LIFE BEYOND FIRST CLASS
DEPARTURES
AUTUMN ELEGANCE
IN ANDALUSIA
Following an extensive renovation, the legendary Don Carlos Resort & Spa has just reopened its doors, offering Marbella’s most elegant fall retreat with sun-drenched suites, Nikki Beach access, the first Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre in Spain, and a refined new take on Mediterranean luxury.
REBECCA ETORIA
The Spanish sun doesn’t dim in autumn—it simply gets smarter. And for travelers who prefer their luxury sun-kissed but not overcrowded, the newly reopened Don Carlos Resort & Spa in Marbella is the season’s ultimate insider escape. Following an extensive renovation, this iconic coastal retreat has emerged with a sharper, sleeker edge—blending its glamorous legacy with a refreshing new vision of Mediterranean elegance.
This isn’t just a reopening. It’s a reinvention.
The first thing you notice is the lobby—not because it demands attention, but because it earns it. Sunlight spills across a symphony of soft curves and cool textures. Sculptural beams stretch skyward. Lounge chairs in chalky hues curl like seashells around sleek, low tables. Outside, the Andalusian mountains rise beyond glass walls like a mural drawn by nature. Above, modernist halo chandeliers glow gently—elegant, unobtrusive, and quietly cinematic. This is not a lobby. It’s a mood.
From there, the experience only deepens. The newly designed suites and villas are sanctuaries of calm—sunlit, spacious, and meticulously detailed. Warm woods, muted linens, and panoramic sea views invite a slower pace, while private terraces promise morning coffee rituals you’ll wish would never end.
For those who crave a touch of Riviera glamour, Nikki Beach Marbella is just steps away. Mornings bring soft playlists and chilled juices by the sea; by late afternoon, the scene heats up with signature cocktails and sunset glamour. It’s effortless and polished, with just the right amount of play.
But perhaps the most unexpected—and impressive—addition is the Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre, the first of its kind in Spain. With seven red clay courts, two ocean-view padel courts, and bespoke training programs, it’s a dream for anyone who believes movement should be a luxury too.
The culinary program is equally elevated. Autumn brings olive oil from local groves, seasonal produce, and soulful wines from Andalusia’s lesser-known vineyards. Chef-led tastings capture the essence of the region, while al fresco dinners stretch luxuriously into the night—each course paced by the sea breeze, not the clock.
Then there’s the revamped spa, where Mediterranean botanicals and advanced hydrotherapy circuits form the basis for rituals that feel deeply rooted yet entirely modern. Relaxation zones are as aesthetically soothing as they are spiritually restorative—designed with soft light, soft scents, and soft landings in mind.
Venture beyond the resort and you’ll find Marbella at its most magnetic. In October, the Marbella Jazz Festival brings a soulful soundtrack to the town’s whitewashed streets, while nearby Málaga buzzes with world-class art—from the Picasso Museum to contemporary design galleries.
For private jet travelers, Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport offers seamless VIP arrivals, with the resort just a short coastal drive away. From tarmac to terrace, it’s smooth, discreet, and beautifully unhurried.
What Don Carlos Resort & Spa delivers now is luxury and a legacy, redefined. For travelers looking to steal a few more golden hours of sun, without the crowds or the chaos, this is Marbella at its most thoughtful, most elegant, and most essential.
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