A Harmonious Blend of Heritage and Innovation

EL EQUIPO CREATIVO, the acclaimed Spanish interior design studio, brings a fresh, artistic vision to the newly renovated Kimpton Los Monteros Hotel in Marbella. Known for their expressive, culturally rooted work—including the first Kimpton Hotel in Spain, in Barcelona—the team has reimagined all public areas of the Marbella property with a bold blend of Andalusian tradition and 1970s flair.

Lobby Area
Photo credit: Veerle Evens

Lobby Area
Photo credit: Veerle Evens

A Design Inspired by Local Essence

The project is deeply influenced by Marbella’s natural beauty, Andalusian heritage, and Mediterranean light. From lush greenery and sea blues to golden sunlight, these local elements shape the hotel’s palette and textures. Spanish art, especially Picasso’s modernist forms and ceramics, inspired the curved lines and handcrafted features throughout the spaces.

Retro Meets Regional

The design pays tribute to the hotel’s original 1970s architecture. Retro elements—such as geometric patterns, built-in furnishings, and filtered light—blend with modern interpretations of Andalusian design. This fusion creates a warm, approachable atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and contemporary.

Artistic and Welcoming Spaces

Upon entering the lobby and lounges, guests are greeted with a white Mediterranean base, warm woods, and colorful 70s-inspired furniture. Hand-painted murals, reminiscent of Picasso, add a personal, gallery-like touch. The adjacent lounges and library continue this theme, offering artsy, flexible spaces enhanced with bold rugs and movable wooden panels for privacy.

Lobby Area
Photo credit: Veerle Evens

Lobby Area
Photo credit: Veerle Evens

Lobby Area
Photo credit: Veerle Evens

A highlight is the renovated Andalusian patio, a central architectural feature. Now filled with richer vegetation and a sculptural water element, it reflects the traditional courtyard while serving as a serene social hub.

Outdoor Living, Redefined

The pool area is shaped by natural topography, with tiered platforms and organic lines. A bright white backdrop allows turquoise water tones to stand out, while vintage-style accents create a chic, laid-back setting. The Costa Club Pool Bar, clad in terracotta tiles and shaded by a wooden pergola, offers a cool, inviting spot under the sun.

Pool Area + Costa Club Bar
Photo credit: Veerle Evens

Pool Area + Costa Club Bar
Photo credit: Veerle Evens

Pool Area + Costa Club Bar
Photo credit: Veerle Evens

Dining with Character

At the Azul Bar, a Marbella icon since 1962, the redesign emphasizes deep blue tones and 3D ceramic detailing. Picasso-inspired murals bring life to the space, turning corners into intimate artistic moments. The bar transitions seamlessly from day to night, balancing elegance and ease.

Azul Bar
Photo credit: Veerle Evens

Azul Bar
Photo credit: Veerle Evens

Azul Bar
Photo credit: Veerle Evens

The Jara Restaurant evokes garden dining, with green ceramic tiles, white walls, and Andalusian motifs near the open kitchen. A smart layout with angled walls creates cozy, private dining areas while maintaining openness and natural flow.

Jara Restaurant
Photo credit: Veerle Evens

Jara Restaurant
Photo credit: Veerle Evens

Jara Restaurant
Photo credit: Veerle Evens

Escondido: Rooftop Glamour

Topping off the hotel is Escondido, a bold rooftop bar designed for all-day transitions. The upper level embraces a retro-chic vibe with terracotta hues and geometric motifs, while the lower level offers a panoramic pool with sweeping sea views. By day, it feels casual and sunlit; by night, it transforms into a stylish social hotspot with a sophisticated ambiance.

Escondido Rooftop Bar
Photo credit: Veerle Evens

Escondido Rooftop Bar
Photo credit: Veerle Evens

Escondido Rooftop Bar
Photo credit: Veerle Evens

A Harmonious Blend

Throughout the hotel, EL EQUIPO CREATIVO successfully bridges heritage and innovation. Their design respects the building’s original identity while injecting modern flair and artistic expression. The result is a refined, Mediterranean experience that celebrates Marbella’s cultural roots and invites guests to explore, relax, and connect.

EL EQUIPO CREATIVO

Founded in Barcelona by architects Oliver Franz Schmidt, Natali Canas del Pozo, and Lucas Echeveste Lacy, EL EQUIPO CREATIVO has established itself as an international benchmark in interior design for hospitality, gastronomy, and branding. Their projects stand out for their strong conceptual approach, combining captivating narratives, bold design, and a deep connection to local contexts. Each design reinterprets the cultural and material essence of its surroundings, incorporating traditional craftsmanship and custom-made elements that add authenticity and unique character.