Padel is one of the most popular sports in Marbella and Spain. Discover the best clubs to practice it in Marbella, trainers and how to find people to play.
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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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Padel tennis is one of the most popular sports in Spain. It’s an exciting cross between squash and tennis, played doubles-style in a glass-sided court. It’s a fast-paced game, and pretty easy to pick up, plus it’s very sociable. Joining a padel club in Marbella is a great way to keep fit and meet new people. Today we’re giving you a low-down of the best padel clubs in Marbella, as well as its history and evolution.
Enjoy Padel in Marbella
Although Padel was originally invented in Mexico, Marbella remains the birthplace of the modern style of Padel we know today. Not surprisingly there are loads of fantastic clubs to play in and they are great communities to be a part of. Where better to play padel than where it was developed and became one of the fastest growing sports in the world?
In this article, we will share our favorite padel clubs in Marbella, where you can enjoy this wonderful, fast-paced sport. However, this really is just the tip of the iceberg!
The Royal Padel Club Marbella
Real Club Pádel Marbella is a fantastic place to play padel in Marbella, work out at the gym and hang out with family and friends. With six panoramic glass paddle tennis courts, with WPT approved grass, and latest technology LED lighting. They also boast a dedicated Padel school where you can learn one of the most popular growing sports in Spain and improve your skills with some of the best coaches and trainers. And that’s not all…. This is a sports center with indoor and outdoor gym facilities, a kindergarten, boxing and martial arts classes for kids, a restaurant, salon, barber shop and restaurant. Highly recommended for all the family.
Manolo Santana Racquets Club Tennis, Padel & Fitness
Founded in 1997 by the famous tennis player, Manolo Santana, this legendary Racquets Club is steeped in the history of the sport and remains one of the Marbella’s most renowned tennis clubs. Manolo Santana Racquets Club also has four Padel courts and a gym and fitness center. They offer private lessons, there’s a padel tennis school, you can hire a court for matches, or join their mix-in sessions where you can play and make new friends too. Is there a better place to enjoy Padel than one of Marbella’s historic clubs? Sadly, Manolo is no longer with us, but his legacy remains strong in this fantastic club.
Puente Romano Tennis Club
Puente Romano is one of Marbella’s most glamorous hotels, famous for its wonderful restaurants and bars. But you may not know that it also offers one of the most important tennis and padel clubs in Europe. The Puente Romano Tennis Club includes 10 tennis courts, a gym, sauna and Turkish bath and a restaurant. It also has four padel courts and boasts an academy where kids and adults can learn to play Padel. All their coaches are licensed and highly experienced and they have coaches to suit all levels and types of players. This club has held many prestigious tournaments, including the World Padel Tour, ATP, WTA, Fed Cup and Davis Cup tournaments. You can play there too and enjoy the luxurious facilities.
Royal Tennis Club Marbella
The Royal Tennis Club Marbella offers expert training and the opportunity to play on two premium visitor’s Padel courts with excellent lighting, so even if you want to play at night or after work, you can enjoy a match at the club. You can also enroll in group and private training sessions with experienced coaches for either adults or children to develop your padel skills. There are also tennis courts, a gym, swimming pool, table tennis tables and you can even play billiards – something for everyone!
Nueva Alcantara Club
This is a fantastic padel club very close to Marbella, in San Pedro de Alcantara. It offers 16 courts, a fine dining restaurant, two snack bars, luxury changing rooms, a hair salon and more. They recently held the Andalucia Championship and offer lessons for kids and adults, plus padel tennis camps during school holidays. We’d definitely say the Nueva Alcántara Club is worth a short trip out of Marbella for!
So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to pick up your racquet and discover one of Spain’s most popular and accessible sports at one of these top picks to begin your padel journey.
Find people to play padel with in Marbella
On holiday in Marbella and want to play padel, but don’t have anyone to play with? No problem! Most of the padel clubs in Marbella run regular mix-in events. These events are usually open to all and allow anyone to come along and play with others, plus share a few drinks after the matches.
