Hilton Hotel’s five-star Waldorf Astoria brand has officially confirmed its arrival in Marbella, taking over the iconic Marbella Golf Country Club in the hills above Los Monteros. 

With projects like Four Seasons, Dolce&Gabbana at La Cabane, and new beachfront resorts already underway, this moment marks a real turning point. The spotlight is shifting towards Marbella East, and the area is stepping confidently into a new chapter of luxury living. 

A Landmark Move for East Marbella

On the 8^th of November 2025, Higuerón Developments – the Fuengirola-based team behind some of the coast’s most recognisable lifestyle resorts – confirmed that it had acquired the historic Marbella Golf Country Club. The estate will now begin a new chapter as the Higuerón Marbella Golf Resort.

Just a few days before the announcement, the project was unveiled at the iconic Waldorf Astoria on Park Avenue in New York, where Hilton CEO Christopher J. Nassetta and Higuerón Developments CEO Javier Rodríguez officially confirmed their collaboration. Their partnership will bring the very first Waldorf Astoria hotel to Spain.

It’s a significant milestone for Marbella’s hospitality and real estate landscape. And for Marbella East in particular, it marks a real turning point – reinforcing its rising international profile, strong lifestyle appeal, and long-term investment promise.

A Premium Vision Rooted in Heritage

The resort will undergo a complete overhaul, combining the Waldorf Astoria’s ultra-luxury hospitality with Higuerón’s modern, wellness-driven approach. Positioned in the hills above Los Monteros, the site enjoys the same sweeping coastline where future projects like Four Seasons Marbella and the new beachfront resort in Las Dunas Elviria are taking shape.

This creates a rare cluster of global brands – something that is already considered a defining driver for luxury demand in destinations like Dubai, Miami, and Mallorca.

The project outlines a full transformation of the estate, beginning with a complete redesign of the golf course by the Robert Trent Jones legacy team, accompanied by new luxury hospitality and wellness facilities. Alongside this, the resort will introduce luxury dining, sport and leisure experiences, all delivered with the refined, signature level of service that defines the Waldorf Astoria brand.

Revival of the Golf Course

First opened in 1994, the original course was designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones Sr. Its setting, rolling terrain, and panoramic views made it one of the Costa del Sol’s most recognisable golfing landscapes. 

For the next chapter, Robert Trent Jones’ son and their legacy team will lead a complete redesign that focuses on:

• Sustainability and modern playability
• Stronger championship-level credentials
• Enhancing natural landscape integration

The redesign anchors the resort’s luxury positioning and plays an essential role in its branded development strategy. 

Why This Matters for Marbella East

Marbella East is known for its pine forests, protected dunes, open landscapes and some of the best beaches on the coast. But over the last few years, it has quietly become one of the most interesting luxury hotspots on the Costa del Sol.

The arrival of the Waldorf Astoria is accelerating this shift, and it joins a growing list of high-end projects in the pipeline, including the branded beachfront hotel in Las Dunas, Elviria, the upcoming Four Seasons Marbella resort and the transformation of La Cabane into a 5-star Dolce&Gabbana beach club.

The result is a powerful collection of international names defining a new era of premium experiences on the Costa del Sol – and significant uplift for nearby residential areas such as Los Monteros, Costabella, Elviria, Las Chapas, La Mairena and Cabopino.

What This Means for Buyers and Investors 

Branded residences and luxury hospitality projects tend to reshape markets. Globally, they often achieve price premiums of 20–40% and create higher demand for nearby neighbourhoods.

In Marbella East, this is likely to translate into faster absorption rates into new developments, a more stable, year round residential market, and increased resale values for properties around the wider resort radius. 

As construction progresses, interest is only expected to grow. Early buyers are usually the ones who benefit most as pricing evolves through each development milestone. For investors looking for long-term growth and secure demand, the timing couldn’t be better.

A New Direction for Marbella East

The partnership between Higuerón Developments and Hilton’s Waldorf Astoria brand introduces a flagship destination that will shape the future identity of Marbella East. With international attention rising and multiple world-class projects advancing along the coastline, this area is set to become one of the Mediterranean’s most desirable luxury enclaves.

For buyers, investors, and anyone watching the market – this is a moment to pay attention. If you’re considering a move or investment in Marbella East, contact us today to explore the best opportunities as this new chapter unfolds.