The summer of 2020 is not at all what we all expected it to be. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many people were forced to cancel or postpone their holiday to the sun drenched coast of Marbella. But not all is lost. Because missing out on the main season in Marbella is not all bad! Let us reveal why the low season is the best time to come to Marbella for its lifestyle and luxury. And not only because the temperatures are more pleasant in the autumn!
Holidays in the new normal are all about health and hygiene so you’ll want your autumn break destination to have strict Covid-19 protocols. Marbella, Andalusia and Spain have all taken hygiene measures extremely seriously and you’ll find them in place everywhere. Moreover, during the COVID-19 outbreak, the Costa del Sol suffered very few cases as has been praised for its pro-active, successful approach to tackle the virus in the region.
In general, we can think of 3 main reasons why you should visit Marbella this winter during “low season”. Further down this article, we have highlighted some of the best ‘new normal’ activities during low season in Marbella.
1. The climate and the colours – Marbella and Spain, in general, are famously known for its extraordinary gardens, flowers, and nature. Even though it’s called “winter”, the flowers, colours and nature, grow all year round on the Sunshine Coast. Being able to escape the darkness and get a dose of nature and its colours truly give you a reset and a reminder of how beautiful life is.5. The weather and the light – At first we didn’t think of including this point as this is quite obvious. With more than 300 days of sunshine every year, the Costa del Sol is an obvious choice. But the fact still remains. With a minimum of 9 hours of sunshine during the darkest part of the year, Costa del Sol offers a light, energy, and vibe that you won’t find in the darker places of Europe during the winter. Being able to escape -10 degrees for a soothing 18-20 degrees of sunshine can give you the break you need
2. Exclusivity – Everything from luxury hotels, rental villas to car rental and flight prices are SIGNIFICANTLY lower during low season. But more importantly, the area is literally more exclusive during the winter and spring period. Every (normal) year, Spain welcomes about 80 million tourists. That makes Spain the 2nd most visited country by tourists in the world. Naturally, the majority of these tourists spend their summer holidays in coastal areas during the months of August and July. This means that during the winter, you don’t have to make reservations for restaurants, drive around looking for a parking spot or even wait at the airport for long time!
3. Outdoor activities – Being able to play golf, tennis, paddle or any other sport outdoors in the middle of winter is an amazing experience. In Marbella, you are able to do them all. Not to mention the hiking paths in the mountains that offer extraordinary views. These hiking paths are normally challenging to complete during the summer due to the hot temperatures. Therefore winter is the perfect time for explorers.
The Costa del Sol health district has recorded 275 cases in the last week and a total of 1.667 positive tests since the start of the Coronavirus pandemic. This according to recently updated statistics from Andalucia.com.
Confirmed cases that required hospital admission in Costa del Sol (health district) in the last week number 6, the total admissions for the pandemic is 335. Confirmed cases that required intensive care admission in Andalucia in last week was 0, the total for the pandemic is 38.
Costa del Sol (health district) has recorded 44 deaths, none in the last 21 days.
Estepona has recorded 23 cases in the last week, 2 with symptoms and there have been 143 cases since the beginning of the pandemic. Estepona has recorded 4 deaths since the start of the pandemic, none in the last 14 days.
Marbella has recorded 166 cases in the last week, 46 with symptoms and there have been 777 cases since the beginning of the pandemic. Marbella has recorded 15 deaths since the start of the pandemic, none in the last 14 days.
You can fly to Gibraltar from London-Heathrow, London-Gatwick, London-Luton, Bristol, Birmingham and Manchester. The duration of your flight to Gibraltar is only 2 hours and 50 minutes. Good to know: you do not have to self-isolate when you arrive in England if you are travelling from Gibraltar. This because Gibraltar is a British overseas territory. There is also an option to fly to Málaga from all London airports, Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds. The average flight time is 2 hours and 45 minutes. And of course, it is possible to land with your private jet at both airports.
From the airport of Gibraltar to Marbella it is about 1-hour drive. From Málaga to Marbella 35 minutes.
For this luxurious holiday you obviously don’t want a taxi, but a private driver who is available whenever you want! Cilo Marbella provides high-end vehicle services for people that wish to experience safe, comfortable and luxury on the beautiful Costa del Sol-roads. Together with a team of highly-skilled, private drivers with experience it fast becomes a powerful alternative to the taxi!
Do you prefer to drive yourself? No problem! Cilo Marbella is your trusted partner for luxury car rental in Marbella. Our clientele often chooses to travel in style. We, therefore, offer the best luxury fleet in the entire Costa del Sol, in combination with a premium service. Choose from the most exclusive car brands in the world, such as Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari, Porsche, Lamborghini, Bentley, Aston Martin, and Bugatti.
