Planning to visit Marbella on a stag or hen weekend and want to make sure it’s an experience the betrothed-to-be won’t forget? Then scroll down for our quick-fire recommendations on how to make your trip suitably excessive and crammed with excitement from the second you step off the plane.

Where to stay:

- For reliable hotels that have a luxurious flavour, try Marbella Club, Hotel Puente Romano, the Park Plaza or the Gran Melia.

- Alternatively, go for rent a villa and live like a star.

Where to get active:

There are plenty of things to keep yourself busy along Marbella’s frazzled coast:

- Hire a yacht with Marina Marbella.

- Take a spin in one of the world’s fastest cars at the Ascari Race Resort.

- Practice your swing at Valderrama, one of the best golf courses on the Costa del Sol.

- Spend an afternoon perusing the boutiques in Puerto Banus, where you’ll find Louis Vuitton, Hermes and Prada, among many other international brands.

Where to unwind:

- Enjoy a day at Finca Cortesin Spa and make use of all their facilities, including the only snow cave in Spain.

- Sample the treatments at the Selenza Spa, divided into four key areas that guarantee to de-stress you after a hectic weekend partying.

- Drive 10 minutes out of Marbella to the tranquil haven of Shanti Som, loved by celebrities and pamper-fanatics alike.

Where to lounge around:

Beach clubs are ideal places to relax in the summer months. All of the following get our thumbs up…

- Nikki Beach

- Ocean Club

- Suite del Mar

- Buddha Beach

- Bonos Beach

- Trocadero Arena

Where to eat:

There are some fantastic gastronomic restaurants in Marbella, some of which offer 12 course degustación (tasting) menus.  All of the following are well worth visiting, but make sure you book in advance if you’re a big party:

- Villa Tiberio

- Schilo at Finca Cortesin

- Gran Gatsby

- Tikitano

- Magna Cafe

- La Casita

Where to party:

Marbella and Puerto Banus are famous for their party atmosphere…

- Head to Pangea, where you’ll find one of the world’s finest views from a club.

- Enjoy VIP treatment at TIBU.

- Dine before partying the night away at Suite.

Got some suggestions of your own? Drop us an email on marbella.enquiries@mydestination.com and we’ll add it to the list!

Jessica White, My Destination Marbella
November 2011

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Main image: Gary Tapp