The Essential guide to enjoying San Juan, the most magical and mystical night of the year on Marbella’s beaches. Not to be missed!
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[post_content] => The history of golf goes back to 1552, when the first golf course in the world opened in St Andrews, Scotland. Since then, it has grown into one of the world’s best loved sports, and thousands of courses have been created by talented golf course architects.
Marbella, and the Costa del Sol in general, is a golfers’ paradise. While we didn’t get our first course in Andalucia until the 1920s, there’s a reason why this is known as the Costa del Golf!
This area boasts more than 70 golf courses, designed and built between 1925 and the present day. We’ve been lucky to have some of the very best designers produce courses here, and our courses are consistently featured in the lists of top golf courses in Europe.
Probably the best known and one of the most prolific golf course architect to shape Marbella and the Costa del Sol’s golf scene is Robert Trent Jones Sr. He is behind nine fantastic courses on the Costa del Sol, including; Real Sotogrande, Real Las Brisas, Los Naranjos, Marbella Golf & Country Club and the most famous and highly esteemed – Valderrama.
Other talented designers that have created the incredible array of golf courses on the Costa del Sol include; Seve Ballesteros, José María Cañizares, Cabell Robinson, Javier Arana, Antonio García Garrido, Gary Player, Juan Ligués Creus, Dave Thomas, Juan Carlos Martínez, Mariano Benítez, Manuel Piñero and Enrique Canales Busquets.
History of golf culture on the Costa del Sol
Golf arrived in Spain way back in 1891, but the first course in Andalucia didn’t open until 1925, in Malaga. But once it started, there was no stopping the development of golf in Andalucia, and despite that slow start, it now has more golf clubs than any other autonomous communities in Spain – a whopping 92 in total.
The first golf course in Marbella itself is Guadalmina Golf Club, which opened its doors in 1959. This was designed by Javier Arana, widely held to be one of the best Spanish golf course designers of all time. He also designed Rio Real, which opened in 1965. German golf architect Bernard von Limburger designed Atalaya Golf, which opened in 1968 and Robert Trent Jones Las Brisas followed in 1969.
Once established as a golfing hotspot, the sport started to attract off-peak tourists, to help make Marbella a truly year-round destination and many more golf courses followed. There are now over 70 golf courses and it is known as much for its golf as for its beaches.
The Top 5 Golf Course Architects in Marbella
With so many notable names involved in designing and creating golf courses in Marbella, we have decided to pick our top 5. These are the people we feel have most impacted the golf scene in Marbella and who have designed some of our favorite courses.
Robert Trent Jones
We have to start with the legendary Robert Trent Jones, who cut his teeth building Real Sotogrande in 1964, his first course in Europe. This is still rated as the second-best golf course in Spain, by Top 100 Golf Courses, just behind his most revered design at Valderrama Golf Club.
In 1968, he designed Marbella’s third golf course – Las Brisas, in Nueva Andalucia. Jones is also responsible for Los Naranjos in the golf valley of Nueva Andalucia and Marbella Golf.
In total, he designed nine golf courses on the Costa del Sol, and is listed number 9 in the list of best golf course architects. He has certainly left his mark on the Costa del Golf!
Cabell B. Robinson
American golf course architect Cabell B. Robinson studied landscape architecture in California and worked with Robert Trent Jones in Spain from 1970. He was involved with many of his early projects before striking out on his own.
He is known as one of the most prolific golf course designers, alongside his mentor.
He lives on the Costa del Sol and has created some fantastic golf courses here, including La Cala Resort, La Reserva de Sotogrande, Santana Golf & Country Club, Valle Romano and Finca Cortesín.
Severiano Ballesteros
Seve Ballesteros was an incredible Spanish golfer, who became a very important golf course architect and left behind two wonderful golf courses in the Malaga province, with one located close to Marbella, in the golfing hotspot on Benahavis.
His design for Los Arqueros Golf includes 18 challenging holes, which blend into the beautiful countryside around it and offers some spectacular views. This course is not for the faint hearted, with narrow fairways and water obstacles a plenty.
Dave Thomas
Welsh golfer, turned golf course architect, Dave Thomas had significant success as a professional player, before an injury forced him to think about the next chapter in his career. He designed over 100 courses during his long career, including more than 20 in Europe.
On the Costa del Sol, he has created quite the legacy, designing the Almenara Golf Club, the La Hacienda Links Golf Resort and San Roque (Old Course) in the Sotogrande area. In Marbella, Dave Thomas designed and built the exceptional Marbella Club Golf Resort Course in 1999. This par 72 course is praised for its excellent fairways, and roughs and welcoming greens.
Antonio García Garrido
This Spanish architect really left his mark on Marbella having designed the Flamingos Golf Club, the first nine holes of Santa Maria Golf & Country Club and the Doña Julia Golf Club in the Casares area of the Western Costa del Sol.
We love golf here at Vacation Marbella and have created our list of top 10 Marbella golf courses to help you to have the best golf holiday. You can also book golf green fees on our website and contact us for golf recommendations and of course holiday rentals in the city.
