Review: Babymoon Bliss at METT Marbella
Sometimes, the job of a hotel is not to overwhelm or overpower but to smoothly facilitate. A masterclass in cool, collected luxury, METT Marbella makes this its top priority - the ultimate setting for a serene, beachside babymoon destination in Marbella.
Chic, minimalist elegance sets the tone instantly, promising a break that drips with aesthetic refinement at every turn. Then there’s the scent. One of the first things to strike you - courtesy of Botanyc: a delicate yet heady fusion of bergamot, lychee, and jasmine. Visually, the enchantment is just as strong. The lobby-come-atrium, is among the largest, brightest, and most striking I’ve seen: an airy expanse bathed in natural light, with a colour palette of deep navy and soft stone grey that underscores the hotel’s sense of smooth style. At its heart, a lofty olive tree rises gracefully towards a vast glass ceiling, bringing nature into perfect harmony with design.
A Premium Deluxe Seaview Room, soft edges and muted colours ooze coastal sanctuary and tactile comfort. Underfoot, smooth light-grey stone floors are softened by a woven rattan rug, its natural texture echoed in chic wall décor and sculptural lightshades. White linen curtains billow lazily in the sea breeze, framing sunlight that spills across a squashy, stylish sofa and a low wooden coffee table laden with welcome treats. A sleek plasma TV is mounted discreetly on the wall, while tall, statement floor lamps stand like pieces of art.
A tucked-away refreshment area offers all the necessary amenities; a Nespresso machine, teas, and a fridge brimming with miniature delicacies. Adjacent to this lounge, the bedroom continues the same bright, airy aesthetic, with a sumptuous king-size bed. The bathroom feels like a private spa: twin stone his and hers basins, each with its own oversized mirror and a wet room with rainfall shower. The idea that everything is a sensory experience continues - from the cool, honed texture of the stone underfoot to the glossy tiles that catch the light.
The pièce de résistance of this room however, awaits beyond the huge sliding glass doors in the living area. There lies our own private balcony, complete with a bistro set, potted palms, and a glittering pool that wraps around to two neighbouring suites. A “ha-ha” edge gives the illusion that the water spills into the horizon, with an uninterrupted view of the beach and Mediterranean just beyond, the perfect location to relish in the babymoon-bubble.
Swimming pools are something that METT Marbella has mastered. METT Marbella’s 50-metre Azure Beach Pool is a sparkling centrepiece to the hotel. The air hums with the laid-back rhythms of DJs and slow-pulse dance music, forever underscoring that air of Marbella’s beachside chic. An attentive team drifts between loungers, delivering trays of freshly pressed juices, chilled cocktails, and delicate bites from the Azure Beach menu, we opt for the crab tacos. For the ultimate upgrade, private lounge areas await - each with its own hot tub, day beds, and discreet table service.
From the pool’s edge, the horizon teases with glimpses of the beach and sea beyond, an unbroken connection to the beauty of the Costa del Sol. Guests of the hotel can also opt to lounge on METT’s private beach. The scene here is as indulgent as it is effortless, with cabana day beds shaded from the sun, sleek double loungers, and sunbeds set directly on the sand. It also plays host to a tiki-style bar and dining area, where we savour divine fruit platters, sushi and sashimi.
When evening falls at METT, the enthrall of Marbella’s vibrant personality seeps onto the scene for those who wish to embrace it, while others can return to a beautifully turned-down room, slippers at your service. Cocktails are poured at El Bar de Lola, and the restaurant, La Isola, hums with the revelries of dinner guests. On our first night, it’s here we roll through a menu of crowd-pleasers that have drawn inspiration from Southern Italy. Starting with Carpaccio di Manzo: delicate slices of Fassona beef crowned with shaved Parmigiano, peppery rocket, earthy porcini mayonnaise, and a whisper of seasonal truffle. Next comes the Tartare di Tonno Rosso con Avocado: ruby-red tuna layered with creamy avocado, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, and crisp carasau bread, all brought to life with the brightness of basil oil.
La Isola is just one of several dining experiences at METT Marbella, and the next evening we drift towards Ammos. Set right on the beach with sunset ocean views, Ammos is a slice of the Greek islands, complete with whitewashed walls and cobalt-blue accents. We begin with a spectacular seafood platter, swallowing fresh oysters and succulent prawns. Perfectly grilled octopus comes next, its smoky char balanced by jewel-like pomegranate seeds, a velvety roasted aubergine purée, and a fresh, herby Greek chimichurri. For dessert, a warm pistachio baklava arrives, its crisp, honeyed layers giving way to the cool creaminess of melting ice cream - the perfect sweet note to end a meal that feels like a journey through the Aegean.
Although shimmering pools, divine restaurants, and the golden sands of Estepona beach form the heart of METT Marbella, there’s even more for those seeking to unwind and reinvigorate. METT is the glamorous address for MOI Spa, where every treatment blends luxury with personalised care. For expectant mothers, MOI Spa offers a sanctuary of calm: gentle facials restore glow, while specialist therapists ensure prenatal massages to ease tension and improve circulation.
Our final morning has me reluctant to leave. METT Marbella is more than a hotel - it’s a dazzlingly designed temple of style and hedonistic charm. From its iconic beach club and reliable restaurants to its slick staff and the breathtaking Azure Pool, every element pulses with glossy, Instagram-worthy sophistication. A serene oasis perfectly poised just close enough to Marbella’s electric energy yet far enough away to relax and savour those special last moments of pregnancy.