Don Carlos Marbella – Review

Don Carlos Marbella has been transformed with a multimillion-euro refurbishment, restoring it as a landmark 5-star resort on Spain’s Costa del Sol. Towering above the Mediterranean pines of Elviria, east Marbella, this elegant resort, with contemporary Andalusian design, offers 284 stylish rooms and suites, 24 private residences, new dining experiences, exclusive beach clubs including the iconic Nikki Beach and the new Lucia Summer Club pop-up, a world-class spa, and the new Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly luxury, vibrant beachside entertainment, or a wellness, Don Carlos Marbella promises a memorable, sun-splashed Mediterranean stay.

We draw up outside the new-look Don Carlos Marbella, its tower sparkling in the Andalusian sun. The bellmen take our bags and park the car, while inside we’re welcomed by Guest Experience with an Andalusian spritz.

The change is significant. The Salenta Group’s multi-million-euro refurbishment has transformed this Costa del Sol landmark. Jaime Beriestain’s interiors play with a palette drawn from the sea and shells, weaving in elements including striking wallpapers with designs evocative of classic Andalusian shawls. Open spaces flow easily. One of the tower’s iconic architectural supports has been brought into the interior, now framed with double height floor to ceiling glass. The gardens are echoed inside too, with potted palms and elegant floral displays.

Beyond reception, the Andalusian patio now has the chic Campari Bar Manero at its centre, a stylish nod to Italian aperitivo culture, created by Carlos Bosch, the vision behind the famous Manero bars, which started in Alicante.

Accommodation

Rooms range from smart, comfortable doubles to spacious suites, all with private balconies offering sweeping views of the Mediterranean or the Sierra Blanca mountains. The 1969 tower may dominate this stretch of coast, where other buildings barely peek above the canopy of surrounding Mediterranean pines, yet it affords the most spectacular views. Our room looked west, over the bay, to Marbella and the iconic La Concha mountain, and beyond to Gibraltar and the coast of Africa. Enjoying a morning coffee or sunset glass of wine on the terrace is a joy.

For longer stays or families, the 24 private residences provide a more homely feel, complete with kitchens and direct access to pools.

Interiors reflect the resort’s signature palette inspired by seashell iridescence, soft creams, blush pinks, and soothing aqua tones, creating a tranquil sanctuary to retreat to after a day in the sun.

The spacious suites provide added luxury with separate living areas, some offering private terraces and plunge pools for ultimate relaxation. Modern amenities include high-speed Wi-Fi, smart TVs, air conditioning, and luxurious bathrooms with walk-in showers or soaking tubs, all designed to meet the needs of discerning travellers.

Dining

The resort’s restaurants offer distinct styles and menus that reflect their settings.

At Sol & Sombra, lunch is a relaxed affair, before an afternoon on a daybed, sipping cocktails while DJs spin tunes that ease the hours into the evening. The menu includes the tasting tapas like the Russian salad, and fish tacos, as well as a classic fritura malaguena.

Before dinner, savour a spritz at Campari Bar Manero. Designed by Lázaro Rosa Violán, it merges Italian aperitif tradition with Andalusian flair. The spritzes are made with precision by bartender Julios. Light bites like the Manero signature bikini sandwiches complete the experience. This is the first collaboration with Carlos Bosch, who created Manero in Alicante and grew the group with spectacular bars and restaurants in Madrid. 2026 promises the opening of the Manero Restaurant at Don Carlos Marbella, with a stunning sea view terrace.

Los Naranjos serves dinner with an Andalusian soul. Highlights include carpaccio de carabineros; scarlet prawns sliced wafer thin and dressed with botarga and olive oil, and a tiradito de lubina combining seabass with coconut and mango leche de tigre. Main courses like the local retinta steak, offer a genuine taste of the region.

Wellness and Fitness

The spa offers calm with a 1,600 sqm space including water circuits, aroma cabins, and a private solarium that invite guests to slow down. The interior palette echoes the soft iridescence of seashells, with creams, blush pinks and hints of aqua setting a serene tone for treatments. Treatments and rituals use Natura Bissé products.

Fitness lovers can make the most of the Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre’s cutting-edge gym and tennis courts. The centre is the first on mainland Spain, following the first Rafa Nadal Tennis Academy in Mallorca, followed by centres in Greece and Mexico.

Beach Clubs

Don Carlos Marbella boasts two distinct beach clubs, each offering a world-class beachside experience.

Nikki Beach Marbella carries the brand’s worldwide reputation for celebration and style, with its signature vibe of sun-soaked glamour and world-class DJ sets. Here, the atmosphere pulses with music and energy. Daybeds invite relaxation, while live DJs keep the tempo lively. Sharing plates such as sushi, lobster rolls, and quesadillas are a great way to start lunch, and we can recommend cocktails like Mezcal Issues. The vibe is upbeat, perfect for those who enjoy the buzz of socialising by the sea. Don’t miss the signature cheesecake served with choice toppings at the table. Live entertainment makes this a hotspot for both locals and visitors seeking the ultimate beach party experience.

Lucia Summer Club, a 2025 pop-up by Nikki Beach’s owner, offers a playful, family-friendly counterpoint. The beachside venue mixes beach sunbeds, as well as a private club area with sandy terraces, poolside sunbeds and relaxed dining areas. The menu showcases fresh, Mediterranean flavours: charred watermelon with halloumi, octopus à la plancha, honey za’atar roasted Cornish hen, and fusilli with stracciatella and cherry tomatoes. Cocktails like Costa del Sol Sunset and Thyme to Chill capture the easy-going summer spirit here. This is playful, bold, and full of the fun of summer.