URA Founder Shares Her Favorite Things to do In Marbella

Fear not, summer lovers. Even though August is notoriously known as the “Sunday of Summer”, according to Arunima Sahni, founder of fashion label URA, the warm and buzzing season is far from over, and nothing beats an extended holiday for late August and September at her favorite summer destination — Marbella, Spain.

Why do you love Marbella and how often do you visit?

I first visited Marbella on a family vacation in 2008/2009 before going back years later in 2019, and just went back again this summer in 2023.

Your favorite month to visit Marbella?

Mid July to August is great for peak summer season, but in September the weather is still really perfect, always in the mid 20s degrees celsius (high 70s Fahrenheit).

Do you have a favorite place to stay at?

The Marbella Club always!

Your favorite restaurants and hangouts?

There are so many amazing spots, but one of my favorite places for an evening aperitivo is the Summer Bar at the Marbella Club Hotel. Completely outdoor, under a canopy of the most beautiful trees, this bar is chic and a great place to begin your evening. They also make a mean espresso martini, don’t miss it! You can follow this up with dinner at El Patio next door, and if you manage to get a outdoors table here, grab it! In the summertime, there is a DJ playing old school tunes and the entire vibe of the place just screams summer! If you want to party, head right next door to Puente Romano which has plenty of buzzing options, including the center courtyard called the Plaza. This is the nicest in August or September, when it’s a bit less crowded, but still super fun, and you have the option of great restaurants like Nobu, Bibo Dani Garcia, Coya and Cirpriani all within minutes of walking distance.

Best coffee/matcha spot? Best gelato?

There’s a tiny little restaurant called Rachel’s. Great healthy food, but it has to best Chai Latte in town. Also only for a short time, Cafe Monocle from London has a secret little pop up at the Marbella Club. The ice cream sticks there are not to be missed!

Best clubs to dance the night away?

Olivia Valere is one of the oldest nightclubs in Marbella, and still very popular. But there are newer spots like Supper Club and Mamzel which offer dinner with a show, and all turn into clubs after. La Suite is also great when you’re in the mood to dance!

Best place to wind down and chillax?

There’s a little Wellness Studio at the Marbella Club. It’s discreet, and one of the most relaxing places to get a breather. You can go there for sound healing sessions, get a massage, or even just sit in the courtyard with a coffee or glass of wine. It’s the perfect mix of Spanish heritage and modern healing.

What to wear in Marbella? One thing you can’t live without this summer?

Hunza G swimsuits, Eugenia Kim summer hats, and Celine baseball caps.

And Loewe everything!

Skincare routine while on holiday this summer?

I swear by Vitamin C serums for the summer, Obagi has a great one. I prefer being make up free in the day during the summer so my skin can just be, but I have a secret little product by Milk Makeup which is an SPF tint, called the Sunshine Skin Tint. Just one pump of this, and your skin will glow.

What’s your perfect day like when on holiday in Marbella?

I have a little baby girl, so I love taking her for a mother daughter breakfast first thing in the morning. My husband and I will usually get a workout in after, and then get ready to spend the day by the water, either at the beach or the saltwater pool at the hotel. The MC Beach El Chiringuito, the hotel’s beach club is also one of the nicest places to spend the afternoons in the summer. Great food (great paella), glass of rosé and the beach it’s a perfect day spent tanning and swimming.

Your top picks for fashion boutiques?

To really properly shop, you need to go into Puerto Banus. You’ll find more luxury brands here, as well as some really cute multi brand stores. There are also local high street boutiques, where you’ll find a completely different collection. It’s a tiny port, but lovely to spend the day at shopping around, sitting at the different bars and cafés, all with a gorgeous view of the Mediterranean.

For all things URA, visit www.wearura.com.