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[post_content] => The new Netflix reality series, Making it in Marbella, is creating a buzz in the world of luxury real estate. Released to high anticipation, particularly in markets like Sweden, the series follows a group of high-profile agents from Homerun Brokers, a Swedish agency specialising in exclusive properties in Marbella. With a blend of drama, competition, and high-stakes real estate transactions, the show has sparked interest beyond Marbella, drawing an audience eager to get a glimpse into the glamorous yet challenging world of luxury real estate in this iconic Spanish destination. As Marbella's real estate market continues to thrive, the series taps into the public’s fascination with high-end properties, luxury lifestyles, and the professional rivalries that drive success in this elite sector.
Marbella as a European Luxury Real Estate Hub
Marbella has established itself as one of Europe’s key luxury destinations, especially in real estate. Known for its beaches, enviable climate, and exclusive nightlife, the city attracts a high-profile international clientele seeking a combination of natural beauty and premium services. Marbella stands out for its luxurious infrastructure, which includes renowned golf courses, exclusive marinas like Puerto Banús, and cutting-edge properties that compete on the global market.
Additionally, the boom in Marbella's real estate market has been driven by interest from buyers around the world, from Europe and the United States to the Middle East and Asia. This destination has managed to establish itself not only as a holiday spot but also as a solid investment in high-value properties that epitomise exclusivity in the European market. The demand for modern villas, sea-view penthouses, and properties offering a unique quality of life is steady and growing, reinforcing Marbella’s position as a benchmark for luxury and exclusivity on the continent.
What is the series about?
Making it in Marbella is a reality series that allows viewers to delve into the exciting and competitive luxury real estate market in Marbella. Released on Netflix on 1 October 2024, the series documents the lives of real estate agents from Homerun Brokers, a Swedish firm specialising in high-end properties on the Costa del Sol. The series takes us behind the scenes, showcasing the challenges and opportunities these agents face as they compete for the best properties while trying to attract Marbella's most exclusive clients.
Each of the six episodes explores the challenges of selling luxury properties in a highly competitive market, revealing the intense and glamorous aspects of this profession. Making it in Marbella highlights not only professional achievements but also the personal struggles of each agent, showing how they balance their work and personal lives in a high-pressure, competitive environment.
A Battle for Commissions and Professional Recognition
The central focus of the series is the intense competition among agents to secure the highest commissions and gain recognition within their team and the industry. Each luxury property represents a significant financial opportunity, sparking fierce competition as agents vie for top clients and substantial deals. The episodes show how these professionals face high-pressure situations, demanding negotiations, and clients who seek more than just a property – they want a unique, personalised experience.
Furthermore, Making it in Marbella highlights the relationships and tensions among agents, who are not only after commissions but also aim to build a reputation in an industry where credibility and recognition are key to attracting the best clients. This competitive dynamic provides insight into the high stakes of the sector, illustrating that success in Marbella’s luxury real estate market requires not only expertise but also a blend of determination, negotiation skills, and the ability to build strong client relationships.
What’s Real in Making it in Marbella?
Borja Rodríguez, with years of experience in Marbella's luxury real estate sector, offers some key points that help readers understand the reality of this industry beyond the drama of reality television.
Competitively intense: The series accurately portrays the fierce competition among agents to secure exclusive clients and properties, a very real element in Marbella's market, where limited inventory meets high demand for unique properties and experiences.
Glamorous lifestyle: Although Making it in Marbella emphasises the glamour of the industry, Borja points out that behind the glitz is constant effort and meticulous preparation for each transaction. Luxury is a part of Marbella’s appeal, but every real estate success requires professionalism, a deep understanding of the market, and trusted client relationships.
Dramatisation of conflicts: Like in many reality shows, some conflicts are exaggerated to increase viewer interest. Borja comments that while there are tensions and competition, professionalism and collaboration tend to prevail in Marbella’s real estate relationships, in an environment that values teamwork and mutual respect.
Through these observations, Borja Rodríguez offers a nuanced view of how the luxury real estate sector in Marbella is truly experienced, contrasting with the dramatic liberties of television.
How Borja Views the Present and Future of the Sector
After years of experience in Marbella’s luxury real estate market, Borja shares his perspective on the changes that are already underway and those expected in the near future. Below are some key points that help to understand the direction the sector is taking.
Increasing international demand: Marbella continues to attract high-profile international clients, especially from Europe and the Middle East. This demand ensures a steady flow of buyers who see Marbella as the ideal destination for a second home, supporting stable market growth.
Sustainability and technology as essential elements: Increasingly, luxury buyers seek properties that integrate sustainability and advanced technology. From energy-efficient solutions to smart home systems, the incorporation of these elements is becoming highly valued, and Borja sees this approach as crucial to Marbella’s future market.
Personalisation and exclusive experiences: Clients are not only looking for a luxury property; they want a unique, personalised experience. Marbella, with its exclusive lifestyle and ambience, offers the perfect setting for this. Vacation Marbella has worked to make each stay an unforgettable experience, adapting to individual client preferences.
