The Valley - Elviria

The Valley sits on the beachside of the AP-7 in Elviria, which puts you seven minutes from Playa de Artola by car. Greenlife Golf Marbella is two minutes away, so if you play regularly this location cuts out the commute. Puerto Cabopino marina is nine minutes for boats and waterside restaurants. English International College is five minutes away, and so is Instituto de Educación Secundaria Las Dunas, which makes school runs manageable. Marbella town centre is 16 minutes when you want more choice for shopping or dining. The airport run to Málaga takes 50 minutes.

The south-east and west orientations mean morning sun in some rooms, afternoon and evening light in others. The terraces are large enough to set up different zones: dining, lounging, a play area if you have children. The communal gym and yoga space are on-site, which is useful if you want to avoid a separate membership elsewhere.

The beachside setting comes with a cost. You are close to the coast, but not within walking distance, so you will drive to the beach. The same applies to the marina, the golf course and the schools. Elviria is quieter than central Marbella, which suits families and anyone wanting more space and less foot traffic, but it means you rely on a car for most errands. If you prefer to walk to shops and cafes, this is not the right fit.