When most people think of Zara, they picture fast fashion, high-street stores, and affordable style.
But behind the scenes, the brand’s billionaire founder, Amancio Ortega, has been quietly building a global real estate empire—one luxury purchase at a time.
And now, he’s making fresh headlines with three new high-profile investments.
A New Luxury Hotel in the Heart of Paris
Ortega’s latest move? Snapping up a five-star hotel in central Paris.
According to Bloomberg, the purchase was made through his investment firm, Pontegadea, which handles his vast portfolio.
The hotel, previously owned by Derby Hotels, is located near the city’s iconic Grand Opera—making it a prime and pricey piece of real estate.
The reported price tag? A cool $113 million.
That’s roughly 8.7 billion rubles, underscoring Ortega’s appetite for premium, prestigious properties in global hotspots.
Pontegadea: The Real Estate Powerhouse Behind Zara’s Founder
If you’re wondering how Ortega funds all these headline-grabbing purchases, the answer lies in Pontegadea.
This investment firm manages Ortega’s wealth, much of which stems from his majority stake—59%, to be exact—in Inditex SA.
That’s the parent company behind Zara, Bershka, Pull & Bear, and several other fashion brands.
Rather than letting his massive dividends sit idle, Ortega reinvests heavily—mostly in property, infrastructure, and energy.
It’s part of a long-term strategy that’s turned him into one of the world’s richest and most discreet real estate investors.
Florida Real Estate Joins the Portfolio
Earlier this year, Ortega made another splash—this time in sunny Florida.
He purchased a residential property in Fort Lauderdale for an estimated €165 million (about 15 billion rubles).
This adds a slice of U.S. luxury living to his already diverse portfolio.
With beachfront views and a prime location, this acquisition fits the pattern of Ortega’s taste: high-end, high-value, and high-potential.
Big Moves in Barcelona’s Business District
And it doesn’t stop there. Ortega also made a major acquisition in Spain by picking up a sprawling office complex in Barcelona.
That deal came with an even heftier price tag—€250 million (roughly 22 billion rubles).
The complex adds a strategic foothold in one of Europe’s busiest and most dynamic business hubs.
Between Florida, Paris, and now Barcelona, Ortega is clearly playing the long game—investing in cities where demand is strong and future value looks solid.
Could Zara Return to Russia?
While Ortega’s property investments are making headlines, Zara itself is also back in the news.
In May, the Financial Times reported that Inditex’s exit deal from Russia may have left a door open for a future comeback.
Although the company paused operations in the country amid geopolitical tensions, the sale agreement reportedly includes clauses that could allow Zara and its sister brands to re-enter the Russian market down the line.
What’s Next for Ortega?
With Ortega continuing to invest billions into global real estate while leaving room for Zara’s strategic expansion, the fashion mogul shows no signs of slowing down.
From luxury hotels to international office hubs and beachfront mansions, his empire is becoming as diversified and iconic as the brand that made him famous.
One thing’s for sure—whether it’s fashion or real estate, Ortega is always thinking one step ahead.