Expansion of premium services: Marbella is already known for its high-end golf, marinas, and dining offerings, but the demand for even more exclusive services is growing. Borja observes that the trend is toward premium wellness, personalised activities, and luxury experiences – aspects that will set high-end properties apart in the region.
With this perspective, Borja emphasises that Marbella’s luxury real estate market is continuously evolving to meet the demands of an exacting and sophisticated clientele. At Vacation Marbella, the focus remains on innovating and adapting services to respond to these new demands, ensuring that Marbella continues to be a benchmark in European luxury.
[post_title] => Making it in Marbella: The Reality Show on Marbella's Luxury Real Estate Sector
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[post_content] => Marbella is situated in the heart of the Costa del Golf, close to over 70 fantastic golf courses. It’s a paradise for golfers, thanks to all those courses in a small area and the beautiful climate. But when should you come and play? In this article, we’ll let you know when is golf season in Marbella.
Golf season in Marbella
You can play golf all year round in Marbella. We’re blessed with more than 320 days of sunshine, so you’ll be unlucky to have a rainy day on the fairways. Even if you come and visit Marbella in the middle of summer, you can grab a round or two. But although it’s the peak season for tourists, it’s not the most popular time for golf, due to the high temperatures.
Low seasons
If you check the golf courses in Marbella and look at their green fees, you can see the high and low seasons marked. Low seasons are considered to be January and February, June, July and August and mid-November to the end of December.
January, February, November and December are the coolest months of the year in Marbella, with the most rain, which is why they are considered the low season. But, if you’re coming over from the UK or Northern Europe, you definitely won’t find it cold, or wet. The lowest average temperature at night is only 8⁰C, and the maximum days of rain is 5 per month – so not too much to worry about!
June, July and August are beautiful times to be in Marbella, but most visitors at this time of year are wanting to be at the beach, or in the pool, rather than getting sweaty on the golf course.
High Seasons
Definitely, the most popular times to play golf in Marbella are definitely spring and autumn.
Autumn is a great time to be in Marbella, especially if you want to play golf. As soon as the school summer holidays are over, and the cooler September weather arrives, people flock to the golf courses. September and October are the very best times, as there’s very little rain, bright sunshine and blue skies, but relatively cooler and more comfortable temperatures to get active.
These months are such a lovely time to visit Marbella, with plenty to do and see. Following the summer the prices of flights and accommodation drop too, so it’s a great time to consider.
Spring is also a popular golf season in Marbella, as the temperatures start to climb from March, the air is fresh and although you can get a few showers, you’d be unlucky to get sustained rain during your stay.
In March, you’ll get highs of 20⁰C and lows of 10⁰C and in April highs of 22⁰C and lows of 11⁰C and there are only four days of rain each month on average.
May starts to really warm up, so if you love warm weather and would like to combine golf days with time at beach clubs, or hitting the clubs, this is an excellent month to do both, before the heat really kicks in.
Benefits of playing during Marbella’s golf season
The golf season represents the absolute optimum time to play golf in Marbella and so you’ll get the best weather for a round.
As it’s a popular time, the atmosphere in the club house will be great and you can time it for a golf event or two.
You’re likely to meet like-minded people at the club and out and about after your rounds and it’s a very sociable and fun time to play.
Marbella’s golf season also coincides with the off-peak season when it comes to other tourism. This means that it is considerably cheaper to fly and to find accommodation during this time. The restaurants, bars and clubs are also more able to handle big groups, as it’s quiet, and if you’re traveling in a larger group, you’ll be very well looked after.
Downsides of playing golf during golf season
On the flip side, the golf season represents the busiest time on the fairways, so preferred tee times might be hard to come by. Also, if you are inexperienced golfers, and may take longer than average to get round the course, you might be getting pressure from groups behind and feel uncomfortable.
It is also significantly more expensive to play golf in Marbella in the high season and deals are limited. Whereas in the low season, it is better value for money.
Tips to prepare for the Marbella golf season
Hit the driving range – Get prepared for your golf holiday in Marbella back home, by practicing on the driving range and perfecting your shots, so you are at your best when you arrive.
Pre-select your courses – With so many courses to choose from it can be very hard to know where you want to play. You can check out our recommendations of the 10 best golf courses in Marbella as a great place to start. Then look at the green fees to decide which ones are in your budget. Finally, plan your trip and decide if you want to play every day, or have days where you go sightseeing, or relax and unwind, and choose your dates. When you’re ready, you can book Green Fees through Vacation Marbella for great deals and prices.
Book your flights and accommodation – Look for available flights into Malaga Airport and then into availability of accommodation in Marbella. We’d recommend searching for vacation rental properties near the best golf courses and look at larger properties that you can share with your golf group. This can work out cheaper per head than hotels, and offer a fantastic space to relax and hang out after a round. Alternatively, you might decide that you’d rather be at the heart of all the action, if going out on the town in the evenings is a high priority.
Think about transport – You’ll need to either hire cars to get you around, or look into transfers and private drivers in Marbella.
