Cristina Carulla Studio breathes new life into the legendary Kimpton Los Monteros Marbella, blending 70s glamour with Mediterranean soul in a sun-soaked renovation that redefines relaxed luxury on the Costa del Sol…
In a glorious revival worthy of its jet-set legacy, the iconic Hotel Kimpton Los Monteros in Marbella has unveiled a radiant transformation under the artful direction of Cristina Carulla Studio – and it’s every bit the sun-drenched, retro-infused dream one could hope for. A paean to the golden days of the Costa del Sol, this luminous makeover reimagines 1970s glamour for the modern bon vivant, infusing heritage with hedonism, and elegance with effortless ease.
From the moment one steps inside, the reimagined interiors whisper tales of poolside martinis and Mediterranean escapades, capturing the spirit of an eternal summer in every carefully curated detail. Carulla’s vision is clear: a sensory embrace of nostalgia and novelty, where the scent of sea salt seems to linger in the air and the warmth of Marbella’s famed sunsets is etched into the very walls.
Image credit: IHG
Drawing from the vintage hues and silhouettes of the decade that defined resort chic, the design balances a retro vocabulary with the clean sophistication of the present. Think linen-draped furnishings, bamboo and raffia textures, and sun-bleached ceramics placed effortlessly alongside geometric mid-century pieces and custom-woven rugs. Every corner speaks of relaxed luxury – understated, sun-kissed, and impossibly stylish.
With 195 rooms spanning eight distinct categories, from the breezy Essential to the opulent Marbella Suite, each space exudes its own subtle narrative. Whether you’re gazing over lush gardens from a private terrace or stretching out beneath soft, neutral-toned walls lit by Mediterranean light, the ambience is one of calm confidence and cultivated charm.
Elsewhere, the corridors, far from being mere passageways, have been transformed into curated miniature art galleries, punctuated by contemporary works that inject personality and guide guests through the 1,180 square metres of cleverly zoned space. These visual breadcrumbs, vibrant and refined, help weave the story of a hotel that is as much a cultural homage as it is a coastal retreat.
Image credit: IHG
At its heart, the new Kimpton Los Monteros is a confident and creative nod to Costa del Sol – not the one merely found in postcards, but the one that lives in memories.
With Cristina Carulla’s signature touch, this transformation effortlessly captures a way of life – one where design meets emotion and every element, from the curve of a chair to the hue of a sunset-inspired wall, invites you to slow down, breathe deeply and savour the moment.
> Since you’re here, why not read our round-up of the design hotels in Lake Como?
Main image credit: IHG
