Glamour on the Costa del Sol: Discover five-star luxury and beachfront style at this historic hotel on the beach by Marbella Old Town

El Fuerte has a long history of welcoming the glitterati to the Costa del Sol and combines classic style with contemporary design

Ad feature by British Airways Holidays

PUBLISHED: 11:53, 11 March 2024

A landmark hotel set right on the beachfront, just steps from pretty Marbella Old Town and Marbella’s leisure port, El Fuerte is a unique blend of old-world glamour and modern exclusivity. Classic interiors exude a timeless Mediterrenean cool, a unique combination of warmth, personality and splendour, perfectly complemented by the beguiling natural beauty of its surroundings.

And when you book this Grand Dame of a hotel with British Airways Holidays, you can wrap your stay up in one easy, ATOL-protected package.

You’ll enjoy British Airways flights and a 23kg baggage allowance per person, and you can reserve with a low deposit* of just £60 per person, paying the balance in as many instalments as you like.

El Fuerte is named for the 16th-century fort that was constructed at the site to protect against pirates.

A Marbella legend

El Fuerte is named for the 16th-century fort that was constructed at the site to protect against pirates. Today only ruins remain, set in the gardens of what is one of Marbella’s most historic hotels. It opened its doors in 1957, overlooking the silken sands of Playa de Venus and just a short stroll from its enchanting Old Town.

Over the years, it has hosted an array of celebrities and renowned figures, including the likes of Walt Disney, Lola Flores, Diana Dors and Penelope Cruz. You can spot a few of those familiar faces among the wall of photos charting the hotel’s history.

Elegant interiors

The hotel, remodeled by interior designer Jaime Beriesitain, evokes the romance and glamour of its past, all the while infused with contemporary flair. Rooms are designed with a lightness of touch, with natural wood finishes and neutral tones that evoke a sense of calm, together, with large windows and patio doors that allow daylight to flood in and open up onto the blissful blue of the Mediterranean Sea.

Upgrade your stay to a Selected room for benefits such as late check-out (subject to availability), Molton Brown toiletries, a free hydrotherapy session and access to the exclusive Selected area at breakfast and the Selected Lounge for snacks and refreshments in the afternoon and evening.

Rooms are designed with a lightness of touch, with natural wood finishes and neutral tones that evoke a sense of calm

Exquisite dining

El Fuerte offers a diverse range of delicious dining options for guests to enjoy an authentic gastronomic experience.

The Arab souk-inspired Le Marche, serves up artisan dishes, with locally sourced ingredients and a distinctive Mediterranean flavour. Nautical-themed Soleo Marbella is ideal for traditional staples such as Spanish rice dishes, fried fish and sublime seafood with a modern twist, while Levante offers Andalusian delights across three spaces: indoors, on outdoor terraces and in a tranquil hammock area.

You’ll find fast, healthy food, the hotel’s Grab ‘N Go service offers you a wide array of meals, snacks and drinks at any time of day or night, as well as expert coffee courtesy of master barista Adrián Fernández at Qahwa, the space dedicated to delicious coffee.
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To contemplate some stunning views head to the stunning rooftop gastronomic restaurant Edge by Paco Pérez, curated by the 4 Michelin-starred chef’s or enjoy mixologist Cristian Pineda’s cocktails, as spectacular as the views across the Mediterranean and Marbella’s Old Town.

To contemplate some stunning views head to the stunning rooftop gastronomic restaurant Edge by Paco Pérez

Immersive experiences

From the rooftop with its stunning 360-degree views of mountains, sea and coast to the sea-view gym and the exquisite spa, where you can relax in the Turkish bath or sauna or indulge in a treatment with products from renowned French brand Clarins, El Fuerte creates a haven of relaxation.

Treat yourself to El Fuerte’s curated moments, a range of experiences designed and delivered by experts in their field. Barcelona’s famous sommelier, Meritxell Falgueras, is charged with curating the hotel’s wines, which range from Andalusian favourites to some of the best varieties in the world.

El Fuerte also offers special live music evenings, with the soothing sounds of contemporary jazz and the serene sounds of the waves creating the perfect backdrop to an enchanting evening.

All holidays with British Airways Holidays are ATOL protected and come with a 24-hour holiday helpline. Secure your European beach holiday now with a low deposit* ba.com/elfuerte

Enjoy the benefits of British Airways Holidays

• All holidays booked with British Airways Holidays are ATOL protected, meaning you and your money are safe.
• Flexible payments with deposits from just £60pp*.
• Generous 23kg baggage allowance per person included with every holiday.
• All hotels and car hires meet British Airways Holidays’ high safety standards, and car hires come with dedicated roadside assistance.
• Dedicated 24/7 UK helpline to deal with any issue that might arise while you're away.
• British Airways Executive Club members can use their Avios Points for part payment on package holidays. See ba.com/holidays for more details.

Upgrade to Club Europe

• Relax and recharge with access to calm, elegant departure lounges where available.
• Savour complimentary meals including full British breakfast, lunch and dinner, and a range of drinks.
• Cut the queues with dedicated check-in desks, fast track security and priority boarding^.
• Enjoy more comfort on board, with contoured leather seats and extra space to work or relax.
• Stay connected with high-speed Wi-Fi, available on most aircrafts.
• Travel the way you want, with larger baggage allowance – take two bags onboard and put two in the hold.
• Rack up more Avios and Tier Points.

All holidays with British Airways Holidays are ATOL protected and come with a 24-hour holiday helpline. Secure your European beach holiday now with a low deposit* El Fuerte