WHERE: Marbella is located on the coast of Southern Spain, just east of Gibraltar. It’s in the province of Malaga, along the strip of beaches that make up Spain’s Costa del Sol. You can get there in 3 hours by train from Madrid.

HISTORY: Historians can point as far back as the 7th Century BC for settlements here, and the area has known many rulers, from the Romans to the Moors, to the Christians, who took over in the late 1400s.

TODAY … the town has around 140,000 residents, and the high season stretches from April to August, when tourists flock to the beaches and the historic, cobblestoned Old Town. I visited in October, and it was dreamy, with balmy days and breezy evenings.

ART LOVERS … rejoice. There are multiple pieces of sculpture by Salvador Dalí in the park.

RETAIL LOVERS … further rejoice. Beyond swimming, sunning, all-night parties and spas galore, this is a shopper’s paradise, whether you come with a yacht-worthy budget or you’re only backpacking. There’s something for everyone, from soft leather bags to vintage Prada to quirky art.

DINE … frequently and on the ample fresh seafood. My favorite restaurant was the darling Casa Eladio, in Old Town. Beneath strung up twinkly lights, at little sidewalk tables, a glass of wine feels so special. As does the sauteed, flaky turbot, swimming in butter.

STAY … at La Fonda Heritage ($250/night), a new property opened in 2023, a 16th-century building. They have a gorgeous rooftop, striking rooms with huge, walk-in showers, a prime location in the historic center and a big, Mediterranean breakfast I long for, as I type this.

DON’T SKIP … visiting the Marbella Club, for shopping, the spa, the salon and/or just lunch. This hotel opened in the 1940s and quickly became the darling of people like Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn. Their ghosts likely linger, as it’s one of the most stunning properties I’ve ever seen. No fussy country-club vibe here, but rather bold artworks, deep velvet chairs and sunny, rattan-filled garden patios, with excellent cuisine and even better people watching. Plus, it’s directly on the beach, for dipping ones toes in the Alboran Sea.

(Above, La Fonda Heritage Hotel)

(Above, The Marbella Club. Images courtesy of The Marbella Club)