The Marbella Club hotel, that old stomping ground of the rich and famous, is just minutes away from Villa Tiberio, probably the reason why many celebrities that are found there, dining in the luxurious restaurant or probably the splendid garden.

Nearly two decades ago, there was just a decrepit house overgrown with weeds, in this same location. It took the vision and passion of Sandro Morelli to bring it to its present splendour. With the azure pool glinting in the warm sun, the neatly trimmed shrubs surrounding it, the fragrant arbour that leads to the restaurant, al fresco seems to be the preferred mode of dining for patrons.

In this gorgeous setting, almost fairytale like in its lush splendour, guests are treated like royalty as they sit down to a wonderful meal. The cuisine is not limited to one country but favours a more cosmopolitan approach with flavours from the Mediterranean interspersed with those from Italy and Spain.

The gastronomic journey at Villa Tiberio starts with scallops and jumbo prawns in a cream and brandy sauce, thinly sliced beef with avocados and lemon dressing, or pancakes filled with spinach, fresh salmon and cheese au gratin. As a prelude, these dishes are excellent, and provide a fresh burst of enthusiasm for what follows.

The homemade pasta, with a variety of rich sauces, are tempting and you could try the pappardelle alla Sandro, flat noodles with generous chunks of lobster and tomato for a delicious main course. The other variations, with cream, caviar and smoked salmon, are equally enticing, while risottos and lasagnes are prepared with care and skill, leaving no room for dissatisfaction.

Affirmed meat lovers will find the fillet of beef with Madeira wine, foie gras and truffle to be a generous display of culinary excellence, while the pan fried veal, with fresh peppers, black olives and capers holds its own ground. The duck baked with orange and Curacao liqueur, the crispy roast suckling pig and baby lamb braised in Barola wine are signature dishes at Villa Tiberio, that have led to repeated success with customers.

The wine list is extensive and covers three thousand bottles of the best Spanish, French and Italian wines. Sandro Morelli is a connoisseur of fine wines and vintages and the 1938 Chateau Margaux, Petrus or the 1894 Chateau Haut Brion in his bodega are proof enough.

While Marbella attracts the usual crowd of jet setters and glamorous personalities for its white sands and beaches, Villa Tiberio is one destination everyone makes a point to visit.