We had the pleasure of sitting down with Alexa Sukhareva the dynamic Founder & CEO of Aqualina Marbella, a standout agency making waves in the Marbella real estate scene.
What sets Aqualina apart? A powerhouse team of nine extraordinary women fluent in an impressive eleven languages—from Russian and Hindi to Swedish and Mandarin. This truly international, remote-working dream team is redefining what it means to succeed in real estate. Built on a foundation of trust, mindfulness, and mutual support, Aqualina isn’t just selling homes—they’re building a global community, one relationship at a time.
Interview by Cheryl Gatward
Aqualina stands out in Marbella’s real estate scene, not just for its expertise but also for its incredible team—nine talented women from diverse backgrounds. How did this all-female dynamic come about, and what do you think it brings to the business?
“Aqualina’s all-female team wasn’t a deliberate strategy—it evolved naturally from the deep friendships and trust I’ve built over the years. Growing up across Asia and Europe, constantly adapting to new places, I learned the power of having a strong support system. When I started the company, I brought in a few close female friends, and along the way, I met more brilliant, driven women who shared the same vision. Some of us have known each other for over a decade, creating a foundation of trust, resilience, and collaboration that sets us apart in Marbella’s real estate scene.”
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With such a multilingual team, you’re able to communicate with clients from all over the world. How important is this global approach in Marbella’s luxury real estate market? Have you noticed certain nationalities showing more interest in Marbella lately?
“Marbella has always been a magnet for international buyers, and our team is built to reflect that diversity. Speaking multiple languages isn’t just about communication—it’s about making clients feel at home from the first conversation. Beyond language, our team’s varied backgrounds and cultural understanding help us connect with people on a deeper level, ensuring they feel heard, understood, and supported throughout their journey. We speak Spanish, English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Bulgarian, Hungarian, Swedish, Hindi, and Mandarin, allowing us to engage effortlessly with buyers from around the world.
Lately, we’ve seen a surge in interest from Scandinavians and the Dutch, drawn to Marbella’s climate, outdoor lifestyle, and high-quality properties. Russians and Ukrainians continue to seek stability and a Mediterranean way of life, while demand from the U.S. and Canada is rising, driven by Marbella’s luxury lifestyle, strong investment potential, and tax benefits.”
Your agency operates with a remote-first strategy, which is quite innovative in the real estate world. How does this flexibility enhance your team’s responsiveness and overall service for clients?
“Our remote-first approach keeps us constantly connected, highly responsive, and working at peak efficiency—wherever we are. Each team member works at their own rhythm, maximising productivity while staying fully client-focused. This flexibility also creates a healthier, more dynamic work environment. Without the constraints of a traditional office, team meetings feel more like team building, and I can collaborate closely with each member. This reduces stress, strengthens relationships, and allows us to work smarter, not just harder. For our clients, this means better service, greater availability, and a schedule that revolves around their needs—not ours. They always come first, and our flexible approach ensures we’re there when they need us most.”
In an industry where face-to-face interactions are key, how do you ensure that a remote-first approach doesn’t compromise personalised service? What technologies or strategies do you use to stay connected?
“Our remote-first approach doesn’t just maintain personalised service—it enhances it. Without office constraints, we fully adapt to our clients’ schedules, meeting them wherever and whenever works best for them.
We stay closely connected through instant messaging, video calls, virtual tours, and cloud-based tools, ensuring smooth communication and real-time updates. But technology is just part of it—we go further. From free guided tours of Marbella to airport pickups, we create personal connections that often turn into real friendships, sharing dinners and unforgettable moments along the way. For us, real estate isn’t just about transactions—it’s about experiences.”
Aqualina has built a strong reputation for high-end real estate in Marbella. What do you think sets your approach apart from other agencies in the area?
