The Westin La Quinta Golf Resort & Spa

In Marbella’s Golf Valley, with the Sierra Blanca hills rising beyond the fairways, The Westin La Quinta Golf Resort & Spa brings golf, a five-star stay and proper downtime together on one site. La Quinta’s 27 holes sit beside the hotel, so the day can begin on the range and end with a drink looking across the course. There are 170 rooms and suites, each with its own balcony facing the pool, fairways or the Mediterranean coast. It suits groups who want their golf close at hand, while still having Puerto Banús around 10 minutes away and Marbella’s evening scene about 15 minutes by taxi.

Manuel Piñero designed the three nine-hole loops, San Pedro, Ronda and Guadaiza, creating three different 18-hole routes. San Pedro and Guadaiza form the longest option, a par 71 measuring 5,895 yards from the white tees, while Ronda and Guadaiza play to 5,706 yards. Guadaiza is the lengthiest nine at 3,057 yards and builds much of its test around three par fives in succession. San Pedro demands sensible positioning from the tee, particularly at its pine-lined fifth where out-of-bounds follows the fairway. Ronda, by contrast, brings rolling ground, blind tee shots and quick greens into play. Recent bunker work has sharpened the presentation, and the greens run fast and true. Buggies are available, while the International Golf Academy offers coaching clinics led by Piñero.

After a round, the 16,000 sq ft Moorish-style spa has a hydromassage pool, sauna, aromatic steam room and lagoon, along with indoor and outdoor relaxation areas. The Club House Restaurant is the relaxed choice for a meal overlooking the valley, while Aljama Bar serves tapas and post-round drinks. Mirador Pool Bar keeps things easy during the afternoon with cocktails and fruit juices by the water.