La Zagaleta Golf and Country Club is considered by many to be one of the most exclusive private residential estates in Europe. Located only a short drive from the centre of Marbella on the Costa del Sol of Spain, and offering the ultimate in security, privacy and views, “La Zagaleta is the gold standard of country club living!”
La Zagaleta Golf & Country Club is a private residential and golf estate containing some of Spain’s most exclusive luxury homes with panoramic sea and mountain views, set in around 900 hectares of natural woodlands in Benahavís, near the vibrant town of Marbella.
First opening in 1994, La Zagaleta is considered to be one of the most exclusive gated private residential areas with golf resort in Europe, open only to residents, their families, and guests. “Only the best is good enough” was the concept behind La Zagaleta, which offers unparalleled panoramic views of the surrounding mountainside, the Mediterranean Sea, Gibraltar and the North African coast. The building density is low, with a volume of about 32% and a maximum of 420 homes on the estate, offering luxury homes on spacious plots and two members-only golf courses. As a result, La Zagaleta has gained international recognition for its location, exclusivity, privacy, security, and low-density planning, offering the ultimate private elite and luxurious lifestyle in the Costa del Sol area, and one of the pinnacles of the Golden Triangle.
With privacy and security being of utmost importance, La Zagaleta offers a complete range of private facilities for the sole use of residents, members and their guests, including two private golf courses and a driving range, two clubhouses, sports activities, a heliport, a horse riding club, a luxury supermarket, and a choice of restaurants. It’s an ideal location for anyone looking for an ultra-luxury real estate investment in one of Europe’s most exclusive communities.
La Zagaleta Golf & Country Club in Benahavís is situated north-west of Marbella Spain, in the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park hills only a short drive from Marbella’s Golden Mile. Located only 12 kilometres from the glamorous Marbella at the foothills of La Concha mountain, La Zagaleta is 70 km by car from Malaga’s international airport, about a 40-minute drive on the AP7 motorway.
La Zagaleta’s stunning location has unparalleled 360-degree views of some of the most beautiful natural scenery and convenient access to all the Marbella’s high-end amenities, beaches and sporting activities, shopping experiences and nightlife, including the vibrant offerings of places like Puerto Banus, Puente Romano and the Marbella Golden Mile.
There are several schools within a 15-minute radius of La Zagaleta, including Aloha International and the British International College, among other excellent schools in the Marbella area. It is also an excellent base for exploring nearby Marbella beaches, cities or mountain retreats like Ronda.
All the major towns on the Costa del Sol are within a comfortable driving distance and day trips can be easily enjoyed in the beautiful cultural cities of Ronda, Málaga, Sevilla, Cadiz, Córdoba, and even Granada, where you can enjoy skiing during the winter months.
La Zagaleta Golf and Country Club has two championship golf courses that offer 36 parkland holes, both exclusive residents-only golf. The original course, known as the old or members course, was designed in 1991 by Bradford Benz and redesigned by Marc Westenborg in 2016. The picture-perfect scenic views from the clubhouse down along the Old Course integrate perfectly with the wildlife and vegetation of the environment. The second golf course, designed by Steve Marnoch, opened in 2005 and was a demanding project that shaped the golf course and landscape design. There are no tee times on these exclusive courses, and members have access at will.
Bringing services and facilities to an unprecedented level, La Zagaleta offers its Club members its second and exclusive par 70 golf course. The old clubhouse is a members-only full country club-style facility, while the new course clubhouse is a smaller-scale version with a restaurant and snack bar also open to non-members.
The main clubhouse offers several lounges, a library, a billiard room, a function room for private events, tennis and paddle courts, changing rooms, a sauna, a swimming pool, a golf pro shop, a gourmet supermarket with exceptional fresh produce and a full-time restaurant and bar. Members can use the facilities for private events such as weddings and parties for families and guests. There are also various other lovely golf courses in Marbella nearby.
In addition to golf, La Zagaleta also contains other sports facilities including tennis courts and an equestrian centre with both Arab and Spanish horses, as well as ponies for hire for younger guests and livery services for residents who have their own horses or ponies.
