Located on the picturesque Plaza del Santo Cristo in Marbella's Old Town, La Fonda Heritage Hotel is officially opening its doors on April 1, 2023 as the first Relais & Châteaux property in Andalusia. The luxury boutique hotel has gourmet restaurants, open courtyards, a sky-bar and emblematic architecture.
Comprising three restored historical buildings, this landmark was once a private residence, and also served as a church and a school, before designers Jaime Parlade and Duarte Pinto Coelho transformed it into a luxurious hotel in the ’60s, eventually becoming the first Michelin-star restaurant in the city, during the late ’80s. During the recent renovation project to restore La Fonda's architectural splendor, archeological excavations unearthed the altar and nave of the 16th-century Church of San Sebastian, as well as structures from the Nasrid period, dating back to the 13th century.
La Fonda has retained its original features, ancient walls and murals, while adding contemporary design, exclusive amenities and fine dining. Traditional floor tiles are juxtaposed against glass walls and modern decor. Archways open onto courtyards and ancient trees rise through the hotel, offering shade to the patios where guests can enjoy breakfast.
The hotel is home to a trio of restaurants, including its signature restaurant, Jane, where Andalusian and Mediterranean local produce are combined with global flavors. With an open kitchen and three separate dining areas, including the 16th-century Church of San Sebastian, Jane offers a dining experience in a unique setting. La Fonda also has a stylish sky bar where one can enjoy Champagne cocktails, oysters and a raw menu.
All 20 rooms, including three suites, at La Fonda offer sleek bathrooms, old-town views and original character. Accessed by covered passageways that look over the courtyards, each room has its own individual characteristics. Some have expansive terraces, others have traditional balconies overlooking the square, and others sit high above the rooftops of Marbella.
For culture and history enthusiasts, The Heritage Suite is the most unique room in the hotel, home to the original dome of the Church's dressing room and 18th-century mural paintings of angels created in honor of La Virgen de Los Remedios. The Loft Suite affords a private hideaway to retreat and relax; it has wooden beamed ceilings, large skylights offering plenty of natural light, and a balcony overlooking the neighborhood.
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