Hilton has just officially announced its newest luxury property that’s in the pipeline, and it’s a cool one, though we’ll have to be patient.
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Waldorf Astoria brand coming to Spain in 2029
The Waldorf Astoria Marbella is expected to open in 2029, in Spain’s Malaga Province, along the Mediterranean coastline. This is thanks to a management agreement with Higuerón Developments, and it will be the global hotel giant’s first property in Spain.
The resort will feature 120 guest rooms and suites, plus 120 branded residences, so all-in-all, it’s going to be a pretty massive development, basically a community in and of itself. This project is still in the very early stages — it’ll feature a unique design created by three Pritzker Prize-winning architects, who are currently working on the resort’s conceptual design competition.
The Waldorf Astoria should feature indoor and outdoor pools, a signature restaurant, a pool bar and grill, and Peacock Alley, Waldorf Astoria’s signature lobby bar. The resort will also boast a spa with four treatment rooms, a fitness center, meeting spaces, and access to a golf course.
Details beyond that remain fairly limited, given that the hotel is still several years from opening. Below is the only picture that has been released so far of the land the property will be built on, given that a design concept hasn’t even been finalized.
Since this property is being announced years in advance, I wouldn’t necessarily count on the timeline sticking, or even the branding being maintained, as that can all change as the opening date approaches. Either way, it’s nice to see more luxury properties coming to Marbella, given its beautiful landscape and pleasant climate.
What executives have to say about this property
Hilton CEO Chris Nassetta attended the signing of this property, and had the following to say:
“Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts has long been synonymous with unparalleled luxury in the world’s most sought-after destinations. We’re delighted to once again work alongside Higuerón Developments as we introduce the brand to Marbella, bringing the iconic Waldorf Astoria brand to Spain’s Malaga Province. This signing represents another important step in our strategy to expand Hilton’s luxury portfolio globally, which now includes more than 550 trading hotels – from the legendary Waldorf Astoria New York to Conrad Hamburg and Waldorf Astoria Osaka. I look forward to Waldorf Astoria Marbella welcoming guests in 2029, with the hotel set to offer elegant service and unforgettable experiences for generations to come.”
I mean, I know all CEOs of major companies love speaking hyperbolically, but Waldorf Astoria is known for “unparalleled luxury in the world’s most sought-after destinations?” So, like, he thinks Waldorf Astoria is completely in a league of its own, and no other brand can compete? Hmmm…
Meanwhile here’s what Higuerón Development CEO Javier Rodríguez had to say:
“Higuerón Marbella Golf Resort aims to be a global benchmark in the ultra-luxury holiday segment. The arrival of this Waldorf Astoria resort in Spain reinforces and validates this commitment to excellence and consolidates Marbella as a prime destination for ultra-luxury tourism. The vision for this future project aligns with the existing core values of our company namely humanism, authenticity, innovation and sustainability, these values have accompanied us throughout our 30 years of history in Higuerón Gran Málaga Resort and together with our team are a fundamental part of the DNA of this Future Project.”
Bottom line
The Waldorf Astoria brand is expanding to Marbella, Spain, with the opening of a Waldorf Astoria in 2029. The resort is expected to feature 120 guest rooms and suites, plus 120 residences, so it’ll be pretty huge. It has been about a decade since I’ve been to Marbella, but I’m a fan, and this will be a useful new points property for those looking for an easy, luxury European getaway. Now let’s just have to see if the timeline and branding sticks…
What do you make of plans for the Waldorf Astoria Marbella?
What are we Pablo Escobar? It's a resort, not a 'compound.'
I guess Chris fancied a trip away before Xmas.
Four treatment rooms for a resort of this size seems to be a bit low in my opinion. Otherwise looking forward to see the design once they decided on a candidate.