Marbella's Golden Mile runs five kilometres from Río Verde to the Copper Tower, next to the Palacio de Congresos. At one end is the jet-setter's paradise of Puerto Banús, with its marina brimming with expensive yachts. This straight Roman road is one of the city's most exclusive stretches, and the most sought-after for quality real estate. Not surprisingly, it's home to some of the most prestigious luxury hotels, restaurants and clubs in the area.
Some are well-established, like the Marbella Club Hotel, which dates from 1954, and has excellent cuisine in a choice of restaurants, and a nearby golf club. There are two in-house art galleries, the House of Art (contemporary art and new artists) and Dideh Art (photography), with a third, Art Wanson (the fifth in the world) at the golf resort, specialising in twentieth and twenty-first century work. Opposite the hotel, the Kasser Rassu gallery displays contemporary pieces informally.
The Puente Romano district to the South of the Golden Mile was developed in the 1970s, and now consists of apartments, with a gated community and marina. The Puente Romano Hotel, originally built as residences to resemble an Andalusian village, now offers luxury accommodation set among sub-tropical vegetation, sports facilities, including a golf resort, and all the amenities that guests could want.
Restaurants at this resort include Celicioso for a gluten-free diet (the first in Marbella), and Monkey Club on Puente Romano Square. This Plaza is the central hub of the resort, and is home to several other upmarket eateries, such as Dani García, Thai Gallery, and Nobu. Nobu's signature dish of Black Cod Miso is a must, but all options are delicious, and the tasting menu is a good choice. The new adult-only Nobu Hotel itself is a mixture of urban cool and retro touches, and of course, the food is sublime.
The DOMAR Restaurant, close to the Melia hotel, awaits discerning diners, while the beautiful views from the Besaya Beach Restaurant match the quality of the meals being served. Alternatively, head for The Sea Soul Restaurant and Beach Club, close to Puerto Banús. For natural food, the Organic Market and Food Kitchen provides healthy eating, while Rachel's Eco Love is among establishments offering vegan and vegetarian options.
Real estate along the Golden Mile is popular with investors, but art collectors know all about investment, too. Cero Arte is a well-stocked space for contemporary paintings and limited edition prints from artists worldwide, displayed alongside new work. The Sammer Gallery at Puerto Banús promotes young Spanish artists as well as showing examples by well-known international names. Pedro Peña also specialises in contemporary art from the likes of Saura, Barceló, Manolo Valdés, Tàpies, Clavé, and Lucio Muñoz, and in addition has a photography and digital printing shop. A gallery that really stands out on the Golden Mile is the Moretti & Moretti, present in the Puente Romano area as well as in the Marbella Club Hotel boutiques. If you prefer to visit Art Museus, the Museo Ralli is the place for you! It is conveniently ocated in the heart of the Golden Mile, right next to Playa Esmeralda!
For quality on a exclusive scale, boutique hotels offer a peaceful and a journey full of exclusive luxury! For an adults only stay, the Nobu Hotel is the place to be! With exclusive rooms, tasty Japanese cuisine as well as a very pleasant pool area, all located in the most prestigious area on the Golden Mile, just steps from the beach!