Don Carlos Marbella
Contemporary Andalusian luxury resort. Design-forward with warm, sun-drenched interiors. Social and lively by the pool and beach clubs; calmer in the spa and garden wings. Strong on tennis and wellness. Built for families as much as couples.
Suites booked for 4+ nights include a complimentary private transfer from Málaga Airport — book direct on the official site to get this.
Why It Matters
One of the first luxury hotels on the Costa del Sol, now reborn after a multi-million-euro redesign by Jaime Beriestain. Home to the first Rafa Nadal Tennis Center on mainland Spain. Hosts both Nikki Beach Marbella and the new Lucia Beach Club. Preferred Hotels LVX collection member.
Don Carlos Marbella has been a Costa del Sol fixture since 1969, when Conrad Hilton opened its doors on Elviria Beach. After a complete overhaul by Selenta Group — with interiors by Chilean designer Jaime Beriestain — it reopened for Summer 2025 as a thoroughly contemporary 5-star resort. The palette is drawn from the sea and shells: creams, blush pinks, aqua. The gardens are 20,000 sqm of tropical abundance that spill right to the beach. It sits about 11km east of central Marbella, which means you're not walking anywhere for dinner unless you're eating at one of the hotel's own restaurants — and there are enough of them that you won't feel the need to leave.
Where You'll Stay
9 room types available
Deluxe Room
The most spacious standard room category at 40 sqm plus an 11 sqm terrace — noticeably bigger than the Premium. King beds only. Sea View variant is available. Generous enough for a couple wanting real breathing room without stepping up to a suite.
King · 40 sqm
Junior Suite
Designed by Jaime Beriestain with families clearly in mind. A sofa bed handles up to 2 children, and the private terrace gives the space to breathe. The Sea View Junior Suite has frontal sea views that really earn the morning wake-up. Private airport transfer included for stays of 4+ nights booked direct.
King or Twin · 40 sqm
Penthouse Presidential Suite
The top of the hotel. Two bedrooms, 121 sqm of Jaime Beriestain-designed space, a 28 sqm terrace and panoramic Mediterranean views. Comes with a gourmet pantry. The service is genuinely anticipatory. Airport transfer always included.
King · 121 sqm
Penthouse Suite
On the 14th floor with panoramic views of the mountains or Mediterranean. 70 sqm of Jaime Beriestain interiors with a 14 sqm private terrace. Suites can be interconnected for larger groups. Dyson haircare kit and guest WC are included. Airport transfer for 4+ night stays.
King · 70 sqm
Premium Room
A step up, and the key upgrade here is the private terrace with sofa and coffee table — 7 sqm of outdoor space to catch morning light or an evening drink. Available in three variants: standard, Panoramic View, and Sea View. The Sea View category is the pick of the lot. Also refurbished in 2025.
King or Twin · 33 sqm
Private Pool Suite
The terrace here is 142 sqm with a private pool and Balinese bed. Everything you need to spend most of the day outside without going anywhere. Separate living room plus dedicated relaxation area inside. Dyson haircare kit (straightener and dryer) is a nice touch. Sea view variant available.
King · 80 sqm
Residence
24 private residences offering the feel of a home within the resort. Light-filled interiors with sweeping terraces, kitchen facilities and pool access. Ideal for families or groups wanting more independence without sacrificing 5-star hotel services.
Suite
Separate living and sleeping areas with a 86 sqm private terrace — that terrace is enormous and mountain views are the default, with a Sea View option available. Located in the most private enclave of the hotel. Genuinely restorative space, not just a bigger room. Airport transfer included for 4+ night direct bookings.
King · 80 sqmSuperior Room
Entry-level room at the resort, but freshly refurbished in 2025 so genuinely comfortable. King or twin configuration. No private terrace, but well-appointed with Natura Bissé toiletries, Nespresso machine, and smart TV. The sofa-bed gives it flexibility for a third guest or child.
King or Twin · 28 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
8 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Bicycles available for rent at the hotel.
On-site kids' club with supervised activities for children. Dedicated programme allowing parents to enjoy the resort while children are entertained.
State-of-the-art indoor gym equipment alongside an outdoor training area overlooking the tennis courts and sea. Strength, cardio and mobility.
200 sqm gym inside the hotel with Technogym equipment and a dedicated Pilates Reformer studio.
Two first-class padel courts at the Rafa Nadal Tennis Center. Racket rentals available. Courts open 8am-9pm.
The complete package: tennis, specialist fitness, and recovery sessions/sports massage integrated from Don Carlos Spa. The premium programme for those who want it all.
High-level tennis combined with specialist fitness training and therapeutic massages for recovery. Includes welcome pack and daily snacks. Available 1, 3 or 6 days.
Group clay-court sessions following the Rafa Nadal Academy methodology. Certified coaches, personalised training plans. Available over 1, 3 or 6 days for juniors (10-17) and adults (18+). Clay courts with sweeping sea views.
A curated collection of private experiences exclusively for hotel guests — includes private excursions and sailing on the Mediterranean.
A structured programme of mind-body classes in the hotel's wellness space. Calm, conscious sessions designed to complement spa treatments and fitness training.
Elite performance analysis system capturing every stroke and movement. Only available at two venues in Spain: Don Carlos Marbella and the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Direct beach access with a private beach club. The resort opens directly onto Marbella's Elviria Beach.
Full meetings and events facilities on-site, including dedicated meeting rooms and a convention center — a holdover from the resort's long-established conference credentials.
Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and rooms.
Extensive tropical gardens surrounding the hotel and running down to the beach. A genuine feature of the property — not just landscaping.
Complimentary parking available for hotel guests and also for dining guests (lunch and dinner reservations).
Several outdoor pools on the property. The main pool is heated and equipped with free hammocks. Balinese beds available.
Round-the-clock front desk and concierge services. Multilingual staff.
Online check-in available via checkin.civitfun.com/hotel/hotel-don-carlos
On-site tennis shop at the Rafa Nadal Tennis Center with Nike and Babolat equipment and apparel. Rafa Nadal's trophy collection on display. Premium racket and padel rentals available.
Shuttle service available between the hotel and Málaga Airport (45km). Private transfers are included for suite guests staying 4+ nights booked direct.
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