A name synonymous with luxury, sunshine and glamour. It has long been a magnet for the rich and famous, and now, it’s experiencing a renaissance.
3SA Estate, a leading lifestyle and property consultancy, is at the forefront of this revival. Their latest offering, The Penthouse, embodies the new spirit of Marbella – limitless luxury that combines unparalleled service, breathtaking design and a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor living.
This haven for discerning travellers isn’t just a place to stay, it’s a home away from home, meticulously crafted to fulfill every desire and exceed every expectation.
We’ve nabbed a moment with Jimmy Widen, the CEO, so that we can delve deeper into The Penthouse, exploring its unique features, exceptional amenities and the inspiration behind its design. We’ll also discover how it caters to the needs of today’s luxury travellers, from digital nomads seeking a perfect work-life balance to the jet-set who crave discretion and sophistication.
Get ready to be transported to a world of unparalleled luxury on the stunning Marbella coast…
1. What inspired the creation of The Penthouse, and how does it reflect the vision of 3SA Estate?
The Penthouse was created by its visionary owners by combining two apartments into one extraordinary duplex space that optimises on its unique and exquisite beachfront location, arugably the best and rarest in Marbella, Spain and Europe.
The project took nearly five years to complete, with its architects and designers briefed to develop a penthouse that incorporated the highest and most exacting standards of internal and external living space to surprise and delight the most discerning of guests.
As the leading lifestyle and property consultancy in Marbella, 3SA Estate reflect all of these qualities to innovate and inspire which is reflected in our vision to be 3 steps ahead in every aspect of what we do. In this way I am delighted to say we have become a trusted partner to our clients to deliver the very best in terms of standard of properties, whether to rent and buy, matched only by the level of services we offer to manage every aspect of the guests experience be it a short or longer term stay.
2. Can you describe a typical day for a guest staying at The Penthouse?
For us there is no such thing as a typical day as we aim to reflect and serve the individual needs of our guests. For some, it may be waking up gently with the sound of the lapping ocean as guests step out onto the expansive terraces, then enjoying a delicious breakfast served by our butler, a dip in the private pool before heading out to explore glorious Marbella, perhaps a visit to one of the very exclusive beach clubs on the Golden Mile before returning for a sundowner on the terrace and a beautiful crafted meal created by our private chef to our guests personal wishes and desires.
Alternatively for those in search of a more active day, our concierge team can arrange anything and everything; hiring a supercar to cruise down to Puerto Banus or up into the hills behind Marbella, horseriding on a local beach, 18 holes on a world famous golf course, wine tasting in one of the vineyards in Serranía de Ronda a few hours out on the ocean in a super yacht, tennis at Puerto Romano’s famous tennis club, or for the ultimate birds eye view of this area there are also helicopter tours to take in the stunning sights and sounds of Andalusia.
3. What unique features of The Penthouse do you think guests will be most excited about?
That’s a tough question as there are so many extraordinary features that stand out in The Penthouse. However, one of the main sweetspots has to be the uninterrupted views out to the ocean from the expansive 211m2 terraces, views which are second to none in Marbella and arguably Spain and Southern Europe.
Another feature would be our dedicated penthouse team including our maid, butler and the highly respected private chef all passionate about ensuring every last wish is met. Finally I think a unique feature is the 3SA Concierge Team who are on hand to book the very best spots at the best places in town, ensuring the VIP treatment never stops.
4. How does The Penthouse blend indoor and outdoor living to enhance the guest experience?
The spectacular 452m2 penthouse space offers guests a unique and imposing elevated oceanfront position and mesmerising 180-degree views of the Mediterranean, which fuses indoor and outdoor living with terraces that stretch to a breathtaking 211m2. The design of the apartment has been meticulously planned, enabling it to seem as though the ocean blends effortlessly with the penthouse, its presence felt throughout the entire expanse on both floors. The light bounces off every surface and highlights the thoughtful interiors, all of which have been carefully considered to amplify the sea’s connection to the penthouse.
5. What was the most challenging part of designing and building The Penthouse?
The entire project took nearly five years to craft from start to finish to the exacting standards required to create the most exclusive penthouse in Marbella, perhaps the most challenging aspect being the required licences to develop the property. But the entire team were amazing throughout the journey and it has been worth the wait to launch this exclusive Penthouse to the luxury rental market.
