Hear ye, hear ye! The once regal Fuerte Marbella has gallantly swung open its stately doors once more, this time with a shiny new five-star emblem gleaming from its breastplate. An investment that could make the Bank of England blush - a whopping 31 million Euros - has been gracefully funnelled into a full-body makeover that would give even Cinderella a run for her money.
To quote the Fuerte Group Hotels, this marvellous resurrection of an iconic diamond in Marbella's crown is 'now a reality.' A smidgeon over six and a half decades since it first welcomed its inaugural guest, the Fuerte Marbella is chomping at the bit to reclaim its throne as a premier destination, thanks to its enviable postcode, coupled with a dazzling new look and a gastronomic offering that would make Heston Blumenthal swoon.
Built in 1957, in the heart of Marbella, Fuerte Marbella proudly stands as the pioneer of the Fuerte Group Hotels brand. It wasn't merely a hotel; it was Marbella's social pulse, having hosted an assortment of celebrity guests, from Walt Disney's Mickey Mouse ears to Timothy Dalton's James Bond charm, and even the radiant Penelope Cruz.
On the cusp of the grand reopening, Isabel Luque, the senior advisor and asset manager at Fuerte Group, announced that there would be a shrine to the hotel's illustrious past. This museum will pay homage to an all-star cast of characters from the realms of literature, showbiz, and music who have graced the hotel with their presence.
With 266 sparkling new rooms and the aesthetic magic of acclaimed designer Jaime Beriestain, the hotel's interior is a loving tribute to Andalucía. As the Fuerte Group elaborated, Beriestain has skilfully melded the charm of Andalusian tradition with modern sophistication, resulting in a casual luxury that's both welcoming and timeless.
Fuerte Marbella is also taking a stand for culinary brilliance. At the helm of the new venture is the four Michelin-starred maestro, Chef Paco Pérez, who'll oversee the hotel's Edge restaurant. This high-end dining spot is primed to serve as the perfect companion to the existing Soleo restaurant, known for its splendid Mediterranean delights.
Committed to showcasing local produce and flaunting picturesque views of the sea and Marbella's charming old town, Edge by Paco Pérez aims to captivate diners with its 'Travelling Mediterranean Cuisine'.
The hotel's revamp started in January 2022, though the process hit a rather unexpected snag – unearthing what seemed like human remains dating back to the 17th or 18th century. Just a touch of archaeology to spice things up.
Today, the Fuerte Group Hotels' portfolio gleams with five four-star holiday hotels, two rented apartment complexes, and the newly furnished five-star Fuerte Marbella, all sprinkled like glittering jewels across the scenic landscapes of Andalucía (Malaga, Cadiz and Huelva) and Ibiza. What a line-up!