Your Questions, Answered

Everything you need to know about Moana Group. Whether you’re planning a stay in one of our boutique apartments in Málaga, looking to invest in Spanish property or thinking about transforming a home, you’ll find the answers here. Choose a tab below, and if your question isn’t covered, get in touch. We’re happy to help.

Moana Group

Moana Retreats

Wave and Form

SUNiPROP

Moana Group: Frequently Asked

One Team, Three Ways to Experience Spanish Property

Moana Retreats, SUNiPROP and Wave & Form share the same team and the same way of thinking about property, design and place.

Here's how they connect, and how we can help, whether you're staying, investing or transforming.

How are Moana Retreats, SUNiPROP and Wave & Form connected?

All three are led by the same team, Patricia and Michael. SUNiPROP focuses on the investment side: market analysis, strategy and guiding buyers through the purchase. Wave & Form focuses on transforming properties through design and renovation. Moana Retreats is where some of those transformed properties come to life as boutique stays in Málaga.

Do you invest in the same kind of properties you recommend?

Yes. Both founders are active investors in the Spanish property market, working across tourist rentals, long-term rentals and house flipping. Many of the case studies we share are our own projects, so our advice comes from first-hand experience rather than theory.

Can I see your work in person before working with you?

The Moana Retreats apartments in Málaga were designed and transformed by the team. Staying in one of them is the most direct way to experience our approach to design, materials and detail.

Do you only work in Málaga?

No. Our projects span different regions of Spain, including Logroño, Linares, Pamplona and Málaga. We choose locations based on the potential of each property and each client's goals, not on a fixed area.

I don't live in Spain. Can I still work with you?

Yes. We created SUNiPROP precisely because we saw how hard buying from abroad can be. Language barriers, unfamiliar procedures and the practicalities of managing a property remotely are exactly what we help international clients with.

In which languages can we communicate?

Spanish, English and German. Patricia is also learning Italian.

What professional background does the team have?

Patricia is an architect and interior designer with over 10 years of experience on projects across five continents. She recently led design efforts at HKS, one of the world's top 10 architecture firms. Michael has over 14 years of experience in capital markets, including investment banking and consulting at Accenture, and more than a decade as an asset manager. Between them, the team combines design and financial expertise.

Can I combine investment advice and design services in one project?

Yes. A project can start with SUNiPROP identifying the right location, property and strategy, and continue with Wave & Form planning and delivering the transformation. Because the same team is involved, the investment logic and the design decisions stay aligned from start to finish.

Why do your projects draw so much on local identity?

We believe a property performs better, and feels better, when it belongs to its place. Our Moana Retreats apartments are inspired by Málaga's architecture, and our renovations elsewhere draw on the landscapes of La Rioja and Navarra. Whether the goal is a memorable stay or a strong resale, that sense of identity adds value.

Moana Retreats: Frequently Asked

Questions about Your Stay in Málaga?

Check-in, amenities and house rules for our boutique apartments in Málaga.

What is Moana Retreats?

Moana Retreats is a small collection of boutique apartments in the heart of Málaga. Each apartment has its own identity, inspired by the architecture, character and story of the building it's in, and combines the comfort of home with the feel of a boutique stay.

Where are the apartments located?

Both apartments are in Málaga's historic centre, a few minutes' walk from Plaza de la Merced. Museums, restaurants, the cathedral, the Alcazaba and the city's main sights are all within walking distance.

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is from 15:00 to 21:00 and check-out from 07:00 to 11:00. Both apartments have self check-in, so you can arrive at your own pace within those hours.

What amenities do the apartments have?

Both have a fully equipped kitchen, air conditioning and heating, a washing machine, high-speed Wi-Fi, a Smart TV and lift access. The kitchens come with pots, pans, crockery, glassware, cutlery, a coffee machine and basics such as oil, salt, vinegar, sugar, a few coffee capsules and washing powder to get you started.

How many guests can stay?

Each apartment sleeps up to 4 guests in two double bedrooms with queen-size beds (150 × 200 cm).

Are the apartments suitable for remote working?

Yes. Both have high-speed Wi-Fi and quiet bedrooms that face inner courtyards, away from street noise. Agua Moana also has a desk in the second bedroom.

Do you offer local recommendations?

Yes. Just ask and we'll share our favourite restaurants, tapas bars, museums and hidden corners of Málaga. You'll also find guides on our Discover Málaga page.

How can I book?

You can book directly through our website on the Book Now page, where you can check availability and prices for both apartments. For special requests, contact us and we'll help you.

How do I get from Málaga Airport to the apartments?

The airport is about 8 km from the city centre. The easiest options are:

- Train: the C1 line runs from the airport to Málaga Centro-Alameda in around 12 minutes.

- Bus: the Airport Express (Line A) goes to Alameda Principal in about 20 minutes.

From either stop, the apartments are roughly a 15-minute walk. A taxi from the airport takes 15–20 minutes, depending on traffic.

How far is the beach from the apartments?

La Malagueta, the closest city beach, is around a 15-minute walk from both apartments.

Do I need to send my ID before arrival?

Yes. Spanish law requires all accommodation providers to register the details of every guest aged 14 or over. Before your arrival we'll send you a secure link to enter your passport or ID details. It only takes a couple of minutes.

Can I check in early or check out late?

We're happy to help when the calendar allows. Early check-in or late check-out depends on availability, so let us know your arrival and departure times and we'll confirm a few days before.

Can I leave my luggage before check-in or after check-out?

We don't have a luggage room in the buildings, but there are several luggage storage services in the city centre and we'll gladly recommend one.

Is cleaning included during my stay?

The apartments are professionally cleaned before every arrival. For longer stays, extra cleaning can be arranged on request.

