From reality TV icon and wellness entrepreneur to the visionary behind Marbella’s elite lifestyle brand, Amanda shares her journey of transformation, her values, and what true luxury means in 2025.
Amanda, you’ve transitioned from model, reality TV star, wellness business owner and bestselling author, to the founder of a luxury brand in Marbella. When did you realise it was time to create something of your own? And what was it about Marbella that inspired you to begin this new chapter?
After COVID, my wellness business was never quite the same. It was based in Harvey Nichols, and the store simply wasn’t thriving the way it used to. I think people who hadn’t shopped online before learned how to, and many got used to working out at home. On top of that, fewer people could afford luxuries like Zerofat post-COVID. I gave it another year, then decided to take a break—I came to Marbella for a month in January 2024 to get back in shape after Christmas, and I just fell in love with the lifestyle here. It felt healthier, freer.
That’s when I decided to sell my business and make the move. I already had the contacts, so I thought—why not create a one-stop destination for people who love luxury and want to experience Marbella at its best? I’ve always loved organising, and I have a passion for luxury, so I came up with The Platinum Group Marbella—and the rest, as they say, is history.
The Platinum Group offers private jets, yachts, supercars, high-end rental properties and real estate—not to mention Cipriani Residences in Miami. How do you define “true luxury” in 2025? Is it more about service, sensation, or emotion?
For me, it’s all about the service. People want luxury, yes—but they also want value. I know luxury inside out, so I know exactly what my clients are looking for. We listen to their needs, and we deliver. Many high-net-worth individuals simply don’t have the time—or desire—to search and book things themselves. That’s where we come in. We can charter the jet, organise a yacht day, find the perfect villa or apartment, even source their dream car. And they only have to deal with one person for it all.
I’m very detail-oriented and have a keen eye for quality. This business fits me perfectly. Once you provide outstanding service, the client not only returns—they recommend you. That kind of trust is invaluable.
Your brand is built on a highly personalised approach. What has been the most unexpected or extraordinary request from a client that you’ve successfully fulfilled?
Absolutely! One that stands out happened not long after I launched The Platinum Group. We received a message via Instagram—someone was planning travel around the inauguration of Trump returning to office. The request included 10 people departing from Dar es Salaam on 26 December 2024, heading to the Bahamas, then Miami, Washington D.C., and New York. They wanted to return to Dar es Salaam by 28 January 2025—only to head back out to the Bahamas for 10 days, then Miami until the 18th, Washington until the 23rd, and finally New York until the 28th!
It was a huge logistical operation, but we pulled it off. I work with the best partners in the private jet industry, so no request is ever too much.
You had a wellness business at Harvey Nichols and worked with the renowned Dr Nassif. How have those experiences shaped your understanding of beauty and wellbeing?
I’ve always had a deep understanding of the beauty industry. I’m actually a Level 3 qualified beauty therapist and nail technician by trade—I went to college for three years straight after school. I also ran a modelling academy in Liverpool for five years, through which around 1,000 girls passed. On top of that, I had a fashion and beauty blog and a column in a newspaper for many years, all while modelling myself.
So the importance of self-care and wellbeing has been instilled in me from a young age. It remains a huge part of my daily life and routine.
You’ve built a strong network of influential clients. What’s the secret to earning their trust?
Consistency. Always provide the highest standard of service you can, and the client will not only return—they’ll refer you to others. I’ve been in this industry for so many years now, and I’ve met a great many influential people along the way. They trust me because they know my standards. When someone knows they can count on you, especially in this line of work, that loyalty is priceless.
Photographer: James Rudland @jamesrudland
Hair: Robyn Crookham @robyncrookhamhairx
Makeup: Alisha Heap @alishaheapmakeup
Styling & Model: Amanda Harrington @missamandaharrington
Villa & Lamborghini: James Laderman – Tip Top Investments @tiptopvillasworldwide
Luxury Lifestyle Brand: The Platinum Group Marbella @theplatinumgroupmarbella