Get to know the courses – Check out the hole-by-hole guides, to familiarize yourself with the courses you’re due to play and get tips on how to have the best game. You can also check out the services to see if there are driving ranges or putting greens which you can use to make sure you’re fully prepared for the round. You can even decide to hire a golf instructor in Marbella, to help you improve your game, or to accompany you around the course.
Can you play golf in winter in Marbella?
Absolutely! Although winter is considered to be the low season for the golf courses, it’s also a great time to play golf in Marbella, as it rarely gets cold here or rains. In November, you’ll get highs of 20⁰C and lows of 11⁰C and in December highs of 18⁰C and lows of 9⁰C and there are only five days of rain each month on average.
As it's the low season, you can also benefit from some great deals and reduced green fees, alongside the cheapest accommodation, so it’s the best value time to take a golf holiday in Marbella.
Do golf courses close in Marbella in winter?
No, most golf courses are open all year round and you could even play on Christmas Day if you want to.
Many golf clubs also host special Christmas and New Year events too, so you can spend a special Christmas in Marbella with the family and play golf too. The perfect present!
Check out our guide on enjoying Marbella in the winter, for more tips on visiting Marbella at this time of year.
Where to stay for a golf holiday in Marbella?
There are so many golf courses in and around Marbella, that you can really take your pick of places to stay, but here are two areas with the highest density of courses and good access to post game activities.
Stay in Nueva Andalucia: To be very close to many golf courses, and also within easy reach of restaurants, bars and nightlife, rent a property in Nueva Andalucia is a really good choice. Nueva Andalucia is known as golf valley, with Aloha, Las Brisas, Los Naranjos, La Quinta and Magna Marbella right on the doorstep. It is just up the hill from the bright lights of Puerto Banus, so you will have the best of both worlds and limited travel time to the fairways.
Stay in Benahavis: Another area with a lot of courses in a very small area is Benahavis, with 11 golf courses within the municipality. It’s also a gorgeous white village, famous for the many restaurants and charming atmosphere, so rent a property in Benahavis is a lovely option for dining and drinking after your round.
Contact us for recommendations on the best places to stay when you have the courses you’re considering and the group size and we’ll send you a list of options.
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San Juan takes place on the night of the 23rd of June. It is a very special festival, which celebrates the shortest night of the year and the summer solstice. Pagan in origins and shrouded in magic and mysticism, this is a wonderful time to be in Marbella. There are celebrations on the beaches along the Costa del Sol, with bonfires burning brightly long into the night and friends and families getting together to party. This is definitely not an event to miss if you’re holidaying in Marbella at the end of June.
Here’s our essential guide to enjoying San Juan in Marbella to the full.
What is San Juan Night? Origin and history
Celebrations and rituals on the summer solstice date back to ancient history and with the strong influences of the Phoenicians and Romans in Spain, these celebrations will have been taking place for thousands of years. However, it became San Juan, when the Catholic Church adopted this and many other pagan celebrations and said it was to celebrate the birth of the Saint John the Baptist. However, there are few signs to connect this celebration with John the Baptist and the church and many more pagan, mystical traditions are attached to it.
What are “moragas”?
San Juan is all about fire, and “moragas” play a big part in the celebrations in many places. They are open fires, over which fish is cooked, and can be seen at chiringuitos, often in old fishing boats, throughout the summer. But what makes the moragas different on San Juan night, is that it’s not just the restaurants that do them.
The tradition is for groups and families to head down to the beach and make a fire, to cook on, to gather around and to use for some of the more interesting rituals connected with San Juan in Marbella. Some people take down a disposable barbeque, others dig a fire pit, others decide to go to their favourite beach restaurant, or municipal celebration to avoid having to do it themselves.
Important – Not all beaches allow individuals to light fires, so check the regulations in your area before you plan your own “moraga”.
Rituals of the night of San Juan
On San Juan, you’ll find bonfires being built and lit, all along the Costa del Sol. Some are modest, others huge and some are even flammable sculptures, which look too good to burn. On San Juan night in Marbella, you can expect towering stacks of pallets and wood being constructed on beaches all along the 27.9km of coastline of the Marbella district. These big bonfires are usually lit at midnight, and there are often fireworks as well, to mark the start of the San Juan day itself.
Top tip – Don’t locate yourself too close to these bonfires, trying to get a good view. They throw out a lot of heat, smoke and sparks, so be smart and stay upwind of them and give them some space!
Once the fires are lit, you’ll see many people taking part in some ancient rituals of purification, renewal and to inspire good luck. Here are a few you might want to try.
Burning pieces of paper in the bonfire on which you’ve written either your wishes for the future, or the things you want to leave behind. This is a way of moving past bad things or habits and bringing in good energy and luck for the future.
Swim in the sea at midnight to purify your soul and rid you of sins – it’s even said to cure aches and pains. Whatever you believe, it’s a fun thing to do to swim in the sea on a warm summer evening in Marbella.
Jumping over the flames to bring good luck – some people jump over big fires, but more sensible people just have a small fire that they jump over, or choose the very edge of a bonfire. According to tradition you need to jump over it 7 times or more and that will give you good luck for the rest of the year.