6. How does The Penthouse cater to the needs of digital nomads seeking luxury accommodations?
The Penthouse has everything a digital nomad needs to create the perfect work-life balance especially for those seeking a more luxurious way of life. And when we talk of luxury we mean luxury in its broadest sense, be it property, services, climate, location and therefore across the entire lifestyle offering.
The expansive penthouse itself is discreet, quiet and self-contained in every way it has its own full equipped gym, plunge pool with resistance tidal mechanism, its own self contained kitchen, six stunning bedrooms including the breathtaking master suite on the top floor.
In addition, the property sits in one of the most exclusive destination resorts in the Meditterrean in the Puerto Romano Resort which offers guests everything they could wish for from private beach club, a selection of some of the finest restuarants from around the globe but also relaxed cafes and eateries for simple dining, an award winning tennis club.
Beyond the resort, Marbella itself offers digital nomads a thriving community of likeminded travellers who have found this idyllic location and who are thriving by immersing themselves in a place that enjoys one of the best climates in the world with over 300 days of sunshine and prides itself on an exceptionally healthy and outdoor focussed way of life. A short drive away takes guests to Tarifa one of the kite surfing hotspots, or up into the mountains guests can ski in the Sierra Nevada mountain area or short train journey takes travellers to Saville or Madrid for a cultural and gastronmic immersion.
The final gift is that Malaga airport now serves the digital nomad community to many locations worldwide, making Marbella the perfect pinpoint destination that combines logistical and lifestyle benefits in abundance.
7. Can you share a memorable moment from the development process of The Penthouse?
We were not the developers of The Penthouse, it was created by a fantastic development company that we work with from England.
8. What do you think makes Marbella the best European Destination for 2024?
Marbella has always been a magnet for the rich and famous; an iconic destination for an international and intellectual jet-set, and the Hollywood glitterati, who frequented it back in the 1950s and originally put the Andalusian gem on the map. Of course, Marbella has evolved over the years and we are delighted to now be experiencing an exciting renaissance, which reflects its former glory days but dials up a contemporary new vibrancy. Its incre
dible climate, easy accessible location and the relaxed laid back beach and sporty lifestyle have always been the core pillars of its appeal yet the high standards and choice of accommodation, gastronomy and overall experiences have been further amplified to reflect this new interest making Marbella one of the most highly desirable holiday and living choice for the discerning traveller. Forbes has just named Marbella Best European Destination for 2024 by saying “This is a sunny, five-star, natural, sporty, gastronomic destination with everything to please the most demanding travelers.”
9. How does The Penthouse contribute to the renaissance of Marbella?
The Penthouse represents the extraordinary and inspiring innovation that is happening in Marbella at this time and reflects a ‘ limitless luxury ‘ philosphy that we at 3SA are championing. We are seeing an exciting new wave of thoughtful International investment in and around Marbella that seeks to compliment Marbella’s history and protect its natural gifts yet elevate and attract a new type of traveller and resident who really appreciates the finest things in life. Dolce & Gabbana and Fendi are both investing in branded developments in and around Marbella.
10. What local experiences and activities would you recommend to guests staying at The Penthouse?
At property level we would recommend our full butler service package and daily cleaning. In this way you live with all the benefits of a 5 star hotel but you are totally private with the most stunning front line beach view and effectively your own private restaurant in the Penthouse. As far as local experiences are concerned the 3SA Concierge team can arrange the perfect day as Marbella is full of activities.
We can arrange beach clubs, every kind of sport, hiking tours, horse riding, excursions to some of the best beaches in Europe at Tarifa and Chiclana, wine tasting in Rhonda by helicopter, a yacht charter with dolphin spotting. There really are no limits to the luxury lifestyle in Marbella with 3SA Estate.
11. How does the design of The Penthouse incorporate the surrounding natural beauty of Marbella?
I think the fact that The Penthouse has been designed specifically to blend its stunning external surroundings and ocean position into its living space, both compliments and amplifies the local natural beauty of Marbella whilst having a low impact footprint on nature.
12. What role does sustainability play in the design and operation of The Penthouse?
At 3SA Estate we work tirelessly to raise the standards of sustainability, but it is fair to say we are not where we want to be yet in Marbella. We are totally committed to responsible tourism and our goal is that within 3 years we will have properties and a service that are all 100% sustainable.