La Zagaleta’s tennis and paddle courts allow tennis lovers to practice their favourite sport in the privacy of the closed estate. There are two professional tennis courts: one hard court, one clay court, and a paddle tennis court.
Members & residents can also enjoy outdoor leisure pursuits like cycling and hiking via many trails and tracks in the stunning natural surroundings of Marbella and Benahavís.
In addition, La Zagaleta has a private helipad for its owners and guests, and operates a heli service for personalised private pick-ups or transfers. The heli service is perfect for arriving your destination punctually or enjoying day trips to Morocco or other parts of Andalucia, taking you to Málaga Costa del Sol airport in about 15 minutes. The helicopter service features a powerful six seater twin-turbine helicopter with a range of around 800 km and cruising speed of around 275 km/hr.
La Zagaleta also offers a full-time Property Management company called La Zagaleta Services. These services can be easily set up to cater to residents’ requirements and include home-delivery laundry, garden and pool maintenance, catering and entertaining services, chauffeur and secretarial services, babysitting, insurance and banking facilities. In short, all those concierge services can be catered for. Owners and residents can arrange to have their homes wholly taken care of by professional gardeners and maintenance teams.
La Zagaleta Marbella has a fabled history, originally a hunting estate owned by the Saudi Arabian businessman Adnan Khashoggi, known for his lavish business deals and lifestyle. In the early 1980s, he was estimated to have been worth US $4 billion, a colossal fortune in the 80s. A member of the international jetsetters, his extravagant lifestyle became synonymous with the images of the rich and famous of the time. Khashoggi was one of the first to have a superyacht and private jets and entertained in grand style in his hunting lodge “La Baraka” in Benahavís. In this luxurious environment, he wooed some of the most influential people of his day.
In 1990, La Baraka was purchased by a group of investors led by Mr Enrique Pérez Flores, who started La Zagaleta SA. Perez envisioned creating a super private estate to live in harmony with the surroundings in the foothills of the Ronda mountain. This was a huge undertaking at the time and required substantial investment. It was a visionary project, as it could have been up to 4,000 dwellings, but Mr. Perez opted for low density.
Firstly, they had to build the infrastructure – a colossal undertaking involving converting 900 hectares of rustic mountainside into plots and building over 80km of internal roads. The first golf club in La Zagaleta, known as the old course, opened in 1992, and Club de Campo La Zagaleta was born. His son, Mr Ignacio Pérez Díaz, is the board’s executive chairman and continues his father’s vision to create the most private and secure estate in Spain.
Today, La Zagaleta is a fully secure, exclusive, luxurious residential development with two 18-hole golf courses, clubhouses, stables, and a country club. The facilities are maintained to an incredibly high standard, offering the ultimate privacy and discretion.
With the ultimate in privacy, high-end facilities on site, and immersion in nature, the La Zagaleta lifestyle is one of the most exclusive in Europe. It is the most ultra-luxury Marbella real estate available.
What makes La Zagaleta unique is that only one-third of the gated estate has been set aside as a residential area for 420 exclusive luxury villas collection, while the remainder is a natural reserve with lakes and woodland. No apartment or townhouse complexes are planned or zoned for La Zagaleta.
Apart from this exclusivity and the incredible views offered by its elevated location, it is a privately owned estate and golf resort, meaning the interior roads are private and only accessible to residents and authorised personnel as well as a full range of onsite facilities that are unrivalled in the south of Spain. With all the private amenities offered onsite, residents enjoy an exclusive discreet and comfortable lifestyle where they can stay safely onsite out of the public eye – making it ideal for celebrities.
The magnificent Country Club has been granted various awards as a development, including the International Property Awards, Homes Overseas Awards, Bellevue Best Property Agents and Developers Awards, CNBC Europe and Africa Property Awards, and Overseas Living Luxury Lifestyle Awards.
La Zagaleta has also been featured and received acclaim from numerous national and international editorials, including Diario Expansión, Propiedades, ABC, The European Magazine, Finest Magazine, Country Life, The Times and the Financial Times, The Telegraph, International Homes Magazine, Der Spiegel, and Golfers & Co., and has been presented on various television channels like CNBC, Via Digital, Swiss and German TV.