Washing your face with seawater at midnight to give good health and beauty for the rest of the year. This is a good option if swimming at night isn’t your thing.
Lighting a candle and burying it in the sand – Many people take candles with them if they are celebrating San Juan on the beach and by burning a candle and burying it, it is said to give good harvests and make the earth more fertile. (Don’t forget to take it with you at the end of the evening though).
Jumping over the waves for fertility – If women jump over 9 waves it is said to boost their fertility
Where to spend the night of San Juan in Marbella?
Any beach in Marbella is a magical place to spend San Juan, whether you just head down to the beach with friends, or you join in with an existing celebration at a chiringuito or a beach club.
If you’d rather cater yourself, then it’s just a case of finding where they are building a bonfire near your holiday rental. Head down there with a disposable BBQ, food, drinks, music, candles and things to sit on. Around 9pm or 10pm is a good time to get down there and find a spot.
Alternatively, find a nice restaurant or beach bar to spend it in. In the run up to the big night, have a walk around the area close to your holiday rental in Marbella and ask your favourite restaurants and bars on the beach if they are doing anything – most will be! Book yourself a table for a late dinner or drinks, remembering that the bonfire isn’t lit until midnight and parties go on very late, so later is better, if you can manage it.
A nice stretch of beach to spend San Juan in Marbella is on Playa de la Fontanilla. There’s a whole stretch of fantastic chiringuitos, tucked under the seafront promenade, including the legendary La Red restaurant. These are great restaurants at any time of the day and year, but having so many in one stretch, plus a bonfire on the beach, gives it a fantastic atmosphere. If your Marbella holiday rental is within walking distance of this section of beach, you’re in luck (as parking is a headache). Just make sure you book in good time!
Another great option is to choose one of the many fantastic beach clubs in Marbella to spend your San Juan night. There are usually special parties and events put on for the night, live music, fireworks and set menus. Some of our favourites include MC Beach, Nikki Beach and Playa Padre. However, we’d recommend popping down to one in walking distance from where you’re staying and finding out what they have planned. These can be pricy occasions, but it’s always special for sure!
Top Tip – Don’t forget a jumper or jacket. It may seem strange when the days are so hot in June, but the beach at night is cool, and because it’s a long one, you’re going to want something to keep you warm, so pack a jumper, cardie, jacket or pashmina.
Where to stay if you’re visiting for San Juan in Marbella?
We’d recommend choosing a beachfront holiday rental in Marbella if you want to enjoy everything San Juan has to offer. You’re right on the sand and can see what’s going on in your area and easily make plans to join in with the fun.
Another good option is a holiday rental on Marbella’s Golden Mile, as there are plenty of options along that stretch and you are within walking distance of the centre, along the seafront promenade.
We hope this guide will help you enjoy San Juan in Marbella to the fullest. If you need any support with finding the perfect holiday rental, or booking VIP extras to make your stay even more special, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
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[post_content] => The history of golf goes back to 1552, when the first golf course in the world opened in St Andrews, Scotland. Since then, it has grown into one of the world’s best loved sports, and thousands of courses have been created by talented golf course architects.
Marbella, and the Costa del Sol in general, is a golfers’ paradise. While we didn’t get our first course in Andalucia until the 1920s, there’s a reason why this is known as the Costa del Golf!
This area boasts more than 70 golf courses, designed and built between 1925 and the present day. We’ve been lucky to have some of the very best designers produce courses here, and our courses are consistently featured in the lists of top golf courses in Europe.
Probably the best known and one of the most prolific golf course architect to shape Marbella and the Costa del Sol’s golf scene is Robert Trent Jones Sr. He is behind nine fantastic courses on the Costa del Sol, including; Real Sotogrande, Real Las Brisas, Los Naranjos, Marbella Golf & Country Club and the most famous and highly esteemed – Valderrama.
Other talented designers that have created the incredible array of golf courses on the Costa del Sol include; Seve Ballesteros, José María Cañizares, Cabell Robinson, Javier Arana, Antonio García Garrido, Gary Player, Juan Ligués Creus, Dave Thomas, Juan Carlos Martínez, Mariano Benítez, Manuel Piñero and Enrique Canales Busquets.
History of golf culture on the Costa del Sol
Golf arrived in Spain way back in 1891, but the first course in Andalucia didn’t open until 1925, in Malaga. But once it started, there was no stopping the development of golf in Andalucia, and despite that slow start, it now has more golf clubs than any other autonomous communities in Spain – a whopping 92 in total.
The first golf course in Marbella itself is Guadalmina Golf Club, which opened its doors in 1959. This was designed by Javier Arana, widely held to be one of the best Spanish golf course designers of all time. He also designed Rio Real, which opened in 1965. German golf architect Bernard von Limburger designed Atalaya Golf, which opened in 1968 and Robert Trent Jones Las Brisas followed in 1969.
