Marbella: going from international to global

Marbella came a long way since her first resorts were built in 40s and 50s.  Years of famous and glamorous visitors as Hollywood stars, European aristocrats and royals of Saudi Arabia placed Marbella & Puerto Banus among well – established  European jet-set destinations. Since inauguration of International Airport Malaga Costa del Sol allowed unceasing crowds of international holidaymakers, second home buyers and expats attracted by high quality of coastal living.

High density of foreigners with the big spending power did not escape the attention of foreign capital and various international luxury brand and chains established themselves on Costa del Sol throughout the years offering services in the area of luxury goods shopping, tourism, health and education among others.

To mention some of the most interesting we could start with the Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group Kempinski Hotels with more than 120 years of history and tradition whose portfolio includes now more than 31 countries has been present in Costa del Sol since 1999. Kempinski hotel Bahía Estepona is located right on the beach just few minutes driving from the historical centre of Estepona and short drive from Marbella and Puerto Banús.

We cannot omit the Nikki Beach – international hospitality company who invented the concept of a luxury beach club with locations in Miami, Monaco, Dubai and more. Since 2003 her unique concept that combines the elements of music , dining, entertainment, fashion, film and art can be enjoyed by visitors and inhabitants of Costa del Sol. Marbella location right on the white sandy beach of Marbella East offers swimming pool with VIP beds, open air restaurant, octagon-shaped bar, lifestyle boutique and exclusive lounge.

One of the unique places worth to mention is Buchinger Wilhelmi clinic – a clinic of German origins specialized in therapeutic fasting programs and wide range of therapies combining the best of Western medicine and alternative knowledge. The clinic, recognized by the most exclusive clientele of international actors, writers, fashion designers and businessmen chose to open her second branch right in Marbella already in  1973, well before such healing methods were known in Spain.

Costa del Sol counts with a wide offer of international schools, primary, secondary and college and it can also praise itself with the presence of the Les Roches Marbella International School of Hotel Management. International campus located in Sierra Blanca, one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in Marbella opened its doors in 1995. Swiss institution is ranked in the top three of Swiss and also worldwide hotel management universities. Les Roches Marbella provides education for students of 80 different nationalities and is also present in Switzerland, USA and China.

The most important and the most waited for opening this year in Marbella was Nobu restaurant and hotel. The global luxury brand founded by Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert de Niro and Meir Teper operating in five continents finally arrived to Marbella. Golden Mille located Nobu hospitality includes “ new style “ Japanese cuisine with South American influence, famous cocktails in Nobu lounge, accommodation in suites with rain-fall showers and furnished terraces, La Suite Night club and six senses spa with Nobu signatures treatments.

The presence of such a strong, international awards winning, global brand  strengthens the image of Marbella as the worldwide recognized glamorous destination and might inspire more luxury global brands to follow. And it is already happening. Finally Marbella has started to attract the biggest global brands.

An important luxurious opening in Marbella has been planned for the July 2019. French group Club Med which operates 70 hotels in 26 international destinations is busy remodeling the Don Miguel hotel and ready to return to Spain to make it’s Marbella location the company’s flagship in the country.

The arrival of Hotels Worldwide (W), the another strong global hotel chain has been announced as well and scheduled to open in 2021. It will be located in the golden sands of Playa Real de Zaragoza just short drive from downtown Marbella. The hotel will feature a vibrant bar and a signature restaurant, a spa complete with a beauty salon and juice bar; state-of-the-art workout facility; and two pool decks.  W Marbella will provide five ultra-modern meeting rooms along with a covered terrace, measuring more than 10,000 square feet, ideal for outdoor parties and events.

Other prestigious brands like Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental and Ritz Carlton are also interested to come and will be announcing their planes for their openings soon.

Such revolutionary announcements keep confirming that Marbella is the destination worth of continues investments on global level and are marking the beginning of the new era for the Costa del Sol.  Marbella, because of her climate, security and infrastructure has a chance to be included among the most important world destinations such as Miami, Cote D’Azur, London or New York.