Driving past the vast mountain range from the airport to the resort, before even stepping foot into Marbella, it is clear that all the preconceptions most British people have about this holiday hotspot couldn’t be further from the truth.
Made to look like a quaint village, Puente Romano is a far cry from the mega all-inclusive resort buildings most people imagine Spanish coastal cities to be full of. Instead you’re met with small white buildings, perfectly kept greenery and stunning views of the beach.
Currently running the ‘what would you like to do today?’ campaign, the resort has over 100 different experiences on offer to work your way through during your stay. From fitness and spa retreats to skiing and water sports, every activity you could possibly imagine is offered at this incredible luxury resort.
There are of course lots of adrenaline-pumping activities on offer if you are headed to Marbella for a thrill seeking holiday, but for those of us who prefer to spend our holidays eating, drinking and relaxing, the gourmet gastronomy experience gives you the chance to work your way through the culinary delights Andalusia boasts. From wine tastings to goat's cheese making (and most importantly copious amounts of eating), this package gives you a chance to really get to know the food offerings of the area.
We have put together a list of all the activities that are included as part of Puente Romano’s gourmet gastronomy experience.
Foodie Activities
The Gourmet Gastronomy package gives you a chance to experience both culinary offerings the resorts 12 restaurants have to offer as well as excursions out of the town into the mountains and into Old Town Marbella to really get the full Spanish tapas experience.
Tapas tour of old town Marbella
Venturing into the narrow and winding cobblestoned streets of Old Town Marbella, the smell of Tapas, sangria and the faint noise of Spanish locals socialising makes it clear; this isn’t any old tourist trap tour around the city. Instead you get the chance to try authentic tapas led by an expert local from the resort. Expect fried crispy croquettes, fresh and light octopus salads and olives doused in the best olive oil Spain has to offer, before finishing your night at popular local bar El Bordon. Filled to the brim daily and well into the early hours of the morning, if you are lucky the owner of the restaurant will perform mesmerising Spanish songs with only a guitar and the help of those in his restaurant. Expect lots of singing and dancing to ensue. You couldn’t have a more authentic start to your trip if you tried.
Fish market tour and paella making masterclass
Led by Puente Romano’s head chef, Thomas Stork, head down to the local fish market where you can help him pick all the ingredients needed to make fragrant and authentic seafood paella. If you’re concerned about the fishy smell there is nothing to worry about, this super fresh seafood is virtually odourless (it’s caught daily after all). Head back to the resort's main restaurant, The Sea Grill. where Thomas will demonstrate how he makes his famous seafood paella. To finish, tuck in at the stunning beach-side restaurant with a glass of Cava or Sangria.
Goat's Cheese Making
Probably the last thing you would expect to be doing on a visit to Marbella, but well worth the 40 minute drive into the Crestellina mountains, join a local farmer at his family-run farm and make your own goat's cheese. From having a go at milking a goat (if you’re brave enough) to a tour around the farm and making your own cheese surrounded by stunning mountain views, this definitely won’t be an experience you’ll ever forget. You can even take home your home-made goat's cheese to eat for breakfast the next morning. You can’t get fresher than that.
Dining safari
Back at Puente Romano and you’ll get the chance to try a few of the 12 restaurants the resort has to offer. Starting at Bibo, the tapas bar run by Michelin starred Chef Dani Garcia, try the oxtail in a sweet brioche bun with its signature creamy sauce for a surprisingly light start to your meal. On to mains and you’ll be whisked off (via golf cart) to The Sea Grill for some unbelievably fresh seafood. We recommend ordering from the tandoor, the fusion of Indian spices with Spanish seafood won’t disappoint. Lastly, to the trendy Monkey Club restaurant for a yuzu snow, lime and coconut dessert before heading off to end you night in the La Plaza bar and lounge. Located in the heart of the resort this buzzy location is the perfect end to an evening.
Enjoy live music and dancers while you sip on a coco-chilli mojito and for the party animals among you who don’t want the evening to end, the resorts on site nightclub, La Suite is the place to continue the party. With plush décor, impressive DJ sets and copious amounts of Champagne, you’ll be at La Suite until the Marbella sun comes up.
Depending on what restaurants you fancy visiting; the dining safari can be tailored to suit your tastes and needs. There are 12 restaurants to choose from after all.
Other restaurants worth giving a try
Since there are so many restaurants worth trying at Puente Romano, we thought it only fair to mention a few other restaurants that are definitely worth eating at before you head home.
With this famous celeb hot-spot sushi place on site, a visit to Nobu is a must before you leave. Run by Nobu’s first female Executive Chef, enjoy the freshest fish expertly prepared to create stunning dishes. Go for the tasting menu to try a little bit of everything, or if you are ordering from the a la carte menu we recommend the famous miso black cod and crispy rice with spicy tuna and salmon. Overlooking La Plaza, head down for some tasty cocktails afterwards too.
Rachel’s
After lots of eating, drinking and indulging, Rachel’s will be a welcome spot for you to enjoy a detoxing juice and a nutritious meal. With a focus on well-being and using only the finest ingredients, sit by the pool and enjoy a super green smoothie, ginger shot and a Rachel’s salad with kale, avocado and carrot falafel. Healthy eating definitely isn’t dull here.
Facilities at Puente Romano
Acting more as a little village than a resort, Puente Romano has everything you could possibly need and more during your stay at the Luxury resort. Here is a run-down of just a few of the other facilities and restaurants worth making use of after you’ve chosen from the huge number of experiences on offer.
The Rooms
Originally built to be apartments, every room available at Puente Romano is the size of a small London flat. Each room features a spacious living room, bar and bathroom complete with bathtub and walk in shower. The bright and airy Mediterranean style rooms are filled with a neutral colour palate and nods to their seaside location throughout, making them the perfect space to retreat to after a day exploring everything that Marbella has to offer.
Six Sense Spa
Since no holiday is complete without a little R&R, why not treat yourself to a spa treatment at The Six Sense Spa? Focussing on natural healing for both the body and mind, go for luxurious massage with local olive oil to de-stress at the beginning of your holiday. Other treatments worth trying include a detoxing body wrap, 24K Gold Age-defying facial or one of the spas signature scrubs.
Afterwards enjoy a calming ginger tea and admire the stunning Andalusian themed architecture of the spa before heading off to the wet room to make the most of all the spas facilities. With a hydrotherapy pool, cold plunge pool, sauna and herbal steam room, you could definitely spend more than a few hours in this spa.
Rooms from £500 per night. Aneesa was a guest at Puente Romano.
Can't shake the travel bug? Why not plan a trip to Zurich for next year?