Marbella Luxury Properties, Then and Now

Once a small struggling fishing village, Marbella has risen to become one of the country’s most luxurious property and celebrity hotspots. Credited with turning the tides almost 60 years ago is the Marbella Club Hotel. This prime piece of real estate that sits perfectly on the coast line is once again in high demand for property.

Marbella Luxury Properties, Then and Now

How do you attract the world’s super rich without losing that world famous Andalusia charm? If we think back almost 60 years or so, we can only imagine the conversations that must have gone down. A coastal village surrounded by such beauty, shadowed by the majestic La Concha mountains, which provides an almost too good to be true perfect climate. It may sound like something out of a dream, but we assure you, for locals and expats alike, it’s simply Marbella, Puerto Banús or also lovingly referred to as the Golden Mile.

But the question still remains; if world economics has taught us anything it’s that you need a certain level of allure to entice property investments, and it’s the same for the South of Spain. Marbella decided back then to set itself apart from other major coastal cities around the world. It all began with one man, one man whose luxury vehicle decided to break down in the most unusual, yet perfect of places.

The Playboy and the Rolls Royce

It was 1947, and a prince named Alfonso von Hohenlohe broke down in his Rolls Royce in what was then only a small fishing village. Not only a prince, but also a playboy for the era, he was so taken by the beauty of the place that he decided to buy up some of the land. It started with 18 acres of coastline among many other areas. The prince didn’t stop there either he sold plots of land to his high profile celebrity friends, which included the likes of the Rothschild’s and Thyssen families.

In 1954 he created the Marbella Club, the Costa del Sol’s first luxury hotel, which in turn attracted many celebrities. Most were so taken by Marbella’s charm and panoramic beauty it didn’t take long for the world’s high profile property investors and property development giants to jump on board the new opportunities presenting themselves on the Golden Mile. One rule had to be established amongst the elite however; this rule still stands today, even though Marbella and the country have seen their fair share of economic woes – the rule was simply no high rises allowed.

Nothing, and they absolutely mean, nothing will spoil the view or the charm that Marbella and the Costa del Sol present to the adoring European public. Not for lack of trying though, many have come and gone desperately having tried to turn Marbella into a thriving metropolis. But, the Spanish prevailed, keeping true to their ancient roots, and making sure pieces of history remained in the present.

Marbella Properties Make An Astonishing Comeback

Fast forward to today, and by pass what seemed like “forever” during the economic collapse, and the demand for luxury properties in Puerto Banús, Marbella and the Costa del Sol is back with a vengeance. Experts, financial advisors, and of course the banks are yelling across the coast that the property market is indeed recovering, and now is the time to invest in Marbella . High end and luxurious property never really left, it did however take a bit of a break. Marbella and the province of Malaga believe it or not, help carry the entire country out of its property and tourism slump. Reports for 2014, which includes the numbers for tourism are showing a 20% increase over the last several years – basically, Malaga province has been on a steady incline for tourists across the globe. 2014 saw its best year ever, with an astonishing 8.1 million international tourists; more than the entire total for 2013.

Why the increase in popularity? This is up for debate, but one thing is certain; although relatively unscathed, Marbella has climbed out of the rough, and has overcome the property bubble or slump if you prefer. The property market has stablised. Banks are once again offering mortgages, luxury villas in Puerto Banús are being snapped up. Now is certainly time to buy that luxury property on the beach you’ve always dreamed about.

Marbella Club Hotel is Turning 60
The prince and playboy would certainly be proud; his beloved famous resort, which helped put Marbella on the international map is turning 60. From the European elite, to Arab royalty, and of course Hollywood stars, who for decades bought or rented holiday homes in Marbella, it now feels like everything has come full circle.

The Marbella Club is going through a marvellous transformation, even having called in interior designer Jean-Pierre Martel for its big birthday makeover. Many will be in attendance to celebrate an historic moment for the Costa del Sol. More than likely, this particular birthday party will garner even more positive attention for properties in Marbella and surrounding Costa del Sol.

Then of course there’s Spain’s new Golden Visa program, which adds even more gold dust to the deals at hand. The program which basically offers Spanish residency permits to property investors is a huge success, and is once again getting lots of attention.

The Future is Glimmering for Marbella
High end, luxury, beach front property, secluded villas, the campo, a finca and even luxury yachts; all this awaits you in the South of Spain. The jewel of Spain, the Costa del Sol has made a comeback; Andalusia’s charming allure never did falter, and thanks to its unique beauty it has helped maintain that world famous charm people travel thousands of miles just to get a taste of.

Invest in something worthwhile find your dream villa or spectacular Marbella property today.