On the sunshine coast of Andalusia, Anfitrión Marbella Villas & Suites has turned the art world on its head. A collection of luxury villas lovingly reimagined by Spanish architect David González García, this boutique establishment is a living gallery where contemporary artwork covers every wall.
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Created in response to the dearth of quality galleries in the region, Anfitrión Marbella was conceived as a destination that meets the needs of discerning art buyers and well-heeled travellers: a collection of luxurious villas providing gallery space for emerging and established artists showcasing the best of contemporary Spanish talent. Moreover, it’s a celebration of modern Spanish culture that shows the softer side of Marbella; the more elegant counterpart to the superyachts and beach clubs of nearby Puerto Banús.
Architect David González García, founding partner of Madrid-based dAAr Arquitectura, and his team were given creative license to imbue the villas with their interpretation of contemporary Spanish style; talents honed working on a collection of luxury hotels across Spain. The four- and five-bedroom villas are works of art in their own right, pairing cool, clean architectural lines and whitewashed exteriors with traditional stonewall textures and a palette of neutrals that allows the art to speak for itself.
Bedrooms ranging from 40-78 square metres each have their own en suite bathroom and a terrace with loungers and a plunge pool; kitchens are fully equipped and living rooms open out onto secluded gardens with swimming pool and outdoor dining area, hidden from the world by a sun-dappled wall of Andalusian pine, Cypress and eucalyptus trees. Outdoor furniture evokes the artisanal history of the region, with knotted poolside parasols, wicker armchairs and plump beanbags, while interiors showcase a more contemporary feel, with modern fittings accented by vases of fresh olive branches and an ever-changing rotation of artwork.
Since the property opened in 2023, Spanish artists Alan Sastre and Lúa Gándara have both taken residency at Anfitrión, living on site, creating artworks and opening their studio doors to curious guests. Managing Director Lesya Belanenko and her team are also exploring cross-cultural exchanges with artists in Jeddah and other cities to encourage the exchange of ideas and inspiration between overlapping artists-in-residence from different parts of the world.
For guests, art advisors are available to consult on everything from emerging talent to well-established names and Spanish masters whose works may be available on the secondary market, as well as provide support on logistics and shipping and arrange private gallery visits in other parts of Spain.
Anfitrión means ‘host’ in Spanish, a word that crept into the Spanish dictionary after 17th century French playwright Molière depicted the Greek god Amphitryon as a master of hospitality. So there’s a lot to live up to. More like the home of an in-the-know Spanish friend than a hotel or private villa, Anfitrión nevertheless offers a range of services to guests. The concierge team can help with everything from private chef and spa therapist recommendations to English-speaking nannies and halal meals. They also hold the keys to insider experiences; perhaps a sunset cruise along the Andalusian coast or a private after-hours visit to historical sites.
But it’s the privacy that really sets this boutique apart. Set in a secluded residential neighbourhood, the villas are a world away from the bustle of Puerto Banús, yet only 10 minutes’ walk from its luxury boutiques and beaches. Each villa has a secure private entrance and gardens are concealed from the outside world, while discrete staff are invisible yet available 24/7 via WhatsApp. Quiet, creative and evocative, Anfitrión Marbella is a private hideaway with an artistic soul that celebrates the best of Andalusian life.
