By seamlessly blending tradition with modern flair, EL EQUIPO CREATIVO’s vision for Kimpton Los Monteros celebrates Marbella’s artistic and architectural heritage while offering guests a refined yet welcoming experience.
Following their acclaimed work on Spain’s first Kimpton Hotel in Barcelona, EL EQUIPO CREATIVO, the award-winning interior architecture studio, has once again brought its signature design to Kimpton Hotels—this time leading the redesign of all public spaces at the newly renovated Kimpton Los Monteros Hotel in Marbella.
Their design approach is deeply inspired by Marbella’s rich landscape and cultural heritage, aiming to capture its essence through a contemporary yet locally rooted aesthetic.
The public spaces strike a careful balance between preserving the building’s original architectural qualities and infusing them with a fresh, contemporary identity that remains strongly connected to the Mediterranean spirit.
The project draws inspiration from Andalusia’s abundant landscapes and artistic traditions, celebrating its vibrant greenery, Mediterranean light, and the timeless interplay of color and pattern. Marbella’s distinctive scenery—often evoked in Andalusian poetry—serves as a guiding thread, with lush vegetation and natural elements woven throughout the design.
The palette captures the greens of the landscape, the blues of the sea and sky, and the warmth of golden sunlight, creating a dynamic yet harmonious environment. Additionally, the works of Picasso, born in nearby Malaga, and other Spanish artists influence the design, particularly in the use of curves, bold color contrasts, and ceramic craftsmanship with a contemporary twist.
While rooted in Mediterranean tradition, the design also integrates a touch of 1970s inspiration, reflecting the building’s original architecture from that era. This influence emerges in the use of geometric patterns, built-in niches, and light-filtering elements.
Upon entering the lobby and lounge areas, guests are welcomed by a warm and inviting ambience defined by a white Mediterranean backdrop, wooden accents, and colorful 70s-inspired furnishings. Hand-painted murals inspired by Picasso add an artistic layer, evoking the atmosphere of an art collector’s home.
Azul Bar, a Marbella icon since 1962, has been revitalized with a ‘blue’ concept. At its center stands a striking bar clad in 3D ceramic elements, while large hand-painted murals—where shades of blue dominate and Picasso-inspired feminine forms come alive—enrich the seating areas, transforming them into intimate, artful corners full of character. The space balances elegance with ease, offering a seamless day-to-night ambience that feels both vibrant and refined.
Focusing on the hotel’s outdoor areas, the existing Andalusian patio—one of its original and distinctive features—has been enriched with lush vegetation, simplified architectural lines, Mediterranean materials, and a central sculptural water element that becomes the vibrant heart of the space.
The pool area has been reinterpreted with a topography-inspired design, where a warm white backdrop accentuates the refreshing turquoise tones of the water. Multi-level platforms integrate organically into the setting, creating a lively and colorful atmosphere with a chic vintage vibe that invites relaxation. On one of these platforms, the Costa Club Pool Bar stands out with terracotta tiles and latticework. A wooden pergola filters the sunlight, casting playful shadows that embody the spirit of an authentic Mediterranean retreat.
Escondido is a bold and glamorous rooftop bar designed with slightly tiered platforms that define distinct zones for an elevated experience. The upper level hosts a chic rooftop bar infused with 1970s flair—bold geometric patterns and terracotta tones set the stage for a stylish escape. On the lower level, a panoramic pool framed by retro tile motifs stretches toward breathtaking Mediterranean views. By day, the space offers a casual, laid-back vibe; by night, it transforms into a sophisticated setting. In essence, with its mix of retro glamour, unexpected details, and sunset aesthetics, this rooftop reimagines classic 1970s Mediterranean chic with bold modernity.
The brands chosen by EL EQUIPO CREATIVO to furnish the outdoor areas are Lobster Day, Kun Design, Fiaka, Balliu, Isimar, and Honoré.
Photography by Veerle Evens
