3 miles East of Marbella, province of Malaga.

Rio Real is a beautiful private parkland resort course, set in a stunning valley location near the Mediterranean coastline.

Measuring 6,741 yards from the championship markers, Rio Real was designed by Javier Arana, and provides a great test of golf for even highly skilled players, without ever overwhelming the average golfer. The front nine holes are certainly the tougher, with the tight fairways bordered by banks of beautiful trees.

Patience and accuracy are crucial here, but on the closing stretch you can open your shoulders and be aggressive with the driver from the tee. The stunning landscape makes Rio Real a memorable place to play, especially the 4th and 5th holes, which run adjacent to the famous Costa del Sol, affording amazing views of the coastline.

Named Sentidos En Rio Real, the hotel at Rio Real is a match for the quality of the golf course, presenting visitors with an authentic oasis of tranquility. Within easy reach of Marbella's bustling centre, the hotel is a classy and stylish option for the discerning golf holiday-maker.

Rio Real is what many people would call a boutique hotel, featuring refined furniture and fittings throughout. The guest bedrooms and suites are no different; light wood, marble bathrooms and fitted iPods are among the superb features to be built into many of the units. Rio Real is one of the finest new hotels to be established anywhere along the Costa Del Sol in recent years, and represents a fantastic high end option for a luxury golf holiday in the sun.