Marbella has long held a special place in the hearts of royalty and the world’s most rich figures. What began as a humble fishing village was transformed into the world’s premier jet-set destination through the vision of Prince Alfonso von Hohenlohe, who fell in love with the Costa del Sol’s untamed beauty in the 1950s.
His creation of the legendary Marbella Club Hotel attracted not only European aristocracy but also Hollywood’s golden age elite – Brigitte Bardot, Audrey Hepburn, and Sean Connery were amongst the luminaries who graced its terraces in the swinging sixties.
The hotel’s guest register reads like a who’s who of 20th-century glamour: opera legend Maria Callas, shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, and members of the British royal family all found refuge in its exclusive embrace. This tradition of attracting both royal blood and entertainment royalty continues today, Antonio Banderas has long had connections with the area, while contemporary stars like George Clooney and tennis champion Novak Djokovic have discovered Marbella’s enduring allure.
The town’s regal connections run deep. The Saudi royal family has maintained a presence here for over four decades, with King Fahd’s spectacular White House replica palace – complete with hospital, helipad, and mosque – becoming an iconic summer residence. Today, King Salman Ibn Abdulaziz’s Al-Riya (the current King of Saudi Arabia) palace on the Golden Mile serves as a retreat for the crown prince and close family members, while Kuwaiti royals and British nobility have all found their own slice of Mediterranean paradise along this glamorous coastline.
But beyond the permanent palaces lies a more discreet world of luxury villa rentals, where royal families seek the ultimate in privacy and bespoke service. We’ve asked the team from Vacation Marbella, who have some of the area’s most luxurious properties on their books, to reveal three extraordinary properties that have secretly hosted some of the world’s most prestigious guests.
Villa Nicklaus: The Golf Valley’s Most Coveted Address
There are vacation rentals, and then there’s Villa Nicklaus – a four-bedroom sanctuary in Marbella’s prestigious Golf Valley that redefines what it means to live well. This isn’t just another luxury property; it’s a love letter to Italian craftsmanship, Andalusian living, and the art of entertaining in style.
The moment you step inside, you’re struck by the sheer sophistication of the design. Every inch of this meticulously renovated villa whispers bespoke luxury, from the museum-worthy Italian marble that flows throughout the interiors to the central island bar that anchors the open-concept kitchen – a space so beautifully conceived, it practically begs for impromptu dinner parties with your most stylish friends.
But it’s the thoughtful details that truly distinguish Villa Nicklaus. The private hammam feels like a secret borrowed from Istanbul’s finest spas, while the sculptural freestanding bathtub in the master suite could easily grace the pages of Architectural Digest. The walk-in dressing room? Pure fantasy fulfillment for anyone who’s ever dreamed of a Carrie Bradshaw-level closet.
Outside, the magic continues. The heated swimming pool seamlessly blends with the manicured gardens, creating an oasis that feels both intimate and grand. The alfresco kitchen, complete with built-in BBQ, transforms al fresco dining from simple meal to theatrical experience—imagine serving perfectly grilled branzino as the sun sets over the Golf Valley’s rolling greens.
The villa’s location couldn’t be more perfect: seven minutes to Puerto Banús for world-class shopping and dining, yet blissfully removed from the crowds. Plus, with championship golf courses practically at your doorstep, mornings can begin with a few rounds before retreating to your private terrace for afternoon siestas overlooking the verdant landscape.
Villa Velazquez: Intimate Luxury On The Golden Mile
The Golden Mile has always been synonymous with exclusivity, making it the natural choice if you’re planning an intimate getaway with your closest friends. Villa Velazquez, with its prime location just 150 meters from the beach, offers the perfect blend of accessibility and privacy for this select group of five.
Enjoy spontaneous shopping expeditions to Marbella’s designer boutiques and evening adventures in Puerto Banús, whilst the villa’s peaceful setting provides the sanctuary needed for genuine relaxation and precious moments with friends away from busy schedules.
This brand-new sanctuary, completed in 2020, showcases striking modern architecture through its harmonious blend of concrete and glass, set amongst lush Mediterranean surroundings. The impressive living space features soaring 8-metre-high ceilings that create an immediate sense of grandeur, whilst maintaining an intimate atmosphere for close friendships.
