Spain’s Mediterranean Treasure

Exploring the Charm of Marbella

Visiting Marbella last week after decades was an incredibly rewarding experience for me. The beautiful surroundings had undergone such a transformation that I struggled to recognize them. Yet, here I was in a captivating treasure situated on the blue Mediterranean.

Marbella could be described as an unforgettable jewel of both tradition and modernity. A visit to the Old Town sets the scene for its rich history; while the exquisitely preserved landscapes in its resorts speak to the demands of the modern traveller.

The Timeless Allure of Marbella's Old Town

Marbella's Old Town offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and Mediterranean charm. This enchanting quarter, a stark contrast to the glitzy modernity of Marbella's famous Golden Mile, invites visitors to step back in time and experience the authentic essence of Andalusian life.

Wandering through the labyrinthine cobblestone streets of Marbella's Old Town is like traversing a living museum. The historic center is a treasure trove of whitewashed buildings adorned with vibrant bougainvillaea, quaint plazas, and centuries-old churches. At its heart lies the Plaza de los Naranjos, or Orange Square, a picturesque hub surrounded by fragrant orange trees and lined with lively cafes and restaurants.

Not just a feast for the eyes; Old Town also offers a rich cultural and culinary experience. The area is dotted with boutique shops selling handmade crafts, traditional ceramics, and local delicacies. Food enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise, with an array of tapas bars and restaurants serving authentic Andalusian cuisine.

As timeless as the Old Town is, I was motivated to encounter modern surroundings and the highly anticipated hospitality of Southern Spain.

World-Class Hospitality

Award-winning and Europe’s leading Lifestyle Beach Resort, Puente Romano has truly set a new standard for world-class hospitality. A concept with a unique ability to seamlessly blend the old with the new. It embraces the rich history of Marbella while incorporating modern trends in hospitality, including the ever popular Nobu Hotel.

La Plaza, Puente Romano’s epicenter in Marbella, is a vibrant hub where guests can indulge in a culinary journey that combines classic flavors with innovative gastronomy. a

Within the Plaza we found a collection of globally renowned gastronomic brands that have made their mark in the culinary world. Nobu, Cipriani, Coya, Sea Grill, Gaia, Chiringuito, Chambao, Pica Pica, Cheat, Rachel’s Eco Love, Celicioso, Bibo, Les Jardins du Liban, Lagom Café, Leña, Thai Gallery, Jardins sur Mer, El Pimpi.

With the team at Nobu Restaurant (left) and Gaia.

Each one offers a unique and unforgettable dining experience, showcasing the best of international cuisine. The news of soon to launch a Supperclub promises to be an extraordinary addition to its already impressive offerings.

Waves of Reminiscence

Amidst the pulsating culinary scene, there is a place that holds a special place in my heart-- a classic Italian restaurant that has stood the test of time. Cipriani, with its four generations of heritage since 1931, remains a beacon of culinary excellence.

Memories of this old favorite came flooding back. Unable to contain my excitement, I found myself sharing animatedly about my previous visits to Cipriani’s locations in New York and Hong Kong (Private Members Club, Bank of China Building, Central) with our wonderfully astute waitstaff Petrina, attentive, but also revealed that their esteemed chef from Cipriani Hong Kong had recently relocated to Marbella after twenty years.

The connection between these two culinary havens across the globe filled me with anticipation for the epicurean experience that awaited us.

To enhance our encounter further, we had the delightful opportunity to meet Chef Stefano Poli. The entire tasting was unhurried, every dish brought to us was perfectly executed and presented, nothing short of delectable. The rhythm of service matched the classy and elegant charm that complimented the dining affair.

With Chef Stefano Polo at Cipriano, Marbella.

I most appreciated Chef Stefano and his team’s professionalism and understanding as they graciously accommodated my food intolerances, going above and beyond to ensure my needs were met. His wise words resonated deeply: “It’s not about us, but about the customers”. I agree and to add to that, it is always the company that makes the food taste even better overall!

Timeless Bellini Bliss

An elegant cocktail comprised of white Veronese peaches and prosecco invented by Giuseppe Cipriani in Harry’s Bar in Venice around 1948.

An aperitif named after Giovanni Bellini, a prolific Renaissance painter.

I have fond memories of bringing back the iconic Bellini cocktail recipe from New York to Hong Kong and later to San Francisco. Throughout the years, our family and friends have raised our Bellini glasses in countless toasts to celebrate various milestones and special moments of joy.

Recipe: Two ounces of white peach puree to four ounces of prosecco. Garnish of thinly sliced peach on the rim of the crystalware. Saluti!