A Travel Journalist’s Guide to Marbella and Tenerife

Nestled along the sun-drenched shores of southern Spain, both Marbella and Tenerife offer an enchanting blend of stunning landscapes, rich history, and authentic culture. Picture this: you’re strolling through the charming streets of Marbella’s old town, where whitewashed buildings are adorned with bougainvillea. The air is filled with the mouthwatering aroma of espetos from nearby chiringuitos (beachside bars), inviting you to take a moment and soak in the stunning Mediterranean views.

Then there’s Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, located off the coast of West Africa, where nature takes center stage. From the breathtaking landscapes of Teide National Park, home to the dormant volcano that is Spain’s tallest peak, to its numerous black sand beaches, every inch of this island is bursting with beauty and adventure. Whether you’re up for a thrilling hike, a gorgeous sunset, or diving 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 let me tell you, it’s 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 exploration. 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 Hotel Check-In

After a smooth flight into Málaga, I was whisked away to the Hard Rock Hotel Marbella, located in the heart of Costa del Sol. This stylish, music-inspired hotel set the perfect tone for the week ahead. The vibe was chic yet relaxed, featuring modern touches like a shower soundtrack, a welcome amenity with a note saying “from backstage,” and a record player plus a curated selection of vinyls waiting for me.

Day 2: Exploring Puerto Banús

I started my day with a complimentary breakfast at Sessions, followed by a guided memorabilia tour around the hotel where I got an up-close look at iconic music artifacts. It felt like walking through a mini Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, featuring treasures from J.Lo, Juanes, Paul Stanley, Shakira, and Ricky Martin.

For lunch, I opted for Sun & Society, offering light Mediterranean dishes that balanced flavor and freshness, including lobster salad, crispy calamari bao bun and Marbella’s local fish, lubina.

The afternoon was dedicated to relaxation, my body needed it after a long haul flight. I made an appointment at the Rock Spa to enjoy their Hydrotherapy Circuit. A series of steam baths, saunas, and pools worked their magic, leaving me rejuvenated.

Later, I walked over to Puerto Banús Beach, just a short walk from the hotel, the streets were lined with luxury boutiques, including Dior, Loewe, Hermès, YSL and Celine.

Dinner at Zengo, back at the hotel and the brainchild of Chef Richard Sandoval, was a revelation. The chic atmosphere combined with the fusion of Asian and Latin flavors created an unforgettable dining experience.

Day 3: Marbella’s Old Town Charm and a Sunset Golf Session

I set out to explore Marbella’s charming city center, where the guided tour began at Parque de la Alameda, featuring an outdoor exhibit of Salvador Dalí sculptures accompanied by live music. These are the moments I travel for! The narrow streets, filled with boutiques and historical landmarks, were enchanting. I discovered capillas callejeras (street chapels), picturesque plazas, and even picked up some ceramics to bring back home. I also had the opportunity to enjoy a Picasso exhibition at Museo del Grabado Español Contemporáneo.

Lunch at Leña 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 truly stole the show. We savored 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—a delightful feast for a non-meat eater, even though this place is renowned for its meat! Be sure to order the tarta di rose, a stunning dessert that was as delicious as it was beautiful.

Later, I found myself at Golf Club Los Naranjos, where I had the chance to take my very first golf lesson. The elegant surroundings, mindful practice and 1:1 time with a golf pro made it so much fun! Afterward, I spent some time in the hotel’s adults-only pool and hit the gym, which was open 24/7—so no excuses! For dinner, I tried Suena Chido, the new Mexican concept at the hotel.

Day 4: Tenerife Bound

The next morning, I bid farewell to Marbella and caught a flight to Tenerife. Upon arrival, the laid-back vibe of the Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife was immediately apparent. Situated on the southern coast, this beachfront property felt like an oasis, perfect for exploring the famous Islas Canarias. The hotel offered direct beach access to a stunning black sand beach, three pools, a great programming schedule for both adults and kids, semi-all-inclusive amenities and incredible rooms.

I spent the afternoon walking around the area to familiarize myself with the stunning surroundings. The sunset overlooking Teide was breathtaking. For dinner, I opted for Montauk Steakhouse, where I feasted on perfectly fresh, local seafood. No steaks for me—only jamón ibérico because when in Spain! I indulged in prawn croquettes, pan con tomate, and a delightful vegetable risotto crafted just for me.

Day 5: Beach Day at Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife

The day was gorgeous, so I spent most of it by the black sand beach, sipping an Aperol spritz and enjoying the crowd-free atmosphere. Lunch at The Beach Club was the epitome of island dining—fresh, light, and yes, I had seafood paella!

The evening was spent at The 16th, a rooftop bar with breathtaking 360-degree views of the Atlantic during sunset. With a cocktail in hand, I watched the sun dip below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink.

Later, I headed into town with my friend Mai to explore the Adeje region and dine at a local restaurant called Bésame 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.

Following the music, we found ourselves at Monkey Beach Club, where we enjoyed a lively Latino music scene that kept the energy high.

Day 6: Hiking Teide

This day brought a change of pace—a hike up the world-renowned Teide National Park. The landscape was otherworldly, with volcanic rock formations and sweeping views that took my breath away. Don’t miss Los Roques de García, a striking rock formation that’s a photographer’s dream!

If you’re looking for a local lunch afterward, Papillon Tenerife offers delicious tapas like 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, which is a delightful treat!

Later, I experienced my very first pool party at the hotel property! After all, I was staying in the south of Tenerife, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant party scene. We had a private cabana overlooking the DJ booth.

Dinner at Narumi was an elegant conclusion to the day, featuring Asian-inspired dishes with an inventive twist. The restaurant kindly offered a vegetarian tasting menu, finishing with a sample of mochi ice cream.

I had visited Spain before—Barcelona, Madrid, Toledo, and Segovia—but this journey felt entirely new, and I would gladly relive it since there’s still so much more to explore in both regions. From the historical streets of Marbella to the natural beauty of Tenerife, this adventure left me wondering not if I’ll go 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 true rockstar, while the Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife offered an island escape, seamlessly blending relaxation and fun. With their personalized service, top-tier amenities, and incredible dining, the Hard Rock Hotels elevated my stay and left me counting down the days until I return.

Victoria Leandra is an award-winning journalist, influencer and on-cam host specializing in culture, food & unique experiences around the world. Follow her life as a journalist via @VictoriaLeandra.