Once established as a golfing hotspot, the sport started to attract off-peak tourists, to help make Marbella a truly year-round destination and many more golf courses followed. There are now over 70 golf courses and it is known as much for its golf as for its beaches.
The Top 5 Golf Course Architects in Marbella
With so many notable names involved in designing and creating golf courses in Marbella, we have decided to pick our top 5. These are the people we feel have most impacted the golf scene in Marbella and who have designed some of our favorite courses.
Robert Trent Jones
We have to start with the legendary Robert Trent Jones, who cut his teeth building Real Sotogrande in 1964, his first course in Europe. This is still rated as the second-best golf course in Spain, by Top 100 Golf Courses, just behind his most revered design at Valderrama Golf Club.
In 1968, he designed Marbella’s third golf course – Las Brisas, in Nueva Andalucia. Jones is also responsible for Los Naranjos in the golf valley of Nueva Andalucia and Marbella Golf.
In total, he designed nine golf courses on the Costa del Sol, and is listed number 9 in the list of best golf course architects. He has certainly left his mark on the Costa del Golf!
Cabell B. Robinson
American golf course architect Cabell B. Robinson studied landscape architecture in California and worked with Robert Trent Jones in Spain from 1970. He was involved with many of his early projects before striking out on his own.
He is known as one of the most prolific golf course designers, alongside his mentor.
He lives on the Costa del Sol and has created some fantastic golf courses here, including La Cala Resort, La Reserva de Sotogrande, Santana Golf & Country Club, Valle Romano and Finca Cortesín.
Severiano Ballesteros
Seve Ballesteros was an incredible Spanish golfer, who became a very important golf course architect and left behind two wonderful golf courses in the Malaga province, with one located close to Marbella, in the golfing hotspot on Benahavis.
His design for Los Arqueros Golf includes 18 challenging holes, which blend into the beautiful countryside around it and offers some spectacular views. This course is not for the faint hearted, with narrow fairways and water obstacles a plenty.
Dave Thomas
Welsh golfer, turned golf course architect, Dave Thomas had significant success as a professional player, before an injury forced him to think about the next chapter in his career. He designed over 100 courses during his long career, including more than 20 in Europe.
On the Costa del Sol, he has created quite the legacy, designing the Almenara Golf Club, the La Hacienda Links Golf Resort and San Roque (Old Course) in the Sotogrande area. In Marbella, Dave Thomas designed and built the exceptional Marbella Club Golf Resort Course in 1999. This par 72 course is praised for its excellent fairways, and roughs and welcoming greens.
Antonio García Garrido
This Spanish architect really left his mark on Marbella having designed the Flamingos Golf Club, the first nine holes of Santa Maria Golf & Country Club and the Doña Julia Golf Club in the Casares area of the Western Costa del Sol.
We love golf here at Vacation Marbella and have created our list of top 10 Marbella golf courses to help you to have the best golf holiday. You can also book golf green fees on our website and contact us for golf recommendations and of course holiday rentals in the city.
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[post_content] => The new Netflix reality series, Making it in Marbella, is creating a buzz in the world of luxury real estate. Released to high anticipation, particularly in markets like Sweden, the series follows a group of high-profile agents from Homerun Brokers, a Swedish agency specialising in exclusive properties in Marbella. With a blend of drama, competition, and high-stakes real estate transactions, the show has sparked interest beyond Marbella, drawing an audience eager to get a glimpse into the glamorous yet challenging world of luxury real estate in this iconic Spanish destination. As Marbella's real estate market continues to thrive, the series taps into the public’s fascination with high-end properties, luxury lifestyles, and the professional rivalries that drive success in this elite sector.
Marbella as a European Luxury Real Estate Hub
Marbella has established itself as one of Europe’s key luxury destinations, especially in real estate. Known for its beaches, enviable climate, and exclusive nightlife, the city attracts a high-profile international clientele seeking a combination of natural beauty and premium services. Marbella stands out for its luxurious infrastructure, which includes renowned golf courses, exclusive marinas like Puerto Banús, and cutting-edge properties that compete on the global market.
Additionally, the boom in Marbella's real estate market has been driven by interest from buyers around the world, from Europe and the United States to the Middle East and Asia. This destination has managed to establish itself not only as a holiday spot but also as a solid investment in high-value properties that epitomise exclusivity in the European market. The demand for modern villas, sea-view penthouses, and properties offering a unique quality of life is steady and growing, reinforcing Marbella’s position as a benchmark for luxury and exclusivity on the continent.
What is the series about?
Making it in Marbella is a reality series that allows viewers to delve into the exciting and competitive luxury real estate market in Marbella. Released on Netflix on 1 October 2024, the series documents the lives of real estate agents from Homerun Brokers, a Swedish firm specialising in high-end properties on the Costa del Sol. The series takes us behind the scenes, showcasing the challenges and opportunities these agents face as they compete for the best properties while trying to attract Marbella's most exclusive clients.
Each of the six episodes explores the challenges of selling luxury properties in a highly competitive market, revealing the intense and glamorous aspects of this profession. Making it in Marbella highlights not only professional achievements but also the personal struggles of each agent, showing how they balance their work and personal lives in a high-pressure, competitive environment.
