The Costa del Sol is famous for its warm and sunny climate, as well as its exceptional hotels. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the unique Marbella Club Hotel. To mark the round anniversary, the owners have prepared a new strategy and presented development plans for the next few years of operation.
Symbol of Marbella
The Marbella Club has been a symbol of luxury on the Costa del Sol for many years. The hotel has hosted representatives of aristocratic families, Hollywood stars, artists, billionaires, people of business, science and culture. It is worth mentioning that it was here, in sunny Marbella, that among others, rested: Brigitte Bardot, Audrey Hepburn, Ava Gardner, Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, Julio Iglesias, Kim Novak, Liza Minelli, James Stewart or Sean Connery.
A lavish celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Marbella Club was inaugurated in April. Its history began in 1946, initiated by Prince Alfonso de Hohenlohe-Langenburg. He fell in love with Magarita, whom he met during a trip to his father’s palace. He arrived here in the symbol of the time, a Rolls-Royce Phantom, and the journey was to learn about the specifics of life and leisure on the Mediterranean coast. The visit is said to have inspired him to build the hotel, which remains a symbol of luxury to this day.
The origins of the Marbella Club
Prince Alfonso de Hohenlohe-Langenburg decided to purchase a rural farm in Marbella, full of figs and pine trees, which became the family’s Mediterranean home until 1954, at which time the Marbella Club Hotel was created from an oasis of peace and relaxation for the princely family. At that time, it was decided to expand the relaxation areas with additional new spaces and suites, and the hotel’s surroundings were sought to beautify and develop. The experience gained by the prince during his studies in the United States allowed for the creation of a tropical garden and landscaping, which gave rise to today’s villas – very similar in appearance to those found, for example, in California.
In the spring of 1954, the Marbella Club Hotel began operations. After the lavish opening, Prince Alfonso began to travel all over Europe to promote the new establishment. He entrusted the management of the hotel to his cousin, Count Rudolf von Schönburg, who was married to Princess Maria Luisa of Prussia. Rudolf’s collaboration with Alfonso led to the creation of an iconic location, and a dream hotel – surrounded by botanical gardens with more than 300 varieties of plants – appeared on the Costa del Sol. The beach club, on the other hand, offers specialities of Mediterranean cuisine.
A magnet for celebrities and aristocrats
As the current owners of the property confirm, the last 70 years have seen the five-star hotel become a favourite holiday destination for representatives of the European aristocracy and Hollywood stars. In recent years, the kings of Sweden or Spain’s long-standing King Juan Carlos, among others, have enjoyed a stay there.
The hotel has also been visited by well-known celebrities – such as Lady Gaga, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lenny Kravitz and Valeria Mazza. However, what sets the Marbella Club apart is the protection of the privacy of guests spending their dream holiday here. They have 131 rooms at their disposal, including 17 villas with up to six bedrooms, which can be priced up to €28,000 in high season. The property offers guests two swimming pools and as many as seven restaurants. The pier overlooking the sea is also unique.
Marbella Club’s ambitious plans
But that’s not all, and the 70th anniversary is an opportunity to showcase the hotel’s development plans. The owners announce that the 50-hectare gardens will soon be added to the attractions. The former home of the von Bismarck family will also be developed as a relaxation area. According to the announcements, the expansion is expected to take five years.
The original gardens of the Marbella Club Hotel will be preserved, while the natural ecosystem will be developed. There will be an orchard, which will grow more than 100 new plant varieties, and a natural acacia maze will be arranged. There will be an astronomical observatory for lovers of starry skies, and a bird-watching centre and glamping facilities for avifauna enthusiasts.
