In the rarefied world of luxury hospitality, few names evoke as much nostalgia and prestige as the Don Carlos in Marbella. For over half a century, this legendary establishment has stood as a symbol of refinement, attracting royalty, Hollywood stars, business magnates, and discerning travelers seeking the perfect blend of Andalusian charm and sophisticated leisure. Now, after an ambitious and meticulously executed renovation worth approximately €45 million, the Don Carlos Marbella has reopened its doors, poised to redefine what it means to experience Mediterranean luxury in the 21st century.
From its privileged position along Marbella’s coveted beachfront, framed by 20,000 square metres of lush tropical gardens, the hotel commands views that seem painted by an artist’s hand: the shimmer of the Mediterranean under the Andalusian sun, the gentle sway of palm fronds in the ocean breeze, and the unmistakable glow that has drawn visitors to the Costa del Sol for decades. Yet the Don Carlos of today is more than a restoration of a beloved icon — it is a bold reimagining of the luxury hotel experience, blending timeless elegance with cutting-edge amenities designed for a new generation of elite travelers.
The redesign, led by acclaimed interior designer Jaime Beriestain, is a masterclass in how to respect history while embracing the present. The interiors exude a warm, sophisticated Mediterranean character: muted earthy tones, handcrafted artisanal details, and textures that echo Andalusia’s rich cultural heritage. Every space — from the grand lobby to the private terraces of the 308 rooms, suites, and residences — has been curated with a seamless integration of comfort and beauty. The effect is subtle yet transformative; guests feel simultaneously enveloped by tradition and indulged by modern luxury.
This new chapter for Don Carlos Marbella extends far beyond aesthetics. It represents a holistic approach to high-end hospitality that places as much emphasis on well-being, gastronomy, and personalized service as it does on architectural splendor. The hotel’s rebirth comes at a time when luxury travelers are seeking experiences rather than mere stays — where each detail, from the thread count of the linens to the provenance of the olive oil at breakfast, is part of a curated narrative of indulgence.
For the traveler who seeks a resort that transcends the conventional, the Don Carlos offers a variety of experiences designed to satisfy the most refined tastes. Here, a day might begin with sunrise yoga on a private beachfront deck, followed by a leisurely breakfast featuring locally sourced Andalusian delicacies and international gourmet selections. The morning may be spent exploring the meticulously landscaped gardens or indulging in a bespoke spa treatment using Mediterranean botanicals. As the afternoon unfolds, the resort’s leisure offerings come alive — from lounging by an infinity pool that seems to merge with the sea to playing tennis at one of the most exclusive sports facilities in Europe.
Indeed, sport has taken a central role in this renaissance. The Don Carlos Marbella proudly houses the first Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre in Spain, and only the seventh in the world. More than a facility, it is a destination for those who appreciate excellence in athletic performance. Designed around the Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar methodology — developed through more than 15 years of elite competition — the centre features seven pristine clay courts, two ocean-view padel courts, and a fully equipped Pro Shop offering Nike and Babolat products. For players of all skill levels, from beginners to aspiring professionals, the centre offers tailored training programs that integrate advanced technology such as The Wingfield System — a groundbreaking analysis platform that provides real-time performance insights. It is a perfect embodiment of what the modern luxury resort should be: a place where world-class sport and indulgent leisure coexist harmoniously.
No luxury hotel of this caliber would be complete without a gastronomic vision to match its physical grandeur, and Don Carlos Marbella delivers with aplomb. Culinary excellence is embedded in its DNA, with a focus on authenticity, creativity, and the celebration of Mediterranean flavors. The reopening coincides with the debut of the Lucia Summer Club 2025, an exclusive pop-up by the Nikki Beach Hospitality Group. First introduced in Cannes, the Lucia brand has already garnered a reputation for its Cuisine du Soleil philosophy — a vibrant approach that celebrates sun-ripened ingredients, fresh seafood, and artisanal preparation. Guests at the Summer Club can savor seasonal dishes designed for relaxed poolside lunches or elegant seaside dining, all in a family-friendly atmosphere that reflects the resort’s inclusive spirit.
Looking ahead, the Lucia Marbella will open permanently in 2026, expanding into a full-scale beachfront destination with an evening restaurant designed to become one of Marbella’s most sought-after dining experiences. It will complement the property’s existing gastronomic repertoire, creating a diverse culinary journey that spans casual elegance to fine dining, each venue infused with the unmistakable rhythms of Mediterranean life.
The hotel’s commitment to well-being extends into every facet of the guest experience. For those seeking a luxury wellness retreat in Spain, the Don Carlos offers an array of programs combining fitness, nutrition, and holistic therapies. Guests can immerse themselves in restorative spa rituals, personalized training sessions, and mindfulness practices, all set against the calming backdrop of the sea. This integration of wellness into the core hospitality offering reflects a broader trend in the luxury hotel sector — one in which the pursuit of health and happiness is not an afterthought, but a defining element of the stay.
Equally notable is the way the Don Carlos Marbella weaves Andalusian heritage into its identity. Far from being a generic five-star resort, it tells the story of its location through design, art, cuisine, and service ethos. Local artisans contributed to the renovation, traditional craftsmanship is celebrated in decor, and the cultural heritage of the Costa del Sol is highlighted in guest experiences ranging from flamenco evenings to private guided tours of Marbella’s historic quarter. This connection to place gives the property a sense of authenticity that elevates it beyond the realm of transient luxury.
The investment in the property is also an investment in Marbella’s standing as a premier destination for high-net-worth travelers. Backed by the Selenta Group and Canadian fund Brookfield Asset Management, the renovation is part of a long-term vision to position the resort not just as a place to stay, but as a benchmark for international luxury hospitality. In doing so, the Don Carlos Marbella joins the ranks of the world’s most elite beachfront resorts — properties that combine location, heritage, innovation, and an unyielding commitment to excellence.
For seasoned travelers accustomed to private villas on the Amalfi Coast, luxury suites in Monaco, or spa retreats in Santorini, the Don Carlos Marbella offers something uniquely captivating: a Mediterranean escape that feels both grand and intimate, steeped in history yet unapologetically modern. Its rebirth signals not just the return of a beloved icon, but the emergence of a new standard for luxury hotels in Spain.
As the sun sets over the Costa del Sol, casting a golden hue across the gardens and illuminating the horizon, one understands why the Don Carlos has been cherished for generations. It is not merely a hotel, but a living expression of the art of hospitality — a place where every moment is considered, every detail deliberate, and every guest part of an unfolding story of elegance by the sea.
For those planning a luxury holiday in Marbella, whether drawn by the allure of the Mediterranean, the promise of world-class tennis, the seduction of gourmet dining, or the desire for a wellness retreat that balances body and soul, the Don Carlos Marbella now stands as a destination that delivers it all. It is more than a reopening; it is the beginning of a new era in Andalusian luxury, and an invitation to experience the Costa del Sol at its most refined.
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