Our take

Javier Arana designed Rio Real back in 1965 and it still plays like the Marbella classic it is, the river crossing the round in several places and the 13th and 16th deciding most matches.

• Serious golfersAn Arana design with no tricks in it, just proper golf. The river keeps every approach honest, and the 13th and 16th have ruined plenty of good cards within sight of the clubhouse.
• CouplesThe on-site hotel makes this one of the easiest golf stays in Marbella. Roll out of bed onto the 1st tee, take in the views from the elevated tees, and there is rarely enough wind to spoil an afternoon round.
• Solo golfersA well run classic where a single golfer slots in easily, and staying at the on-site hotel removes the transfer question entirely. It walks fine with a trolley; the slopes are steady rather than steep.

Tell us who’s coming and how you like to play, and we’ll shape the right trip around you.

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