Nestled along the sun-drenched coasts of southern Spain, both Marbella and Tenerife offer an enchanting mix of breathtaking landscapes, rich history and authentic culture. Imagine yourself strolling through the charming streets of Marbella’s old town, where whitewashed buildings are decorated with bougainvillea. The air is filled with the delicious scent of espetos from nearby chiringuitos (beach bars), inviting you to take a moment and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Then there is Tenerife, the largest of the Spanish Canary Islands, located off the coast of West Africa, where nature takes center stage. From the breathtaking landscapes of the Teide National Park, home to the dormant volcano that is Spain’s highest peak, to the numerous black-sand beaches, every inch of this island is bursting with beauty and adventure. Whether you fancy an exciting walk, a beautiful sunset or a dip into delicious Spanish cuisine, both Marbella and Tenerife have it all.
I had the pleasure of staying at the Hard Rock Hotel in both regions, and I can tell you that it is the ideal accommodation for each place. In Marbella, the hotel’s boutique atmosphere and excellent dining options provided the perfect retreat after a day of exploring. Meanwhile, in Tenerife, the vibrant, music-infused environment, combined with luxurious amenities, added an extra layer of excitement to my stay.
Day 1: Arrival in Marbella and check-in at the hotel
After a smooth flight to Málaga I was taken to the Hard rock hotel Marbellalocated in the heart of the Costa del Sol. This stylish, music-inspired hotel set the perfect tone for the week ahead. The atmosphere was chic yet relaxed, with modern touches like a shower soundtrack, a welcome amenity with a note saying ‘from backstage’, and a record player plus a curated selection of vinyl records waiting for me.
Day 2: Explore Puerto Banús
I started my day with a free breakfast at Sessionsfollowed by a guided memorabilia tour of the hotel, where I was able to get up close and personal with iconic music artifacts. It felt like I was walking through a mini Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, with treasures from J.Lo, Juanes, Paul Stanley, Shakira and Ricky Martin.
For lunch I opted for Sun & Societywith light Mediterranean dishes that balance flavor and freshness, including lobster salad, crispy calamari bao bun and Marbella’s local fish, lubina.
The afternoon was all about relaxation, my body needed that after a long flight. I made an appointment at the Rock Spa to enjoy their Hydrotherapy circuit. A series of steam rooms, saunas and pools worked their magic, leaving me rejuvenated.
Later I walked towards it Puerto Banús beachjust a short walk from the hotel, the streets were lined with luxury boutiques including Dior, Loewe, Hermès, YSL and Celine.
Dinner at Zengoback at the hotel and the brainchild of Chef Richard Sandoval, was a revelation. The chic atmosphere combined with the mix of Asian and Latin flavors made for an unforgettable dining experience.
Day 3: The charm of Marbella’s old town and a golf session at sunset
I set out to explore Marbella’s charming city center where the tour began Parque de la Alamedawith an outdoor exhibition of sculptures by Salvador Dalí, accompanied by live music. These are the moments I travel for! The narrow streets, lined with boutiques and historic sites, were enchanting. I discovered capillas callejeras (street chapels), picturesque squares and even picked up some ceramics to take home. I also had the opportunity to enjoy a Picasso exhibition in Museo del Grabado Español Contemporáneo.
Have lunch at Lena by chef Dani García was the highlight of the day: a culinary journey rooted in traditional Spanish cuisine, elevated by modern techniques. The amount of delicious food I tried was astonishing; however, the dessert really stole the show. We enjoyed puerro asado al carbón (charcoal-roasted leek), aguacate de Málaga a la brasa (grilled avocado), cebolla gratinada con trufa (gratinated onion with truffle), lubina, gazpacho, fresh tomato salad, babaganoush, edamame and broccolini. delicious feast for the non-meat eater, even though this place is known for its meat! Make sure you order the tarta di rose, a beautiful dessert that was both delicious and beautiful.
