Marbella is the perfect retreat for Tiger

There has been only one golf story of real note over the last few weeks and that is the return to action of 14-times Major winner Tiger Woods at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas this month.

The American, who finally looks to be over the troublesome back problems, starred in his first competition in 10 months where, on occasion, he turned back time and looked to have recaptured those halcyon days when he ruled the fairways with a swagger of superiority, often brushing his peers aside thanks to that trademark swing and ice-cold mentality.

Recent years have not been too kind to Tiger on or off the course as he has battled controversy, injury and a loss of form, but the return to the spotlight in the Bahamas proved the 41-year-old is nowhere near a spent a force.

The American started the third and final day of action at Albany tied fifth after rounds of 69 and 68 respectively, but struggled slightly more on the third day with a 75 before rallying again with another four-under 68 on the final day.

He was unable to hold on for victory, but he finished tied ninth with compatriot Rickie Fowler taking the honours as he finished four shots ahead of runner-up Charley Hoffman thanks to an 11-under par 61 that included eight birdies in a dazzling front nine in the final round.

But it begs the question: What now for Tiger ahead of the first Major – the Masters, starting April 5? He is most likely to open 2018 at Torrey Pines and the Farmers Insurance Open at the end of January, but he probably won’t be going to the European Tour.

So, we believe the ideal place for him to prepare for a successful 2018 is here in Marbella. Tiger will love the fact there are 30 golf courses in the region and 15 (Tourism website says 16)? alone on his doorstep – the largest number of courses in continental Europe, and the reason why the area has been dubbed “Golf Valley”.

And we have a special partnership with Los Naranjos Golf Club, a Robert Trent Jones Sr-designed layout that has played host to several major competitions since opening in 1977, including the Spanish Open. The Marbella course, voted Costa del Sol’s “Course of the Year” in 2005 and 2008, winds its way through orange groves and offers a real challenge to golfers of all standards.

The tie-up with Los Naranjos Golf Club is just one of many we have negotiated with some incredible stay-and-play packages that suit every taste and budget thanks to our reduced green fees.

Marbella and nearby Puerto Banus lie in the heart of the “Golf Valley” and have long been popular destinations for visitors from all corners of the globe thanks to its all-year round temperate climate, stunning scenery, host of leisure and sport activities, golden beaches and crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean.

The region enjoys around 320 sunny days a year, so even when the summer crowds have long gone, Marbella remains a golfers’ paradise with challenging courses that vary in scenery, whether the backdrop is the shimmering waters of the Med, orange groves or the rugged inland terrain.

But there is so much more to the Marbella region than the highly-acclaimed golf courses, whether visiting as a group of friends, a couple, single traveller or with the family. There are few towns or cities in the world able to boast such delicious cuisine as Marbella, and the town is home to three Michelin-star restaurants.

According to TripAdvisor there are a staggering 1,146 eateries to choose from in the region, so food lovers will never get bored of the flavoursome and varied Spanish cuisine. One of our favourites is the Trocadero Arena; a stylish and cool beachfront restaurant, with a safari lodge theme that is ideal for a lazy lunch or a relaxing dinner.

The Marbella region is world-famous for its nightlife, whether its one of the intimate bars, classic pubs, bustling nightclubs, beach clubs or many pool parties, and the harbour at Puerto Banus, regarded as one of the most exclusive and luxurious resort towns in the world, is the perfect spot for Tiger to unwind after a day on the golf course.

While Puerto Banus, home to chic boutiques and high-end designers, may well have earned the reputation as a playground for the rich and famous, it is also an ideal base for exploring the Costa del Sol and its amazing scenery that has lost none of its natural charm.

There is nearly 28 kilometres of beaches along the coast, giving unrivalled access to water sports, beach clubs, marinas and restaurants. But away from the sea there are just as many sights to marvel at, such as the Sierra de la Nieves Nature Park, a natural paradise and contrast of colours and terrain that is home to a labyrinth of caves and a succession of peaks, cliffs and sink holes.

The Sierra de la Nieves is on the doorstep of Ronda, a quaint, historic town brimming with culture and tradition that offers stunning views of the Serrania de Ronda mountains and El Tajo gorge, a 100-metre chasm that meanders its way through the surrounding countryside.

So, there is certainly lots to do and see for visitors to the area, and the perfect base to sample everything the Nueva Andalucia region has to offer is one of our high-end apartments where the accommodation options are varied and luxurious, whether it is one of our Duplex penthouses, contemporary townhouses or spacious modern apartments. Find out more.

But it is not just the stylish accommodation we have become renowned for over the years. We also pride ourselves on attention to detail as we focus on a range of guest services, which includes car rental, airport transfers, discounted green fees, exciting boat charters, wellbeing massage and even baby-sitting services.

And with Christmas just around the corner, visitors will also be greeted with the add visual delights of the towns’ festive lights, events and activities. We believe Marbella is the perfect destination any time of year. If you have any questions, please contact us and we will be happy to help.