Kimpton Los Monteros Marks Brand’s Entry into Spain’s High-End Resort Market
Marbella’s Renowned Hotel Is Reborn — And It Is Even Better Than Before
Once known as a glamorous Mediterranean hideaway for the jet set of the 1960s and ’70s, Hotel Los Monteros in Marbella has now entered a new chapter. Under the stewardship of IHG’s Kimpton brand, the reimagined Kimpton Los Monteros manages the rare feat of honoring its storied past while boldly stepping into the future. Combining architectural reverence, retro-chic aesthetics, and forward-thinking hospitality, this five-star property just minutes from Marbella’s golden beaches is poised to reclaim its status as one of southern Spain’s most iconic addresses.
First Impressions: A Heritage Hotel With a Contemporary Pulse
From the moment you step inside, it’s clear that this is no generic resort renovation. The team behind the transformation — led by Barcelona’s acclaimed El Equipo Creativo — has preserved original details like the Andalusian courtyard and lush gardens, while introducing bold geometric motifs, vibrant colors, and art book-lined lounges that evoke the cultural optimism of the 1970s. It feels more like a private members’ club for aesthetes and creatives than a typical hotel lobby — elegant, tactile and unmistakably Mediterranean.
Rooms That Feel More Like Residences
Kimpton Los Monteros offers 195 rooms and suites, spread across four low-rise buildings designed for both privacy and connection. Some include duplex layouts or sea views, while all rooms feature thoughtful touches like Diptyque amenities, yoga mats, beach paddles, and an artful mix of mid-century and contemporary furnishings curated by Cristina Carulla Studio.
The design is immersive but never overwhelming. The yellow-accented headboards, terrazzo details, and ceiling fans are all nods to the past — but the high-speed Wi-Fi, eco-conscious lighting and soundproofing firmly root the hotel in the now.
The Pool Scene: Refined, Not Rowdy
Centered around a long, palm-lined pool, the hotel’s outdoor space is designed to invite relaxation while maintaining its sense of occasion. There’s a sense of subtle theater here — striped loungers, lemon-yellow parasols, and curated playlists from the Costa Club pool bar create a setting where leisure feels like an art form. It’s not hard to imagine a young Sean Connery or Brigitte Bardot reclining here with a cocktail in hand. Today, guests are more likely to be well-traveled professionals and discerning couples — but the glamor still lingers in the air.
Dining: A Michelin-Caliber Culinary Journey
Under the direction of José Carlos García, one of Málaga’s most renowned chefs, the hotel’s gastronomic offering is a standout. Azul, a revamped version of the hotel’s historic bar, offers elevated Andalusian small plates and a breezy terrace ideal for aperitivos. The menu is local, relaxed, and executed with quiet precision — think anchovy toasts, ensaladilla with shrimp and fine local wines.
The flagship restaurant, Jara, shifts the focus to product-driven fine dining, with seasonal ingredients and minimal intervention. Highlights included Estepona clams with garlic and parsley and carabineros with Huelva chorizo and sobrasada — dishes that tell a story of place through exceptional sourcing and elegant restraint.
Escondido, the hotel’s rooftop bar and pool with panoramic sea views. With a Mexico-meets-Mediterranean concept, it promises to be Marbella’s must-visit venue for sunset cocktails and elevated fusion bites.
Wellness and Experience: Designed for Today’s Luxury Traveler
True to the Kimpton ethos of casual luxury, the wellness offering at Los Monteros is expansive but unpretentious. A glass-walled gym overlooks lush gardens, and a multi-floor spa that includes treatments by Maison Codage, offering personalised skincare experiences. Add to that outdoor yoga, tennis courts, and easy access to local golf courses and the hotel effortlessly positions itself as both a base for exploration and a haven for relaxation.
Guests are also able to access La Cabane by Dolce & Gabbana, a nearby beach club relaunching under the creative direction of the Italian fashion house, with a Mediterranean menu by Dani García.
Service: Hospitality With a Personal Touch
What elevates Kimpton Los Monteros beyond its competitors is the attentiveness and authenticity of its staff. The tone is warm, conversational and genuinely interested — without ever crossing into performative territory. The General Manager and Guest Relations team have instilled a culture that feels more like hosting friends than managing guests. A standout moment? The daily Social Hour at 5 p.m., where hotel staff mingle with guests over complimentary wine or cocktails in the courtyard. It’s a simple gesture, but one that invites connection and familiarity, rare qualities in large-scale luxury hospitality.
A Hotel That Welcomes All — Even the Four-Legged Kind
Kimpton is famously pet-friendly, and Los Monteros takes this to heart. Dogs are welcome in nearly all areas of the hotel (pool excluded, for obvious reasons) and enjoy their own menu, amenities, and even room service. It’s not just accepted — it is celebrated.
A Marbella Icon Reborn for a New Generation
Kimpton Los Monteros is more than just a well-executed renovation — it is a thoughtful revival of a cultural landmark, one that captures both the golden-era spirit of Marbella and the expectations of today’s luxury traveler.
Design-savvy, gastronomically ambitious and rooted in genuine hospitality, the hotel offers something increasingly rare in a crowded market: a sense of soul. For those seeking a destination that combines heritage with innovation — and where style never comes at the cost of substance — Kimpton Los Monteros is not just worth visiting. It’s worth returning to.
Pointers to know:
Location: 400 meters from the beach, 8-minute drive to Marbella center
Rooms: 195, including duplexes and suites
Wellness: Spa, gym, outdoor yoga, golf & tennis access
Pet Policy: Very pet-friendly, with amenities and room service
Visit kimptonhotels.com to discover more.
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