There is a specific kind of holiday that people return from feeling genuinely different. Not just rested, but physically better, more connected to the people they travelled with and more present than they were before they left.
That experience does not happen by accident. It requires the right environment.
The Sanctuary was designed with exactly this in mind. The villa sits within the hills of Benahavís, close to Marbella, in one of the most naturally beautiful settings on the Costa del Sol. But the design goes beyond aesthetics. Every space has been planned to make outdoor living central to the experience.
Why outdoor living matters
Spending time outside has a measurable effect on how people feel. Natural light regulates sleep cycles. Fresh air and open space reduce cortisol levels. Physical movement outdoors improves mood, energy and cognitive function in ways that indoor environments cannot replicate.
The Mediterranean climate makes all of this unusually accessible. Marbella receives over 300 days of sunshine each year. Temperatures are mild even in winter. The conditions for outdoor living – eating, training, resting and socialising outside – are available almost year-round.
Most properties in the area offer a nice terrace or a pool, but The Sanctuary was built to offer considerably more than that.
Outdoor dining
Eating well outdoors is one of the simplest and most effective ways to change how a holiday feels.
At The Sanctuary, the outdoor dining spaces have been designed to support long, unhurried meals. The onsite restaurant overlooks the rolling hills of the Villa Padierna Golf Course and the Mediterranean beyond. The setting encourages the kind of relaxed group dining that is characteristic of the region – and that most people rarely make time for at home.
Our concierge team can arrange private chefs who prepare meals on site, tailored to the group’s preferences and dietary requirements. Whether that means a performance-focused menu, a specific dietary programme or simply excellent local cuisine, meals can be organised around what guests actually need.
Outdoor fitness
The Sanctuary’s fitness offering is designed for guests who do not want to put their training on hold when they travel.
The rooftop spinning studio sits on an elevated terrace with open views across the Costa del Sol coastline. Spinning sessions here – whether self-directed or led by a private instructor – take full advantage of the setting and the climate.
The yoga studio opens directly onto the villa’s courtyard through bi-fold doors. Sessions can move between inside and outside depending on the time of day and the weather, with full air conditioning available throughout.
The Technogym fitness suite is a professional-grade indoor space with views out to the garden, equipped with treadmills, a stair climber, weights, a squat rack and Concept 2 rowers. Personal trainers can be arranged to work with guests directly at the villa.
Beyond the villa, the surrounding area offers a wide range of outdoor training options. Mountain hikes, beach runs, paddle boarding, cycling routes and water sports can all be organised through our concierge team. For groups or retreat leaders who want a structured programme, our concierge team can help you build a full activity schedule for the duration of a stay.
Outdoor spaces for rest and recovery
Recovery is as important as activity. The Sanctuary’s outdoor spaces support both.
The villa has private pools suited to different purposes – from active use to cooling down after training. Terraces at various levels of the property offer shade and open air depending on the time of day. The setting is quiet and secluded, with the privacy of exclusive use meaning there are no shared spaces or outside interruptions.
Through our concierge service, recovery treatments including sports massage, physiotherapy, breathwork and mobility therapy can be arranged at the villa. These sessions can take place indoors or in the outdoor spaces, or within our dedicated spa/treatment rooms.
The setting
The Sanctuary is located within the Villa Padierna estate, one of the most prestigious and secluded residential areas in the Marbella region. The villa is ten minutes by car from the beaches of the Costa del Sol and twenty minutes from Puerto Banús, meaning guests can access the wider area whenever they choose while remaining completely undisturbed at the property itself.
The surrounding landscape – pine-covered hills, open sky and views down to the Mediterranean – is a significant part of what makes outdoor living here different from anywhere else.
A different kind of stay
The Sanctuary is available for private hire for holiday rentals, group stays, corporate retreats, wellness programmes and special events.
If you are planning a stay and want to understand more about what the villa offers, contact our team directly. We are happy to discuss availability, group requirements and how the property can be arranged around your specific plans.
