Spain: the luxury guide

Costa del Sol

Marbella is the winter capital of European luxury: 320 days of sun, seventy golf courses within an hour, the Marbella Club and Puente Romano on the Golden Mile, Puerto Banús for the boats. La Zagaleta above Benahavís is the most exclusive gated estate in Europe. Sotogrande, an hour west, is polo, golf and old money. Prices have risen but remain half of the Riviera’s.

Mallorca

The most complete island in the Mediterranean: mountains, coves, a capital with a cathedral and a food scene, and a property market that runs from Deià farmhouses to Port d’Andratx sea-view villas. Cap Rocat, La Residencia and Son Bunyola are the hotels. Palma is a city to live in, not just to fly to.

Ibiza

Ibiza’s summer is the most expensive in Spain: villa rentals from 20,000 to 200,000 euros a week, beach clubs that charge Riviera prices and a nightlife that has become a luxury industry. The north of the island is quiet, rural and increasingly sought after by people who want the light without the noise. Six Senses and the new five-stars have raised the hotel standard.

Madrid

The capital has become Europe’s most dynamic luxury city: Four Seasons, Rosewood, Mandarin Oriental Ritz, restaurants with three stars, the Salamanca district for the houses and the art at the Prado and the Thyssen. Latin American wealth has moved in and the property market has followed. Madrid is Spain’s answer to Miami, with better museums.

The property market

Marbella Golden Mile villas 8,000 to 15,000 euros per square metre; La Zagaleta estates from 5 million; Mallorca south-west 10,000 to 20,000; Ibiza 12,000 to 25,000; Madrid Salamanca 10,000 to 18,000.