13. How do you ensure that the service provided at The Penthouse is unparalleled?
We are super proud of the entire 3SA Estate team who are handpicked for their personalities and skills. Each and every one is committed to delivering the very highest standards of service be it with the domestic and housekeeping support through to concierge and estate staff. We invest heavily in training to ensure the team are fully equipped and briefed to support all guests, but perhaps most importantly we all love what we do, so we know that are team deliver a very personal and heart-felt service that we feel is second to none.
14. What are some of your favourite features in the master suite of The Penthouse?
The size of the master suite is both unique and breathtaking, as it spans the entire upper floor and is bigger than some villas.
The floor to ceiling glass doors peel back to open up to the expansive terrace with your own private plunge pool and a view to the ocean that is second to none.
The master suite also has its own private lift from the main entrance.
15. How does the location within the Puente Romano Resort enhance the luxury experience for guests?
The Penthouse is discreetly tucked away in a gated complex within the world famous Puente Romano resort, which offers the highest levels of amentities yet also reassuring personal privacy and security. Guests of The Penthouse are granted full access to the entire award-winning Puente Romano resort which has raised the benchmark for what a world-class resort can deliver.
Repeatedly acclaimed in magazines and newspapers worldwide for setting a standard that few live up to, since it opened it has been awarded the International Hotel Awards as Best Golf Resort, the World Spa Awards as Spain’s Best Spa Resort, and Europe’s Leading Lifestyle Hotel in the World Travel Awards. The Penthouse is nestled in the heart of this exclusive resort yet offers its guests their own perfect escape and sanctuary.
16. Can you tell us about the dining experiences available both within The Penthouse and at the Puente Romano Resort?
Within The Penthouse itself we can offer a fully catered private chef service to prepare and cook all our guests meals from locally sourced ingredients, allowing for personal preferences and dietary requirements. We are also able to fully stock the fridge and bar if our guests would prefer to cook their own meals.
Alteratively, Puente Romano Resort itself is home to more than 20 restaurants and bars that offer our guests a truly gastronomic experience. From finding their inner Inca at COYA to enjoying the beachside favourite Chiringuito; from Cipriani to Nobu to the legendary Sea Grill. Puente Romano Resort are also proud of the quality and sustainability approach to sourcing ingredients with their our own local market garden, supplying farm fresh, seasonal, and organic vegetables & herbs directly to their kitchens. Locally sourced, naturally reared meat is also prioritised, as is locally caught fish and seafood.
17. What upcoming trends in luxury real estate do you see reflected in The Penthouse?
The Penthouse reflects a new trend where discerning travellers require all the standard services of a luxury hotel but also want total privacy and discretion – this is exactly what we can offer at 3SA Estate and at The Penthouse.
At property level we think The Penthouse reflects the continuing demand from travellers to deliver a hyper personalised experience that is tailored to their specific needs. And finally and at a granular level I think the fully serviced bar in The Penthouse is a feature that will be seen more and more in luxury real estate.
18. How does The Penthouse appeal to the jet-set and Hollywood glitterati who have historically frequented Marbella?
The Penthouse by 3SA blends the perfect mix of discretion with sophistication, a shot of hyper personalisation, a small dash of opulance and a twist of modernity. The perfect cocktail for the discerning traveller.
19. What personal touches have been added to The Penthouse to make it feel like a home away from home?
We are delighted to tailor the entire Penthouse experience to every guests personal wishes making it a very special home away from home. For example The Penthouse can be filled with the guests favourite flowers to greet them as they arrive, a bar fully stocked with their preferred drinks, and a fridge brimming with the guests favourite treats. Then there is their own personal gym and private pool – The Penthouse truly is a home away from home.
20. How do you envision the future of luxury real estate in Marbella, and what role does The Penthouse play in that vision?
The Penthouse celebrates a new generation of exquisite ultra luxury real estate in Marbella and we are super proud to be launching it at a time when the market has a real appetite for this innovative type of property. 3SA Estate are also involved with another amazing project very close to The Penthouse that will be complete in two years which will also raise the bar and compliment this entire segment. It is a very exciting time here in Marbella and we are very much at the core of this new wave of innovation and inspirational in luxury design and hospitality.
So, if you’re dreaming of sun-soaked days, opulent surroundings and a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor living, The Penthouse by 3SA Estate awaits you.
Discover a new pinnacle of luxury on the stunning Marbella coast and make your next vacation an experience of a lifetime.
