The Costa del Sol is establishing itself as a luxury destination, with a growing range of high-end shopping, hotels and residential complexes.
Leading the way is undoubtedly Marbella, followed by Estepona and Malaga city.
This is where the wealthy clients are concentrated who wish to enjoy an exclusive sun and beach holiday, combined with a wide range of top-quality services such as golf, gastronomy, museums and culture, to name but a few.
Discover why the Costa del Sol is one of your first choices if you want to spend a few days of relaxation without missing out on anything!
- No refuelling fee
- Free cancellation
- Hire without intermediaries
- Pay when you pick up your car
Luxury Hotels on the Costa del Sol
Along the Costa del Sol there are currently ten 5-star hotel establishments classified as Grand Luxury, located in Marbella and Estepona. In these two high-end destinations, as well as in Malaga city, there are also eleven 5-star hotels.
This translates into some 4,160 hotel beds in 5-star Grand Luxury hotels, some 3,143 in 5-star hotels and around 3,000 in establishments focused on high-end tourists.
How much does a night in a luxury hotel on the Costa del Sol cost?
To give you an idea of the cost of accommodation in one of these establishments, a top-of-the-range room starts at €320 or €350 per night. However, it is the cheapest room that usually has no or only a partial sea view.
Upwards, prices really do not have a limit and for a presidential suite or villa they can go up to €3,000 a night.
5-star hotels in Marbella
Marbella continues to be the benchmark for luxury tourism on the Costa del Sol. However, if you will allow us a clarification, a somewhat ostentatious luxury tourism. Marbella continues to be a hotspot for wealthy tourists who like to show off what they have.
While affluent clients who prefer a more low-key, laid-back holiday opt for neighbouring Estepona or even further east to Sotogrande.
In our article dedicated to Marbella, as well as many good reasons to choose this enclave with its special microclimate, you will find all the 5-star hotels in Marbella.
5-star hotels in Estepona
Estepona is one of the most exclusive destinations on the Costa del Sol. Unlike Marbella, this pretty fishing village has managed to retain much of its essence.
The municipality continually invests in beautifying the intricate streets of its old town.
As a result, in recent years it has acquired a name of its own: The Garden of the Costa del Sol.
The city has a large number of 5-star hotels and some of the best golf courses. Making it the ideal destination for an affluent clientele who prefer to keep a low profile and enjoy a relaxing holiday with the best facilities.
- Discover the best hotels and everything you need to know for your holidays in Estepona.
5-star hotels in Malaga
Malaga has experienced a real boom in recent years, and the capital of the Costa del Sol now boasts six five-star hotels. We’ll briefly introduce them to you below.
- Gran Hotel Miramar GL: The most emblematic one, located opposite Malagueta beach in a historic building from 1926.
- Only YOU Hotel Málaga: Located in the iconic La Equitativa building, right in the city centre opposite the Marina.
- ME Málaga by Meliá: It is a new 5-star hotel located in the historic centre of Malaga next to Plaza de la Merced, which was inaugurated at the end of 2025.
- Vincci Selección Posada del Patio: Famous for housing remains of the city’s ancient Arab wall within its building.
- Soho Boutique Castillo de Santa Catalina: Located in a high-income residential area of Malaga (El Limonar), it offers the best panoramic views of the bay.
- Aurea Palacio de la Tinta: The Aurea Palacio de la Tinta hotel recently opened its doors in the spring of 2026. It is located on Paseo de Reding, in the La Malagueta district, occupying a historic modernist building from 1908. It features an indoor pool, gym, sauna, Turkish bath and terrace.
Prices (Updated April 2026)
The average price for 5-star hotels in Malaga city in April 2026 ranges from €350 to €750 per night for a standard room for two adults.
