Waldorf Astoria Higuerón Marbella Golf Resort

Hilton Hotel’s five-star Waldorf Astoria branded resort is officially confirmed to replace the historic Marbella Golf Country Club in the hills above Los Monteros. Alongside projects for Four Seasons and other branded resorts in the area, the Marbella property market is entering a pivotal phase, with increased attention shifting to the east. This period will reshape its luxury destination positioning and accelerate demand across surrounding residential zones.

A Landmark Hospitality Acquisition for East Marbella

On 8 November 2025, Fuengirola-based hospitality group, Higuerón Developments, announced its recent acquisition of the historic Marbella Golf Country Club in the Altos de Monteros area of Marbella East, one of the Costa del Sol’s emblematic golf estates, which will take the new name of Higuerón Marbella Golf Resort.

The announcement comes days after the presentation at the iconic Waldorf Astoria hotel on Park Avenue in Manhattan New York, on November 5, where Hilton CEO Christopher J. Nassetta announced the agreement signed with Higuerón Developments CEO Javier Rodríguez to transform the resort into the first Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Spain.

This move establishes one of the most influential alliances in the Costa del Sol’s luxury resort and real estate sector. The creation of the Waldorf Astoria Higuerón Marbella Golf Resort marks a defining moment not only for Marbella as a whole, but specifically for East Marbella life and property, which is rapidly emerging as another epicentre of high-end Mediterranean luxury living.

Hilton Waldorf Astoria, Higuerón Marbella Golf Resort

The redevelopment project incorporates a vision that combines exclusive accommodation with wellness and sports under the umbrella of a globally recognised hotel brand, much like Design Hills Marbella by Dolce&Gabbana, and other branded residential properties in Marbella and Benahavís.

Positioned in the hills above Los Montero, overlooking the same coastline where the Four Seasons Marbella and another beachfront hotel in Las Dunas Elviria, the project presents a geographic clustering of globally recognised hotel brands that is highly significant from a tourism, hospitality and luxury real estate perspective.

Higuerón Developments intends to deliver a complete transformation of the resorts lifestyle hotel experience, including:

• A full redesign of the golf course by the original designer’s son, with the Robert Trent Jones legacy team
• World-class hospitality and wellness facilities
• Elevated gastronomy, sport and lifestyle offerings
• The signature level of ultra-luxury service associated with Waldorf Astoria brand

By blending Hilton’s flagship high-end brand with Higuerón’s three decades of expertise in contemporary resort developments, the resort development aims to set a new benchmark for Mediterranean hospitality and firmly position East Marbella on the global luxury stage.

The Golf Course Redesign: Elevating a Robert Trent Jones Legacy

Originally designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and inaugurated in 1994 more than a decade after conception by Robert Naify in the 1980s, Marbella Golf Country Club has long held iconic status on the Costa del Sol. Paying respect to the landscape, the Higuerón Marbella Golf Resort will represent a fusion of “heritage, innovation, and vision for the future”. Under the new vision, Robert Trent Jones Jr. will lead a complete redesign, prioritising:

• Sustainability and modern playability
• Enhanced championship credentials
• Improved landscape integration

The redevelopment of the iconic golf course is a cornerstone of the project’s strategic luxury positioning and branded development strategy, in combination with the Hilton-branded partnership.

Impact on Tourism, Demand and Property Values

East Marbella has always featured exceptional natural surroundings and quaint local services, offering spacious residential areas among pine forests and some of the coast’s best beaches on the Mediterranean Sea. The arrival of the Waldorf Astoria marks a significant structural shift, bringing world-class amenities, elevated hospitality standards, and refined leisure experiences that accelerate the region’s evolution from a tranquil residential enclave into a fully established luxury destination.

The impact is magnified by other high-end developments progressing nearby, including:

• The new branded beachfront hotel planned beside Casanis La Plage Casanis in the Las Dunas area of Elviria.
• The upcoming Four Seasons Marbella resort on the border of Marbella centre and the east.
• The recent redevelopment of La Cabane Dolce&Gabbana chiringuito into a modern five-star beach club experience.

Together, they create a powerful concentration of world-renowned luxury hospitality and branded resort developments along the Marbella East coastline, complemented by the branded residential projects throughout Marbella Golden Mile to their west.

As we’ve observed across comparable global markets, the arrival of multiple high-profile brands increases demand for surrounding areas, strengthening buyer confidence and elevating luxury property price ceilings. The result is likely to be a strong market uplift in the surrounding East Marbella neighbourhoods, including Los Monteros, Costabella, Elviria, and Hacienda Las Chapas, as well as the La Mairena and Cabopino/Artola areas, all of which are already known for their relaxed beach resorts and golf courses.

What Buyers and Investors Should Expect Next

Globally, branded residences tend to command premiums of 20–40% over non-branded counterparts. With projects such as these continuing to emerge throughout Marbella branded residential properties, the Higuerón Developments and Hilton’s Waldorf Astoria brand is likely to result in:

1. Higher absorption rates for new developments in the Marbella area with lifestyle integration.
2. A more stable year-round market, drawing full-time residents, lifestyle buyers and international property investors.
3. Increased resale values for properties for sale in Marbella within the resort’s close radius.

Getting in early is where future buyers will gain the most advantage, especially in areas undergoing such strong luxury repositioning. As construction phases begin, from the Robert Trent Jones redesign to major infrastructure upgrades, market attention will intensify. Each milestone is likely to create incremental price adjustments, reinforcing East Marbella’s rising luxury sector identity.

For investors, the guidance is clear: This is a strategic moment to seize projected property capital gains and secure assets before the full impact of these first-class developments are reflected in pricing. With limited land availability and rising global demand, East Marbella real estate will become increasingly competitive.

Conclusion: A Foundational Shift for Marbella’s Next Decade

The partnership between Higuerón Developments and Hilton’s Waldorf Astoria introduces a flagship resort, bringing increased tourism, attracting new investors, and boosting residential demand. Together with other major coastal projects, it drives a structural revaluation of East Marbella, establishing the region as a rising first-class destination for the next decade.

For buyers and investors looking ahead, East Marbella stands out as one of Marbella’s most compelling emerging luxury markets, and the time to act is now. Take advantage of this unique opportunity, contact MPDunne property experts today for a confidential consultation and tailored investment strategies to help you secure your place in this booming market before prices rise further.