7 Best Golf Resorts Costa del Sol: Stay & Play 2026

The Costa del Sol isn't called "Costa del Golf" for nothing. Over 70 courses packed into 150km of coastline. The sound of a well-struck iron echoing across manicured fairways, the smell of pine and eucalyptus, the cool weight of a gin tonic after the 18th.

If you're planning a golf resort stay in Costa del Sol, you want more than just a good course. You want that feeling when you step off the 9th and walk straight into a spa. When your room overlooks the 16th fairway. When the concierge books you a tee time at Valderrama without you asking.

I've played every major course here and stayed at these resorts multiple times. This isn't a list of "nice hotels near golf courses." These are places where the golf experience is woven into the luxury.

Quick Decision: Top 3 Golf Resorts Costa del Sol

---

1. Finca Cortesin Hotel Golf & Spa (Casares)

The Solheim Cup Experience

This is where the 2023 Solheim Cup took place—the pinnacle of women's professional golf. You're walking the same immaculate fairways where Team Europe retained the trophy in a historic showdown.

The resort sits 10 minutes from Sotogrande, surrounded by cork oak forests. The main building feels more like a private Andalusian estate than a hotel. Terracotta tiles underfoot, the scent of orange blossom from the courtyard, staff who remember your name on day two.

The Golf

Designed by Cabell B. Robinson, the course is a masterpiece of landscaping. Wide fairways, but the greens are lightning-fast and contoured. The 13th hole is iconic—a short but dangerous par 4 with a water hazard guarding the green, framed by ancient Acebuche trees.

The practice facilities are world-class. Double-ended driving range, short game area that could host a tournament itself, and a dedicated swing studio with TrackMan tech.

Rooms & Dining

Suites start at 70m² with private terraces overlooking either the golf course or gardens. The bathrooms are spa-like—walk-in rain showers, separate soaking tubs, Bulgari amenities.

Kabuki Raw serves Michelin-level Japanese fusion. The grilled toro is obscene. Reserve a table when you book the room.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• →Solheim Cup venue conditioning" lub "Tour-standard conditioning
• →Best spa on the Costa del Sol (Thai-trained therapists)
• →Ultra-luxurious suites with golf course views
• →Staff-to-guest ratio feels like 1:1

Cons:

• →Expensive (easily €800+/night in high season)
• →Location is isolated—you'll need a car hire from Malaga for exploring
• →Can feel corporate during tournament season

Choose this if: You want the absolute best golf experience money can buy and you're celebrating something special.
Avoid this if: You're on a budget or want to walk to restaurants/nightlife.

👉 View Today’s Rate on Expedia | See Today’s Deal on Booking.com

---

2. Anantara Villa Padierna Palace (Benahavis)

Where Obama Stayed

When former President Obama visited Marbella, he stayed here. The hotel is a Tuscan palace transplanted to the Costa del Sol hills. Think marble columns, crystal chandeliers, art collection that belongs in a museum.

The location—10km inland from Marbella—gives you mountain views and cooler summer temperatures. You can see Africa on clear days.

The Golf

Three 18-hole courses on the property:

• →Tramores: Shorter executive course (Par 63), perfect for sharpening your short game or a quick round.
• →Flamingos: The original resort course, scenic Mediterranean views, hosted the European Senior Tour.
• →Alferini: The true test. Long, technical, and peaceful (located in a valley). Host of the Andalucia Costa del Sol Open de España. Bring your A-game.

All three are walkable from the hotel. Your room key gets you preferential tee times. The caddies here actually know the greens—worth the €50.

The Accommodation

Rooms are massive. Junior suites start at 55m². Four-poster beds, Juliet balconies, bathtubs big enough for two. The turn-down service includes chocolate truffles and weather forecasts for your tee time.

The pools are Roman-style with columns and fountains. One is heated year-round.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• →Three courses included in green fee packages
• →Spectacular palace-style architecture
• →Excellent for couples (spa, fine dining, romantic setting)
• →Presidential Suite has its own putting green

Cons:

• →Courses are good but not world-class standard
• →Service can feel formal/stiff compared to modern resorts
• →15-minute drive to beach or Puerto Banus
• →Pricey restaurants (dinner easily €100pp)

Choose this if: You want multiple courses to choose from and luxury accommodation with old-world grandeur.
Avoid this if: You prefer modern design or want beachfront location.

👉 View Today’s Rate on Expedia | See Today’s Deal on Booking.com

---

3. The Westin La Quinta Golf Resort & Spa (Marbella)

The Most Popular Choice

This is where most serious golf groups stay. The 27-hole La Quinta course wraps around the resort. You can literally roll out of bed and be on the first tee in 5 minutes.

The location is unbeatable—10 minutes from Puerto Banus, 5 minutes from San Pedro town, close to the luxury villas in Marbella's Golden Mile.

The Golf

27 holes designed by Manuel Piñero. You can play three different 18-hole combinations:

• →A + B (most popular)
• →B + C (toughest)
• →A + C (most scenic)

The signature hole is the 3rd on Course A—a par 5 with water guarding the green. The course is challenging but fair. Mid-handicappers will enjoy it without getting destroyed.

