There are some places I’m reluctant to recommend to others over fears they’ll become overrun and spoiled.
Moosa Bay, tucked away on Elviria’s golden beach, is one of those places.
Hidden down a slightly ramshackle road off the A-7 with little more than a modest sign pointing the way, you could drive past it a hundred times without realising you’re skipping one of Marbella’s best beach clubs.
The venue is framed by tropical plants and weathered wood and feels as though you’ve stumbled across somewhere far more exclusive than it actually is.
Unlike other clubs, Moosa Bay doesn’t rely on deafening house music – you can actually hear yourself think and talk through your meal.
Live musicians provide the soundtrack, but never dominate the atmosphere.
The sunbeds aren’t cheap at €40 each on weekends, but neither are they outrageous by Marbella standards.
For that price you get a thick, comfortable mattress, a towel and, perhaps best of all, an electronic buzzer.
Whenever you fancy another cocktail or snack, simply press the button and a waiter appears within moments.
It’s a simple touch, but one that transforms the experience, allowing you to properly switch off instead of constantly trying to catch a member of staff’s attention.
Said staff are friendly, attentive and knowledgeable about both the menu and drinks list, meaning the service feels polished rather than rehearsed.
The cocktails also deserve a mention of their own.
The Bloody Mary was exceptionally well balanced, with enough spice to wake up the palate without overwhelming it, while the vanilla vodka Sun Chaser was a sweet treat that disappeared very quickly in the afternoon sun.
Meanwhile, the food comfortably lives up to the surroundings.
The steak arrived exactly as ordered – something that still isn’t guaranteed in Spain, where medium often means ‘still mooing’.
The grilled tiger prawns were as delicious as they were enormous, and the chicken wings were tender with just the right amount of crisp – much like the tempura prawns.
The menu isn’t bargain cheap but it has every right not to be due to the quality of the food – it’s also not extortionate like other venues of equal (and sometimes lesser) value.
Moosa Bay is definitely approved by the Spanish Eye and is 100% a local gem.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
I know exactly where Moosa bay is. It was formally called Sugar bay, just off Avenida Andalucia. We were staying at the Marbella beach club only three weeks ago, and know the area well.