A Battle for Commissions and Professional Recognition
The central focus of the series is the intense competition among agents to secure the highest commissions and gain recognition within their team and the industry. Each luxury property represents a significant financial opportunity, sparking fierce competition as agents vie for top clients and substantial deals. The episodes show how these professionals face high-pressure situations, demanding negotiations, and clients who seek more than just a property – they want a unique, personalised experience.
Furthermore, Making it in Marbella highlights the relationships and tensions among agents, who are not only after commissions but also aim to build a reputation in an industry where credibility and recognition are key to attracting the best clients. This competitive dynamic provides insight into the high stakes of the sector, illustrating that success in Marbella’s luxury real estate market requires not only expertise but also a blend of determination, negotiation skills, and the ability to build strong client relationships.
What’s Real in Making it in Marbella?
Borja Rodríguez, with years of experience in Marbella's luxury real estate sector, offers some key points that help readers understand the reality of this industry beyond the drama of reality television.
Competitively intense: The series accurately portrays the fierce competition among agents to secure exclusive clients and properties, a very real element in Marbella's market, where limited inventory meets high demand for unique properties and experiences.
Glamorous lifestyle: Although Making it in Marbella emphasises the glamour of the industry, Borja points out that behind the glitz is constant effort and meticulous preparation for each transaction. Luxury is a part of Marbella’s appeal, but every real estate success requires professionalism, a deep understanding of the market, and trusted client relationships.
Dramatisation of conflicts: Like in many reality shows, some conflicts are exaggerated to increase viewer interest. Borja comments that while there are tensions and competition, professionalism and collaboration tend to prevail in Marbella’s real estate relationships, in an environment that values teamwork and mutual respect.
Through these observations, Borja Rodríguez offers a nuanced view of how the luxury real estate sector in Marbella is truly experienced, contrasting with the dramatic liberties of television.
How Borja Views the Present and Future of the Sector
After years of experience in Marbella’s luxury real estate market, Borja shares his perspective on the changes that are already underway and those expected in the near future. Below are some key points that help to understand the direction the sector is taking.
Increasing international demand: Marbella continues to attract high-profile international clients, especially from Europe and the Middle East. This demand ensures a steady flow of buyers who see Marbella as the ideal destination for a second home, supporting stable market growth.
Sustainability and technology as essential elements: Increasingly, luxury buyers seek properties that integrate sustainability and advanced technology. From energy-efficient solutions to smart home systems, the incorporation of these elements is becoming highly valued, and Borja sees this approach as crucial to Marbella’s future market.
Personalisation and exclusive experiences: Clients are not only looking for a luxury property; they want a unique, personalised experience. Marbella, with its exclusive lifestyle and ambience, offers the perfect setting for this. Vacation Marbella has worked to make each stay an unforgettable experience, adapting to individual client preferences.
Expansion of premium services: Marbella is already known for its high-end golf, marinas, and dining offerings, but the demand for even more exclusive services is growing. Borja observes that the trend is toward premium wellness, personalised activities, and luxury experiences – aspects that will set high-end properties apart in the region.
With this perspective, Borja emphasises that Marbella’s luxury real estate market is continuously evolving to meet the demands of an exacting and sophisticated clientele. At Vacation Marbella, the focus remains on innovating and adapting services to respond to these new demands, ensuring that Marbella continues to be a benchmark in European luxury.
[post_title] => Making it in Marbella: The Reality Show on Marbella's Luxury Real Estate Sector
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[post_content] => Marbella is situated in the heart of the Costa del Golf, close to over 70 fantastic golf courses. It’s a paradise for golfers, thanks to all those courses in a small area and the beautiful climate. But when should you come and play? In this article, we’ll let you know when is golf season in Marbella.
Golf season in Marbella
You can play golf all year round in Marbella. We’re blessed with more than 320 days of sunshine, so you’ll be unlucky to have a rainy day on the fairways. Even if you come and visit Marbella in the middle of summer, you can grab a round or two. But although it’s the peak season for tourists, it’s not the most popular time for golf, due to the high temperatures.
Low seasons
If you check the golf courses in Marbella and look at their green fees, you can see the high and low seasons marked. Low seasons are considered to be January and February, June, July and August and mid-November to the end of December.
January, February, November and December are the coolest months of the year in Marbella, with the most rain, which is why they are considered the low season. But, if you’re coming over from the UK or Northern Europe, you definitely won’t find it cold, or wet. The lowest average temperature at night is only 8⁰C, and the maximum days of rain is 5 per month – so not too much to worry about!
June, July and August are beautiful times to be in Marbella, but most visitors at this time of year are wanting to be at the beach, or in the pool, rather than getting sweaty on the golf course.
High Seasons
Definitely, the most popular times to play golf in Marbella are definitely spring and autumn.
Autumn is a great time to be in Marbella, especially if you want to play golf. As soon as the school summer holidays are over, and the cooler September weather arrives, people flock to the golf courses. September and October are the very best times, as there’s very little rain, bright sunshine and blue skies, but relatively cooler and more comfortable temperatures to get active.
