Hit the green
As if you did not already know it, when you leave Malaga airport great banners proclaim 'Costa del Sol – Costa del Golf' – and true enough, you can take your pick of manicured fairways distributed along the length of this sun-drenched strip . But two luxury golf hotels share the Marbella Club Golf Resort, located 20 minutes scenic drive at Benahavis. The resort is so stunning, peaceful and private that you will not mind the trip.
Marbella Club: Back in 1946 One of the Costa's most prestigious golf hotels was still the Finca Santa Margarita and the private residence of Prince Alfonso von Hohenlohe, whose own vision of luxury was "a blend of privacy and gardens". Guests of the exclusive Marbella Club Hotel enjoy the fruits of his labors in the lush, sub-tropical gardens that are a riot of bird-song, exquisite flowers and exotic trees.
Hotel Puente Romano: The Marbella Club's sister golf hotel has a slightly more glitzy, modern edge, with Moorish-style buildings clustered around its venerable Roman Bridge and a positive riot of exotic vegetation.
Live like the rich and famous
Aside from its status as an international golfing destination, the Costa del Sol is the European capital of sun, sand and sex. Marbella is where the rich, famous and fabulous congregate to engage in all manner of sinful activities away from the prying lenses of the paparazzi. Here are some stops to help you live like the stars on your visit:
Puerto Banus: A trip to Marbella would not be complete without visiting this legendary port. Dubbed the 'Port of Abuse' by many of its heavy-drinking insiders, Puerto Banus is named after its designer (and legendary playboy) Jose Banus. With row after row of designer shops, hip restaurants and trendy bars, the port is where the town's super-rich moor up their megayachts and pose for their adoring public on the decks.
Nikki Beach: Furnished with white sunloungers, oversized parasols and wooden decking, and staffed with models seemingly ripped straight out of the pages of an Abercrombie & Fitch catalog, Nikki Beach is definitely where the party's at. All through the day and night DJs spin funky tunes, and expert mixologists concoct the best mojitos in town, while fashion shows and product lounges are hosted through the long, languid summer season.
Beyond 'del sol'
Spain has a glitzy Costa for every day of the week, but the newly-discovered Costa Calida is a leisurely place for discerning visitors and Spanish families. South of Alicante in the province of Murcia, the 'Warm Coast' is keen to assert its individuality, with good reasons. It claims more sunny days than any other, over 140 miles of shore fringed by crystal waters and a lush hinterland dotted with historic towns and hill villages tucked among vineyards and citrus groves.