Going for Golf

Melia La Quinta

Close to Marbella in the heart of the Costa del Sol’s so-called Golf Valley is Melia La Quinta, a five-star hotel with 27 holes of golf alongside. The venue recently hosted the Spanish Ladies Open, won by England’s Melissa Reid before she helped Europe win back the Solheim Cup from the Americans at Killeen Castle in Ireland.

Originally opened with 18 holes in 1989, La Quinta was extended to give three nines and three 18-hole combinations. Designed by Mauel Pinero, the holes clamber up, around and down the hilly terrain just below the hotel. Of the three nines, imaginatively called A, B and C, one is quite short with wide fairways, the second has tight fairways and trickier greens and the third comprises inclines and doglegs. Sloping fairways, deep bunkers, water hazards and small greens provide a challenge for all levels of golfing ability and views to the Mediterranean coast can be enjoyed from several holes because of the high elevation. For the last two years the course has hosted the Benahavís Senior Masters, part of the European Senior Tour schedule.

The adjacent hotel has 172 rooms furnished in traditional Andalucian-style décor and with balconies overlooking beautiful, sub-tropical gardens. There are three outdoor pools, a Moroccan-flavoured spa, kids’ club, and three restaurants serving international, Mediterranean and Japanese cuisine, plus two bars.

La Quinta is just five minutes from glitzy marina hangout Puerto Banus and 15 minutes from Marbella. The hotel closes between November and February.