One of Spain’s most well known restaurateurs, Sandro Morelli came to Marbella from London 31 years ago, having cut his culinary teeth at both the Ritz and Cavendish Hotels in London, before opening what would become two legendary restaurants, Barbarella I and II. Patronised by the Who’s Who of international society, they were literally the talk of the town.
The reason Sandro decided to leave England was the climate, the cold, grey winters and, at times, almost non-existent summers. Originally he thought of opening a restaurant in Newport Beach with his brothers Raffaele and Vittorio, but a chance vacation in Marbella, then a small but nevertheless enchanting town, convinced him that Southern Spain was the place to be. As a cosmopolitan enclave and the gem in Andalucía’s crown, Marbella offered everything he was looking for: almost constant blue skies, quality of life and a sophisticated clientele who appreciated his stylish way of doing business.
As luck would have it, he found an ideal spot for a restaurant on Marbella’s prestigious Golden Mile, just a few minutes’ walk away from The Marbella Club. When he bought the rundown old villa, it nestled in endless acres of weeds, but after a year of renovations the large restaurant was ready.
Known for its exquisite gardens – which have won the coveted Best Garden on the Coast 2006 Award – Villa Tiberio, under Sandro’s guidance, also became a legend, a heavenly restaurant where diners could find themselves sitting next to the late Prince Rainier of Monaco, Sean Connery, Formula 1 mogul Eddie Jordan, Charlton Heston as well as corporate titans and many of the great names of show business. Sandro’s two sons, Carlo and Marco, have also followed in his footsteps and run the very successful Serafina, in Puente Romano Hotel.
When Sandro is not greeting guests at his eponymous establishment, one of his greatest passions is architecture and interior design.
The last one, Sandro Morelli with the most humble and irreplaceable Gordon Banks. Winner of the World Cup with England 1966. A nicer man you could never wish to meet.
Des O Connor who was a very dear friend of Sandro for many years. He cane many times to help raise money for Children with Cancer, but he also came as a friend and came on New Years Eve with his lovely wife Jodie & Son Adam.
Sandro with Harry Redknapp &a friend
Sandro with Harry Redknapp and his lovely wife Sandra
Sandro with his very special friend Harry Redknapp & his lovely wife Sandra at one of his Charity Events for Children with Cancer, which Harry always put himself out to attend, and to this date has helped Sandro raise £520.000. Amazing. Harry is always so busy but never fails to help Sandro. They are the nicest, most genuine couple you could ever wish to meet.
Sandro with Cilia Black & Cliff Richard on one of their many visits. Cilla was due to come to Villa Tiberio the day after She very sadly passed away at her home in Spaine.
Sandro with the lovely Karren Brady and her husband Paul.
Karren has done so much to help Sandro with all his Charities, with her very generous donations, for which he is truly thankful
Sandro with the brillant songwriter Tony Hatch.
Sandro with the one & only Shirley Bassey. She came again to Villa Tiberio in August 2019. She is such a lovely, kind, genuine humble down to earth person, with a talent which is second to none. Such a privilege to know her as a dear friend.
Here is one of Sandro´s greatest heroes the one & only Lionel Richie & his lovely wife Lisa, who Sandro had the pleasure of greeting recently, such an honour to have him in Villa Tiberio.