Practice facilities are solid. Decent driving range, good putting green, pro shop with club fitting.

Accommodation & Facilities

Standard rooms are dated but clean. Upgrade to a Junior Suite for the terrace with golf views. The mattresses are Westin's signature "Heavenly Bed"—genuinely excellent sleep quality.

Five pools including one infinity pool overlooking the valley. The spa is decent but nothing special compared to Finca Cortesin.

El Mirador restaurant serves solid Mediterranean food. The breakfast buffet is comprehensive—important when you've got an 8am tee time.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• →Walk from room to first tee in minutes
• →27 holes means more variety, less crowding
• →Great location between Marbella and Estepona
• →Good value compared to Finca Cortesin or Villa Padierna
• →Westin beds are genuinely comfortable

Cons:

• →Rooms need updating (furniture looks 2005)
• →Course conditioning varies seasonally
• →Can get very busy in spring/autumn
• →Pool areas crowded in summer

Choose this if: You want convenience, good golf, and don't need ultra-luxury finishes.
Avoid this if: You expect cutting-edge design or Ryder Cup-level course quality.

👉 View Today’s Rate on Expedia | See Today’s Deal on Booking.com

---

4. La Zambra Resort (Mijas)

The Reborn Icon

Formerly the Byblos Andaluz, this place has history. It opened in the 1980s as THE celebrity golf resort. Now it's been refreshed and relaunched as La Zambra.

The location in Mijas Golf gives you access to two championship courses (Los Lagos and Los Olivos) right next door. 20 minutes to Marbella, 15 minutes to Málaga Airport.

The Golf

Los Olivos is the better of the two adjacent courses. Robert Trent Jones design, tree-lined fairways, water on 10 holes. The 17th is a gorgeous par 3 over a lake.

Los Lagos is flatter, easier, better for warming up or casual rounds.

Green fees are included in most stay-and-play packages. Tee times booked through the resort get priority.

The Property

Pueblo-style architecture—white buildings with terracotta roofs, cobblestone paths, courtyards with fountains. The rooms have been renovated. Clean, modern, Moorish touches.

Three pools, including one Olympic-size. The gym is surprisingly good—Technogym equipment, free weights, yoga studio.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• →Two courses included in packages
• →Historic property with character
• →Close to airport (perfect for short breaks)
• →More affordable than Marbella resorts
• →Excellent for families (kids' club, playground)

Cons:

• →Los Lagos course is underwhelming
• →Resort sprawls—long walks to restaurant/reception
• →Surrounding area is suburban/not scenic
• →Restaurant quality inconsistent

Choose this if: You want good golf at mid-range prices with easy airport access.
Avoid this if: You need beachfront location or world-class dining.

👉 View Today’s Rate on Expedia | See Today’s Deal on Booking.com

---

5. SO/ Sotogrande Spa & Golf Resort

Modern Luxury Near Valderrama

This is the newest luxury player in Sotogrande. Opened in 2022, it's all glass, clean lines, infinity pools, and Instagram-worthy design.

The real appeal? You're 10 minutes from Valderrama—consistently ranked Spain's #1 course and host of the 1997 Ryder Cup. The resort can arrange tee times (expensive but worth it).

The Golf

SO/ has its own 9-hole course on-site—perfect for practice rounds or twilight golf. But most guests use the resort as a base to play Sotogrande's collection of elite courses:

• →Valderrama (€395 green fee, but it's THE course)
• →Real Club Valderrama
• →San Roque
• →Almenara

The concierge specializes in golf bookings. Tell them your handicap and preferred style, they'll build your itinerary.

The Design

Rooms are ultra-modern. Floor-to-ceiling windows, rain showers with chromotherapy lighting, Nespresso machines, balconies with golf or mountain views.

The Despacio Spa is stunning—heated indoor pool, Finnish sauna, hammam, treatments using organic Spanish products.

Cortijo Santa Cruz restaurant serves Andalusian fine dining. The grilled red tuna is superb.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• →Modern, stylish design (no dated furniture here)
• →Best base for playing Valderrama and Sotogrande courses
• →Excellent spa and wellness facilities
• →Quieter/less crowded than Marbella resorts

Cons:

• →On-site 9-hole course isn't a full round
• →Sotogrande location feels removed from action
• →Very expensive (€450-700/night)
• →Restaurant prices are steep

Choose this if: You want modern luxury and access to Spain's best courses like Valderrama.
Avoid this if: You prefer traditional resort feel or need on-site 18-hole course.

👉 View Today’s Rate on Expedia | See Today’s Deal on Booking.com

---

6. Marbella Club Hotel

The Most Exclusive

This isn't primarily a golf resort—it's a legendary beachfront hotel that happens to have a private golf course. The Dave Thomas course at Marbella Club Golf Resort is only accessible to hotel guests and members.

The hotel opened in 1954 and hosted everyone from Audrey Hepburn to Sean Connery. It still feels like a private club.

