Marbella, Spain

The southern coast of Spain, between Marbella and Puerto Banús, is the heart of the “Golden Mile.” The city of Marbella has a history reaching back over a thousand years. Nestled between the Mediterranean and the impressive Sierra Blanca, Marbella enjoys a unique microclimate that ushers in more days of sunshine year round than almost any other spot in Europe. The region of Andalucía is alive with history, unrivalled in its cultural wealth and traditions; a truly unique part of the world.

The area is ideal for setting out on a wide selection of day trips to nearby attractions. Explore the old-fashioned elegance of downtown Marbella and the mountain towns of Mijas, Benalmádena, Coín and Benahavís. A short 40 minutes from the hotel, the city of Málaga beckons with its bustling streets and air of mystery. The charming and picturesque town of Ronda, perched on a spectacular gorge, is the proud seat of the oldest bullfighting ring in the world and is reached in less than an hour’s drive.

Swing through Gibraltar, Tarifa and Cádiz in one day and return in time for dinner. A world heritage site, Granada is only one and a half hours away. In a couple of hours, you can reach either Córdoba, the city that gave its name to the famous Caliphate, or Sevilla, that majestic yet popular city that has been the heart of worldwide trading routes for almost two centuries. And, of course, there is Madrid, Spain’s cosmopolitan capital, a little further afield, but reachable from Málaga by AVE, the high-speed rail service.

Or head over to Africa, whose coasts are visible from the beach club on clear days. Simply take the ferry across the Straits and there you are in Morocco, with Tangiers, Tetouan and the majestic Rif mountains at your fingertips.