CRISTINE BEDFOR MÁLAGA
The Cristine Bedfor collection of storied Guest Houses continues its expansion through Spain. Following the Menorca original, this 27-room guest house opened last year within an 1871 mansion designed by Gerónimo Cuervo, architect of Málaga’s emblematic Cervantes Theatre. The building, in the vibrant old quarter of the city with views of Malaga Cathedral, had been left abandoned for years before founder Cristina Lozano and interior designer Marta de la Rica undertook a two-year restoration. Their creative reimagining revealed original tile floors and a hidden stained-glass atrium that is now one of the striking signature features of this boutique bolthole.
Each guest house tells a chapter in the story of the fictional life of Cristine Bedfor, Lozano’s alter ego. Here in Malaga, the narrative explores her childhood adventures on the floating island of Clementine, a whimsical and playful thread woven throughout the house starting from the entrance library, an evocative space filled with antique books and collectibles including porcelain ‘biznagas malagueñas’, intricate flowers that lend a strong sense of place. The guest rooms are each named after a character in this fantastical tale, so when you check in, ask about the story of your room. The landings are draped with handmade Menorcan striped fabrics, and walls are punctuated with vintage lamps. Top-floor rooms offer rooftop views to the Cathedral, while for guests seeking a peaceful escape from the lively old town there are tranquil rooms facing internal patios.
La Cocina de Cristine serves a tempting Andalusian breakfast with fresh juice, healthy yoghurt bowls, and Cristine’s Eggs Benedict with Iberian ham.
This is boutique hospitality as immersive theatre, where storytelling and meticulous design create a genuinely distinctive guest experience in Málaga’s old town.
cristinebedforhotel.com/en/malaga @cristinebedfor
DON CARLOS MARBELLA
This landmark hotel tower first opened in 1969, back when Marbella meant Ava Gardner and Frank Sinatra, and the Costa del Sol was emerging as Europe’s glamorous playground. Now, following a multimillion-euro refurbishment by Selenta Group, Don Carlos Marbella has made a blockbuster comeback.
The emblematic tower still rises above Mediterranean pines of Elviria, in the chic area of east Marbella, but the 284 rooms and suites, each with private balconies, have been completely remodelled. The new, luxurious interiors by Jaime Beriestain, draw on a Mediterranean colour palette of sea and shells, with rooms decorated with bespoke wallpapers evocative of classic Andalusian shawls. The views remain stunning, of the sea, La Concha mountain, Gibraltar, and the African coast. There are also 24 DonCarlos residences in a separate building that suit longer stays.
Dining has also been reinvented with ‘Sol y Sombra’ for Mediterranean poolside cuisine, and ‘Los Naranjos’ open from breakfast through to dinner. Tucked into the most enchanting corner of Don Carlos Marbella, “Manero Marbella” unfolds across three connected spaces around an open-air courtyard with views over lush gardens to the sea – a place to explore, linger and return to. Built on the Gastro Life Style philosophy, it brings together fine cuisine, artisanal cocktails and signature design in an experience that goes well beyond dinner. The stylish Campari Bar Manero, designed by Lázaro Rosa Violán, has also joined the line-up. Think Campari spritzes at sunset, white-jacketed waiters, and plenty of la dolce vita.
Fitness and wellbeing facilities include the signature Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre, the first in mainland Spain, while the Don Carlos spa has 1,600 sqm dedicated to restorative wellbeing, with the comprehensive hydrotherapy circuit and signature Natura Bissé treatments. This is one of Marbella’s most iconic properties, reborn.
doncarlosresort.com @doncarlosmarbella
GRAN MARBELLA RESORT & BEACH CLUB
Set back from Playa Real de Zaragoza, one of Marbella’s most sought-after beaches, the Gran Marbella Resort has been completely reimagined under new ownership. The recent transformation has created a contemporary five-star resort that echoes the charm of Andalusia, with jasmine and bougainvillea clad arches, water fountains, and tiled courtyards.
The 135 rooms and suites include new signature accommodations, from Garden Suites with private pools to the new distinctive Dome Suite. Interiors show attention to detail, which extend to the elegantly furnished terraces. Four pools include a children’s pool, family pool, main pool with Garden Bar, and an adults-only pool shaded beneath pines.
Dining highlights include Terraza, where the Andalusian menu includes summery classics like gazpacho, Málaga-style tuna, and grilled sea bass with almond sauce. The Garden Bar hosts daily live music, while on the shore, Amù Beach Club brings a Riviera spirit with red-and-white daybeds and an infinity pool.
The Champneys Wellness Spa marks the brand’s European debut, bringing a century of British wellness expertise to the Costa del Sol with sea-view treatment rooms and restorative rituals.
granmarbellaresort.com @granmabrellaresort @champneysspas
CRISTINE BEDFOR SEVILLA
This third chapter in the Cristine Bedfor Guest House story opened in September 2025. Where the Menorca original established the storytelling concept and Málaga continued it in distinctive playfulness, Cristine Bedfor Sevilla immerses guests in a wondrous world of renaissance Seville, when the city was Europe’s gateway to the Americas.
Cristine, together with interior designer Lorenzo Castillo, has created an enticing guest experience, that’s both contemporary, original, and yet also richly evocative of 16th-century Seville when the city was the meeting point of cultures and international trade.
Welcomed as a valued house guest, you live the authentic Seville, a modern, vibrant capital, enjoying insider tips for cultural visits, sights to see and places to eat, although the property’s charming restaurant, ‘La Cocina de Cristine’ is a must too, with its thoughtful and tempting menu of traditional dishes.
Found on Calle Amor de Dios in central Seville, this is boutique hospitality that is beautifully curated.
cristinebedforhotel.com/en/seville @cristinebedfor
