Once the first hotel in the coastal town of El Fuerte Marbella in the province of Málaga reopened in June 2023 after a year of renovation. The namesake Fuerte, fortress in English, was built in 1554 to fend off pirates and eventually converted into a hotel in 1957. As a historical cornerstone and monument to history, the remains still exist today.
As part of the conversion, all 266 rooms and suites, as well as the spa area, were renovated. Spanish architect Jaime Beriestain was responsible for the interior. The rich culture of the region served as inspiration: “I always seek contact with local artisans rather than following trends,” says Beriestain. Hand-painted ceramics, carved wood ornaments and open-plan areas combined with earthy tones thereby reflect the region and represent the character of Andalusia.
Sustainability is also a high priority at El Fuerte Marbella. To make the hotel as energy-efficient as possible, attention was paid to measures to reduce greenhouse gases during the renovation. Improved insulation, the installation of an energy recovery system and the complete switch to LED lighting will reduce CO² emissions by 41 percent.
For those who feel like dining on the beach, the Soleo Restaurant offers a selection of typical dishes from the country.
Interior Design
Jaime Beriestain
Design
Expormim
