The Les Roches Experience: The Future of Hospitality & Gastronomy in Marbella

The May meeting of the Costa Press Club took the group on a behind-the-scenes foray into the workings of Marbella’s high-end hospitality with a visit to the esteemed Les Roches Marbella International School of Hotel Management in Nueva Andalucía — one of the most prominent educational establishments in Marbella.

Members gathered in the bright and airy Alquimia Restaurant for the “Les Roches Experience”, set within the Marbella Campus. Les Roches opened the restaurant in the evening especially for the event.

A key factor in the success of Les Roches is hands-on practical learning for students from day one — gaining experience in all aspects of hospitality from kitchen and front-of-house to management duties. With approximately 1,000 students in Marbella, drawn from 100 nationalities — either actively studying on campus or on work placements at hotels, restaurants and luxury retail outlets — the network of Les Roches alumni in the hospitality sector locally and internationally is immense.

The sizeable group of CPC members was welcomed by Campus Director Mano Soler, who outlined the hands-on methodology of Les Roches and the group’s influence on the global hospitality stage, with hotel management schools in Switzerland, Marbella, Abu Dhabi and imminently in Riyadh.

Two student ambassadors, Amanda and Tatiana, gave the group a brief tour of the adjacent residential facilities, including a bright and spacious study lounge, gym and pilates/yoga studio.

The evening’s speaker, José Luis Ximénez de Sandoval — a Professor of Tourism and lecturer in Market Research and Data Analytics at Les Roches and the University of Málaga — enlightened the group on “The Future of Hospitality & Gastronomy in Marbella”. He highlighted the opportunities and challenges facing Marbella as a world-class luxury destination, urging press and public alike to actively advocate for maintaining the authenticity of the resort.

Following the illuminating talk, the group enjoyed a delicious three-course meal, catered, prepared and served entirely by students of Les Roches under the oversight of professionals. The menu featured shared starters including Goat’s Cheese Croquets and a Moorish Chicken Parcel. Main courses were Stewed Pork Cheeks, Wild Corvina Fish with Ratatouille, and a Risotto of Orzo with Wild Mushrooms, followed by a delicious Chocolate Mil-feuille.

Les Roches Marbella is a leading international higher education institution specialising in hospitality, tourism and luxury management. It is known for combining academic excellence with hands-on, industry-focused training in a truly global environment, offering undergraduate, postgraduate and executive programmes in areas such as Global Hospitality Management, Luxury Tourism, Hotel Management, Marketing and Entrepreneurship. Its alumni association is a global professional network connecting thousands of graduates and industry professionals worldwide.

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