The sun-soaked shores of Marbella have welcomed a stunning transformation as the Kimpton Los Monteros Hotel unveils its completely redesigned public spaces, courtesy of Barcelona-based interior architecture studio EL EQUIPO CREATIVO. Following their successful debut with Spain’s first Kimpton Hotel in Barcelona, the acclaimed design team has crafted a sophisticated homage to Andalusian culture with an unexpected ’70s twist.
A Love Letter to Andalusia
The renovation draws deep inspiration from Marbella’s rich cultural tapestry, weaving together the region’s lush Mediterranean landscapes, vibrant artistic heritage, and the poetic beauty that has long captivated visitors to this corner of Spain. The design celebrates the interplay of Andalusia’s signature elements: verdant greens from the landscape, brilliant blues from sea and sky, and the golden warmth of Mediterranean sunlight.
Adding an artistic dimension, the influence of Pablo Picasso—Málaga’s most famous son—permeates throughout the spaces. His legacy appears in bold curves, striking color contrasts, and innovative ceramic craftsmanship, all given a contemporary interpretation that feels both familiar and fresh.
Retro Glamour Meets Timeless Elegance
What sets this renovation apart is its clever incorporation of ’70s design elements that honor the building’s original architecture from that era. Geometric patterns, built-in niches, and dramatic light-filtering features create a cohesive narrative that bridges past and present.
The lobby welcomes guests with hand-painted Picasso-inspired murals against crisp white Mediterranean backgrounds, while wooden elements and colorful ’70s-influenced furnishings create the atmosphere of an art enthusiast’s sophisticated home. The lounges and library continue this theme with bold carpets, crafted objects, and flexible wooden sliding elements that offer varying levels of privacy.
Spaces That Tell Stories
Each area of the hotel has been thoughtfully reimagined. The original Andalusian patio, enhanced with lush vegetation and a sculptural water feature, serves as the property’s beating heart. The pool area embraces organic, topography-inspired design with multi-level platforms and the standout Costa Club Pool Bar, featuring terracotta tiles and a wooden pergola that creates playful shadow patterns. The iconic Azul Bar, a Marbella institution since 1962, has been refreshed with a striking blue theme and 3D ceramic central bar, while large hand-painted murals featuring Picasso-inspired feminine forms create intimate, artful corners throughout the space. Jara Restaurant offers a garden-like dining experience with green ceramic tiles and traditional Andalusian patterns in blues and yellows, while the show-stopping Escondido rooftop bar presents a bold interpretation of ’70s Mediterranean chic across stepped platforms that offer both casual day vibes and sophisticated evening experiences.
Honoring Heritage, Embracing Innovation
The renovation succeeds in maintaining a delicate balance between preserving the building’s architectural heritage and infusing it with contemporary energy. EL EQUIPO CREATIVO has created spaces that feel authentically rooted in Marbella’s artistic and cultural legacy while offering the refined, welcoming experience that modern luxury travelers expect.
This thoughtful approach to design—one that celebrates local identity while embracing bold, contemporary expression—positions the reimagined Kimpton Los Monteros as both a tribute to Andalusian heritage and a vibrant destination for the next generation of Mediterranean hospitality.
Photo credit: Veerle Evens via v2com
