensuite bedrooms each occupy a floor. There is a magnificent private rooftop terrace that offers views of the Mediterreanean sea. There is even a private pool, two terraces and a romantic veranda on the third floor.
From world-class gastronomy to breathtakingly beautiful nature, Anantara Villa Padierna Palace is a fairytale come to life.
anantara.com/en/villa-padierna-marbella
Urbanización Los Flamingos Golf, Carretera de Cádiz, Km 166, 29679 Marbella, Málaga, Spain
