With Maroon 5, Lenny Kravitz, Anastacia and more all heading to Marbella for the Starlite Festival this summer, El Fuerte Marbella is the A-list address for festival-goers and celeb-spotters!
Marbella is set to shine even brighter this summer as the Starlite Occident Festival returns from June to August 2026 with one of its most star-studded line-ups to date. Maroon 5, John Legend, Lenny Kravitz, Rick Astley, Anastacia, the Gipsy Kings, Nile Rodgers & CHIC, Deep Purple and Kool & The Gang are just some of the names taking to the stage at the open-air auditorium carved into the natural quarry of Nagüeles.
Set right in the heart of Marbella and just a 15-minute drive from the festival site, El Fuerte Marbella – the only five-star hotel in Marbella’s Old Town – is the ideal place to stay for guests heading to Starlite, or for those who simply want to soak up the buzz and keep an eye out for a celebrity or two, in the Costa del Sol hot spot. The landmark hotel, originally built in 1957 and reimagined in 2023, has long been a favoured retreat for international stars, with Penélope Cruz and Walt Disney among the famous names to have stayed within its walls.
Now in its 14th edition, Starlite Occident has earned its reputation as one of Europe’s most exclusive boutique festivals. Held in a dramatic open-air amphitheatre set within a former quarry, the intimate venue offers an exceptional connection between artist and audience, with every concert feeling personal and immersive. Beyond the music, the festival is a complete lifestyle experience – with award-winning restaurants including Tanabata, Temazo, Sandra’s Caviar Bar and Ánima, plus the Starlite Night Club, where DJs and special performances keep the party going into the early hours.
Highlights of the 2026 line-up include Lenny Kravitz (29 June), Gipsy Kings (3 July), Maroon 5 (7 July), Rick Astley (10 July), Anastacia (14 July), John Legend (20 July), Kool & The Gang (23 July) and Nile Rodgers & CHIC (26 August).
El Fuerte Marbella’s quiet elegance is evident throughout the hotel, where each space reflects a balance of style and comfort. The rooms and suites feature chic design with a soothing, relaxed feel, thoughtful amenities and Molton Brown products.
The hotel’s superb facilities include two swimming pools set in landscaped gardens – including one reserved for adults – an outdoor hot tub, a beach club, a gym, and inviting indoor-outdoor areas that flow seamlessly together. The hotel also serves as a canvas for local artists, showcasing various works in collaboration with Andalucian galleries.
For guests seeking wellness experiences, Spa by Clarins offers a luxurious subterranean haven, featuring a serene, low-lit hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room and six treatment rooms – the perfect way to recover after a late night under the stars.
El Fuerte Marbella has a strong emphasis on gastronomy, showcasing local Andalucian ingredients wherever possible. A sumptuous breakfast buffet is complemented with views of the Mediterranean Sea in Le Marché; Soleo Beach Club, which sits right at the first line, serves Med-inspired cuisine with fusion touches; and Levante takes guests on a culinary journey that combines Andalusia’s abundant pantry with ingredients from around the world.
Located just a five-minute walk from the centre of Marbella’s old town, and a short drive from the Starlite venue at Cantera de Nagüeles, El Fuerte Marbella offers a convenient location, yet still provides the tranquillity of a peaceful beachside retreat. El Puerto Deportivo – the vibrant heart of Marbella’s nightlife and a prime celebrity hotspot – is also nearby, making the hotel an ideal base for guests hoping to catch a glimpse of the international jet set that descends on the town each summer.
NEW: Day Pass at El Fuerte Marbella
For those staying elsewhere in Marbella during the festival period but who still want to enjoy a day of five-star luxury, El Fuerte Marbella has introduced a brand-new Day Pass experience for 2026. Priced from €79.50 per person, the pass offers non-resident guests access to an exclusive premium sunbed by the pool or the beach from 11am to 7pm, plus entry to the hotel’s VIP area. Even better, 50% of the booking value is included as credit to spend at Bar Levante – the perfect way to while away the hours with a long lunch or sunset cocktails before heading on to Starlite in the evening.
Prices at El Fuerte Marbella start from €390 per night in a Standard Double, with breakfast included for two people.
For more information & to book, please go to www.elfuertemarbella.com. For the full Starlite Occident 2026 line-up and tickets, visit www.starlitefestival.com
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