Here is a comparison of current nightly rates for the most exclusive hotels:
- Aurea Palacio de la Tinta: From €472
- ME Málaga by Meliá: Rates from €427
- Gran Hotel Miramar GL: Rooms from €326
- Only YOU Hotel Málaga: Prices from €276
- Vincci Selección Posada del Patio: Usually around €300 – €350
Are you coming to Malaga for a few days to enjoy a getaway? Would you like to stay in the heart of the city in a charming hotel?
- We have for you the best charming hotels in the heart of the city, just a few metres from the main artery Calle Larios, near museums and the port of Malaga.
In our article, in addition to the eight best 4-star hotels in the old town, we present you the 5-star hotels in Malaga.
Adults only hotels in Marbella & Estepona
If you want to enjoy a holiday without children, we present here some very good options of Adults Only Hotels in Marbella and Adults Only Hotels in Estepona.
At a glance, these hotels are:
Adults-Only Hotels in Marbella
- Amàre Beach Hotel Marbella (4*): It’s the go-to hotel in the city centre. It stands out for its direct beach access, a lively beach club and its proximity (5-minute walk) to the old town.
- Nobu Hotel Marbella (5*): Ideal if you’re looking for a sophisticated lifestyle atmosphere. Located on the Golden Mile, it offers an exclusive setting with prestigious restaurants and integrated nightlife.
- Casa Bodhi Boutique & Spa Marbella (4*): A boutique bed and breakfast with an outdoor pool and spa, surrounded by golf courses and offering views of both the sea and the mountains.
- Hotel Lima (4*): Located in the heart of the city and close to the marina, about 100 meters from the beach, it features a rooftop pool and stands out for its peaceful atmosphere, ideal for couples.
Adults-Only Hotels in Estepona
- THE FLAG Costa del Sol (4*): This wellness hotel offers a modern concept of studios and suites focused on complete relaxation and health. It is located between Estepona and Marbella.
- Senator Banús Spa Hotel (5*): The hotel is located in the heart of the Costa del Sol, between Estepona and Puerto Banús, very close to the best golf courses. It’s “recommended” for adults only. Famous for its extensive spa and modern architecture.
- Exe Estepona Thalasso & Spa (4*): One of the best value options. The hotel’s saltwater thalassotherapy centre is particularly noteworthy.
Luxury cruises and yachts in Malaga
Both the port of Malaga and Puerto Banus are regular berths for luxury yachts sailing in the Mediterranean.
In the port of Malaga, it is common to see both cruise ships and luxury yachts, as well as megayachts, such as Scenic Eclipse II, Octopus, New Secret, Yas, Aviva, Ulysses, Mayan Queen IV or Al Lusail.
The Dock has the capacity to accommodate 31 vessels of up to 180 metres in length. It is a berth with a privileged location next to the Palmeral de las Sorpresas, just a few metres from the old part of the city.
Boat & Charter rental on the Costa del Sol
If this huge nautical offer has made your mouth water, but you don’t have your own boat, don’t worry!
The Costa del Sol also has a no less interesting offer of boat rentals in Malaga, of all types and sizes, licensed and unlicensed, with and without skipper, catamarans, for parties, stag and hen parties…
Have a look at our article, you´ll surely find something you like!
The best marinas on the Costa del Sol
Nautical Club El Candado
Located to the east of Malaga. The marina El Candado has 280 moorings for boats between 5 and 15 metres in length.
There is a wide range of nautical activities such as sailing, surfing, windsurfing, rowing, jet skiing and it has all the services such as changing rooms, restaurant, workshop, dry dock, boat hire, canoe hire and tavern.
The Sports Club located in the harbour extends the leisure offer in the harbour with gymnasium, tennis courts and swimming pools.
Royal Mediterranean Club of Malaga
Located in the heart of Malaga, between Pier One and La Malagueta beach.
It is a private Club in an unbeatable setting offering water sports, tennis, paddle tennis, swimming pool, etc. Only members have access to all the facilities, while the restaurant is public.
Marina Benalmadena
The marina of Benalmádena is a real architectural jewel, a mixture of Moorish and Andalusian styles and its canals, like a small Venice.
