Private terraces
Rooms & Suites
Light-filled rooms and junior suites with thoughtful interiors and their own outdoor space.
Marbella, Spain
The hotel that put Marbella on the map, still set in the gardens of an old Andalusian finca beside the Mediterranean.
Takumians privileges when you book with usthe hotel
In 1946 Prince Max von Hohenlohe drove through southern Spain and stopped at a quiet stretch of coast. His son, Prince Alfonso, bought the old finca of Santa Margarita the following year, and in 1954 opened the Marbella Club with 20 bedrooms, a dining room and a bar in the farmhouse. Within a decade it was the Mediterranean address for Europe’s jet set.
Seventy years on, the spirit is the same. Low whitewashed buildings sit among gardens of more than 300 plant and flower varieties, sheltered by the Sierra Blanca mountains and warmed by more than 320 days of sunshine a year. The hotel calls its style elegant simplicity, and it suits the place perfectly.
It works for almost everyone: villas with private pools for families, a Kids Club that children talk about for years, an adults-only garden pool, and a seawater spa for anyone who wants to slow right down.
“Marbella's original grand hotel, and at its best for families and groups travelling together: villas with room to spread out, a properly thought-through Kids Club, and the gardens at Finca Ana María for a quiet hour to yourself.”
Liv x
why we love it
Opened in 1954 by Prince Alfonso von Hohenlohe on the old Santa Margarita finca, and a favourite of the 1960s jet set.
More than 300 plant and flower varieties, jasmine-scented courtyards and an orange grove, all in a sheltered microclimate.
Two to four bedrooms, villa kitchens and hand-painted tiles. The Grand Villas add a private entrance and a dedicated Villa Host.
Ten gardens created with Louis Albert de Broglie, an adults-only pool for guests over 16 and El Olivar's garden-led menu.
Cooking with the wellness chef, perfume-making with garden herbs, paddle surfing, a teepee and a treehouse.
A seawater pool at the heart of the spa, a Reformer Pilates studio and a yoga deck overlooking the Mediterranean.
where you’ll sleep
Andalusian design, private terraces and, in the villas, private pools. We'll match you with the right one.
Private terraces
Light-filled rooms and junior suites with thoughtful interiors and their own outdoor space.
One-of-a-kind
A collection of individual suites that feel as discreet as a private residence, such as the Suite Conde Rudi.
Generous outdoor space
A soothing natural palette, artisanal textures and plenty of room to spread out, including La Concha Suite.
2 to 4 bedrooms · private pool
Expansive living spaces, villa kitchens, hand-painted tiles and organic linens. Ideal for families.
Private entrance · Villa Host
Discreet retreats at the heart of the resort, with flower-filled gardens, private pools and a dedicated Villa Host.
eat & drink
From sardines grilled on the beach to dinner by firelight under the pines.
All-day dining
A jasmine-covered courtyard for coffee, long lunches, aperitifs and Galician oysters, all year round.
Dinner
A candlelit terrace among the pines, with time-tested recipes cooked over a crackling fire.
Chiringuito
Blue-and-white beach dining with sardinas al espeto and long, sangria-filled lunches.
By the sea
A 1950s Acapulco-inspired palapa for lounging by the pool and the sea.
Cocktails
Pre-dinner drinks in a jasmine-scented orange grove, with piano and live music.
Bar & lounge
A bohemian lounge with a fireplace, champagne, tapas, backgammon and live music.
Adults only
A plant-led menu at Finca Ana María that changes daily with the gardens.
Wine bar
A candlelit patio and cherrywood library of local wines and rare vintages.
Poolside
Garden salads, grilled fish and dishes to share in the sunshine.
Bakery
An artisan bakery for slow breakfasts and afternoon merienda.
spa, family & activities
Wellness
A seawater pool, personalised treatments, Pilates, yoga, and fresh juices from the organic gardens.
Family
For ages 4 to 14, open 10:00 to 18:00 daily, with evening activities three nights a week.
Golf & riding
A championship course about 20 minutes away in Benahavís, with the Equestrian Centre on the same estate.
Sport
Tennis and padel courts, plus kayaking, paddleboarding and sailing on the Mediterranean.
Pools & beach
Pools heated to between 27°C and 29°C all year, complimentary sun loungers and Balinese day beds.
Sustainability
Certified by Positive Luxury, powered by 100% renewable energy and home to a seahorse conservation project.
book with liv& travel
Liv& Travel is a member of Takumians by Traveller Made, a community of independent luxury travel designers. Book your stay with us and you'll enjoy our partner privileges at no extra cost.
Privileges vary by hotel and are confirmed when you book. Upgrades, early check-in and late check-out are subject to availability.
Enquire about a staythe details
Very. The Kids Club welcomes children aged 4 to 14 every day from 10:00 to 18:00, with evening activities on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Babysitting can be arranged, and the villas give families plenty of space.
Yes. The pool at Finca Ana María is for resident guests over 16, and El Olivar next to it is adults only.
The hotel's own Marbella Club Golf Resort is about 20 minutes away in Benahavís. The Equestrian Centre is on the same estate, with a complimentary shuttle for riding lessons.
Yes. The hotel sits in a sheltered microclimate with more than 320 days of sunshine a year, the pools are heated all year and the Kids Club stays open.
Our Takumians privileges, which can include an upgrade and early check-in or late check-out subject to availability, a welcome amenity and VIP recognition. We'll confirm exactly what applies to your dates when you book.
get in touch
Tell us your dates and who's travelling, and we'll find the right room or villa and add our privileges to your stay.
Start a conversationDiscreet. Personal. No obligation.
ATOL protected
Travel advice: The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has up-to-date advice on health and safety across the globe, as well as local laws, and passport and visa information. Please check travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and follow @FCDOtravelGovUK and Facebook.com/FCDOtravel regularly for updates ahead of travel, as the advice can change.
