Beachfront Hotel In Marbella Approved After 8 Years
20th January 2025
A groundbreaking luxury hotel project for Marbella has finally received approval from the Junta de Andalucía after an eight-year battle. The ambitious development, backed by an investment of 350 million euros, will also focus on protecting the surrounding dune ecosystem, according to developer Platinum Estates.
A Journey of Change and Challenges
Over the eight years, the project has faced several changes due to urban planning, rising production costs, and commercial considerations. Initially partnered with Marriott for a W brand resort, the investment fund is now negotiating with a higher-category brand. "It will be a five-star luxury brand, but we cannot yet disclose which one," said Juan Luis Segalerva, representative of Platinum Estates.
The project's scope has also evolved. The original plan for 186 rooms under the Marriott partnership has been revised to 150 larger rooms to align with the superior brand’s standards. Additionally, the plan includes up to 206 authorized residential units, though the current design anticipates only 170. The site will also feature a beach club, three restaurants, and access to the hotel’s services for residents.
The Best Beachfront Location in Marbella
Segalerva emphasized the unique location of the project: "It’s the best beachfront in Marbella because it is a dune. The area is not well-maintained, but we will transform it into something resembling a Cadiz beach, but without the wind." Alongside the hotel, the developers plan to integrate the dune ecosystem into a landscaping project, ensuring environmental preservation in line with the conditions set by the Junta de Andalucía.
Approvals and Environmental Commitments
The approval process has been long and complex. While the town hall provisionally approved the project in 2022 following six years of negotiations and favorable reports from environmental, coastal, and roads authorities, significant hurdles remained. In 2023, the Junta suspended modifications to the PGOU (General Urban Development Plan) due to non-compliance with Andalusian urban planning laws, specifically the town hall's failure to justify a 30% social housing reserve.
However, by June 2024, the technical dossier for the Las Dunas Club project was unanimously approved, incorporating the required corrections to the PGOU. The final step was pending publication in the BOJA (Official Gazette of the Junta de Andalucía).
Balancing Development and Conservation
The Las Dunas Club development occupies a 154,170 square meter plot previously classified as a suburban park and general free area system. Environmentalists, such as the association Ecologistas Malaka, opposed the project in 2021, citing risks of fragmentation and destruction of the dune ecosystem. Platinum Estates has committed to not only preserving but also enhancing the natural environment through a dedicated landscaping project.
Looking Ahead
The hotel will be a centerpiece of luxury in Marbella, boasting fewer but more spacious rooms than initially planned, alongside world-class amenities. "Apart from the hotel, residents will enjoy exclusive access to a beach club, fine dining, and hotel services," said Segalerva. Vehicle access development via the A-7 motorway is also part of the project, with submissions already made to the Ministry of Transport.
After years of delays and adjustments, the Las Dunas Club represents a transformative venture for Marbella’s coastline, blending high-end development with a commitment to environmental stewardship. As Segalerva concluded, "The process has been long and complicated, but the result will redefine beachfront luxury in Marbella."
Published by David
