There was a time when Marbella was another coastal townthere was nothing special about it. A time so far away that there are hardly any living witnesses of that era. Or, at least, those who preserve memories. Everything began to change more than 70 years ago, in the 1950s, when this town in Malaga became an oasis in a Spain under dictatorship in which the grey had erased the colours. The word ‘tourism’ was not in the dictionary of a country where half the population lived without knowing the sea. With one exception: the upper class, which always remains on another plane. In another reality. In an era in which poverty and hunger dominated the concerns of the worldly, The elite were eagerly looking for a place to spend the summers. Their wishes were fulfilled thanks to a German-Spanish nobleman and took the form of a hotel: the Marbella Club.
This story begins, like so many others, with love at first sight. The writings say that this aristocrat, Prince Alfonso of Hohenlohe-Langeburg, was captivated by the sunsets of the Costa del Sol and, while he was contemplating them, an idea took hold in his head: he wanted to live there. What’s more, He longed to make this little secret known to his circle. which he then treasured like a precious gem. He took care of him, pampered him… and exploited him. For his benefit, of course. What he probably didn’t imagine was that his whim would endure to the present day and that it would be the first stone that cemented the Marbella of luxury and excess. He marked an era, there is no doubt about that.
Although the passage of time has caused its shell to evolve, The essence of the Santa Margarita estate remains intact. And its motto, “elegant simplicity.” Or discreet luxury. The kind that has attracted celebrities of all ages: Ava Gardner, Grace Kelly, Liza Minelli… But also Julio Iglesias, Lady Gaga, Cristiano Ronaldo, Sean Connery and Ester Expósito. In its day, it was a prolific 18-hectare pine and fig farm. From there it became a exclusive accommodation with 20 rooms, two of them of a higher category. And it continued to grow until it offers 130, including 17 villas with up to six rooms.
Of course, by definition, It is not suitable for all budgetsso much so that prices for the last weekend in August rise to 4,000 euros. Those willing to pay this amount will receive in exchange access to an exclusive 90-square-metre suite with views of the gardens, with its own terrace, separate lounge and airport transfer included. All to guarantee maximum relaxation and minimum worries. Guests can also, of course, enjoy the rest of the hotel’s services: two swimming pools, six bars, a beach club, a spa, a gym and 50 hectares of gardens They are a true paradise for lovers of botany (and good food): more than 300 varieties of plants and a hundred species of ancestral tomatoes grow there.
Three parties and a phone
Finca Margarita has always prided itself on being resilient. Perhaps that was the secret ingredient to its success. If its clients wanted a party, its promoters organised up to three a week. If in Covid times the jet set yearns for a place that serves almost as a second home, the Marbella Club has come up with a plan to do so. attract workers who can carry out their work remotely. Who hasn’t dreamed of moving their office to a facility with its own social club?
Although nowadays it is not so common for users who do not spend the night in their walls to sneak into their facilities, in their first years of operation it was the most normal thing. The reason is simple: they had one of the few public telephones in the region. And it was accessible to both residents and visitors. There was, however, one sign that distinguished the former from the latter: Alfonso de Hohenlohe encouraged his guests to walk barefoot around the premises. And ties were in the closet.
There was only one forbidden profession, a ‘tradition’ that remains. paparazzi They are still not welcome at the Marbella Club. If they weren’t, Brigitte Bardot probably wouldn’t have dropped by the Champagne Club, Audrey Hepburn wouldn’t have gone to the pristine beach for a picnic, and Elizabeth Taylor wouldn’t have dared to sunbathe topless.
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