Beachfront restaurants fill with diners as the sun slips below the Mediterranean, yachts line bustling marinas and days drift effortlessly between the sea, golf courses and stylish resorts.
The Costa del Sol has spent decades perfecting the art of the Mediterranean holiday, combining excellent beaches, lively resorts and a climate that encourages outdoor living throughout much of the year. Stretching along Spain's southern coastline, it remains one of Europe's most enduring and enjoyable sunshine destinations.
Marbella, Estepona and Puerto Banús bring a polished side to the coast, where waterfront restaurants, luxury hotels and vibrant marinas create an atmosphere of relaxed sophistication. Elsewhere, beach promenades, family-friendly resorts and traditional Spanish towns ensure the region appeals to every style of traveller.
Days are spent exactly as holidays should be. Mornings beside the pool, afternoons on the beach, leisurely lunches overlooking the sea and evenings that begin with cocktails and finish long after dark. Add excellent golf, easy access from across Europe and a huge choice of hotels, and it's easy to understand why visitors return year after year.
Moments of discovery often become the most memorable part of any journey, whether found through an exceptional hotel, a remarkable landscape or an experience that reveals a destination in a new light. The places that stay with us longest are those that create a genuine sense of connection.
Across islands, coastlines, mountains and vibrant cities, every destination offers its own character and rhythm. Some invite adventure, others encourage slower exploration, but the most rewarding journeys are often those that combine comfort, authenticity and a sense of place.
From luxury hotels and boutique retreats to safari experiences, rail journeys and small-ship voyages, our collection celebrates travel that feels considered, inspiring and memorable long after returning home.
Puente Romano Beach Resort, a radiant five-star haven along Marbella's illustrious Golden Mile, captures the charm of an Andalusian village, offering an unparalleled retreat between Marbella and Puerto Banús as a distinguished member of Leading Hotels of the World. The 185 spacious suites and private villas blend timeless Mediterranean architecture with modern elegance, featuring air-conditioned interiors, plush bedding, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and private bathrooms with premium toiletries. Many suites open to terraces with views of lush botanical gardens or the shimmering sea, creating serene sanctuaries for discerning travellers. Dining dazzles across over 15 restaurants and bars, from vibrant Mediterranean seafood venues to sophisticated global cuisine, each showcasing masterful flavours crafted with local ingredients. The resort's bars pulse with energy, offering artisanal cocktails and curated wines, perfect for lively evenings or sunset sips. The serene spa provides a sanctuary with bespoke treatments, saunas, and wellness rituals, while the world-renowned tennis club, with its prestigious courts, invites active pursuits under the Mediterranean sun. Complimentary golf access at nearby courses enhances the experience, and open-air venues amidst meticulously tended gardens create tranquil spaces for relaxation. The attentive concierge curates bespoke adventures, from yacht charters to cultural explorations of Marbella's historic Old Town. Just 500 meters from the pristine beach and 3 km from Puerto Banús, Puente Romano Beach Resort is 45 km from Málaga Airport, seamlessly blending vibrant nightlife with the Costa del Sol's serene beauty and cultural allure.
From £385 per night
El Fuerte Marbella, a distinguished five-star retreat along the radiant Costa del Sol, blends historic elegance with contemporary sophistication in the heart of Marbella's vibrant city centre, offering an iconic haven as a proud member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. The 263 rooms and suites, reimagined by renowned Chilean designer Jaime Beriestain, showcase timeless Mediterranean charm with warm tones, refined furnishings, and air-conditioned comfort. Each features plush bedding, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and private bathrooms with premium toiletries, while many open to balconies with sweeping views of the sea or Marbella's elegant promenade, creating a serene escape for discerning travellers. Dining captivates at Soleo Marbella, where fresh seafood and Mediterranean-inspired dishes are served against the backdrop of the beachfront, paired with an extensive wine selection. The Emporio Bar crafts artisanal cocktails in a chic setting, perfect for sunset sips, while the breakfast lounge offers a daily buffet of local pastries, fresh fruits, and savoury delights. The rooftop infinity pool invites leisurely afternoons with panoramic sea vistas, complemented by a serene spa offering tailored massages and wellness treatments. A modern fitness centre energizes guests, and the attentive concierge curates bespoke experiences, from yacht charters to explorations of Marbella's historic Old Town. Steps from the pristine beachfront and a five-minute walk to the charming Plaza de los Naranjos, El Fuerte Marbella is 40 km from Málaga Airport, offering effortless access to the Costa del Sol's vibrant culture and scenic beauty.
