For many, talking about summer is synonymous with talking about Marbella. The city of Malaga is one of the favorite destinations for those looking for sun and beach insurance. But also of all those who feel attracted by that luxury label that took over this town more than 50 years ago. Puerto Banús and its impressive yachts, the Golden Mile and its amazing villas, the overwhelming offer of luxury hotels, restaurants and beach clubs that continues to grow...

But Marbella is much more than that. This little fishing village, which princesses, duchesses, actresses, singers and celebrities from all over the world fell in love with, keeps its purest essence alive in its charming old town. Far from ostentation, from constructions that are not very respectful of the environment, and from that Marbella designed for lovers of excesses, there is a historic set of labyrinthine cobbled streets in which there is only space for traditional houses with white facades, adorned with pots and vines. of multicolored flowers; historic craft businesses and restaurants with more than half a century of life. A somewhat unknown historical center that hides treasures that are beginning to come to light and that have already become new must-see places for those seeking true luxury in the capital of the Costa del Sol.

Stay with this name: La Ciudadela Marbella. It is the new hotel project that has arrived in the city to offer a new accommodation and restaurant experience in the old town, with the sole objective of recovering the identity, elegance and character that made Marbella the preferred destination for the jet national and international set for decades. Two hotels where you will want to live, two restaurants with constantly evolving menus so that you never tire of trying and enjoying, and two rooftops with the best views of the old town of Marbella, the sea and the mountains. And these are just the first openings of this project that you should not lose sight of.

Maison Ardois

Located in the central Ancha street, it occupies an old manor house that belonged to the Ardois family, linked to the city's mining business. From the moment you cross the front door, open to the public since August 1, you can breathe that perfect fusion between the past and the most exquisite present. The quartz walls, the imposing high wooden ceilings, the hydraulic floors with geometric shapes, and the typical patios of the area are mixed with the most elegant and cutting-edge design to create a very warm atmosphere. In its 9 rooms, not a single detail is missing: the bedding is 500-thread-count Egyptian cotton, in an infallible combination of black and white; its bathroom amenities are by Loewe –except in the large suite which are by Guerlain-; the hair tools are signed by GHD; all the pieces and taps in the bathroom are signed by Porcelanosa; and there is even a catalog of pillows for each guest to choose their favorite to sleep like angels. Of course, at the click of a button. From an Ipad in which you will have the most personalized experience you can imagine.

Breakfast is served on the top floor, which has a terrace surrounded by olive trees with spectacular views of the mountains and the sea. At night, the rooftop goes into chill out mode to taste signature drinks and cocktails. You won't want to move.

Thaissence Restaurant

On the ground floor of Maison Ardois, with direct access from the street, is the first of the La Citadel restaurants, which opened its doors on August 9. Under the direction of Pablo Rebollo -formed in prestigious houses such as Mugaritz, Kokotxa or Valdepalacios-, who holds the position of executive chef and will be in charge of all the group's gastronomic proposal; This place offers a fusion of Thai food and Spanish recipes with a very interesting Peruvian touch. In addition, his idea is to constantly renew the menu so that there are always new surprises to taste. Among the essentials of this first stage: the mango salmorejo with fresh milk ice cream, the Thai croquette -made with peppers, coconut and red curry-, a version of padthai with shrimp, red mullet with cabbage cream, chicken ravioli Beijing, and its irresistible Ferrero –a mixture of hazelnut, Kinder ice cream, kumquat and chocolate-.

Hotel Santo Cristo

A few meters from Maison Ardois, in Plaza de Santo Cristo, is the second hotel in La Ciudadela Marbella, which will open its doors in September. With a much more Mediterranean touch and a strong influence of Arab architecture, it has 15 rooms in which the natural colors and fabrics invite you to relax. The raffia and wood furniture, the bedding in white and earth tones, the grooming and care details from luxury brands... everything is designed to activate the off mode. Without forgetting its wonderful patio, surrounded by bamboo blinds, blue planters, mosaic tiles with natural motifs and a fountain from which water emanates that sets the magical soundtrack of peace throughout the building.

Its rooftop is another mandatory stop. Here, in addition to having breakfast or enjoying the sunset, guests will be able to relax on their sun loungers in the warmth of that enviable sun guarantee of more than 300 days a year that Marbella boasts of.

La Bouganvilla Restaurant

Market cuisine, zero kilometer produce and very respectful preparations with the raw material. It is the latemotiv of this restaurant. Chef Pablo Rebollo and his team are designing a menu in which they intend to bring out the best version of Malaga cuisine with a twist, taking advantage of its quality, variety and freshness. For this reason, the decoration of the premises is very in tune with those roots of the sea and mountains. A lot of wicker, a lot of wood, a lot of neutral colors and a very warm light.

In addition, the Ciudadela has a Guest Experience department with an infinite catalog of activities for all tastes -from shopping days, sailing trips, falconry experiences...- that you cannot miss on your next getaway to Marbella . And stay tuned for all the news about this project because it will give a lot to talk about. A preview? In October they will open the doors of the only hotel inside the old city wall. It will be called El Castillo, it will have 15 rooms, a restaurant specializing in grilled meat and fish, with a terrace for dinners in the Plaza de San Bernabé, and a rooftop with more casual gastro proposals, live performances and a private area with a jacuzzi that We want to book now.