Estefanía Varo, Head of Marketing and Communications for Hotel Los Monteros and Hotel Guadalmina in Marbella, talks to us about the hotels and the services they offer and shares some of her favourite haunts.

by Carrie Frais

Article published on August 22, 2014 in LF Inspires

Article tagged with Interviews, Marbella

Lucas Fox speaks to Estefanía Varo, Head of Marketing and Communications for the exclusive Hotel Los Monteros and Hotel Guadalmina in Marbella

CF: Can you tell us a little bit about the history of both hotels?

EV: The HOTEL LOS MONTEROS SPA & GOLF Resort 5* GL was opened in 1962 by Salamancan businessman Ignacio Coca. It initially had 35 rooms, but high demand has led to three expansions and it is now a grand luxury hotel with 173 rooms, 20 villas and more than 440 employees. Guests have included Queen Ingrid of Denmark, Michael Jackson, Julio Iglesias, Camilo José Cela, Baroness Von Thyssen, Lola Flores, Sean Connery, Antonio Banderas, Melanie Griffith and Carlos Herrera. Its restaurant, El Corzo, was the first Spanish hotel establishment to receive a Michelin Star. In fact, Los Monteros introduced the French invention of a fish slice into Spain. This was very curious then, but our country is now used to serving fish dishes this way. The Los Monteros complex also has a strong sporting pedigree. As well as the hotel, it includes the Río Real golf course, which was the government’s first, a seven-court tennis club, a five-court squash centre and an equestrian club. Our pioneering La Cabane Beach Club was one of the first to open on the Costa del Sol. In 1965 it was already possible to enjoy this space beside the sea and this was subsequently copied in other places due to its great success. The current Spanish monarchy – Princes at the time – were the first to visit it. The beach club has staged large events such as a Hungarian fashion design show which brought people in from all over the world, and more recently, more than 200 people paid a large amount of money to attend a lively dinner party at the beach club for an intimate concert with our world renowned singer, Julio Iglesias. Some of these guests privately flew in for the occasion and stayed in the hotel’s best suites. The HOTEL GUADALMINA is set in an unbeatable location right on the beach and by two golf courses, just ten minutes from Marbella and Estepona and only five minutes from Puerto Banús. It offers everything the discerning traveller could desire, including a range of international restaurants, a cocktail bar and beach club, as well as an outdoor seawater swimming pool, solarium and pool bar. The hotel is also set up for international businesses, events and celebrations, with its comprehensively equipped business centre and choice of rooms.

CF: What services do you offer?

EV: We pride ourselves on delivering everything our customers need to enjoy a luxury stay, whether they are looking to enjoy a cocktail and relax on the beach, or play a round of golf on a beautiful course. From restaurants and weddings to horse riding and squash, we offer the best. And of course we can help our guests to look and feel their best with our spa and beauty treatments, and diet and nutrition expertise.

CF: What type of tourist do you find selects your hotels?

EV: We welcome everyone. Families, golf parties and corporate travellers are just as welcome as the local and international personalities who visit.

CF: What do you think tourists expect from a Marbella holiday?

EV: Everything we work hard to provide – sunshine, beaches, great gastronomy, golf and sports, as well as our Spanish traditions and festivals.

CF: What does Marbella offer to tourists today?

EV: Well, we have more than 320 days of sun every year! This allows us to offer the very best in outdoor leisure and entertainment and our guests to make the most of being outside in the beautiful weather. This is why Marbella has become an unbeatable option for those seeking the ultimate holiday destination.

CF: What are the top 5 things to do in Marbella?

EV: Many guests would put shopping at the top of the list. You can find all the big international fashion labels, as well as fragrances, cars, property – it’s a shopper’s paradise. Of course, gastronomy is a central part of life here, as well as a vibrant nightlife, and the sun and beach play a huge part in day to day living, along with healthy sporting pursuits like golf.

CF: Describe a typical day working for the hotels.

EV: I am in charge of the Marketing and Communications Department for both hotels. It’s not easy to describe a typical day, because my agenda depends on what’s happening in the hotels, who is staying and what events may be taking place. I may be involved in welcoming and arranging facilities for VIP guests, setting up press conferences and public relations events, and meeting with the journalists from newspapers, magazines, radio and TV. I always like to keep in touch with the people, so I know what is going on and ensure the smooth running of the hotels.

CF: Tell us about some of your favourite haunts in Marbella?

EV: I love La Cabane Beach Club! It is an amazing club with direct access to the beach. Marbella’s other beaches are also regular haunts, and I also love the beautiful natural spaces of the Sierra Bermeja mountains.