Manolo Santana Club arranges several mix-ins a week, with something for all abilities. There’s a beginners mix-in on Wednesday at 11am, for higher levels there are events in the evenings on Thursdays and Fridays with food afterwards and there’s one for all abilities with a BBQ on Sundays at 12. Manolo Santana Club has Mix-In Paddle Tennis Matches.
We’d recommend that once you’ve settled in to your holiday rental in Marbella, you pop down to your nearest padel club and ask about their mix-in options as soon as you arrive. It’s a great way to meet people and get active during your holiday.
Learn padel in Marbella
As you’ve seen in our list of padel clubs in Marbella, they all offer private lessons and also padel tennis schools for kids and adults which run throughout the year. So if you’re within easy reach of a padel club, you can get lessons during your visit.
There’s also Beyond Padel Academy, based at the Villa Padierna Raquet Club. Experienced and passionate coaches David Cano and Guillermo Vizcay promise to supercharge your padel skills, no matter your level.
There are also private padel teachers that can come to the padel courts in your development, or villa, to give you and the family private lessons, without having to travel.
Padel championships in Marbella and beyond
The International Padel Federation organizes World Padel Championships around the world. There are tournaments in Italy, Hungary and Qatar scheduled this year and you can check out their tournament calendar to find out what’s going on near to you!
If you’re on holiday in Marbella in July, you should head to Malaga for one of the best padel tournaments of the year, the Málaga Premier Padel tournament. Taking place from the 6th to the 14th of July, it will feature some of the best players in the world competing to improve their FIP ranking and for glory! Tickets are €16 for the main matches and just 7.50€ for the qualifiers.
You’ll also find regular tournaments and matches at all of the padel clubs in Marbella, so pop in and ask whether there’s anything happening during your stay.
History of Padel
Padel tennis originated in Mexico and was started by Enrique Corcuera in 1969, when he decided to adapt his personal squash court in Acapulco, creating a new sport called Platform Tennis which involves two players on a smaller court, for a fast-paced, dynamic game.
One of Enrique’s Spanish friends, Alfonso Hohenlohe-Langenburg (the founder of the Marbella Club Hotel) fell in love with the sport and decided to bring it back to his home country, establishing the first two Padel courts in Spain at the Marbella Tennis Club in 1974. He adapted Enrique’s original concept to create a more competitive sport, and over the following 25 years, began to spread this new sport across the country, until over 500 Padel clubs had opened across the Spanish territory in the early 2000s.
The evolution of Padel in Spain… and in the world
Spain has continued to be enamored with the sport, and it is one of the country’s fastest-growing sports activities. By 2005, there were over 1000 Padel Clubs across the country, and the largest Padel Associations decided to establish an international championship that launched the Padel Pro Tour, a championship that lasted until 2012.
The World Padel Series was founded in 2013 to firmly establish padel on the map, and professional worldwide championships replaced the Padel Pro Tour to join elite players around the world, to create an unstoppable momentum. Nowadays, the World Padel Series hosts around 15 to 20 tournaments a year and a Master Series at the end of the season, and the sport is starting to take off in other countries as well.
In 2022, according to padel.fyi there were more than 25 million active padel players in 110 countries and 40,000 padel courts globally. It is continuing to grow in popularity because it’s easy to learn, fun to play and really social.
Join the fun on your next holiday in Marbella
If you’d like to make padel part of your next holiday to Marbella, contact us today. Give us your requirements and your dates and we’ll come up with a shortlist of holiday rental properties in Marbella, which are close to a padel club, or have padel courts within the community. Some of our villas even boast their very own padel tennis courts for you and the family to enjoy! It’s a great thing to incorporate into your holiday plans!
When you book your holiday rental in Marbella, feel free to reach out to us for recommendations of the nearest clubs to where you’re staying. Many developments also have padel courts which are free to use for guests, so let us know if that’s a priority for you, and we can share a shortlist of holiday rentals in Marbella with padel courts for you.
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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.
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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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