La Cala Resort,
Mijas
Surrounded by spectacular scenery, La Cala Resort, located in Mijas, boasts three 18-hole championship courses as well as the La Cala Golf Academy. A plus? It’s also within easy reach of the coast, but back to those golf courses. There’s the par 72 Campo America, which offers wide, linked fairways and spectacular views of the Sierra de Ojen and Mediterranean Sea; the par 72 Campo Asia, the oldest of the three courses, offering a narrow and short playing field; and the par 71 Campo Europa, which is notable for one main bridge and four smaller bridges that cross the River Ojen, as well as water hazards that guard the 3rd and 14th greens. There’s also a 6-hole, par 3 golf course next to the academy, so golfers can be on the greens all day. Other onsite amenities include La Cala Spa Malaga, with Andalusian-inspired treatments and gorgeous views; two restaurants, including La Bodega, a traditional Spanish wine cellar with an Andalusian influence; and myriad sports activities, including tennis, horseback riding, hiking, biking and scuba diving. La Cala offers an extensive array of golf-focused getaways, including 3- to 7-night golf breaks; and 2- to 5-day Stay & Learn Programs (call for rates).
Melia La Quinta Golf & SPA Resort,
Marbella
Located in the heart of Valle del Golf (“Golf Valley”), and very close to Puerto Banus, Melia La Quinta Golf & SPA is home to a 27-hole golf course that’s played host to major European competitions. It’s divided into three 9-hole courses that seamlessly blend into the surroundings with views of the Mediterranean Sea as well as the mountains that surround the Benahavis Golf Valley. The San Pedro course is an open course of wide fairways, while the Ronda course challenges golfers with its narrower fairways and more technical greens. The Guadaiza course is the most challenging of all, but what true golf aficionado doesn’t like to “feel the heat” from time to time? The resort also offers up other goodies such as La Quinta Golf Academy, a YHI SPA, a kids’ club, two restaurants, including the Japanese-inspired Kaede, and day trips to nearby towns including Ronda, Mijas, Casares, and Malaga. Oh, and if your golf fanatic just can’t get enough of teeing off, tell him or her that there are 25 to 30 golf courses within a 37-mile radius. The resort has a Travel and Golf package that includes bed & breakfast; late check-out until 2 p.m.; a golf picnic pack; and one greens fee pp per day in La Quinta Golf; rates for the package start at $380.
melia.com or melia.com/travelagents
NH Sotogrande,
Cadiz
Valderrama. Enough said, at least for your golf aficionado clients who know a thing or two about golf. The Valderrama golf course, which played host to the 1997 Ryder Cup, is considered one of the best in Europe, if not the world, and NH Sotogrande in San Roque, Cadiz—known as the gateway to Costa del Sol—is located just a few minutes away. Also nearby? Those scintillating Mediterranean beaches.
The 106-room, modern-style NH Sotogrande offers typical Andalusia-style decor and includes outdoor pools, a poolside bar (open during the summer months), and a restaurant that looks out over an ancient forest. Guests also have access to the spa facilities at the neighboring NH Almenara. Rates vary per room category, and NH offers an exclusive travel agent portal (nhhotels.com/nh/en/online-advantages/tradepage.html) where you can access the latest information on offers, new hotels, etc.
