Costa del Sol, Spain
Finca Cortesin Hotel Golf & Spa
Sophisticated Andalusian hideaway
What it is
A sophisticated Spanish farmhouse–style retreat between the hills and the Mediterranean.
What it isn't
A fussy, Old World, white-jacketed European resort.
What we think
Finca Cortesin pulls off the neat trick of being at once traditional and contemporary, expansive and intimate. A beautiful 530-acre estate between the rolling Andalusian hills and the sea, the hotel is a graceful blend of Moorish and Castilian elements that exudes personality and sense of place. It's rich with fountains, parquet floors, oil paintings and cloistered courtyards, many of them acquired from monasteries and stately homes across Portugal and Spain (the hotel itself was built in 2006). But the classicism is done with tasteful restraint and never overwhelms. Exquisite little details—from the hand-painted wallpaper in the bar to the selection of artisanal teas—reveal the thoughtful approach to hospitality here. So does the service, which is youthful, warm and intuitive. There are 67 rooms; the smallest are junior suites that begin at 600 square feet and have a large courtyard or balcony, while pool suites include a huge terrace and plunge pool. All rooms fuse modern fixtures and furnishings with antiques, and all have high ceilings, oversize bathrooms and huge windows to let in the light. For such an intimate resort, there's a wide range of amenities: a championship golf course, three pools (two outdoor and one indoor), a spa and three restaurants. The beach is about a mile from the hotel itself, but the resort runs a shuttle to its top-notch beach club with a pool and grill.
Seasonal closing: Mid-January through mid-February.
You're here because
You like being pampered but also want an authentic and relatively low-key experience (plus golf, tennis, beach, and so forth). Finca Cortesin is a perfect, relaxing conclusion to an itinerary exploring Andalusia.
The Moment
A teasing breeze makes its way to you through the tall arched window. You wander over to your terrace door and step into the warm sunshine. Your view past the sparkling blue Mediterranean reaches all the way to Morocco.
Restaurants & Bars
El Jardin de Lutz - Traditional Spanish
Kabuki Raw Restaurant- Japanese - Awarded with one Michelin Star
Don Giovanni - Italian
Blue Bar - Tapas
Beach-Club - Seafood & Rice
Golf Club - Mediterranean snacks
Blue Bar
Indian Lounge
Marrocan Lounge
Location
On Spain's Costa del Sol, about half an hour from Marbella (far enough to be quiet but close enough to access shopping and restaurants). The international airport at Málaga is about 45 minutes by car.