As the most exclusive of all gated communities in Marbella area, La Zagaleta is the most secure private estate in the south of Spain. Entry to this 900-hectare estate is only possible via two strictly controlled and monitored gates; entry is by invitation only, and all guests must ID check-in at the gate. In addition, the entire estate is fenced with surveillance system cameras positioned along the way, and routine patrols keep watch 24/7.
Privacy within this residential gated community is guaranteed, making it the ultimate comunidad cerrada. Each home is set on its grounds, with extensive green zones between each property. Owners can rely on complete discretion, as staff are expected to uphold a code of silence regarding residents in La Zagaleta. The estate has owners from many walks of life, including some household names, celebrities, and CEOs of major companies.
La Zagaleta is home to a diverse range of wildlife that residents may encounter throughout their days. At la Zagaleta, the rich and abundant flora fills the air with fragrances; cork trees, conifers, olive trees, oaks, dogwoods and rockrose bushes all provide shelter and food sources for the animals living on the estate. Species such as deer, buck, mouflon, Hispanic goats, wild boar, and many other types of birds have their homes here. The deer, in particular, can often be seen on the golf course, the hills, or crossing the roads. The wild pigs are hardly ever spotted, but now and again, you see a mother pig with her tribe.
La Zagaleta gated estate also offers stunning natural scenery: horse trails, hiking, and mountain e-biking with guided routes lasting 30 minutes to a few hours. It’s a beautiful way to see the estate and keep fit while enjoying the breathtaking views and natural surroundings, including a mountain nearly 2,000m high that sometimes enjoys snow in winter. Residents have endless opportunities to discover nature and enjoy stunning views on their doorstep without leaving the estate.
Homes for sale in La Zagaleta are some of the grandest homes in southern Spain offering the highest level of Mediterranean luxury. They are newly built or reformed luxurious villas and modern mansions, including frontline golf villas with stunning sea views out to Gibraltar and North Africa from their elevated position in the municipality of Benahavís.
These properties often enjoy panoramic views, spacious landscaped private gardens, private pools (usually heated infinity pools), indoor spas, hammans, tennis courts and everything you could dream of. Plots within the urbanisation range from 3,000m2 to 10,000 m2, each separated from the next by 10 metres of green zone.
Combined with the 24-hour security service of this completely private gated community and the incredibly generous plot sizes, La Zagaleta residents’ enjoy an unbeatable level of privacy, while also providing freedom of movement and interaction with the local wildlife, hence protecting the natural environment.
When La Zagaleta started to develop in the early 90s, the trend then was to build beautiful Andalusian-style mansions in a modern rustic style, with features utilising authentic materials, marble floors and sourcing from Spanish artefacts and antique doors, more or less hacienda-type homes. Over the past ten years, the trend has been to build modern, contemporary homes designed by some of the best architects in the world.
These mansions are often modern super homes with every extra feature demanded by discerning buyers at this level, with guest apartment or staff residences often located separately on the property. Gourmet kitchens accompanied by butler’s kitchens and chef’s serving areas – these homes are built for high-end entertaining. Think high ceilings, private plunge pools, heated indoor pools, fitness center, solar panels, luxury finishes and state-of-the-art home automation and security systems – homes in La Zagaleta have all the features you could possibly ask for in a luxury home.
La Zagaleta villas have also evolved to offer the most exciting innovations and the latest technology available in smart homes, energy saving, sustainable homes and multi-car private garages. Since the Covid pandemic, La Zagaleta has seen a surge in demand as our mindset changed and working from home became a real option. Over the past few years, many homes changed hands, and all the older villas that tended to be on the best plots were suddenly gone!
In 2025, the cost of luxury homes in La Zagaleta will generally range from €4 million to upwards of €20 million, reinforcing its status as Spain’s most expensive real estate market. Currently, plots start at €2 million, with prime locations fetching up to €6 million or more, particularly those with direct access to the golf course or panoramic sea views. The starting price for an older home or Andalusian mansion with at least 700 square metres built will be from about €5 million upwards, which would require renovation. For those preferring ready-built modern houses, ultra-modern luxury villa prices in La Zagaleta can soar to €40 million, with some properties never officially hitting the market.
