The New Golden Mile in Estepona

The New Golden Mile, Estepona´s luxury destination

The New Golden Mile may take its name from Marbella´s Golden Mile -presumably for marketing reasons-, yet it has a distinct prestigious character. Over the last 20 years the area has evolved and noticeably grown into a trendy, sought after destination for an international clientele looking for exclusivity, style and luxury.

Located along the coastline between Estepona and the Guadalmina-San Pedro area of Marbella and protected by the Bermeja mountain range to the north, the New Golden Mile enjoys a marvellous microclimate.

It can be divided into the beachside area immediately south of the A7 coastal road - all belonging to the municipality of Estepona - and a hillside area just above the same road, partially belonging to the Estepona municipality and partially to the Benahavis municipality.

What makes this mile so ´´golden´´?

First, more restrictive construction legislation and careful urban planning has given the area a less dense property layout. This results in more space, more tranquillity and more availability of uninterrupted sea and mountain views. In this respect, we should also point out there are no high-rise buildings on the New Golden Mile, which is also beneficial for the environment.

A second distinct advantage are the much better prices for property here, compared to similar properties in neighbouring Marbella.

Last but not least, the New Golden Mile has an abundance of 5-star hotels and resorts, amenities, golf clubs, urbanisations and developments. Solid names such as Kempinski Hotel Bahia, Healthouse Las Dunas and Villa Padierna Palace show the presence of some of the best and most exclusive resorts and brands in the world, with the Villa Padierna even selected as Michelle Obama´s stay in 2010.

Tropical style beach clubs such as Puro Beach and Tikitano Lounge are among the trendiest on the entire Costa del Sol. Laguna Village near the sea will impress you with its designer boutiques, exquisite restaurants and beach clubs.

As for luxury beachside complexes and holiday resorts we should especially mention Torre Bermeja and Cabo Bermejo, Menara Beach and Kempinski Hotel Private Residences, all designed by renowned architect Melvin Villaroel, the exclusive and contemporary Emare residential apartments, Los Granados del Mar, Los Granados Playa, Alcazaba Beach and Mar Azul.

Other exclusive residential areas with luxury apartments and ditto villas include Los Flamingos, Atalaya and Casasola. Also, Guadalmina Baja deserves a special mention for its collection of sumptuous luxury villas.

The late singer Prince discovered the charms of the area, when he bought his first wife Mayte García a large colonial style mansion in El Paraiso, a quiet and exclusive residential area in the heart of the New Golden Mile.

A very popular destination with good value for money is the Costalita urbanisation with both the sea as well as plenty of amenities within walking distance.

For golfers, we should point out the 5-star Villa Padierna collection of 3 top class courses: Los Flamingos which has hosted many prestigious international tournaments, Alferini and Tramores. Other prominent courses on the New Golden Mile include El Paraiso Golf Club, Atalaya Golf and Country Club and La Resina Golf and Country Club.

Amenities-wise, the New Golden Mile offers all basic services easily and quickly without having to drive into Estepona or Marbella. Several quality private hospitals such as Hospiten are nearby as well as a brand-new public hospital in Estepona which will open its doors by the end of 2019.

It is fair to say that the New Golden Mile is a perfect mix of the vibrancy of Puerto Banus and Marbella on the one hand and the more laid back authentic Spanish lifestyle of Estepona.