At Kimpton Los Monteros, EL EQUIPO CREATIVO fuses Andalusian inspiration with contemporary Mediterranean storytelling.
EL EQUIPO CREATIVO, the award-winning interior architecture studio known for its evocative spatial storytelling, returns to the Kimpton portfolio with a bold new chapter – leading the redesign of all public spaces at the newly renovated Kimpton Los Monteros Hotel in Marbella. Following the studio’s acclaimed work on Spain’s first Kimpton Hotel in Barcelona, this project reflects a deep engagement with Marbella’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant natural surroundings, rendered through a contemporary Mediterranean lens.
The design is a layered celebration of Andalusia’s landscape, colour palette, and artistic legacy – particularly its poetic references to lush vegetation, coastal light, and expressive pattern. The spaces channel the greens of the hills, the blues of sea and sky, and the warmth of southern sun. Drawing from the visual language of artists like Picasso – born in nearby Málaga – the interiors feature organic curves, vibrant contrasts, and handcrafted ceramics reimagined with a modern sensibility. While rooted in Mediterranean tradition, the design also pays homage to the 1970s – the decade when the hotel’s original architecture came to life. Hints of retro geometry, recessed niches, and textured surfaces echo this era, adding a nostalgic charm to the overall contemporary framework.
Upon entering the lobby and lounge areas, guests encounter a sunlit, welcoming atmosphere where whitewashed walls, warm wood, and bold, colourful furnishings set the tone. Hand-painted murals inspired by Picasso introduce a refined, residential quality, as though stepping into an art collector’s coastal villa. The aesthetic extends into the lounges and library, where layered textures, artisanal objects, and vivid carpets evoke a curated, lived-in elegance. Wooden sliding partitions offer flexible connections between spaces, lending privacy without sacrificing openness.
At the heart of the hotel, the historic Andalusian patio is thoughtfully reinterpreted. Enhanced with a Mediterranean material palette, additional greenery, and a sculptural water element, the courtyard becomes a serene and sculptural core – both contemplative and social in nature.
The pool area adopts a playful topographical strategy, where organically shaped, multi-level platforms create sunbathing zones and intimate nooks. A crisp white backdrop enhances the turquoise water, while colourful furnishings and vintage accents inject a retro-chic vibrancy. The Costa Club Pool Bar – clad in terracotta tiles and shaded by a wooden pergola – becomes a relaxed focal point, casting ever-changing shadows that speak to the essence of a true Mediterranean retreat.
At the iconic Azul Bar, a Marbella institution since 1962, blue becomes both mood and motif. A striking central bar crafted with 3D ceramic elements anchors the space, while hand-painted murals – featuring feminine forms in Picasso-inspired style – add artistic depth and personality. The atmosphere flows effortlessly from day to night, striking a balance between relaxed elegance and creative flair.
Jara Restaurant reimagines Mediterranean dining in a space that feels like a garden brought indoors. The crisp white backdrop is accented by lush green ceramics and living plants, with the tilework shifting near the kitchen to incorporate traditional Andalusian patterns in blue and yellow. Angled walls and open thresholds break uniformity and define cosy dining pockets, promoting intimacy while retaining spatial fluidity.
On the rooftop, Escondido offers a layered, cinematic experience. Platforms at varied heights define different zones, with the upper terrace hosting a glamorous ‘70s-inspired bar dressed in terracotta and bold geometric motifs. The lower terrace extends toward sweeping sea views, featuring a pool lined with retro tiles that shimmer under the Andalusian sun. By day, the space evokes laid-back leisure; by night, it transforms into a sophisticated, glowing panorama of retro glamour and coastal charm.
Throughout, the design maintains a delicate balance – preserving the architectural soul of the original structure while infusing it with a vibrant, modern identity. EL EQUIPO CREATIVO’s vision for Kimpton Los Monteros pays tribute to the layered history and artistry of Marbella, while crafting a series of inviting, character-rich spaces that feel as personal as they are cinematic. The result is a hotel that doesn’t just welcome guests – it transports them into a reimagined Mediterranean dream.
Photo Courtesy : Veerle Evens
Connect Online@ www.elequipocreativo.com
