Our story
Welcome to Marbella Academy.
Founded in 2006 by Shana & Sonny Bergendorff. Two decades of practical education on the Costa del Sol — now reimagined as a future-skills academy.
The founders
Founded in Marbella in 2006 by Swedish entrepreneurs Shana and Sonny Bergendorff, the academy grew out of two decades in entertainment and hospitality — and a shared conviction that the best education is built on real work, not theory.
The founders
Shana & Sonny Bergendorff.
Shana and Sonny are a team who have built businesses together since the early 2000s — first in Sweden, then from Marbella. Under Bergendorff's Bespoke Consulting they've produced concerts, corporate events and luxury experiences since 2003, pioneered educational programmes across Sweden, Dubai, Thailand and Spain, and appeared on BBC, ITV UK and shows including TOWIE and Life in Marbs. Marbella Academy is the platform where their education, events and creative work come together.
Sonny has been active in the music industry since childhood. A drummer from an early age, he played around 60 live gigs between the ages of 15 and 19. At 16 he ran his first live music club in Stockholm, and went on to promote nightclubs for many years — including two clubs with Dr. Alban at Club Stacy and later White Room in Stockholm, plus DJ bookings at Sturecompaniet and beyond throughout the late 90s.
On tour he has worked local crew, backstage and drum setup for global acts including Iron Maiden, Metallica, Ozzy Osbourne, Toni Braxton and Riverdance — among many others across two decades of live production.
Along the way he built several music studios in Sweden and Spain, and continues to work as a musician today. Through the events arm he co-produces conferences, kick-offs, company travel, sports hospitality and supercar events with the same standards as the headline concerts.
Sonny also leads the technology side of the group through TheAIJump.com — the team behind Marbella Academy's digital platform, AI curriculum and automation work for clients.
From the studio & the stage
Shana, the artist
Painter, activist, storyteller.
Beyond the academy and the events business, Shana Bergendorff is a working artist and activist whose Kurdish heritage and experience as a refugee shape a deeply personal visual language. Her journey from Kurdistan through several countries to Sweden — where she trained at the School of Dance, Theater and Music — and on to Marbella has poured directly into her canvases.
Marbella's Mediterranean light and Andalusian colour now run through the work, alongside themes of resilience, duality and the inner life. The pieces below are part of her current collections; the full portfolio and shop live at her studio site.
Alongside the studio, Shana co-leads the events side of the business and shapes the visual direction across the group's productions.
Music & events
Premium event producers since 2003.
From Swedish nightlife and international tour production to brand launches, private concerts and corporate programmes on the Costa del Sol — the events arm is where the academy's standards were first set.
What we produce
See full services on Events- Private concerts & brand launches
- Openings & beach club nights
- Conferences & kick-offs
- Company travel & retreats
- Sports hospitality
- VIP experiences & concierge
Collaborations
Previous partners & clients.
Two decades of work across fashion, hospitality, media and entertainment.
Today
A future-skills academy.
Marbella Academy today is a private, non-obligatory academy built around practical learning for the next generation. Two clear offers: a daytime alternative-education programme for 16+ in AI, entrepreneurship, creative technology and modern hospitality — and after-school, weekend and holiday enrichment for 8–15.
We are not a traditional school. We are an innovation lab, creative campus and future-skills hub — international, hands-on, and built for how the world actually works now.
- 01
Premium without pretension
Serious quality, never a pose.
- 02
Future-focused
AI, entrepreneurship and creative tech sit inside every programme.
- 03
Warm and human
Small groups, working mentors, no corporate veneer.
What they say
Twenty years of graduates.
From the Bartender Academy archive — two of many voices across two decades of practical training in Marbella.
"I learned a lot during the classes — and got a job directly as a bartender when I got home to Sweden. Without a doubt the best trip I have done. I've experienced lots of things and brought a lot of new knowledge back home. Anyone thinking about it: do it. You will not regret it."
"I would definitely recommend this course. It is a combination of a lovely holiday and an excellent education."