Sold in 2021, Villa Cullinan was considered Europe’s most expensive mansion at €32 million. In 2025, Villa Enso is listed at €34 million, offering 16 bedrooms and a 3.500m2 built area. These figures indicate that La Zagaleta now ranks as Spain’s most expensive real estate, backed up by surveys by the top real estate portal Idealista and various other sources, including a 2023 Hiscox International Report.
The average price of La Zagaleta property advertised with Idealista is about €8.7 million, with the average cost per square metre currently sitting at around €7,000, more than three times the cost in 2012. These prices are higher than the palaces and mansions sold in Barcelona in the Avenida de Tibidabo, which are the second-highest priced real estate, according to figures from Idealista big data.
La Zagaleta Golf and Country Club operates a private members club that is only open to the owners, guests, and their families. The number of owner members is capped to ensure availability and accessibility to the golf, tennis and equestrian facilities and clubhouses. Membership is by application only and is not automatic when buying a home – it is an individual or family membership that does not transfer with the property.
La Zagaleta contains a capped number of privately owned estates managed by a corporate structure under the Zagaleta Group. The holding company oversees several associated brands, including Zagaleta Life, Zagaleta Club de Campo, and the prestigious Valderrama golf and residential developments.
Originally part of a private estate owned by French businessman Thierry Roussel, La Zagaleta was later acquired by Saudi entrepreneur Adnan Khashoggi and named “La Baraka.” Its transformation into today’s La Zagaleta was led by Spanish entrepreneur Enrique Pérez Flores, who laid the groundwork for what the community is today. His son, Ignacio Pérez Díaz, currently serves as Executive Chairman, while Jacobo Cestino holds the position of CEO.
At present, around 230 homes have been completed within the estate. These range in size from 3,000 to over 10,000 square metres, with market prices typically ranging between €5 million and €35 million. However, La Zagaleta is still expanding, with room for roughly 190 additional residences, bringing the future total to an estimated 420 properties. One sector has been earmarked for a possible luxury six-star hotel, complete with a separate access point to preserve the community’s privacy.
Living in La Zagaleta is ideal for high-net-worth individuals looking for an ultra-luxury villa, and who value a high level of privacy, security and natural beauty in the European Union.
From the beginning, La Zagaleta was aimed at the elite client and attracting top CEOs from multinational companies, particularly in Switzerland and Austria. The kind of people who prefer to remain anonymous, valuing their privacy and expecting discretion. The exceptional private facilities of La Zagaleta, particularly the security, sports facilities and golf courses, attract corporate clients who want a refuge for themselves and their families, play golf, entertain, and invite clients and friends in a discreet environment.
Residents in La Zagaleta come from all over the world and are a very international group of owners and the buyer profile has evolved. Once dominated by traditional European industrialists and bankers, today’s owners also include successful entrepreneurs from tech, finance, and media. Buyers are typically international—Swiss, German, Dutch, Scandinavian, British, and increasingly, Americans and Middle Eastern nationals – looking for discretion, security, and long-term lifestyle investments.
More recently, residents are younger, particularly from the tech and start-up industry, and either work or have already sold their companies. Looking for a better European climate for all-year living, they move to Marbella with their families to enjoy the fantastic schools and amenities of the Marbella area. With privacy security systems being of utmost importance, the facilities available within the urbanisation are private. For the sole use of residents, the kids can learn golf or tennis with the pro teacher at La Zagaleta or learn to ride at the equestrian center.
La Zagaleta is divided into several zones, organised alphabetically from A through J. Streets are named in honour of notable Spanish artists and composers. Sector H stands out for its highest elevation, south-west orientation, and exceptional views over the Strait of Gibraltar and the African coastline. Properties here often command prices at the upper end of the estate’s range starting from around €10 million, with some exceeding €30 million.
Ongoing maintenance expenses of La Zagaleta homes typically ranges from around €70,000 – €100,000 per annum, depending on the size and complexity of the residence. Community fees are approximately €1,000 per month.