It has been awarded twice as the most beautiful marina in the world. It is definitely worth a visit, both during the day and at night.
This port is a landmark on the Costa del Sol and it usually renews its Blue Flag every summer.
Marina Cabo Pino
Situated to the east of Marbella and very close to the Artola Dunes. It is a nice and cosy little marina.
Marina Marbella
Located in the heart of Marbella, just a few metres from the old town. It has a wide range of nautical activities, regattas and sailing classes, bars and restaurants.
This port has been awarded one of the Blue Flags granted to Malaga ports in 2025.
Puerto Banús
Situated to the west of Marbella, it is undoubtedly the most luxurious marina on the Costa del Sol and one of the most renowned luxury ports in the world.
In this most exclusive marina in the Mediterranean there are comfortable nautical facilities, a wide range of high fashion brands, as well as events and activities and a vibrant nightlife.
This port has been awarded one of the Blue Flags granted to Malaga ports in 2025.
Marina Estepona
Charming marina with Caribbean flair located between the popular beach Playa del Cristo and La Rada beach. It has 447 berths and is the third largest port in the province in terms of mooring capacity, up to 35 metres in length.
There are a variety of international and Mediterranean restaurants and bars.
The Estepona Marina has renewed its Blue Flag for 2025, accumulating 31 consecutive awards.
Marina La Duquesa
Puerto de la Duquesa is a beautiful Mediterranean style marina with 382 moorings up to 20 m in length. It is located in Manilva, on the westernmost Costa del Sol, just 36 km from Gibraltar. It has a variety of shops, bars and restaurants.
This port has maintained its Blue Flag status for 27 consecutive years.
Golf on the Costa del Sol
Did you know that there are 70 golf courses on the Costa del Sol?
Especially the westernmost Costa del Sol is known for its large number of excellent golf courses, some of them among the most prestigious.
Golf Courses in Marbella
In the surroundings of Marbella there are no less than 22 golf courses and therefore it is the municipality with the highest number of golf courses in Spain.
Golf Courses in Estepona
The municipality has 7 excellent golf courses, with 9, 18 and up to 36 holes, fantastic scenery and spectacular views.
Michelin restaurants on the Costa del Sol
The province of Malaga has 10 Michelin-starred restaurants this year, specifically in Marbella, Fuengirola, Ronda and Malaga.
If you want to dine divinely, discover in our article all the Michelin Star Restaurants in Malaga.
The best Beach Clubs on the Costa del Sol
Balinese beds, Mediterranean or Balinese aesthetics, white, blue and natural tones, chill-out music, House or live music, are some of the most typical ingredients of the best beach clubs on the Costa del Sol.
In addition to an excellent menu, massages and even Spa, so that their clients can enjoy an unforgettable day by the sea, in best Beach Clubs on the Costa del Sol.
And since Marbella is home to some of the most luxurious beach clubs in the world, we have dedicated a full article to the Best Beach Clubs in Marbella to unleash the hedonist in you.
Luxury car hire at Malaga Airport
Why hire a luxury car in Malaga? At this link you will discover the many good reasons and advantages.
Get off the plane, pick up your reserved luxury car and drive to your destination on the Costa del Sol, with all the comfort that a high-end car offers.
We take care of everything, take you to our office located two minutes from the arrivals terminal and deliver your luxury car.
At MalagaCar.com we offer a modern fleet of luxury rental cars with the highest level of quality, reliability and safety.
Transfers – Where would you like to go? We’ll take you there!
Don’t want to worry about anything? No problem!
Did you know that at Malagacar.com, we also offer a fantastic transfer service?
Get to your hotel, or any other destination, without having to rent a car.
It’s as simple as picking you up at the specified location and time. And if you’d like, we can bring you back afterward. It couldn’t be easier!
Flea Markets & Street Markets in Malaga and Costa del Sol
Calle Larios and Alameda Principal: The elegant heart of Malaga
The best charming hotels in the centre of Malaga
