Costa del Sol, SpainAlmenara
SO/ Sotogrande Spa and Golf Resort Hotel Costa del Sol
Contemporary Andalusian cortijo
Almenara Costa del Sol, Spain
Renovated
2021
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Wellness Resort DesignOutside the door
The house
AccorContemporary Andalusian cortijo
Buildings cluster like an Andalusian village across the hillside, looking out over cork forests and the fairways of The Alto Club.
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Cryotherapy chambers and saltwater flotation pods anchor the extensive hydrothermal contrast circuit.
Notable
Dolores Cortés styles the cortijo with ceramic archways and suspended terracotta swallows.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
UK Readers' Choice Awards – Europe
Condé Nast Traveler
2025
Also in Forbes Travel Guide.
a contemporary interpretation of a classic cortijo, or farmhouse hotel, brought into the 21st century with ultra-modern design and comforts.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Sotogrande's polo fields and yacht marina sit a short drive down the hill, while quiet cork forests surround the property.
The rooms
Every room opens onto a private terrace or garden, detailed with ceramic pitcher lamps and swooping arches.
The water
Bring a swimsuit.
The pools
A heated 20-meter lap pool sits beneath plaster arches indoors, and tiered outdoor swimming pools overlook the grounds.
Yoga pavilion and gym
An outdoor wooden pavilion hosts yoga sessions overlooking the hills, and gym machines face straight into the woods.
Restaurant
Society Clubhouse
The all-day restaurant serves casual classics under sculpted ceiling canopies, with glass walls looking onto the fairways.
Stepping into the glass-framed reception pavilion, you can’t help but notice a flock of hand-crafted terra cotta swallows suspended from the ceiling and the custom-made lattice-like walls of ceramic arches.
At the table
IXO Bar hosts weekend flamenco and Spanish guitar, and MARXA Chiringuito cooks over a five-meter wood-burning grill.
Costa del Sol
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.