For buyers interested in custom-building a house in La Zagaleta, costs depend significantly on the plot, architectural ambition, features and finishes. A basic estimate is between €2,000 and €5,000 per square metre for construction, depending on the quality of materials. For example, building a 1,200 m² villa may cost around €3.5 million (excluding land acquisition and purchase taxes). Factoring in a €3 million plot, the full development cost – including necessary permits, project management, and technical reports – could easily reach €7 million or more. It’s worth noting that construction in La Zagaleta poses logistical challenges due to the terrain, often requiring significant investment in retaining walls and specialised infrastructure.
Anyone wishing to build within La Zagaleta must first obtain a Licencia de Obra Mayor (Major Construction Licence) from the Benahavís Town Hall. While timelines can vary based on the complexity of the project and municipal workload, approvals generally take between two to three months. In some streamlined cases, licenses have been granted in as little as 15 days but this is a rare occurrence.
To apply for a La Zagaleta building license, applicants must provide a comprehensive set of documents including:
It is recommended to consult the Benahavis Town Hall (El Ayuntamiento) when preparing the documentation to ensure it meets the specific requirements of the project.
La Zagaleta’s architectural landscape has been shaped by a select group of renowned architects, each contributing their distinct vision to the estate. Leading this transformation are Miguel and Diego Tobal of Tobal Arquitectos, responsible for designing over 110 of the estate’s villas. Their work extends from traditionally inspired Andalusian homes of the 1990s to the sleek, modern residences of recent years, adapting to evolve alongside the changing tastes of high-end buyers while maintaining a strong connection to the estate’s natural setting.
Other influential figures include Juan Salvador Shvartzberg, who has designed some 46 properties in La Zagaleta, favouring minimalist, open-plan architecture with clean lines, flat roofs, and generous use of glass, often infused with subtle Hispano-Moorish references. Architects such as Marcos Sainz, Melvin Villaroel, Rodolfo Baldrich, and Ernesto Palanco have also left their mark, contributing to the diversity of design across the community. Together, these designers have ensured that while La Zagaleta continues to evolve, it does so with architectural consistency, sensitivity to its surroundings, and a strong emphasis on quality and privacy.
While both are prestigious addresses on the Costa del Sol, La Zagaleta and Sierra Blanca offer distinctly different lifestyles. Situated inland in Benahavís, La Zagaleta is a fully gated, ultra-private estate with 24-hour security controlled access, and private equestrian, golf, sport, concierge and other facilities on very generous plots. By contrast, properties in Sierra Blanca are located in the upper part of Marbella’s Golden Mile, with five-minute drive to the city and beaches. While still luxurious and offering incredible panoramic views, Sierra Blanca offers smaller plots, lower level of security, privacy and onsite services than La Zagaleta.
Selling property in La Zagaleta requires a targeted approach. Due to the nature of the clientele, many properties are marketed privately or off-market. Sellers benefit from tailored, discreet marketing strategies that appeal to international buyers looking for ultra-private homes. Presentation, architecture quality, and plot size heavily influence resale value, as does any existing club membership or renovated status.
While buying in La Zagaleta is first and foremost a lifestyle choice, it has also proven to be a sound long-term investment. The limited supply of just 420 homes, combined with rising international demand for secure, exclusive living, has led to sustained price growth over the last decade. Since 2015, average prices per square metre have risen steadily, supported by off-market transactions and strong demand from European and Middle Eastern investors.
Buying a La Zagaleta golf property in involves more than just choosing a beautiful home. Buyers should understand the estate’s entry restrictions, the private membership process, and the fact that homeownership does not automatically grant club membership. Most purchases are cash-based, with detailed due diligence required, including background checks by the developer or community management. It’s strongly advised to work with real estate professionals who specialise in ultra-high-end markets.
Contact MPDunne Marbella property experts to discover more or get property assistance from experienced La Zagaleta real estate agents.
Mary Dunne Partner & Private Office Advisor
Mary Dunne is an experienced Real Estate Broker in Marbella with over two decades of expertise in the luxury property sector. She offers profound insights into Marbella’s luxury market, backed by her extensive experience with property transactions’ financial and legal facets. Her deep market knowledge positions her as a trusted expert, providing tailored experiences for high-end clients and showcasing Marbella’s lifestyle.
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