Later I met myself Los Naranjos Golf Clubwhere I had the opportunity to take my very first golf lesson. The elegant environment, the deliberate practice and the 1:1 time with a golf professional made it so much fun! Then I spent some time in the hotel’s adult pool and hit the gym, which was open 24/7, so no excuses! I tried it for dinner Suena Chidothe new Mexican concept in the hotel.
Day 4: Tenerife on the road
The next morning I said goodbye to Marbella and took a flight to Tenerife. Upon arrival there is a relaxed atmosphere Hard rock hotel Tenerife was immediately clear. Located on the south coast, this beachfront hotel felt like an oasis, perfect for exploring the famous Islas Canarias. The hotel offered direct beach access to a beautiful black sand beach, three pools, a great program program for both adults and children, semi-all-inclusive amenities and incredible rooms.
I spent the afternoon walking through the area to get familiar with the beautiful surroundings. The sunset overlooking Mount Teide was breathtaking. For dinner I opted for Montauk Steakhousewhere I enjoyed perfectly fresh, local seafood. No steaks for me – just jamón ibérico, because when I’m in Spain! I indulged in shrimp croquettes, pan con tomate and a delicious vegetable risotto, made especially for me.
Day 5: Beach day at Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife
The day was beautiful, so I spent most of the day on the black sand beach, sipping an Aperol spritz and enjoying the crowd-free atmosphere. Have lunch at The Beach Club was the epitome of island dining: fresh, light, and yes, I had seafood paella!
The evening was spent in The 16tha rooftop bar with breathtaking 360 degree views of the Atlantic Ocean during sunset. With a cocktail in hand, I watched the sun sink below the horizon and paint the sky in shades of orange and pink.
Later I went into town with my friend Mai to explore the city Region Adeje and dine at a local restaurant called Besame Mucho. The service was impeccable and we tried a little bit of everything: black potato salad, smoked local wahoo marinated in palm honey, fish croquettes and grilled octopus. We even ordered the freshly caught whole fish with mojo picón.
After the music we found ourselves in Monkey Beach Clubwhere we enjoyed a vibrant Latino music scene that kept the energy high.
Day 6: Hiking on the Teide
This day brought a change of pace: a walk along the world famous Teide National Park. The landscape was otherworldly, with volcanic rock formations and sweeping views that were breathtaking. Don’t miss it Los Roques de Garciaa striking rock formation that every photographer dreams of!
If you’re looking for a local lunch afterwards, Papillon Tenerife offers delicious tapas such as queso asado (grilled cheese), papas arrugadas con mojo (wrinkled potatoes with sauce) and bocadillo canario (Canarian sandwich). Don’t forget to try barraquito, Tenerife’s traditional coffee, a delicious treat!
Later, I experienced my very first pool party at the hotel complex! After all, I was staying in the south of Tenerife, known for its beautiful beaches and lively party scene. We had one private cabana overlooking the DJ booth.
Dinner at Narumi was an elegant end to the day, with Asian-inspired dishes with an inventive twist. The restaurant kindly offered a vegetarian tasting menu, ending with a sample of mochi ice cream.
I had visited Spain before – Barcelona, Madrid, Toledo and Segovia – but this trip felt completely new, and I would love to experience it again as there is so much more to discover in both regions. From the historic streets of Marbella to the natural beauty of Tenerife, this adventure left me in no doubt as I’m going back, but when.
The Hard Rock Hotel Marbella impressed me with its chic, music-infused atmosphere and luxurious touches that made me feel like a real rock star, while the Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife offered an island escape that seamlessly blended relaxation and fun. With their personalized service, top-notch amenities and incredible restaurants, the Hard Rock Hotels took my stay to the next level and have me counting down the days until I return.
Victoria Leandra is an award-winning journalist, influencer and on-cam host specializing in culture, food and unique experiences around the world. Follow her life as a journalist via @VictoriaLeandra.