Barcelona-based interior architecture studio EQUIPO CREATIVO has once again applied its signature design language to a Kimpton Hotels property, overseeing the redesign of all public spaces at the newly renovated Kimpton Los Monteros Marbella, an IHG hotel on Spain’s Costa del Sol. The studio’s concept draws on Marbella’s lush landscape and cultural heritage, interpreting these influences through a colorful, 1970s-inspired aesthetic.
© Veerle Evens
The redesign, unveiled earlier this year, takes inspiration from Andalusia’s vibrant greenery and the luminous Mediterranean light. Marbella’s singular scenery—celebrated in Andalusian poetry—threads through the project, with a strong emphasis on integrating lush vegetation and natural materials throughout the hotel’s public areas. The design also nods to Spanish artistic heritage, including the influence of Picasso and other regional artists, visible in the use of curves, vivid color palettes and ceramic craftsmanship reinterpreted with a contemporary edge.
While rooted in Mediterranean tradition, the scheme deliberately references the building’s original 1970s architecture. This influence appears in geometric patterns, built-in niches and light-filtering details that both honor the past and refresh it for today.
© Veerle Evens
On arrival, the lobby and lounge present a warm, welcoming atmosphere built on a white Mediterranean backdrop enlivened by colorful furnishings. Hand-painted murals that echo Picasso’s expressive forms add an artistic layer to the public spaces. This curated, handcrafted approach continues into the lounges and library, where bespoke objects and eclectic accents create an inviting, gallery-like environment that feels both cozy and creative.
The hotel’s original Andalusian patio—an essential architectural element—has been refreshed with denser planting, simplified architectural details and a central sculptural water feature that enhances its tranquil character.
The pool area has been reimagined to emphasize the natural turquoise of the water against a warm white backdrop. Multi-level platforms generate a dynamic yet relaxed setting for sunbathing and socializing. Costa Club Pool Bar occupies one of these platforms, distinguished by terracotta tiles and decorative latticework. A wooden pergola filters sunlight, producing dappled shadows that reinforce the authentic Mediterranean ambiance.
© Veerle Evens
Azul Bar, a local Marbella icon since 1962, receives a contemporary update while retaining its timeless appeal. Large, hand-painted murals featuring blue-toned, Picasso-inspired feminine forms animate the space. The resulting atmosphere balances elegance and ease, enabling a seamless transition from daytime relaxation to an intimate evening setting.
Jara Restaurant pairs fresh, regionally influenced cuisine with a simple, elegant interior. A white backdrop is punctuated by green ceramic tiles and abundant plantings, while a carefully considered layout and angled walls create intimate dining nooks that encourage leisurely meals and convivial conversation.
© Veerle Evens
Escondido, the rooftop bar, is conceived as a bold, glamorous destination with a clear 1970s influence. The upper level showcases geometric patterns and warm terracotta tones, creating a chic, retro-inflected lounge. Below, a panoramic pool framed by vintage-inspired tile motifs extends toward views of the Mediterranean, offering a striking combination of nostalgia and contemporary comfort.
Overall, the redesign by EQUIPO CREATIVO blends Mediterranean tradition with midcentury references and modern craftsmanship. The result is a cohesive, artful experience that celebrates Marbella’s natural beauty, cultural heritage and the relaxed spirit of the Costa del Sol.