Finca Cortesin is a haven of
effortless luxury on Spain’s Costa del Sol. A world away from the
bustle of nearby
Marbella, the hotel is a destination stay complete with
palm-lined pools, a private Beach Club and… a snow
cave.

The Costa del Sol often gets a bad rap as a haven for Brits
abroad and tax evasion. Yet the sublime oasis of Finca Cortesin
paints a much different picture.

To step through the farmhouse-style entrance of Finca Cortesin
is to feel as if worlds away from Marbella’s urbanised coastline.
The hotel may be a recent build, but the design takes its cue from
the classical proportions of Andalusian architecture. It’s at once
beautifully airy and open but and luxuriously comfortable. There’s
three swimming pools from which to choose – you’ll find us at the
adults-only, 50m pool, lazing in the shade of palms and open
cabanas. That is unless we’re indulging in thermal treatments at
the magnificent spa, home to Spain’s only snow cave.

Finca Cortesin somehow takes riotous fun and makes it feel
rather civilised. The outside world detaches itself softly from
your senses, and is replaced by a peaceful abandonment to calm and
relaxation. Even the more lively activities – there’s a golf
course, driving range, tennis courts, Beach Club – conspire in the
wonderfully floating, gentle pace of life here. It is without doubt
a great destination for late autumn and early spring escapism, but
we can’t imagine a time of year when this Andalusian hotel wouldn’t
be a welcome break.

Rooms

The rooms are the stuff of interiors fantasies; effortlessly
modern with hushed tones and comfortable Spanish style – don’t be
surprised if you feel inspired to make a Pinterest board. You can’t
go wrong with your choice of suite, though we would avoid the few
that face “uphill”, instead booking one with sweeping vistas out
over the adult pool to the hills beyond.

What’s for breakfast?

The question really should be: what’s not for breakfast? In the
rustic El Jardín restaurant, you can choose to start your day with
huevos revueltos on the main terrace, or fruits and juices in the
patio, should it suit. Padron peppers with jamón de jabugo and
fried eggs is a must-try.

How about lunch and dinner?

There are dining options aplenty. Dive into delicious grilled
fish and meats for lunch by the main pool, or retreat to the adult
pool where a bar serves smaller bites. Take the shuttle bus to the
Beach Club for all things sea and a bottle (or three) of refreshing
local whites. For something low-key, we recommend tapas in the
atrium, while golf lovers gravitate to the club lounge.

Dinner is mostly in the main restaurant El Jardín which is
lovely if not spectacular – particularly when it comes to fish.
Nevertheless, the Michelin-starred Kabuki Raw is the real stand-out
here, serving Mediterranean-Japanese fusion fare against a quirky
backdrop – no judgement if you dine here every night. In the summer
months, Italian eatery Don Giovanni is open too.

Is there a bar?

Kick back with a cocktail in the Blue Bar, or take your drink
onto the terrace or portico, where live jazz (not the cheesy kind)
is played most weekends. During the day, the bar by the adult pool
serves as a nice little escape pod too.

Amenities?

Decked out in warm tones and rustic touches – driftwood mirrors,
conch shells, potted ferns – the spa features an indoor pool set in
solid rock, steam baths, saunas and a positively arctic “snow cave”
for thermal benefits. There’s a wide range of excellent treatments
and massages on offer too.

Alongside tennis courts and paddle courts, the hotel is home to
one of Spain’s finest golf courses – should you need help
perfecting your swing, head to the Nicklaus Academy which benefits
from all the mod-cons and stellar instructors.

Things you should know

Don’t miss the snow cave. No collarless shirts are allowed on
the golf course, and do bring some sport shoes if you plan on using
the paddle courts. A shuttle bus takes you to the Beach Club (open
Easter to September)
1km away.

Within a short walk you will find?

A very short walk will take you to the private villas which are
available for rent. It will also take you to the small but lovely
hotel shop in which you could easily spend a fortune. Stroll any
farther and you will break out of the Finca Cortesin heaven to
reality. If you do fancy partying in Marbs or pootling around
Sotogrande, it’s best to hire a car.

Alessandro Tomé is a contributing editor at Spear’s
Magazine