These months are such a lovely time to visit Marbella, with plenty to do and see. Following the summer the prices of flights and accommodation drop too, so it’s a great time to consider.
Spring is also a popular golf season in Marbella, as the temperatures start to climb from March, the air is fresh and although you can get a few showers, you’d be unlucky to get sustained rain during your stay.
In March, you’ll get highs of 20⁰C and lows of 10⁰C and in April highs of 22⁰C and lows of 11⁰C and there are only four days of rain each month on average.
May starts to really warm up, so if you love warm weather and would like to combine golf days with time at beach clubs, or hitting the clubs, this is an excellent month to do both, before the heat really kicks in.
Benefits of playing during Marbella’s golf season
The golf season represents the absolute optimum time to play golf in Marbella and so you’ll get the best weather for a round.
As it’s a popular time, the atmosphere in the club house will be great and you can time it for a golf event or two.
You’re likely to meet like-minded people at the club and out and about after your rounds and it’s a very sociable and fun time to play.
Marbella’s golf season also coincides with the off-peak season when it comes to other tourism. This means that it is considerably cheaper to fly and to find accommodation during this time. The restaurants, bars and clubs are also more able to handle big groups, as it’s quiet, and if you’re traveling in a larger group, you’ll be very well looked after.
Downsides of playing golf during golf season
On the flip side, the golf season represents the busiest time on the fairways, so preferred tee times might be hard to come by. Also, if you are inexperienced golfers, and may take longer than average to get round the course, you might be getting pressure from groups behind and feel uncomfortable.
It is also significantly more expensive to play golf in Marbella in the high season and deals are limited. Whereas in the low season, it is better value for money.
Tips to prepare for the Marbella golf season
Hit the driving range – Get prepared for your golf holiday in Marbella back home, by practicing on the driving range and perfecting your shots, so you are at your best when you arrive.
Pre-select your courses – With so many courses to choose from it can be very hard to know where you want to play. You can check out our recommendations of the 10 best golf courses in Marbella as a great place to start. Then look at the green fees to decide which ones are in your budget. Finally, plan your trip and decide if you want to play every day, or have days where you go sightseeing, or relax and unwind, and choose your dates. When you’re ready, you can book Green Fees through Vacation Marbella for great deals and prices.
Book your flights and accommodation – Look for available flights into Malaga Airport and then into availability of accommodation in Marbella. We’d recommend searching for vacation rental properties near the best golf courses and look at larger properties that you can share with your golf group. This can work out cheaper per head than hotels, and offer a fantastic space to relax and hang out after a round. Alternatively, you might decide that you’d rather be at the heart of all the action, if going out on the town in the evenings is a high priority.
Think about transport – You’ll need to either hire cars to get you around, or look into transfers and private drivers in Marbella.
Get to know the courses – Check out the hole-by-hole guides, to familiarize yourself with the courses you’re due to play and get tips on how to have the best game. You can also check out the services to see if there are driving ranges or putting greens which you can use to make sure you’re fully prepared for the round. You can even decide to hire a golf instructor in Marbella, to help you improve your game, or to accompany you around the course.
Can you play golf in winter in Marbella?
Absolutely! Although winter is considered to be the low season for the golf courses, it’s also a great time to play golf in Marbella, as it rarely gets cold here or rains. In November, you’ll get highs of 20⁰C and lows of 11⁰C and in December highs of 18⁰C and lows of 9⁰C and there are only five days of rain each month on average.
As it's the low season, you can also benefit from some great deals and reduced green fees, alongside the cheapest accommodation, so it’s the best value time to take a golf holiday in Marbella.
Do golf courses close in Marbella in winter?
No, most golf courses are open all year round and you could even play on Christmas Day if you want to.
Many golf clubs also host special Christmas and New Year events too, so you can spend a special Christmas in Marbella with the family and play golf too. The perfect present!
Check out our guide on enjoying Marbella in the winter, for more tips on visiting Marbella at this time of year.
Where to stay for a golf holiday in Marbella?
There are so many golf courses in and around Marbella, that you can really take your pick of places to stay, but here are two areas with the highest density of courses and good access to post game activities.
Stay in Nueva Andalucia: To be very close to many golf courses, and also within easy reach of restaurants, bars and nightlife, rent a property in Nueva Andalucia is a really good choice. Nueva Andalucia is known as golf valley, with Aloha, Las Brisas, Los Naranjos, La Quinta and Magna Marbella right on the doorstep. It is just up the hill from the bright lights of Puerto Banus, so you will have the best of both worlds and limited travel time to the fairways.
Stay in Benahavis: Another area with a lot of courses in a very small area is Benahavis, with 11 golf courses within the municipality. It’s also a gorgeous white village, famous for the many restaurants and charming atmosphere, so rent a property in Benahavis is a lovely option for dining and drinking after your round.
Contact us for recommendations on the best places to stay when you have the courses you’re considering and the group size and we’ll send you a list of options.
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