Villa Las Tortugas: Mariska’s mediterranean dream
Pablo Almagro - Aug 12, 2024 - Pure Living News
Villa Las Tortugas, in the heart of Los Monteros, is a property with an Andalusian essence and a modern touch that has become the true Mediterranean dream of interior designer Mariska Dietz and is now for sale. Pure Life, the magazine published by Pure Living Properties, has conducted a personal interview with the renowned interior designer Mariska Dietz.
Mariska Dietz, one of the world’s most prestigious interior designers, first visited Marbella when she was 18 years old to spend her holidays at a friend’s house in Los Monteros and was completely fascinated by the nature that surrounds the town. So when she decided to fulfill her Mediterranean dream, it was clear to her that this was the perfect place for her home on the Costa del Sol. This is the origin of Las Tortugas, an oasis of Andalusian essence, with tropical airs and modern touches.
Interview with Mariska Dietz
Villa Las Tortugas is one of the most special villas of Pure Living Properties catalog. What inspired you to design and decorate it?
After having our family home for over 20 years we needed to update the house. The spirit of the house is extremely friendly, a feel-good vibe so we did not want to change that atmosphere, so keeping in mind the house is based in the beautiful area of Marbella, Los Monteros one of the oldest urbanizations, we wanted to keep the Andalusian style but in a lighter, more modern way.
So we completely renovated the villa bearing in mind we have to take care of the environment as well, so we used solar panels and finished the interior for the biggest part with clay walls, which only has good conditions for the interior and even influenced the immune system for a good health.
In Villa Las Tortugas, the Andalusian essence is mixed with tropical scents. Is this how you see Marbella?
Absolutely, while decorating the house I wanted it to capture the feeling that Marbella has always given me. The feeling of the crispy blue skies, the surrounding nature, and palm trees as an icon of the city. Resulting in the interior of Las Tortugas with a tropical modern feel
How did your interest in the interior design begin and how long have you been working in this sector?
As long as I can remember I loved the interior, even when my parents bought a new house and I was still a teenager I started interfering with the way they should decorate it. After doing many of our private projects, I decided to start my own business, Maris Haute Design in 2009. My first public project was on the golf course we co-own. (Golf course Groendael in Wassenaar, The Netherlands).
What did you find in Marbella to make you want to have your own home here?
The beautiful nature with the vibrant colors, the inhabitants of Spain, so welcoming, no other holiday place I know has that kind of homecoming feeling. And so many things to explore close by but even with the train to Madrid is thing I do often. Apart from the beautiful nature I truly felt at home when visiting Marbella for the first time. It’s very welcoming and there is always something to do or to explore.
What about the first time you visited Marbella?
The first time I visited Marbella (at the age of 18 years) I stayed at a friend’s house also in Los Monteros. So when we finally made up our minds about where to buy our holiday home Los Monteros was the first area we went to look at.
What do you like most about the city and the Marbella lifestyle?
As I have a pre-love for the seventies, I love spending my time in Marbella. Not only do I love vintage interiors from this period, but also extravagant clothing and nightlife. When you go out for dinner in Marbella nobody is surprised you wear long dresses or kaftans. Having pre-drinks in the in/outdoor bar of the marvelous Marbella Club Hotel is my favorite way to start a special evening.
Have you carried out other interior design projects in the area?
Not yet, but I designed an interior atelier in our garden house to be able to work in the area. I would love to contribute to holiday homes, upcoming restaurants, and hotels.
At Villa Las Tortugas each room has its personality, which one is the most special?
Haha, that’s a difficult one! As I take care of all the rooms and living spaces with so much love, details, and items from all over the world, I consider all the spaces outstanding and unique. I especially like the combination of good vintage pieces and a mix of different styles with a touch of humor. An interior should never be too serious.
And your favorite place of the house?
In the wintertime, I prefer laying on the specially designed EDRA sofa in the main living room with interior magazines, books, etc. with the fireplace on. For me, it is the ultimate way to relax.
In the summertime, we wake up put on our bathing suits, and walk to the beach 200 meters from our house for a fresh morning plunge. When returning, start the day with a good workout in the gym, have a massage in our massage room, and decide what we are up for the rest of the day.
What is the most important project you have carried out in your career? And your favorite?
My most important project was being partly responsible for the renovation and decoration of the Dutch Royal Palace near The Hague where our Royal Family lives. Their gratefulness for my help and input is the best compliment I could wish for.
Another big project that I am very proud of is a mansion in Bel-Air, Los Angeles which was bought by the world-famous singer The Weekend. When watching his show on HBO, named The Idol, the interior was the same when I finished it a couple of years ago. So it seems we do share the same passion for interior.
What new projects do you have in mind?
There are so many things I still want to achieve, also have a big love for up cycling interior objects which will look great and special in a newly designed way. I think we all should have a certain responsibility towards the environment to be more creative with already existing objects, to give them a second or even third life.
Finally, why Villa Las Tortugas is the best place to discover the magic of Marbella?
The house is featured with everything guests could wish for. If you prefer spending time with big groups or privately unwind, there is space for everyone. My favorite feature of the house? The outdoor and indoor bar to start an evening with your loved ones.
The urbanization of Los Monteros is very peaceful, the Los Monteros Hotel (including the beach club La Cabane) will be renovated and opened in a short while.
The beach is within walking distance, where you can find many great restaurants and beach clubs. A personal favorite is Oyana (10 min walking)
If you are the adventurous type, you can try kite surfing or stand-up paddle boarding. Even a (paddle) tennis court and golf courses ara available within 500 meters.
After an exclusive rental period with Pure Living Properties, Villa Las Tortugas is now on the market and could be yours. If you would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact us, and our sales team will provide you with personalised assistance.
Raised and educated in Marbella, with a degree in Marketing from the University of Malaga, Pablo Almagro shows a special interest in digital marketing and new technologies. He speaks fluent Spanish and English.
