Celebrating over 70 years as the Costa del Sol’s most glamorous address, Marbella Club Hotel continues to embody the effortless elegance that made it a magnet for European aristocracy and Hollywood stars. This legendary beachfront resort, founded by Prince Alfonso von Hohenlohe in 1954, maintains its position as Marbella’s most exclusive retreat, where Andalusian charm meets international sophistication in a setting that has defined luxury on the Spanish coast for generations.
A Living Legend on the Golden Mile
The Marbella Club’s story is inseparable from the transformation of the Costa del Sol from fishing villages to international playground. Prince Alfonso’s vision of creating a private club for friends evolved into a resort that set the standard for Mediterranean luxury. Today, the property stretches along Marbella’s Golden Mile, with lush subtropical gardens creating an oasis of tranquility just minutes from both the vibrant Puerto Banús and the historic charm of Marbella’s old town.
The resort’s design philosophy remains true to its origins – low-rise Andalusian-style buildings that blend seamlessly with the landscape, creating the feeling of a private estate rather than a hotel. Winding paths lead through gardens filled with jasmine, bougainvillea, and ancient olive trees, past fountains and quiet courtyards that provide intimate spaces for relaxation and reflection.
Accommodations: From Rooms to Villas
The Marbella Club offers 131 rooms, suites, and villas, each designed to provide a private sanctuary with distinctive character. Garden rooms nestle among the subtropical plantings, offering terraces or balconies that open onto this verdant paradise. Sea-facing rooms and suites provide views across the Mediterranean to the African coast, visible on clear days. The design throughout combines traditional Andalusian elements – terracotta floors, wooden beams, local ceramics – with contemporary luxuries and technology.
The villa collection represents the pinnacle of privacy and luxury, ranging from two to six bedrooms with private pools, gardens, and dedicated staff. Villa del Mar, the former home of Prince Alfonso, offers beachfront living with historical significance, while the hilltop villas provide spectacular sea views and complete seclusion. These residences feature full kitchens, multiple living areas, and outdoor spaces designed for the Mediterranean lifestyle of seamless indoor-outdoor living.
Culinary Traditions and Innovation
Dining at the Marbella Club reflects both its international heritage and deep Spanish roots. The Beach Club restaurant, set on the sand just steps from the Mediterranean, serves fresh seafood and Mediterranean classics in a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. Here, long lunches merge into sunset dinners, with live music creating the perfect soundtrack for beachfront dining.
The Grill presents a more formal dining experience, with premium meats and fresh catches prepared with Spanish flair. MC Café brings all-day dining to the garden setting, perfect for leisurely breakfasts or light lunches between pool and beach. The Japanese restaurant adds an international dimension, with expert sushi chefs creating both traditional and fusion dishes. Throughout all venues, the wine list showcases Spain’s finest vintages alongside international selections, with sommeliers on hand to guide pairings.
The Marbella Club Golf Resort
The Marbella Club Golf Resort, designed by Dave Thomas, provides an 18-hole championship course in the hills above Marbella. This challenging yet playable course offers spectacular views of the Mediterranean and surrounding mountains, with each hole presenting unique challenges and rewards. The clubhouse combines traditional Spanish architecture with modern facilities, including a pro shop, practice areas, and dining venues.
The Golf Academy offers instruction for all levels, with PGA professionals providing individual and group lessons. The practice facilities include a driving range, putting greens, and short game areas. The resort’s location in the “Golf Valley” means easy access to dozens of other prestigious courses, making it an ideal base for golfing holidays on the Costa del Sol.
Wellness and Thalasso Spa
The Marbella Club Thalasso Spa brings the healing properties of the sea to a tranquil beachfront setting. This comprehensive wellness facility offers treatments using seawater and marine products, recognized for their therapeutic benefits. The spa features indoor and outdoor treatment areas, hydrotherapy pools, saunas, steam rooms, and a state-of-the-art fitness center with personal training services.
Treatment menus combine traditional thalassotherapy with modern wellness approaches, including anti-aging facials, therapeutic massages, and body treatments using local ingredients like olive oil and citrus. The spa’s holistic programs address specific health goals, from detox to stress management, with personalized protocols developed by wellness experts. Yoga and Pilates classes take place in dedicated studios or on the beach, allowing guests to maintain fitness routines in inspiring settings.
Kids Club and Family Experiences
While maintaining its sophisticated atmosphere, the Marbella Club warmly welcomes families with facilities and programs designed for younger guests. The Kids Club offers supervised activities that blend fun with education, from Spanish language lessons to cooking classes featuring local specialties. The children’s pool provides safe water play, while the beach offers sandcastle building and water sports appropriate for different ages.
Family villas with multiple bedrooms and private pools allow togetherness with privacy, while babysitting services enable parents to enjoy romantic dinners or spa treatments. The resort’s location provides easy access to family attractions including water parks, adventure parks, and cultural sites that bring Spanish history to life. This balance of adult sophistication and family friendliness has made the Marbella Club a favorite for multi-generational holidays.
The Marbella Lifestyle
What distinguishes the Marbella Club is not just its facilities but the lifestyle it represents. Days flow at a leisurely pace, from morning swims in the sea to long lunches under beach umbrellas, afternoon siestas in garden hammocks to elegant dinners under the stars. The resort’s beach club maintains the glamorous yet relaxed atmosphere that made Marbella famous, with attentive service that anticipates needs without intruding.
The concierge team arranges experiences that showcase the best of Andalusia, from flamenco performances in private cortijos to yacht charters along the coast. Day trips explore white villages in the mountains, sherry bodegas in Jerez, or the cultural treasures of Granada and Córdoba. Yet many guests find that the resort itself provides everything needed for a perfect holiday – proof that after seven decades, the Marbella Club still defines luxury on the Costa del Sol.