From £215 per night
Finca Cortesin Hotel Golf & Spa, a luxurious five-star sanctuary on Spain's Costa del Sol, captivates with its timeless elegance, nestled within a 215-hectare estate near the whitewashed village of Casares, where Andalusian heritage meets the deep-blue Mediterranean. The 67 luminous suites, ranging from 50 to 200 square meters, unfold with grand sophistication, featuring lofty 4-meter ceilings, air-conditioned comfort, flat-screen satellite TVs, minibars, and sleek bathrooms with hairdryers, bathrobes, and premium toiletries. Each suite opens to a private balcony with views of manicured gardens or the sea, with some offering plunge pools for serene escapes. Designed by Roger Torras, Ignacio Sierra, and sisters Ana and Cristina Calderón, the interiors blend antiques curated by Duarte Pinto Coelho with bold hues and vibrant bouquets, creating tranquil havens where attentive staff ensure thoughtful touches, from plush linens to warm welcomes, fostering a sense of belonging amid the region's sunlit charm. Dining across six venues celebrates culinary artistry, with REI by Finca Cortesin showcasing chef Luis Olarra's Japanese-Mediterranean fusion, featuring seafood and organic garden produce. El Jardín de Lutz offers classic Spanish dishes like mantis shrimp cream soup, while Don Giovanni serves Italian fare, The Beach Club delivers Mediterranean flavours, and The Blue Bar crafts tapas and cocktails. The Golf Club Restaurant pairs meals with sea and fairway views. A daily breakfast brims with vibrant, local specialties. Guests can immerse in curated experiences, from golf on the Cabell Robinson-designed course, host of the Solheim Cup 2023, to spa retreats in a haven with a snow cave, capturing Costa del Sol's refined rhythm with effortless grace. Just a short drive from Bahía de Casares Beach, Marbella, Sotogrande, and Málaga and Gibraltar Airports, Finca Cortesin offers seamless access to the region's treasures. With 23,000 square meters of jasmine-scented gardens, three pools, a 6,000-square-meter beach club, a luxurious spa with Turkish bath and sauna, tennis and padel courts, and the Jack Nicklaus Golf Academy, this Conde Nast Traveller's 'Best National Resort' ensures serene renewal in an ambiance of tranquil refinement.
From £485 per night
Marbella Club Hotel, a legendary five-star retreat along the sun-kissed shores between Marbella and Puerto Banús, blends aristocratic heritage with modern elegance, offering a beachfront haven with two luxurious pools and lush gardens, as a distinguished member of Leading Hotels of the World. The 115 rooms, suites, and 17 private villas, once the residence of Prince Alfonso von Hohenlohe, feature private terraces with sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea or verdant gardens. Each space exudes refined comfort with air-conditioned interiors, plush bedding, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and private bathrooms with premium toiletries, creating intimate sanctuaries for discerning travellers. Dining shines across five restaurants, offering a masterful blend of international and traditional Spanish cuisine. From vibrant seafood dishes to artfully crafted tapas, each venue celebrates culinary excellence with locally inspired flavours. The beachfront bar serves artisanal cocktails, perfect for sunset sipping, while nearby Puerto Banús beckons with designer boutiques and gourmet eateries. The Thalasso Spa, with serene sea views, offers a sauna, water bed, and holistic treatments like breath work, meditation, and aromatherapy, complemented by the Holistic Studio's integrative wellness practices in the botanical gardens. Two shimmering pools invite leisurely swims, and a complimentary shuttle to the Marbella Club Golf Resort, with its 18-hole course designed by Dave Thomas, offers golfers stunning Mediterranean and African coastline vistas. A 15-minute stroll from Marbella's historic Old Town and 6 km from Puerto Banús, Marbella Club Hotel is 40 km from Málaga Airport, seamlessly blending coastal tranquility with the Costa del Sol's vibrant cultural and leisure offerings.
