Set on Marbella’s coveted Golden Mile, Villa Picasso is the kind of property that defines Mediterranean luxury. Steps from the shoreline and a five-minute stroll from the glamour of Puerto Banús, this magnificent 2,000m2 beachfront mansion blends timeless Andalusian architecture with sleek modern refinement. Surrounded by 4,000 square metres of tropical gardens, with the gentle rhythm of the Mediterranean waves in the background, it’s a sanctuary of sun, style, and sophistication—one of the most exceptional luxury villa rentals in southern Spain.
A Masterpiece of Design and Location
From the moment you enter the gates, Villa Picasso reveals its rare blend of heritage and modernity. The villa’s whitewashed façade, terracotta roof, and elegant arches reflect the Mediterranean vernacular, while its expansive glass doors and contemporary interiors speak to today’s luxury traveller. The result is a residence that feels both intimate and grand, a private haven that flows effortlessly between indoor and outdoor living.
A wide terrace extends from the main salon to the manicured lawns, where the signature swimming pool forms the heart of the estate. Sunlight ripples across its surface, illuminating a remarkable detail: beneath the water lies a tiled reproduction of a drawing by Pablo Picasso himself, a design known as La Danza, originally created for the villa’s former owner and close friend, Antonio Ruiz Soler, Spain’s legendary flamenco dancer.
The Picasso Connection
Few villas in the world can claim such a direct link to one of art’s greatest names. Picasso and Antonio “El Bailarín” shared a mutual admiration; the painter was captivated by the dancer’s movement, and the dancer was inspired by the painter’s genius. During one memorable evening, Picasso was so moved by Antonio’s performance that he leapt from his seat to dance beside him. Afterwards, he seized a pencil and sketched the dancer in motion, dedicating the portrait to him.
That sketch became La Danza, now housed in Spain’s Museo Nacional de Artes Escénicas. Antonio immortalised it in his home, having it carefully copied onto ceramic tiles and set into the base of his swimming pool, where it still lies today, shimmering beneath the Andalusian sun. The story, passed down through the decades, adds a soulful resonance to this already extraordinary residence —a fusion of art, history, and Mediterranean life.
Luxury Redefined
Beyond its artistic heritage, Villa Picasso offers every modern indulgence expected of a world-class luxury estate. The main house accommodates up to ten guests across five beautifully appointed bedrooms, each featuring bespoke linens, robes, and locally sourced natural toiletries. Two separate guest houses provide an additional four bedrooms, ideal for extended family or friends travelling together.
Upstairs, the newly renovated upper floors represent a classic Baroque style, with highly ornamental décor. Grand antique furnishings complement the intricate architectural detailing of the original villa, creating an atmosphere of refined splendour.
Downstairs, the brand-new spa and leisure complex contrasts this old-world elegance with ultra-modern chic. Featuring sleek lines, contemporary art, and stylish designer furniture, guests can indulge in the indoor pool, sauna, gym, home theatre, cigar lounge, wine cellar, and wet bar, each space exuding the sophistication of a private members’ club.
A Rooftop with a View
All four levels of the villa are connected by a private lift leading to the spacious rooftop deck, an entertainer’s dream. From this vantage point, panoramic views stretch from the Sierra Blanca mountains to the glittering Mediterranean. The deck features a full outdoor kitchen and barbecue, ideal for alfresco dining beneath the stars. Whether hosting a sunset cocktail party or enjoying quiet morning yoga, the rooftop embodies the effortless glamour that defines Marbella.
The Perfect Setting for Celebration
Villa Picasso is more than a holiday home; it’s the idyllic venue for life’s most memorable moments. With its expansive grounds, private beach access, and elegant terraces, it’s well-suited to host weddings, private events, and celebrations of every scale. The residence’s combination of intimacy and grandeur makes it equally ideal for romantic dinners, milestone birthdays, corporate retreats, or lavish soirées with a stunning sea view.
The property’s secure gated compound ensures complete privacy, while its proximity to Puerto Banús offers guests instant access to Marbella’s legendary dining, shopping, and nightlife. Michelin-starred restaurants, designer boutiques, and world-class beach clubs lie just minutes away, yet the villa itself remains a haven of calm—secluded, serene, and timelessly beautiful.
A Legacy of Dance and Elegance
The villa’s illustrious former owner, Antonio Ruiz Soler (1921–1996), was born in Seville and rose to international fame as both a dancer and film star. Known for his electrifying performances and profound artistry, he later became Artistic Director of the Spanish National Ballet in the 1980s. His friendship with Picasso marked a meeting of two Spanish icons—one of movement, the other of form.
Celebrated by royalty and adored by celebrities, Antonio moved in rarefied circles. Ava Gardner, Gina Lollobrigida, and Vivien Leigh were among his admirers, while his performances drew praise from kings, queens, and presidents. Artists such as Pablo Picasso were captivated by his talent, and their creative exchange left a permanent imprint on this home.
Even today, there is a rhythm that runs through Villa Picasso: in the sway of palms that fringe the garden, the shimmer of the pool tiles beneath the sunlight, the cadence of the sea beyond the terrace. It is a place where art, dance, and design converge, and where the spirit of both men seems to linger.
Marbella’s Enduring Allure
Few destinations encapsulate Mediterranean glamour quite like Marbella. Long favoured by artists, aristocrats, and Hollywood stars, it remains a blend of Andalusian charm and cosmopolitan sophistication. From Villa Picasso, guests can wander along the coastal promenade into vibrant Puerto Banús and the beginning of Marbella’s renowned Golden Mile, explore the boutiques and tapas bars of Marbella Old Town, or venture inland to the historic mountain village of Ronda, celebrated for its dramatic gorge and ancient Moorish architecture.
The region’s beauty lies in its contrasts, from beachside indulgence to cultural discovery, from world-class golf to flamenco under the stars. Villa Picasso offers the perfect vantage point from which to experience it all.
Villa Picasso — a rare opportunity, available for both purchase and private rental.
For more details, visit cilomarbella.com, an exclusive boutique agency specialising in the sale and rental of luxury properties in Spain’s Marbella region.
Marbella: +34 952 768 331 | London: +44 20 7754 9157 | New York: +1 929 596 4222
All images © Diego Cuevas