For much of its history, Marbella, Spain, has been one of those fantastical realms -- an enchanted escape, like Xanadu or Shangri-La -- where the fortunate frolic along the Costa del Sol in Andalusian bliss.
There's a common belief among locals that "everyone knows Marbella," which holds some degree of truth. I first encountered the Marbella vibe as a university student in the South of France during an era when the jet set congregated seasonally on this slice of Southern Spain's Andalusia region along the Mediterranean coast.
Originally opened in 1969 by Conrad Hilton, the Don Carlos tower has become an iconic feature of the Marbella skyline. Photo Credit: Don Carlos Marbella
One of Marbella's most iconic hotels is the former Hotel Don Carlos, now named the Don Carlos Marbella. Originally opened in 1969 by Conrad Hilton, the property recently completed a multiyear, $55 million renovation.
In keeping with Marbella's reputation for extravagant nightlife, its reopening night party welcomed more than 700 guests into a tropical floral wonderland while flamenco dancers, singers and brass bands entertained from a stage that straddled the pool. Guests mingled between Champagne bars and dessert buffets, and danced beneath a galaxy of mirror balls and chandeliers.
"This reopening represents the rebirth of an icon of the Costa del Sol," said long-time Marbella resident and general manager Jorge Manzur during the event. "Don Carlos is embarking on a new chapter and now, more than ever, you can feel the Spanish touch, the Andalusian flavor."
The lay of the land
With nearly five acres of lush foliage, the tropical gardens at Don Carlos Marbella are a natural refuge. Photo Credit: Don Carlos Marbella
Less than 7 miles from Marbella's Old Town, the expansive resort is nestled between mountains and the Alboran Sea. The hotel's original 14-story tower is flanked by two four-story wings that face onto nearly 5 acres of tropical gardens. Early in the afternoon, I headed down to the sea, wandering along the landscaped walkways lined by lily pad ponds and bubbling brooks fed by waterfalls.
The resort's gardens serve as a buffer zone between the buzz of the beach clubs and the effortless elegance of the hotel's bars and restaurants. Daily outdoor yoga classes are conducted amid a grove of palm trees. Midway between the hotel and the sea is the brand-new Rafa Nadal Tennis Center, created and managed by Spain's legendary tennis pro.
The world-class sports center offers seven clay courts, two sea-view padel courts and Wingfield System technology, all with a focus on a player's technical, tactical, physical and mental development. There's also a casual Mediterranean restaurant known as Break Point with perfect sightlines onto the courts.
The resort's two beach clubs, Nikki Beach Marbella and Lucia Marbella, open onto Elviria, one of the region's most beautiful beaches. Lunch at Lucia is marked by Andalusian specialties such as gazpacho, grilled octopus and fried seafood with wedges of lemon. Around the pool, there's a chill cocktail vibe that heralds the night ahead.
"At Don Carlos, you can have it all in one concept: a destination within a destination," said Adrian Castellano Moreno, senior sales manager for the hotel. "The quiet of nature in the gardens, sports at the tennis center and the social life at the beach clubs and restaurants."
The Don Carlos Marbella's makeover
Interior designer Jaime Beriestain created a floral motif throughout the hotel that honors the Andalusian shawls of the region's flamenco dancers. Photo Credit: Don Carlos Marbella
Indeed, there's a dolce vita vibe in Marbella that reminds me of Miami, so it's hardly a surprise to learn that Marbella and Miami Beach are sister cities. On a tour into Old Town, our guide, Javier, reminded us that "Marbella is about quality of life, and there's a huge expat community here, with many international schools for children."
At an olive oil tasting at D'Oliva, we learned that most locals take a shot of olive oil in the morning, which might well be one reason for the pervasive sense of wellbeing among Marbellis.
The redesign of Don Carlos Marbella taps into that laidback luxury often associated with seaside resorts. A huge glass wall allows natural light into the open lobby that flows from reception into a Champagne and sherry bar and lounge, onto the various restaurants.
Interior designer Jaime Beriestain has created an airy interior conservatory filled with floral bouquets and tropical plants. The walls are decorated in a botanical motif derived from the Andalusian shawls of flamenco dancers.
Premium rooms at the Don Carlos Marbella measure approximately 430 square feet and feature a private terrace with panoramic views of the sea. Photo Credit: Don Carlos Marbella
The hotel's 284 light-filled rooms and suites are furnished with upholstered sofas and chairs complemented by marble tables in a soothing palette of teal blue, cream and celadon. Marble bathrooms feature rainforest showers and double sinks with toiletries by Natura Bisse.
On the private terrace, there's a sumptuous divan on which to enjoy panoramic views of the water. Breakfast is served at Los Naranjos, where a tented salon opens onto an airy terrace with tropical birds and orange trees.
Night at the Manero
In the evening, I watched the night unfold in the courtyard of Manero Marbella. Those who know Manero's flagship restaurant in Madrid know that Manero is as much a lifestyle as it is a restaurant, marked by an infectious musical beat that defies the night to end.
More than a restaurant, Manero is an epicurean experience that offers three unique spaces: bistro, terrace and cocktail lounge. Photo Credit: Don Carlos Marbella
Manero Marbella's opening-night party was an intoxicating cocktail of Manero celebrants and entertainers mixed with soulful music -- and a Campari bar and buckets of Champagne for additional effervescence.
For guests seeking a therapeutic experience, Don Carlos Marbella offers a spa with a water circuit and pool, all of which are alongside the resort's one- and two-bedroom villas, known as the Residences.
Blessed with natural beauty, Marbella honors its etymology, and the rebirth of Don Carlos Marbella is a testament to the ongoing allure of the Costa del Sol and Andalusia.
A member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Don Carlos Marbella is approximately 30 minutes from Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport, which offers direct flights from New Jersey's Newark Liberty Airport.