Grupo Inversor Hesperia (GIHSA) formalised, on 3 August in Barcelona, the acquisition of La Zambra, a five-star grand luxury hotel located between Málaga and Marbella, on the Costa del Sol. The deal illustrates the Spanish group’s growing strength in the luxury segment, in an Andalusian market considered among the most dynamic in Europe. It comes as Grupo Hesperia posts record financial results for the 2025 financial year.
A rare asset joins Hesperia’s luxury portfolio
For GIHSA, the deal reinforces its growth strategy in the luxury segment and adds one of the Costa del Sol’s most distinctive and well-known hotel assets to its portfolio. The group is thereby accelerating its positioning in this segment and confirming its foothold in Andalusia, one of the continent’s most dynamic tourist regions.
From the former Byblos to La Zambra: a history dating back to 1986
The hotel’s story begins in 1986, when it opened its doors under the name of the legendary Byblos, a meeting place for European aristocracy, international artists and the jet set of the era. It sits on a hillside between two 18-hole golf courses designed by architect Robert Trent Jones, less than 30 minutes from Marbella and Málaga airport, with easy access to cultural destinations such as Granada and Ronda.
Following an extensive renovation led by the Esteva i Esteva studio, the property reopened in 2022 under the name La Zambra. It comprises 197 rooms and suites, a 2,000 sqm spa inspired by Andalusian hammams, and four food and beverage venues, Picador, Bamboleo, Palmito and La Bartola, dedicated to the region’s culture and cuisine.
Operated under The Unbound Collection by Hyatt banner
The hotel is marketed under The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, the American group’s brand dedicated to independent hotels with strong identities. The group intends to continue strengthening the asset’s international positioning, consolidating its dining, wellness and golf offering to establish it among the great resorts of the Mediterranean.
A strategic milestone for GIHSA and Hesperia World
Jordi Ferrer, CEO of Grupo Inversor Hesperia, said: “La Zambra is one of those hotels that very rarely comes to market. It combines an extraordinary history, an exceptional location and strong value-creation potential. We are very proud to add it to Grupo Hesperia and confident that it will become one of the benchmarks of luxury tourism in Spain.”
A group underpinned by solid financial momentum
This acquisition comes amid strong momentum for Grupo Hesperia, which closed 2025 with the best financial year in its history, posting revenue of €206 million and record profit of €38 million. In the first half of 2026, the group maintained this positive pace, with revenue of €105 million, up 7% year-on-year. This momentum is set against a Spanish luxury hotel market in which the Costa del Sol continues to attract institutional capital.
The group holds 22 assets in its Spanish portfolio, marketed via its management company Hesperia World under its own brand and under third-party brands, including Hyatt Regency, Grand Hyatt and Secrets. With more than 30 years’ experience as an owner-operator, GIHSA now manages, through Hesperia World, 28 hotels rated 3, 4 and 5 stars, including five Hesperia-branded properties in Venezuela.
At a glance by The Hospitality Tribune
Deal: Grupo Inversor Hesperia (GIHSA) acquires La Zambra, a 5-star grand luxury hotel on Spain’s Costa del Sol
Location: Mijas, between Málaga and Marbella, Andalucía
Asset: 197 rooms and suites, 2,000 sqm spa, four F&B outlets, two 18-hole golf courses on site
Brand: Operated under The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
Advisors: Colliers (real estate) and Garrigues (legal) on the buy side
Group performance: record 2025 revenue of €206m and €38m profit; H1 2026 revenue up 7% YoY to €105m
Portfolio: 22 hotel assets in Spain, managed by Hesperia World across own and third-party brands including Hyatt Regency and Grand Hyatt