Are the apartments suitable for babies and young children?

Yes, both apartments work well for families. A travel cot and high chair can be provided on request.

What if something goes wrong during my stay?

You'll have our contact details from the moment you book, and we're available by phone or message throughout your stay to help with anything you need.

Wave and Form: Frequently Asked

Wave & Form: Design & Transformation

Planning to renovate or transform a property in Spain? Learn how our process works, how we handle budgets, timelines and permits, and how we manage your project while you follow it from anywhere.

What is Wave & Form?

Wave & Form is a design and property transformation studio. We work at the intersection of property, design and transformation: we find homes and buildings with strong fundamentals but untapped potential, and turn them into spaces that are considered, functional and distinctive.

How does Wave & Form work?

In two ways. On our own account, we buy and transform properties into homes designed with the Moana Retreats experience in mind. For owners and investors, we bring the same design-led approach to their properties, from the first idea to final delivery.

What is Wave & Form's process?

Three stages, all managed by us:

- Property Search & Selection: we find properties with the right location, light, charm and potential.

- Dream & Plan: we define the layout, design concept, materials, budget and timeline.

- Transform & Deliver: we manage renovation, interiors and final styling until the space is finished.

What makes Wave & Form different from a builder or interior designer?

A builder carries out the works and an interior designer decorates. We cover the whole journey, from choosing the property to handing over the keys, and we assess every project from both a design and an investment perspective. The result is a space that is beautiful, functional and valuable.

How does Wave & Form approach design?

Every project starts from its place. We draw on the local landscape, architecture and light to create a concept, then translate it into materials, colours and a layout that flows naturally, with spaces designed around how they will actually be lived in.

Who is behind Wave & Form?

Patricia, an architect and interior designer with a Master's in Architecture from Barcelona and Stockholm and over 10 years of experience on five continents, and Michael, a finance and asset management specialist. Together they have led projects for clients around the world and invest in Spanish property themselves.

Can you help me find a property to transform?

Yes. We identify properties with the right fundamentals, such as location, light, charm and potential, and assess each opportunity from both a design and an investment perspective.

I already own a property. Can you renovate it?

Yes. We start from what already exists (the architecture, the light, the location and its constraints) and develop a clear vision before any work begins. Then we oversee the whole transformation through to delivery.

Do you handle the budget and timeline?

Yes. Budgets, timelines, materials and project planning are all defined in the Dream & Plan stage, before work begins, so you know exactly what to expect.

What type of projects do you take on?

We work on homes, holiday rentals and investment properties. Our projects include apartments in Málaga, a home in Logroño inspired by the seasons of La Rioja and a house in Pamplona inspired by the beech forests of Navarra.

SUNiPROP: Frequently Asked

SUNiPROP: Investing in Spanish Property

Thinking about buying property in Spain from abroad? Find answers about the NIE, mortgages for non-residents, buying costs, taxes, tourist licences and how we guide you from the first search to the final signature.

What is SUNiPROP?

SUNiPROP is a property investment consultancy that helps international buyers invest in Spanish real estate. We guide you through the whole journey, from identifying the right opportunity to completing the purchase, and beyond if you need us, with the knowledge, support and confidence to invest in Spain.

How did SUNiPROP start?

SUNiPROP was born from real experience. We started as investors ourselves, buying properties across different regions of Spain. As we shared our results with our network, more people wanted to follow a similar path. We also saw how hard the process can be for international buyers, so we created SUNiPROP to make investing in Spain simpler, clearer and more accessible.

What makes SUNiPROP different from a real estate agency?

An agency sells the properties it has on its books. We don't just help you find a property: we build an investment around your goals. We analyse the market, choose the location, define the strategy, run the numbers and manage the renovation, and we're on your side throughout, not the seller's.

What services does SUNiPROP offer?

Four services that can be combined or used separately:

- Real Estate Analysis: finding locations and properties with strong potential.

- Investment Strategy: financial projections, risks and a plan built around your goals.

- Design & Renovations: spaces designed for your target market.

- Tailored Consulting: a search based on your budget, location, objectives and involvement.

What investment strategies does SUNiPROP work with?

House flipping for short-term returns, long-term rentals for stable passive income, and mid-term or tourist rentals for higher yields. The right strategy depends on your goals, budget and appetite for risk, and it affects profitability, taxation and regulations, so we help you choose from the start.

Who is behind SUNiPROP?

Patricia, an architect, interior designer and investor with over 10 years of experience on five continents, who recently led design work at HKS, one of the world's top 10 architecture firms. And Michael, with more than 14 years in capital markets and over 10 years as an asset manager specialising in fund investments. Both invest in Spanish property themselves.

Can SUNiPROP help me buy property in Spain if I'm not a resident?

Yes. Most of our clients are international buyers. We guide you through the whole process, from finding the right property to completing the purchase.

Does SUNiPROP help me get my NIE?

Yes. The NIE is required to buy property in Spain, and we guide you through the application. A trusted professional can also apply on your behalf with a power of attorney.

Can I buy through SUNiPROP without travelling to Spain?

Yes. Many of our clients complete the purchase from abroad, with a power of attorney and our local team on the ground. We still recommend visiting when you can.

Can SUNiPROP help me get a mortgage as a non-resident?

Yes. Through our network we connect you with financing specialists who work with non-resident buyers.

How long does it take to buy a property with SUNiPROP?

Once the right property is found and the price agreed, a purchase usually takes one to three months. We coordinate every step to keep it moving.

Does SUNiPROP check whether a property can be used as a tourist rental?

Yes. Tourist licences are regulated by each region and city, and some areas, including parts of Málaga, restrict new ones. We check this before you buy.