Sol Marbella Estepona Atalaya Park

On the beachfront between Estepona and Marbella, SOL Marbella Estepona Atalaya Park is a Costa del Sol base built around days on the course and unhurried time by the sea. The two Atalaya layouts are both within a 10 minute drive, while a further 11 courses sit close by, including Los Naranjos, La Quinta, Marbella Golf and Country Club and Santa Clara. It makes planning a varied week straightforward, with 36 holes nearby before considering the wider choice along this stretch of coast.

Atalaya Old Course is the longer of the pair, a par 72 of 6,714 yards designed by Bernard von Limburger. Mature trees and carefully placed bunkers put a premium on positioning from the tee and into the greens, with La Concha mountain providing the backdrop on clear days. The New Course is another par 72, measuring 5,280 yards, but is regarded as the more testing round. Its elevated outlook takes in the Mediterranean, surrounding countryside and mountains, giving it a different feel from the established, tree-lined Old Course.

The hotel has 426 rooms, each with a private balcony facing either the Mediterranean or the mountains. Three outdoor pools include one open all year, and the seasonal poolside restaurant and bar work well after an afternoon round. Verbena and Parole provide buffet dining in season, while the Lobby Bar is a useful stop for drinks and lighter food. There is also a gym, volleyball, padel and tennis, plus a beauty salon. Málaga Airport is around 45 to 60 minutes away by road, depending on traffic. Estepona and Marbella are each roughly 20 minutes away, while Puerto Banús is close enough for an evening of marina restaurants and nightlife.