Best Secluded Hotels in Andalucía

Hacienda de San Rafael is a classic Spanish hacienda surrounded by rural estate farmland, close to the romantic Andalusian capital of Seville. This palatial estate is a luxe Andalusian retreat. Guest rooms and duplex suites are found within the main manor house; whilst in the landscaped grounds are individual villa suites or ‘casitas’ with access to a dedicated pool. Facilities include a restaurant, bar; and sports like tennis and padel, as well as swimming pools, yoga and massage. Activities on offer embrace horse-riding, and cultural tours to nearby cities such as the sherry wine city of Jerez, and Seville, the capital of Andalucia.

A boutique ski-season hotel, El Lodge’s architecture is modelled on the traditional chalet, but with a chic personality infused by its owners, Marbella Club. Inside the Finnish wood building, you’ll find 20 bedrooms with Natura Bissé bath products, iPads, iPod docks and Nespresso machines, decorated with cowhide rugs, fur cushions and antler chandeliers, plus a Smeg fridge on every floor with refreshments. Outside is a pool and wooden hot tub (from which steam rises invitingly on a cold day) and a sauna with impressive views. The main restaurant, bar, lounge and terrace all serve dishes crafted with low-mileage ingredients and there’s a games room to keep the kids busy.

A 350-hectare luxury estate in the Sierra de Loja between Málaga and Granada, reimagined by Unico Hotels as the ultimate Andalusian countryside retreat. The cortijo features 73 uniquely designed rooms and suites arranged like a charming white village, Michelin Guide acclaimed La Finca restaurant, Flow Spa with heated pool and hammam, plus extensive activities from horseback riding across rolling hills of olive groves and oak forests, or a visit to the local organic caviar farm. Michelin Guide acclaimed La Finca restaurant with chef Fernando Arjona and maître d’ José Briones serving exceptional Andalusian cuisine featuring Riofrío caviar, Iberian ham, and regional specialities. El Mirador poolside restaurant for regional classics including gazpacho and wood-fired Iberian secreto. Garden Lounge for breakfast. Pop-up experiences include BBQ nights with live flamenco and Andalusian guitar performances.

The Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Hotel Benahavis Marbella Resort is the group’s new flagship resort in Southern Spain. Sheltered by majestic mountains, this Mediterranean resort is close to some of the country’s most beautiful ‘white villages’, the prestigious town of Marbella, and the sparkling sea. Expect a compelling combination of European elegance with upscale gastronomy across 8 dining venues, as well as exceptional leisure facilities including a super-stylish beach & racquet club, an award-winning spa and championship golf courses.

Inspired by traditional Andalusian architecture, this exclusive and luxurious hotel and resort is the perfect summer getaway. Blending the best of traditional Mediterranean lifestyle with contemporary living, the Finca Cortesin offers incredible cuisine, impeccable service and blissful tranquillity. Built around two sunny courtyards the hotel only has 67 rooms and yet feels palatial in style and space. Rooms are spacious and filled with light – a notable feature is their beautifully high ceilings. Spaces in the hotel manage to be both elegant and luxurious whilst still offering a lot of comfort. We adore the statement printed textiles which stand out against the warmly neutral décor. Surrounding the hotel is 23,000 sqm of landscaped gardens, a luxurious Thai spa, an incredible 4 swimming pools (our favourite is the heated indoor pool with views of the coast), tennis courts, and a spectacular beach club. The hotel is not lacking in dining options either – choose between the relaxed terrace restaurant El Jardin de Lutz, the Michelin-starred Kabuki Raw serving up Japanese-Mediterranean fusions, the traditional Italian brasserie from Sicilian chef Andrea Tumbarello, Don Giovanni, or casual tapas and drinks from The Blue Bar.

The Kempinski Hotel Bahia Estepona is considered to be one of the most elegant hotel resorts on Andalucía’s western Costa del Sol. Found about 12km west of Marbella’s Puerta Banús and close to the charming beachside town of Estepona, this 5-star gastronomic resort is where Kempinski sophistication meets the warmth of the Mediterranean. Kempinski Hotel Bahia Estepona offers a complete resort experience, with an excellent choice of guest rooms, junior suites, and exclusive rooftop suites for VIPs; a luxury spa; pools and gardens that reach down to the beach and sea; and a wealth of dining options within El Paseo del Mar.

Located in the vibrant heart of Puerto Banús, Hard Rock Hotel Marbella combines luxury with a rock-and-roll vibe. This stylish retreat offers 383 chic rooms and suites, each adorned with music-inspired decor and modern amenities. Guests can relax in two outdoor pools, rejuvenate at the spa, or stay active at the state-of-the-art fitness centre. Dining options include the eclectic Sessions Show Cooking restaurant, the sophisticated Nu Downtown, and the trendy Sun Society rooftop bar. Live music and events add to the hotel’s dynamic atmosphere, making it perfect for both leisure and celebration. With its prime location near Marbella’s pristine beaches and bustling marina, Hard Rock Hotel Marbella provides an unforgettable experience of comfort, entertainment, and glamour.

Sierra Nevada starts the winter season with the much-anticipated arrival of a new destination hotel, Maribel. This reimagined alpine ski chalet opens under the new ownership and management of Puente Romano Beach Resort and Marbella Club, responsible for the renowned El Lodge Ski & Spa. Ideally located at the foot of the slopes, Maribel is the sophisticated ski and après ski chalet with a mix of high-altitude fun both on and off the piste for families, friends, and winter sports enthusiasts. With a season that lasts until the start of spring and coincides with the winter sports period of the Sierra Nevada resort, Maribel will have 29 rooms and suites, including the signature Maribel Penthouse Suite. Situated at 2,250 metres, with direct access to the Maribel and Águila slopes, Maribel offers its guests the perfect plan on and off the pistes. Once at this alpine lifestyle hotel, guests will find a compelling blend of wellness and dining. The hotel’s lounge and bar, with a ski-in/ski-out outdoor terrace, promises a unique après ski atmosphere. Maribel’s restaurant provides a ‘dining club’ experience with an alpine flavour. There’s even a Nordic-inspired spa where guests can rest their weary muscles after a day on the slopes and unwind under the stars.

Experience serene luxury at La Zambra Resort, a 5-star property in Mijas, set in the Andalusian foothills between Málaga and Marbella and close to Fuengirola. Once known as the Byblos Hotel, this iconic resort has welcomed royalty and rock stars since 1986. Indulge in the Costa del Sol’s largest spa and wellness centre, relax by three beautiful pools, and enjoy exceptional Mediterranean cuisine at any of our four restaurants. The resort features carefully restored Andalusian architecture, charming courtyards, and original stone fountains, all framed by scenic mountains and renowned sunsets. Each room offers a private terrace, and a complimentary breakfast is included with every stay. Immerse yourself in authentic local experiences, from Flamenco performances to olive oil tastings.