“What sets Aqualina apart is our genuine passion for real estate and the homes we sell. Every deal is approached with the mindset of ‘finding a property as if we were looking for ourselves.’ We only offer homes we truly love – places where we could see ourselves living – ensuring each recommendation perfectly aligns with our clients’ needs. Instead of chasing numbers, we focus on quality, building genuine relationships and providing a customised, stress-free journey that makes clients not only return but also recommend us to their friends. It’s this trust, attention to detail, and commitment to matchmaking the perfect home that truly sets us apart in Marbella’s luxury market.”
What drew you to collaborate with BRIGHT, and how does it align with Aqualina’s values and vision for Marbella’s future?
“BRIGHT’s visionary approach to real estate aligns perfectly with Aqualina’s commitment to excellence. Their avant-garde homes push the boundaries of luxury living in Marbella, combining cutting-edge design, sustainability, and innovation. We believe in offering our clients more than just properties – we connect them with homes that inspire. BRIGHT’s developments redefine modern living, creating spaces that are as functional as they are breathtaking. This collaboration allows us to introduce our clients to a new era of luxury, where architecture, design, and lifestyle blend effortlessly.”
Vista Lago Residences is one of BRIGHT’s standout projects, blending modern architecture with nature. What excites you most about this development, and what kind of buyers do you think will be most drawn to it?
“Security, privacy, and phenomenal views—Vista Lago Residences is perfect for buyers seeking a more intimate, cozy piece of Marbella. Think of it as a smaller, more accessible version of La Zagaleta, offering exclusivity without the distance. Nestled in the 200-hectare Real de La Quinta estate, just 15 minutes from Marbella, it blends modern luxury with nature, bordering a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Each villa is uniquely designed, with breathtaking panoramic views stretching across the Mediterranean, Gibraltar, and even Africa. Winner of the ‘World’s Best Residential Development’ in 2022, Vista Lago is ideal for those who want top-tier security, architectural excellence, and the serenity of a gated community—without sacrificing proximity to Marbella’s best attractions.”
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in luxury real estate. Are you seeing a shift in buyer preferences towards more eco-conscious homes, and how does Aqualina cater to this demand?
“Luxury real estate is evolving—buyers aren’t just looking for stunning homes anymore; they want sustainability built into their lifestyle. Energy efficiency, smart home tech, and eco-friendly materials are now just as important as design and location.
At Aqualina, we see this shift firsthand and make sure our clients have access to the best eco-conscious properties. From energy-efficient villas to groundbreaking developments like Vista Lago Residences, which blends sustainability with high-end living, we focus on homes that are built for the future. Today’s buyers don’t just want a house—they want a smarter, greener way of living without sacrificing comfort or style. And that’s exactly what we help them find.”
Marbella’s property market has seen remarkable growth in recent years. What trends are you currently observing, and how do you see the market evolving over the next few years?
“Marbella’s property market keeps growing, and buyers today know exactly what they want—security, comfort, and homes that truly impress. Many are looking for a second residence that feels like a retreat, with breathtaking views, open spaces, and luxury details that make every visit special. Gated communities and modern villas with smart home features are more popular than ever, as buyers prioritize safety and convenience. Remote work is also shaping demand, with Spain’s digital nomad visa attracting more international buyers who want the flexibility to live and work here. We’re seeing more interest from high-net-worth buyers, especially from the U.S., Canada, and Northern and Eastern Europe, who see Marbella as the perfect mix of lifestyle and investment. With limited prime land available, the best properties will only become more valuable—making now the right time to buy.”
Finally, as a successful female leader in real estate, what advice would you give to other women looking to break into this industry?
“Prioritize your team—make them feel valued, support them, and celebrate their successes. A strong team will take you further than anything else. Be humble, share your knowledge, and always encourage growth. Don’t focus on competing with others—stay true to your own path. Real estate is demanding, and without balance, it can take a toll. Stay mindful, trust yourself, and adapt as the industry evolves. Challenges will come, but resilience and authenticity will set you apart.”
Find out more about Aqualina on their website.