The villa’s crown jewel – a breathtaking top-floor terrace offering 360-degree panoramic views – becomes the perfect gathering spot for those famous Marbella sunrise and sunset moments. The private heated swimming pool, spanning over 80 square metres of pristine waters, provides a refreshing retreat between adventures, whilst Puerto Banús marina just five minutes away and the vibrant Paseo Marítimo promenade at your doorstep position you perfectly to explore both old town Marbella’s authentic charm and the marina’s glamorous atmosphere.
To elevate the experience further, the villa’s concierge team can arrange private chef services for exclusive barbecue evenings, followed by authentic flamenco performances under the stars – creating memorable experiences that embody the spirit of Andalusian hospitality.
Read: Where To Stay, Dine & Play In Puerto Banús: The Ideal Guide
Villa Martinica: Where Modern Glamour Meets Mediterranean Magic
Picture this: you’re sipping champagne in your private rooftop hot tub, watching the sun dissolve into the Mediterranean while Puerto Banús glitters in the distance. This isn’t just a fantasy—it’s Wednesday evening at Villa Martinica, the Costa del Sol’s most exciting new arrival that’s already rewriting the rules of luxury coastal living.
Built in March 2025, Villa Martinica feels like it was designed by someone who truly understands how modern jet-setters want to live. This isn’t your grandmother’s Mediterranean villa (though she’d certainly approve of the impeccable taste). Instead, it’s a five-bedroom sanctuary that seamlessly blends cutting-edge contemporary design with that irresistible Andalusian warmth that makes you never want to leave.
The villa’s crown jewel? That breathtaking rooftop terrace with panoramic sea views that’ll have you scrambling for your phone to capture the perfect golden hour shot. But trust us—no Instagram filter can do justice to watching the sunset from your private hot tub, glass of Cava in hand, with the Spanish coastline stretching endlessly before you.
Down below, the heated infinity pool practically floats among the lush landscaped gardens, creating those dreamy reflection shots your feed has been missing. The high-end outdoor kitchen transforms every meal into an event—imagine grilling fresh seafood while your friends lounge poolside, the scent of jasmine mixing with sea breeze.
Inside, Villa Martinica is pure architectural poetry. The open-plan living area floods with natural light through expansive glass doors that make you feel like you’re living in a beautifully curated gallery. It’s sophisticated enough for the most stylish dinner party, yet cozy enough for those rare quiet mornings when you just want to read Vogue with your coffee.
But here’s where Villa Martinica gets playfully brilliant: the private cinema room complete with arcade-style video games. It’s giving luxury entertainment complex vibes, perfect for those evenings when you want to channel your inner teenager (in the most chic way possible, naturally). Plus, there’s a pool table in the living room because why shouldn’t relaxation include a bit of friendly competition?.
Villa Martinica even welcomes your chicest four-legged companions (small dogs up to 10kg), because the best getaways include the whole family—paws and all. After all, luxury without your beloved pet isn’t really luxury at all.
The Royal Standard Of Service
What makes these properties truly fit for royalty extends far beyond marble floors and infinity pools. Marbella’s luxury villa sector has evolved to provide the kind of seamless, anticipatory service that royal guests expect as standard.
From 24-hour security teams to private chefs, butlers, and housekeeping staff, every detail is orchestrated to ensure complete comfort and privacy. Concierge services can arrange everything from Michelin-starred restaurant bookings to private shopping experiences, with entire establishments occasionally closing their doors to accommodate royal visits.
The infrastructure supporting these stays rivals that of any five-star resort: fleets of supercars with professional chauffeurs, private jet and helicopter transfers, and access to a network of luxury service providers who understand the unique requirements of royal hospitality.
As one luxury villa specialist from Vacation Marbella notes: “Marbella isn’t just another holiday destination for royalty – it’s become their home away from home. The combination of world-class properties, impeccable service, and that special Andalusian warmth creates something truly magical.”
In a world where true privacy has become the ultimate luxury, these three villas represent more than just accommodation – they offer royal families the chance to experience life beyond the palace walls, creating memories in one of the world’s most beautiful settings.
