Still understood: The Marbella Club celebrates 70 years of glamour

The Marbella Club, the legendary resort in southern Spain known for its rustic charm, old-school glamor and Hollywood clientele, is celebrating its platinum anniversary this year with a series of summer festivals that reflect its core pillars: gastronomy, culture , art, sustainability and well-being. Founded almost a hundred years ago by Prince Alfonso von Hohenlohe, the beach club has retained its original magic but continues to reinvent itself to maintain its place as one of Europe's most sought-after retreats.

Relive 70 years of Marbella Club

In 1946, after hearing about the blue waters of the Mediterranean and the enticing scent of fig trees and pine trees from his cousin Soriano, Prince Max von Hohenlohe sped up his Rolls-Royce Phantom and set off for southern Spain. He made a quick pit stop in the countryside When the king visited the Santa Margarita estate for a picnic lunch, he couldn't help but imagine what the picturesque estate could become. A year later, his son Alfonso von Hohenlohe-Langenburg returned to purchase this rustic retreat. What began as a modest family Mediterranean enclave later evolved into the Marbella Club.

Since its founding, the hotel has not shied away from the star clientele that has been loyal to it for decades. From Hollywood movie stars to European royalty and royalty, the club welcomed VIP regulars such as Audrey Hepburn, Cary Grant, Bridgette Bardot, Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, Liza Minelli and Princess Diana (just to name a few).

Today the property boasts an impressive collection of 115 rooms and 17 villas – a continuation of the club's charming atmosphere and village community. Most recently, the hotel acquired a 50,000 square meter property called Finca Ana Maria, where the celebrations will take place in the summer. Over the last five years, the site has been transformed into a secluded retreat for holistic wellness, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and Mount Concha in the background.

The Marbella Club's 70th anniversary also included the restoration of Prince Alfonso Hohenlohe's original gardens. The horticultural green space includes over 100 traditional tomato varieties, a “storytelling tree” and a natural acacia maze. Speaking about the project, Jennica Arazi, now co-owner of the prestigious hotel, told Wallpaper*: “This 70-year milestone symbolizes the coming of age of the Marbella Club, as we are given the unique opportunity to bring continuity to the Marbella Club.” “The true luxury of the Hotels – its rich garden ecosystem.”

The summer festivities begin with a weekend-long birthday party featuring a piano bar, live flamenco and guest DJs. Finca Ana Maria will then be unveiled, where guests can enjoy garden games such as padel, tennis and backgammon tournaments. In keeping with the Andalusian San Juan festival in June, the program focuses on health rituals in the club's new wellness facilities. To round off the celebrations, greenhouses will be transformed into perfumeries in a unique collaboration with Loewe, and tomato-inspired dining experiences will whet the appetite. An orchestrated classical open-air concert will bring the fiesta summer season to a fitting end.

The Marbella Club is located on Av. Bulevar Principe Alfonso de Hohenlohe, Marbella, marbellaclub.com