Tag Archives: Spain

Food at Puente Romano Beach Resort, Marbella

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There are so many reasons to visit Puente Romano Beach Resort, but for me it was the quality of food and variety of cuisines that was most alluring. Wherever you choose to eat, the smiling staff at Puente Romano will ensure you have a memorable and delicious meal. Here are a few foodie highlights from my recent trip to Marbella.

Sea Grill
This newly renovated and re-decorated restaurant has a fresh and stylish feel. With expansive floor to ceiling windows the view of the sea is emphasised, filling the room with natural light. British Interior Designer Andrew Martin has given the space a sophisticated seaside feel with muted beiges and bright blue shades accenting the white backdrop. This chic restaurant offers food to match… vibrant Mediterranean cuisine cooked with the special Tandoor oven and charcoal grill. We sampled a fine chateaubriand steak, cooked to perfection with a lovely crispy edge, garlicky mussels and marinated tandoori chicken with vegetables. For dessert the banana doughnuts came highly recommended so we couldn’t resist trying these little mouthfuls of sugary goodness. The ambience was lovely at Sea Grill thanks to the resident band who play classic jazz songs beautifully (including requests from the audience)!

Dani Garcia Restaurante
Dani Garcia is lauded as one of Spain’s most talented chefs and this restaurant was awarded two Michelin stars less than a year after opening. His kitchen of ‘contradiction’ presents magical food creations inspired by fairytales and the story of Alice in Wonderland. Flavours, textures and smells all contribute to this unusual and unique gastronomic experience. Opt for the tasting menu for the full immersive meal or choose a la carte courses to create your own meal. I was delighted to see half-portion sizes for those with lesser appetites! My starter was a colourful vegetarian risotto garnished with delicate and decorative pieces of carrot, onion, corn and courgettes and peas. The rustic mushroom tart with cured Spanish ham was also a resounding success. Main courses were of the highest quality: Sirloin beef with truffle, and Roast suckling pig with beetroot and prunes. For dessert I would recommend the tropical white chocolate mousse with coconut and pineapple, though the hazelnut soufflé with candyfloss is also great fun! A trip to Dani Garcia’s emporium is truly unforgettable; a choreographed, culinary masterpiece.

Bibo
This quirky and colourful dining room is Dani Garcia’s more playful and casual eatery. The detailing in both the dishes and décor is immediately noticeable, I particularly loved the characterful upholstery and the pretty pink plates. The chef had kindly prepared us a feast of specialities which we gratefully devoured. We tried regional recipes including Salmorejo, a creamy cold tomato soup thickened with bread and flavoured with garlic and olive oil and topped with soft mozzarella balls, and addictive stewed meat croquettes. Other highlights included salty and sensational pork rinds with fried padron peppers and the sweet caramelised Oxtail brioche which arrived as a mini burger. The meal was accompanied with a wonderfully light and dry white wine, Menade Verdejo D.O Rueda made in Western Spain by the Sanz family. Bibo offers tapas with a twist that will suit every palate… it was a brilliant concept and an exemplary meal.

Namazake
After dinner we visited this exotic venue for a sake-based fruity cocktails. Namazake serves immaculate Japanese food in a contemporary cool setting, but is also a lovely place for a pre or post meal tipple. Situated in the Plaza Village, the atmosphere is buzzy and benefits from the communal square. Guests can sit comfortably inside or lounge on the Al Fresco stone steps.

Read about and book all the Puente Romano Beach Resort restaurants here.

Puente Romano Beach Resort, Marbella

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When we arrived late at night in Puente Romano, the hotel was shrouded in darkness. Exhausted from the long journey we checked in quickly and collapsed in bed, with just enough time to brush our teeth and glance at the resort catalogue that sat on the table next to colourful mini macaroons. Nine hours later, completely rejuvenated from a restful sleep in the huge bed, I opened the white shutters to reveal the catalogue cover, but for real – the palm trees gently swaying, the sun breaking through the clouds and white buildings with red-tiled roofs. It wasn’t a scene I expected to see in late November and as I breathed in the fresh floral air, I felt relaxed and relieved.

