Living in: Guadalmina

Guadalmina is a large, luxurious residential area that stretches inland from the beach at the western extreme of Marbella’s municipal boundary, where it meets those of Estepona and Benahavis. Though little more than five minutes removed from Puerto Banús and Marbella town, its nearest reference point is the local town of San Pedro Alcántara, which in addition to a whole range of amenities also provides an authentically Andalusian ambience.

The cafés, restaurants, tapas bars and shops of San Pedro notwithstanding, Guadalmina’s own commercial centre is a stylish collection of shops, offices, boutiques and restaurants, including banks, clinics and a Carrefour Express supermarket as well as a British Iceland store. Nearby is a popular lake with cable ski and chill-out bar/restaurant.

All around are the fairways of the two 18-hole courses that belong to the famous Real Club de Golf Guadalmina, whose meandering greenery snakes through the villas and apartments in Guadalmina Alta – north of the coastal road – to the beachside villas in Guadalmina Baja. Follow the beach walk from the Hotel Guadalmina Spa Resort to San Pedro’s beachside area, passing restaurants and beach clubs along the way, or head to the Barceló Hotel in Guadalmina Alta – this area is surprisingly varied in its offering.