Marbella in Colour: Kimpton Los Monteros Reimagines Mediterranean Glamour
Reborn with vibrant hues and contemporary elegance, Kimpton Los Monteros brings a storied past into the present on Spain’s iconic Costa del Sol.
On Spain’s sparkling Costa del Sol, in the vibrant and storied beach city of Marbella, where the elite have gone to relax for decades and luxury is a given, a new five-star hotel brings an extra splash of elegant colour to the Mediterranean.
Originally opened in 1962 and recently revitalized under the Kimpton brand after a major renovation, Kimpton Los Monteros captures the vibrant soul of Marbella across the rooms, restaurants, and vast public areas, a bright and bold embodiment of the Mediterranean ethos that takes cues from the region’s lifestyle and the city’s golden years in the 1970s. Spacious and sun-soaked accommodations designed by Cristina Carulla range from the classic 280-square-foot rooms to expansive 1,300-square-foot two-bedroom suites with large terraces that enjoy stunning ocean views.
Barcelona-based design firm El Equipo Creativo, which previously designed Kimpton Vividora in Barcelona, was tasked with bringing the public spaces at Los Monteros to life, including the restaurants and pool area. “We knew that Kimpton seeks spaces that are not only visually compelling but also emotionally engaging—places that connect with local culture and encourage social interaction,” says Ricard Fabregat Marín, senior interior designer at El Equipo Creativo. “This foundation helped us reinterpret Marbella’s unique identity through a contemporary lens while staying true to Kimpton’s signature casual elegance.”
The ideal spot for an elegant but relaxed evening cocktail or a few tapas, the lobby lounge Azul Bar is the property’s vibrant social heart, where deep cobalt blue brings a bit of the Mediterranean Sea inside. Alcoves painted with abstract blue female forms inspired by Picasso and comfortable seating vignettes make the tiled space a relaxing spot to escape for a few hours. “The goal is for guests to feel inspired and at ease—like they’ve arrived at a home away from home that captures the soul of Marbella in a bold and artistic way,” Marín says.
For a taste of Andalusian fine dining, Restaurante Jara by José Carlos García serves refined and inventive takes on local flavours in a garden-inspired space resplendent with green ceramic tiles and plants. For panoramic views of the ocean and incredible sunsets, Escondido Rooftop Bar offers cocktails and a dip in the terra cotta-and-cream checkered pool.
Thanks to its mild, sunny climate, Marbella is a hub for tennis and golf (the city has 20 courses) and has been a preferred destination for many of the greats, including Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Jack Nicklaus, and Gary Player. For those looking to get on the green, Los Monteros is just a few minutes away from Santa Clara Golf and Marbella Golf & Country Club, and a stay at the hotel unlocks special prices at more than 30 other courses.
On-site, amid the sprawling expanse of gardens, the hotel’s four clay tennis courts, six glass padel courts, and three hard tennis courts are available to work on your swing, and guests can sign up with the Set Academy for personalized coaching.
After a day on the court or the green, Los Monteros’ well-equipped spa, a collaborative effort with Codage Paris, offers guests a moment of reprieve from Marbella’s buzzy energy. Beyond the full range of treatments, water circuits, which include a hydrothermal saltwater pool, sauna, sensory showers, and an ice fountain, provide deep relaxation and muscle relief.
And as with the region itself, around every corner at Kimpton Los Monteros, some new colourful corner awaits, from the bold abstract reception desk to the peaceful Andalusian patio. “Across the hotel’s public spaces, colour is used not only for aesthetics but also to define mood and rhythm—from energizing areas meant for socializing to softer hues that invite calm and intimacy,” Marín says. “Ultimately, colour becomes a storytelling tool—infusing the space with personality, nostalgia, and a strong sense of place.”