From £355 per night
La Zambra Resort Mijas - Marbella, a luxurious five-star haven in the Andalusian foothills, captivates with its contemporary take on barefoot Flamenco freedom, blending restored Andalusian architecture with the sunlit serenity of Mijas' pristine landscapes. The 197 rooms and suites unfold with airy elegance, featuring air-conditioned comfort, flat-screen TVs, coffee machines, minibars, safety deposit boxes, wardrobes, and sleek bathrooms with showers and premium toiletries. Each opens to a private terrace or balcony, many with views of the rolling hills or nearby golf courses, creating tranquil retreats where attentive staff ensure thoughtful touches, from plush linens to warm welcomes, fostering a sense of belonging amid the Costa del Sol's vibrant charm. Whitewashed walls, natural stone floors, and handcrafted ceramics blend with leafy patios and Moorish arches, evoking a seamless connection to the region's heritage. Dining across four restaurants celebrates Mediterranean, Spanish, and pizza cuisines, with vegetarian, dairy-free, and vegan options, savoured in settings framed by mountain vistas and original stone fountains. A daily breakfast, offering buffet, à la carte, or continental choices, brims with local specialties like fresh olive oils and seasonal produce. Guests can immerse in curated experiences, from Flamenco performances to olive oil tastings, or unwind by three stunning pools under porcelain-blue skies, capturing Mijas' radiant rhythm with effortless grace. Nestled a short journey from La Cala Golf, Plaza de Espana, Benalmadena Puerto Marina, and Málaga Airport, La Zambra Resort offers seamless access to the Costa del Sol's treasures. With direct access to two Robert Trent Jones-designed golf courses, a vast spa and wellness centre, indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness centre, bike hire, and a garden, this Michelin-recommended retreat, once the iconic Byblos hosting royalty and rock stars, ensures serene renewal in an ambiance of timeless elegance.
From £180 per night
Nobu Hotel Marbella, a vibrant five-star sanctuary along Marbella's prestigious Golden Mile, exudes playful elegance amidst lush gardens and serene fountains, offering a stylish retreat with exclusive access to La Suite nightclub and sweeping views of the lively Plaza square. The 81 impeccably designed rooms and suites feature sleek flat-screen TVs, plush bedding, and spacious terraces overlooking the dynamic Plaza square, a hub of fine dining and chic bars. Private bathrooms with premium toiletries and generous seating areas blend contemporary luxury with coastal charm, creating refined havens for discerning guests. Select suites elevate indulgence with exclusive Nobu bedding and state-of-the-art entertainment systems. Dining at the renowned Nobu Restaurant captivates with Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine, from artful sushi to bold Nikkei dishes, complemented by a vibrant buffet breakfast. The restaurant's elegant setting spills onto a terrace, perfect for savouring crafted cocktails from the adjacent bar. The outdoor swimming pool invites leisurely dips, while the state-of-the-art fitness centre energizes active guests. The Six Senses spa, a serene oasis, offers rejuvenating treatments, saunas, and wellness rituals, fostering deep relaxation. The 24-hour reception, with pre-arrival check-in, curates bespoke experiences, from VIP nightclub access to private beach days, immersing guests in Marbella's glamorous pulse. Just 500 meters from the nearest beach, 3.6 km from Plaza de los Naranjos, and 3.3 km from Puerto Banús, Nobu Hotel Marbella is 43 km from Málaga Airport, offering seamless access to the Costa del Sol's vibrant culture and scenic shores.
From £270 per night