The Belgian group Immobel and the US firm Fort Partners have purchased 90% of the land on which the future five-star Four Seasons hotel in Marbella is to be built. Both companies have acquired the property, which was previously owned by the businessman Ricardo Arranz, who also owns other assets such as the Villa Padierna hotel in Benahavís.
The site covers some 32 hectares, with 750 metres of direct access to the coast, and is located around three kilometres from Marbella’s old town. The design has been developed by an international team including Meier Partners.
Immobel and Fort Partners had already strengthened their position in the project after previously acquiring a further 20,000 sqm from businessman Tomás Olivo for around €53 million. Through these combined transactions, the new developers have secured overall control of the site earmarked for the complex.
In terms of urban planning, the project is at an advanced stage, with the Detailed Development Plan already approved. The next steps focus on obtaining building permits, following a planning process that has spanned eight years. The sale of the properties is scheduled for 2027.
According to its promoters, it will be “one of the few large-scale luxury hotels on the beachfront in Europe”. It has been designed as a complex comprising approximately 40 apartments, 54 townhouses, 33 villas and a 105-key main hotel. Alongside this, two beach clubs will be built, offering a wide range of dining options, sports and wellness facilities, and cultural and educational amenities. According to a 2018 statement from Immobel, the project will involve an investment of €740 million.
“This is a decisive moment for Four Seasons Marbella. Opportunities of this scale, quality and location are exceptionally rare in Europe. The site combines a unique beachfront position, the strength of the Marbella market, an advanced planning basis, Four Seasons hospitality and the potential to create a truly world-class residential and resort destination. Together with Fort Partners, our focus is now on execution, discipline and long-term value creation”, commented Marnix Galle, Executive Chair of Immobel.
“Our longstanding partnership with Four Seasons has given us a deep understanding of the ultra-luxury branded residential market, which we are proud to bring to this exceptional project. We are delighted to partner with Immobel on this endeavor and to add Four Seasons Marbella to our growing portfolio, collaborating with world-class design talent, local authorities, and Four Seasons to deliver a truly extraordinary destination”, stated Nadim Ashi, Founder and CEO of Fort Partners.
The development has the support of various local stakeholders and is shaping up to be one of the most eagerly awaited projects in the ultra-luxury segment in Spain.
