Retro Renaissance: A 1970s-Inspired Hotel

3 min read
June 29, 2025
dpages

With over…

50 international awards to its name, Barcelona-based practice El Equipo Creativo has established itself as a leading force in interior design for the hospitality and retail sectors. Among its most acclaimed projects is Disfrutar in Barcelona—widely regarded as one of the best restaurants in the world—which boasts three Michelin stars. Other standout works include Hotel Palau Fugit in Girona, housed in a glamorously restored 18th-century Baroque palace, and Palma de Mallorca’s Forn de San Joan where a unique interior pays tribute to traditional basketry, with woven cane motifs echoed in the walls, furniture, seating, and even the ceiling beams.

At the core of the studio’s philosophy is the belief that architecture and interior design should be deeply rooted in their surroundings—not just visually, but through the sounds, scents, and emotional resonance of a specific cultural context. An example of this approach is the design of the Axel Hotel in Madrid, where the team drew inspiration from the films of Pedro Almodóvar. The result is a boutique hotel that’s cool, edgy, and unapologetically seductive—blending avant-garde aesthetics with a touch of decadence.

Among these remarkable projects is the recently debuted Kimpton Los Monteros Hotel, a striking example of El Equipo Creativo’s talent for blending local culture with timeless glamour. The hotel captures the relaxed spirit of Andalusia, celebrates its artisanal heritage, the tonal beauty of the surrounding seascape, and the nostalgic glamour of 1970s Marbella. The design weaves together these influences into a stylistic blend that merges a luxurious jet-set aesthetic with a holistic, organic artistry. Natural textures, handcrafted elements, and warm sunshine tones, along with plenty of Mediterranean blues, are juxtaposed with elegant finishes and retro-inspired details, resulting in a space that feels both timelessly sophisticated and deeply connected to its locale.

The scenic…

views of the pool area evoke the old-world charm and relaxed glamour characteristic of a Slim Aarons photograph — and for good reason. The team’s primary concern was that the hotel’s retro aesthetic (built in the 1970s) had begun to feel outdated and disconnected from the expectations and tastes of today’s travelers. The solution was not to overhaul it but to recapture that golden era of travel and escapism through a vibrant, youthful embrace of all things retro luxe.

The mosaic-tiled pool is framed by stone tiles in varying shades of pale terracotta and sizes, creating multilevel platforms that add depth, privacy, and a sense of exclusivity. This atmosphere is further enhanced by long concrete planters filled with indigenous plants, offering both shade and seclusion for guests.

The loungers…

cushions, and scallop-edged parasols are rendered in a vibrant shade of sunshine orange, creating what the designers describe as “freshness against the turquoise water.” This vivid contrast also captures the spirit of Marbella’s iconic Plaza de los Naranjos—the 15th-century square in the old town, renowned for its Renaissance fountain framed by orange trees. Adjacent to the pool is the Costa Club Pool Bar, where a wooden pergola and terracotta lattice walls gently filter the sunlight, evoking the chic, free-spirited ambiance of an exclusive Mediterranean beach club.

Intimate and…

low-key, the Azul Bar first opened its doors in 1962, during the golden age of Marbella as a glamorous hotspot for Hollywood icons such as Ava Gardner and Grace Kelly. Today, the bar has been lovingly restored to its former glory, featuring retro-inspired furniture, white-washed walls, and striking local artistry. Hand-painted blue murals—evoking the spirit of Picasso’s ceramics and his fluid depictions of the female form—adorn carved-out niches throughout the space, lending it an unmistakable Andalusian character. Picasso himself was born just under an hour away, in Málaga, at Casa Natal, now a museum dedicated to his life and work.

Intricate…

cut-out patterns and artisanal tilework bring texture and rhythm to the spaces, from the lounge to the courtyard, drawing inspiration from southern Spain’s rich ceramic heritage, and especially the painted azulejos and zellij (mosaic) tiles known for their beautiful geometric, floral, and arabesque motifs. Yet despite these historic references, the atmosphere remains unmistakably fresh and contemporary: open, dappled in soft light and quietly sophisticated.

No 1970s…

inspired glam retreat would be complete without a stylish cocktail bar—and Escondido, the hotel’s transportative rooftop venue, delivers just that. Spread across two levels, this glamorous hideaway evokes a sense of wanderlust with chic vintage flair. The pool on the lower terrace seems to melt into the horizon, creating a seamless connection with the expansive Mediterranean views. From here, a laissez-faire scene unfolds, perfect for cocktail-hour fun and romantic, starlit gatherings. Ven a celebrar el verano con estilo!