The ultimate luxury feeling is a beautiful villa rental with enough space for you and your friends. Secluded and fully equipped. How about Villa Sorolla. This villa is an exceptional beachfront property located on the grounds of Marbella’s most prestigious location: the Marbella Club Hotel. It is available with optional hotel services and is but a few minutes’ drive to both Marbella and Puerto Banús. This villa is designed in a timeless classical style but with cutting contemporary edges. It possesses a large imposing entrance which leads to the (formal) sitting room which in turn flows outside to large comfortable terraces all with breath-taking sea views.
The incredible handmade kitchen with separate seating area very much gives one a feeling of being in a family home. An elegant marble staircase leads up to the bedrooms, including a master suite with his and hers bathrooms with dressing rooms. There are nine bedrooms in total with seven bathrooms. On the lower level, you will find the spa area with a huge indoor pool and fitness area And of course, the home cinema should not be missing! A full-on Domotic system controls the whole house with consummate ease. The immaculate gardens feature a large heated pool, split level children’s play area and a terrace with BBQ facilities. Why would you even leave home? Here you have everything!
Villa Sorolla, Marbella Club, Golden Mile, Marbella
Marbella City & Golden Mile. 9 Bedrooms, 7 Bathrooms, 1100 m². Price on Application
Learn more: https://www.cilomarbella.com/rentals/villa-sorolla-marbella-club-golden-mile-marbella/
Villa Barcelo, Luxury Villa for Rent in Nueva Andalucia, Marbella
Nueva Andalucia. 8 Bedrooms, 7 Bathrooms, 850 m². From €8,000 – €20,000 Per Week.
Learn more: https://www.cilomarbella.com/rentals/villa-barcelo-villa-rent-nueva-andalucia-marbella/
Marbella is a shopper’s paradise with its many designer boutiques, interior design stores but also smaller vintage shops where you will be able to find that one of a kind Chanel bag. But where exactly should you be to find all those treasures? When you use the services of a personal shopper you will find it out soon enough! With our Marbella in style personal shopping services, you will receive a personalized style consultation, go for a wardrobe overhaul and end up with a great shopping experience in Puerto Banús. They can also bring you the possibility to do the shopping in the commodity of your own living room.
There is nothing better than a nice, exclusive dinner with family or friends. But what if you don’t feel like going out? Then a private chef is a perfect solution! Turn your mansion into a restaurant with a culinary artist who will prepare dinner in your kitchen. You will be able to personalize every detail, you choose what you want to eat and when you want to eat. Or let yourself be surprised! On the day of the service, the cook will buy the ingredients, cook them at your home, carry out the table service and clean up before leaving, so that you can relax and enjoy.
Of course you can also do the shopping yourself. Our tip: go to Green Village Market in Nueva Andalucía. This organic supermarket has beautiful fresh vegetables and fruits. It has a large number of brands of food, cosmetics, diet and baby supplements.
In Marbella, there are a lot of possibilities to enjoy good food in beautiful surroundings. But what are the real hot spots? One of our favourites is OAK Garden & Grill. It is definitely the best steak restaurant in Marbella. The restaurant is located in Puerto Banús and has a beautiful garden. Besides, of course, meat, you can also choose fish or vegetarian dishes. They also have an extensive wine list.
Definitely worth a visit, restaurant El Lago. Located on the Greenlife Golf, Elviria Hills. This restaurant offers breathtaking views of the golf course and picturesque lake. In 2005 they got a Michelin star. Here they serve innovative and creative courts with personalized service. Definitely go for the tasting menu with wine paring.
Continue reading: Top 5 luxury restaurants in Marbella
Sailing on a private yacht is the ultimate feeling of freedom and luxury. Marbella Boat Charter is the leading company in Puerto Banús for luxury yachts and boat charters. They have a large and varied selection of yachts and activities for the Costa del Sol area like sailing, fishing, pleasure cruises, water sports, dolphin watching or trips to Morocco. All larger yachts have a skipper and staff on board so you can sit back and relax.
Nikki Beach, the chain of luxury beach clubs around the world (from Miami to Bali) also has a branch in Marbella. It is not just an establishment, the beach club is located on a pearly white beach and has a swimming pool where you can relax on one of the VIP beds. This Beach Club is famous for Champagne tastings, opulent lunches, daytime dancing, signature White opening parties and Red closing parties.
More information: https://marbella.nikkibeach.com
You’d rather spend your day more active? Go play golf for a morning or afternoon. Late March to the end of June rates as one of the best times of the year for golf on the Costa del Sol. September is also a very popular period. The days are longer and temperatures very pleasant, and many golf courses look their best with the spring showers and warm sunshine.
The Costa del Sol is called the Costa del Golf for a reason. There are over 70 golf courses near Marbella. We recommend the beautiful 18-holes Marbella Club Golf Resort, designed by Dave Thomas. This golf course is situated amidst the hills of Benahavís and has spectacular views of Gibraltar, the African Coastline, the Mediterranean and the surrounding mountains.
Contact Cilo Marbella for a full range of concierge services
Cilo Marbella is an exclusive boutique agency specialising in the sale and rental of luxury residential property in the Marbella region of Spain.