looking to buy a home?
Submit this Form and Benefit from our 25 Years' Experience & Strong Local Network.Hilton and Higuerón Developments have confirmed the arrival of Waldorf Astoria Marbella, making it the first Waldorf Astoria resort in Spain. The Waldorf Astoria Marbella, a €220 million project, will be completed in 2029. This development will be located in Marbella East, at the site of the former Marbella Golf & Country Club, which has been renamed Higuerón Marbella Golf Resort.
The project will bring together a five-star hotel, branded private residences, and a fully redesigned championship golf course, making it one of the most essential luxury developments on the Costa del Sol in recent years.
This article explains the key details of the project and how it is likely to impact the local property market.
Waldorf Astoria Arrives in Spain
Waldorf Astoria is one of Hilton’s most exclusive luxury brands. Known for premium and personalised service, the brand currently operates 36 hotels worldwide, including flagship properties in cities such as New York, Beijing, and Dubai.
Hilton has chosen Marbella as the ideal location for its Spanish debut, citing the city’s international appeal, established luxury market and year-round lifestyle. The project is part of Hilton’s broader strategy to grow its luxury footprint in key global destinations.
Partnership of Hilton with Higuerón Developments
The agreement was officially signed in New York on 5th November during a ceremony at Peacock Alley, a symbolic space closely associated with the Waldorf Astoria brand. Hilton CEO Chris Nassetta and Higuerón Developments CEO Javier Rodríguez attended the signing.
Higuerón Developments is already well-known for its successful projects, such as the Higuerón Hotel Málaga, Curio Collection by Hilton. With Waldorf Astoria Marbella, the company is taking a significant step forward, positioning the Higuerón Marbella Golf Resort as a global benchmark for luxury living and tourism.
Details of the Waldorf Astoria Marbella Project
The development will change the existing golf resort into a fully integrated luxury destination. Once completed, it will combine hospitality, residential living, leisure, and golf in a single place.
Once completed, the resort will include:
- A five-star hotel with 120 rooms and suites
- 120 Waldorf Astoria-branded residences
- High-end wellness, dining, and event spaces
- Access to a championship golf course
The development is designed to appeal not only to luxury travellers but also to international buyers who are looking for long-term property value in Marbella.
Waldorf Astoria Marbella Location
The resort will be developed in Marbella East, in the hills above Los Monteros, an area attracting strong interest from international buyers.
This location offers:
- Proximity to the town centre and beaches
- Easy access to Málaga International Airport
- Large plots with open views and privacy
- A natural setting away from dense urban areas
These factors make Marbella East especially attractive for luxury resorts and branded residential developments.
Architecture and Design
Architecture and design will play a central role in Waldorf Astoria Marbella. The resort’s conceptual design is being developed through a competition involving three Pritzker Prize-winning architects. This is to ensure a strong architectural identity from the start.
Redesigned Golf Course
A defining feature of the project is the comprehensive redesign of the existing golf course. The existing course, created by Robert Trent Jones Sr. in 1994, will undergo a complete redesign.
The new layout will be redesigned by Robert Trent Jones Jr., who is the son of Robert Trent Jones Sr. The redesign will focus on sustainability and modern playability while preserving the original par-72 layout.
Resort Amenities
Waldorf Astoria Marbella is planned as a complete lifestyle destination rather than a traditional hotel. The guests here will have access to a wide range of amenities focused on wellbeing, dining and personalised service.
Key amenities will include:
- Peacock Alley, the brand’s iconic social hub
- Several dining venues and bars
- 750 m² spa with four treatment rooms
- Indoor and outdoor swimming pools with sun decks
- Fully equipped fitness centre and wellness areas
- Grand ballroom and multiple meeting spaces
- Direct access to the golf course
Waldorf Astoria Branded Residences in Marbella
Alongside the hotel, the project will have 120 Waldorf Astoria-branded residences, offering private ownership with five-star services.
These residences are designed for buyers who are looking for full ownership with five-star hotel services and long-term value in a prime Costa del Sol location. The owners of these residences will have access to services, which include:
- 24/7 concierge and security
- Access to private lounges and wellness areas
- On-demand dining and chef services
- Hotel-style maintenance and management
Branded residences are increasingly popular among international buyers, and their arrival in Marbella is expected to have a positive impact on luxury real estate demand in the area.
Impact on Marbella’s Luxury Property Market
The arrival of Waldorf Astoria is expected to influence the Marbella East property market significantly.
Key impacts include:
- Increased international visibility for Marbella East
- Stronger demand for luxury villas and apartments nearby
- Increased long-term price support driven by branded residences.
- Greater interest from lifestyle investors and second-home buyers
Historically, global hotel brands have been catalysts for real estate value growth in the area. In this case, Waldorf Astoria Marbella is likely to take Marbella East to the same level of prestige as established luxury zones like the Golden Mile.
Waldorf Astoria Marbella is part of a broader trend. Marbella continues to attract international luxury hotel and fashion brands, with many luxury hotel and branded-residences projects launched in recent years. These projects are designed for global buyers and tourists seeking security, a favourable climate, and a high quality of life.
Final Thoughts
Waldorf Astoria Marbella is more than a hotel project. It will be a new chapter for Marbella, where hospitality, architecture, golf, and branded real estate come together in one of Southern Europe’s most desirable locations.
With a 2029 opening date, a €220 million investment, and the backing of two globally respected names, this development is set to become one of the most essential luxury landmarks on the Costa del Sol.
Looking to invest in a luxury property in Marbella?
At Realista, we specialise in prime Marbella real estate, including golf properties, branded residences, and exclusive off-market opportunities.
Contact our team to explore investment options in Marbella East and the Costa del Sol’s most exclusive locations.
