It sounds like something dreamt up for the ultra-rich… a private villa, Marbella sunshine, and a dip in a pool… that just happens to feature a Picasso beneath the water. But this isn’t fantasy. It’s one of Spain’s most unusual luxury experiences – and yes, you really can book it.
A swimming pool like no other
Tucked away on the Costa del Sol, the legendary villa El Martinete offers something you won’t find at any five-star resort: a Picasso-inspired artwork embedded directly into the bottom of its swimming pool.
Not an original canvas, of course but a carefully recreated version of a drawing gifted by Pablo Picasso himself. And the price of entry? Around €35,000 per week.
For that, guests get more than just a swim. Think full privacy, concierge services, and the kind of setting that has long attracted the global elite. Prices can climb even higher depending on the season, with nightly rates reaching well into the five figures.
The story behind the Picasso pool
The origins of this unusual feature are as flamboyant as the villa itself.
The artwork traces back to Antonio Ruiz Soler, better known as “Antonio el Bailarín”, one of Spain’s most celebrated flamenco dancers. During Picasso’s 80th birthday celebrations, the artist reportedly gifted Antonio a large signed drawing in a spontaneous, theatrical moment.
Rather than hanging it on a wall, Antonio did something far more dramatic. As he built his Marbella home, he had the drawing meticulously reproduced and set into the bottom of his swimming pool.
From above, the image becomes clear: a surreal fusion of art, movement and Mediterranean excess.
Picasso: one of the most influential creative forces of the 20th century
To understand why this matters (and why people might actually pay €35K a week), you have to look at the man behind the name.
Pablo Picasso wasn’t just an artist, he was one of the most influential creative forces of the 20th century. A co-founder of Cubism, his work reshaped modern art, breaking traditional perspectives and redefining how the world saw form, colour and emotion.
Born in Málaga in 1881, Picasso maintained deep ties to Spain throughout his life, even as he worked largely in Paris. His fascination with performance, particularly dance, is well documented, making his connection with Antonio el Bailarín less surprising than it first seems.
In other words: this pool isn’t just decorative. It’s rooted in a genuine moment of artistic history.
A playground for the global elite
Today, the villa is no longer privately owned by the dancer’s family. It belongs to an international consortium and operates as an ultra-luxury rental.
Guests don’t just get access to the Picasso pool: they step into a lifestyle that blends art, celebrity heritage and high-end hospitality. Think private chefs, security, expansive grounds and total seclusion.
It’s the kind of place designed for milestone celebrations, discreet getaways or simply those who want something no one else has.
And while €35,000 a week might sound extreme, in the world of elite European villa rentals, it’s not entirely out of step… especially for something this unique.
Would you actually swim in it?
Here’s the real question: would you feel comfortable diving into a pool that doubles as a piece of art?
For some, it’s the ultimate Instagram moment, a story to dine out on forever. For others, it might feel slightly sacrilegious, even if the artwork itself is a reproduction.
Either way, it perfectly captures a certain kind of modern luxury: immersive, experiential, and just a little bit outrageous.
Because in Spain, it seems, even a swim can come with a cultural twist… if your budget allows.
A Picasso in a museum is priceless. A Picasso in a swimming pool? That’ll be €35K a week.
Whether it’s genius or indulgence depends on your perspective but one thing’s certain: this is luxury with a story.