Since opening in 1979 the hotel has frequently updated its rooms, suites, and common areas ensuring Puente Romano remains the very best place to stay in Marbella. I was amazed by the extensive property, the consistent character evident throughout and the high quality of all the varied services. We spent the weekend in the Donana building in a bright and airy, recently redecorated Junior Suite. The room was spacious and luxurious, simply and stylishly decorated in muted creams with accents of terracotta and slate grey. The materials used are for the utmost comfort: thick cottons and soft upholstery in the living area. An African drum and shabby chic vintage mirror added character to the room, a smart desk with complimentary computer usage set up for those eager to work. The bathroom was charming, the big bath surrounded by traditional Andalusian patterned tiles, created especially for the hotel.

The food at Puente Romano is superb. Dining options range from the casual beachfront Del Mar and Sea Grill restaurants to the gastronomic Dani Garcia restaurant, awarded with two Michelin stars recently. Those wishing to try something a little more exotic can have Japanese at Namazake, Moroccan at Suite or Italian at Serafina. One of my favourite eateries was Bibo, Garcia’s playful tapas restaurant which serves delicious modern fusion Spanish dishes. Breakfast is an array of tropical fruits, locals meats and cheeses, flaky buttery pastries and everything else you could ever desire for your morning meal. We were completely spoilt for choice and eventually decided on rich and deliciously flavoursome chorizo on toast, the sweetest squeezed orange juice and coffee.

The sports facilities will keep the active guests occupied, and provide some light exercise for those who are over-indulging at the food outlets. The impressive main tennis court was launched by Bjorn Borg and developed by Manolo Santana and seats over 2000 spectators. For less pro players, there are other clay courts to play on as well as four paddle tennis courts and a gym.

Puente Romano Beach Resort has it all. Families will be delighted to discover the imaginative kids club on site, whilst couples can enjoy a romantic bike ride and picnic prepared by the hotel. The amenities throughout the resort are contemporary and luxurious despite the allure of the original features.

The name Puente Romano translates as Roman Bridge, and refers to the 1st Century bridge which remains at the heart of the property. Surrounded by the boutique shops and eateries, it is the focal point in the Plaza Village, and is a reminder of the hotel’s history and heritage. I found it utterly enchanting, especially in the evenings when it is lit with hundreds of fairy lights.

More information and book a stay at Puente Romano Beach Resort here.

Things to do in Andalusia

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Many go to Marbella to party, I visited for a relaxing weekend in the warm climate, to eat delicious food and to explore the culture of Southern Spain. Andalucía is a colourful and characterful region, known for the picturesque white-washed towns, fruitful orange trees, rich tapas cuisine, bullfights and flamenco gypsy tradition. The exotic climate and sandy beaches make it an appealing destination all year round, even in the middle of low season I found Marbella to be the perfect November escape from dreary rainy London. This list of my favourite things is proof that Marbella and Malaga have so much more to offer than just parties and poolside lazing.

To stay

Puente Romano Beach Resort – this luxurious hotel has it all, with food offerings and sport facilities which are second to none. Puente Romano, which translates to Roman bridge, is hugely popular with both tourists and locals who all come to soak up the atmosphere in the Plaza Village square. Located on the beach, this resort has beautiful sea views from many of the special suites.

To eat

Taberna La Nina de El Pisto – spend a few hours wandering around the lovely old town of Marbella before settling here for dinner. Tucked away on a small side street this special little venue is usually full of locals and serves delicious authentic and typical Spanish tapas and wine, all at very reasonable prices.

To drink

Plaza de los Naranjos (The Orange Square) – taste the sweetest orange juice in the world whilst admiring the surrounding citrus trees. This sun-drenched square in Marbella Old Town dates back to 1485 and is a charming place to sit and relax.

To do

Olive oil tasting at D.Oliva – Nestled in the heart of Marbella Old Town this wonderful shop offers hundreds of varieties of Spanish olive oil, including their own award-winning bottles. Taste a range of delicious oils before buying a souvenir to take home. We particularly loved the lightly-infused orange blossom olive oil by D’Oliva which was created in collaboration with the town and also used as an institutional present.

To see

Museo Picasso Malaga – This stylish museum is housed in the Buenavista Palace and marks the importance of Malaga as Picasso’s birthplace. Here 285 works donated by members of Picasso’s family are exhibited in themes. Admission is free on Sundays between 6 and 8pm, which was luckily exactly when we turned up!

To escape

Ronda – it may be a slightly treacherous drive up the mountain roads but the prehistoric remains at the top make the journey completely worth the hassle. Witness the awe-inspiring ancient three bridges that span the Tajo canyon, visit the Plaze de toros de Ronda (the oldest bullring in Spain) and pick up some manchego and chorizo in one of the little Spanish shops.