The Golf

The Marbella Club Golf Resort course is 10 minutes inland. Dave Thomas design, 6,164 yards, par 72. It's not championship-level difficult, but it's beautifully maintained and wonderfully uncrowded.

You'll rarely wait for a tee time. Playing feels like you've rented the entire course.

The clubhouse serves excellent tapas. The view from the terrace over the 18th green is postcard material.

The Hotel

Beachfront in central Marbella. Low-rise buildings, lush gardens, direct beach access. Rooms range from classic doubles to private villas with pools.

The MC Beach Club is exceptional—Balinese beds on the sand, DJ sets on weekends, ceviche and champagne.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• →Exclusive private course with no crowds
• →Iconic beachfront hotel location
• →Old-world glamour and impeccable service
• →Walk to Marbella Old Town (15 mins)
• →Best beach club on Costa del Sol

Cons:

• →Golf course is good but not world-class
• →Very expensive (€600+/night)
• →Course is separate property (not walkable)
• →Limited on-site golf facilities

Choose this if: You want luxury beach hotel with exclusive golf access and don't mind the course being separate.
Avoid this if: Golf is your #1 priority or you need championship-level course.

👉 View Today’s Rate on Expedia | See Today’s Deal on Booking.com

---

7. La Cala Resort (Mijas)

The Best Value for Serious Golfers

La Cala has three full 18-hole championship courses on one property. This is the largest golf resort in Spain. If you're here with a group and you want to play 54 holes over three days without leaving the resort, this is it.

The accommodation is functional rather than luxurious. But who cares when you've got three excellent courses at your doorstep?

The Golf

• →América: The original course, most scenic, hosted Ladies European Tour events
• →Asia: Longest of the three, challenging for low handicappers
• →Europa: Newest and best-conditioned

All three are par 72. You could play a different course each day for a week.

The practice facilities are enormous. 300m driving range, multiple putting greens, chipping area, bunker practice.

Accommodation

Rooms are basic but clean. Think 3-star comfort, not 5-star luxury. But you're getting three courses for the price most resorts charge for one.

The Laurel restaurant serves good steaks and local wines. Nothing fancy, but satisfying after a long round.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• →Three championship courses on-site
• →Unbeatable value for pure golf (€150-200/night with unlimited golf)
• →Best practice facilities on Costa del Sol
• →Perfect for groups (accommodation blocks, tournament organization)
• →Staff are golfers themselves—excellent local knowledge

Cons:

• →Rooms are dated and basic
• →Inland location (30 mins to beach)
• →Restaurant choice limited
• →Spa facilities minimal
• →Not romantic/luxury feel

Choose this if: Golf comes first, accommodation is secondary, and you want maximum rounds for minimum spend.
Avoid this if: You need luxury spa, fine dining, or beachfront location.

👉 View Today’s Rate on Expedia | See Today’s Deal on Booking.com

---

How to Choose Your Golf Resort

For the Luxury Experience: Finca Cortesin or SO/ Sotogrande. You're paying for perfection.

For Golf Groups (4-8 players): La Cala Resort or Westin La Quinta. Easier booking, better value, facilities designed for groups.

For Couples (Golf + Romance): Anantara Villa Padierna or Marbella Club. Combine golf with spa days and fine dining.

For Variety (Multiple Courses): Anantara Villa Padierna (3 on-site) or SO/ Sotogrande (access to Valderrama and others).

For Value: La Cala Resort wins hands-down. €200/night with unlimited golf on three courses.

---

Practical Tips for Your Golf Break

Best Time to Visit: March-May and September-November. Perfect temperatures (18-25°C), courses in peak condition, fewer crowds.

Avoid: July-August. Too hot (35°C+), courses stressed, limited tee times in mornings.

Book Tee Times: Most resorts give priority to guests, but always book when you reserve rooms. Popular courses like Valderrama require 2-3 weeks advance.

Car Hire: Essential unless you're staying at La Cala or Westin La Quinta and playing only on-site. Get a car from Málaga Airport when you land.

What to Pack: Soft spikes required at all courses. Collared shirts mandatory. Bring sun cream (factor 50+) and a wide-brimmed hat.

Green Fees: Expect €80-150 per round at resort courses, €150-250 at premium courses like La Reserva, €395 at Valderrama.

---

Final Verdict: Best Golf Resorts Costa del Sol

If you're asking me where to stay for the ultimate Costa del Sol golf break, it depends on your style:

Money no object: Book Finca Cortesin. Play the Ryder Cup course, eat at Kabuki Raw, get a hot stone massage. It's perfection.

Best all-rounder: Anantara Villa Padierna gives you three courses, palace-style luxury, and convenient location.

Pure golf value: La Cala Resort. Three courses, unlimited golf packages, zero pretension.

The Costa del Sol has earned its reputation as Europe's premier golf destination. The best golf resorts Costa del Sol deliver championship courses, luxury accommodation, and that feeling when you sink the putt on 18 and walk straight to the terrace for a cold beer under the Spanish sun.

Book your tee times early. Bring your A-game. See you on the fairways.

---